rAAV6-microdystrophin preserves muscle function and extends lifespan in severely dystrophic mice

Mice carrying mutations in both the dystrophin and utrophin genes die prematurely as a consequence of severe muscular dystrophy. Here, we show that intravascular administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors carrying a microdystrophin gene restores expression of dystrophin in the respiratory, cardiac and limb musculature of these mice, considerably reducing skeletal muscle pathology and extending lifespan. These findings suggest rAAV vector-mediated systemic gene transfer may be useful for treatment of serious neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.     

Multiple-color fluorescence imaging of chromosomes and microtubules in living cells

Microscopic observation of fluorescently-stained intracellular molecules within a living cell provides a straightforward approach to understanding their temporal and spatial relationships. However, exposure to the excitation light used to visualize these fluorescently-stained molecules can be toxic to the cells. Here we describe several important considerations in microscope instrumentation and experimental conditions for avoiding the toxicity associated with observing living fluorescently-stained cells. Using a computer-controlled fluorescence microscope system designed for live observation, we recorded time-lapse, multi-color images of chromosomes and microtubules in living human and fission yeast cells. In HeLa cells, a human cell line, microtubules were stained with rhodamine-conjugated tubulin, and chromosomes were stained with a DNA-specific fluorescent dye, Hoechst33342, or with rhodamine-conjugated histone. In fission yeast cells, microtubules were stained with alpha-tubulin fused with the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP), and chromosomes were stained with Hoechst33342.     

PPAR(alpha) and PPAR(gamma) activators suppress the monocyte-macrophage apoB-48 receptor

Certain triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), specifically chylomicrons, dyslipemic VLDLs, and their remnants, are atherogenic and can induce monocyte-macrophage foam cell formation in vitro via the apolipoprotein B-48 receptor (apoB-48R). Human atherosclerotic lesion foam cells express the apoB-48R, as determined immunohistochemically, suggesting it can play a role in the conversion of macrophages into foam cells in vivo. The regulation of the apoB-48R in monocyte-macrophages is not fully understood, albeit previous studies indicated that cellular sterol levels and state of differentiation do not affect apoB-48R expression. Since peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) regulate some aspects of cellular lipid metabolism and may be protective in atherogenesis by up-regulation of liver X-activated receptor alpha and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1, we examined the regulation of apoB-48R by PPAR ligands in human monocyte-macrophages. Using real-time PCR, Northern, Western, and functional cellular lipid accumulation assays, we show that PPARalpha and PPARgamma activators significantly suppress the expression of apoB-48R mRNA in human THP-1 and blood-borne monocyte-macrophages. Moreover, PPAR activators inhibit the expression of the apoB-48R protein and, notably, the apoB-48R-mediated lipid accumulation of TRL by THP-1 monocytes in vitro. If PPAR activators also suppress the apoB-48R pathway in vivo, diminished apoB-48R-mediated monocyte-macrophage lipid accumulation may be yet another antiatherogenic effect of the action of PPAR ligands.     

Synthesis of glyceroyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminide and its derivatives through a condensation reaction by cellulase

A condensation reaction between N-acetyllactosamine and glycerol was directly catalyzed by using a commercially available cellulase preparation from Trichoderma reesei. 1-O-beta-N-Acetyllactosaminyl-(R, S)-glycerols (1) were readily synthesized in a 5% yield based on the N-acetyllactosamine added and conveniently isolated by two-step column chromatographies. The use of a partially purified enzyme increased 2.3-fold the yield of 1, compared to that of the crude enzyme containing beta-D-galactosidase activity. When various alkanols (n:2-4) were used in the condensation reaction, the corresponding alkyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminides were obtained in yields of 0.3-1.1% of the desired compounds.     

Overexpression of the human <Emphasis Type="Italic">MNB/DYRK1A</Emphasis> gene induces formation of multinucleate cells through overduplication of the centrosome

Background  

Previously we cloned the human MNB/DYRK1A gene from the "Down syndrome critical region" on chromosome 21. This gene encodes a dual specificity protein kinase that catalyzes its autophosphorylation on serine/threonine and tyrosine residues. But, the functions of the MNB/DYRK1A gene in cellular processes are unknown.     

4-Thiofuranoid glycals: versatile synthons for stereoselective synthesis of 4'-thionucleosides

Beta-anomers of 4'-thionucleosides have been synthesized stereoselectively, through PhSeCl- or N-iodosuccimide (NIS)-initiated electrophilic glycosidation to 3,5-O-(di-t-butylsilylene)-4-thiofuranoid glycal (1). This synthetic method has been applied to the synthesis of those analogues branched at the anomeric position using 1-C-carbon-substituted 3,5-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl)-4-thiofuranoid glycals (11-14) prepared based on lithiation of 10.     

Microphthalmia (mi) mice display an aberrant bone trace element composition

It has been recognized that bone trace element composition analysis provides clues when analyzing bone-related physiological conditions. Increasing numbers of bone-related genetic diseases have been identified recently. In this study, we have analyzed bone trace element composition in a genetic mutant animal model. Mutations in the mouse microphthalmia (mi) gene affect the development of a number of cell types, including melanocytes, mast cells, and osteoclasts. Previous studies have shown that different alleles of the mi locus show osteopetrosis. In order to gain insights into the effects of a particular genetic defect on bone trace element composition and bone structure, we performed bone trace element composition analysis using inductively coupled plasma atomic emissions spectrometry (ICP-AES). Marked changes in bone trace element levels were found in vertebrate bones of mi mutant mice. The implications and possible applications of bone trace element analysis will be discussed in this article.     

Intracerebroventricular injection taurine changes free amino acid concentrations in the brain and plasma in chicks

Amino Acids - Brain amino acid metabolism has been reported to regulate body temperature, feeding behavior and stress response. Central injection of taurine induced hypothermic and anorexigenic...