Variable transfer of Y-specific sequences in XX males.

A series of twelve XX males and their relatives have been examined by Southern blot analysis with fourteen different Y recombinants. The pattern of Y sequences present shows considerable variation between XX males. Furthermore, on the basis of the terminal transfer model, anomalous patterns of Y sequences are evident in certain XX males in that sequences located as proximal Yp by means of a Y deletion panel are found to be present in the absence of distal sequences. These anomalies can be resolved by proposing that the order of Yp sequences varies in the population in the form of inversion polymorphisms in the Y chromosomes of normal males. Alternatively, it is necessary to invoke multiple recombination events between the X and Y chromosomes to explain the patterns of Y sequences in these XX males. Southern analysis on DNA prepared from flow sorted X chromosomes of XX males indicates that the Y sequences in these patients are linked to X chromosomes.     

Molecular structure and polymorphic map of the human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene

Human phenylalanine hydroxylase is a liver-specific enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Absence of enzymatic activity results in phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder that causes development of severe mental retardation in untreated children. In this paper we report the cloning and structure of the normal human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene, which was isolated in four overlapping cosmid clones that span more than 125 kilobases (kb) of the genetic locus. The peptide coding region of the gene is about 90 kb in length and contains 13 exons, with intron sizes ranging from 1 to 23 kb. Exons at the 3' half of the gene are compact, whereas those at the 5' half are separated by large introns. The human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene codes for a mature messenger RNA of approximately 2.4 kb, and its noncoding to coding DNA ratio is one of the highest among eukaryotic genes characterized to date. The map positions of nine polymorphic restriction sites identified within the locus were established by restriction enzyme mapping of the cloned gene fragments. Two clusters of polymorphic sites were demonstrated: (1) BglII, PvuII(a), and PvuII(b) at the 5' end of the gene and (2) EcoRI, XmnI, MspI(a), MspI(b), EcoRV, and HindIII at the 3' end. The polymorphic site distribution within this gene is a useful tool for prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection of the genetic disorder, while knowledge of normal gene structure is a prerequisite for future characterization of mutant alleles.     

Sheep brain pyridoxal kinase: fluorescence spectroscopy of the dimeric enzyme

Pyridoxal kinase (ATP:pyridoxal 5-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.35) has been purified 9000-fold from sheep brain by affinity chromatography. The enzyme of 80,000 molecular weight is made up of two identical-size subunits. The interaction of the inhibitor N-dansyl-1,8-diaminooctane with the nucleotide site of the kinase was examined by means of steady and nanosecond fluorescence spectroscopy. N-Dansyl-1,8-diaminooctane is a competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP at saturating concentrations of pyridoxal. It binds to the nucleotide site of the enzyme with Kd = 2.2 microM. Bound N-dansyl-1,8-diaminooctane is shielded from collisional encounters with the external quencher acrylamide. The collisional rate constant for bound N-dansyl-1,8-diaminooctane (Kq = 1.4 X 10(8) M-1 X s-1) is 10-times lower than the value obtained for the free chromophore. Nanosecond emission anisotropy measurements yield a rotational correlation time of 42 ns for the inhibitor complexes to the kinase. Both steady and nanosecond fluorescence results are consistent with a model in which the inhibitor bound to the nucleotide site is immobilized by amino acids located at the catalytic site.     

Affinity labelling of the active site of brain phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase with 5'-fluorosulphonylbenzoyl-adenosine.

5'-p-Fluorosulphonylbenzoyl-adenosine (FSO2BzAdo), an affinity labelling analogue of ATP, was used to label the active site of sheep brain phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PtdIns 4-kinase). The incubation of PtdIns 4-kinase with concentrations of FSO2BzAdo as low as 50 microM resulted in considerate inactivation of the enzyme. (e.g. 55% less after 60 min with 50 microM FSO2BzAdo). The kinetics of inactivation of PtdIns 4-kinase by FSO2BzAdo suggest a two-step mechanism, in which a rapid reversible binding of FSO2BzAdo to the enzyme is followed by a covalent sulphonation step. The first-order rate constant (k2) for the inactivation of PtdIns 4-kinase was calculated to be 0.063 min-1, and the steady-state constant of inactivation (Ki) to be 200 microM. Preincubation of the enzyme with either ATP plus Mg2+, or PtdIns alone, prior to addition of FSO2BzAdo reduced the degree of inactivation of the enzyme; suggesting that FSO2BzAdo binds within the active site PtdIns 4-kinase. Moreover, since ATP plus Mg2+ provided the greatest protection against inactivation, it is concluded that the main site of labelling of PtdIns 4-kinase by FSO2BzAdo is within the ATP-binding site of the enzyme. Results obtained from chemical modification experiments, which employed pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and tetranitromethane, are consistent with a catalytically-essential lysine being present within the ATP-binding site of PtdIns 4-kinase. Therefore, it is hypothesised that the inactivation of PtdIns 4-kinase by FSO2BzAdo may be due to the labelling of this lysine residue.     

Insulin-stimulated tyrosine protein kinase. Characterization and relation to the insulin receptor

Utilizing histone phosphorylation as the basis for a quantitative assay, the insulin-stimulated protein kinase in human placenta has been characterized. The kinase copurifies through wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose and DEAE-cellulose in constant ratio to the insulin binding function. Both activities are bound to the same extent on insulin-Sepharose, and the immobilized kinase, after extensive washing, exhibits activity versus histone, which closely approaches that of the insulin-stimulated, solubilized kinase. In addition, the bound kinase retains the ability to phosphorylate the Mr = 95,000 subunit of the bead-bound receptor. Elution of the beads with sodium dodecyl sulfate yields on electrophoresis two major peptides of Mr = 130,000 and 95,000. Thus, insulin binding and insulin-stimulated histone kinase copurify in a constant stoichiometric ratio in close physical relation and are likely functional expressions of the same molecule. After the DEAE step, the insulin-stimulated kinase phosphorylates histone subfraction 2b exclusively on tyrosine residues. Insulin increases the Vmax for H2b by 3-5-fold and increases the rate of the histone phosphorylation in direct correspondence to the steady state level of specifically bound insulin. ATP is the preferred phosphate donor. The reaction is supported by either Mn2+ or Mg2+. At [ATP] less than 0.5 mM, insulin-stimulated kinase is substantially higher with Mn2+ as the sole divalent cation, as compared to Mg2+. At [ATP] greater than or equal to 0.5 mM, the rates observed with Mn2+ have plateaued, whereas the rates in the presence of Mg2+ show a continued increase such that maximal activity is seen with Mg2+ and 2-3 mM ATP. Under these conditions, the estimated turnover number of the kinase ranges between 30 and 100 pmol of 32P transferred per min/pmol of insulin bound. Thus, the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor is quantitatively comparable to that estimated for several serine protein kinases and is unlikely to reflect the side reaction of another enzymatic function.     

Effects of insulin on rat brain noradrenaline

A single intracardial injection of streptozotocin produced a significant increase in rat hypothalamic noradrenaline while no changes were observed in the olfactory tubercles. The parenteral administration of a single dose of insulin decreased rat hypothalamic noradrenaline; the effect had a rapid onset and lasted for at least six hours. Similar noradrenaline reductions were observed in the olfactory tubercles but in this tissue the depletion started later and recovered earlier. In addition, in olfactory tubercles after insulin injection, tyrosine level and dopamine metabolism were increased. The results show that the increases in hypothalamic NA observed in streptozotocin diabetic rats are counteracted by insulin administration and possibly the consequence of changes in noradrenaline turnover.     

Modulation of the catalytic activity of pyridoxal kinase by metallothionein

Pyridoxal kinase displays high catalytic activity in the presence of metallothionein. The apoprotein of metallothionein as well as the peptide LYS-CYS-THR-CYS-CYS-ALA exert a strong inhibitory effect upon pyridoxal kinase by sequestering free Zn ions. Several steps intervene in the process of pyridoxal kinase activation, i.e. binding of Zn ions by ATP and interaction of Zn-ATP with the enzyme; but direct interaction between metallothionein and pyridoxal kinase (protein association) could not be detected by emission anisotropy measurements. Since the concentration of free Zn++ in mammalian tissues is lower than 10(-9)M, it is postulated that the concentration of metallothionein regulates the catalytic activity of pyridoxal kinase. The mechanism of reconstitution of the metalloenzyme yeast aldolase in the presence of metallothionein was also investigated.     

Effects of dietary fibre on the intestinal absorption of dextrin, blood sugar level and growth of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticm × O. aureus

The roles of five different dietary fibres (cellulose, agar, guar gum, carrageenan and carboxy-methylcellulose) each as 10% wt/wt added into the diet, affecting the intestinal sugar absorption, blood sugar level and utilization of dextrin were studied in hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus ; dextrin and glucose were also included in the study as controls for comparison. There were seven dietary groups: each diet was fed to three aquaria each containing 15 fish. The experiment was carried out in a closed circulation, filtered, rearing system for 2 months. The results indicated that the weight gain percentage and food conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) lower in tilapia fed fibre-containing diets than those of tilapia fed dextrin or glucose diet. The intestinal absorption of carbohydrate and the blood sugar content of tilapia were low when diets contained fibre, regardless of the source.     

Target tissues for relaxin identified in vitro with 125I-labelled porcine relaxin.

Various tissues from the mouse, rat and guinea-pig were used to examine the binding of a biologically active, esterified and 125I-labelled porcine relaxin. Binding to mouse symphysial homogenates was time- and temperature-dependent. Other peptide hormones did not complete with relaxin for binding. Mouse uterine tissue displayed similar binding characteristics. Fractionated mammary tissue from 15- and 20-day-pregnant rats exhibited significant relaxin binding activity, as did homogenates of the guinea-pig public symphysis and cervix. Under the conditions used, no relaxin receptors were noted in the liver, spleen or heart from any of the species investigated.