Dual cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution of the novel arsenite-stimulated human ATPase (hASNA-I)

The arsenite-stimulated human ATPase (hASNA-I) protein is a distinct human ATPase whose cDNA was cloned by sequence homology to the Escherichia coli ATPase arsA. Its subcellular localization in human malignant melanoma T289 cells was examined to gain insight into the role of hASNA-I in the physiology of human cells. Immunocytochemical staining using the specific anti-hASNA-I monoclonal antibody 5G8 showed a cytoplasmic, perinuclear, and nucleolar distribution. Subcellular fractionation indicated that the cytoplasmic hASNA-I was soluble and that the perinuclear distribution was due to association with the nuclear membrane rather than with the endoplasmic reticulum. Its presence in the nucleolus was confirmed by showing colocalization with an antibody of known nucleolar specificity. Further immunocytochemical analysis showed that the hASNA-I at the nuclear membrane was associated with invaginations into the nucleus in interphase cells. These results indicate that hASNA-I is a paralogue of the bacterial ArsA protein and suggest that it plays a role in the nucleocytoplasmic transport of a nucleolar component. J. Cell. Biochem. 71:1–10, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Visualization of actin arrays in growing hyphae of the fungusSaprolegnia ferax

Summary We have observed the distribution of filamentous actin in growing hyphae of the oomyceteSaprolegnia ferax. The actin was stained by electroporating intact hyphae in the presence of 4×10^–8 M rhodamine phalloidin. Hyphae quickly recovered from electroporation and showed an apical cap of densely packed actin filaments. The pores created by the electric shock resealed in 8–10min and within 1/2 h hyphae resumed growth and appeared normal. This technique allows us to observe actin arrays during growth and may prove to be a useful tool in determining the complex roles of actin in apical growth.Abbreviations RP rhodamine phalloidin - F-actin filamentous actin     

Expression pattern of BXR suggests a role for benzoate ligand-mediated signalling in hatching gland function

The Xenopus laevis nuclear receptor BXR has recently been shown to be activated by a class of endogenous benzoate metabolites, indicating the presence of a novel and unsuspected benzoate ligand-dependent signalling pathway. The receptor is expressed ubiquitously in blastula and gastrula stage embryos, and its expression declines during neurula stages. In order to examine further this novel vertebrate signalling system, we have examined the expression of the BXR gene in tailbud stage embryos and adults. We show here that in Xenopus tailbud stage embryos expression is restricted to the hatching gland, suggesting a role in hatching gland function. Neither BXR nor a BXR-VP16 fusion is sufficient to specify hatching gland in neurally-induced tissue. In adults, BXR expression is abundant in the brain and gonads. This expression pattern in adults is distinct from any of the putative mammalian homologues. A nuclear receptor that mediates benzoate signalling has yet to be found in mammals.     

NHLBI plans for the promise of cell-based therapies

This article presents the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) perspective on the status of cell-based therapies. A summary of current and future NHLBI/National Institutes of Health (NIH) programs is given along with a history of the development of NHLBI/NIH resources to aid the advancement of cell-based therapies. A brief discussion of clinical research programs to utilize cell-based therapies is also included.