Crystal structure of a dynamin GTPase domain in both nucleotide-free and GDP-bound forms.

Dynamins form a family of multidomain GTPases involved in endocytosis, vesicle trafficking and maintenance of mitochondrial morphology. In contrast to the classical switch GTPases, a force-generating function has been suggested for dynamins. Here we report the 2.3 A crystal structure of the nucleotide-free and GDP-bound GTPase domain of Dictyostelium discoideum dynamin A. The GTPase domain is the most highly conserved region among dynamins. The globular structure contains the G-protein core fold, which is extended from a six-stranded beta-sheet to an eight-stranded one by a 55 amino acid insertion. This topologically unique insertion distinguishes dynamins from other subfamilies of GTP-binding proteins. An additional N-terminal helix interacts with the C-terminal helix of the GTPase domain, forming a hydrophobic groove, which could be occupied by C-terminal parts of dynamin not present in our construct. The lack of major conformational changes between the nucleotide-free and the GDP-bound state suggests that mechanochemical rearrangements in dynamin occur during GTP binding, GTP hydrolysis or phosphate release and are not linked to loss of GDP.     

Female marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) can be identified from the chemical composition of their scent marks.

The present study analyzed 42 organic solvent extracts of scent mark pools from five dominant female common marmosets by gas chromatography (GC) and combined GC and mass spectrometry. We determined whether there were qualitative or quantitative differences between the chemical composition of scent marks from individual females. Gas chromatography and mass spectral analysis detected the same 162 chemicals in 86% (36/42) of scent mark pools from five dominant females. This near identical chemical composition of scent marks suggested there were few, if any, qualitative differences between the chemical composition of scent marks from individual females. Instead, quantitative differences in scent may provide the key factor distinguishing individual females. Using the relative concentration of highly volatile chemicals detected by GC in scent marks, linear discriminant analysis classified scent mark pools to their correct donor approximately 91% of the time. Such highly reliable statistical matching of scent to donor suggested that each individual female common marmoset has a unique ratio of highly volatile chemicals in their scent marks which may permit individual identification of females from odors in their scent alone.     

Ultrastructure of Weddellomyces epicallopisma (Dothideales, Dacampiaceae, Ascomycota), especially of its ascospores]

An ultrastructural study of Weddellomyces epicallopisma (ascomata wall, asci, ascospores and vegetative hyphae), the first done on the family Dacampiaceae, confirms most of the observations made in light microscopy. Moreover it shows that ascospores are provided with an endospore (not visible in light microscope) and that the structure of the ascospore septum is more complex. The similarity of the wall structure between the ascospore and the hyphoid appendages, developed on the upper part of the ascoma, is emphasized.     

Towards quantification of vocal imitation in the zebra finch

The transition from an amorphous subsong into mature song requires a series of vocal changes. By tracing song elements during development, we have shown that the imitation trajectory to the target could not be predicted based on monotonic progression of vocal changes, indicating an internal component that imposes constraints on song development. Here we further examine the nature of constraints on song imitation in the zebra finch. We first present techniques for identifying and tracing distinctive vocal changes, and then we examine how sequences of vocal change are expressed and coordinated. Examples suggest two types of constraints on song imitation, based on the nature of the temporal context. Developmentally diachronic constraints are imposed by sequential dependencies between vocal changes as a function of developmental time, whereas developmentally synchronic constraints are given by the acoustic context of notes within the song. Finally, we show that the tendency of birds to copy certain sounds in the song model before others might be related to such constraints. We suggest that documenting the full range of distinctive vocal changes and the coordination of their expression would be useful for testing mechanisms of vocal imitation.     

Electrophoresis gel image processing and analysis using the KODAK 1D software.

The present article reports on the performance of the KODAK 1D Image Analysis Software for the acquisition of information from electrophoresis experiments and highlights the utility of several mathematical functions for subsequent image processing, analysis, and presentation. Digital images of Coomassie-stained polyacrylamide protein gels containing molecular weight standards and ethidium bromide stained agarose gels containing DNA mass standards are acquired using the KODAK Electrophoresis Documentation and Analysis System 290 (EDAS 290). The KODAK 1D software is used to optimize lane and band identification using features such as isomolecular weight lines. Mathematical functions for mass standard representation are presented, and two methods for estimation of unknown band mass are compared. Given the progressive transition of electrophoresis data acquisition and daily reporting in peer-reviewed journals to digital formats ranging from 8-bit systems such as EDAS 290 to more expensive 16-bit systems, the utility of algorithms such as Gaussian modeling, which can correct geometric aberrations such as clipping due to signal saturation common at lower bit depth levels, is discussed. Finally, image-processing tools that can facilitate image preparation for presentation are demonstrated.     

Low responsiveness of six-rowed genotypes to androgenesis in barley does not have a pleiotropic basis.

A heterozygous mutant for the two- and six-rowed character was isolated in the barley cultivar Igri through application of sodium azide to isolated microspore cultures and posterior regeneration. Six-rowed and two-rowed homozygotic plants were subsequently identified in the self-pollinated M2 progenies of the original heterozygous M1. Detailed molecular markers confirmed the isogenic nature of this recovered mutant and the original cultivar Igri. A comparative study of the anther culture response of this six-rowed induced mutant vs. diploid 'Igri' was performed to assess whether the two- or six-rowed gene influences anther culture response in barley through a pleiotropic effect or via linkage disequilibrium. No significant differences for any of the recorded variables throughout the in vitro regeneration process were detected between the 'Igri' six-rowed mutant and any of their two-rowed isogenic lines. This suggests that row-type association with anther culture response in barley cultivars is due to the effect of a tight linkage with other genes directly responsible for androgenic response.     

Simple, reliable and fast spectrofluorometric method for determination of plasma Verteporfin (Visudyne) levels during photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization.

Photodynamic therapy with Verteporfin, a potent photosensitizer dye, is a very effective treatment for age related macular degeneration due to choroidal neovascularization. Photodynamic therapy offers the potential for selective tissue injury in part attributable to preferential localization of Verteporfin, administrated by intravenous infusion, to the choroidal neovascularization complex and irradiation of the complex with non-laser thermal light at 690 nm resulting in at least temporary thrombosis and vessel closure. Verteporfin is a benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A formulated as a unilamellar liposome. In the blood Verteporfin is associated with lipoprotein fractions and is rapidly cleared via a receptor-mediated uptake mechanism due the high expression of LDL receptors in neovascular tissues. Verteporfin was undetectable in plasma 24 hr after infusion of the recommended dose: 6 mg/m2 of body surface area. The main side effect is photosensitivity of skin which is usually short-lived (24-48 hr) with a low incidence (2.3%). As skin photosensitivity depends on circulating rather than tissue drug levels, we investigate the possibility of developing a simple, fast and reliable spectrofluorometric method to measure plasma Verteporfin levels. Fluorescence emission spectrum (550-750 nm) of 1:10 saline diluted plasma with lambda exc=430 nm showed a characteristic emission peak at 692 nm, the height being proportional to the Verteporfin levels. The sensitivity is around 100 ng/ml and the pharmacokinetics of Verteporfin has been studied from 0 to 5 hr after infusion in six patients older than 65 years with age-related macular degeneration.     

Avidity analysis of the human immune response to a chitin binding protein of Toxoplasma gondii.

A 30-33 kDa electroeluted fraction of T. gondii tachyzoites improved discrimination between acute and chronic phase sera when used instead of the whole tachyzoite extract in an avidity-ELISA. In order to identify the components of these fractions, crude tachyzoite antigen was fractionated by anionic exchange chromatography. The 30-33 kDa antigen cluster eluted in the not-bound fraction could account for a large proportion of the antibody response against the 30-33 kDa electroeluted fraction. According to the N-terminal sequence data, this antigen fraction is composed mainly of SAG1 and another protein with high homology to chitin binding proteins from plants.