A comprehensive classification of nucleic acid structural families based on strand direction and base pairing.

We propose a classification of DNA structures formed from 1 to 4 strands, based only on relative strand directions, base to strand orientation and base pairing geometries. This classification and its associated notation enable all nucleic acids to be grouped into structural families and bring to light possible structures which have not yet been observed experimentally. It also helps in understanding transitions between families and can assist in the design of multistrand structures.     

Alport syndrome: a genetic study of 31 families

Thirty one families with Alport syndrome including 3 families with associated syndromes were studied. The location of the COL4A5 gene, responsible for the Alport syndrome, was determined by linkage analysis with eight probes of the Xq arm and by a radiation hybrid panel. Concordant data indicated the localization of the Alport gene between DXS17 and DXS11. Four deletions and one single base mutation of the COL4A5 gene were detected. Homogeneity tests failed to show any evidence of genetic heterogeneity superimposed on clinical heterogeneity for ophthalmic signs and end-stage renal disease age.     

心房钠尿肽对血管紧张素II促血管平滑肌细胞增殖...

By means of technique of cell culture, 3H-thymidine incorporation and dot blot, it was demonstrated that angiotensin II (AGT II) stimulated proliferation and c-fos oncogene expression in cultured SHR vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of AGT II was significantly inhibited by co-incubation with ANP. The results suggest that proliferation of VSMC is regulated by some interaction between AGT II and ANP.     

磁场对大豆共生固氮的效应

恒定磁场处理慢生大豆根瘤菌“005”和接种后的大豆植株,发现磁场可以提高根瘤的固氮活性。在一定的磁场强度(70—100mT)下,固氮活性平均可以提高4—5倍,植株的结瘤数和根瘤重量平均提高2—3倍。从这样的根瘤中所分离出的根瘤菌,由慢生型转变成快生型,在100植株中有17株的根瘤分离出快生菌。生长世代时间和培养溶液中的pH值与慢生型不同,而与快生型相同。     

Nuclear matrix proteins bind very tightly to specific regions of the chicken histone H5 gene.

The nuclear matrix is operationally defined as the structure remaining after nuclease-digested nuclei are extracted with high concentrations of salt. The nuclear matrix is thought to have a role in organizing higher order chromatin into loop domains. We determined whether specific regions of the histone H5 gene were very tightly bound to protein of erythrocyte and liver nuclear matrices in vitro. We demonstrate that DNA fragments spanning sequences 5' to the promoter and the 3' enhancer region of the histone H5 gene, but not DNA fragments spanning the promoter, were very tightly bound to protein of nuclear matrices of erythrocytes and liver. The nuclear matrix consists of internal nuclear matrix and nuclear pore-lamina complex. Recently, we demonstrated that histone deacetylase could be used as a marker enzyme of the internal nuclear matrix. We demonstrate that nuclear pore-lamina complex preparations that were depleted of histone deacetylase activity, and thus of internal nuclear matrix, retained the protein that bound very tightly to the beta-globin and histone H5 enhancers. These results provide evidence that specific regions of the histone H5 gene are very tightly bound to nuclear pore-lamina complex protein.     

Lysophosphatidylserine enhances the transfer of 22:6n3 to lysophosphatidic acid in rat brain microsomes.

Although the acyl groups of phosphatidylserine in brain are uniquely enriched in docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3), the mechanism for this enrichment is not well understood. When rat brain homogenates and microsomes were incubated in the presence of lysophosphatidylserine (LPS) together with [14C]22:6n3 and cofactors for activation to its acylCoA, very little radioactivity was incorporated into phosphatidylserine (PS). On the other hand, [14C]20:4n6 was more actively incorporated into PS. Addition of LPS (1-10 uM), however, resulted in a 2-5 fold enhancement of the transfer of labeled 22:6n3 and 20:4n6 to phosphatidic acid (PA). Kinetic analysis indicated the ability of LPS to lower the Km and increase the Vmax of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acyltransferase reaction. Among other lysophospholipids tested, lysophosphatidylserine was most effective in enhancing PA biosynthesis. Since PA is an important intermediate for de novo biosynthesis of phospholipids, these results reveal a novel mechanism for promoting synthesis of PA enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain.     

Conformational epitope on gp120 important in CD4 binding and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 neutralization identified by a human monoclonal antibody.

A human monoclonal antibody designated 15e is reactive with the envelope glycoprotein (gp120) of multiple isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Antibody 15e also neutralizes HIV-1 with broad specificity and blocks gp120 binding to CD4. Characterization of the 15e epitope shows that it is conformation dependent and is distinct from previously recognized functional domains of gp120, suggesting that this epitope represents a novel site important for HIV-1 neutralization and CD4 binding. These findings have implications for the development of a vaccine for AIDS.     

Isolation and Characterization of a UDPGlucose: Flavonol O-Glucosyltransferase from Illuminated Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv Red Danish) Seedlings

A UDPGlc:flavonol O³-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.91) that catalyzes the formation of quercetin and kaempferol O³-glucosides has been purified about 1450-fold from illuminated red cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv Red Danish) seedlings with a 3.3% yield. Purification of the enzyme was achieved by (NH₄)₂SO₄-precipitation, gel-filtration, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Bio-Gel and Q-Sepharose, chromatofocusing, and electrophoresis in nondenaturing polyacrylamide (10%) gels. The enzyme preparation had a pH optimum between 5.8 and 6.2, isoelectric point in the pH range 4.25 to 4.55, a M_r of 59,000, and it was composed of two similar subunits of M_r 29,500. The glucosyltransferase reached half substrate saturation at 180 micromolar (UDPGlc) and 7 micromolar (quercetin) concentrations. Kaempferol, which was glucosylated at a relative rate of 87%, had a lesser affinity for the enzyme (K_m~12 micromolar). Flavanones, flavanols, flavones, dihydroflavonols, and anthocyanidins were not readily utilized as substrates, suggesting that the enzyme is specific for flavonol glucoside biosynthesis.     

Field uniformity of the Japonica rice region of Taiwan as estimated by relative genetic contribution

Summary Despite the concerns for genetic vulnerability that were raised in the 1970s, the field uniformity of the Japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) region in Taiwan has increased since 1980 with over 82% of the cultivated areas being covered by as few as three varieties and over half of this hectarage by a single variety. Japanese plant introductions are the major ancestral contributors of genetic constituents for varieties released in Taiwan. The main constitution of the genetic base present in the field has changed little since 1971. Six common ancestors comprised 60%, 55%, 78%, and 77% of the genetic constituents present in the field in 1971, 1976, 1981, and 1986, respectively. These estimates revealed that at least 55% of the genes utilized in the last 15 years came from the same sources. Recent efforts in introducing new germ plasm sources to variety development should continue to alleviate the possible crop loss due to continuous monoculture.Research supported by National Science Council (NSC 78-0211-B005-14)