拼接信号序列单碱基变异提高马传染性贫血病毒mRNA拼接效率

分别以马传染性贫血(马传贫)驴强毒(D—A EIAV)RNA和马传贫驴白细胞弱毒疫苗(DLA EIAV)RNA为模板,利用RT—PCR的方法,克隆到马传贫强、弱毒株基因组外显子2及其下游的核苷酸序列。然后将报告基因CAT插入到EIAV内含子2env阅读框架中,构成CAT拼接报告系统。同时在强毒株重组表达质粒的基础上,将其外显子-3上游拼接受体位点的核苷酸序列CAG突变为弱毒株相应位置的核苷酸序列TAG,得到强毒单核苷酸突变株重组表达质粒。用构建的3个重组表达质粒DNA转染驴血白细胞,ELISA检测转染细胞CAT浓度。结果表明：EIAV强毒株重组表达质粒中CAT蛋白表达量最高,EIAV强毒株重组表达质粒次之,EIAV强毒突变株重组表达质粒最低。由于CAT基因被插入于各重组质粒中的EIAV内含子-2里,EIAV外显子-2、3之间的拼接可导致该基因的删除,因而其拼接效率低于EIAVmRNA外显子-2、3之间的拼接效率。实验数据表明,EIAV SA2拼接信号序列单碱基变异提高了SD2-SA2拼接效率;D—AEIAV SA2-SD2拼接效率比DLA EIAV相应位点拼接效率高。     

Species delineation using Bayesian model-based assignment tests: a case study using Chinese toad-headed agamas (genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phrynocephalus</Emphasis>)

Background  

Species are fundamental units in biology, yet much debate exists surrounding how we should delineate species in nature. Species discovery now requires the use of separate, corroborating datasets to quantify independently evolving lineages and test species criteria. However, the complexity of the speciation process has ushered in a need to infuse studies with new tools capable of aiding in species delineation. We suggest that model-based assignment tests are one such tool. This method circumvents constraints with traditional population genetic analyses and provides a novel means of describing cryptic and complex diversity in natural systems. Using toad-headed agamas of the Phrynocephalus vlangalii complex as a case study, we apply model-based assignment tests to microsatellite DNA data to test whether P. putjatia, a controversial species that closely resembles P. vlangalii morphologically, represents a valid species. Mitochondrial DNA and geographic data are also included to corroborate the assignment test results.     

Angiotensin II Increases Catecholamine Release from Bovine Adrenal Medulla but Does Not Enhance That Evoked by K+ Depolarization or by Carbachol

The effect of angiotensin II on catecholamine release from bovine adrenal medulla has been investigated. In retrogradely perfused, isolated bovine adrenal glands, angiotensin II increased basal efflux of catecholamines, but the presence of angiotensin II did not increase the release of catecholamines evoked either by bolus injections of the secretagogue carbachol or by depolarization with a perfusing solution containing a raised concentration of K+. In chromaffin cells maintained in primary tissue culture, angiotensin II increased 3H release from cells preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline but did not enhance the release evoked by carbachol or by depolarization with K+. The increase in 3H release evoked by angiotensin II from chromaffin cells in tissue culture was inhibited by its analogue antagonist Sar1,Ala8-angiotensin II (saralasin) and was entirely dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the experimental medium. These findings suggest that, in the chromaffin cells of the bovine adrenal medulla, angiotensin II acts on specific receptors to cause a calcium-dependent catecholamine release but triggers no additional response that acts synergistically with depolarizing or nicotinic stimuli to augment catecholamine release.     

Nature of the mutation in adult beta-galactosidase deficient patients.

Fibroblasts from three chronically affected, beta-galactosidase deficient adults were shown to synthesize nearly normal quantities of immunologically reactive catalytically deficient beta-galactosidase, indicating that they are CRM + structural mutants.     

Dog and human acid beta-D-galactosidases are structurally similar.

The purification of dog liver acid beta-galactosidase is described. The dog enzyme migrated as a single major band on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, with a molecular weight of 60000. Antiserum raised against purified human liver acid beta-galactosidase cross-reacted with beta-galactosidase from dog liver, but not with those from cat liver or Escherichia coli. Tryptic peptide maps of the dog and human acid beta-galactosidases indicate that 21 of the 24 peptides observed were homologous; a similar result was obtained after chymotryptic peptide mapping. We conclude that dog and human acid beta-galactosidases are structurally similar, and that canine GM1 gangliosidosis (acid beta-galactosidase deficiency) is an excellent model for the same disease in man.     

Peripheral hyaline blebs (podosomes) of macrophages

The plasmalemma and hyaline ectoplasm together constitute the sensory and motor organ of macrophages. The purpose of this study was to isolate this cell fraction in order to analyze it biochemically and functionally. Brief sonification of warmed rabbit lung macrophages caused release of heterodisperse hyaline blebs and filopodia, which were easily collected by differential centrifugation. Viewed in the electron microscope, these structures consisted of membrane-bounded sacs principally containing actin filaments. Some contained secondary lysosomes. They were enriched threefold over whole cell homogenates in specific adenylate cyclase activity and in trichloroacetic-acid-precipitable (125)I when derived from cells labeled with 125(I) by means of a lactoperoxidase-catalyzed reaction. These markers were found to have identical isopycnic densitites when macrophage homogenates were subjected to sedimentation in a focusing sucrose density gradient system, and these markers had densities distinct from those of other cytoplasmic organelles. These markers were therefore assumed to be associated with macrophage plasma membranes. The specific β- glucuronidase activity of the bleb fraction was similar to that of homogenates, but the blebs had considerably lower specific succinic dehydrogenase activity and RNA content, and DNA was undetectable. Electrophoresis of blebs solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate on polyacrylamide gels revealed polypeptides co-migrating with macrophage actin-binding protein, myosin, and actin; blebs also had EDTA-activated adenosine triphosphatase activity characteristic of myosin. The concentrations of actin-binding protein and myosin were higher in blebs than in cells or cytoplasmic extracts, whereas actin concentrations were similar (relative to extracts) or only slightly greater (than in cells). Blebs and intact cells had high lactate dehydrogenase activities in the presence but not the absence of Triton X-100. Blebs and cells oxidased 1-[(14)C]glucose, and the rate of glucose oxidation was increased substantially in the presence of latex beads. We conclude that intact sacs of plasmalemma encasing contractile proteins and cytoplasmic enzymes can be isolated from macrophages. They are enriched in myosin and actin-binding protein, indicating that the contractile apparatus is regulated in the cell periphery. These structures have the capacity to respond to environmental signals. We suggest the name "podosomes" for them because of their resemblance to macrophage pseudopodia. We propose that podosome formation results from rapid dissolution of the cortical gel when the membrane is in an actively extended configuration.     

Normal adult with absent HEX A: immunoreactive HEX A is present.

Fibroblasts from a normal adult with absent hexosaminidase A (HEX A) activity were demonstrated to possess immunoreactive HEX A as measured by GM2 beta-D-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity which precipitated with specific anti-HEX A antibodies. Possible explanations for the molecular defect are presented.