Neurospecific proteins in human malignant brain tumors

The content of neurospecific proteins S-100, GFA and D2 was measured in malignant cerebral tumors by electrophoresis with the use of monospecific antisera. Concomitant measurement of proteins S-100 and GFA is a more reliable diagnostic criterion as to the tumor histogenesis than study of each protein alone. D2 protein appeared to be the most stable specific marker.     

Role of membrane-bound calcium in changes in the ATPase activity, permeability and structural state of human erythrocyte membranes]

A study was conducted on the reconstituted erythrocytes obtained by the method of fast reversible hemolysis. The concentration of free Ca2+ ions in the reconstituted erythrocytes was supported by Ca-EGTA and Ca-nitrate buffers. Oubain-uninhibited ATPase component with a high affinity for Ca2+ (K0.5=4 micron) and alteration of passive and active K+-permeability in the region of free Ca2+ concentration up to 10 micron could be determined only when the content of membrane-bound Ca+ varied. Depletion of the inner side of the membrane of reconstituted erythrocyte is accompanied by alteration of hydrophobic character of the hydrocarbon region of the membrane. It is suggested that Ca+-induced alterations in the structure of the erythrocyte membrane may be a direct cause of the alterations in ATPase activity with a high Ca2+ affinity and permeability for univalent cations.     

Mouse splenocyte sensitization to normal tissue antigens and natural killer activity. III. The effect of partial hepatectomy

Partial hepatectomy leads to both increasing of natural cell-mediated activity and sensibilization level (SL) of splenocytes of hepatectomized mice towards antigens of the syngeneic liver. The wave-like variability of SL was shown with sharp increase at 3, 6 and 9 days after operation. Natural killer activity was elevated on the 2nd and 10th days with a significant decrease on the 3-4th days after operation. It is assumed that the variability in the functional activity of splenocytes under study may characterized splenocytes of different populations.     

A cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate-binding protein in the causative agent of plague

cAMP-binding protein was isolated from the plaque agent and purified to the homogeneous state. Purification process included filtration of the initial preparation through the membrane able to transmit particles with mol. weight to 300,000 Da, chromatography on cellulose "DE-52" and biogel HTP. The protein homogeneity was confirmed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel and precipitation with commercial plague agglutinating serum. The protein with mol. weight of 180,000 Da consisted of two identical subunits (90,000 Da. each) which could dissociate with formation of monomers (mol. weight approximately 18,000 Da), Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+ ions stimulated activity of cAMP-binding protein of a plague microbe while Fe3+, Ca2+, Zn2+ ions inhibited it by 30-70%. A monospecific rabbit serum to the homogeneous preparation of cAMP-binding protein was obtained. It helped finding the similar protein in the close relative bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis but not in Y. enterocolitica.     

Comparative analysis of phospholipid composition in blood erythrocytes of various species of mouse-like rodents

Comparative analysis of quantitative phospholipid composition of blood erythrocytes was performed on various species of mouse-like rodents. In erythrocyte phospholipids of common voles there was revealed a relatively low sphingomyelin content, not characteristic of mammals. A hypothesis is put forwards that the unique lipid composition in common vole erythrocytes might be one of adaptation mechanisms for survival of the animals under conditions of pathogenic stress.     

Effect of HCO3- and carbon dioxide at various concentrations on activity of certain enzymes

The paper deals with the effect of changes in the concentration of carbonic acid in the medium on the reaction rate catalyzed with enzymes of various spectrum of the action. It is shown that the presence of carbonic acid in the medium reaction increases the rate of reactions catalyzed with lactate dehydrogenase of the rabbit liver soluble fraction, with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from yeast and trypsin. Under the same conditions the reaction rate catalyzed with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of the rabbit liver soluble fraction and with ATP-citrate (pro-3S)-lyase is considerably decreased. Changes in the carbonic acid concentrations within the physiological limits are found to have no effect on lactate dehydrogenase from the cattle heart and chymotrypsin.     

Salt-induced changes in the plasma membrane proteome of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella salina as revealed by blue native gel electrophoresis and nano-LC-MS/MS analysis

The halotolerant alga Dunaliella salina is a recognized model photosynthetic organism for studying plant adaptation to high salinity. The adaptation mechanisms involve major changes in the proteome composition associated with energy metabolism and carbon and iron acquisition. To clarify the molecular basis for the remarkable resistance to high salt, we performed a comprehensive proteomics analysis of the plasma membrane. Plasma membrane proteins were recognized by tagging intact cells with a membrane-impermeable biotin derivative. Proteins were resolved by two-dimensional blue native/SDS-PAGE and identified by nano-LC-MS/MS. Of 55 identified proteins, about 60% were integral membrane or membrane-associated proteins. We identified novel surface coat proteins, lipid-metabolizing enzymes, a new family of membrane proteins of unknown function, ion transporters, small GTP-binding proteins, and heat shock proteins. The abundance of 20 protein spots increased and that of two protein spots decreased under high salt. The major salt-regulated proteins were implicated in protein and membrane structure stabilization and within signal transduction pathways. The migration profiles of native protein complexes on blue native gels revealed oligomerization or co-migration of major surface-exposed proteins, which may indicate mechanisms of stabilization at high salinity.