The inner nuclear membrane protein lamin B receptor forms distinct microdomains and links epigenetically marked chromatin to the nuclear envelope

Using heterochromatin-enriched fractions, we have detected specific binding of mononucleosomes to the N-terminal domain of the inner nuclear membrane protein lamin B receptor. Mass spectrometric analysis reveals that LBR-associated particles contain complex patterns of methylated/acetylated histones and are devoid of "euchromatic" epigenetic marks. LBR binds heterochromatin as a higher oligomer and forms distinct nuclear envelope microdomains in vivo. The organization of these membrane assemblies is affected significantly in heterozygous ic (ichthyosis) mutants, resulting in a variety of structural abnormalities and nuclear defects.     

Preparation of dehydro-l-(+)-ascorbic acid dimer by oxidation of ascorbic acid with arsenic acid/iodine and formation of complexes between arsenious acid and ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodine reduces arsenic acid in methanol giving the arsenious acid bound to the 2-methyl hemi-ketal of dehydroascorbic acid, 5, in 1:1 and in a more stable 2:1 5/As(III) molar ratio. Removal of the As(III) and treating the 2-methyl hemi-ketal of dehydroascorbic acid with refluxing acetonitrile affords the pure, crystalline dehydroascorbic acid dimer in good yields. Ascorbic acid also binds to As(III) of H(3)AsO(3) in a 1:1 and 2:1 ascorbic acid/As(III) molar ratio. The 1:1 complex is not stable and by expulsion of H(3)AsO(3) is transformed to the more stable 2:1 complex. The data do not permit distinguishing the 2:1 complexes between [AsL(2)(H(2)O)](-)H(+) or AsL(LH)(H(2)O) where L is the bis deprotonated and LH is the mono deprotonated 2-methyl hemi-ketal of dehydroascorbic acid or ascorbic acid. The 2:1 ascorbic acid/As(III) complex is oxidized by dioxygen, in a solvent-dependent manner, to dehydroascorbic acid implying dioxygen activation by the bound As(III). With thiophenol the same complex gives quantitatively triphenyl trithioarsenite, As(SPh)(3).     

Novel trinucleotide deletion in Fabry's disease

We describe the molecular characterization of a novel, in-frame deletion that is located in exon 7 of the -galactosidase A gene in a patient with Fabry's disease. The 3-bp deletion we identified, besides the typical severe clinical features, also expresses diffuse facial telangiectasias, which is a new cutaneous marker of Fabry's disease.     

Uncoordinate regulation of collagenase,stromelysin, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases genes by prostaglandin E2: Selective enhancement of collagenase gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts in culture

The degradative effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the extracellular matrix of connective tissue are mediated primarily by metalloproteinases and prostaglandins. Clinical observations suggest that these effects can be prevented, to some extent, by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We have examined the role of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in IL-1-induced gene expression by human skin fibroblasts in culture. Incubation of confluent fibroblast cultures with varying concentrations (0.01–1.0 μg/ml) of PGE₂ led to a dose-dependent elevation of collagenase mRNA steady-state levels, the promoter activity, and the secretion of the protein, whereas relatively little effect was observed on stromelysin and TIMP gene expression. Exogenous PGE₂ had no additive or synergistic effect with IL-1 on collagenase gene expression. Furthermore, commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, acetyl salicylic acid and ibuprofen), at doses which block prostaglandin synthesis in cultured fibroblasts, failed to counteract IL-1-induced collagenase and stromelysin gene expression, nor did they affect TIMP expression. Although the effects of PGE₂ did not potentiate those of IL-1 on collagenase gene expression in vitro, one could speculate that massive production of PGE₂ by connective tissue cells in vivo in response to inflammatory mediators such as IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor-α, could lead to sustained expression of collagenase in connective tissue cells after clearance of the growth factors.     

Neuronal BC RNAs cooperate with eIF4B to mediate activity-dependent translational control

In neurons, translational regulation of gene expression has been implicated in the activity-dependent management of synapto-dendritic protein repertoires. However, the fundamentals of stimulus-modulated translational control in neurons remain poorly understood. Here we describe a mechanism in which regulatory brain cytoplasmic (BC) RNAs cooperate with eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) to control translation in a manner that is responsive to neuronal activity. eIF4B is required for the translation of mRNAs with structured 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), exemplified here by neuronal protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) mRNA. Upon neuronal stimulation, synapto-dendritic eIF4B is dephosphorylated at serine 406 in a rapid process that is mediated by protein phosphatase 2A. Such dephosphorylation causes a significant decrease in the binding affinity between eIF4B and BC RNA translational repressors, enabling the factor to engage the 40S small ribosomal subunit for translation initiation. BC RNA translational control, mediated via eIF4B phosphorylation status, couples neuronal activity to translational output, and thus provides a mechanistic basis for long-term plastic changes in nerve cells.     

Ten years of co-management in Greek protected areas: an evaluation

The present study attempts an evaluation of the first co-management framework that has been adopted and implemented in Greece over the last 10 years for the management of its protected areas. To get insight as to how efficient it has been, we evaluate the performance and outcomes of the 28 management authorities of the protected areas of the country that substantiate it and the conditions under which they have been operating. The study involved a large part of the Greek conservation community. It was conducted via a questionnaire dealing with issues of financing and administration, environmental management and guarding, and connection with the local community. For co-management, it is essential that the actors involved undertake their share of responsibility, which should be clearly defined and delimited; this was not usually the case. Decentralization of the power of management requires capacity building locally and active involvement of the local community; these have been addressed and achieved only to a limited degree. Most importantly, the support and commitment to conservation of state actors were often missing. Funding discontinuities, delays in responding to needs associated with biodiversity monitoring and protection and inefficient guarding were the major problems resulting from the inadequacies detected. Despite its weaknesses, the co-management framework contributed considerably to the conservation of environmental values of Greece. We propose improvements and measures that can substantially increase its overall effectiveness towards nature conservation. However, under the severe crisis that the country has been facing, its future is currently unknown.     

Identification of otubain 1 as a novel substrate for the Yersinia protein kinase using chemical genetics and mass spectrometry

Yersinia encodes a protein kinase, YpkA, which disrupts the actin cytoskeleton. Using an approach termed chemical genetics, we identified a 36-kDa substrate for YpkA in both J774 lysates and bovine brain cytosol. Mass spectrometry analysis identified this substrate as FLJ20113, an open reading frame that corresponds to otubain 1, a deubiquitinating enzyme implicated in immune cell clonal anergy. We demonstrate that otubain 1 is phosphorylated by YpkA in vitro and interacts with YpkA and actin in vivo. Identification of otubain 1 as a YpkA substrate suggests that regulation of immune cell anergy may be a survival mechanism for Yersinia.     

Methylation-independent binding to histone H3 and cell cycle-dependent incorporation of HP1beta into heterochromatin

We have examined HP1beta-chromatin interactions in different molecular contexts in vitro and in vivo. Employing purified components we show that HP1beta exhibits selective, stoichiometric, and salt-resistant binding to recombinant histone H3, associating primarily with the helical "histone fold" domain. Furthermore, using "bulk" nucleosomes released by MNase digestion, S-phase extracts, and fragments of peripheral heterochromatin, we demonstrate that HP1beta associates more tightly with destabilized or disrupted nucleosomes (H3/H4 subcomplexes) than with intact particles. Western blotting and mass spectrometry data indicate that HP1beta-selected H3/H4 particles and subparticles possess a complex pattern of posttranslational modifications but are not particularly enriched in me3K9-H3. Consistent with these results, mapping of HP1beta and me3K9-H3 sites in vivo reveals overlapping, yet spatially distinct patterns, while transient transfection assays with synchronized cells show that stable incorporation of HP1beta-gfp into heterochromatin requires passage through the S-phase. The data amassed challenge the dogma that me3K9H3 is necessary and sufficient for HP1 binding and unveil a new mode of HP1-chromatin interactions.