Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging: a review]

Since the beginning of this century, a large body of experimental data and observations accumulated concerning experimental and clinical gerontology. These data can be classified and analyzed according to the level of experimentation or observation as concerning aging at the molecular, cellular level or at higher levels of hierarchical organisation such as tissues, organs or the whole organism. Observations of these higher levels are mostly derived from epidemiological studies of human aging, horizontal studies or preferably vertical studies. The relative coherence of data collected at the molecular and cellular levels renders plausible a tentative of interpretation of aging phenomena at higher levels or hierarchical organisations from the tissues to the whole organism by using the data obtained at the molecular and cellular levels. The present article is a tentative for this kind or integrative interpretation of aging.     

Membrane targeting of RecA during genetic transformation

Recombination in prokaryotes and eukaryotes is mediated by the RecA family of proteins. Although the interactions between RecA and DNA are well studied, the cellular location of these interactions is not known. Using genetic transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae as a model system, there was increased expression of a protein, colligrin, and RecA, products of the rec locus during genetic transfer. These proteins formed a complex and were found associated with the membranes of genetically competent cells. With immunoelectron microscopy and subcellular fractionation, we showed that the induction of competence led to the translocation of RecA and colligrin to the membrane and to the formation of clusters of RecA in a colligrin-dependent step. Based on the behaviour of colligrin and RecA during genetic exchange and the numerous proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes with domains similar to colligrin, we suggest that there may exist a family of proteins, which gathers macromolecules at specific sites in biological membranes.     

Castilleja chambersii (Scrophulariaceae), a new rare species from the northern Coast Range of Oregon

Castilleja chambersii is described from several collections made in the Coast Range of southwestern Clatsop County, Oregon. The new species is a member of subgenusCastilleja and is most closely related toC. parviflora andC. rupicola. This rare species is known from only three small and geographically restricted populations. Two new meiotic chromosome counts ofn=12 are reported for the new species.     

UDP-glucose: Indoleacetic acid glucosyl transferase and indoleacetyl-glucose: Myo-inositol indoleacetyl transferase

We have demonstrated the in vitro enzymatic synthesis of an ester of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and glucose and of IAA and myo-inositol by the following reaction sequence: lt]o| li]1) IAA + UDPG ? IAA-glucose +UDP li]2) IAA-glucose +myo-inositol → IAA-itmyo-inositol +glucose The enzymes were partially purified from extracts of immature kernels of Zea mays sweet corn and the two activities separated on a Sephadex G-150 column. Products were characterized, primarily, by comparison of their 70 eV mass spectra with those of authentic synthetic standards. To our knowledge this is the first example of enzymatically catalyzed acylation by a 1-O-acylsugar.     

Heat stress in the presence of low RNA polymerase activity increases chromosome copy number of Escherichia coli

Summary A temperature shift-up accompanied by a reduction in RNA polymerase activity in Escherichia coli causes an increased rate of initiation leading to a 1.7- to 2.2-fold increase in chromosome copy number. A temperature shift-up without a reduction in polymerase activity induces only a transient non-scheduled initiation of chromosome replication caused by heat shock with no detectable effect on chromosome copy number.     

Identification of a rice RNA- and microtubule-binding protein as the multifunctional protein, a peroxisomal enzyme involved in the beta -oxidation of fatty acids.

The control of subcellular mRNA localization and translation is often mediated by protein factors that are directly or indirectly associated with the cytoskeleton. We report the identification and characterization of a rice seed protein that possesses both RNA and microtubule binding activities. In vitro UV cross-linking assays indicated that this protein binds to all mRNA sequences tested, although there was evidence for preferential binding to RNAs that contained A-C nucleotide sequence motifs. The protein was purified to homogeneity using a two-step procedure, and amino acid sequencing identified it as the multifunctional protein (MFP), a peroxisomal enzyme known to possess a number of activities involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The recombinant version of this rice MFP binds to RNA in UV cross-linking and gel mobility shift experiments, co-sediments specifically with microtubules, and possesses at least two enzymatic activities involved in peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation. Taken together these data suggest that MFP has an important role in mRNA physiology in the cytoplasm, perhaps in regulating the localization or translation of mRNAs through an interaction with microtubules, in addition to its peroxisomal function.     

Plant phosphoglucose isomerase genes lack introns and are expressed in Escherichia coli

Nuclear genes that appear to encode both cytosolic and plastid isozymes of phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), an essential glycolytic enzyme, have been isolated from three diploid species of the annual wild flower genus Clarkia (Onagraceae). The genes do not contain introns and are expressed to varying degrees in Escherichia coli when cloned in either Charon 35 phage or pUC plasmid vectors. The PGI proteins synthesized in E. coli form dimers, are catalytically active, and their electrophoretic mobilities are similar to those of appropriate Clarkia PGIs. The nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding a plastid isozyme of C. unguiculata is described.     

Art and Agency: A Reassessment

In his book, Art and agency , Alfred Gell presents a theory of art based neither on aesthetics nor on visual communication. Art is defined by the distinctive function it performs in advancing social relationships through 'the abduction of agency'. Art objects are indexes of the artist's or model's agency. This article examines Gell's use of agency, particularly in relation to the ritual art that is central to his argument. Focusing on Gell's employment of Peirce's term 'index' (out of his triad of index, icon, and symbol), I note that Peirce's approach deflects attention from signification towards the link between art works and the things to which they refer. I consider what Peirce meant by abduction, and conclude that while Gell makes a good case for the agency of art objects he does not explain the distinctive ways in which art objects extend their maker's or user's agency. Gell lacked the time to make detailed revisions before publication and I acknowledge that, given more time, he might have revised some parts of the book.