Acaricidal effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corymbia citriodora</Emphasis> oil containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">para</Emphasis>-menthane-3,8-diol against nymphs of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ixodes ricinus</Emphasis> (Acari: Ixodidae)

The toxicity of para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), the main arthropod-repellent compound in the oil of the lemon eucalyptus, Corymbia citriodora, was evaluated against nymphs of Ixodes ricinus using five methods (A–E) of a contact toxicity bioassay. Mortality rates were estimated by recording numbers of dead nymphs at 30 min intervals during the first 5 h after the start of exposure and at longer intervals thereafter. The mortality rate increased with increasing concentration of PMD and duration of exposure with a distinct effect after 3.5 h. From the results obtained by methods A, C and E, the LC₅₀ range was 0.035–0.037 mg PMD/cm² and the LC₉₅ range was 0.095–0.097 mg PMD/cm² at 4 h of exposure; the LT₅₀ range was 2.1–2.8 h and the LT₉₅ range was 3.9–4.2 h at 0.1 mg PMD/cm². To determine the duration of toxic activity of PMD, different concentrations (0.002, 0.01, 0.1 mg PMD/cm²) were tested and mortality was recorded at each concentration after 1 h; thereafter new ticks were tested. This test revealed that the lethal activity of PMD remained for 24 h but appeared absent after 48 h. The overall results show that PMD is toxic to nymphs of I. ricinus and may be useful for tick control.     

E4orf1 Limits the Oncolytic Potential of the E1B-55K Deletion Mutant Adenovirus

Clinical trials have shown oncolytic adenoviruses to be tumor selective with minimal toxicity toward normal tissue. The virus ONYX-015, in which the gene encoding the early region 1B 55-kDa (E1B-55K) protein is deleted, has been most effective when used in combination with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Therefore, improving the oncolytic nature of tumor-selective adenoviruses remains an important objective for improving this form of cancer therapy. Cells infected during the G₁ phase of the cell cycle with the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus exhibit a reduced rate of viral late protein synthesis, produce fewer viral progeny, and are less efficiently killed than cells infected during the S phase. Here we demonstrate that the G₁ restriction imposed on the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus is due to the viral oncogene encoded by open reading frame 1 of early region 4 (E4orf1). E4orf1 has been reported to signal through the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase pathway leading to the activation of Akt, mTOR, and p70 S6K. Evidence presented here shows that E4orf1 may also induce the phosphorylation of Akt and p70 S6K in a manner that depends on Rac1 and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1. Accordingly, agents that have been reported to disrupt the Tiam1-Rac1 interaction or to prevent phosphorylation of the ribosomal S6 kinase partially alleviated the E4orf1 restriction to late viral protein synthesis and enhanced tumor cell killing by the E1B-55K mutant virus. These results demonstrate that E4orf1 limits the oncolytic nature of a conditionally replicating adenovirus such as ONYX-015. The therapeutic value of similar oncolytic adenoviruses may be improved by abrogating E4orf1 function.Conditionally replicating adenoviruses are a novel class of biological agents used to treat cancer (57). The E1B-55K deletion mutant virus ONYX-015, originally known as dl1520 (4), is one of the first of such agents (7). H101 is another E1B-55K deletion mutant adenovirus that is being used for tumor therapy in China (30, 78). We previously reported that cells infected during the G₁ phase of the cell cycle with E1B-55K deletion mutant adenoviruses exhibit a reduced rate of viral late protein synthesis, produce fewer viral progeny, and are less effectively killed than cells infected during S phase (34, 35, 66). These observations indicated that the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus ONYX-015 is restricted in cells infected in G₁. This restriction is significant because a large fraction of cells within a tumor exist in the G₁ phase of the cell cycle (71). Here we show that the G₁ restriction imposed on the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus is due to the viral oncogene encoded by open reading frame 1 of early region 4 (E4orf1).The E4orf1-encoded protein is a small adapter molecule that associates with PDZ domain-containing proteins including MUPP1, PATJ, MAGI-1, ZO-2, and Dlg1 (46). PDZ domain-containing proteins often serve as scaffolds for the assembly of signaling complexes at the plasma membrane (64). Through its association with PDZ domain-containing proteins, the E4orf1-encoded protein promotes signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathway to effectors such as protein kinase B (Akt), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the S6 ribosomal protein kinase (p70 S6K) (27, 54). Through these effectors, PI3-kinase alters protein synthesis and cell survival (21, 28). E4orf1 is the principal oncogenic determinant of species D adenovirus type 9 (42). The transforming ability of E4orf1 can be blocked by the PI3-kinase inhibitor {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY249002","term_id":"1257710161","term_text":"LY249002"}}LY249002 (27). However, phosphorylation of p70 S6K can also proceed by pathways that are independent of PI3-kinase or Akt. For example, the Rho-like GTPase Rac1 can activate p70 S6K (17). Rac1 is itself regulated by cellular factors to which it binds, including the Rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 protein (Tiam1). Tiam1 and the neural tissue-associated F-actin-binding protein neurabin II or spinophilin recruit p70 S6K into a complex containing Rac1, resulting in increased phosphorylation of p70 S6K (12, 36, 50). Interestingly, both Tiam1 and neurabin II are PDZ-containing proteins. These observations provided a potential basis by which E4orf1 may modulate protein synthesis and cell survival.In this report, we show for the first time that E4orf1 restricts the abilities of the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus to produce viral progeny, to direct viral late protein synthesis, and to kill tumor cells. Drugs that are reported to prevent phosphorylation of p70 S6K or to disrupt the interaction between Tiam1 and Rac1 increase the cell-killing ability of the E1B-55K deletion mutant virus to nearly the same level observed for an E1B-55K/E4orf1 double mutant and the wild-type virus. By uncovering a role for E4orf1 in the course of a lytic adenovirus infection, this study presents novel genetic and pharmacological means by which the effectiveness of replicating oncolytic adenoviruses can be improved.     

SNARE and regulatory proteins induce local membrane protrusions to prime docked vesicles for fast calcium‐triggered fusion

Synaptic vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane in response to Ca²⁺ influx, thereby releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The protein machinery that mediates this process, consisting of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and regulatory proteins, is well known, but the mechanisms by which these proteins prime synaptic membranes for fusion are debated. In this study, we applied large‐scale, automated cryo‐electron tomography to image an in vitro system that reconstitutes synaptic fusion. Our findings suggest that upon docking and priming of vesicles for fast Ca²⁺‐triggered fusion, SNARE proteins act in concert with regulatory proteins to induce a local protrusion in the plasma membrane, directed towards the primed vesicle. The SNAREs and regulatory proteins thereby stabilize the membrane in a high‐energy state from which the activation energy for fusion is profoundly reduced, allowing synchronous and instantaneous fusion upon release of the complexin clamp.     

Design and synthesis of a new class of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase inhibitors with anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities

A new series of thiazole-substituted 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanols were prepared and evaluated as malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD) inhibitors. Key analogs caused dose-dependent decreases in food intake and body weight in obese mice. Acute treatment with these compounds also led to a drop in elevated blood glucose in a murine model of type II diabetes.     

Developing the wool proteome

The wool proteome has been largely uncharted due to a lack of database coverage, poor protein extractability and dynamic range issues. Yet, investigating correlations between wool physical properties and protein content, or characterising UV-, heat- or processing-induced protein damage requires the availability of an identifiable and identified proteome.In this study we have achieved unprecedented wool proteome identification through a strategy of comprehensive data acquisition, iterative protein identification/validation and concurrent augmentation of the sequence database. Data acquisition comprised a range of different hyphenated MS techniques including LC–MS/MS, LC–MALDI, 2D-LC–MS/MS and SDS-PAGE LC–MS. Using iterative searching of databases and search result combination using ProteinScape, a systematic expansion of identifiable proteins in the sequence database was achieved. This was followed by extensive validation and rationalisation of the protein identifications. In total, 72 complete and 30 partial ovine-specific protein sequences were added to the database, and 113 wool proteins were identified.Enhanced access to ovine-specific protein identification and characterisation will facilitate all wool fibre protein chemistry and proteomics research.     

An antioxidant system required for host protection against gut infection in Drosophila

A fundamental question that applies to all organisms is how barrier epithelia efficiently manage continuous contact with microorganisms. Here, we show that in Drosophila an extracellular immune-regulated catalase (IRC) mediates a key host defense system that is needed during host-microbe interaction in the gastrointestinal tract. Strikingly, adult flies with severely reduced IRC expression show high mortality rates even after simple ingestion of microbe-contaminated foods. However, despite the central role that the NF-kappaB pathway plays in eliciting antimicrobial responses, NF-kappaB pathway mutant flies are totally resistant to such infections. These results imply that homeostasis of redox balance by IRC is one of the most critical factors affecting host survival during continuous host-microbe interaction in the gastrointestinal tract.     

Divergent roles of RpoS in Escherichia coli under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

Escherichia coli exhibited different levels of rpoS expression and general stress resistance under aerobiosis and anaerobiosis. Expression measured using reporter gene fusions and protein levels was lower under anaerobic conditions. Consistent with earlier findings, rpoS mutants were selected in aerobic nutrient-limited cultures but rpoS mutants were not enriched under anaerobiosis. This result suggested that, despite its decreased level, RpoS had a function under anaerobic conditions not essential under aerobiosis. Competition experiments between rpoS(+) and rpoS bacteria confirmed the advantage conferred by RpoS under anaerobiosis. In contrast, stress resistance assays suggested RpoS made a greater contribution to general stress resistance under aerobiosis than anaerobiosis. These results indicate a significant, but different role of RpoS in aerobic and anaerobic environments.     

Normal mode analysis suggests a quaternary twist model for the nicotinic receptor gating mechanism

We present a three-dimensional model of the homopentameric alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), that includes the extracellular and membrane domains, developed by comparative modeling on the basis of: 1), the x-ray crystal structure of the snail acetylcholine binding protein, an homolog of the extracellular domain of nAChRs; and 2), cryo-electron microscopy data of the membrane domain collected on Torpedo marmorata nAChRs. We performed normal mode analysis on the complete three-dimensional model to explore protein flexibility. Among the first 10 lowest frequency modes, only the first mode produces a structural reorganization compatible with channel gating: a wide opening of the channel pore caused by a concerted symmetrical quaternary twist motion of the protein with opposing rotations of the upper (extracellular) and lower (transmembrane) domains. Still, significant reorganizations are observed within each subunit, that involve their bending at the domain interface, an increase of angle between the two beta-sheets composing the extracellular domain, the internal beta-sheet being significantly correlated to the movement of the M2 alpha-helical segment. This global symmetrical twist motion of the pentameric protein complex, which resembles the opening transition of other multimeric ion channels, reasonably accounts for the available experimental data and thus likely describes the nAChR gating process.     

Human factor H-related protein 5 has cofactor activity, inhibits C3 convertase activity, binds heparin and C-reactive protein, and associates with lipoprotein

Factor H-related protein 5 (FHR-5) is a recently discovered member of the factor H (fH)-related protein family. FHR proteins are structurally similar to the complement regulator fH, but their biological functions remain poorly defined. FHR-5 is synthesized in the liver and consists of 9 short consensus repeats (SCRs), which display various degrees of homology to those of fH and the other FHR proteins. FHR-5 colocalizes with complement deposits in vivo and binds C3b in vitro, suggesting a role in complement regulation or localization. The current study examined whether rFHR-5 exhibits properties similar to those of fH, including heparin binding, CRP binding, cofactor activity for the factor I-mediated degradation of C3b and decay acceleration of the C3 convertase. rFHR-5 bound heparin-BSA and heparin-agarose and a defined series of truncations expressed in Pichia pastoris localized the heparin-binding region to within SCRs 5-7. rFHR-5 bound CRP, and this binding was also localized to SCRs 5-7. FHR-5 inhibited alternative pathway C3 convertase activity in a fluid phase assay; however, dissociation of the convertase was not observed in a solid phase assay. rFHR-5 displayed factor I-dependent cofactor activity for C3b cleavage, although it was apparently less effective than fH. In addition, we demonstrate association of FHR-5 with high density lipid lipoprotein complexes in human plasma. These results demonstrate that FHR-5 shares properties of heparin and CRP binding and lipoprotein association with one or more of the other FHRs but is unique among this family of proteins in possessing independent complement-regulatory activity.     

Nonaqueous synthesis of a selectively modified, highly anionic sulfopropyl ether derivative of cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) in the presence of 18-crown-6

A highly anionic cyclomaltooligosaccharide (cyclodextrin, CD) derivative containing sulfopropyl functional groups on the primary face of the CD was synthesized. Heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl)cyclomaltoheptaose [heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin] was reacted with 1,3-propane sultone and potassium hydride (KH) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran in the presence of 18-crown-6 to yield highly substituted potassium heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-sulfopropyl)cyclomaltoheptaose [heptakis(KSPDM)-beta-CD] with an average degree of substitution (DSCE) of 6.9 as determined by inverse detection capillary electrophoresis (CE). The principal species in the product is the fully substituted heptakis(KSPDM)-beta-CD. Complete NMR assignments of the hydrogen and carbon atoms are made using a combination of gCOSY and gHSQC. In the absence of 18-crown-6, the reaction generates a mixture of multiply charged derivatives with average DSCE of 4.1. The possible roles of the crown ether in the reaction are discussed. The ROESY NMR spectrum of the inclusion complex that forms between heptakis(KSPDM)-beta-CD and 2-naphthoic acid in D2O reveals that 2-naphthoic acid inserts with the carboxyl group toward the derivatized primary rim of the cyclodextrin.