Ubiquitins (polyubiquitin and ubiquitin extension protein) in marine sponges: cDNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis

The complete nucleotide sequences of two Suberites domuncula cDNAs and one Sycon raphanus cDNA, all encoding ubiquitin, have been determined. One cDNA from S. domuncula codes for polyubiquitin with four tandemly repeated monomeric units and the second cDNA encodes ubiquitin fused to a ribosomal protein of 78 amino acids (aa). S. domuncula possesses at least one additional polyubiquitin gene, from which the last two monomers were also sequenced. All analysed genes from S. domuncula encode identical ubiquitin proteins, with only one aa difference (Ala 19) to the human/higher animals ubiquitin (Pro 19). Ubiquitin in S. domuncula is identical with the ubiquitin found in another Demospongia, Geodia cydonium. The cDNA from S. raphanus encodes polyubiquitin with seven tandemly repeated units. All these gene monomers code for the same ubiquitin, which differs from the human/higher animals ubiquitin only at position 24 (Asp in Sycon, Glu in others). However, ubiquitin from S. raphanus (Calcarea) shows two aa differences (positions 19 and 24), when compared with the ubiquitin sequences from the two Demospongiae. In a phylogenetic tree constructed by multiple sequence alignment of all sponge ubiquitin gene monomers so far identified, all monomers from the same species cluster together, with the clear exception of the monomer from S. domuncula ribosomal protein fusion gene. This monomer branches off first from the tree and forms a separate line; this gives evidence for a very ancient split of ubiquitin-ribosomal-protein fusion genes from polyubiquitin encoding genes and their long separate coexistence in eukaryotes. The ubiquitin extension protein from S. domuncula is 78 aa long, displays all characteristics of 76–81 aa long ribosomal fusion proteins and shows 78% identity in the first 73 aa with the human S27a protein. However, its C-terminal sequence: 69-GLTYVYKKSD-78 is more similar to the plant consensus (69-GLTYVYQ/NK-76), than to the higher animal consensus (69-CLTYCFNK-76). This protein isolated from a sponge, belonging to the phylogenetically oldest multicellular animals, the Porifera, branches off first from the phylogenetic tree of metazoan ubiquitin extension proteins of the small ribosomal subunits.     

ALTERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIN BINDING PROTEINS IN UTERINE STROMAL CELLS DURING DECIDUALIZATION IN THE RAT

Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the involvement of the actin-associated binding proteins, tropomyosin, α-actinin and gelsolin with the formation of the decidual cell reaction during early pregnancy in the rat. Tropomyosin was present in the uterine myometrium, but absent from the both decidual and non-decidual stromal cells. α-Actinin was absent from non-decidual stromal cells, but present in decidual cells. Gelsolin was present in non-decidual cells close to the uterine stroma as well as in transformed decidual cells. Both gelsolin and α-actinin were concentrated around the periphery of the cell. It is proposed that these actin-binding proteins may be involved with the cellular transformations associated with decidualization.     

A cardiovascular disease case progress index: a means of aiding research and supplying teaching material

The establishment of a Cardiovascular Case Progress Index at the University of California School of Medicine is reported. The need for such an index to increase our knowledge of chronic cardiovascular diseases is discussed. Cases of various disorders of the cardiovascular system seen in a routine way in the hospital or outpatient department are listed in the Index, and their progress followed indefinitely. The organization, operation, and utilization of the Index for teaching and research are briefly discussed.     

A new Swartzia (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Swartzieae) species with trimorphic stamens from Amazonian Brazil

A new species Swartzia trimorphica Mansano & A. L. Souza (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Swartzieae) from the Amazonian Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is notable and distinct from all the other species of Swartzia by its highly unusual trimorphic stamens, while the other species have either an isomorphic or a dimorphic androecium. The new species is included in the section and subsection Swartzia , ser. Orthostylae based on its bracteolate pedicels, the cauligerous inflorescences, lateral style and the relative size of the ovary compared to the style. The atypically small gynoecium in the material suggests the possibility that flowers may be functionally unisexual. Field observations and more collections are needed to resolve this question.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 147 , 235–238.     

SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN POPULATION DENSITES OF BULINUS SENEGALENSIS AND B. TRUNCATUS (PLANORBIDAE) IN TEMPORARY POOLS IN A FOCUS OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM IN NIGER: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTROL

Annual and seasonal changes in population densities of Bulinussenegalensis Müller 1781 and B. truncatus (Audouin, 1827)were studied in temporary pools of the west sahelian zone inNiger in relation to environmental factors. B. senegalensisis present in the temporary pools whatever their duration, whereasB. truncatus inhabits only the more persistent pools. B. senegalensispopulations develop mostly during the rainy season when thewater temperature is warm. B. truncatus is most abundant afterthe rainy season when the water temperature is cooler, but thissnail may increase when the water temperature is warmer duringunusual rainy seasons with low and intermittent rainfall. Fieldobservations suggest that interspecific competition is exceptionallyoccurring in the pool colonized by both B. senegalensis andB. truncatus. The implications of these observations on treatmentand retreatment schedules for schistosome infection in peopleand on snail control in temporary pools are discussed. (Received 4 May 1993; accepted 22 July 1994)