Rapid repression of quiescence-specific gene expression by epidermal growth factor, insulin, and pp60v-src.

We isolated a cDNA for p20K, a secreted protein preferentially synthesized in nonproliferating cells. p20K mRNA and protein levels declined rapidly following treatment with various mitogens. DNA sequence analysis of the p20K cDNA predicted a novel protein distantly related to alpha 2 mu-globulin and plasma retinol-binding protein.     

Fluorimetric coupled enzyme assay for lysoplasmalogenase activity in liver.

Two new proteins with apparent molecular masses of 53 kDa and 190 kDa have been identified in both sarcoplasmic reticulum and human blood platelets using a monoclonal antibody, FII1b5. The sarcoplasmic reticulum FII1b5 antigens were present in the terminal cisternae fraction, but were absent from light sarcoplasmic reticulum. The platelet and skeletal muscle proteins were not sensitive to digestion with endoglycosidase H under conditions that removed carbohydrate from the 53 kDa glycoprotein in sarcoplasmic reticulum or GPIIIa in platelet microsomes and did not bind 45Ca in a nitrocellulose overlay calcium-binding assay. These results distinguished the FII1b5 antigens from the 53 kDa glycoprotein and calsequestrin of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The 190 kDa platelet and sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were extracted from membranes with high concentrations of NaCl, indicating that the high molecular mass FII1b5 antigens are peripherally associated with the bilayers. In contrast, the platelet and muscle 53 kDa proteins remained membrane-bound in the presence of high salt concentrations, suggesting that they are integral proteins.     

Effects of antibody to 5 S-RNA-binding protein on protein synthesis in Artemia salina ribosomes.

The effects of an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody to Artemia salina ribosomal protein L5 on protein synthesis in vitro were examined. The antibody interacted with 60 S subunits more strongly than with 80 S ribosomes, and inhibited reassociation of ribosomal subunits to some extent at 5 mM-Mg2+ but not at 10 mM. Polyphenylalanine synthesis in vitro at 10 mM-Mg2+ was significantly inhibited, especially when the antibody was first preincubated with 60 S subunits prior to the assay. The incorporation of amino acid directed by globin mRNA was inhibited only when the preincubation with 60 S subunits was carried out. On the other hand, no effect was detected on elongation factor 2- and 60 S subunit-dependent uncoupled GTPase activity. These results suggest that L5 is probably located at or near the subunit interface and may play an important role in protein synthesis.     

Spontaneous excretion of D-alanine in urine in mutant mice lacking D-amino-acid oxidase.

Urine from mutant mice lacking D-amino-acid oxidase contained a large amount of alanine compared with that from normal mice. Urinary alanine of the mutant mice was sensitive to D-amino-acid oxidase. H.p.l.c. showed that about 94% of the urinary alanine had the D-configuration. These results suggest that D-amino-acid oxidase functions to decompose D-amino acid(s) in normal mice.     

Joint report of the Third International Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen (BoLA) Workshop, Helsinki, Finland, 27 July 1986

Two hundred and eighty-two alloantisera were submitted by 20 participating laboratories from 13 countries and tested against lymphocytes of 1298 cattle. The cell panel consisted of samples from 38 Bos taurus breeds, 11 Bos taurus crossbreeds, 4 Bos indicus breeds, 6 Bos taurus x Bos indicus, and a variety of other crossbred populations. Using a standardized lymphocytotoxicity test, all 17 previously identified BoLA specificities were confirmed. The workshop produced agreement on 16 new lymphocyte alloantigenic specificities. Three of the new specificities behaved as splits of previously identified BoLA specificities. Four of the new specificities behaved as alleles at the agreed BoLA-A locus. Seven new specificities are tentatively assigned to the BoLA-A locus but require further definition. Two new specificities may represent products of a second closely-linked BoLA locus.     

Regulation of mast cell differentiation

Mast cells are a unique class of blood cell. Unlike most blood cells, undifferentiated precursors of mast cells migrate in the bloodstream, invade tissues, proliferate there and then differentiate. Even after differentiation, some mast cells may proliferate extensively. Differentiation of mast cells is regulated by both diffusible growth factors and direct contact with fibroblasts.     

Autoregulation of interleukin 6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells.

Induction of differentiation in one type of clone of mouse myeloid leukemic cells by mouse or human interleukin 6 (IL-6) and in another type of clone by mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was found to be associated with induction of IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA and protein. The results indicated that IL-6 and GM-CSF could positively autoregulate their own gene expression during myeloid cell differentiation. It is suggested that this autoregulation may serve to enhance and prolong the signal induced by these proteins in cells transiently exposed to IL-6 or GM-CSF.