The p53 isoforms are differentially modified by Mdm2

The discovery that the single p53 gene encodes several different p53 protein isoforms has initiated a flurry of research into the function and regulation of these novel p53 proteins. Full-length p53 protein level is primarily regulated by the E3-ligase Mdm2, which promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Here, we report that all of the novel p53 isoforms are ubiquitinated and degraded to varying degrees in an Mdm2-dependent and -independent manner, and that high-risk human papillomavirus can degrade some but not all of the novel isoforms, demonstrating that full-length p53 and the p53 isoforms are differentially regulated. In addition, we provide the first evidence that Mdm2 promotes the NEDDylation of p53β. Altogether, our data indicates that Mdm2 can distinguish between the p53 isoforms and modify them differently.     

Feeding of the Bat,Sturnira lilium,on Fruits of Solanum riparium Influences Dispersal of this Pioneer Tree in Forests of Northwestern Argentina

The influence of fruit ingestion by the bat, Sturnira lilium, on germination of the seeds of the tree Solanum riparium was studied in a secondary rain forest in northwestern Argentina. Bat frequencies in disturbed areas were analyzed by mist net captures. Germination rates were determined for seeds collected from trees and bat feces. S. lilium was the most abundant fruit bat in the study area. Fruit digestion and the passage of seeds through the intestine did not significantly affect germination in S. riparium. In this case the fruit bats, therefore, probably provide only seed dispersal.     

Validation of DNA methylation profiling in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 Microarray

A formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample usually yields highly degraded DNA, which limits the use of techniques requiring high-quality DNA, such as Infinium Methylation microarrays. To overcome this restriction, we have applied an FFPE restoration procedure consisting of DNA repair and ligation processes in a set of paired fresh-frozen (FF) and FFPE samples. We validated the FFPE results in comparison with matched FF samples, enabling us to use FFPE samples on the Infinium HumanMethylation450 Methylation array.     

"Pertussis toxin induces tachycardia and impairs the increase in blood pressure produced by alpha 2-adrenergic agonists"

Administration of purified pertussis toxin to rats induced persistent tachycardia, (observed in conscious rats but not after pithing); as little as 0.05 microgram/100 g produced a significant effect. Pertussis toxin-treatment did not affected the pressor response produced in the pithed rats by the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist methoxamine but markedly diminished the pressor effect of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonists clonidine and azepexole. A role of adenylate cyclase inhibition in the action of postsynaptic vascular alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is suggested.     

Cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activity of flavonoids from Lonchocarpus spp.

A number of flavonoids isolated from Lonchocarpus spp. were evaluated for their antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activity. Flavone 6 and chalcone 7 were found to be the most active against Leishmania parasites and against cell cultures of Leukemia P388DI and adenocarcinoma prostate PC-3.     

Extending the Cellulosome Paradigm: the Modular Clostridium thermocellum Cellulosomal Serpin PinA Is a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Subtilisin-Like Proteases

Clostridium thermocellum encodes a cellulosomal, modular, and thermostable serine protease inhibitor (serpin), PinA. PinA stability but not inhibitory activity is affected by the Fn(III) and Doc(I) domains, and PinA is a broad inhibitor of subtilisin-like proteases and may play a key role in protecting the cellulosome from protease attack.