Identification of a conserved sequence in the non-coding regions of many human genes.

We have analyzed a sequence of approximately 70 base pairs (bp) that shows a high degree of similarity to sequences present in the non-coding regions of a number of human and other mammalian genes. The sequence was discovered in a fragment of human genomic DNA adjacent to an integrated hepatitis B virus genome in cells derived from human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. When one of the viral flanking sequences was compared to nucleotide sequences in GenBank, more than thirty human genes were identified that contained a similar sequence in their non-coding regions. The sequence element was usually found once or twice in a gene, either in an intron or in the 5' or 3' flanking regions. It did not share any similarities with known short interspersed nucleotide elements (SINEs) or presently known gene regulatory elements. This element was highly conserved at the same position within the corresponding human and mouse genes for myoglobin and N-myc, indicating evolutionary conservation and possible functional importance. Preliminary DNase I footprinting data suggested that the element or its adjacent sequences may bind nuclear factors to generate specific DNase I hypersensitive sites. The size, structure, and evolutionary conservation of this sequence indicates that it is distinct from other types of short interspersed repetitive elements. It is possible that the element may have a cis-acting functional role in the genome.     

A new species of land planarian preying on termites in Kenya (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria: Tricladida: Terricola)

A new species of land planarian is described from Kenya. Microplana rermirophaga sp. nov. preys on termites by capturing them at the openings to their nest. The pharynx is unusually far forwards for a land planarian and this is probably related to the active nature of the prey. There is an anterior depression caused by the termination of parenchymal longitudinal muscle bundles which might act as a sucker. All specimens are immature which leads to some difficulty in assigning the species to a genus.     

Somatic cell hybrids between Friend erythroleukemia cells and mouse hepatoma cells.

Somatic cell hybrids between hepatoma and Friend erythroleukemia parental cells were studied for the expression of liver-specific and erythroid properties. Several independent clones were isolated using HAT selection and were shown to be true hybrids by isozyme and chromosome analysis. All displayed a complete extinction of hemoglobin and globin mRNA production, but a retention of albumin and transferrin secretion. The data suggest that erythroid differntiation is being actively inhibited by the hepatoma genome. Possible mechanisms that might explain these results are discussed in the light of current hypotheses regarding the mechanism of cell differentiation.     

Chick embryo fibroblasts produce two forms of hyaluronidase

Cultured chick embryo fibroblasts derived from skin and skeletal muscle exhibit hyaluronidase activity both associated with the cell layer and secreted into the medium. Although both forms of the enzyme have a number of similar characteristics (R.W. Orkin and B.P. Toole, 1980, J. Biol. CHem. 255), they differ in thermal stability at neutral pH and in behavior on ion-exchange chromatography. Both forms of the enzyme are equally stable at acidic pH for long intervals, but the cell-associated hyaluronidase is significantly less stable than the secreted froms at neutral pH and at temperatures more than or equal to 30 degrees C. Neither the presence of proteases nor inhibitors of hyaluronidase appear to be involved in the cell-asspcoated enzyme. Chromatography of the two forms of hyaluronidase on carboxymethyl cellulose reveals that most (60-90 percent) of the secreted form of the enzyme elutes at a lower ionic strength than the cell- associated enzyme. Treatment of the secreted form of hyaluronidase with neuraminidase shifts its elution profile on carboxymethyl cellulose toward that of the cell-associated form, and also decreases its thermal stability at neutral pH. In contrast, treatment of the secreted form of hyaluronidase with alkaline phosphatase has no detectable effect. These data suggest that the secreted hyaluronidase differs from the cellular form in possessing additional sialic acid residues which endow the former with increased stability in the extracellular milieu.     

Effects of increasing saturation vapour pressure deficit on growth and ABA levels in black spruce and jack pine

 Plant responses to saturation vapour pressure deficit (SVPD) were studied by subjecting black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.] and jack pine seedlings (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) to humid (0.3 – 0.8 kPa) or dry (2.0 – 2.5 kPa SVPD) regimes for 4 weeks using a computer-controlled environmental system to control diurnal variation in SVPD. Dry matter accumulation in needles was not altered by increasing SVPD. However, root growth declined by 60% which increased shoot to root ratio and reduced total seedling dry weight in both black spruce and jack pine. Relative growth rate of jack pine also declined to about half the rate of plants grown under humid conditions. In situ root marking studies showed that the decline in root growth of jack pine under the high SVPD was the result of reduced lateral root initiation, whereas root elongation was unaffected by humidity. A 4-week exposure to dry air increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels in needles, but not roots, of jack pine whereas ABA levels in black spruce were not altered. A short (3-day) exposure failed to increase needle ABA levels in either species. These results suggest that the responses of conifers to dry air were not the result of ABA accumulation. Received: 24 March 1996 / Accepted: 30 May 1996     

The abundance of an invasive freshwater snail Tarebia granifera (Lamarck, 1822) in the Nseleni River,South Africa

The invasive freshwater snail Tarebia granifera (Lamarck, 1822) was first reported in South Africa in 1999 and it has become widespread across the country, with some evidence to suggest that it reduces benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity. The current study aimed to identify the primary abiotic drivers behind abundance patterns of T. granifera, by comparing the current abundance of the snail in three different regions, and at three depths, of the highly modified Nseleni River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Tarebia granifera was well established throughout the Nseleni River system, with an overall preference for shallow waters and seasonal temporal patterns of abundance. Although it is uncertain what the ecological impacts of the snail in this system are, its high abundances suggest that it should be controlled where possible and prevented from invading other systems in the region.