Identification of G-proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes: presence of distinct components in granule membranes

We have identified by immunoblotting and ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin the presence of Mr 43 and 46 KDa G_s, and 39 and 41 KDa G_i;.. subunits in rat parotid gland plasma membranes but not in granule membranes. A Mr 28 KDa polypeptide that served as substrate for ADP-ribosylation by both cholera toxin and pertussis toxin was present exclusively in granule membranes. Photoaffinity crosslinking of [-³²P]GTP showed the presence of high molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 160,100 KDa) in granule membranes. Six low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 21–28 KDa) were differentially distributed in both plasma membranes and granule membranes. The present study identifies various GTP-binding proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes, and demonstrates the presence of distinct molecular weight GTP-binding proteins in granule membranes. These granule-associated GTP-binding proteins may be involved in secretory processes.     

Body shape and women’s attractiveness

This paper examines the role of body fat distribution as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on the judgment of women’s physical attractiveness. It presents evidence that WHR is correlated with a woman’s reproductive endocrinological status and long-term health risk. Three studies were conducted to investigate whether humans have perceptual and cognitive mechanisms to utilize the WHR to infer attributes of women’s health, youthfulness, attractiveness, and reproductive capacity. College-age as well as older subjects of both sexes rank female figures with normal weight and low WHR as attractive and assign to them higher reproductive capability. The study concludes that WHR is a reliable and honest signal of a woman’s reproductive potential. The adaptive significance of body fat distribution and its role in mate selection is also discussed.     

[2-3H]ATP synthesis and 3H NMR spectroscopy of enzyme-nucleotide complexes: ADP and ADP.Vi bound to myosin subfragment 1

Summary The synthesis of [2-³H]ATP with specific activity high enough to use for ³H NMR spectroscopy at micromolar concentrations was accomplished by tritiodehalogenation of 2-Br-ATP. ATP with greater than 80% substitution at the 2-position and negligible tritium levels at other positions had a single ³H NMR peak at 8.20 ppm in 1D spectra obtained at 533 MHz. This result enables the application of tritium NMR spectroscopy to ATP utilizing enzymes.The proteolytic fragment of skeletal muscle myosin, called S1, consists of a heavy chain (95 kDa) and one alkali light chain (16 or 21 kDa) complex that retains myosin ATPase activity. In the presence of Mg²⁺, S1 converts [2-³H]ATP to [2-³H]ADP and the complex S1.Mg[2-³H]ADP has ADP bound in the active site. At 0°C, 1D ³H NMR spectra of S1.Mg[2-³H]ADP have two broadened peaks shifted 0.55 and 0.90 ppm upfield from the peak due to free [2-³H]ADP. Spectra with good signal-to-noise for 0.10 mM S1.Mg[2-³H]ADP were obtained in 180 min. The magnitude of the chemical shift caused by binding is consistent with the presence of an aromatic side chain being in the active site. Spectra were the same for S1 with either of the alkali light chains present, suggesting that the alkali light chains do not interact differently with the active site. The two broad peaks appear to be due to the two conformations of S1 that have been observed previously by other techniques. Raising the temperature to 20 °C causes small changes in the chemical shifts, narrows the peak widths from 150 to 80 Hz, and increases the relative area under the more upfield peak. Addition of orthovanadate (V_i) to produce S1.Mg[2-³H]ADP.V_i shifts both peaks slightly more upfield without chaning their widths or relative areas.     

Study of DYRK1B gene expression and its association with metabolic syndrome in a small cohort of Egyptians

Molecular Biology Reports - A cluster of many risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is used to describe the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, genetic differences associated...     

RNAi‐mediated Ultra‐low gossypol cottonseed trait: performance of transgenic lines under field conditions

Cottonseed remains a low‐value by‐product of lint production mainly due to the presence of toxic gossypol that makes it unfit for monogastrics. Ultra‐low gossypol cottonseed (ULGCS) lines were developed using RNAi knockdown of δ‐cadinene synthase gene(s) in Gossypium hirsutum. The purpose of the current study was to assess the stability and specificity of the ULGCS trait and evaluate the agronomic performance of the transgenic lines. Trials conducted over a period of 3 years show that the ULGCS trait was stable under field conditions and the foliage/floral organs of transgenic lines contained wild‐type levels of gossypol and related terpenoids. Although it was a relatively small‐scale study, we did not observe any negative effects on either the yield or quality of the fibre and seed in the transgenic lines compared with the nontransgenic parental plants. Compositional analysis was performed on the seeds obtained from plants grown in the field during 2009. As expected, the major difference between the ULGCS and wild‐type cottonseeds was in terms of their gossypol levels. With the exception of oil content, the composition of ULGCS was similar to that of nontransgenic cottonseeds. Interestingly, the ULGCS had significantly higher (4%–8%) oil content compared with the seeds from the nontransgenic parent. Field trial results confirmed the stability and specificity of the ULGCS trait suggesting that this RNAi‐based product has the potential to be commercially viable. Thus, it may be possible to enhance and expand the nutritional utility of the annual cottonseed output to fulfil the ever‐increasing needs of humanity.     

Conservation Strategy for African Medicinal Species: <i>In Vitro</i> Biotechnological Approach

The use of medicinal plants for different therapeutic values is well documented in African continent. African diverse biodiversity hotspots provide a wide range of endemic species, which ensures a potential medicinal value. The feasible conservation approach and sustainable harvesting for the medicinal species remains a huge challenge. However, conservation approach through different biotechnological tools such as micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed production, hairy root culture, molecular markers based study and cryopreservation of endemic African medicinal species is much crucial. In this review, an attempt has been made to provide different in vitro biotechnological approaches for the conservation of African medicinal species. The present review will be helpful in further technology development and deciding the priorities at decision-making levels for in vitro conservation and sustainable use of African medicinal species.     

Vitamin D attenuates HMGB1-mediated neointimal hyperplasia after percutaneous coronary intervention in swine

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry - Intracoronary stenting is a common procedure in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Stent deployment stretches and denudes the endothelial layer,...