Restriction fragment length polymorphism of the apolipoprotein A-I gene among inhabitants of Novosibirsk]

Restriction fragments' length polymorphism in the region of apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) gene was investigated in Novosibirsk (Siberia, USSR) population. Correlation between PstI apo A-I alleles (2,2 kb-P1; 3,3 kb-P2) and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density polyproteins cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I level was analysed. A tendency to increase in cholesterol index of atherogenicity and to decrease in high density lipoproteins cholesterol as well as apolipoprotein A-I level was shown to occur for P1P2 genotype patients.     

Nucleotide sequence of genes for alpha- and beta-subunits of luciferase from Photobacterium leiognathi

Nucleotide sequence of the Photobacterium leiognathi DNA containing genes of alpha and beta subunits of luciferase has been determined. We also deduced amino acid sequence and molecular mass of luciferase and localized luciferase genes in the sequenced DNA fragment.     

Mammalian protein synthesis in the cytoplasm of a plant cell

Using immunochemical and, subsequently, autoradiographic methods, the authors have shown that after the injection of the total fraction of polyribosomes isolated from the rat liver in the Acetabularia cytoplasm a protein interacting with the antiserum against rat thyrosine aminotransferase is synthesized. Prospects of using Acetabularia as a test-system for the translation of heterogenous mRNA and mRNP are discussed.     

Evolution of spore release mechanisms in the saprolegniaceae (Oomycetes): evidence from a phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer sequences

Classical studies on spore release within the Saprolegniaceae (Oomycetes) led to the proposition that different mechanisms of sporangial emptying represent steps in an evolutionary transition series. We have reevaluated this idea in a phylogenetic framework using internal transcribed spacer sequences of four genera. These data were compared with the response to osmotic stress exhibited by each taxon. Saprolegnia emerges as the most basal genus, sister to Achlya, Thraustotheca, and Dictyuchus. Achlya and Thraustotheca are most closely related, while Dictyuchus appears to have evolved along a separate evolutionary lineage. The resulting phylogenetic framework is consistent with the idea that the mechanism of sporangial emptying exhibited by Saprolegnia represents the plesiomorphic condition from which the other mechanisms were derived independently. These alternative mechanisms of spore release may have resulted from a small number of mutations that inhibited axonemal development and altered the temporal and spatial expression of lytic enzymes that degrade the sporangial wall. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.     

On the content of protein and nucleic acids in organs of chick embryos of different age

In 10-, 14-and 18-days-old chick embryos, concentrations of total protein and nucleic acids (NA) were measured using spectrophotometry in liver, brain, red gastrocnemial and white pectoral muscles and in chorioallantois. It was shown that the initial protein and NA concentration was the highest in liver and decreased markedly in the above-mentioned organs. At the second half of embryogenesis, concentration of organ protein increased 4 times in muscles, 2 times in brain, and 1.4 times in liver. This indicates a rise of cell density in the organs or of the intracellular protein concentration. The protein/NA ratio reflecting the cell size or concentration of their protein practically did not change in liver, but increased 2.3 and 2.5 times in pectoral and gastrocnemial muscles, respectively, and 2 times in brain. In chorioallantois the maximal protein concentration was observed in then 14-day old embryos, with the protein/NA ratio remaining practically unchanged.     

Indirect immunoprecipitation by rat liver polyribosomes using antibodies to tyrosine aminotransferase]

A fraction of rat liver polyribosomes is isolated, which in its immunochemical characteristics considerably enriched with polyribosomes capable to synthesize hydrocortisone-induced liver tyrosine aminotransferase isoenzyme. This specific polyribosome fraction was purified by immunochemical fractionation of total liver polyribosomes using indirect precipitation. The content of polyribosomes in immunoprecipitates comprise 0.4-0.8% of its initial amount (before immunochemical fractionation). The ratio of specific polyribosomes in immunoprecipitates varies from 20 to 45%, which corresponds to 25-100-fold purification. The data obtained suggest that the method of indirect precipitation can be an efficient step in the isolation procedure of individual mRNA.