Centriole as microtubule-organizing centers for marginal bands of molluscan erythrocytes

The erythrocytes of blood clams (arcidae) are flattened, elliptical, and nucleated. They contain elliptical marginal bands (MBs) of microtubules, each physically associated with a pair of centrioles marginal bands (MBs) of microtubles, each physically associated with a pair of centrioles (Cohen, W., and I. Nemhauser, 1980, J. Cell Biol., 86:286-291). The MBs were found to be cold labile in living cells, disappearing within 1-2 h at 0 degrees C. After the cells had been rewarmed for 1-2 h, continuous MBs with associated centrioles were once again present. Time-course studies utilizing phase contrast, antitubulin immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy of cytoskeletons prepared during rewarming revealed structural evidence of centriole participation in MB reassembly. At the earliest stage of reassembly, a continuous MB was not present. Instead, relatively short and straight microtubules focused on a pointed centriolar “pole,” and none were present elsewhere in the cytoskeleton. Thin continuous MBs then formed, still pointed in the centriolar region. Subsequently, the MBs regained ellipticity, with their thickness gradually increasing but not reaching that of controls even after several hours of rewarming. At these later time points, microtubules still radiated from the centrioles and joined the MBs some distance away. In the presence of 0.1 mM colchicines, MB reassembly was arrested at the pointed stage. Electron microscopic observations indicate that pericentriolar material is involved in microtubule nucleation in this system, rather than the centriolar triplets directly. The results suggest a model in which the centrioles and associated material nucleate assembly and growth of microtubules in diverging directions around the cell periphery. Microtubules of opposite polarity would then pass each other at the end of the cell distal to the centrioles, with continued elongation eventually closing the MB ellipse behind the centriole pair.     

Endotoxins in commercial vaccines.

Twenty samples of commercial vaccines intended for administration to humans were assayed for the presence of bacterial endotoxins by using the Limulus amebocyte lysate test. Sixteen of the vaccines contained more than 0.1 ng of endotoxin per ml (which corresponds to 103 bacterial cell wall equivalents per ml in the undiluted vaccines). These results suggest that at some stage of preparation, the vaccines have contained varying amounts of gram-negative bacteria and may indicate the presence of other bacterial products as well. It might be useful to list the level of endotoxins, phage, and other contaminants on each vaccine lot to facilitate studies on any side effects of these contaminants. Selection of vaccine lots with the least endotoxin might reduce some of the adverse effects of vaccinations.     

Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. I. Plasma levels of peroxynitrite

Peroxynitrite is a strong candidate for the material responsible for the initiation of peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) which is considered the first step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Recent advances in the understanding of peroxynitrite chemistry allow the construction of a kinetic model that can be used to understand the factors controlling levels in plasma. These results indicate that the carbon dioxide catalysed decomposition of peroxynitrite produces large quantities of reactive species, but the rapid decomposition of this intermediate, ONOOCO(-)(2), may limit its availability to attack LDLs at points distant from the site of production. In this case, peroxynitrite itself may be of greater quantitative importance in LDL peroxidation.     

High sero-prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis identified in slaughterhouse samples as a consequence of deficiencies in sheep farm management in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Background

Multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) syndrome is a hereditary congenital eye defect that was first described in Silver colored Rocky Mountain horses. The mutation causing this disease is located within a defined chromosomal interval, which also contains the gene and mutation that is associated with the Silver coat color (PMEL17, exon 11). Horses that are homozygous for the disease-causing allele have multiple defects (MCOA-phenotype), whilst the heterozygous horses predominantly have cysts of the iris, ciliary body or retina (Cyst-phenotype). It has been argued that these ocular defects are caused by a recent mutation that is restricted to horses that are related to the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. For that reason we have examined another horse breed, the Icelandic horse, which is historically quite divergent from Rocky Mountain horses.

Results

We examined 24 Icelandic horses and established that the MCOA syndrome is present in this breed. Four of these horses were categorised as having the MCOA-phenotype and were genotyped as being homozygous for the PMEL17 mutation. The most common clinical signs included megaloglobus, iris stromal hypoplasia, abnormal pectinate ligaments, iridociliary cysts occasionally extending into the peripheral retina and cataracts. The cysts and pectinate ligament abnormalities were observed in the temporal quadrant of the eyes. Fourteen horses were heterozygous for the PMEL17 mutation and were characterized as having the Cyst-phenotype with cysts and occasionally curvilinear streaks in the peripheral retina. Three additional horses were genotyped as PMEL17 heterozygotes, but in these horses we were unable to detect cysts or other forms of anomalies. One eye of a severely vision-impaired 18 month-old stallion, homozygous for the PMEL17 mutation was examined by light microscopy. Redundant duplication of non-pigmented ciliary body epithelium, sometimes forming cysts bulging into the posterior chamber and localized areas of atrophy in the peripheral retina were seen.

Conclusions

The MCOA syndrome is segregating with the PMEL17 mutation in the Icelandic Horse population. This needs to be taken into consideration in breeding decisions and highlights the fact that MCOA syndrome is present in a breed that are more ancient and not closely related to the Rocky Mountain Horse breed.     

Identification of an S-locus glycoprotein allele introgressed from B. napus ssp. rapifera to B. napus ssp. oleifera.

We have previously described a developmentally regulated mRNA in maize that accumulates in mature embryos and is involved in a variety of stress responses in the plant. The sequence of the encoded 16 kDa protein (MA16) predicts that it is an RNA-binding protein, since it possesses a ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence-type RNA-binding domain (CS-RBD). To assess the predicted RNA binding property of the protein and as a starting point to characterize its function we have used ribohomopolymer-binding assays. Here we show that the MA16-encoded protein binds preferentially to uridine- and guanosine-rich RNAs. In light of these results a likely role for this protein in RNA metabolism during late embryogenesis and in the stress response is discussed.     

The question of uniqueness of ancient bacteria

Microorganisms are associated with a variety of ancient geological materials. However, conclusive proof that these organisms are as old as the geological material and not more recent introductions has generally been lacking. Over the years, numerous reports of the isolation of ancient bacteria from geological materials have appeared. Most of these have suffered from the fact that the protocol for the surface sterilization of the sample was either poorly defined, inadequate or rarely included data to validate the overall effectiveness of the sterilization protocol. With proper sterility validation and isolation protocol, a legitimate claim for the isolation of an ancient microbe can be made. Biochemical, physiological, or morphological data indicate that these ancient microbes are not significantly different from modern isolates. As the role (decomposition) of modern and ancient microbes has not changed over time, it is probably unreasonable to expect these organisms to be vastly different. A discussion on the reasons for the homogeneity of ancient and modern microbes is presented. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2002) 28, 32–41 DOI: 10.1038/sj/jim/7000174 Received 20 May 2001/ Accepted in revised form 16 June 2001     

Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. III: the role of antioxidants

Peroxynitrite is a candidate for the substance responsible for the initiation of peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in blood. This is believed to be the initial step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Using kinetic arguments, this paper examines possible routes in both LDL particles and in the surrounding plasma for antioxidants to block peroxidation. The antioxidants considered include ascorbate ion, glutathione and human serum albumin in plasma as well as alpha -tocopherol, ubiquinone-10 and carotenoids in the LDL particles. The results suggest that in the plasma compartment the most efficacious blocking mechanism is the reaction of ascorbate ion with the peroxynitrite precursor, superoxide ion. The situation in LDL particles is much less clear cut because of the paucity of kinetic data in this medium. However, some constraints are suggested on the requirements for an effective antioxidant.     

Endolithic chlorophyll d-containing phototrophs

Cyanobacteria in the genus Acaryochloris are the only known oxyphototrophs that have exchanged chlorophyll a (Chl a) with Chl d as their primary photopigment, facilitating oxygenic photosynthesis with near infrared (NIR) light. Yet their ecology and natural habitats are largely unknown. We used hyperspectral and variable chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, scanning electron microscopy, photopigment analysis and DNA sequencing to show that Acaryochloris-like cyanobacteria thrive underneath crustose coralline algae in a widespread endolithic habitat on coral reefs. This finding suggests an important role of Chl d-containing cyanobacteria in a range of hitherto unexplored endolithic habitats, where NIR light-driven oxygenic photosynthesis may be significant.     

Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. II: reaction/diffusion model of peroxynitrite in low-density lipoprotein particles

Peroxynitrite is a possible initiator for the free radical chain reaction that results in peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) which is the first step in atherogenisis. This paper reports on the use of a diffusion/reaction model to examine the processes involved in peroxynitrite attack on LDL particles. Results indicate that because of the short distance involved, diffusion is much more rapid than chemical decomposition. Because of this decoupling the free radicals generated by peroxynitrite decomposition may be found at any point in the LDL particle. At the concentrations expected in physiological systems only a small proportion of LDL particles may contain peroxynitrite molecules. However, these particles may still be profoundly effected because of the long reaction chain length expected after initiation.