The pathophysiology and current treatments for the subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma: An updated review

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cutaneous T cell lymphoma, which is indolent in nature but could claim life if not correctly diagnosed and promptly treated. SPTCL is usually presented clinically as painless subcutaneous and erythematous nodules over the trunk or extremities. Active clinical vigilance for these subcutaneous nodules or panniculitis-like lesions is warranted. A biopsy must be performed in order to make a correct diagnosis. Positron emission tomography scan is utilized for disease staging and treatment follow-up. Due to the rarity of this lymphoma, a standard treatment protocol is not established yet. However, most cases of SPTCL could be treated well under immunosuppressive or polychemotherapeutic drugs except in cases with hemophagocytic syndrome. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be used in refractory or relapse cases. In this review, we presented a case of SPTCL with long-term complete remission. Meanwhile, since most clinical evidences and experiences of SPTCL are based mostly on case reports or small case series, and the understanding of the SPTCL pathophysiology is limited, we reviewed and updated the pathophysiology and treatments of SPTCL.

Limited effect of reducing pulmonary tuberculosis incidence amid mandatory facial masking for COVID-19

Although the incidence and mortality rates associated with tuberculosis (TB) have been decreasing in many countries, TB remains a major public health concern. Obligatory facial masking and reduced health-care capacity because of COVID-19 may substantially influence TB transmission and care. The Global Tuberculosis Report 2021 published by the World Health Organization indicated a TB rebound at the end of 2020, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored this rebound phenomenon in Taiwan by investigating whether TB incidence and mortality are affected by COVID-19 because of their common route of transmission. In addition, we investigated whether the incidence of TB varies across regions with different incidences of COVID-19. Data (2010-2021) regarding annual new cases of TB and multidrug-resistant TB were collected from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. TB incidence and mortality were assessed in Taiwan's seven administrative regions. Over the last decade, TB incidence decreased continually, even during 2020 and 2021, the years coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, TB incidence remained high in regions with low COVID-19 incidence. However, the overall decreasing trends of TB incidence and mortality remained unchanged during the pandemic. Facial masking and social distancing may prevent COVID-19 transmission but exhibit limited efficacy in reducing TB transmission. Thus, during health-related policymaking, policymakers must consider TB rebound, even in the post-COVID-19 era.

IL-33 Enhances ACE2 Expression on Epidermal Keratinocytes in Atopic Dermatitis: A Plausible Issue for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Inflamed Atopic Skin

Background: Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an important cytokine in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) and in the progression of COVID-19. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. Whether IL-33 could regulate the expression of ACE2 mechanistically in keratinocytes warrants investigation. Objective: We questioned whether the ACE2 expression is increased in AD skin. We also questioned whether ACE2 is expressed in keratinocytes; if so, would its expression be enhanced mechanistically by IL-33. Methods: We measured and compared the expression of ACE2 in skin from patients with AD, patients with psoriasis, and healthy controls using immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescent exam, and quantitative RT-PCR were used for measuring the ACE2 expression in cultured keratinocytes treated with IL-33 and IL-17. Blocking antibodies were utilized to study the intracellular signaling pathways governing the ACE2 expression using cytokines. Results: The results showed that the ACE2 expression is increased in AD compared with that in healthy skin and psoriasis. In primary epidermal keratinocytes, ACE2 is constitutively expressed. IL-33 induces a time-dependent increase in ACE2 expression in cultured keratinocytes through quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescent examinations. Furthermore, pretreatment of an ERK inhibitor, but not a STAT3 inhibitor, eliminated the increases in ACE2 by IL-33 in keratinocytes, indicating that IL-33 enhances ACE2 expression through ERK on epidermal keratinocytes. Conclusion: This is the first study to reveal that IL-33 enhances ACE2 expression on keratinocytes via ERK. Although further mechanistic studies are required, the increased ACE2 expression in IL-33 might have a biological implication on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with AD.

Population structure and phylogenetic analysis of laboratory rabbits in Taiwan based on microsatellite markers

Laboratory rabbits used in Taiwan are primarily supplied by the Livestock Research Institute (LRI) and the Animal Drugs Inspection Branch (ADIB) of the Animal Health Research Institute. An analysis of the genetic characteristics and structure of these populations would thus be a fundamental step in building a long-term management programme for maintaining stable animal quality and preserving the genetic variation among the populations. In this study, DNA samples were isolated from founders of 5 populations: New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) and Japanese White rabbits (JPN) from the ADIB, NZW and Rex rabbits (REX) from the LRI, and NZW from a private rabbit breeding farm in Ban Ciao (BC). A set of microsatellite markers, 18 in total, was designed for genetic analysis. The average values for the allele number (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (H_E), and Wright’s fixation index (F_IS) were 5.50, 2.437, 0.442, 0.568 and 0.232, respectively. These results revealed that this set of microsatellite markers has high diversity and that the major local populations have a tendency toward inbreeding. At the same time, analysis of molecular variance results showed that the laboratory rabbits used in Taiwan have maintained a high level of within-population genetic differentiation (83%). The genetic differentiation among clusters was moderate (F_ST=0.18), and Bayesian cluster analysis showed that the most likely number of groups was 4 (K=4). Principal component analysis (PCA) also showed 4 divergent clusters. The LRI and BC NZW populations were not separated when K=4 was used in a Structure software analysis and were also hard to split until principal component 3 in PCA. The individual unrooted phylogenetic tree showed that the 5 populations were separated, except that some individuals from the LRI NZW population overlapped with the ADIB NZW and BC NZW populations. As such, in order to counteract the reduced F_IS (0.232) and maximise heterozygosity, the 3 NZW populations could be interbred or have new genes introduced into them. The set of microsatellite markers used herein was useful for studying the relationships and genetic diversities among these rabbit populations of Taiwan. Based on the resulting data, rabbit farms in Taiwan could select parental stocks for planned mating in the future as part of strategies to preserve and restore the rational breeding of laboratory rabbits.

Differential gene expression between the porcine morula and blastocyst

The survival and development of pre-implantation embryos are determinant factors affecting the outcome of animal reproduction. It is essential to transfer the expression of the genetic material from maternal sources, that is the ovum to the zygote before implantation to ensure successful development. Differentiation and transformation of blastomeres initiated during the morula and blastocyst stages is an important step of the embryonic development prior to implantation. We collected morula and early blastocyst samples from pure-bred Landrace pigs in vivo to study the differential gene expression patterns at these two stages. Total RNA was extracted from individual embryos and two rounds of amplification were employed. Two micrograms of antisense RNA, targets, were prepared and hybridized with each of four custom made oligo microarrays representing 24,000 porcine genes. The analyses of replicate hybridizations showed that among the 24,000 genes, 162 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in the morula compared to early blastocysts and 2126 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in early blastocysts compared to the morula. Of these differentially expressed genes, 1429 genes were functionally annotated with related human Gene Ontology terms. In addition to basic metabolic processes, genes related to signal transduction, transportation and cell differentiation were found in both stages and were up-regulated as embryo development proceeded. Real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to quantify 12 genes differentially expressed in the 2 embryonic stages and validated the reliability of major evidences shown in microarrays. In conclusion, we have obtained a preliminary landscape of genes differentially expressed during the transition from morula to early blastocysts in pigs and showed a generally increased transcriptional activity, perhaps in preparation for implantation. Our results provide an opportunity to study the functions of these genes in relation to the development and survival of pre-implantation porcine embryos.

Visfatin regulates genes related to lipid metabolism in porcine adipocytes

Visfatin is a visceral adipose tissue-specific adipocytokine that plays a positive role in attenuating insulin resistance by binding to the insulin receptor. Visfatin has been suggested to play a role in the regulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation; however, the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of visfatin on the regulation of gene expression in cultured porcine preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes. In preadipocytes, the mRNA abundance of lipoprotein lipase and PPARgamma were significantly increased by visfatin or insulin treatment after 8 d (all P < 0.05). In the presence of insulin, the mRNA abundance of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein was 24.7-fold greater than in the untreated group (P < 0.05), whereas visfatin alone had no effect on adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein mRNA abundance. Adipocyte differentiation was induced by insulin treatment for 8 d. In differentiated porcine adipocytes, exposure to insulin or visfatin for 24 h increased (P < 0.05) fatty acid synthase mRNA abundance but had no effect on the expression of sterol regulatory element binding-protein 1c mRNA. We also found a 5.8-fold upregulation of IL-6 expression in porcine adipocytes after 24 h of treatment with visfatin (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that visfatin upregulated lipoprotein lipase expression in preadipocytes, potentially facilitating lipid uptake, and increased the gene expression of fatty acid synthase in differentiated adipocytes to potentially enhance lipogenic activity. Furthermore, visfatin can upregulate IL-6 expression in differentiated porcine adipocytes. The information presented in this study provides insights into the roles of visfatin in lipid metabolism in pigs.

Abundantly expressed hepatic genes and their differential expression in liver of prelaying and laying geese

Geese have a short egg-laying period and a low egg production rate. To induce and maintain egg laying, genes related to generating hepatic lipid for yolk deposition should be adequately expressed. Liver mRNA from 6 laying geese was extracted and used for construction of a full-length enriched cDNA library. About 2,400 clones containing gene sequences were determined and National Center for Biotechnology Information Gallus gallus Gene Index databases were used to compare and analyze these sequences. Ten highly expressed genes were selected to determine the differential expression between laying and prelay goose liver. Tissue distribution data showed that very low density apolipoprotein II, liver type fatty acid binding protein, vitellogenin I, and vitellogenin II transcripts were specifically expressed in the liver of laying geese. Ovoinhibitor, preproalbumin, alpha-2-hs-glycoprotein, and vitamin D binding protein mRNA were highly expressed in the liver and to a lesser extent in other tissues. Ovotransferrin mRNA was expressed in liver, ovary, oviduct, shell gland, brain, and adipose tissues. The concentration of transthyretin mRNA was high in the liver and brain. The mRNA concentrations of liver type fatty acid binding protein, alpha-2-hs-glycoprotein, and transthyretin in the livers of laying and prelay geese were not different. The concentrations of hepatic ovotransferrin, ovoinhibitor, preproalbumin, very low density apolipoprotein II, vitellogenin I, vitellogenin II, and vitamin D binding protein mRNA were higher in the liver of laying geese than in prelay geese, suggesting that these genes may be involved in laying function or lipid metabolism related to egg formation.

Docosahexaenoic acid regulates adipogenic genes in myoblasts via porcine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) triggers adipocyte differentiation by regulating lipogenic genes. A ligand for PPARgamma is necessary to activate PPARgamma function. Fatty acids are potential ligands for PPARgamma activation. The current experiment was designed to determine the potential for individual fatty acids to activate porcine PPARgamma ectopically expressed in myoblasts. The expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and adiponectin in myoblasts stably expressing porcine PPARgamma was increased when docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was added to the adipogenic medium. The response was positively related to DHA concentration and suggests that DHA may bind to and activate porcine PPARgamma, leading to increased expression of aP2 and adiponectin. The conditioned media collected from myoblasts expressing PPARgamma between d 3 and 6 or between d 6 and 9, but not DHA itself, activated the aP2 gene promoter-driven luciferase activity. These results suggest that a metabolite of DHA is the ligand binding to and activating porcine PPARgamma. The metabolite and pathway for its production are currently unknown.

Abundantly expressed genes in pig adipose tissue: an expressed sequence tag approach

Adipose tissue plays a critical role in metabolism, storage, and release of fatty acids in mammals. Construction of a full-length cDNA library is an effective way to understand the functional expression of genes in adipose tissue, and in addition, novel genes for further research can be found in the library. In this study, adipose tissue RNA was extracted from three 18-mo-old Lee-Sung pigs. The mRNA was isolated, reverse transcribed, and used to construct a cDNA library. After transformation, 2,880 clones were selected and sequenced. Cluster analysis was performed, and the assembled contig of each cluster was subjected to search against DNA sequences in the nucleotide databases (NCBINR/TIGRGI). These sequences were clustered into 1,527 unique sequences; 80% of the sequences were categorized as known genes, and 20% of the sequences were categorized as unknown genes. In this adipose tissue cDNA library, approximately 16% of the genes contained full-length sequences with start and stop codons. Gene ontology analysis was performed to indicate the possible functions of these genes. Genes associated with mitochondrial function were abundant and represented 10% of the total. Several fatty acid transport genes and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase were among the most abundant genes expressed. Tissue distribution of several abundant genes was analyzed by northern analysis, and many of these genes were transcribed in porcine adipose tissue in high copy number. Our full-length sequence data and tissue distribution data can be used to decipher the functional roles exhibited by the adipocyte under various perturbations via endocrine, environmental, genetic, nutritional, pharmacological, or physiological manipulations.

Expressed transcripts associated with high rates of egg production in chicken ovarian follicles

The purpose of this study was to characterize differentially expressed transcripts associated with varying rates of egg production in Taiwan country chickens. Ovarian follicles were isolated from two strains of chicken which showed low (B) or high (L2) rates of egg production, then processed for RNA extraction and cDNA library construction. Three thousand and eight forty clones were randomly selected from the cDNA library and amplified by PCR, then used in microarray analysis. Differentially expressed transcripts (P<0.05, log(2)> or = 1.75) were sequenced, and aligned using GenBank. This analysis revealed 20 non-redundant sequences which corresponded to known transcripts. Eight transcripts were expressed at a higher level in ovarian tissue prepared from chicken strain B, and 12 transcripts were expressed at a higher level in L2 birds. These differential patterns of expression were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. We show that transcripts of cyclin B2 (cycB2), ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1), Gag-Pol polyprotein, thymosin beta4 (TB4) and elongation factor 1 alpha1 (EEF1A1) were enriched in B strain ovarian follicles. In contrast, thioredoxin (TXN), acetyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL), inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) and annexin II (ANXA2) were expressed in at higher levels in the L2 strain. We suggest that our approach may lead to the isolation of effective molecular markers that can be used in selection programs in Taiwan country chickens.

Effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5'-flanking region of heat shock protein 70.2 gene on semen quality in boars

This study aims to elucidate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'-flanking region of porcine heat shock protein 70.2 gene (HSP70.2) on semen quality in boars. Genomic DNA isolated from 55 boars (41 Duroc, nine Landrace, and five Yorkshire) was subjected to PCR amplification of the 5'-flanking region of HSP70.2. The nucleotide sequences were determined by automated sequencing. Five SNPs (sites 44, 232, 250, 345, and 393) were detected in this region. Semen quality was evaluated in terms of sperm motility, percentage of normal sperm, percentage of sperm with proximal plasma droplet, percentage of abnormal sperm, sperm concentration, semen volume per ejaculate and total sperm number per ejaculate. The effect of the SNPs on semen quality was evaluated based on breed-corrected data within a season. During the cool season, the sperm motility of boars with AA genotype at the 232 site was significantly higher than that of boars with CC genotype (P<0.05). Meanwhile, boars with AC genotype at the 232 site had higher total sperm number per ejaculate than did those with CC genotype. In the hot season, heterozygotes at both the 232 and 250 sites had significantly higher total sperm number of per ejaculate than AA homozygotes (P<0.05). Semen volume of boars with TT and TC genotypes at the 345 site was significantly larger than that of those with CC genotype (P<0.05). Meanwhile, semen quality for boars with TT genotype at the 345 site was significantly higher than that of boars with TC or CC genotype (P<0.05), that is the semen contained higher percentages of normal sperm and lower percentages of abnormal sperm or sperm with proximal plasma droplets. Results herein suggest that the SNPs in the 5'-flanking region of porcine HSP70.2 are associated with semen quality traits in the hot season.

Redox signal transduction by the ArcB sensor kinase of Haemophilus influenzae lacking the PAS domain

The Arc (anoxic redox control) two-component signal transduction system of Escherichia coli, which comprises the tripartite ArcB sensor kinase and the ArcA response regulator, modulates the expression of numerous operons in response to redox conditions of growth. We demonstrate that the arcA and arcB genes of Haemophilus influenzae specify a two-component system. The Arc proteins of the two bacterial species sufficiently resemble each other that they can participate in heterologous transphosphorylation in vitro. Moreover, the Arc system of H. influenzae mediates transcriptional control according to the redox condition of growth both autologously in its own host and homologously in E. coli, indicating a high degree of functional conservation of the signal transduction system. The H. influenzae ArcB, however, lacks the PAS domain present in the region of E. coli ArcB linking the transmembrane to the cytosolic catalytic domains. Because the PAS domain participates in signal reception in a variety of sensory proteins, including sensors of molecular oxygen and redox state, a similar role was previously ascribed to it in ArcB. Our results demonstrate that the ArcB protein of H. influenzae mediates signal transduction in response to redox conditions of growth despite the absence of the PAS domain.

Effects of birth season, breed, sex, and sire family on cardiac morphology determined in pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) by use of echocardiography

PURPOSE

Echocardiography played an important role in the screening and diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the study reported here, we attempted to evaluate the effects of birth season, breed, sex, and sire family on cardiac morphology determined in pigs by use of echocardiography.

METHODS

A total of 411 pigs (mean body weight and age of 105.7 +/- 10.6 kg and 214.4 +/- 25.5 days, respectively) with different genetic backgrounds (Landrace, Yorkshire, and their two-way crossbred) were studied. Cardiac morphologic measurements included thickness of left ventricle and interventricular septum at end-systolic and end-diastolic phases. Meanwhile, the statistical model included the following effects: birth season, breed, sex, interaction between breed and sex, sire family, body weight, and age.

RESULTS

Mean cardiac morphologic measurements were as follows: thickness of the interventricular septum at end-systolic and end-diastolic phases was 1.74 and 1.14 cm, respectively; and thickness of the left ventricular free wall at end-systolic and end-diastolic phases was 1.81 and 0.98 cm, respectively. Medium positive correlations existed among the cardiac morphologic measurements r = 0.31 to 0.53; P < 0.001). Pigs born in spring had significantly (P < 0.05) lower cardiac thickness at the end systolic phase than did pigs born in other seasons, and Landrace pigs had higher cardiac morphologic measurements than did Yorkshire and two-way crossbred pigs. Additionally, thickness of interventricular septum at the end-diastolic phase in male pigs was significantly higher than that in female pigs (P < 0.05). Cardiac morphologic measurements for the sire family were significantly (P < 0.05) different, and contributed 77.2 to 87.9% of the total variation, suggesting that genetic variation in cardiac morphology might exist in pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac morphology of pigs might be influenced by genetic background. The effects of birth season, breed, sire family, and sex should be adjusted when using pigs as an animal model for comparative cardiovascular studies.

A comparison of effectiveness and cost between two models of care for individuals with schizophrenia living in Taiwan

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that places tremendous costs and burden on patients, families, and communities. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost and effectiveness of a hospital-based home care model and a traditional community care model for schizophrenia in Taiwan using six principles of cost-effectiveness analysis. Based on the health care provider's analytic perspective, four effectiveness indicators and four service costs were identified and measured, and the ratio of average cost value to effectiveness score for each patient was calculated. According to that ratio, the hospital-based home care model was more cost-effective. The results suggest that the hospital-based outreach home care model is a cost-effective way to care for patients and their family in the community.

Quinones as the redox signal for the arc two-component system of bacteria

The Arc two-component signal transduction system mediates adaptive responses of Escherichia coli to changing respiratory conditions of growth. Under anaerobic conditions, the ArcB sensor kinase autophosphorylates and then transphosphorylates ArcA, a global transcriptional regulator that controls the expression of numerous operons involved in respiratory or fermentative metabolism. We show that oxidized forms of quinone electron carriers act as direct negative signals that inhibit autophosphorylation of ArcB during aerobiosis. Thus, the Arc signal transduction system provides a link between the electron transport chain and gene expression.

Isotope imaging for metastatic thyroid cancer

Many isotopes are available for imaging patients with suspected thyroid cancer recurrence and metastases. TSH-stimulated low-dose 131I whole-body scanning with serum thyroglobulin either by standard LT4 withdrawal or rhTSH stimulation is the preferred test for monitoring patients without palpable disease or elevated serum thyroglobulin on LT4 therapy (Fig. 5). This approach has the advantage of finding disease that may be amenable to 131I therapy, although low-dose 131I scans are less sensitive than are scans with other imaging agents. 123I has better imaging characteristics than 131I and has been shown to be equivalent or superior to low-dose 131I in recent studies. As the availability of 123I increases and the cost decreases, this agent may replace 131I in imaging for recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer. Patients who have an elevated serum thyroglobulin on LT4 therapy or after TSH stimulation but have a negative low-dose 131I scan require other imaging procedures to find the suspected disease. The authors currently perform a sensitive neck ultrasound to look for surgically remediable disease and consider a noncontrast CT scan of the chest to look for small pulmonary metastases that poorly concentrate low doses of 131I (Fig. 5). Fluoro-18-deoxyglucose PET, 99mTc MIBI, 201Tl, and 99mTc tetrofosmin are primarily useful in the setting of a negative whole-body 131I scan and elevated serum thyroglobulin. 18FDG-PET seems to have the highest sensitivity in this setting and would be the preferred imaging agent, but availability and cost are major issues (Fig. 5). Although some researchers have advocated these radiopharmaceuticals as first-line agents replacing 131I, there is little support for this position. This approach to imaging is not cost-effective because positive scans in these patients would most likely require 131I scintigraphy to determine whether the lesions are amenable to radioiodine therapy. 99mTc pertechnetate, 99mTc furifosmin, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy have a limited role in imaging for recurrent or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In choosing among 99mTc MIBI, 201Tl, and 99mTc tetrofosmin, the technetium label of sestamibi and tetrofosmin results in better image quality and faster imaging than 201Tl. Although 99mTc sestamibi and 99mTc tetrofosmin have not been compared in a large series, the higher tumor-to-background ratio and consistently high sensitivities of 99mTc tetrofosmin suggest that it could potentially have additional value over 99mTc sestamibi, but there is still limited experience with 99mTc tetrofosmin.

Radionuclide imaging of hepatic and biliary disease

This article will focus on common clinical applications of scintigraphy in focal hepatic lesions, acute cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, biliary obstruction, postoperative liver and biliary tract, and neonatal cholestasis. The utility of positron emission tomography will also be addressed.

Peri-stent vascular channels after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement for Budd-Chiari syndrome: CT and US findings

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement has been used as a bridge to transplantation in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Stent occlusion is a fairly common but seldom described complication after TIPS placement for Budd-Chiari syndrome. I present a case of a patient with Budd-Chiari who developed vascular channels paralleling an occluded stent. These channels were demonstrated only by power Doppler ultrasound and resulted in an unusual transient hepatic attenuation difference around the stent on computed tomography.

Association of heat shock protein 70 with semen quality in boars

This study attempted to clarify the relationship between the levels of 70kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) and semen quality in boars. Semen samples from 29 (13 Duroc, 9 Landrace, and 7 Yorkshire) boars (mean age=25.2+/-2.2 months) were examined. Three to four ejaculates per boar, collected during cool and hot seasons, were evaluated in terms of the sperm concentration, sperm motility, percentage of normal and abnormal sperm, as well as percentage of sperm with proximal and distal plasma droplets. Significant seasonal and breed differences in semen quality were observed. Experimental results indicate that the semen quality of Landrace boars was better than those of Yorkshire and Duroc boars (P<0.05) and semen quality declined significantly during the hot season (P<0.05). One-dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis of spermatozoa proteins indicated that protein profiles did not significantly differ between seasons and among breeds. Both constitutive and stress-inducible form of HSP70 were detected in boar spermatozoa by Western blot analysis. The level of HSP70, which revealed no difference among breeds within a season, was significantly lower during the hot season in all the three breeds (P<0.05). Although there appeared to be low correlation coefficients between the level of HSP70 and semen quality traits, the semen quality tended to decline significantly in samples with a lower level of HSP70. Results in this study suggest that the levels of HSP70 in boar spermatozoa are significantly lower during the hot season and might be associated with semen quality.

Evolution of the adhE gene product of Escherichia coli from a functional reductase to a dehydrogenase. Genetic and biochemical studies of the mutant proteins

The multifunctional AdhE protein of Escherichia coli (encoded by the adhE gene) physiologically catalyzes the sequential reduction of acetyl-CoA to acetaldehyde and then to ethanol under fermentative conditions. The NH(2)-terminal region of the AdhE protein is highly homologous to aldehyde:NAD(+) oxidoreductases, whereas the COOH-terminal region is homologous to a family of Fe(2+)-dependent ethanol:NAD(+) oxidoreductases. This fusion protein also functions as a pyruvate formate lyase deactivase. E. coli cannot grow aerobically on ethanol as the sole carbon and energy source because of inadequate rate of adhE transcription and the vulnerability of the AdhE protein to metal-catalyzed oxidation. In this study, we characterized 16 independent two-step mutants with acquired and improved aerobic growth ability on ethanol. The AdhE proteins in these mutants catalyzed the sequential oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde and to acetyl-CoA. All first stage mutants grew on ethanol with a doubling time of about 240 min. Sequence analysis of a randomly chosen mutant revealed an Ala-267 --> Thr substitution in the acetaldehyde:NAD(+) oxidoreductase domain of AdhE. All second stage mutants grew on ethanol with a doubling time of about 90 min, and all of them produced an AdhE(A267T/E568K). Purified AdhE(A267T) and AdhE(A267T/E568K) showed highly elevated acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activities. It therefore appears that when AdhE catalyzes the two sequential reactions in the counter-physiological direction, acetaldehyde dehydrogenation is the rate-limiting step. Both mutant proteins were more thermosensitive than the wild-type protein, but AdhE(A267T/E568K) was more thermal stable than AdhE(A267T). Since both mutant enzymes exhibited similar kinetic properties, the second mutation probably conferred an increased growth rate on ethanol by stabilizing AdhE(A267T).

Phosphorelay as the sole physiological route of signal transmission by the arc two-component system of Escherichia coli

The Arc two-component system, comprising a tripartite sensor kinase (ArcB) and a response regulator (ArcA), modulates the expression of numerous genes involved in respiratory functions. In this study, the steps of phosphoryl group transfer from phosphorylated ArcB to ArcA were examined in vivo by using single copies of wild-type and mutant arcB alleles. The results indicate that the signal transmission occurs solely by His-Asp-His-Asp phosphorelay.

Optimization of separation and migration behavior of cephalosporins in capillary zone electrophoresis

The influences of buffer pH, buffer concentration and buffer electrolyte on the migration behavior and separation of 12 cephalosporin antibiotics in capillary zone electrophoresis using three different types of buffer electrolyte, including phosphate, citrate, and 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonate (MES), were investigated. The results indicate that, although buffer pH is a crucial parameter, buffer concentration also plays an important role in the separation of cephalosporins, particularly when cefuroxime and cefazolin, cephalexin and cefaclor, or cefotaxime and cephapirin are present as analytes at the same time. The electrophoretic mobility of cephalosporins and electroosmotic mobility measured in citrate and MES buffers are remarkably different from those measured in phosphate buffer. With citrate buffer, optimum buffer concentration is confined to a small range (35-40 mM), whereas buffer concentrations up to 300 mM can be used with MES buffer. Complete separations of 12 cephalosporins could be satisfactorily achieved with these three buffers under various optimum conditions. However, the separability of 12 cephalosporins with citrate or MES buffer is better than that with phosphate buffer. As a consequence of a greater electrophoretic mobility of cephalosporins than the electroosmotic mobility with citrate buffer at pH below about 5, some cephalosporins are not detectable. The cloudiness of the peak identification and of the magnitudes of the electrophoretic mobility of cefotaxime and cefuroxime reported previously are clarified. In addition, the pKa values of cephradine, cephalexin, cefaclor, and cephapirin attributed to the deprotonation of either an amino group or a pyridinium group are reported, and the migration behavior of these cephalosporins in the pH range studied is quantitatively described.

The ArcB sensor kinase of Escherichia coli: genetic exploration of the transmembrane region

The Arc two-component signal transduction system of Escherichia coli regulates the expression of numerous operons in response to respiratory growth conditions. Cellular redox state or proton motive force (Delta(H(+))) has been proposed to be the signal for the membrane-associated ArcB sensor kinase. This study provided evidence for a short ArcB periplasmic bridge that contains a His47. The dispensability of this amino acid, the only amino acid with a pK in the physiological range, renders the Delta(H(+)) model unlikely. Furthermore, results from substituting membrane segments of ArcB with counterparts of MalF indicate that the region does not play a stereospecific role in signal reception.

Cpx two-component signal transduction in Escherichia coli: excessive CpxR-P levels underlie CpxA* phenotypes

In Escherichia coli, the CpxA-CpxR two-component signal transduction system and the sigma(E) and sigma(32) response pathways jointly regulate gene expression in adaptation to adverse conditions. These include envelope protein distress, heat shock, oxidative stress, high pH, and entry into stationary phase. Certain mutant versions of the CpxA sensor protein (CpxA* proteins) exhibit an elevated ratio of kinase to phosphatase activity on CpxR, the cognate response regulator. As a result, CpxA* strains display numerous phenotypes, many of which cannot be easily related to currently known functions of the CpxA-CpxR pathway. It is unclear whether CpxA* phenotypes are caused solely by hyperphosphorylation of CpxR. We here report that all of the tested CpxA* phenotypes depend on elevated levels of CpxR-P and not on cross-signalling of CpxA* to noncognate response regulators.

Amplification of signaling activity of the arc two-component system of Escherichia coli by anaerobic metabolites. An in vitro study with different protein modules

In Escherichia coli, changes in redox condition of growth are sensed and signaled by the Arc two-component system. This system consists of ArcB as the membrane-associated sensor kinase and ArcA as the cytoplasmic response regulator. ArcB is a tripartite kinase, possessing a primary transmitter, a receiver, and a secondary transmitter domain that catalyzes the phosphorylation of ArcA via a His --> Asp --> His --> Asp phosphorelay, as well as the dephosphorylation of ArcA-P by a reverse phosphorelay. When ArcA and ArcB were incubated with ATP, the peak levels of phosphorylated proteins increased in the presence of the fermentation metabolites D-lactate, acetate, or pyruvate. In this study, we report that these effectors accelerate the autophosphorylation activity of ArcB and enhance the transphosphorylation of ArcA, but have no effect on the dephosphorylation of ArcA-P. Moreover, the presence of the receiver domain of ArcB is essential for the effectors to influence the autophosphorylation rate of the primary transmitter domain of ArcB.

Regulation of expression of the adhE gene, encoding ethanol oxidoreductase in Escherichia coli: transcription from a downstream promoter and regulation by fnr and RpoS

The adhE gene of Escherichia coli, located at min 27 on the chromosome, encodes the bifunctional NAD-linked oxidoreductase responsible for the conversion of acetyl-coenzyme A to ethanol during fermentative growth. The expression of adhE is dependent on both transcriptional and posttranscriptional controls and is about 10-fold higher during anaerobic than during aerobic growth. Two putative transcriptional start sites have been reported: one at position -292 and the other at -188 from the translational start codon ATG. In this study we show, by using several different transcriptional and translational fusions to the lacZ gene, that both putative transcriptional start sites can be functional and each site can be redox regulated. Although both start sites are NarL repressible in the presence of nitrate, Fnr activates only the -188 start site and Fis is required for the transcription of only the -292 start site. In addition, it was discovered that RpoS activates adhE transcription at both start sites. Under all experimental conditions tested, however, only the upstream start site is active. Available evidence indicates that under those conditions, the upstream promoter region acts as a silencer of the downstream transcriptional start site. Translation of the mRNA starting at -292, but not the one starting at -188, requires RNase III. The results support the previously postulated ribosomal binding site (RBS) occlusion model, according to which RNase III cleavage is required to release the RBS from a stem-loop structure in the long transcript.

A cyclic AMP receptor protein mutant that constitutively activates an Escherichia coli promoter disrupted by an IS5 insertion

Previously an Escherichia coli mutant that had acquired the ability to grow on propanediol as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated. This phenotype is the result of the constitutive expression of the fucO gene (in the fucAO operon), which encodes one of the enzymes in the fucose metabolic pathway. The mutant was found to bear an IS5 insertion in the intergenic regulatory region between the divergently oriented fucAO and fucPIK operons. Though expression of the fucAO operon was constitutive, the fucPIK operon became noninducible such that the mutant could no longer grow on fucose. A fucose-positive revertant which was found to contain a suppressor mutation in the crp gene was selected. Here we identify this crp mutation, which results in a single amino acid substitution (K52N) that has been proposed previously to uncover a cryptic activating region in the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP). We show that the mutant CRP constitutively activates transcription from both the IS5-disrupted and the wild-type fucPIK promoters, and we identify the CRP-binding site that is required for this activity. Our results show that the fucPIK promoter, a complex promoter which ordinarily depends on both CRP and the fucose-specific regulator FucR for its activation, can be activated in the absence of FucR by a mutant CRP that uses three, rather than two, activating regions to contact RNA polymerase. For the IS5-disrupted promoter, which retains a single CRP-binding site, the additional activating region of the mutant CRP evidently compensates for the lack of upstream regulatory sequences.

Regulation of adhE (encoding ethanol oxidoreductase) by the Fis protein in Escherichia coli

The adhE gene of Escherichia coli encodes a multifunctional ethanol oxidoreductase whose expression is 10-fold higher under anaerobic than aerobic conditions. Transcription of the gene is under the negative control of the Cra (catabolite repressor-activator) protein, whereas translation of the adhE mRNA requires processing by RNase III. In this report, we show that the expression of adhE also depends on the Fis (factor for inversion stimulation) protein. A strain bearing a fis::kan null allele failed to grow anaerobically on glucose solely because of inadequate adhE transcription. However, fis expression itself is not under redox control. Sequence inspection of the adhE promoter revealed three potential Fis binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, using purified Fis protein and adhE promoter DNA, showed three different complexes.

The CpxRA signal transduction system of Escherichia coli: growth-related autoactivation and control of unanticipated target operons

In Escherichia coli, the CpxRA two-component signal transduction system senses and responds to aggregated and misfolded proteins in the bacterial envelope. We show that CpxR-P (the phosphorylated form of the cognate response regulator) activates cpxRA expression in conjunction with RpoS, suggesting an involvement of the Cpx system in stationary-phase survival. Engagement of the CpxRA system in functions beyond protein management is indicated by several putative targets identified after a genomic screening for the CpxR-P recognition consensus sequence. Direct negative control of the newly identified targets motABcheAW (specifying motility and chemotaxis) and tsr (encoding the serine chemoreceptor) by CpxR-P was shown by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and Northern hybridization. The results suggest that the CpxRA system plays a core role in an extensive stress response network in which the coordination of protein turnover and energy conservation may be the unifying element.

Hemodynamics revealed by Doppler sonography in patients who have undergone creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: comparison of 10- and 12-mm metallic stents

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in baseline flow velocities in the main portal vein and the stent after the creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts with 10- and 12-mm Wallstents.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We used Doppler sonography to determine baseline flow velocities in the stent and the main portal vein in 80 patients (38 patients with 10-mm Wallstents dilated to 10 mm and 42 patients with 12-mm Wallstents dilated to 12 mm) who had undergone creation of trans jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts without complications.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in the maximum flow velocity in the stent between the patients with 10-mm stents (160.3+/-34.3 cm/sec) and those with 12-mm stents (164.4+/-33.8 cm/sec). We also found no significant difference in the minimum flow velocity in the stent between the 10-mm group (132.4+/-28.9 cm/sec) and the 12-mm group (126.7+/-28.3 cm/sec). However, flow velocity through the main portal vein was significantly higher in the patients with 12-mm stents (53.6+/-18.4 cm/sec) than in those with 10-mm stents (45.1+/-13.8 cm/sec) (p < .03).

CONCLUSION

After creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, baseline flow velocities in the main portal vein in patients with 12-mm stents exceeded those in patients with 10-mm stents, although neither maximum nor minimum flow velocities in the stent differed between these two groups of patients. These findings suggest that criteria for shunt malfunction that use flow velocity in the main portal vein may need modification when 12-mm stents are being evaluated.

Regulation of guinea pig hepatic acyl-coa:cholesterol acyltransferase activity by dietary fat saturation and cholesterol

We measured the interactive effects of dietary cholesterol and fat on the regulation of hepatic acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity and its relationship to hepatic microsomal lipid composition in guinea pigs fed 15 g/100 g (w/w) fat diets (corn oil, olive oil, or lard) with 0.01, 0.08, 0.17, or 0.33 g/100 g (w/w) added cholesterol. Guinea pigs exhibited a dose dependent increase in hepatic microsomal ACAT activity, with increasing levels of cholesterol intake (P < 0.001) in all dietary fat groups. Animals fed monounsaturated olive oil had the highest hepatic ACAT activity with the exception of the 0.33 g/100 g cholesterol diet (P < 0.001). There were no differences in ACAT activity with intake of polyunsaturated corn oil or saturated lard. Dietary cholesterol resulted in increased microsomal free cholesterol (FC) concentrations in a dose dependent manner but had no effects on microsomal phosphatidylcholine (PC) concentrations. Guinea pigs fed olive oil generally had the highest microsomal FC/PC molar ratios, and hepatic ACAT activities correlated significantly with this parameter. After modification of the lipid compositions of the microsomes from guinea pigs fed the 12 test diets with FC/PC liposome treatment, microsomal ACAT activities remained significantly related to the microsomal FC/PC molar ratios, and dietary fat type did not affect this correlation. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that the stimulation of hepatic ACAT activity with cholesterol intake is enhanced by polyunsaturated fat intake. The data demonstrate that although dietary fat type and cholesterol amount have differential effects on hepatic ACAT activity, substrate availability, expressed as microsomal FC/PC molar ratio, is a major regulator of hepatic microsomal ACAT activity.

A series of function blocking antibodies against the alpha v beta 3 integrin bind allosteric to the ligand binding site and induce ligand dissociation

The alpha v beta 3 integrin plays a critical role in bone resorption, angiogenesis, and tumor cell invasion. A blockade of this receptor has therapeutic potential in osteoporosis, vascular restenosis, and cancer. In this report, we characterize the mechanism by which six monoclonal antibodies inhibit the function of alpha v beta 3. All six antibodies interact with a common site that is partially comprised of residues 164-202 within the beta 3 subunit. This domain is physically separate from the RGD binding site, and appears to regulate ligand binding allosterically. Thus, the blocking antibodies function, in part, by inducing the dissociation of ligand from alpha v beta 3. Although this family of antibodies is able to virtually abolish alpha v beta 3-mediated cell adhesion, they only block about one-half of soluble ligand binding to the integrin. This observation is consistent with the idea that two functionally distinct populations of alpha v beta 3 are present on the cell surface. The unique mechanism of action of these antibodies provides new insight in the structure-function relationships of alpha v beta 3, and also suggest that such antibodies are likely to behave differently than RGD mimetics if used as drugs.

Extended field of view sonography in musculoskeletal imaging

The usage patterns and benefits of extended field of view sonography were analyzed prospectively in 100 consecutive musculoskeletal ultrasonographic examinations. Extended field of view sonography was used in 23 of 58 abnormal cases (10 of 41 shoulders, five of eight other joints, seven of seven extra-articular extremities, one of two interventional procedures) and two of 42 normal cases. Of 23 abnormal cases using extended field of view sonography (12 of 46 tendon tears and 11 of 12 fluid collections or masses), this modality helped in measuring abnormalities in 13, displaying abnormalities in 19, showing spatial relationships in 17, communicating findings in 13, and making diagnoses in 0. Extended field of view is a useful technique for musculoskeletal ultrasonography. The primary benefits are measuring and displaying abnormalities (most often fluid collections or masses and extra-articular extremity abnormalities).

A mutational study of the ArcA-P binding sequences in the aldA promoter of Escherichia coli

The aldA gene (encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase) of Escherichia coli is anaerobically repressed by ArcA-P, the phosphorylated response regulator of the ArcB/A two-component signal transduction system. The promoter region of aldA contains two 10-bp sequences (5'-TGTTAATTAA-3') that perfectly match the proposed ArcA-P binding consensus (5'-[A/T]GTTAATTA[A/T]-3'). One consensus sequence is on the coding strand (-13 to -4 from the transcriptional start point), whereas the other is on the template strand (position -2 to -11). In this study we used the aldA promoter to test the validity of the proposed consensus sequence. DNase I protection experiments confirmed the 10-bp sequence to be a strong ArcA-P binding site. Alteration of the wild-type sequence from 5'-TGTTAATTAAC-3' to 5'-TCTTAATTAAG-3' or 5'-TATTAATTAAT-3' by site-directed mutagenesis markedly decreased the in vitro affinity of the promoter region for ArcA-P, and abolished the anaerobic repression of mutant att lambda::phi (aldA'-lacZ) transcriptional reporter constructs. Both the in vitro and in vivo results therefore support the proposed consensus sequence.

Cross-induction of glc and ace operons of Escherichia coli attributable to pathway intersection. Characterization of the glc promoter

The metabolic pathways specified by the glc and ace operons in Escherichia coli yield glyoxylate as a common intermediate, which is acted on by two malate synthase isoenzymes: one encoded by glcB and the other by aceB. Null mutations in either gene exhibit no phenotype, because of cross-induction of the ace operon by glycolate and the glc operon by acetate. In this study, the regulation of the glc operon, comprising the structural genes glcDEFGB, was analyzed at the molecular level. This operon, activated by growth on glycolate, is transcribed as a single message and is under the positive control of GlcC encoded by a divergent gene. Expression of the glc operon is strongly dependent on the integration host factor (IHF) and is repressed by the global respiratory regulator ArcA-P. In vitro gel-shift experiments demonstrated direct binding of the promoter DNA to IHF and ArcA-P. Mutant analysis indicated that cross-induction of the glc operon by acetate is mediated by the GlcC protein that recognizes the compound as an alternative effector. The similar pattern of regulation of the Glc and Ace systems by IHF and ArcA-P ensures their effective cross-induction.

Signal decay through a reverse phosphorelay in the Arc two-component signal transduction system

Escherichia coli senses and signals anoxic or low redox conditions in its growth environment by the Arc two-component system. Under those conditions, the tripartite sensor kinase ArcB undergoes autophosphorylation at the expense of ATP and subsequently transphosphorylates its cognate response regulator ArcA through a His --> Asp --> His --> Asp phosphorelay pathway. In this study we used various combinations of wild-type and mutant ArcB domains to analyze in vitro the pathway for signal decay. The results indicate that ArcA-P dephosphorylation does not occur by direct hydrolysis but by transfer of the phosphoryl group to the secondary transmitter and subsequently to the receiver domain of ArcB. This reverse phosphorelay involves both the conserved His-717 of the secondary transmitter domain and the conserved Asp-576 of the receiver domain of ArcB but not the conserved His-292 of its primary transmitter domain. This novel pathway for signal decay may generally apply to signal transduction systems with tripartite sensor kinases.

Aberrant cell division and random FtsZ ring positioning in Escherichia coli cpxA* mutants

In Escherichia coli, certain mutations in the cpxA gene (encoding a sensor kinase of a two-component signal transduction system) randomize the location of FtsZ ring assembly and dramatically affect cell division. However, deletion of the cpxRA operon, encoding the sensor kinase and its cognate regulator CpxR, has no effect on division site biogenesis. It appears that certain mutant sensor kinases (CpxA*) either exhibit hyperactivity on CpxR or extend their signalling activity to one or more noncognate response regulators involved in cell division.

Evolution of an Escherichia coli protein with increased resistance to oxidative stress

L-1,2-Propanediol:NAD+ 1-oxidoreductase of Escherichia coli is encoded by the fucO gene, a member of the regulon specifying dissimilation of L-fucose. The enzyme normally functions during fermentative growth to regenerate NAD from NADH by reducing the metabolic intermediate L-lactaldehyde to propanediol which is excreted. During aerobic growth L-lactaldehyde is converted to L-lactate and thence to the central metabolite pyruvate. The wasteful excretion of propanediol is minimized by oxidative inactivation of the oxidoreductase, an Fe2+-dependent enzyme which is subject to metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO). Mutants acquiring the ability to grow aerobically on propanediol as sole carbon and energy source can be readily selected. These mutants express the fucO gene constitutively, as a result of an IS5 insertion in the promoter region. In this study we show that continued selection for aerobic growth on propanediol resulted in mutations in the oxidoreductase conferring increased resistance to MCO. In two independent mutants, the resistance of the protein was respectively conferred by an Ile7 --> Leu and a Leu8 --> Val substitution near the NAD-binding consensus amino acid sequence. A site-directed mutant protein with both substitutions showed an MCO resistance greater than either mutant protein with a single amino acid change.

Alphav integrins mediate adhesion and migration of breast carcinoma cell lines

Integrins with the alphav subunit are involved in cell adhesion and cellular signaling. Some alphav integrins have been associated with tumor progression and dissemination. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of alphav integrins to the adhesive and migratory behavior of cells derived from breast carcinoma (BCA). The expression and function of alphav integrins was characterized in three BCA cell lines which exhibit different metastatic potentials. These include MCF-7 cells which metastasize inefficiently, MDA-MB-231 cells, which have a moderate metastatic potential, and MDA-MB-435 cells, which metastasize extensively. Each cell type displays a different repertoire of alphav integrins on the cell surface. The complement of alphav integrins on each cell type influences their ability to adhere and migrate. The most striking difference among these cell lines was the expression of the alphavbeta3 integrin. The highly metastatic MDA-MB-435 cells express substantial levels of this receptor, whereas MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells do not. The MDA-MB-435 cells showed a greater ability to adhere and to migrate and this functional difference can largely be attributed to the expression of alphavbeta3 integrin. This characterization is a first step toward determining the role of alphav integrins in animal models of BCA metastasis, and lends support to the hypothesis that the alphavbeta3 integrin can be a contributing factor in metastatic disease.

Maternal performance differences between porcine stress syndrome-normal and -carrier Landrace females

Differences between porcine stress syndrome (PSS) normal (NN) and carrier (Nn) Landrace dams were determined for adjusted number of pigs born alive, adjusted number of pigs at 21 d, adjusted 21-d litter weight, proportion of pigs surviving to 21 d, and farrowing interval. Data were analyzed from a total of 841 females, 623 normal (NN) and 218 carriers (Nn) having 2,231 and 869 records, respectively. Three susceptible (nn) females from two herds were dropped from the analysis because of their small contribution to the total number of records. Frequency of the recessive PSS allele ranged from .07 to .28 in the nine herds involved in this study. Data were adjusted using Landrace breed-specific adjustments and analyzed with mixed-model derivative-free REML procedures fitting the dams' PSS genotype as a fixed effect in the model. Only females having two or more successive parities were used in the analysis of farrowing interval, resulting in a reduction of total records analyzed to 2,201 (1,564 NN and 637 Nn records) from 632 females (445 NN and 187 Nn females). No differences between NN and Nn dams were observed for adjusted number of pigs born alive, adjusted number of pigs at 21 d, adjusted 21-d litter weight, proportion of pigs surviving to 21 d, and farrowing interval. The results of this investigation indicate no significant maternal performance differences between PSS NN or Nn Landrace dams.

Regulation of expression of the ethanol dehydrogenase gene (adhE) in Escherichia coli by catabolite repressor activator protein Cra

The adhE gene encodes ethanol dehydrogenase and is located at min 27.9 of the Escherichia coli chromosome. Expression of adhE is about 10-fold higher in cells grown anaerobically than in cells grown aerobically and is dependent on both transcriptional and posttranscriptional factors. In this study, a trans-regulatory element repressing adhE expression was characterized by genetic and biochemical approaches. A mutation downregulating adhE expression was mapped at min 2 of the chromosome. DNA sequence analysis revealed a missense mutation in the cra gene, formerly known as fruR. The cra gene encodes a catabolite repressor-activator protein (Cra) involved in the modulation of carbon flow in E. coli. The mutant protein (Cra*) sustained an Arg148-->His substitution causing 1.5- and 3-fold stronger repression of adhE transcription under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively. By contrast, cra null mutants displayed 1.5- and 4-fold increased adhE transcription under those conditions. Disruption of the cra gene did not abolish the anaerobic activation of the adhE gene but diminished it twofold. Cra and Cra* were purified as fusion proteins tagged with an N-terminal 6xHis element. In vitro, both fusion proteins showed binding to the adhE promoter region and to the control fruB promoter region, which is a known Cra target. However, only 6xHis-tagged Cra, and not 6xHis-Cra*, was displaced from the DNA target by the effector, fructose-1-phosphate (F1P), suggesting that the mutant protein is locked in a promoter-binding conformation and is no longer responsive to F1P. We suggest that Cra helps to tighten the control of adhE transcription under aerobic conditions by its repression.

Identification of a region in the integrin beta3 subunit that confers ligand binding specificity

Many integrin adhesion receptors bind ligands containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide motif. Most integrins exhibit considerable specificity for particular ligands and can distinguish among the many conformations of RGD. In this study we identify the domain of the integrin beta subunit involved in determining ligand binding specificity. Chimeras of beta3 and beta5, the most homologous integrin beta subunits, were expressed with alphav on the surface of human 293 cells. The ligand binding phenotype of each chimera was assessed using the ligands Fab-9 and fibrinogen, both of which have a binding preference for alphavbeta3. The results of the study show that when exons C and D of the beta3 subunit (residues 95-233) are substituted into beta5, the chimera gained the ability to bind Fab-9 with an affinity close to that of wild-type alphavbeta3. This chimera was able to mediate cell adhesion to fibrinogen. Furthermore, the swap of only a 39-residue segment of this larger domain, beta3 residues 164-202, into the backbone of beta5 enabled the chimeric integrin to bind soluble Fab-9. This small domain is highly divergent among the integrin beta subunits, suggesting that it may play a role in determining ligand selection by all integrins.