Rhône-Poulenc

About: Rhône-Poulenc is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Alkyl & Catalysis. The organization has 8909 authors who have published 8934 publications receiving 182241 citations. The organization is also known as: Rhone-Poulenc.

Method for the preparation of human serum albumin from a yeast

Abstract: of EP0361991Microbiological method for the preparation of human serum albumin and other heterologous (non-yeast) proteins by growing a yeast, especially of the genus Kluyveromyces, modified by the use of recombinant DNA techniques.

Cell cycle regulated expression and phosphorylation of hpttg proto-oncogene product.

Abstract: We recently isolated a cDNA for hpttg, the human homolog of rat pituitary tumor transforming gene. Now we have analysed the expression of hpttg as a function of cell proliferation. hPTTG protein level is up-regulated in rapidly proliferating cells, is down-regulated in response to serum starvation or cell confluence, and is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner, peaking in mitosis. In addition, we show that hPTTG is phosphorylated during mitosis. Immunodepletion and in vitro phosphorylation experiments, together with the use of a specific inhibitor, indicate that Cdc2 is the kinase that phosphorylates hPTTG. These results suggest that hpttg is induced by, and may have a role in, regulatory pathways involved in the control of cell proliferation.

Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties of RP 73401, a novel and selective phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor

Abstract: 1. We have investigated the effects of RP 73401, a novel, potent and highly selective cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) type IV inhibitor, in guinea-pig and rat models of bronchoconstriction and allergic inflammation. In some models, the effects of RP 73401 have been compared with those of the standard PDE type IV inhibitor, rolipram. 2. RP 73401 (0.4-400 micrograms kg-1, intratracheally (i.t.) on lactose) inhibited antigen-induced bronchospasm in previously sensitized conscious guinea-pigs (ID50: 7 +/- 1 micrograms kg-1) and in anaesthetized rats (ID50: 100 +/- 25 micrograms kg-1). Rolipram inhibited the antigen-induced bronchospasm in guinea-pigs with an ID50 of 5 +/- 1 micrograms kg-1. In guinea-pig bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, total inflammatory cell and eosinophil numbers were reduced by RP 73401 (ID50s: 3.9 +/- 0.8 micrograms kg-1 and 3.2 +/- 0.7 micrograms kg-1, respectively). In the rat, inflammatory cell numbers are less affected. Only the highest dose of RP 73401 (400 micrograms kg-1) significantly inhibited eosinophil influx (41 +/- 16% inhibition). 3. RP 73401 (0.02-100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) inhibited PAF-induced bronchial hyperreactivity to bombesin in the anaesthetized guinea-pig (ID50: 0.09 +/- 0.03 micrograms kg-1) and inhibited (0.4-40 micrograms kg-1, i.t.) histamine-induced airway microvascular leakage in the anaesthetized guinea-pig by approximately 60% at all doses. 4. RP 73401 relaxed guinea-pig isolated trachea under basal tone (EC50: 9 nM) and when precontracted with histamine (IC50: 2 nM), methacholine (IC50: 29 nM) or leukotriene D4 (LTD4, IC50: 4 nM). 5. RP 73401 (0.4-100 microg kg-1, i.t.) inhibited bronchospasm induced by histamine (ID.%: 34 +/- 6 microg kg-1), methacholine (ID50: 66 +/- 12 pg kg-1) and LTD4 (ID50: <4 microg kg-1) in the anaesthetized guinea pig.Against these same bronchoconstrictors, rolipram (i.t.) had ID5o values of 44 +/- 4, 72 +/- 18 and<4 pg kg- respectively. RP 73401 (4 and 40 pg kg-, i.t.) increased the magnitude and duration of bronchodilatation produced by salbutamol in the anaesthetized guinea-pig. At doses producing significant bronchodilatation, RP 73401 was without effect on heart rate or blood pressure in the anaesthetized guinea-pig. RP 73401 (0.01 -0.25 mg kg-1, i.v.) did not affect heart rate and produced only a small fall in blood pressure in the anaesthetized rat.6. These data demonstrate that RP 73401 and rolipram inhibit antigen- and mediator-induced bronchospasmin guinea-pigs with the same potency. Furthermore, RP 73401 administered directly into the airways, protects against allergic airway inflammation. These results indicate the importance of PDE IV in regulating smooth muscle and inflammatory cell activity. At doses suppressing the inflammatory response in the lung, RP 73401 had little effect in the cardiovascular system. RP 73401 may have a role as a bronchodilator and, more importantly, as a prophylactic anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of asthma.

Neurofibrillary tangles and tau phosphorylation.

Abstract: Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are a characteristic neuropathological lesion of Alzheimer's disease (AD). They are composed of a highly-phosphorylated form of the microtubule-associated protein tau. We are investigating the relationship between NFTs and microtubule stability and how tau phosphorylation and function is affected in transgenic models and by co-expression with beta-amyloid precursor protein and presenilins. In most NFT-bearing neurons, we observed a strong reduction in acetylated alpha-tubulin immunoreactivity (a marker of stable microtubules) and a reduction of the in situ hybridization signal for tubulin mRNA. In transfected cells, mutated tau forms (corresponding to tau mutations identified in familial forms of frontotemporal dementias linked to chromosome 17) were less efficient in their ability to sustain microtubule growth. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that destabilization of the microtubule network is an important mechanism of cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta) generates many phosphorylated sites on tau. We performed a neuroanatomical study of GSK-3 beta distribution showing that developmental evolution of GSK-3 beta compartmentalization in neurons paralleled that of phosphorylated tau. Studies on transfected cells and on cultured neurons showed that GSK-3 beta activity controls tau phosphorylation and tau functional interaction with microtubules. Tau phosphorylation was not affected in neurons overexpressing beta-amyloid precursor protein. Transgenic mice expressing a human tau isoform and double transgenic animals for tau and mutated presenilin 1 have been generated; a somatodendritic accumulation of phosphorylated transgenic tau proteins, as observed in the pretangle stage in AD, has been observed but NFTs were not found, suggesting that additional factors might be necessary to induce their formation.

Nucleic acid containing composition, preparation and uses of same

Abstract: Compositions containing one or more nucleic acids and cationic polymers, and their use in gene therapy, particularly for in vivo nucleic acid transfer.