Showing papers in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in 1977"
TL;DR: A new method for determining nucleotide sequences in DNA is described, which makes use of the 2',3'-dideoxy and arabinon nucleoside analogues of the normal deoxynucleoside triphosphates, which act as specific chain-terminating inhibitors of DNA polymerase.
Abstract: A new method for determining nucleotide sequences in DNA is described. It is similar to the “plus and minus” method [Sanger, F. & Coulson, A. R. (1975) J. Mol. Biol. 94, 441-448] but makes use of the 2′,3′-dideoxy and arabinonucleoside analogues of the normal deoxynucleoside triphosphates, which act as specific chain-terminating inhibitors of DNA polymerase. The technique has been applied to the DNA of bacteriophage ϕX174 and is more rapid and more accurate than either the plus or the minus method.
62,728 citations
TL;DR: Reactions that cleave DNA preferentially at guanines, at adenines,At cytosines and thymines equally, and at cytosine alone are described.
Abstract: DNA can be sequenced by a chemical procedure that breaks a terminally labeled DNA molecule partially at each repetition of a base. The lengths of the labeled fragments then identify the positions of that base. We describe reactions that cleave DNA preferentially at guanines, at adenines, at cytosines and thymines equally, and at cytosines alone. When the products of these four reactions are resolved by size, by electrophoresis on a polyacrylamide gel, the DNA sequence can be read from the pattern of radioactive bands. The technique will permit sequencing of at least 100 bases from the point of labeling.
6,458 citations
TL;DR: A phylogenetic analysis based upon ribosomal RNA sequence characterization reveals that living systems represent one of three aboriginal lines of descent: the eubacteria, comprising all typical bacteria, the archaebacteria, and the urkaryotes, now represented in the cytoplasmic component of eukaryotic cells.
Abstract: A phylogenetic analysis based upon ribosomal RNA sequence characterization reveals that living systems represent one of three aboriginal lines of descent: (i) the eubacteria, comprising all typical bacteria; (ii) the archaebacteria, containing methanogenic bacteria; and (iii) the urkaryotes, now represented in the cytoplasmic component of eukaryotic cells.
3,522 citations
TL;DR: A simple and rapid system for the denaturation of nucleic acids and their subsequent analysis by gel electrophoresis, using the metachromatic stain acridine orange for visualization ofucleic acids in gels and which can be analyzed on the same slab gel.
Abstract: We have developed a simple and rapid system for the denaturation of nucleic acids and their subsequent analysis by gel electrophoresis. RNA and DNA are denatured in 1 M glyoxal (ethanedial) and 50% (vol/vol) dimethyl sulfoxide, at 50 degrees. The glyoxalated nucleic acids are then subjected to electrophoresis through either acrylamide or agarose gels in a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. When glyoxalated DNA molecules of known molecular weights are used as standards, accurate molecular weights for RNA are obtained. Furthermore, we have employed the metachromatic stain acridine orange for visualization of nucleic acids in gels. This dye interacts differently with double- and single-stranded polynucleotides, fluorescing green and red, respectively. By using these techniques, native and denatured DNA and RNA molecules can be analyzed on the same slab gel.
2,079 citations
TL;DR: This procedure allows detection of specific RNA bands with high sensitivity and low background by hybridization with 32P-labeled DNA probes followed by autoradiography.
Abstract: We describe a technique for transferring electrophoretically separated bands of RNA from an agarose gel to paper strips. The RNA is coupled covalently to diazobenzyloxymethyl groups on the paper. After transfer and appropriate treatment of the paper to destroy remaining diazo groups, specific RNA bands can be detected by hybridization with 32P-labeled DNA probes followed by autoradiography. This procedure allows detection of specific RNA bands with high sensitivity and low background.
1,942 citations
TL;DR: Acycloguanosine triphosphate inhibits herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyltransferase) 10-30 times more effectively than cellular (HeLa S3) DNA polymerases, contributing to the drug's selectivity.
Abstract: A guanine derivative with an acyclic side chain, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, at position 9 has potent antiviral activity [dose for 50% inhibition (ED50) = 0.1 μM] against herpes simplex virus type 1. This acyclic nucleoside analog, termed acycloguanosine, is converted to a monophosphate by a virus-specified pyrimidine deoxynucleoside (thymidine) kinase and is subsequently converted to acycloguanosine di- and triphosphates. In the uninfected host cell (Vero) these phosphorylations of acycloguanosine occur to a very limited extent. Acycloguanosine triphosphate inhibits herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyltransferase) 10-30 times more effectively than cellular (HeLa S3) DNA polymerase. These factors contribute to the drug's selectivity; inhibition of growth of the host cell requires a 3000-fold greater concentration of drug than does the inhibition of viral multiplication. There is, moreover, the strong possibility of chain termination of the viral DNA by incorporation of acycloguanosine. The identity of the kinase that phosphorylates acycloguanosine was determined after separation of the cellular and virus-specified thymidine kinase activities by affinity chromatography, by reversal studies with thymidine, and by the lack of monophosphate formation in a temperature-sensitive, thymidine kinase-deficient mutant of the KOS strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (tsA1).
1,508 citations
TL;DR: Nitric oxide gas increased guanylate cyclase activity in soluble and particulate preparations from various tissues and it is proposed that various nitro compounds and those capable of forming NO in incubations activate guanylated cyclase through a similar but undefined mechanism.
Abstract: Nitric oxide gas (NO) increased guanylate cyclase [GTP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.2] activity in soluble and particulate preparations from various tissues. The effect was dose-dependent and was observed with all tissue preparations examined. The extent of activation was variable among different tissue preparations and was greatest (19- to 33-fold) with supernatant fractions of homogenates from liver, lung, tracheal smooth muscle, heart, kidney, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Smaller effects (5- to 14-fold) were observed with supernatant fractions from skeletal muscle, spleen, intestinal muscle, adrenal, and epididymal fat. Activation was also observed with partially purified preparations of guanylate cyclase. Activation of rat liver supernatant preparations was augmented slightly with reducing agents, decreased with some oxidizing agents, and greater in a nitrogen than in an oxygen atmosphere. After activation with NO, guanylate cyclase activity decreased with a half-life of 3-4 at 4° but re-exposure to NO resulted in reactivation of preparations. Sodium azide, sodium nitrite, hydroxylamine, and sodium nitroprusside also increased guanylate cyclase activity as reported previously. NO alone and in combination with these agents produced approximately the same degree of maximal activation, suggesting that all of these agents act through a similar mechanism. NO also increased the accumulation of cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP in incubations of minces from various rat tissues. We propose that various nitro compounds and those capable of forming NO in incubations activate guanylate cyclase through a similar but undefined mechanism. These effects may explain the high activities of guanylate cyclase in certain tissues (e.g., lung and intestinal mucosa) that are exposed to environmental nitro compounds.
1,426 citations
TL;DR: Four segments of viral RNA may be joined together during the synthesis of mature hexon mRNA, a model is presented for adenovirus late mRNA synthesis that involves multiple splicing during maturation of a larger precursor nuclear RNA.
Abstract: An mRNA fraction coding for hexon polypeptide, the major virion structural protein, was purified by gel electrophoresis from extracts of adenovirus 2-infected cells late in the lytic cycle. The mRNA sequences in this fraction were mapped between 51.7 and 61.3 units on the genome by visualizing RNA-DNA hybrids in the electron microscope. When hybrids of hexon mRNA and single-stranded restriction endonuclease cleavage fragments of viral DNA were visualized in the electron microscope,branched forms were observed in which 160 nucleotides of RNA from the 5' terminus were not hydrogen bonded to the single-stranded DNA. DNA sequences complementary to the RNA sequences in each 5' tail were found by electron microscopy to be located at 17, 20, and 27 units on the same strand as that coding for the body of the hexon mRNA. Thus, four segments of viral RNA may be joined together during the synthesis of mature hexon mRNA. A model is presented for adenovirus late mRNA synthesis that involves multiple splicing during maturation of a larger precursor nuclear RNA.
1,229 citations
TL;DR: Correlation with phenotype and other known Y chromosome markers establish that the Y-chromosome-specific reiterated DNA discussed here has no evident role in male determination.
Abstract: A number of individuals with aberrant Y chromosomes have been tested for the presence of Y-chromosome-specific reiterated DNA. These studies locate Y-chromosome-specific reiterated sequences on the long arm of the Y chromosome. Correlation with phenotype and other known Y chromosome markers establish that the Y-chromosome-specific reiterated DNA discussed here has no evident role in male determination.
1,206 citations
TL;DR: Specific [3H]diazepam binding to membranes appears to be restricted to brain, where it is unevenly distributed: the density of diazepam receptors is about five times higher in cortex (the highest density) than in pons-meddula (lowest density).
Abstract: [3H]Diazepam appears to bind specifically to a single, saturable, binding site located on rat brain membranes, with an affinity constant near 3 nM at pH 7.4. Specific binding constitutes more than 90% of total binding at 0 degrees and less than 10% of total binding at 37 degrees. Arrhenius plots suggest a sharp conformational change in the diazepam receptor near 18 degrees. Mitochondrial fractions from rat kidney, liver, and lung exhibit some [3H]diazepam binding that can be displaced by nonradioactive diazepam and several other benzodiazepines. However, Ro-4864, which is almost inactive in displacing [3H]diazepam from brain membranes, is extremely potent in displacing it from kidney mitochondria. Conversely, clonazepam, the most potent inhibitor of brain binding, is an extremely weak inhibitor of kidney binding. Furthermore, diazepam binding to kidney mitochondria has an affinity constantof 40 nM, about 15 times higher than that in brain. No specific diazepam binding was detected in intestine or skeletal muscle. Thus, specific [3H]diazepam binding to membranes appears to be restricted to brain, where it is unevenly distributed: the density of diazepam receptors is about five times higher in cortex (the highest density) than in pons-meddula (lowest density). Trypsin and chymotrypsin completely abolished specific [3H]diazepambinding in brain and kidney.
1,135 citations
TL;DR: Double-antibody immunoprecipitation procedures with antisera to endorphins and to corticotropin (ACTH) were used to study the biosynthesis of these peptides in a mouse pituitary tumor cell line to identify a tryptic peptide that contains the opiate-active methionine-enkephalin sequence.
Abstract: Double-antibody immunoprecipitation procedures with antisera to endorphins and to corticotropin (ACTH) were used to study the biosynthesis of these peptides in a mouse pituitary tumor cell line. Cultures were incubated with a 3H-labeled amino acid, and aliquots of culture medium were immunoprecipitated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of [3H]phenylalanine-labeled immunoprecipitates prepared with endorphin antisera resolved three forms of endorphin with apparent molecular weights of 31,000, 11,700, and 3500; immunoprecipitates prepared with the ACTH antiserum contained four forms of ACTH with apparent molecular weights of 31,000, 23,000, 13,000 and <4500. Sequential immunoprecipitation of culture medium with the ACTH antiserum and then with the endorphin antiserum (or the reverse order) indicated that both antisera precipitated the same 31,000 dalton molecule. Purified pools of the different forms of ACTH and endorphin were prepared by immunoprecipitation and gel filtration. The tryptic peptides found in [3H]phenylalanine- or [3H]tryptophan-labeled 31,000 dalton ACTH were identical to the tryptic peptides found in digests of 31,000 dalton endorphin labeled with the same amino acid. A tryptic peptide similar to the lipotropin tryptic peptide [βLPH(61-69)] that contains the opiate-active methionine-enkephalin sequence could be identified in 31,000 dalton ACTH and in all the different forms of endorphin. Most of the peptide cleaved from 31,000 dalton ACTH when it is converted to 23,000 dalton ACTH could be precipitated by endorphin antisera; this 11,700 dalton endorphin molecule is similar to the pituitary hormone βLPH in size and structure. The 3500 dalton endorphin is similar to β-endorphin in size and structure. The culture medium from the AtT-20 mouse pituitary tumor cells contained approximately equimolar amounts of ACTH-related peptides and endorphin-related peptides.
TL;DR: A proof of Calabi's conjectures on the Ricci curvature of a compact Kähler manifold is announced and some new results in algebraic geometry and differential geometry are proved, including that the only Köhler structure on a complex projective space is the standard one.
Abstract: We announce a proof of Calabi's conjectures on the Ricci curvature of a compact Kahler manifold and then apply it to prove some new results in algebraic geometry and differential geometry. For example, we prove that the only Kahler structure on a complex projective space is the standard one.
TL;DR: The present immunohistochemical-anatomical findings support the hypothesis that stimulation-produced analgesia is related to activation of spinal and spinal trigeminal enkephalin interneurons forming axo-axonic synapses with (substance P?) pain afferents in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn and the spinal trigEMinal nucleus.
Abstract: The distribution of Met-enkephalin- and substance P-immunoreactive neurons was studied by indirect immunofluorescence in some areas related to pain and analgesia. Met-enkephalin- and substance P-positive cell bodies and nerve terminals were observed in the periaqueductal central gray, the nucleus raphe magnus, the marginal layers and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Lesion experiments suggest that Met-enkephalin neurons in the dorsal horn and possibly in the spinal trigeminal nucleus are interneurons or propriospinal neurons with nerve terminals in the laminae I and II of the cord and in the superficial layers of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, respectively. These areas are also very rich in substance P-positive nerve terminals, mainly representing central branches of primary afferent neurons. The present immunohistochemical-anatomical findings support the hypothesis that stimulation-produced analgesia is related to activation of spinal and spinal trigeminal enkephalin interneurons forming axo-axonic synapses with (substance P?) pain afferents in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn and the spinal trigeminal nucleus. These interneurons may be activated by sensory fibers and by descending fibers from medullary stimulation sites. Transmitter substances in these descending fibers may be 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P.
TL;DR: Six possible sources of the large heat capacity and entropy changes frequently observed for processes involving proteins are identified and a method is proposed for estimating the magnitudes of the hydrophobic and vibrational contributions.
Abstract: Six possible sources of the large heat capacity and entropy changes frequently observed for processes involving proteins are identified. Of these the conformational, hydrophobic, and vibrational effects seem likely to be of greatest importance. A method is proposed for estimating the magnitudes of the hydrophobic and vibrational contributions. Application of this method to several protein processes appears to achieve significant clarification of previously confusing and apparently contradictory data.
TL;DR: The nalA locus is responsible for a second component needed for DNA gyrase activity in addition to the component determined by the previously described locus for resistance to novobiocin and coumermycin (cou), which appears to be involved in the nicking-closing activity required in the supercoiling reaction.
Abstract: ATP-dependent DNA supercoiling catalyzed by Escherichia coli DNA gyrase was inhibited by oxolinic acid, a compound similar to but more potent than nalidixic acid and a known inhibitor of DNA replication in E. coli. The supercoiling activity of DNA gyrase purified from nalidixic acid-resistant mutant (nalAR) bacteria was resistant to oxolinic acid. Thus, the nalA locus is responsible for a second component needed for DNA gyrase activity in addition to the component determined by the previously described locus for resistance to novobiocin and coumermycin (cou). Supercoiling of λ DNA in E. coli cells was likewise inhibited by oxolinic acid, but was resistant in the nalAR mutant. The inhibition by oxolinic acid of colicin E1 plasmid DNA synthesis in a cell-free system was largely relieved by adding resistant DNA gyrase.
In the absence of ATP, DNA gyrase preparations relaxed supercoiled DNA; this activity was also inhibited by oxolinic acid, but not by novobiocin. It appears that the oxolinic acid-sensitive component of DNA gyrase is involved in the nicking-closing activity required in the supercoiling reaction. In the presence of oxolinic acid, DNA gyrase forms a complex with DNA, which can be activated by later treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate and a protease to produce double-strand breaks in the DNA. This process has some similarities to the known properties of relaxation complexes.
TL;DR: Contact of blood with tissue factor represents a second mechanism, bypassing activated Factor XI, for the activation of Factor IX during hemostasis, and may help to explain the discrepancy between the mild bleeding of hereditary Factor XI deficiency and the severe bleeding of genetic Factor IX deficiency.
Abstract: A study was carried out on mechanisms, independent of activated Factor XI, capable of activating Factor IX. The reaction product of tissue factor and Factor VII functioned as a potent Factor IX activator in the assay system used. Activated Factor IX itself activated Factor X; thrombin failed to activate Factor IX. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed that the reaction product of tissue factor and Factor VII activated Factor IX, with replacement of the band corresponding to native factor IX [molecular weight (Mr) 55,000] by bands corresponding to the heavy chain (Mr 27,000) and light chain (Mr 17,000) of activated Factor IX. When either Factor VII or calcium ions were left out of incubation mixtures, the band of native Factor IX persisted unchanged. Contact of blood with tissue factor represents a second mechanism, bypassing activated Factor XI, for the activation of Factor IX during hemostasis. It may help to explain the discrepancy between the mild bleeding of hereditary Factor XI deficiency and the severe bleeding of hereditary Factor IX deficiency.
TL;DR: A model in which adsorbed antifreezes raise the curvature of growth steps on the ice surface is proposed to account for the observed depression of the temperature at which freezing occurs and agrees well with experimental observations.
Abstract: Polar fishes are known to have serum proteins and glycoproteins that protect them from freezing, by a noncolligative process. Measurements of antifreeze concentrations in ice and scanning electron micrographs of freeze-dried antifreeze solutions indicate that the antifreezes are incorporated in ice during freezing. The antifreezes also have a pronounced effect on the crystal habit of ice grown in their presence. Each of four antifreezes investigated caused ice to grow in long needles whose axes were parallel to the ice c axis. Together these results indicate the antifreezes adsorb to ice surfaces and inhibit their growth. A model in which adsorbed antifreezes raise the curvature of growth steps on the ice surface is proposed to account for the observed depression of the temperature at which freezing occurs and agrees well with experimental observations. The model is similar to one previously proposed for other cases of crystal growth inhibition.
TL;DR: Hair cells, the primary receptors of the auditory, vestibular, and lateral-line sensory systems, produce electrical signals in response to mechanical stimulation of their apical hair bundles, and action potentials, possibly calcium spikes, were occasionally evoked in hair cells by mechanical or electrical stimulation.
Abstract: Hair cells, the primary receptors of the auditory, vestibular, and lateral-line sensory systems, produce electrical signals in response to mechanical stimulation of their apical hair bundles. We employed an in vitro preparation and intracellular recording to investigate the transduction mechanism of hair cells in the sacculus from the inner ear of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). When stimulated directly by mechanical deflection of their hair bundles, these cells gave graded responses up to 15 mV in amplitude; the peak sensitivity was about 20 mV/micron deflection. The depolarizing component of the receptor potential corresponding to stimuli directed towards the kinocilium. Depolarizing responses were associated with a membrane resistance decrease, and hyperpolarizing responses with a resistance increase. Action potentials, possibly calcium spikes, were occasionally evoked in hair cells by mechanical or electrical stimulation.
TL;DR: It is postulate that the nalA gene product occurs in two molecular forms, as Pnal and as a gyrase component, and inhibition of this activity by nalidixic and oxolinic acids may account for the inhibition of DNA synthesis by these drugs.
Abstract: A target protein for nalidixic and oxolinic acids in Escherichia coli, the nalA gene product (Pnal), was purified to homogeneity as judged by gel electrophoresis, using an in vitro complementation assay. It is a dimer of identical 110,000-dalton subunits. A polypeptide of this molecular weight is uniquely induced by a λ nalA transducing phage, thereby showing that the purified Pnal is a product of the nalA gene. Nalidixic and oxolinic acids inhibit DNA gyrase activity and induce formation of a relaxation complex analogue. Treatment of the complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate causes a doublestrand break in the DNA substrate and the resulting linear molecule seems covalently bound to protein. Complex formation, unlike the introduction of supertwists, does not require ATP or relaxed circular DNA and is insensitive to novobiocin. DNA gyrase from a strain with a nalA mutation conferring drug resistance (nalAr) is 1/100 as sensitive to oxolinic and nalidixic acids with respect to inhibition of supertwisting and induction of the pre-linearization complex. Addition of Pnal restores drug sensitivity and stimulates DNA gyrase activity. DNA gyrase preparations and Pnal catalyze a third reaction sensitive to nalidixic and oxolinic acids, the ATP-independent relaxation of supertwister DNA. Relaxation by gyrase from nalAr cells is drug resistant. The nicking-closing activity is distinct from E. coli ω protein in several properties, including the ability to relax positively supertwisted DNA. We postulate that the nalA gene product occurs in two molecular forms, as Pnal and as a gyrase component. Both forms catalyze nicking-closing, and inhibition of this activity by nalidixic and oxolinic acids may account for the inhibition of DNA synthesis by these drugs.
TL;DR: The results show that the growth, and probably the survival, of neurites depends upon nerve growthFactor in their local environment, regardless of the nerve growth factor concentrations to which other portions of the neuron are exposed.
Abstract: A three-chamber culture system was devised in which neurites growing from small clusters of somas of sympathetic neurons penetrated a virtually fluid-impermeable barrier; thus the local fluid environment of the distal portions of the neurites could be controlled independently of the local fluid environment of the somas and proximal portions of the neurites. Neurites regularly penetrated the barriers if a high concentration of nerve growth factor was present on both sides, but never penetrated into chambers to which no nerve growth factor had been added.
After neurites crossed the barrier, local removal of nerve growth factor from the distal portions of the neurites caused the growth of these portions to stop, and they eventually appeared to degenerate even though nerve growth factor was continuously present in the chamber that contained their somas and proximal portions. In contrast, local nerve growth factor was not required at the somas and proximal portions of the neurites; many neurons survived its withdrawal provided their somas were associated with neurite bundles that crossed into a chamber containing nerve growth factor.
These results show that the growth, and probably the survival, of neurites depends upon nerve growth factor in their local environment, regardless of the nerve growth factor concentrations to which other portions of the neuron are exposed. This is entirely consistent with the notion that nerve growth factor released by sympathetic target tissues promotes the establishment and maintenance of appropriate neuron-target connections during development.
TL;DR: A new type of murine leukemia virus has been detected in thymuses of leukemic and late preleukemic AKR mice, in lymphomas developing in NIH Swiss mice carrying the AKR ectopic virus-inducing loci AkV-I or Akv-2, and in the thymus of a preleukesmic C58 mouse.
Abstract: A new type of murine leukemia virus has been detected in thymuses of leukemic and late preleukemic AKR mice, in lymphomas developing in NIH Swiss mice carrying the AKR ectopic virus-inducing loci Akv-I or Akv-2, and in the thymus of a preleukemic C58 mouse. The viruses induce focal areas of morphologic alteration in a mink lung cell line and are tentatively referred to as "mink cell focus-inducing" (MCF) strains. They have the host range of both xenotropic and N-tropic ecotropic murine leukemia viruses, are neutralized by antisera to both ecotropic and xenotropic viruses, and are interfered with by both viruses. They may represent a particular type of genetic recombinant which emerges during the preleukemic period in high-ecotropic-virus mouse strains, and they may play a significant role in the etiology of spontaneous lymphomas.
TL;DR: It is proposed that continuous GTP hydrolysis at the regulatory guanyl nucleotide site is an essential turn-off mechanism, terminating activation of the adenylate cyclase.
Abstract: Treatment of turkey erthrocyte membranes with cholera toxin caused an enhancement of the basal and catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] activities. Both of these activities required the presence of GTP. The toxin effect on the adenylate cyclase activity concided with an inhibition of the catecholamine-stimulated guanosinetriphosphatase activity. Inhibition of the guanosinetriphosphatase, as well as enhancement of the adenylate cyclase activity, showed the same dependence on cholera toxin concentrations, and the effect of the toxin on both activities was dependent on the presence of NAD. It is proposed that continuous GTP hydrolysis at the regulatory guanyl nucleotide site is an essential turn-off mechanism, terminating activation of the adenylate cyclase. Cholera toxin inhibits the turn-off guanosinetriphosphatase reaction and thereby causes activation of the adenylate cyclase. According to this mechanism GTP should activate the toxin-treated preparation of adenylate cyclase, as does the hydrolysis-resistant analog guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma-immino)triphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. Indeed, the toxin-treated adenylate cyclase was maximally activated, in the presence of isoproternol, by either GTP or Gpp(NH)p, while adenylate cyclase not treated with toxin was stimulated by hormone plus GTP to only one-fifth of the activity achieved with hormone plus Gpp(NH)p. Furthermore, the toxin-treated adenylate cyclase activated by isoproterenol plus GTP remained active for and extended period (half-time of 3 min) upon subsequent addition of the beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol. The native enzyme, however, was refractory to propranolol only if activated by Gpp(NH)p but not by GTP.
TL;DR: The induction of DNA synthesis in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells can be resolved into at least two phases, controlled by different serum components: (i) competence, induced by the platelet-derived growth factor; and (ii) progression of competent cells into the cell cycle, mediated by factors in Platelet-poor plasma.
Abstract: Serum contains a growth factor derived from platelets and also growth factors derived from platelet-poor plasma. Extracts of heated (100°) human platelets function synergistically with platelet-poor plasma to induce DNA synthesis in quiescent, density-inhibited BALB/c 3T3 cells. Platelet-poor plasma alone did not induce DNA synthesis. Cells exposed to platelet extracts became competent to enter the cell cycle, but the rate of entry into the S phase depended upon the concentration of platelet-poor plasma. The time required for the induction of this competent state was a function of the concentration of the platelet extract. A 2-hr exposure to 100 μg of the platelet extract at 37° caused the entire cell population to become competent to enter the S phase. At 4° or 25° the cells did not become competent to synthesize DNA. The platelet extract-induced competent state was stable for at least 13 hr after removal of the platelet extract; however, in the absence of platelet-poor plasma, these competent cells did not progress through the cell cycle. The addition of an optimal concentration of platelet-poor plasma (5%) to these competent cells initiated cell cycle traverse with a rapid, first-order entry of cells into the S phase beginning 12 hr after addition of the plasma. The addition of a suboptimal concentration of the plasma (0.25%) did not increase the rate of cell entry into the S phase. Thus, the induction of DNA synthesis in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells can be resolved into at least two phases, controlled by different serum components: (i) competence, induced by the platelet-derived growth factor; and (ii) progression of competent cells into the cell cycle, mediated by factors in platelet-poor plasma.
TL;DR: NGF can be shown to increase the survival, but not the division, of melanoma cells maintained in medium depleted of serum growth factors, similar to its effect on cultured sympathetic ganglion cells and on other cells derived from the neural crest.
Abstract: Purified mouse nerve growth factor (NGF)radiolabeled with 125I was tested for its ability to bind to a variety of different cultured cells NGF binds readily to human and hamster melanoma cells but does not bind to many other cell lines The three cell lines with the highest number of NGF receptors were derived from metastatic melanomas One of these lines, A875, was studied in detail and was shown to have approximately 7x10(5) NGF receptors per cell with an association constant of 10x10(9) liters/mole The use of these cells in competition binding assays permits the detection of 025 ng of NGF in various biologic fluids NGF can be shown to increase the survival, but not the division, of melanoma cells maintained in medium depleted of serum growth factors This effect of NGF as a specific "survival factor" appears analogous to its effect on cultured sympathetic ganglion cells and on other cells derived from the neural crest
TL;DR: The two-dimensional electrophoretic technique of O'Farrell has been adapted to the analysis of human plasma proteins, and 30 polypeptides have been identified in the pattern produced as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The two-dimensional electrophoretic technique of O'Farrell has been adapted to the analysis of human plasma proteins, and 30 polypeptides have been identified in the pattern produced. Genetic variants involving charge (isoelectric point) or size (molecular weight in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate) changes should be routinely detectable in at least 20 proteins at once, facilitating studies of human mutation rates.
TL;DR: A HindII restriction fragment comprising the Escherichia coli lac regulatory region and the genetic information for the alpha peptide of beta-galactosidase and a stable hybrid phage was isolated and identified by its ability to complement the lac alpha function.
Abstract: A HindII restriction fragment comprising the Escherichia coli lac regulatory region and the genetic information for the alpha peptide of beta-galactosidase (beta-D-galactosidegalactohydrolase, EC. 3.2.1.23) has been inserted into 1 of the 10 Bsu I cleavage sites of M13 by blunt end ligation. A stable hybrid phage was isolated and identified by its ability to complement the lac alpha function. Further characterization of the hybrid phage includes retransformation studies, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA-DNA hybridization, and heteroduplex mapping. The insertion point has been localized at 0.083 map unit on thewild-type circular map-i.e., within the intergenic region. The results prove that part of the intergenic region is nonessential and that the phage can be used as a cloning vehicle.
TL;DR: Human and bovine endothelial cells may be non-thrombogenic in vivo because they synthesize and release prostaglandin I2, a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, which has been identified using a two-step thin-layer radiochromatographic procedure and a synthetic prostaglandsin I 2 standard.
Abstract: Cultured endothelial cells derived from human umbilical veins or bovine aorta produce a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. The inhibitor is synthesized from sodium arachidonate or or prostaglandin endoperoxides by a microsomal enzyme system. Tranylcypromine, a specific antagonist of prostacyclin synthetase, suppresses production of the inhibitor by endothelial cells. The inhibitor, which is ether extractable, has been identified using a two-step thin-layer radiochromatographic procedure and a synthetic prostaglandin I2 standard.With this procedure, we have shown that human and bovine endothelial cells convert sodium [3H]arachidonate to radiolabeled prostaglandin I2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha, as wellas prostaglandin E2. Thus, endothelial cells may be non-thrombogenic in vivo because they synthesize and release prostaglandin I2, a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
TL;DR: In certain regions enkephalin immunofluorescence corresponds closely with the distribution of autoradiographic opiate receptor grains.
Abstract: Using specific antisera to methionine-enkephalin and leucine-enkephalin, we have visualized apparent enkephalin-containing neuronal fibers and terminals throughout the central nervous system of the rat. Immunoreactive enkephalin displays sharply defined localizations. Regions of highest immunofluorescent density include the laminae I and II of the spinal cord, the substantia gelatinosa of the caudal nucleus of nerve V, the vagal nuclei of the medulla, the periventricular and periaqueductal areas of the upper medulla and midbrain, dorsomedial thalamic regions, specific hypothalamic nuclei, the basal ganglia, particularly the globus pallidus and the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the lateral septum. In certain regions enkephalin immunofluorescence corresponds closely with the distribution of autoradiographic opiate receptor grains.
TL;DR: Evidence is presented that alkaline phosphatase treatment of human platelet beta-glucuronidase abolished its "high-uptake" activity, without diminishing its catalytic activity, and converted some forms of the heterogeneous enzyme to less acidic forms.
Abstract: Human beta-glucuronidase (beta-D-glucuronide glucuronosohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.31), like many other glycoprotein lysosomal hydrolases, is specifically taken up from the culture medium by human fibroblasts. Prior work has indicated that the enzyme exhibits charge heterogeneity and that "high-uptake" forms, i.e., those rapidly internalized by human fibroblasts, are more acidic than slowly internalized forms. Here we present two lines of evidence that the acidic group required for the high-uptake property of certain forms of the enzyme is a phosphate on, or in proximity to, a D-mannose-type carbohydrate. The first line of evidence was obtained from analysis of inhibition of enzyme pinocytosis by yeast mannans, phosphorylated sugars, and sugars. Mannans that contained phosphate were more potent inhibitors than those that did not contain phosphate. D-Mannose 6-phosphate was a more potent inhibitor than either D-mannose 1 phosphate or 2-deoxy-D-glucose 6-phosphate. D-Mannose and certain related sugars were weak pinocytosis inhibitors, while 2- and 4-epimers of mannose were noninhibitory. Competitive inhibition was demonstrated and the apparent Kis estimated for the following compounds: Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan from mutant X2180-mnnl, 3 X 10(-6) M; mannan from wild-type S. cerebisiae, 3 X 10(-5) M; D-mannose 6-phosphate, 6 X 10(-5) M; L-fucose, 4 X 10(-2) M; and D-mannose, 6 X 10(-2) M. The second line of evidence comes from the observation that alkaline phosphatase [orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase (alkaline optimum), EC 3.1.3.1] treatment of human platelet beta-glucuronidase abolished its "high-uptake" activity, without diminishing its catalytic activity, and converted some forms of the heterogeneous enzyme to less acidic forms.
TL;DR: Comparison of data indicates that adenosine-reactive "P" and "R" sites are present generally and are explained by the presence of both sites on a single adenylate cyclase.
Abstract: The effects of adenosine and adenosine analogs on adenylate cyclases from several tissues have been examined. Two adenosine-reactive sites have been identified: (i) the "R" site, occupancy of which usually leads to activation of cyclase and which requires integrity of the ribose ring for activity, and (ii) the "P" site, which mediates inhibition and requires integrity of the purine ring for activity. Biphasic effects of adenosine are explained by the presence of both sites on a single adenylate cyclase. Comparison of these data with those in the literature indicates that adenosine-reactive "P" and "R" sites are present generally.