Species specificity of bacterial palindromic units

We described previously a family of dispersed palindromic sequences highly repeated in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium genomes. These sequences, called PU (palindromic units), are located outside structural genes. We report here observations suggesting that PU may have a role in bacterial speciation.     

CpG and TpA frequencies in the plant system.

Higher plant nuclear sequences reveal avoidance of CpG and TpA doublets. Chloroplast sequences avoid the TpA doublet in all codon positions. The chloroplast genome is not methylated but codon positions II-III and untranslated regions avoid CpG. The mitochondrial genome, also unmethylated, avoids CpG in all codon positions. We therefore deduce that methylation is not sufficient to explain CpG avoidance in the higher plant systems. Other factors must be taken into account such as amino acid composition, codon choices and perhaps stability of the DNA helix.     

Circular dichroism and viscometric studies on a basic protein from pig brain

Abstract— A highly purified basic protein prepared from pig brain was studied by circular dichroism and viscometry. The circular dichroism spectrum of the protein in 50% (v/v) aqueous n-propanol showed two negative bands (at 217-220 nm and 204 nm); the spectrum in 90% (v/v) aqueous trifluoroethanol similarly showed two negative bands (at 217 nm and at 206 nm). The molar ellipticity of this protein in aqueous solvents was relatively flat and no negative bands were observed above 200 nm. The η_ap C of the protein from pig brain was 0-12 as C → O in tris buffer (0-1 M, pH 7-8). On the basis of these studies we concluded that the protein is asymmetric and extended in aqueous systems and contains a maximum of 20 per cent α-helix in trifluoroethanol.     

The molecular basis of granuloma formation in schistosomiasis. II. Analogies of a T cell-derived suppressor effector factor to the T cell receptor

During Schistosoma mansoni infection, Ts cells regulate granulomatous modulation via antigenically and genetically restricted suppressor inducer and suppressor effector factors. The T suppressor effector factor (TseF) directly suppresses granuloma formation both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we probe the molecular basis of these TseF properties. Using techniques of heterodimeric chain reduction with DTT and in vitro functional complementation, chimeric molecules were constructed. By analyzing genetic restrictions, antigenic specificities, and phenotypic markers, the contributions of the component chains to 72 kDa TseF reactivity were determined. One chain bore an Ag receptor and imparted antigenic specificity. The other chain bore an IJ determinant, a TCR beta-chain allotypic determinant, a suppressor effector phenotypic determinant, and imparted functional genetic restriction. Functional activity required covalent, probably sulfhydryl mediated, linkage as succinylation prevented the separated component chains from reconstituting functional activity. Additional studies demonstrated that anti-serum directed against either the T cell receptor or the T3 epsilon-chain could abrogate functional activity. However, TseF bore no T3 epsilon-chain phenotypic marker per se suggesting that TseF effects T lymphocytes via transmembrane signal transduction. These studies suggest that a regulatory network is operative in granuloma modulation. This regulatory network is mediated by a soluble TseF that bears significant structural homologies to the classic TCR.     

Analysis of the topological changes induced on cells exposed to adhesive or mechanical stimuli

Fluorescent probes are widely used to study cell structure and function. However, few reports were devoted to a quantitative analysis of the intracellular distribution of fluorescent markers. In the present work, we describe the topographical changes of surface and cytoskeletal markers on individual cells subjected to adhesive or mechanical interaction. Conjugates were prepared with a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clone and target cells. Specific antigens, membrane phospholipids, surface glycoconjugates, and polymerized actin were labeled with fluorescent antibodies or biochemical probes. The analysis of fluorescence distributions in conjugates demonstrated a selective reorganization of the plasma membrane with a gathering of some molecular species in the intercellular adhesion area. Furthermore, individual phagocytic cells were sucked into glass micropipets, then stained with fluorescent phallacidin to analyze the effect of mechanical efforts on the cytoskeleton organization. The concentration of polymerized actin was found to be similar in mechanicallyinduced protrusions and whole cells. It is concluded that adhesive interactions may result in marked cell polarization and formation of membrane zones with a particular biochemical composition. The submembranar cytoskeleton might play a role in this process.     

Direct regeneration in vitro and transient GUS expression in Mentha×piperita

Genetic transformation of peppermint is known to be very difficult essentially because of low efficiency regeneration. A regeneration protocol allowing 51% shooting frequency is proposed. Transient -glucuronidase expression and adjustment of selection pressure with kanamycin are also reported. The final retained method to attempt peppermint transformation is:Agrobacterium inoculation or biolistic treatment of the first apical leaves ofin vitro clones, regeneration in the dark with kanamycin (1 mg l^–1) and 6-benzylaminopurine (2 mg l^–1), followed by selection of regenerated shoots with 200 mg 1^–1 kanamycin.Abbreviations BA 6-benzylaminopurine - GUS -glucuronidase - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - NAA -naphthalenacetic acid - PIG particle inflow gun - SEM scanning electron microscope