MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Biochimie' source. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:57:38 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385978&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20298739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bonaiuto E, Lunelli M, Scarpa M, Vettor R, Milan G, Di Paolo ML Kinetic studies were performed with various alkanamines as "substrate probes" of the properties of the active site of the human semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase/vascular adhesion protein-1 (SSAO/VAP-1). We found that the enzyme-substrate recognition step is mainly controlled by apolar interactions and that a "good" substrate has a molecular structure containing a long aliphatic chain and a second positive charge at a distance greater than 12 A from the reactive amino group. In this context, we identified a novel substrate for the human SSAO/VAP-1, 1,12-diaminododecane (DIADO), which is characterised by the highest catalytic efficiency reported to date in comparison to the prototypic substrate benzylamine. Com... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385978 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3385978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370986&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20226833%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blanchard H, Legrand P, Pédrono F Since its identification in 2000, no function has been attributed to the Fatty Acid Desaturase 3 (Fads3) gene. This gene is located within the Fads cluster, which also contains Fads1 and Fads2, coding respectively for the 5- and 6- desaturases. Based on the sequence homology between these three genes, Fads3 may be a new fatty acid desaturase. It is thus essential to understand its involvement in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) biosynthesis in order to improve our knowledge on lipid metabolism. Gene expression studies provided evidences on the specificity of Fads3 compared to Fads1 and Fads2, concerning the tissue distribution, alternative splicing and regulation. These works also identified possible physiological functions in which Fads... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370986 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370985&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20226834%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Escoffier J, Couvet M, de Pomyers H, Ray PF, Sève M, Lambeau G, De Waard M, Arnoult C The goal of this study was to identify new compounds from venoms able to modulate sperm physiology and more particularly sperm motility. For this purpose, we screened the effects of 16 snake venoms cleared of molecules higher than 15kDa on sperm motility. Venoms rich in neurotoxins like those from Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus or Daboia russellii, were highly potent inhibitors of sperm motility. In contrast, venoms rich in myotoxins like those from Echis carinatus, Bothrops alternatus and Macrovipera lebetina, were inactive. From the main pharmacologically-active fraction of the Taipan snake Oxyuranus scutellatus s., a proteomic approach allowed us to identify 16 different proteins, ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370985 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370987&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20226226%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leslie CC, Gangelhoff TA, Gelb MH Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha, Group IVA phospholipase A(2)) is a central mediator of arachidonate release from cellular phospholipids for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids. cPLA(2)alpha translocates to intracellular membranes including the Golgi in response to a rise in intracellular calcium level. The enzyme's calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding C2 domain provides the targeting specificity for cPLA(2)alpha translocation to the Golgi. However, other features of cPLA(2)alpha regulation are incompletely understood such as the role of phosphorylation of serine residues in the catalytic domain and the function of basic residues in the cPLA(2)alpha C2 and catalytic domains that are proposed to interact with anionic phospholipids... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370987 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354659&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211678%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Calderón M, Quadir MA, Strumia M, Haag R Stimuli responsive polymer architectures are molecular systems which evolve with an external signal. The observed changes are mainly decomposition, isomerization, polymerization, activation, supramolecular aggregation, and structural modifications of these molecules. The external stimuli, which can be combined in order to provoke these molecular changes, are numerous. In this review, we have chosen to present an overview on different mechanisms to impart responsiveness to dendritic polymers, with the particular aim of delivery and release of bioactive molecules. PMID: 20211678 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354659 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354658&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211679%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li D, Meyer MH, Willkomm DK, Keusgen M, Hartmann RK A magnetic sensor technique was applied to analyze the interaction of immobilized bacterial RNase P protein and 3'-biotinylated RNase P RNA bound to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Our measurements with three types of beads from different suppliers resulted in K(d)-values of about 1 to 2 nM (at 4.5 mM Mg(2+) and 150 mM NH(4)(+)) for E. coli RNase P RNA and protein, consistent with previous analyses using different techniques. We further measured affinity of the E. coli RNase P protein to chimeric RNase P RNA variants, consisting of an E. coli specificity domain and an engineered archaeal catalytic domain. A "bacterial-like" 1-bp insertion and 2-nt deletion in the helix P2/P3 region largely improved affinity, providing ind... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354658 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354657&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211680%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu S, Tian Y, Greenaway FT, Sun MZ The oncogenic potential of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) relies on the expression of genes specifying the E7 and E6 proteins. To investigate further the variation in oligomeric structure that has been reported for different E7 proteins, an HPV-18 E7 cloned from a Hispanic woman with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was purified to homogeneity most probably as a stable monomeric protein in aqueous solution. We determined that one zinc ion is present per HPV-18 E7 monomer by amino acid and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy analysis. Intrinsic fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic results indicate that the zinc ion is important for the correct folding and thermal stability of HPV-18 E7. Hydroxyl ra... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354657 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354656&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211681%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kancheva VD, Boranova PV, Nechev JT, Manolov II The main antioxidant properties of five new 4-hydroxy-bis-coumarins during bulk lipid autoxidation at 80 degrees C and 0.1 mM and 1.0 mM concentrations were studied and compared with 4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (1). These compounds are: 3,3'-((3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl) methylene) bis (4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (2), 3,3'-((3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) methylene) bis (4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (3), 3,3'-((4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl) methylene) bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (4) 3,3'-((3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl) methylene) bis (4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (5) 3,3'-((4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl) methylene) bis (4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (6), It was found that compound 2 with a catecholic structure in the aromatic nucleus showed the... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354656 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354655&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211682%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sepúlveda C, Poch A, Espinoza R, Cardemil E Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinases catalyse the reversible formation of oxaloacetate (OAA) and ATP (or GTP) from PEP, ADP (or GDP) and CO(2). They are activated by Mn(2+), a metal ion that coordinates to the protein through the epsilon-amino group of a lysine residue, the N(epsilon-2)-imidazole of a histidine residue, and the carboxylate from an aspartic acid residue. Neutrality in the epsilon-amino group of Lys213 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae PEP carboxykinase is expected to be favoured by the vicinity of ionised Lys212. Glu272 and Glu284, located close to Lys212, should, in turn, electrostatically stabilise its positive charge and hence assist in keeping the epsilon-amino group of Lys213 in a neutral state. The mutations ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354655 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3347088&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20206660%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Khairulina J, Graifer D, Bulygin K, Ven'yaminova A, Frolova L, Karpova G The eukaryotic ribosomal protein S15 is a key component of the decoding site in contrast to its prokaryotic counterpart, S19p, which is located away from the mRNA binding track on the ribosome. Here, we determined the oligopeptide of S15 neighboring the A site mRNA codon on the human 80S ribosome with the use of mRNA analogues bearing perfluorophenyl azide-modified nucleotides in the sense or stop codon targeted to the 80S ribosomal A site. The protein was cross-linked to mRNA analogues in specific ribosomal complexes that were obtained in the presence of eRF1 in the experiments with mRNAs bearing stop codon. Digestion of modified S15 with various specific proteolytic agents followed by identification of ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3347088 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3347088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318973&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188785%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barouki R Understanding the mechanisms of long-term toxicities of chemicals is challenging. The present review discusses evidence suggesting that the biological adaptation to acute xenobiotic exposure could lead in the long run to toxic side effects. Upon acute exposure, hydrophobic xenobiotics are sequestered in the adipose tissue, which consequently protects other organs. However, this could also lead to the persistence of these xenochemicals and to a chronic low level internal exposure. The intrinsic properties of the xenobiotic detection and metabolism systems could also account for long-term toxicity. Indeed, hydrophobic xenochemicals are metabolized into more hydrophilic compounds; the first step of this pathway consists in the "activation" of the parent compound into a ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318973 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318972&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188786%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aims at evaluating the effects of resveratrol on inflammation-related adipokines expression and insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. We stimulated RAW264.7 cells with LPS and collected the supernatant as a conditioned-medium (CM) for the culture of adipocytes. Resveratrol, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 muM, effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production with the downregulation of relative genes expression in macrophages. Exposing differentiated 3T3-L1 cells to RAW264.7 CM resulted in gene over-expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and resistin, however, mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPARgamma were down-regulated. Pretreatment of CM from resveratrol-treated macropahges reduced the elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and significant... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318972 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318971&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188787%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li N, Wu JM, Zhang LF, Zhang YZ, Feng H A putative gene encoding proline iminopeptidase (PchPiPA) was cloned from Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 by RT-PCR and expressed successfully in Escherichia coli. The cDNA is 942bp in length and encodes 313 amino acids. The recombinant enzyme was only able to hydrolyze Pro-pNA among the tested synthetic substrates. There is no activity detected toward Leu-pNA, Phe-pNA and Tyr-pNA, as well as GGG-pNA, SGR-pNA, AAV-pNA, AAPL-pNA, AAVA-pNA. And the recombinant enzyme could cleave the peptides derived from enzyme-hydrolytic natural proteins to release free lysine, which was confirmed using synthetic oligopeptides with lysine at N termini as substrate. The optimal pH and temperature for this enzyme were 8.0 and 45 degrees C, respectiv... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318971 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318970&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188788%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brasse-Lagnel CG, Lavoinne AM, Husson AS Some amino acids exert a wide range of regulatory effects on gene expression via the activation of different signalling pathways and transcription factors, and a number of cis elements were shown to respond to changes in amino acid concentration. Particular attention has been paid to the effects of glutamine and arginine, which modulate a number of cell functions through the activation of various pathways in different tissues. In the intestine, appropriate concentrations of both arginine and/or glutamine contribute to facilitate cell proliferation, to limit the inflammatory response and apoptosis, and to modulate intermediary metabolism through specific transcription factors. Particularly, besides its role as a major fuel for enterocyte... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318970 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318969&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188789%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hamza L, Gargioli C, Castelli S, Rufini S, Laraba-Djebari F Serious clinical problems such as hemorrhage, edema and tissue necrosis are observed following viperid envenoming. A proteinase (VLH2) was isolated from Vipera lebetina by combination of two chromatographic steps of gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 followed by DEAE Sephadex A-50. This acidic proteinase, with a molecular mass of about 55kDa and isoelectric point of 5.4, displayed a fibrinogenolytic and hemorrhagic activities. VLH2 hydrolyses rapidly the Aalpha-chain of fibrinogen, followed, more slowly, by the Bbeta-chain, leaving the gamma-chain unaffected. The proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities of VLH2 were inhibited by EDTA, EGTA and 1-10 phenanthroline. However, these activities were not affected by AEBSF, Aprot... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318969 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318968&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188790%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kouba M, Mourot J The fatty acid composition of animal products (eggs, milk and meat) is the reflect of both the tissue fatty acid biosynthesis and the fatty acid composition of ingested lipids. This relationship is stronger in monogastrics (pigs, poultry and rabbits) than in ruminants, where dietary fatty acids are hydrogenated in the rumen. There is an increasing recognition of the health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), because these fatty acids are essential for humans. In addition, the ratio n-6/n-3 fatty acids in the human diet is important. This ratio by far exceeds the recommended value of 5. Therefore, inclusion of fish meals, or n-3 PUFA rich oils, or linseed in animal diets is a valid means of meeting consumer demand for animal products that are nutri... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318968 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318967&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188791%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takahashi D, Shukla SK, Prakash O, Zhang G Antimicrobial host defense peptides (HDPs) are a critical component of the innate immunity with microbicidal, endotoxin-neutralizing, and immunostimulatory properties. HDPs kill bacteria primarily through non-specific membrane lysis, therefore with a less likelihood of provoking resistance. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies with a number of HDPs have revealed that net charge, amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, and structural propensity are among the most important physicochemical and structural parameters that dictate their ability to interact with and disrupt membranes. A delicate balance among these factors, rather than a mere alteration of a single factor, is critically important for HDPs to ensure the antimicrobial po... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318967 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318974&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20188139%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fafournoux P, Chaveroux C, Lambert-Langlais S, Cherasse Y, Averous J, Parry L, Carraro V, Jousse C, Maurin AC, Bruhat A In mammals, metabolic adaptations are required to cope with episodes of protein deprivation and malnutrition. Consequently, mammals have to adjust physiological functions involved in the adaptation to amino acid availability. Part of this regulation involves the modulation of the expression of numerous genes. In particular, it has been shown that amino acids by themselves can modify the expression of target genes. This review describes the regulation of amino acids homeostasis and the their role as signal molecules. The recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of mammalian gene expression in response to amino ac... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318974 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311672&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20178825%26dopt%3DAbstract This article summarizes recent efforts on nucleoside modification using ionic liquids. PMID: 20178825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311672 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3311672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302907&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20172013%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Joly F, Mayeur C, Bruneau A, Noordine ML, Meylheuc T, Langella P, Messing B, Duée PH, Cherbuy C, Thomas M Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is observed in Humans after a large resection of gut. Since the remnant colon and its associated-microbiota play a major role in the outcome of patients with SBS, we studied the overall qualitative and quantitative microbiota composition of SBS adult patients compared to controls. The population was composed of 11 SBS type II patients (with a jejuno-colonic anastomosis) and 8 controls without intestinal pathology. SBS patients had 38+/-30cm remnant small bowel length and 66+/-19% of residual colon. The repartition of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and fibres was expressed as % of total oral intake in patients and controls. The microbiota wa... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302907 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3302907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302906&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20172014%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yan LM, Lin B, Zhu LC, Hao YY, Qi Y, Wang CZ, Gao S, Liu SC, Zhang SL, Iwamori M Le(Y) antigen is known to be associated with malignant properties including metastasis and a poor prognosis of ovarian carcinomas. To clarify the mechanisms underling these properties, we established ovarian carcinoma-derived cells exhibiting enhanced expression of Le(Y) by transfection with alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase and compared their cellular properties with those of the original cells. So the human alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase gene was transfected into ovarian carcinoma-derived RMG-1 cells, which are known to contain Le(X), a precursor of Le(Y), and RMG-1-hFUT cells exhibiting enhanced expression of Le(Y) were established by selection with anti-Le(Y) antibodies, and their adhesive and spreadin... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302906 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3302906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302909&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20171258%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides a complete understanding of the principles of mutation detection methodology based on chemical cleavage of mismatches and clarifies the advantages and limitations of this approach in various biological and conformational studies of DNA. PMID: 20171258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302909 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3302909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302908&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20171259%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jansson L, Angström J, Lebens M, Imberty A, Varrot A, Teneberg S Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae are well known causative agents of severe diarrheal diseases. Both pathogens produce AB(5) toxins, with one enzymatically active A-subunit and a pentamer of receptor-binding B-subunits. The primary receptor for both B-subunits is the GM1 ganglioside (Galbeta3GalNAcbeta4(NeuAcalpha3)Galbeta4GlcbetaCer), but the B-subunits from porcine isolates of E. coli also bind neolacto-(Galbeta4GlcNAcbeta-)terminated glycoconjugates and the B-subunits from human isolates of E. coli (hLTB) have affinity for blood group A type 2-(GalNAcalpha3(Fucalpha2)Galbeta4GlcNAcbeta-)terminated glycoconjugates. A B-subunit with 73% sequence identity to the B-subunits of cholera toxin... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302908 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3302908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291301&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20167241%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yost CC, Weyrich AS, Zimmerman GA The platelet activating factor (PAF) signaling cascade evolved as a component of the repertoire of innate host defenses, but is also an effector pathway in inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. This review focuses on the PAF signaling cascade in systemic inflammatory responses and, specifically, explores its activities in experimental and clinical sepsis and anaphylaxis in the context of the basic biochemistry and biology of signaling via this lipid mediator system. PMID: 20167241 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291301 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3291301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291300&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20167242%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rokita SE, Adler JM, McTamney PM, Watson JA Daily ingestion of iodide alone is not adequate to sustain production of the thyroid hormones, tri- and tetraiodothyronine. Proper maintenance of iodide in vivo also requires its active transport into the thyroid and its salvage from mono- and diiodotyrosine that are formed in excess during hormone biosynthesis. The enzyme iodotyrosine deiodinase responsible for this salvage is unusual in its ability to catalyze a reductive dehalogenation reaction dependent on a flavin cofactor, FMN. Initial characterization of this enzyme was limited by its membrane association, difficult purification and poor stability. The deiodinase became amenable to detailed analysis only after identification and heterologous expression of its gene. Site-direct... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291300 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3291300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291299&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20167243%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xi H, Kumar S, Dosen-Micovic L, Arya DP Calorimetric and fluorescence techniques were used to characterize the binding of aminoglycosides-neomycin, paromomycin, and ribostamycin, with 5'-dA(12)-x-dT(12)-x-dT(12)-3' intramolecular DNA triplex (x = hexaethylene glycol) and poly(dA)*2poly(dT) triplex. Our results demonstrate the following features: (1) UV thermal analysis reveals that the T(m) for triplex decreases with increasing pH value in the presence of neomycin, while the T(m) for the duplex remains unchanged. (2) The binding affinity of neomycin decreases with increased pH, although there is an increase in observed binding enthalpy. (3) ITC studies conducted in two buffers (sodium cacodylate and MOPS) yield the number of protonated drug amino groups (Deltan) as 0.29 and 0.... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291299 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3291299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291298&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20167244%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leong WI, Saba JD Nearly two decades ago, the sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate was discovered to function as a lipid mediator and regulator of cell proliferation. Since that time, sphingosine 1-phosphate has been shown to mediate a diverse array of fundamental biological processes including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, vascular maturation and lymphocyte trafficking. Sphingosine 1-phosphate acts primarily via signaling through five ubiquitously expressed G protein-coupled receptors. Intracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate molecules are transported extracellularly and gain access to its cognate receptors for autocrine and paracrine fashion and for signaling at distant sites reached through blood and lymphatic circulation systems. Intracellu... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291298 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3291298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291297&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20167245%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gillet L, Roger S, Bougnoux P, Le Guennec JY, Besson P Cancers are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Voltage-gated sodium channels, among other ion channels, appear as new molecular players in epithelial cancers. Highly metastatic breast cancer cells express Na(V)1.5, the main isoform expressed in cardiac cells, where the current generated by the flux of sodium ions is responsible for the excitability. Breast cancer cells are not excitable and the protein activity regulates cell invasiveness, through the modulation of activity of acidic cathepsins, a characteristic involved in the metastatic phenotype. Interestingly, it is known that omega-3 LC-PUFA can exert beneficial effects by preventing post-myocardial infarction arrhythmias and by reducing the incidence of met... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291297 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3291297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3284580&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20159030%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hara S, Kamei D, Sasaki Y, Tanemoto A, Nakatani Y, Murakami M Prostaglandin E synthase (PGES), which converts cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)) to PGE(2), is known to comprise a group of at least three structurally and biologically distinct enzymes. Two of them are membrane-bound and have been designated as mPGES-1 and mPGES-2. mPGES-1 is a perinuclear protein that is markedly induced by proinflammatory stimuli and down-regulated by anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids as in the case of COX-2.It is functionally coupled with COX-2 in marked preference to COX-1. mPGES-2 is synthesized as a Golgi membrane-associated protein, and the proteolytic removal of the N-terminal hydrophobic domain leads to the formation of a mature cytosolic enzyme. This enzyme is rath... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3284580 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3284580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3284579&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20159031%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nakanishi M, Gokhale V, Meuillet EJ, Rosenberg DW Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is a bioactive lipid that can elicit a wide range of biological effects associated with inflammation and cancer. The physiological roles of PGE(2) are diverse, mediated in part through activation of key downstream signaling cascades via transmembrane EP receptors located on the cell surface. Elevated levels of COX-2 and concomitant overproduction of PGE(2) are often found in human cancers. These observations have led to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as chemopreventive agents, particularly for colorectal cancer (CRC). Their long-term use, however, may be associated with gastrointestinal toxicity and increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, prompting the development ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3284579 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3284579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3284578&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20159032%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Najjar I, Fagard R STAT1 belongs to the STAT family of transcription factors, which comprises seven factors: STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6. STAT1 is a 91kDa protein originally identified as the mediator of the cellular response to interferon (IFN)alpha, and thereafter found to be a major component of the cellular response to IFNgamma. STAT1 is, in fact, involved in the response to several cytokines and to growth factors. It is activated by cytokine receptors via kinases of the JAK family. STAT1 becomes phosphorylated and forms a dimer which enters the nucleus and triggers the transcription of its targets. Although not lethal at birth, selective gene deletion of STAT1 in mice leads to rapid death from severe infections, demonstrating its major role in the... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3284578 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3284578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3284581&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20156522%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Snider AJ, Orrgandy KA, Obeid LM Sphingolipids and their synthetic enzymes are emerging as important mediators in inflammatory responses and as regulators of immune cell functions. In particular, sphingosine kinase (SK) and its product sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have been extensively implicated in these processes. SK catalyzes the phosphorylation of sphingosine to S1P and exists as two isoforms, SK1 and SK2. SK1 has been shown to be activated by cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin1-beta (IL1-beta). The activation of SK1 in this pathway has been shown to be, at least in part, required for mediating TNF-alpha and IL1-beta inflammatory responses in cells, including induction of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2). In addition to their role in infl... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3284581 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3284581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276667&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20153800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karabina SA, Gora S, Atout R, Ninio E Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of glycerophospholipids liberating lysophospholipids and free fatty acids; important second messengers involved in atherogenesis. Plasma PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) or Lp-PLA2 is a Ca(2+)-independent PLA2 which is produced by monocyte-derived macrophages and by activated platelets, and circulates in plasma associated with lipoproteins. PAF-AH catalyzes the removal of the acetyl/short acyl group at the sn-2 position of PAF and oxidized phospholipids produced during inflammation and oxidative stress. In humans, PAF-AH is mainly associated with small dense LDL and to a lesser extent with HDL and with lipoprotein(a). PAF-AH is N-glycosylated p... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276667 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3276667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276666&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20153801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lu Z, Zhai L, Wang H, Che Q, Wang D, Feng F, Zhao Z, Yu H Xizang plateau frog (Nanorana parkeri) captured in Lhasa, Tibet, China, solely lives in the subtropical plateau, where there is strong ultraviolet radiation and long duration of sunshine. Considering its harsh living environment, the frog's innate defense against microbes and environmental stress was investigated. In current study, three antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were purified and characterized from the skin secretion of N. parkeri. The coding cDNA sequences were also cloned from the skin cDNA library of N. parkeri. By structural characterization, two peptides were identified belonging to Japonnicin-1 family, and named as Japonnicin-1Npa (FLLFPLMCKIQGKC) and Japonnicin-1Npb (FVLPLVMCKILRKC). The third peptide isolat... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276666 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3276666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276668&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20152878%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Diane C, Jérome G, Dominique S, Georges P The role of gap junctions in proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis has been recently highlighted. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that control these physiological events by acting on gap junction channels are still unknown. We have recently demonstrated that heteromeric gap junction plaques composed by Cx43 and Cx33 are unstable at the cell boundary and are rapidly internalized by endocytosis. In the present study, we analyze the phosphorylation status of Cx43 in homomeric (Cx43/Cx43) and heteromeric (Cx33/Cx43) complexes and their association with the tyrosine kinase c-Src. Our data show that c-Src interaction and P2 phosphorylation of Cx43, which are essential for homomeric Cx43 complex endocytosis, were altered in... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276668 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3276668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3263001&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144905%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we found that aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) contains 4 Cys residues, i.e., Cys45, Cys187, Cys200, and Cys299. Exposing AKR1B10 to ROS mixtures resulted in significant decrease of its free sulfhydryl groups, up to 40-50% in the presence of physiological thiol cysteine at 0.5 or 1.0 mM; and accordingly, AKR1B10 enzymatic activity was reversibly decreased, in parallel with the oxidation of the sulfhydryl groups. ROS-induced thiolation also affected the sensitivity of AKR1B10 to inhibitors EBPC, epalrestat, and statil. Together our results showed for the first time that AKR1B10's enzymatic activity and inhibitor sensitivity are modulated by thiol/disulfide exchanges. PMID: 20144905 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3263001 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3263001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3263005&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144678%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wu Y, Raymond B, Goosens P, Njamkepo E, Guiso N, Paya M, Touqui L Type-IIA secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) has been proposed to play a role in the development of inflammatory diseases. It has been shown to release arachidonic acid, the precursor of proinflammatory eicosanoids, to hydrolyze phospholipids of pulmonary surfactant, and to bind to specific receptors located on cell surface membranes. However, the most established biological role of sPLA(2)-IIA is related to its potent bactericidal property in particular toward Gram-positive bacteria. This enzyme is present in animal and human biological fluids at concentrations sufficient to kill bacteria. Human recombinant sPLA(2)-IIA is able to kill Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations as low as 1.1 ng/ml. This rema... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3263005 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3263005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3263004&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144679%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Real-Hohn A, Zancan P, Da Silva D, Martins ER, Salgado LT, Mermelstein CS, Gomes AM, Sola-Penna M Glycolytic enzymes reversibly associate with the human erythrocyte membrane (EM) as part of their regulatory mechanism. The site for this association has been described as the amino terminus of band 3, a transmembrane anion transporter. Binding of glycolytic enzymes to this site is recognized to inhibit glycolysis, since binding inhibits the catalytic activity of these enzymes, including the rate-limiting enzyme 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK). However, the existence of a putative stimulatory site for glycolytic enzymes within the EM has been proposed. PFK has been described as able to reversibly associate with other proteins, such as microtubules, which inhibit the enzyme, and fil... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3263004 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3263004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3263003&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144680%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Filatova LY, Becker SC, Donovan DM, Gladilin AK, Klyachko NL LysK, the enzyme lysing cells of Staphylococcus aureus, can be considered as perspective antimicrobial agent. Knowledge of LysK properties and behavior would allow optimizing conditions of its storage as well as formulating strategy towards its stabilization. Reaction of LysK with substrate (suspension of autoclaved Staphylococcus aureus cells) has been found to be adequately described by the two-stage Michaelis-Menten kinetic scheme. Ionization of the enzyme and enzyme-substrate complex important for revealing catalytic activity is controlled by two ionogenic groups with pK 6.0 and 9.6. Ionization energy of the group with pK 6.0 is of 30 kJ/mol, thus, pointing out on His residue; pK 9.6 might be attributed to metal ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3263003 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3263003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3263002&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144681%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, SRF depletion affects the expansion of the high and low differentiation grade HCC cells HepG2 and JHH6. These results can pave the way to understand the role of SRF in HCC development and possibly to identify novel anti HCC therapeutic strategies. PMID: 20144681 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3263002 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3263002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255023&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138955%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parkhomenko TA, Buneva VN, Tyshkevich OB, Generalov II, Doronin BM, Nevinsky GA DNase autoantibodies (Abzs) can be found in the blood of patients with several autoimmune diseases, while the blood of healthy donors or patients with diseases with an insignificant disturbance of the immune status does not contain DNase Abzs. Here we present the first analysis of the DNase Abzs activity in the patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Several strict criteria have been applied to show that the DNase activity is an intrinsic property of IgGs from the sera of TBE patients but not from healthy donors. The relative activity of IgGs has been shown to vary extensively from patient to patient, but most of the preparations (91%) had detectable levels of the DNase activity. Polyclonal DN... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255023 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255024&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138205%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castellano I, Merlino A, Rossi M, La Cara F Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidases (gamma-GTs) catalyze the transfer of the gamma-glutamyl moiety of glutathione and related gamma-glutamyl amides to water (hydrolysis) or to amino acids and peptides (transpeptidation) and play a key role in glutathione metabolism. Recently, gamma-GTs have been considered attractive pharmaceutical targets for cancer and useful tools to produce gamma-glutamyl compounds. To find out gamma-GTs with special properties we have chosen microorganisms belonging to Geobacillus species which are source of several thermostable enzymes of potential interest for biotechnology. gamma-GT from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans (GthGT) was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and characterized. The... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255024 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255028&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138106%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maheshwari A, Verma VK, Chaudhuri TK The equilibrium and kinetics studies of an 82kDa large monomeric E.coli protein Malate synthase G (MSG) was investigated by far and near-UV CD, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. We find that despite of its large size, folding is reversible, in-vitro. Equilibrium unfolding process of MSG exhibited three-state transition thus, indicating the presence of atleast a stable equilibrium intermediate. Thermodynamic parameters suggest this intermediate resembles the unfolded state. However, the equilibrium intermediate exhibits pronounced secondary structure as measured by far-UV CD, partial tertiary structure as delineated by near-UV CD, compactness (m value) and exposed hydrophobic surface area as assessed ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255028 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255027&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138107%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Banerjee T, Dubey P, Mukhopadhyay R BBR3464 is a trinuclear platinum compound of formula [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2)-mu-trans-Pt(NH(3))(2){NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2)}(2)] (4+). It is a new-generation platinum chemotherapeutic agent that exhibits cytotoxicity at ten to thousand times lower dose limit compared to the well-known platinum drug cisplatin, in cisplatin-sensitive as well as in cisplatin-resistant cells. DNA is thought to be the primary cellular target of BBR3464. In this work, we have applied high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time, to obtain direct information on BBR3464-induced structural changes of DNA. It is found that the DNA molecules get compacted after treatment with BBR3464, for the drug:DNA molar ratio and the drug treatment period of 0.01... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255027 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255026&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138108%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nevalainen TJ Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are enzymes that catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides. Prxs are ubiquitous enzymes with representatives found in Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. Many 1-cysteine peroxiredoxins (1-CysPrx) are dual function enzyme with both peroxidase and acidic Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2) (aiPLA(2)) activities. The functions proposed for 1-CysPrx/aiPLA(2) include the protection of cell membrane phospholipids against oxidative damage (peroxidation) and the metabolism (hydrolysis) of phospholipids, such as those of lung surfactant. The peroxidase active site motif PVCTTE of 1-CysPrx contains the conserved catalytic cysteine residue, and the esterase (lipase) motif GXSXG of the enzyme contains the conserved catalytic serin... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255026 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3255025&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20138109%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nascimento AS PPARgamma is a ligand regulated transcriptional factor that modulates the transcription of several genes involved in fat and sugar metabolism. Due to its easy bacterial expression and crystallization, several crystal structures of holo-PPARgamma have been reported and deposited in the Protein Data Bank. Here, we investigated the three dimensional electrostatic properties of 55 PPARgamma ligands and used this information for clustering them through principal component analysis. We found out that, according to their electrostatic potential, these ligands can be separated in three groups, with different binding features. We also observed that non-selective and selective ligands show different 3D electrostatic properties and are separated in different clusters. The r... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3255025 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3255025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236640&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20114069%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fernández-Ramírez F, Bermúdez-Cruz RM, Montañez C It has been reported that polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) binds to RNA via KH and S1 domains, and at least two main complexes (I & II) have been observed in RNA binding assays. Here we describe PNPase binding to RNA, the factors involved in this activity and the nature of the interactions observed in vitro. Our results show that RNA length and composition affect PNPase binding, and that PNPase interacts primarily with the 3'-end of RNA, forming the complex I-RNA, which contains trimeric units of PNPase. When the 5'-end of RNA is blocked by a hybridizing oligonucleotide, the formation of complex II-RNA is inhibited. In addition, PNPase was found to form high molecular weight (>440 kDa) aggregates... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236640 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3236640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223893&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20109515%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tiwari R, Brown A, Narramaneni S, Sun G, Parang K Src kinase activity is regulated by the interaction of SH3 domain with protein sequences that are rich in proline residues. Identification of more potent SH3 domain binding ligands that can regulate Src kinase activity is a subject of major interest. Conformationally constrained peptides have been previously used for improving the binding potency of the Src SH2 domain binding peptide ligands and peptide substrates of the substrate-binding site of Src. A series of peptide analogues of Ac-VSLARRPLPPLP (1, Ac-VSL-12, K(d) = 0.34 muM) were synthesized by introducing conformational constraints to improve the binding affinity towards the Src SH3 domain. Peptides synthesized through cyclization between N-terminal to C-terminal [VSLARR... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223893 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3223893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223892&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20109516%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kumari R, Bansal S, Gupta G, Arora S, Kumar A, Goel S, Singh P, Ponnan P, Priya N, Tyagi TK, Baghel AS, Manral S, Tandon R, Joshi R, Rohil V, Gaspari M, Kohli E, Tyagi YK, Dwarakanath BS, Saluja D, Chatterji S, Sharma SK, Prasad AK, Rastogi RC, Raj HG, Parmar VS Our earlier investigations have identified a unique enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) termed Acetoxy Drug: Protein Transacetylase (TAase) catalyzing the transfer of acetyl group from polyphenolic acetates (PA) to certain receptor proteins (RP). An elegant assay procedure for TAase was developed based on the inhibition of glutathione S-transfesrase (GST) due to acetylation by a model acetoxycoumarin, 7, 8-Diacetoxy-4-methylcoumarin (DAMC). TAase purified from various mammalian tissue microsomes to homogeneity exh... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223892 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3223892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212772&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20100538%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sun MZ, Guo C, Tian Y, Chen D, Greenaway FT, Liu S An L-amino acid oxidase (Akbu-LAAO) was isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon blomhoffii ussurensis snake using DEAE Sephadex A-50 ion-exchange, Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, and high performance liquid chromatographies. The homogeneity and molecular mass of Akbu-LAAO were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF spectrometry. The sequences of ten peptides from Akbu-LAAO were established by HPLC-nESI-MS/MS analysis. Protein sequence alignment indicated that i) that Akbu-LAAO is a new snake venom LAAO, and ii) Akbu-LAAO shares homology with several LAAOs from the venoms of Calloselasma rhodost, Agkistrodon halys, Daboia russellii siamensis, and Trimeresurus stejnegeri. Akbu-LAAO is a homodimer with a molecular mass of ~124.4kDa. It ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212772 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212771&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20100539%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim M, Song E In this work, we present evidence of Fe(2+) transport by rat heart mitochondrial F(1)F(o) ATP synthase. Iron uptake by the vesicles containing the enzyme was concentration- and temperature-dependent, with an optimum temperature of 37 degrees C. Both ATP and ADP stimulated iron uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas AMP, AMPPCP, and mADP did not. Inhibitors of the enzyme, oligomycin, and resveratrol similarly blocked iron transport. The iron uptake was confirmed by inhibition using specific antibodies against the alpha, beta, and c subunits of the enzyme. Interestingly, slight transport of common divalent and trivalent metal ions such as Mg(+2), Ca(+2), Mn(+2), Zn(+2), Cu(+2), Fe(+3), and Al(+3) was observed. Moreover, Cu(+2), even in the nM range, in... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212771 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212770&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20100540%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we demonstrate that activators of protein kinase C-PMA and ionomycin, can inhibit the cleavage of CIRL-1 precursor in transfected cells. Both reagents also downregulate trafficking of CIRL-1 to the cell surface that results in accumulation of the uncleaved receptor precursor inside the cells. Experiments with a non-cleavable soluble mutant of CIRL-1 showed that the downregulation of the receptor trafficking is independent of its cleavage. Our data suggest that the GPS proteolysis of CIRL-1 is not a purely autocatalytic process and may involve auxiliary proteins or factors that become available in the course of CIRL-1 trafficking. PMID: 20100540 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212770 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212774&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20097251%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gao B, Xu J, Del Carmen Rodriguez M, Lanz-Mendoza H, Hernández-Rivas R, Du W, Zhu S Plasmodium falciparum is a pathogen of human malaria which causes millions of deaths per year due to the ever-increasing drug resistance by the parasite, and thus novel antimalarial agents are urgently needed. In this work, we report two cDNA clones from the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus venom gland, which encode peptides inhibiting the development of P. berghei, killing intraerythrocytic P. falciparum, and toxic to the Drosophila S2 cell at micromolar concentrations. One peptide of 24 amino acids (named meucin-24) shares high sequence identity to the amino-terminus of a family of scorpion venom long-chain K(+) channel toxins (LcKTx) and two frog antimicrobial peptides (magainin1 and 2). Sequ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212774 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212773&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20097252%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rinaldo-Matthis A, Haeggström JZ Leukotrienes are a family of proinflammatory lipid mediators of the innate immune response and are important signalling molecules in inflammatory and allergic conditions. The leukotrienes are formed from arachidonic acid, which is released from membranes by cPLA(2), and further converted by 5-lipoxygenase to form the labile epoxide leukotriene (LT) A(4). This intermediate is converted by either of the two enzymes, LTA(4) hydrolase or LTC(4) synthase, to form LTB(4) or LTC(4), respectively. In order for 5-lipoxygenase to work efficiently in cells, five lipoxygenase activating protein needs to be present. LTB(4) is one of the most powerful chemotactic agents whereas LTC(4) induces smooth muscle contractions, for example in the airways causin... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212773 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212775&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20096746%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gilson E, Ségal-Bendirdjian E The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has decided to award The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2009 jointly to Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak for the discovery of "how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase". This discovery had major impacts within the scientific community and led to intense research in this field. All the studies performed are now the bases for future investigations and stimulate the development of potential new therapies. PMID: 20096746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212775 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212779&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20096325%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shi S, Geng X, Zhao J, Yao T, Wang C, Yang D, Zheng L, Ji L Inspired by the enormous importance attributed to the structure and function of human telomeric DNA, we focus our attention on the interaction of [Ru(bpy)(2)(dppz)](2+) with the guanine-rich single-strand oligomer 5'-AGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-3' (22AG) and the complementary cytosine-rich strand (22CT). In Na(+) buffer, 22AG may adopt an antiparallel basket quadruplex, whereas, it favours a mixed parallel/antiparallel structure in K(+) buffer. 22CT may self-associate at acidic pH into an i-motif. In this paper, the interaction between [Ru(bpy)(2)(dppz)](2+) and each unusual DNA was evaluated. It was interesting that [Ru(bpy)(2)(dppz)](2+) could promote the human telomeric repeat 22AG to fold into intramolecular antiparall... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212779 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212778&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20096326%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jaouadi B, Aghajari N, Haser R, Bejar S The serine alkaline protease, SAPB, from Bacillus pumilus CBS is characterized by its high thermoactivity, pH-stability and high catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) as well as its excellent stability and compatibility with an alkaline environment under harsh washing conditions. Based on sequence alignments and homology-modeling studies, the present study identified five amino acids Leu31, Thr33, Asn99, Phe159 and Gly182 being putatively important for the enzymatic behaviour of SAPB. To corroborate the role of these residues, 12 mutants were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and then purified and characterized. The findings demonstrate that the single mutants F159T, F159S and G182S and combined double substitutions were implicated i... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212778 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212777&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20096327%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Petrosino S, Iuvone T, Di Marzo V, Although its presence in mammalian tissues has been known since the 1960's, N-palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA) has emerged only recently among other bioactive N-acylethanolamines as an important local pro-homeostatic mediator which, due to its chemical stability, can be also administered exogenously as the active principle of anti-inflammatory and analgesic preparations (e.g. Normast(R), Pelvilen(R)). Much progress has been made towards the understanding of the mechanisms regulating both the tissue levels of PEA under physiological and pathological conditions, and its pharmacological actions. Here we review these new developments in PEA biochemistry and pharmacology, and discuss novel potential indications for the therapeutic use of this compoun... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212777 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212776&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20096328%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Amadio D, Fezza F, Catanzaro G, Incani O, van Zadelhoff G, Agrò AF, Maccarrone M The biological activity of endocannabinoids like anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is subjected in vivo to a "metabolic control", exerted mainly by catabolic enzymes. AEA is inactivated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), that is inhibited competitively by hydroxyanandamides (HAEAs) generated from AEA by lipoxygenase activity. Among these derivatives, 15-HAEA has been shown to be an effective (K(i) approximately 0.6 muM) FAAH inhibitor, that blocks also type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) but not other components of the "endocannabinoid system (ECS)", like the AEA transporter (AMT) or CB2R. Here, we extended the study of the effect of 15-HAEA on the AEA synthetase (NAPE-PLD)... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212776 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3194540&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20083150%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zambuzzi WF, Milani R, Teti A The widespread nature of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation underscores its key role in cell signaling metabolism, growth and differentiation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of cytoplasmic proteins is a critical event in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways activated by external stimuli. An adequate balance in protein phosphorylation is a major factor in the regulation of osteoclast and osteoblast activities involved in bone metabolism. However, although phosphorylation is widely recognized as an important regulatory pathway in skeletal development and maintenance, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Among the putative protein tyrosine kinases (ptk) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (ptp) involved in this phenomenon th... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3194540 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3194540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3194539&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20083151%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lei X, Barbour SE, Ramanadham S Activation of phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) leads to the generation of biologically active lipid mediators that can affect numerous cellular events. The Group VIA Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2), designated iPLA(2)(R), is active in the absence of Ca(2+), activated by ATP, and inhibited by the bromoenol lactone suicide inhibitor (BEL). Over the past 10-15 years, studies using BEL have demonstrated that iPLA(2)beta participates in various biological processes and the recent availability of mice in which iPLA(2)beta expression levels have been genetically-modified are extending these findings. Work in our laboratory suggests that iPLA(2)(R) activates a unique signaling cascade that promotes beta-cell apoptosis. This pathway involves iPLA(2)(R) dependent ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3194539 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3194539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3164279&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20060433%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Giuliani MC, Jourlin-Castelli C, Leroy G, Hachani A, Giudici-Orticoni MT Rhodaneses (thiosulfate cyanide sulfurtransferases) are enzymes involved in the production of the sulfur in sulfane form, which has been suggested to be the relevant biologically active sulfur species. Rhodanese domains occur in the three major domains of life. We have characterized a new periplasmic single-domain rhodanese from a hyperthermophile bacterium, Aquifex aeolicus, with thiosulfate:cyanide transferase activity, Aq-1599. The oligomeric organization of the enzyme is stabilized by a disulfide bridge. To date this is the first characterization from a hyperthermophilic bacterium of a periplasmic sulfurtransferase with a disulfide bridge. The aq-1599 gene belongs to an operon that also contains a gen... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3164279 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3164279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139537&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20045441%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jain A, Magistri M, Napoli S, Carbone GM, Catapano CV Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are attractive tools to control gene expression at the transcriptional level. This anti-gene approach has proven to be successful in various experimental settings. However, the mechanisms leading to transcriptional repression in cells have not been fully investigated yet. Here, we examined the consequence of triplex DNA formation on the binding of transcriptional activators, co-activators and RNA Polymerase II to the ets2 gene promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The triplex target sequence was located approximately 40-bp upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) and overlapped an Sp1 binding site relevant for ets2 transcription. We found that the ets2-TFO prevent... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139537 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3139537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139539&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20045037%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Setyowati KD, Coghlan WE, Bertram J, Jeyaseelan K The discovery of microRNAs has brought in another level of intricacy in gene regulation. These microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have dual ability to act as repressors or inducers of gene activity. MicroRNAs have been implicated in a wide spectrum of biological processes and their expressions have been found to be dysregulated in several diseases. Recently, microRNAs have emerged as a new area of interest in renal development and pathology. MicroRNA profilings have revealed a number of microRNAs that are specific to the kidney or restricted to certain regions of the organ suggesting possible exclusive roles therein. Recently, knockout studies have shown that these riboregulators are critical for normal renal growth and f... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139539 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3139539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139538&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20045440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kitami S, Tanaka H, Kawato T, Tanabe N, Katono-Tani T, Zhang F, Suzuki N, Yonehara Y, Maeno M Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is produced exclusively by activated T cells and neutrophils, and stimulates osteoclastic bone resorption via osteoblasts by inducing the expression of "receptor activator of NF-small ka, CyrillicB (RANK) ligand" (RANKL). However, the direct effects of IL-17 on the differentiation of osteoclast precursors into osteoclasts and on the function of osteoclasts have not been clarified. Therefore, we examined the effects of IL-17A on the differentiation of osteoclast precursors using RAW264.7 cells and also on the expression of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), RANK, c-fms, and IL-17 receptors in these cells. The cells we... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139538 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3139538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3129982&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20036306%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the early anti-inflammatory effect of trans-resveratrol (T-res) and its consequences on the late self-aggravating inflammatory process in liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Partial hepatic ischemia was initiated in rats for 1h and T-res (0.02 and 0.2mg/kg) was administered intravenously 5min before starting reperfusion for 3h. Plasma levels of aminotransferases and cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6) and hepatic neutrophil recruitment were assessed. Hepatic expression of stress protein (heat-shock protein (HSP-70), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)) and cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC)) mRNA was investigated. I/R caused an increase in aminotransferase levels and increased polymorphonuclear cell infiltratio... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3129982 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3129982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3129981&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20036307%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Deniau AL, Mosset P, Le Bot D, Legrand AB Alkylglycerols (alkyl-Gro) are ether lipids abundant in shark liver oil (SLO), and oral SLO or alkyl-Gro mix from this source have several in vivo biological activities including stimulation of haematopoiesis an immunological defences, or anti-tumour and anti-metastasis activities in vivo. Composition of natural alkyl-Gro mix contains several alkyl-Gro varying by chain length and unsaturation, and individual anti-tumour activity of each molecule present in natural mix remained unknown. We synthesized six prominent constituents of natural alkyl-Gro mix, namely 12:0, 14:0 16:0, 18:0, 16:1n-7, and 18:1n-9 alkyl-Gro. Using an in vivo model of grafted tumour in mice (3LL cells), we studied and compared the oral anti-tumour and anti-metastas... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3129981 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3129981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122553&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20034539%26dopt%3DAbstract This study highlights (i) interindividual variations in lung expression for some CYPs, (ii) different CYP expression patterns between bronchial mucosa and pulmonary parenchyma, that indicate distinctive susceptibility of these tissues toward the deleterious effects of inhaled chemical toxicants and carcinogens, (iii) high intertumoral variability, that could have major implications on lung tumor response to anti-cancer drugs. PMID: 20034539 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122553 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3122553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3112116&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20025926%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muscroft-Taylor AC, Soares da Costa TP, Gerrard JA Thermodynamic binding information, obtained via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), provides new insights into the binding of substrates, and of allosteric inhibitor interactions of dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) from Escherichia coli. DHDPS catalyses the first committed step in (S)-lysine biosynthesis: the Schiff-base mediated aldol condensation of pyruvate with (S)-aspartate semi-aldehyde. Binding studies indicate that pyruvate is a weak binder (0.023 mM) but that (S)-ASA does not interact with the enzyme in the absence a Schiff-base with pyruvate. These results support the assignment of ping pong catalytic mechanism in which enthalpically driven Schiff-base formation (DeltaH = -44.5 +/- 0.1 kJ mol(-1)) provides th... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3112116 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3112116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3112115&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20026168%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, an acidic enzyme (BaspPLA(2)-II) was isolated from the venom of Bothrops asper (Pacific region of Costa Rica) and characterized. BaspPLA(2)-II is monomeric, with a mass of 14,212 +/- 6 Da and a pI of 4.9. Its complete sequence of 124 amino acids was deduced through cDNA and protein sequencing, showing that it belongs to the Asp49 group of catalytically active enzymes. In vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that BaspPLA(2)-II, in contrast to the basic Asp49 counterparts present in the same venom, lacks myotoxic, cytotoxic, and anticoagulant activities. BaspPLA(2)-II also differed from other acidic PLA(2)s described in Bothrops spp. venoms, as it did not show hypotensive and anti-platelet aggregation activities. Furthermore, this enzyme was not lethal to mice at intravenous ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3112115 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3112115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3112114&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20026169%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eftekharzadeh B, Maghsoudi N, Khodagholi F Alzheimer's disease (AD) a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of later life, is characterized by brain deposition of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) plaques, accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillatory tangles, synaptic loss and neuronal cell death. There is significant evidence that oxidative stress is a critical event in the pathogenesis of AD. In the present study Abeta formation was induced in NT2N neurons, one of the most appropriate cell line models in AD. Our results indicate that oxidative stress resulting from the treatment of H(2)O(2)/FeSO4 and/or 4-hydroxy-2-noenal (HNE) can be inhibited in the presence of tBHQ, a known inducer of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in NT2N neurons and can therefore be u... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3112114 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3112114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3112117&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20025925%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen M, Che Q, Wang X, Li J, Yang H, Li D, Zhang K, Lai R More than ten bradykinin-related peptides and their cDNAs have been identified from amphibians, but their genes are unknown. In present study, four cDNAs encoding one, two, four and six copies of bradykinin-related peptides were cloned from the frog (Odorrana grahami) skin cDNA library, respectively. Three bradykinin-related peptides (bradykinin, Thr6-bradykinin, Leu5Thr6-bradykinin) were deduced from these four cDNA sequences. Based on the cDNA sequence, the gene sequence encoding an amphibian bradykinin-related peptide from O. grahami was determined. It is composed of 7481 base pairs including two exons and two introns. The first exon codes signal peptide and the second exon codes acidic spacer peptide and Thr6-bradyk... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3112117 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3112117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3072394&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19969040%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Balgoma D, Montero O, Balboa MA, Balsinde J The distribution of fatty acids among cellular glycerophospholipids is finely regulated by the CoA-dependent acylation of lysophospholipids followed by transacylation reactions. Arachidonic acid is the fatty acid precursor of a wide family of bioactive compounds called the eicosanoids, with key roles in innate immunity and inflammation. Because availability of free AA constitutes a rate-limiting step in the generation of eicosanoids by mammalian cells, many studies have been devoted to characterize the processes of arachidonate liberation from phospholipids by phospholipase A(2)s and its re-incorporation and further remodeling back into phospholipids by acyltransferases and transacylases. These studies have traditionally been conduct... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3072394 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3072394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066269&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19962419%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Raja M, Vales E The bacterial potassium (K(+)) channel KcsA provides an attractive model system to study ion permeation behaviour in a selective K(+)-channel. We changed residue at the N-terminal end of the selectivity filter of KcsA (T74V) to its counterpart in inwardly rectifying K(+)-channels (Kir). The tetramer was found to be stable as unmodified KcsA. Under symmetrical and asymmetrical conditions, Na(+) increased the inward current in the virtual absence of K(+) however outward currents were nearly abolished which could be recovered upon internal K(+) addition. Na(+) also drastically increased the channel open time either in the presence or virtual absence of K(+). Furthermore, the T74V mutation decreased the internal Ba(2+) affinity of the channel possibly by binding to... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066269 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3066269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066261&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19962420%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bhattacharya M, Biswas A, Das AK TcrX/Y is one of the twelve two component system (TCS) present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We have investigated the TcrX/Y interaction by in silico studies, pull down assay, radioactive phosphotransfer, surface plasmon resonance as well as crosstalk analysis of TcrY with TcrA - a non-cognate response regulator. Sequence alignment of TcrY with other histidine kinases revealed His256 as the residue responsible for autophosphorylation. The modeled structure of TcrX/Y was docked with each other by GRAMM-X revealing the interaction of TcrY/His256 with TcrX/Asp54. TcrY dimerization via the formation of four helix bundle was also observed by protein-protein docking. Autophosphorylation of TcrY has been observed followed by the phosphate transfer fr... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066261 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3066261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061627&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19958808%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ma QH, Tian B, Li YL Jasmonates are known to induce the transcriptional activation of plant defense genes, which leads to the production of jasmonate-regulated proteins (JRP). We previously cloned and characterized a novel jacalin-like lectin gene (Ta-JA1) from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which codes a modular JRP with disease response and jacalin-related lectin (JRL) domains and is present only in the Gramineae family. The function of this protein is still unclear. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Ta-JA1 and related proteins from cereals grouped together, which diverged from JRL with an additional N-terminal disease response domain. The recombinant Ta-JA1 proteins agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes, and this hemagglutination activity was preferentially inhibited by mannos... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061627 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3061627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3049000&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19944735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bofill C, Prim N, Mormeneo M, Manresa A, Javier Pastor FI, Diaz P Growth of Pseudomonas sp. 42A2 on oleic acid releases polymerized hydroxy-fatty acids as a result of several enzymatic conversions that could involve one or more lipases. To test this hypothesis, the lipolytic system of strain Pseudomonas sp. 42A2 was analyzed, revealing the presence of at least an intracellular carboxylesterase and a secreted lipase. Consensus primers derived from a conserved region of bacterial lipase subfamilies I.1 and I.2 allowed isolation of two secreted lipase genes, lipA and lipC, highly homologous to those of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Homologous cloning of the isolated lipA and lipC genes was performed in Pseudomonas sp. 42A2 for LipA and LipC over-expression. The overproduced lipase... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3049000 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3049000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3049001&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19944129%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nemec KN, Scaglione P, Navarro-García F, Huerta J, Tatulian SA, Teter K Autotransporters are the most common virulence factors secreted from Gram-negative pathogens. Until recently, autotransporter folding and outer membrane translocation were thought to be self-mediated events that did not require accessory factors. Here, we report that two variants of the autotransporter plasmid-encoded toxin are secreted by a lab strain of Escherichia coli. Biophysical analysis and cell-based toxicity assays demonstrated that only one of the two variants was in a folded, active conformation. The misfolded variant was not produced by a pathogenic strain of enteroaggregative E. coli and did not result from protein overproduction in the lab strain of E. coli. Our data suggest a host-speci... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3049001 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3049001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3031383&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19932148%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alifano M, Loi M, Camilleri-Broet S, Dupouy S, Régnard JF, Forgez P Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a frequently fatal disease and the impact of available treatments is globally poor. Identification of new prognostic factors would help in the understanding of disease progression and, possibly, patient management. Here, we evaluate the prognostic impact of the neurotensin (NTS) and its cognate receptor (NTSR1) known for mediating cellular proliferation, survival, invasiveness, and mobility. We studied a series of 52 consecutive patients with epithelioid malignant mesothelioma undergoing management with curative intent, by immunochemistry for the expression of NTS and NTSR1. Specimens were scored as 0, 1, or 2 for less than 10%, between 10 and 50%, or more than 50% of NTS... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3031383 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3031383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019407&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19925844%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shoji S, Janssen BD, Hayes CS, Fredrick K LepA is a translational GTPase highly conserved in bacterial lineages. While it has been shown that LepA can catalyze reverse ribosomal translocation in vitro, the role of LepA in the cell remains unclear. Here, we show that deletion of the lepA gene (DeltalepA) in E. coli causes hypersensitivity to potassium tellurite and penicillin G, but has no appreciable effect on growth under many other conditions. DeltalepA does not increase miscoding or frameshifting errors under normal or stress conditions, indicating that LepA does not contribute to the fidelity of translation. Overexpression of LepA interferes with tmRNA-mediated peptide tagging and A-site mRNA cleavage, suggesting that LepA is a bona fide translation factor that can act on ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019407 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3019407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3000615&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19913595%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, roles of mammalian glyco-structural units, ligand clusters and polyvalency in abrin-a recognition were comprehensively analyzed by enzyme-linked lectinosorbent binding and inhibition assays. The results indicate that: (i) this toxin prefers oligosaccharides having alpha-anomer of galactose (Gal) at the non-reducing terminal than the corresponding beta-anomer; (ii) Galalpha1-3Galalpha1- (B(alpha)), Galalpha1-4Gal (E), Galbeta1-3GalNAc (T) and Galbeta1-3/4GlcNAc (I/II) related oligosaccharides were the active glyco-structural units; (iii) tri-antennary II(beta), prepared from N-glycan of asialo fetuin, played a dominant role in recognition; (iv) many high-density polyvalent I(beta)/II(beta) and E(beta) glycotopes enhanced the reactivity; (v) the carbohydrate recognition domain... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3000615 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3000615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977874&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19895867%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mukhopadhyay S, Maity SS, Roy A, Chattopadhyay D, Ghosh KS, Dasgupta S, Ghosh S The phosphoprotein (P protein) of Chandipura virus (CHPV), a negative stranded RNA virus, is involved in both transcription and replication phases of the viral life cycle. The two Tryptophan (Trp) residues of CHPV, located at 105 and 135 respectively and two single Trp mutants W135F and W105F and a double Trp mutant W135F/W105F have been characterized by steady state and time resolved fluorescence and phosphorescence at 298K and 77K. Results indicate that Trp135 is more buried with less polar and more hydrophobic environment whereas the Trp105 is solvent exposed. Quantum yields (capital EF, Cyrillic) suggest that the singlet-singlet (S<-->S) non radiative energy transfer (ET) from the Trp135 ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977874 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2977874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959881&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19879319%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Campo GM, Avenoso A, Campo S, D'Ascola A, Nastasi G, Calatroni A Hyaluronan (HA) action depends upon its molecular size. Low molecular weight HA elicits pro-inflammatory responses by modulating the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) or by activating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). In contrast, high molecular weight HA manifests an anti-inflammatory effect via CD receptors and by inhibiting NF-kB activation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -mediated activation of TLR-4 complex induces the myeloid differentiation primary-response protein (MyD88) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF-6), and ends with the liberation of NF-kB/Rel family members. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of HA at different MWs (low, medium, high) on TLR-4 modulation i... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959881 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959880&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883725%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ventrella V, Elvir JR, Borgatti AR, Trigari G, Proverbio T, Pagliarani A, Trombetti F, Pirini M, Marín R, Proverbio F Several tissues from different animals, including the rat kidney and the fresh water rainbow trout gills, show an ouabain-insensitive, furosemide-sensitive, Na(+)-stimulated ATPase activity, which has been associated with the active control of the cell volume. This Na-ATPase is Mg(2+) dependent and it is inhibited by vanadate, which can be taken as an indication that this enzyme is a P-type ATPase. The P-type ATPases are known to form a phosphorylated intermediate during their catalytic cycle, where the phosphate binds an aspartyl residue at the enzyme's substrate site. In the current study, we partially characterized the phosphorylated intermediate of the... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959880 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959882&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19879318%26dopt%3DAbstract This study identified the existence of gene family of astacin-like toxins in the venoms of brown spiders and raises the possibility that these molecules are involved in the deleterious effects triggered by the venom. PMID: 19879318 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959882 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959884&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19879316%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quesada-Soriano I, Casas-Solvas JM, Recio E, Ruiz-Pérez LM, Vargas-Berenguel A, González-Pacanowska D, García-Fuentes L Deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase, EC 3.6.1.23) catalyzes the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate, and plays important roles in nucleotide metabolism and DNA replication. Hydrolysis of other nucleotides similar in structure to dUTP would be physiologically negative and therefore high substrate specificity is essential. Binding and hydrolysis of nucleotides different to dUTP by the dUTPases from Plasmodium falciparum (PfdUTPase) and human (hdUTPase) was evaluated by applying isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The ribo and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates dGTP, dATP, dCTP, dTTP, UTP, FdUTP and IdUTP have bee... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959884 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959883&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19879317%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Song G, Chen M, Chen C, Wang C, Hu D, Ren J, Qu X A novel multifunctional, proton fueled DNA tweezers has been constructed. Starting from simple conformation change of i-motif DNA, the nanodevice can accomplish movements such as repeatedly capture or release target DNA and protein. The DNA tweezers, driven by the solution pH without the need of injecting external energy, are robust and highly reversible with the responses of 1-2 orders of magnitude faster than the DNA fuelled machine, and does not accumulate duplex waste products to poison the system. Our work has demonstrated the successful combination of the operating principles of DNA-based nanomechnical device with the unique molecular recognition properties of DNA, which we believed could open an exciting avenue in the de... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959883 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2935342&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19853003%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kowalska K, Soscia C, Combe H, Vasseur P, Voulhoux R, Filloux A Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, which causes numerous infections and can adopt a versatile lifestyle. During chronic infection, P. aeruginosa becomes established as a bacterial community known as a biofilm. Biofilm formation results from the production of a matrix mainly comprised of exopolysaccharides. P. aeruginosa possesses several gene clusters which contribute to the formation of the matrix, including the pel genes. Among the pel genes, pelC encodes an outer membrane protein, which may serve as a transporter of polysaccharide to the bacterial cell surface. Whereas outer membrane proteins usually display an amphipathic beta-barrel fold, we show that PelC requires a C-terminal amphipathic a... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2935342 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2935342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2935341&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19853004%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Srikanta BM, Sathisha UV, Dharmesh SM Gastric ulcer is a multi-step disease caused due to imbalance between mucosal defense and aggressive factors. Available anti-ulcer drugs although effective at various steps of ulcer pathogenesity, pose adverse effects. Pectic polysaccharide (SRPP) from swallow root (Decalepis hamiltonii) - previously shown to possess ulcer preventive effect against swim stress and ethanol induced gastric ulcers. In the current study, alteration of matrix metalloproteinases, gastric mucin and prostaglandin E(2) levels during polysaccharide mediated ulcer healing was determined in acetic acid induced gastric ulcer model in Wistar albino rats. Results indicated the potential ulcer healing effect of SRPP as evidenced by approximately 90% reduction in ulcer ind... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2935341 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2935341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2909773&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19835927%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ehrenberg M, Dennis PP, Bremer H During fast growth, the rrn P1 promoters of Escherichia coli operate at their maximum strength, but below their maximum activity (V(max)), since they are not saturated with RNA polymerase. Since higher concentrations of free RNA polymerase are expected to be found in strains carrying rrn deletions, we have analyzed reported electron micrographs of rrn operons from rrn deletion strains growing at maximal rates (at 37 degrees C) in LB medium [1]. We conclude that, in a strain with four of the seven rrn operons inactivated by partial deletions, transcripts are initiated at rrn P1 promoters 1.6-fold more rapidly than in the wild-type strain and the entirety of the rrn operon is transcribed at a 1.5-fold higher average elongation rate due to shorten... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2909773 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2909773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2902046&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19833168%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the effect of rottlerin, a putative PKC delta inhibitor, on HO-1 expression in HT29 human colon cancer cells was investigated. Treatment with rottlerin induced HO-1 at both protein and mRNA levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Rottlerin-mediated HO-1 induction was abrogated in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH). Rottlerin induced nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increased antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven transcriptional activity. Additionally, rottlerin activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK. The pharmacological inhibition of ERK and p38 MAPK inhibited rottlerin-induced HO-1 up-regulation. However, suppression of protein kinase C delta (PKC delta) expression by siRNA or overexpression... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902046 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2902046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2895241&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19825391%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jajčanin-Jozić N, Deller S, Pavkov T, Macheroux P, Abramić M Dipeptidyl peptidases III (DPPs III) form a distinct metallopeptidase family characterized by the unique HEXXGH motif. High susceptibility to inactivation by organomercurials suggests the presence of a reactive cysteine residue(s) in, or close to, their active site. Yeast DPP III contains five Cys, none of which is absolutely conserved within the family. In order to identify reactive residue(s), site-directed mutagenesis on yeast His(6)-tagged DPP III was employed to substitute specifically all five cysteine residues to serine. The variant enzymes thus obtained were enzymatically active and showed an overall structure not greatly affected by the mutations as judged by circular dichroism. Analysis by... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2895241 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2895241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2895240&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19825392%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yoon MY, Gedi V, Kim J, Park Y, Kim DE, Park EH, Choi JD The first step in the common pathway for the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) is catalyzed by acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS). The roles of three well-conserved serine residues (S167, S506, and S539) in tobacco AHAS were determined using site-directed mutagenesis. The mutations S167F and S506F were found to be inactive and abolished the binding affinity for cofactor FAD. The Far-UV CD spectrum of the inactive mutants was similar to that of wild-type enzyme, indicating no major conformational changes in the secondary structure. However, the active mutants, S167R, S506A, S506R, S539A, S539F and S539R, showed lower specific activities. Further, a homology model of tobacco AHAS was generated based on the cr... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2895240 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2895240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2895242&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822184%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang L, Lu A, Lu T, Ding X, Huang X The interaction between lanthanum ion (La(3+)) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in vitro was investigated using a combination of biophysical and biochemical methods. When the molar ratio of La(3+) and HRP is low, it was found that the interaction between La(3+) and HRP mainly depends on the electrostatic attraction, van der waals force and hydrogen bond etc. Thus, the interaction is weak and the La-HRP complex can not be formed in vitro. As expected, the interaction can change the conformation of HRP molecule, leading to the increase in the non-planarity of the porphyrin ring in the heme group of HRP molecule, and then in the exposure degree of the active center, Fe(III) of the porphyrin ring of HRP molecule. Therefore, the catalytic activit... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2895242 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2895242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2887307&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19818375%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jonckheere N, Van Seuningen I The membrane-bound mucins belong to an ever-increasing family of O-glycoproteins. Based on their structure and localization at the cell surface they are thought to play important biological roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, in cell signalling and in modulating biological properties of cancer cells. Among them, MUC1 and MUC4 mucins are best characterized. Their altered expression in cancer (overexpression in the respiratory, gastro-intestinal, urogenital and hepato-biliary tracts) indicates an important role for these membrane-bound mucins in tumour progression, metastasis, cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutics drugs and as specific markers of epithelial cancer cells. Some mechanisms responsible for MUC1 and MUC4 role in tumour... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2887307 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2887307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2887306&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19818829%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wardenga R, Lindner HA, Hollmann F, Thum O, Bornscheuer U Aminoacylase-1 from pig kidney (pAcy1) catalyzes the highly stereoselective acylation of amino acids, a useful conversion for the preparation of optically pure N-acyl-l-amino acids. The kinetic of this thermodynamically controlled conversion is determined by maximal velocities for synthesis (V(mS)) and hydrolysis (V(mH)) of the N-acyl-l-amino acid. To investigate which parameter affects maximal velocities, we focused on the proton acceptor potential of the catalytic base, E146, and studied the influence of the active site architecture on its contribution to the pKa of residue E146. The modeled structure of pAcy1 identified residue D346 as having the strongest impact on the electrostatic features of the catalytic base. S... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2887306 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2887306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2863228&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19799960%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Attakpa E, Hichami A, Simonin AM, Sansón EG, Dramane KL, Khan NA The present study was conducted on CD4(+) T cells, isolated from wild type (WT) and PPARalpha(null) mice, in order to assess the mechanism of action of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 fatty acid, in the modulation of two transcription factors, i.e., T-bet and GATA-3, implicated in T-cell differentiation towards, respectively, T(H)1 and T(H)2 phenotype. The T-cells from PPARalpha(null) mice secreted higher IFN-gamma and lower IL-4 concentrations than WT T-cells. Furthermore, the deletion of PPARalpha gene in T-cells resulted in the upregulation of T-bet and downregulation of GATA-3 both at mRNA and protein levels. DHA exerted not only an inhibitory effect on T-cell proliferation, but also diminished IFN-ga... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2863228 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2863228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2863226&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19799962%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Iglesias R, Citores L, Ferreras JM, Pérez Y, Jiménez P, Gayoso MJ, Olsnes S, Tamburino R, Di Maro A, Parente A, Girbés T Sialic acid-binding dwarf elder agglutinin (SEA) present only in rhizomes of the medicinal plant Sambucus ebulus L., was found to be a tetrameric glycoprotein consisting of two covalently-associated dimers of an enzymic A chain with rRNA N-glycosidase activity (EC 3.2.2.22) linked to a B chain with agglutinin properties. The lectin inhibited protein synthesis by a cell-free system and depurinated ribosomes. Cloning of the corresponding gene and molecular modeling of the deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated that SEA has a three-dimensional structure which resembles that reported for other two tetrameric type 2 RIPs from Sambucus (SNAI and S... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2863226 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2863226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2863224&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19800933%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhu T, Bailey MF, Angley LM, Cooper TF, Dobson RC Pyruvate kinase (PK) is the key control point of glycolysis-the biochemical pathway central to energy metabolism and the production of precursors used in biosynthesis. PK type 1 from Escherichia coli (Ec-PK1) is activated by both fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) and its substrate, phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP). To date, it has not been possible to determine whether the enzyme is tetrameric at the low concentrations (i.e. low nM range) used to study the steady state kinetics, or assess whether its allosteric effectors alter the oligomeric state of the enzyme at these concentrations. Employing the new technique of analytical ultracentrifugation with fluorescence detection we have, for the first time, shown that the K(D)(4-2) for Ec-P... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2863224 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2863224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2863225&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19800385%26dopt%3DAbstract This study represents a ground for the future research of glycosylation pattern of IGFBP-3 from the circulation of men and women diagnosed with different illnesses. PMID: 19800385 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2863225 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2863225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2863227&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19799961%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Figueroa CM, Iglesias AA Aldose-6-phosphate reductase (A6PRase) is a key enzyme for glucitol biosynthesis in plants from the Rosaceae family. To gain on molecular tools for enzymological studies, we developed an accurate system for the heterologous expression of A6PRase from apple leaves. The recombinant enzyme was expressed with a His-tag alternatively placed in the N-or C-terminus, thus allowing the one-step protein purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Both, the N-and theC-term tagged enzymes exhibited similar affinity toward substrates, although thek(cat) of the latter enzyme was 80-fold lower than that having the His-tag in the N-term. Gel filtration chromatography showed different oligomeric structures arranged by the N-(dimer) and the C-term (monome... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2863227 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2863227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2847149&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19781595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bisignano P, Moran O Mutations of CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis transmembrane Conductance Regulator), a membrane protein expressed in the epithelium, a chloride channel cause a chronic, developmental and hereditary disease, known as Cystic Fibrosis. The most common mutation is the deletion of F508, the residue present in the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1). We studied the thermodynamic properties of NBD1 wild type (WT) and mutant (dF508), starting from the crystallographic structures in the Protein Data Bank using the techniques of Molecular Dynamics. The two structures were similarly stable at room temperature, showed no change enthalpy or entropy, maintaining the same dimensions and the same order of magnitude of atomic fluctuations; the only difference was the energy of inte... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2847149 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2847149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834928&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19778577%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tramoni M, Gilleron J, Tahiri K, Carette D, Corvol MT, Segretain D, Pointis G, Savouret JF The potential health impact of pharmaceutical waste is now a growing concern. Contraceptive steroids are prominent environmental contaminants and thus may act as endocrine disruptors. Numerous xenobiotics hamper Sertoli cells junctional communication which is known to participate in spermatogenesis control. This has been associated with male subfertility and testicular cancer. We investigated three contraceptive molecules found in the environment for their potential impact on Sertoli cells gap junction functionality: 17a-ethynylestradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel. Four other non-steroid drugs also found in the environment were included in the study. Communication di... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834928 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2834928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834927&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19778578%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kavitha M, Bobbili KB, Swamy MJ Thermal stability of Momordica charantia seed lectin (MCL) was investigated as a function of protein concentration, pH, scan rate, and at different ligand concentrations by using high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC endotherm obtained at pH 7.4 consists of two entities with transition temperatures at ca. 333.7 K, and 338 K. The unfolding process is irreversible and could be described by a three-state model. For MCL tetramer DeltaH(c)/DeltaH(v) ratio is close to 4 for the first transition and approximately 2 for the second transition, suggesting that four and two cooperative units are involved in the first and second transitions, respectively. In the presence of lactose both transitions shifted to higher temperatures,... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834927 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2834927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2829129&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19772884%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arnauld S, Fidaleo M, Clémencet MC, Chevillard G, Athias A, Gresti J, Wanders RJ, Latruffe N, Nicolas-Francès V, Mandard S The peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase B (Thb) gene was previously identified as a direct target gene of PPARalpha, a nuclear hormone receptor activated by hypolipidemic fibrate drugs. To better understand the role of ThB in hepatic lipid metabolism in mice, Sv129 wild-type and Thb null mice were fed or not the selective PPARalpha agonist Wy14,643 (Wy). Here, it is shown that in contrast to some other mouse models deficient for peroxisomal enzymes, the hepatic PPARalpha signalling cascade in Thb null mice was normal under regular conditions. It is of interest that the hypotriglyceridemic action of Wy was reduced in Thb null mice underlining the ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2829129 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2829129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2829128&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19772885%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pradhan A, Tripathi AK, Desai PV, Mukherjee PK, Avery MA, Walker LA, Tekwani BL The malaria parasite thrives on anaerobic fermentation of glucose for energy. Earlier studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that a cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (PfMDH) with striking similarity to lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) might complement PfLDH function in Plasmodium falciparum. The N-terminal glycine motif, which forms a characteristic Rossman dinucleotide-binding fold in the co-substrate binding pocket, differentiates PfMDH (GlyXGlyXXGly) from other eukaryotic and prokaryotic malate dehydrogenases (GlyXXGlyXXGly). The amino acids lining the co-substrate binding pocket are completely conserved in MDHs from different species of human, primate and rodent malaria parasites. Based on thi... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2829128 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2829128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804794&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19751796%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Caldinelli L, Pedotti M, Motteran L, Molla G, Pollegioni L The apoprotein of the FAD-containing flavoenzyme glycine oxidase from Bacillus subtilis was obtained at pH 8.5 by dialyzing the holoenzyme against 2 M KBr in 0.25 M Tris-HCl and 20% glycerol. The apoprotein of glycine oxidase shows high protein fluorescence, high exposure of hydrophobic surfaces, and low temperature stability as compared to the holoenzyme. The isolated apoprotein species is present in solution as a monomer which rapidly recovers its tertiary structure and converts into the tetrameric holoenzyme following incubation with free FAD. The reconstitution process follows a particular two-stage process; the spectral properties of the reconstituted holoenzyme were virtually indistinguishable from those observed... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804794 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2804794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2797306&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19747522%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the in vivo and in vitro anti-hyperglycemic activity of chalcone derivatives of 3,4-methylenedioxy, with a substituent electron-acceptor nitro group in the A or B ring, was investigated. As expected, the second generation sulfonylurea glipizide stimulated insulin secretion and reduced glycemia over the study period. Also, it was demonstrated for the first time that chalcones are able to increase insulin secretion and this event was coincident with serum glucose-lowering in the oral glucose tolerance test. Additionally, the chalcones studied had a similar effect on insulin secretion and serum glucose-lowering as glipizide. The effect of chalcones in terms of inducing insulin secretion was greater than that of glipizide after 30 min. Moreover, chalcones were not able to stimul... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2797306 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2797306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782434&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19735693%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li C, Qi X, Li M, Zhao G, Hu X The iron core within phytoferritin interior usually contains the high ratio of iron to phosphate, agreeing with the fact that phosphorus and iron are essential nutrient elements for plant growth. It was established that iron oxidation and incorporation into phytoferritin shell occurs in the plastid(s) where the high concentration of phosphate occurs. However, so far, the role of phosphate in iron oxidative deposition in plant ferritin has not been recognized yet. In the present study, Fe(II) oxidative deposition in pea seed ferritin (PSF) was aerobically investigated in the presence of phosphate. Results indicated that phosphate did not affect the stoichiometry of the initial iron(II) oxidation reaction that takes place at ferroxidase centers upo... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782434 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2782434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2775150&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19733616%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fortes-Dias CL, Santos RM, Magro AJ, Fontes MR, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Granier C Crotoxin (CA.CB) is a beta-neurotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom that is responsible for main envenomation effects upon biting by this snake. It is a heterodimer of an acidic protein (CA) devoid of any biological activity per se and a basic, enzymatically active, PLA(2) counterpart (CB). Both lethal and enzymatic activities of crotoxin have been shown to be inhibited by CNF, a protein from the blood of C. d. terrificus snakes. CNF replaces CA in the CA.CB complex, forming a stable, non-toxic complex CNF.CB. The molecular sites involved in the tight interfacial protein-protein interactions in these PLA(2)-based complexes have not been clearly determined, To help address th... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2775150 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2775150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2735047&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19703512%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Manolescu B, Oprea E, Busu C, Cercasov C A decline in the tissue oxygen level below normal leads to cellular hypoxia. This situation is very frequently encountered in solid tumors as existing blood vessels cannot satisfy the requirements in oxygen of the rapidly growing tumor. Like hyperoxia, hypoxia is a stress factor for cells and tissues. Adapting to this stressful situation leads to activation of the dimeric transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) that induces gene expression in promoting tumor cell survival. In addition, hypoxia acts as a selection factor for radio- and chemo-therapy resistant tumor cells with a high potential of malignancy. Consequently, over expression of the HIF-1alpha subunit is associated with an advanced disease stage and poor progno... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2735047 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2735047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2723591&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19695303%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rajesh RV, Layer PG, Boopathy R Investigation of the non-classical functions of cholinesterases (ChEs) has been the subject of interest in the past three decades. One of which is aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity associated with ChEs, but characterized in in vitro, as an enzyme, splitting the artificial substrate o-nitroacetanilide with unknown physiological function. In the present study, we have compared levels of AAA activity of AChE from different sources like goat brain, electric eel organ and from venoms of different snakes. Remarkably cobra venom showed the highest AAA activity and also high AAA/AChE ratio. Both serotonergenic and cholinergic inhibitors inhibited the cobra venom AAA activity in a concentration dependent manner, which also underlines the association of AAA... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2723591 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2723591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712900&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19683032%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kang MS, Okuyama M, Mori H, Kimura A Genome analysis of Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533 has been recently completed. One of its annotated genes, lj0569, encodes the protein having the conserved domain of glycoside hydrolase family 31. Its homolog gene (ljag31) in L. johnsonii NBRC13952 was cloned and expressed using an Escherichia coli expression system, resulting in poor production of recombinant LJAG31 protein due to inclusion body formation. Production of soluble recombinant LJAG31 was improved with high concentration of NaCl in medium, possible endogenous chaperone induction by benzyl alcohol, and over-expression of GroES-GroEL chaperones. Recombinant LJAG31 was an alpha-glucosidase with broad substrate specificity toward both homogeneous and heterogeneous substrates. This ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712900 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2712900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703035&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19679157%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Skrzypski J, Bellenger S, Bellenger J, Sinclair A, Poisson JP, Tessier C, Rialland M, Narce M Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play a key role in regulating delta-6 desaturase (D6D), the key enzyme for long chain PUFA biosynthesis. Nevertheless, the extent of their effects on this enzyme remains controversial and difficult to assess. It has been generally admitted that C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) regulate negatively delta-6 desaturase (D6D). This inhibition has been evidenced in regard to a high glucose/fat free (HG/FF) diet used in reference. However, several nutritional investigations did not evidence any inhibition of desaturases when feeding fatty acids. Because the choice of the basal diet appeared to be of primary importance in such experiments, our goal... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703035 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2703035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703034&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19679158%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we compared the channel intrinsic stability of the bacterial K(+)-channel KcsA and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) ROMK1. ROMK1 was successfully cloned, expressed and purified from Saccharomyces cerevisae. By conventional gel electrophoresis, ROMK1 was detected in monomeric form running exclusively at ~45 kDa either in its oxidized or reduced form. By perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFO)-PAGE, the reduced ROMK1 was identified as tetrameric as well as oligomeric complex. However, in its oxidized form ROMK1 was exclusively detected in oligomeric form thus indicating the role of intrinsic cysteine residues and formation of disulfide bonds in stabilizing the oligomeric ROMK1. On the other hand, KcsA purified from E. coli was detected as an extremely stable tetramer both... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703034 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2703034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703033&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19679159%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stewart AJ, Blindauer CA, Sadler PJ Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a plasma adaptor protein involved in the formation of protein complexes that regulate a number of biological processes in the blood, most notably coagulation and the immune system. Elevated levels of HRG are clinically linked to thrombotic disorders such as blood vessel occlusion. A large body of evidence suggests that Zn(2+) ions stimulates HRG-complex formation; however, under normal conditions the vast majority of Zn(2+) in the blood is bound to human serum albumin (HSA). We have previously demonstrated that high levels of fatty acid act as an allosteric switch which disrupts the major Zn(2+)-binding site on HSA. Transient or sustained elevation of plasma fatty acid levels may therefore increase the pr... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703033 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2703033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703032&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19679160%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Obregón WD, Liggieri CS, Trejo SA, Avilés FX, Vairo-Cavalli SE, Priolo NS Latices from Asclepias spp are used in wound healing and the treatment of some digestive disorders. These pharmacological actions have been attributed to the presence of cysteine proteases in these milky latices. Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadaceae),"scarlet milkweed " is a perennial subshrub native to South America. In the current paper we report a new approach directed at the selective biochemical and molecular characterization of asclepain cI (acI) and asclepain cII (acII), the enzymes responsible for the proteolytic activity of the scarlet milkweed latex. SDS-PAGE spots of both purified peptidases were digested with trypsin and Peptide Mass Fingerprints (PMFs) obtained showed no equivalen... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703032 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2703032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2696699&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19665046%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prudhomme N, Chomilier J We propose an algorithm that allows predicting residues important for the formation of the structure of globular proteins. It relies on a simulation that detects the amino acids presenting a maximum number of neighbours during the early steps of the folding process. They have been called MIR (Most Interacting Residues). Independently, description of the protein structures in fragments with closed ends shows the correlation between these extremities and the core of the globules. These fragments are of rather constant length, typically between 20 and 25 amino acids, and we have previously shown that their extremities are preferentially occupied by MIR. Introduction of rules derived from this fragment analysis of tertiary structures allows to smooth the d... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2696699 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2696699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2696698&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19665065%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saby E, Poulsen JB, Justesen J, Kelve M, Uriz MJ Sponges [porifera], the most ancient metazoans, contain modules related to the vertebrate immunity system, including the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS). The components of the antiviral 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) system (OAS, 2'-Phosphodiesterase (2'-PDE) and RNAse L) of vertebrates have not all been identified in sponges. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that in addition to the OAS activity, sponges possess a 2'-PDE activity, which highlights the probable existence of a premature 2-5A system. Indeed, Suberites domuncula and Crella elegans exhibited this 2-5A degrading activity. Upon this finding, two out of three elements forming the 2-5A system have been found in sponges, only a endoribonuclease, RNAse L or simil... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2696698 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2696698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2668373&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19647033%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Baouz S, Woisard A, Sinapah S, Le Caer JP, Argentini M, Bulygin K, Aguié G, Hountondji C Periodate-oxidized tRNA (tRNAox), the 2',3'-dialdehyde derivative of tRNA, was used as a zero-length active site-directed affinity labeling reagent, to covalently label proteins at the binding site for the 3'-end of tRNA on human 80S ribosomes. When human 80S ribosomes were reacted with tRNA(Asp)ox positioned at the P-site, in the presence of an appropriate 12 mer mRNA, a set of two tRNAox-labeled ribosomal proteins (rPs) was observed. The majorily labeled protein was identified as the large subunit rP L36a-like (RPL36AL) by means of mass spectrometry. Intact tRNA(Asp) competed with tRNA(Asp)ox for the binding to the P-site, by preventing tRNA-protein cross-linking with RPL36AL. Altog... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2668373 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2668373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2668375&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19647031%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was designed to analyze the effect of myristic acid on ceramide synthesis and its related lipoapoptosis pathway. It was previously observed that myristic acid binds dihydroceramide Delta4-desaturase 1 (DES1) through N-myristoylation and activates this enzyme involved in the final de novo ceramide biosynthesis step. In the present study, we show first by immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation that DES1 myristoylation targets part of the recombinant protein to the mitochondria in COS-7 cells. In addition, native dihydroceramide Delta4-desaturase activity was found in both the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in rat hepatocytes. Dihydroceramide conversion to ceramide was increased in COS-7 cells expressing DES1 and incubated with myristic acid. The expres... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2668375 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2668375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2668374&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19647032%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schilsky ML The focus of this minireview is on the current status and new advances in diagnosis and treatment of Wilson disease, an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. Molecular diagnostics have improved and complements current biochemical and clinical methods for screening for Wilson disease. Screening for Wilson disease in newborns is feasible and has been tested in limited populations, but is not yet widely performed. Identification of patients with Wilson disease as the cause lof acute liver failure is possible using standard biochemical tests. Treatments for Wilson disease include chelating agents and zinc salts and liver transplantation. Future therapies may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy, both of which have been tested and shown to wo... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2668374 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2668374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645828&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19631250%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Curis E, Nicolis I, Bénazeth S PMID: 19631250 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645828 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2645828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645827&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19631711%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang B, Wang B, Wang P, Cao Z, Huang E, Hao J, Dean AM, Zhu G Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is one of the key enzymes in the citric acid cycle, which involves in providing energy and biosynthetic precursors for metabolism. Here, we report for the first time the enzymatic characterization of a monomeric NADP(+)-dependent IDH from Streptomyces lividans TK54 (SlIDH). The icd gene (GenBank database accession number EU661252) encoding IDH was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The molecular mass of SlIDH was about 80 kDa, typical of a monomeric NADP-IDH, and showed high amino acid sequence identity with known monomeric IDHs. The optimal activity of the 6His-tagged SlIDH was found at pH values 8.5 (Mn(2+)) and 9.0 (Mg(2+)), and the optimal temperature was around 46 degr... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645827 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2645827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645826&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19631712%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined by the solid phase assay the growth factor binding to DS chains of small proteoglycans from various fasciae as well as to standard CSs. Before the assay a structural analysis of DSs and CSs was accomplished involving the evaluation of their epimerization and/or sulfation patterns. In addition, in vivo acceptors for PDGF-BB in fibrosis affected fascia were detected. PDGF-BB binding sites on DSs/CSs are located in long chain sections with the same type of hexuronate isomer however without any apparent preference to glucuronate or iduronate residues. Alternatively, the interaction seems to involve two shorter DS chain sections assembling disaccharides with the same type of hexuronate isomer which are separated by disaccharide(s) with another hexuronate one. Moreover, DS/CS affinit... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645826 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2645826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2640088&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19628017%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lestienne PP Mitochondrial DNA may undergo large-scale rearrangements, thus leading to diseases. The mechanisms of these rearrangements are still the matter of debates. Several lines of evidence indicate that breakpoints are characterized by direct repeats (DR), one of them being eliminated from the normal genome. Analysis of DR showed their skewed nucleotide content compatible with the formation of known triple helices. Here, I propose a novel mechanism involving the formation of triplex structures that result from the dissociation of the [synthesized repeat-DNA polymerase] complex. Upon binding to the homologous sequence, replication is initiated from the primer bound in a triple helix manner. This feature implies the initiation of replication on the double-stranded DNA from... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2640088 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2640088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2627224&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19616599%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: González-Fernández M, García-Barrera T, Jurado J, Pueyo C, López-Barea J, Gómez-Ariza JL The present work shows the possibilities of metallomics to characterize metal-linking proteins in Mus Musculus that could be used in environmental assessment. The laboratory mouse M. musculus is used as reference of gene/protein sequence databases to address methodological approaches based on changes in transcripts regulation, proteins expression and metalloproteins profiles in the environmental bioindicator Mus spretus that has been demonstrated to be genetically homologous to M. Musculus. A metallomic approach using size exclusion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry detection (SEC-ICP-MS) was applied to cytosolic extracts from differe... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2627224 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2627224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2627223&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19619604%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we report the antibacterial properties of a peptide (AVWQFRKMIK-CONH(2); N10 peptide), which corresponds to the N-terminal first ten amino acid residues of hp-sPLA(2), against E.coli. Full-length hp-sPLA(2), which contains this peptide sequence as N-terminal alpha-helix, did not showed detectable antibacterial activity. Presence of physiological concentration of salt or preincubation of N10 peptide with soluble anionic polymer inhibits the antibacterial activity indicating the importance of electrostatic interaction in binding of peptide to bacterial membrane. Addition of peptide resulted in destabilization of outer as well as inner cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli suggesting bacterial membranes to be the main target of action. N10 peptide exhibits strong synergism with lysozy... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2627223 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2627223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614683&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19607872%26dopt%3DAbstract We present the main structural results we have obtained concerning the reaction of these drugs with diverse sulfur nucleophiles (cysteine, glutathione, methionine, thiosulfate and thiocyanate), monitored in solution or as precipitates by EXAFS spectroscopy. The reactivities of the carboxylate and amine ligands of both carboplatin and oxaliplatin are compared, on the basis of first coordination sphere modeling. Among the new results of this EXAFS study, we present the first observation of oxaliplatin diaminocyclohexane ligand displacement by sulfur nucleophiles. PMID: 19607872 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614683 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2614683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614682&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19607873%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, an attempt has been made in profiling esterase and AAA activities of AChE at different developmental stages of the chick embryo, e.g. at embryonic day 6 (E6), E9, E12, E15 and E18. AAA activity showed a correlated expression with esterase activity at all stages, but the relative ratios of AAA to esterase activity were higher at younger stages. The inhibition of AAA activity was shown to be more sensitive towards Huperzine, Donepezil whereas inhibition of esterase activity was sensitive to Tacrine and DFP. Remarkably, the major Alzheimer drugs- Huperzine and Donepezil, much more strongly inhibited AAA activity of AChE at younger developmental stages whose IC50 values are 0.01muM and 0.1 muM respectively. In the case of BW284c51, inhibition was more pronounced at older stages ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614682 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2614682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602694&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19596041%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, hypoxia (1% Oxygen) induced a decrease in both global acetylated histone H4 (AcH4) and c-Myc in human lung carcinoma A549 cells and in human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells, The decline was more stiking in A549 cells compared to Beas2-B cells, when cells were exposed to hypoxic stress for 24 hr. Further studies showed that these alterations of global AcH4 can be attributed to the decrease in c-Myc protein levels. While hypoxia-induced gene activation is known to be mediated by Hypoxia Response Elements (HRE), the mechanism for down-regulation of genes by hypoxia is not known. The decrease in c-Myc protein levels induced by hypoxia may contribute to hypoxia-induced gene repression. PMID: 19596041 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602694 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2602694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602693&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19596042%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jaisson S, Veiga-Da-Cunha M, Van Schaftingen E Our purpose was to identify the sequence of omega-amidase, which hydrolyses the amide group of alpha-ketoglutaramate, a product formed by glutamine transaminases. In the Bacillus subtilis genome, the gene encoding a glutamine transaminase (mtnV) is flanked by a gene encoding a putative 'carbon-nitrogen hydrolase'. The closest mammalian homolog of this putative bacterial omega-amidase is 'nitrilase 2', whose size and amino acid composition were in good agreement with those reported for purified rat liver omega-amidase. Mouse nitrilase 2 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and shown to catalyse the hydrolysis of alpha-ketoglutaramate and other known substrates of omega-amidase. No such activity was observed with mouse nitril... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602693 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2602693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602695&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19595734%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Krasnikov BF, Chien CH, Nostramo R, Pinto JT, Nieves E, Callaway M, Sun J, Huebner K, Cooper AJ The present report identifies the enzymatic substrates of a member of the mammalian nitrilase-like (Nit) family. Nit2, which is widely distributed in nature, has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor protein. The protein was assumed to be an amidase based on sequence homology to other amidases and on the presence of a putative amidase-like active site. This assumption was recently confirmed by the publication of the crystal structure of mouse Nit2. However, the in vivo substrates were not previously identified. Here we report that rat liver Nit2 is omega-amidodicarboxylate amidohydrolase (E.C. 3.5.1.3; abbreviated omega-amidase), a ubiquitously expressed enzyme that catalyzes a va... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602695 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2602695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602692&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19596399%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Curis E, Nicolis I, Bensaci J, Deschamps P, Bénazeth S A review of mathematical modeling in metal metabolism is presented. Both endogenous and exogenous metals are considered. Four classes of methods are considered: Petri nets, multi-agent systems, determinist models based on differential equations and stochastic models. For each, a basic theoretical background is given, then examples of applications are given, detailed and commented. Advantages and disadvantages of each class of model are presented. A special attention is given to determinist differential equation models, since almost all models belong to this class. PMID: 19596399 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie) Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602692 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2602692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2585311&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19580842%26dopt%3DAbstract We present evidence showing that 89.5 % IgGs purified from the sera of HIV-infected patients using several affinity resins including Sepharose with immobilized integrase specifically hydrolyze only HIV integrase (IN) but not many other tested proteins. Several rigid criteria have been applied to show that the IN-hydrolyzing activity is an intrinsic property of AIDS IgGs but not from healthy donors. Similar to autoimmune proteolytic abzymes, IN-hydrolyzing IgGs from some patients were inhibited by specific inhibitors of serine and metal-dependent proteases but a significant inhibition of the activity by specific inhibitors of acidic- and thiol-like proteases was observed for the first time. Although HIV-infection leads to formation of Abs to many viral and human antigens, no possible biolog... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2585311 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2585311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547527&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19375481%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ruggiero I, Cantiello P, Lamberti A, Sorrentino A, Martucci NM, Ruggiero A, Arcone R, Vitagliano L, Arcari P, Masullo M The D60A mutant of the elongation factor (EF) 1alpha from Sulfolobus solfataricus (Ss), was obtained as heterologous expressed protein and characterised. This substitution was carried out in order to analyse the involvement of this evolutionally conserved amino acid position in the interaction between the elongation factor and guanosine nucleotides and in the coordination of magnesium ions. The expression system used produced a folded protein able to catalyse, although to a slightly lower extent with respect to the wild-type enzyme, protein synthesis in vitro and NaCl-dependent intrinsic GTPase activity. The affinity for guanosine nucleotides was almost ident... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547527 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:30:18 +0100 2547527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547521&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19376189%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shariati-Rad M, Hasani M Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is the most common spectroscopic technique used for study of protein structure. Initially, band deconvolution techniques were applied to determine the secondary structure of proteins. Recently, several multivariate regression methods have been used to predict the secondary structure of proteins as an alternative to the previous methods. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied on the FTIR spectra of proteins to resolve the fraction and spectral profiles of different structural motifs. Initial estimates of spectral profiles of different protein motifs were built using orthogonal projection approach (OPA). Predicted fractions of alpha-helix and beta-sheet obtained by MCR-... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547521 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:30:09 +0100 2547521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547519&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19376190%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michel D Certain transcription factors have recently been shown to interact with DNA in living cells, through very short binding cycles, contrasting with the data previously obtained in vitro, and with the view of a stepwise building of transcription initiation complexes. These short cycles are triggered by active dissociation mechanisms, suggesting that they ensure important biological functions. Various interpretations of these observations have been proposed, including a mechanism allowing the cell to switch off gene expression after removal of the inducer, or increasing the availability of free transcription factors. The interpretation examined here is that the brevity of the transcription factor turnovers favors the determinism of gene expression. For the genes with open ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547519 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:30:07 +0100 2547519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547517&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19376191%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cazarolli LH, Folador P, Pizzolatti MG, Mena Barreto Silva FR Kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside is one of the several compounds that have been reported to have insulin-like properties in terms of glucose lowering. We studied the effect of kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside in glycogen synthesis in rat soleus muscle through the incorporation of (14)C-d-glucose in glycogen. Kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside stimulates glycogen synthesis in rat soleus muscle by approximately 2.38-fold. Insulin at 100 nM showed a stimulatory effect on glycogen synthesis when compared with the control group. The stimulatory effect of kaempferol 3-neophesperidoside on glycogen synthesis was inhibited by wortmannin, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, and enhanced by lithium chloride, a glycogen s... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547517 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:30:04 +0100 2547517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547515&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19383525%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Molla AR, Maity SS, Ghosh S, Mandal DK We have investigated the organization and dynamics of tryptophan residues in tetrameric, monomeric and unfolded states of soybean agglutinin (SBA) by selective chemical modification, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, and phosphorescence. Oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) modifies two tryptophans (Trp 60 and Trp 132) in tetramer, four (Trp 8, Trp 203 and previous two) in monomer, and all six (Trp 8, Trp 60, Trp 132, Trp 154, Trp 203 and Trp 226) in unfolded state. Utilizing wavelength-selective fluorescence approach, we have observed a red-edge excitation shift (REES) of 10 and 5 nm for tetramer and monomer, respectively. A more pronounced REES (21 nm) is observed after NBS oxidation. These results are supported by fluores... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547515 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:30:02 +0100 2547515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547513&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19383526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Faure G, Bornot A, de Brevern AG Three-dimensional structures of proteins are the support of their biological functions. Their folds are maintained by inter-residue interactions which are one of the main focuses to understand the mechanisms of protein folding and stability. Furthermore, protein structures can be composed of single or multiple functional domains that can fold and function independently. Hence, dividing a protein into domains is useful for obtaining an accurate structure and function determination. In previous studies, we enlightened protein contact properties according to different definitions and developed a novel methodology named Protein Peeling. Within protein structures, Protein Peeling characterizes small successive compact units along the sequence called... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547513 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:59 +0100 2547513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547511&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19383527%26dopt%3DAbstract In this report we have identified for the first time a transacetylase (TAase) in a mesophilic fungi Starkeyomyces koorchalomoides catalyzing the transfer of acetyl group from polyphenolic acetate (PA) to a receptor protein glutathione S-transferase (GST). An elegant assay procedure was established for TAase based on its ability to mediate inhibition of GST by 7,8-diacetoxy-4-methylcoumarin (DAMC), a model PA. Utilizing this assay procedure, S. koorchalomoides TAase was purified to homogeneity. TAase was found to have MW of 50 kDa. The purified enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 45 degrees C at pH 6.8. The N-terminal sequence of purified fungal TAase (ANDASTVED) showed identity with corresponding N-terminal sequence of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH), a mitochondrial matrix enzyme a... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547511 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:57 +0100 2547511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547507&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19393286%26dopt%3DAbstract We report here the baculovirus expression and purification of the GCA intra-cellular domain construct GCA(ID) comprising the complete intra-cellular region which includes the kinase-homology domain, coiled-coil region, and catalytic cyclase domain. The intra-cellular domain was enzymatically characterized in terms of guanylyl cyclase activity and the effects of ATP, manganese, and Triton X-100. Our results indicate that the activity of the intra-cellular domain of the ANP receptor is about 2 fold less active compared to a truncated cyclase domain construct lacking the kinase-like domain that was also expressed and purified. In addition, unlike the full length receptor, the intra-cellular domain could not be activated by Triton X-100/Mn(2+) or its activity stimulated by ATP. These data ther... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547507 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:52 +0100 2547507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547503&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401211%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Del Toro M, Bucek P, Aviñó A, Jaumot J, González C, Eritja R, Gargallo R The B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) gene contains a region that has been implicated in the regulation of bcl-2 gene expression. This region can form G-quadruplex structures in solution [J.X. Dai, T.S. Dexheimer, D. Chen, M. Carver, A. Ambrus, R.A. Jones, D.Z. Yang, An intramolecular G-quadruplex structure with mixed parallel/antiparallel G-strands formed in the human BCL-2 promoter region in solution, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128 (2006) 1096-1098.]. Here, we examined the acid-base and conformational equilibria of this G-quadruplex-forming region (BCL2G), as well as its interaction with both the porphyrin TMPyP4 and with the complementary C-rich strand. We used molecular absorption and circular dichroism... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547503 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:47 +0100 2547503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547501&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401212%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Placido A, Regina TM, Quagliariello C, Volpicella M, Gallerani R, Ceci LR Nad6 orf, encoded in the sunflower mitochondrial genome in single copy contains a non-conserved 3'-extension. The transcription of the nad6 locus generates a highly complex pattern. Three main transcripts of 1240, 960 and 870 nt have been characterized by different approaches. The two smaller ones are apparently the most abundant of the steady-state RNA population and are generated as primary transcription products as well as by processing of the 1240 nt transcript. Their 5'-UTRs are absent or very short. Whereas the 3'-ends of the 960 nt transcripts contain a TGA codon the shorter one terminates at positions excluding the stop codon. The fate of transcripts to promote the synthesis of NAD6 sunflower pro... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547501 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:44 +0100 2547501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547499&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401213%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shvadchak V, Sanglier S, Rocle S, Villa P, Haiech J, Hibert M, Van Dorsselaer A, Mély Y, de Rocquigny H Due to its highly conserved zinc fingers and its nucleic acid chaperone properties which are critical for HIV-1 replication, the nucleocapsid protein (NC) constitutes a major target in AIDS therapy. Different families of molecules targeting NC zinc fingers and/or inhibiting the binding of NC with its target nucleic acids have been developed. However, their limited specificity and their cellular toxicity prompted us to develop a screening assay to target molecules able to inhibit NC chaperone properties, and more specifically the initial NC-promoted destabilization of the nucleic acid secondary structure. Since this destabilization is critically dependent on the properly... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547499 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:42 +0100 2547499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547497&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401214%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Katsarou K, Serti E, Tsitoura P, Lavdas AA, Varaklioti A, Pickl-Herk AM, Blaas D, Oz-Arslan D, Zhu R, Hinterdorfer P, Mavromara P, Georgopoulou U Circulating 'free' non-enveloped Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been demonstrated in HCV-infected patients, and HCV subgenomes with deletions of the envelope proteins have been previously identified. Initial studies from our laboratory, previously published, indicated that expression of HCV core in insect cells can direct the formation of capsid-like particles lacking the envelope glycoproteins. These protein nanospheres, morphologically similar to natural capsids, were shown to be taken up by human hepatic cells and to produce cell-signalling events. To follow the intracellular fate of these particles we fused the core pro... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547497 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:29:39 +0100 2547497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547437&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555734%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Herbert BS, Huppert JL, Bradjohnson F, Lane AN, Phan AT A two and a half day meeting on G-quadruplexes was held in Louisville, KY, USA (April 18-21, 2009). A specific goal of this conference was to promote discussion on the biology of G-quadruplexes. In practice this was represented in four main ways, namely in biophysics, bio/nanotechnology, therapeutics, and what might be termed "intrinsic biology". Research into the basic biophysical and structural properties of G-quadruplexes continues to be important for understanding biology, and for optimizing aptamers for therapeutic and bio/technological purposes. The meeting comprised two Keynote lectures, twenty-three invited talks, and forty-two posters covering various aspects of these topics using a wide variety of technologies. ... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547437 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2547437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547435&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Viatte L, Vaulont S Hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced by the liver, constitutes the master regulator of iron homeostasis in mammals allowing iron adaptation according to the body iron needs. In recent years there has been important breakthrough in our knowledge of hepcidin regulation that has also implications for understanding the physiopathology of human iron disorders. Different aspects of hepcidin regulation will be considered in this review, including regulation by the iron status and the BMP6/HJV/SMAD pathway. Hepcidin dysregulation in iron disorders will be also discussed. Although much can already be accomplished for treating iron disorders using the knowledge that has currently been developed, additional issues will be challenging for the coming years. PMID: 19... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547435 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2547435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2547439&cid=s_34544_60_f&fid=34544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19545597%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang YX, Kong CZ, Wang HQ, Wang LH, Xu CL, Sun YH There is currently no successful therapy for androgen-independent prostate cancer. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has been shown to have an anti-proliferative effect on various tumors. We investigated the effect of UA on cell viability in the human hormone-refractory prostate cancer cell line DU-145, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its growth inhibiting effect. We demonstrated that UA induces apoptosis and the activation of caspase-3 in DU145 cells. UA also causes the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but has no effect on extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 MAP kinases (p38). UA-induced JNK activation could result in Bcl-2 phosphorylation (Ser70) an... Biochimie journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2547439 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2547439