Drosophila coracle, a Member of the Protein 4.1 Superfamily, Has Essential Structural Functions in the Septate Junctions and Developmental Functions in Embryonic and Adult Epithelial Cells

Although extensively studied biochemically, members of the Protein 4.1 superfamily have not been as well characterized genetically. Studies of coracle, a Drosophila Protein 4.1 homologue, provide an opportunity to examine the genetic functions of this gene family. coracle was originally identified as a dominant suppressor of EgfrElp, a hypermorphic form of the Drosophila Epidermal growth factor receptor gene. In this article, we present a phenotypic analysis of coracle, one of the first for a member of the Protein 4.1 superfamily. Screens for new coracle alleles confirm the null coracle phenotype of embryonic lethality and failure in dorsal closure, and they identify additional defects in the embryonic epidermis and salivary glands. Hypomorphic coracle alleles reveal functions in many imaginal tissues. Analysis of coracle mutant cells indicates that Coracle is a necessary structural component of the septate junction required for the maintenance of the transepithelial barrier but is not necessary for apical–basal polarity, epithelial integrity, or cytoskeletal integrity. In addition, coracle phenotypes suggest a specific role in cell signaling events. Finally, complementation analysis provides information regarding the functional organization of Coracle and possibly other Protein 4.1 superfamily members. These studies provide insights into a range of in vivo functions for coracle in developing embryos and adults.

Signals transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-induced STAT inhibitor-1 (SSI-1)/suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) suppresses tumor necrosis factor α-induced cell death in fibroblasts

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-induced STAT inhibitor-1 [SSI-1; also known as suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1)] was identified as a negative feedback regulator of Janus kinase-STAT signaling. We previously generated mice lacking the SSI-1 gene (SSI-1 −/−) and showed that thymocytes and splenocytes in SSI-1 −/− mice underwent accelerated apoptosis. In this paper, we show that murine embryonic fibroblasts lacking the SSI-1 gene are more sensitive than their littermate controls to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cell death. In addition, L929 cells forced to express SSI-1 (L929/SSI-1), but not SSI-3 or SOCS-5, are resistant to TNF-α-induced cell death. Furthermore L929/SSI-1 cells treated with TNF-α sustain the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. In contrast, SSI-1 −/− murine embryonic fibroblasts treated with TNF-α show hardly any activation of p38 MAP kinase. These findings suggest that SSI-1 suppresses TNF-α-induced cell death, which is mediated by p38 MAP kinase signaling.

Virus-encoded suppressor of posttranscriptional gene silencing targets a maintenance step in the silencing pathway

Certain plant viruses encode suppressors of posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS), an adaptive antiviral defense response that limits virus replication and spread. The tobacco etch potyvirus protein, helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro), suppresses PTGS of silenced transgenes. The effect of HC-Pro on different steps of the silencing pathway was analyzed by using both transient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-based delivery and transgenic systems. HC-Pro inactivated PTGS in plants containing a preexisting silenced β-glucuronidase (GUS) transgene. PTGS in this system was associated with both small RNA molecules (21–26 nt) corresponding to the 3′ proximal region of the transcribed GUS sequence and cytosine methylation of specific sites near the 3′ end of the GUS transgene. Introduction of HC-Pro into these plants resulted in loss of PTGS, loss of small RNAs, and partial loss of methylation. These results suggest that HC-Pro targets a PTGS maintenance (as opposed to an initiation or signaling) component at a point that affects accumulation of small RNAs and methylation of genomic DNA.

TRM1, a YY1-like suppressor of rbcS-m3 expression in maize mesophyll cells

The genes rbcS and rbcL encode, respectively, the small and large subunits of the photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. There is a single rbcL gene in each chloroplast chromosome; a family of rbcS genes is located in the nuclear genome. These two genes are not expressed in mesophyll cells but are in adjacent bundle-sheath cells of leaves of the C4 plant Zea mays. Two regions of the maize gene rbcS-m3 are required for suppressing expression in mesophyll cells. One region is just beyond the translation termination site in the 3′ region, and the other is several hundred base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. A binding site for a protein with limited homology to the viral, yeast, and mammalian transcription repressor-activator YY1 (Yin-Yang I), has now been identified in the 3′ region. A maize gene for a protein with zinc fingers homologous to those of YY1 has been isolated, characterized, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene is designated trm1 (transcription repressor-maize 1). The protein TRM1 binds to the YY1-like site and, in addition, TRM1 binds to two sequence regions in the 5′ region of the gene that have no homology to the YY1 site. Mutagenesis or deletion of any of these three sequences eliminates repression of rbcS-m3 reporter genes in mesophyll cells.

Cancer-predisposing mutations within the RING domain of BRCA1: Loss of ubiquitin protein ligase activity and protection from radiation hypersensitivity

BRCA1 is a breast and ovarian cancer-specific tumor suppressor that seems to be involved in transcription and DNA repair. Here we report that BRCA1 exhibits a bona fide ubiquitin (Ub) protein ligase (E3) activity, and that cancer-predisposing mutations within the BRCA1 RING domain abolish its Ub ligase activity. Furthermore, these mutants are unable to reverse γ-radiation hypersensitivity of BRCA1-null human breast cancer cells, HCC1937. Additionally, these mutations within the BRCA1 RING domain are not capable of restoring a G2 + M checkpoint in HCC1937 cells. These results establish a link between Ub protein ligase activity and γ-radiation protection function of BRCA1, and provide an explanation for why mutations within the BRCA1 RING domain predispose to cancer. Furthermore, we propose that the analysis of the Ub ligase activity of RING-domain mutations identified in patients may constitute an assay to predict predisposition to cancer.

Identification of the gene (SSU71/TFG1) encoding the largest subunit of transcription factor TFIIF as a suppressor of a TFIIB mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SSU71 gene were isolated as suppressors of a transcription factor TFIIB defect that confers both a cold-sensitive growth defect and a downstream shift in transcription start-site selection at the cyc1 locus. The ssu71-1 suppressor not only suppresses the conditional phenotype but also restores the normal pattern of transcription initiation at cyc1. In addition, the ssu71-1 suppressor confers a heat-sensitive phenotype that is dependent upon the presence of the defective form of TFIIB. Molecular and genetic analysis of the cloned SSU71 gene demonstrated that SSU71 is a single-copy essential gene encoding a highly charged protein with a molecular mass of 82,194 daltons. Comparison of the deduced Ssu71 amino acid sequence with the protein data banks revealed significant similarity to RAP74, the larger subunit of the human general transcription factor TFIIF. Moreover, Ssu71 is identical to p105, a component of yeast TFIIF. Taken together, these data demonstrate a functional interaction between TFIIB and the large subunit of TFIIF and that this interaction can affect start-site selection in vivo.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 limits protection of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor signaling against central demyelination

Enhancement of oligodendrocyte survival through activation of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) signaling is a candidate therapeutic strategy for demyelinating disease. However, in other cell types, LIFR signaling is under tight negative regulation by the intracellular protein suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). We, therefore, postulated that deletion of the SOCS3 gene in oligodendrocytes would promote the beneficial effects of LIFR signaling in limiting demyelination. By studying wild-type and LIF-knockout mice, we established that SOCS3 expression by oligodendrocytes was induced by the demyelinative insult, that this induction depended on LIF, and that enclogenously produced LIF was likely to be a key determinant of the CNS response to oligodendrocyte loss. Compared with wild-type controls, oligo-dendrocyte-specific SOCS3 conditional-knockout mice displayed enhanced c-fos activation and exogenous LIF-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Moreover, these SOCS3-deficient mice were protected against cupri-zone-induced oligodendrocyte loss relative to wild-type animals. These results indicate that modulation of SOCS3 expression could facilitate the endogenous response to CNS injury.

Characterization Of A Protein-protein Interaction Network Of The Cbl-interacting Protein Kinase 8 From Sugarcane.

Plants are sessile organisms and have evolved to tolerate a constantly changing environment. After the onset of different stress conditions, calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins can sense calcium signals and activate CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) proteins, which can phosphorylate downstream proteins to reestablish plant homeostasis. Previous studies in the bioenergy crop sugarcane showed that the ScCIPK8 gene is induced by drought stress and is also related to sucrose content. Here, we have characterized the protein-protein interactions of ScCIPK8 with six CBL proteins (ScCBL1, ScCBL2, ScCBL3, ScCBL6, ScCBL9, and ScCBL10). Yeast two-hybrid assays showed that ScCIPK8 interacts with ScCBL1, ScCBL3, and ScCBL6. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays confirmed in planta the interactions that were observed in yeast cells. These findings give insights on the regulatory networks related to sugar accumulation and drought stress responses in sugarcane.

Increased Expression Of Hes5 Protein In Notch Signaling Pathway In The Hippocampus Of Mice Offspring Of Dams Fed A High-fat Diet During Pregnancy And Suckling.

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) impairs hippocampal development of offspring promoting decreased proliferation of neural progenitors, in neuronal differentiation, in dendritic spine density and synaptic plasticity reducing neurogenic capacity. Notch signaling pathway participates in molecular mechanisms of the neurogenesis. The activation of Notch signaling leads to the upregulation of Hes5, which inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors. This study aimed to investigate the Notch/Hes pathway activation in the hippocampus of the offspring of dams fed an HFD. Female Swiss mice were fed a control diet (CD) and an HFD from pre-mating until suckling. The bodyweight and mass of adipose tissue in the mothers and pups were also measured. The mRNA and protein expression of Notch1, Hes5, Mash1, and Delta1 in the hippocampus was assessed by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Dams fed the HFD and their pups had an increased bodyweight and amount of adipose tissue. Furthermore, the offspring of mothers fed the HFD exhibited an increased Hes5 expression in the hippocampus compared with CD offspring. In addition, HFD offspring also expressed increased amounts of Notch1 and Hes5 mRNA, whereas Mash1 expression was decreased. However, the expression of Delta1 did not change significantly. We propose that the overexpression of Hes5, a Notch effector, downregulates the expression of the proneural gene Mash1 in the offspring of obese mothers, delaying cellular differentiation. These results provide further evidence that an offspring's hippocampus is molecularly susceptible to maternal HFD and suggest that Notch1 signaling in this brain region is important for neuronal differentiation.

Central retinal vein thrombosis as an initial manifestation of heterozygous protein C deficiency: case report

The purpose of this paper is to report a case of central retinal vein thrombosis associated with isolated heterozygous protein C deficiency. Acute occlusion of the central retinal vein presents as one of the most dramatic pictures in ophthalmology. It is often a result of both local and systemic causes. A rare systemic cause is heterozygous protein C deficiency, and it usually occurs in combination with other thrombophilic conditions. This case highlights that isolated heterozygous protein C deficiency may be the cause of central retinal vein thrombosis and underscores the importance of its screening in young patients with this ophthalmologic disease.

Induction of Zenk protein expression within the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala of pigeons following tone and shock stimulation

In this study, we evaluated the expression of the Zenk protein within the nucleus taeniae of the pigeon’s amygdala (TnA) after training in a classical aversive conditioning, in order to improve our understanding of its functional role in birds. Thirty-two 18-month-old adult male pigeons (Columba livia), weighing on average 350 g, were trained under different conditions: with tone-shock associations (experimental group; EG); with shock-alone presentations (shock group; SG); with tone-alone presentations (tone group; TG); with exposure to the training chamber without stimulation (context group; CG), and with daily handling (naive group; NG). The number of immunoreactive nuclei was counted in the whole TnA region and is reported as density of Zenk-positive nuclei. This density of Zenk-positive cells in the TnA was significantly greater for the EG, SG and TG than for the CG and NG (P < 0.05). The data indicate an expression of Zenk in the TnA that was driven by experience, supporting the role of this brain area as a critical element for neural processing of aversive stimuli as well as meaningful novel stimuli.

Productive performance and composition of milk protein fraction in dairy cows supplemented with fat sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of fat sources in rations for lactating cows on the productive performance and composition of milk protein fraction. Twelve Holstein cows were used, grouped in three balanced 4 × 4 Latin squares, fed with the following rations: control; refined soybean oil; whole raw soybean; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acid (Megalac-E). Dry matter and nutrient intake, and daily milk production were evaluated. The samples used to analyze milk composition were collected in two alternate days and were obtained from two daily milking. Milk composition and total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen ratios were analyzed. The casein, serum protein and true protein ratios were obtained by difference. Dry matter and nutrient intakes were lower when cows received the diet containing calcium salts of fatty acids, in relation to the control diet. Among the diets with fat sources, the one with whole raw soybean and calcium salts decreased milk production. There was no effect of fat sources added to the diet on crude protein, non-protein nitrogen, non-casein nitrogen, true protein, casein, casein/milk true protein ratio and serum protein. Similarly, the experimental diets did not influence the protein fractions when expressed in percentage of milk crude protein. The utilization of fat sources in diets changes milk production and composition of lactating cows, but does not influence the composition of milk protein fractions.

Effects of perinatal protein deprivation and recovery on esophageal myenteric plexus

AIM: To evaluate effects of pre- and postnatal protein deprivation and postnatal recovery on the myenteric plexus of the rat esophagus. METHODS: Three groups of young Wistar rats (aged 42 d) were studied: normal-fed (N42), protein-deprived (D42), and protein-recovered (R42). The myenteric neurons of their esophagi were evaluated by histochemical reactions for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), nitrergic neurons (NADPH)-diaphorase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), immunohistochemical reaction for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The cytoplasms of large and medium neurons from the N42 and R42 groups were intensely reactive for NADH. Only a few large neurons from the D42 group exhibited this aspect. NADPH detected in the D42 group exhibited low reactivity. The AChE reactivity was diffuse in neurons from the D42 and R42 groups. The density of large and small varicosities detected by immunohistochemical staining of VIP was low in ganglia from the D42 group. In many neurons from the D42 group, the double membrane of the nuclear envelope and the perinuclear cisterna were not detectable. NADH and NADPH histochemistry revealed no group differences in the profile of nerve cell perikarya (ranging from 200 to 400 mu m(2)). CONCLUSION: Protein deprivation causes a delay in neuronal maturation but postnatal recovery can almost completely restore the normal morphology of myenteric neurons. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.

Digestibility of plant protein-based diets by largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Commercial farming of carnivorous fish demands the reduction of environmental impact of feeds; that requires minimal use of dietary animal protein. This study investigated the digestibility of diets formulated exclusively out of plant protein, added feed attractants, by the carnivore largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. Juvenile largemouth bass (14.0 +/- 1.0 cm) conditioned to accept artificial, dry feed were confined in polypropylene cages and fed ad libitum in three daily meals, seven experimental diets containing varying levels of vegetable and animal protein sources, added of different feed stimulants. After last daily meal, cages were transferred to cylindrical-conical-bottomed, 200-L aquaria, where faeces were collected by sedimentation into refrigerated containers, preserved and later analysed for chemical composition. Soybean meal can be used as partial substitute of animal protein in diets for largemouth bass; the poultry by-product meal shows as a good option as animal protein source in these rations. Control treatment - 50PP : 50AP - yielded best performances; the need for the use of fish meal in the formulation for carnivorous diets is, at least, questionable. Results of the digestibility trials demonstrated the importance of determining the diet digestibility, if precision in the formulation of least-cost feeds for carnivorous fish is the ultimate goal.

Influence of Plasma Protein Binding on Pharmacodynamics: Estimation of In Vivo Receptor Affinities of beta Blockers Using a New Mechanism-Based PK-PD Modelling Approach

The objective of this investigation was to examine in a systematic manner the influence of plasma protein binding on in vivo pharmacodynamics. Comparative pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies with four beta blockers were performed in conscious rats, using heart rate under isoprenaline-induced tachycardia as a pharmacodynamic endpoint. A recently proposed mechanism-based agonist-antagonist interaction model was used to obtain in vivo estimates of receptor affinities (K(B),(vivo)). These values were compared with in vitro affinities (K(B),(vitro)) on the basis of both total and free drug concentrations. For the total drug concentrations, the K(B),(vivo) estimates were 26, 13, 6.5 and 0.89 nM for S(-)-atenolol, S(-)-propranolol, S(-)-metoprolol and timolol. The K(B),(vivo) estimates on the basis of the free concentrations were 25, 2.0, 5.2 and 0.56 nM, respectively. The K(B),(vivo)-K(B),(vitro) correlation for total drug concentrations clearly deviated from the line of identity, especially for the most highly bound drug S(-)-propranolol (ratio K(B),(vivo)/K(B),(vitro) similar to 6.8). For the free drug, the correlation approximated the line of identity. Using this model, for beta-blockers the free plasma concentration appears to be the best predictor of in vivo pharmacodynamics. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3816-3828, 2009