TRAP, the trp RNA-binding attenuation protein of Bacillus subtilis, is a toroid-shaped molecule that binds transcripts containing GAG or UAG repeats separated by two nucleotides.

The trp RNA-binding attenuation protein of Bacillus subtilis, TRAP, regulates both transcription and translation by binding to specific transcript sequences. The optimal transcript sequences required for TRAP binding were determined by measuring complex formation between purified TRAP protein and synthetic RNAs. RNAs were tested that contained repeats of different trinucleotide sequences, with differing spacing between the repeats. A transcript containing GAG repeats separated by two-nucleotide spacers was bound most tightly. In addition, transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the structure of TRAP and the TRAP-transcript complex. TRAP was observed to be a toroid-shaped oligomer when free or when bound to either a natural or a synthetic RNA.

Incorporation of glutamine repeats makes protein oligomerize: implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

Many transcription factors and some other proteins contain glutamine repeats; their abnormal expansion has been linked to several dominantly inherited neuro-degenerative diseases. Having found that poly(L-glutamine) alone forms beta-strands held together by hydrogen bonds between their amide groups, we surmised that glutamine repeats may form polar zippers, an unusual motif for protein-protein interactions. To test this hypothesis, we have engineered a Gly-Gln10-Gly peptide into the inhibitory loop of truncated chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2), a small protein from barley seeds, by both insertion and replacement. Gel filtration resolved both mutant inhibitors into at least three fractions, which analytical ultracentrifugation identified as monomers, dimers, and trimers of the recombinant protein; the truncated wild-type CI2 formed only monomers. CD difference spectra of the dimers and trimers versus wild type indicated that their glutamine repeats formed beta-pleated sheets, while those of the monomers versus wild type were more suggestive of type I beta-turns. The CD spectra of all three fractions remained unchanged even after incubation at 70 degrees C; neither the dimers nor the trimers dissociated at this temperature. We argue that the stability of all three fractions is due to the multiplicity of hydrogen bonds between extended strands of glutamine repeats in the oligomers or within a beta-hairpin formed by the single glutamine repeat of each monomer. Pathological effects may arise when expanded glutamine repeats cause proteins to acquire excessively high affinities for each other or for other proteins with glutamine repeats.

Hairpins are formed by the single DNA strands of the fragile X triplet repeats: structure and biological implications.

Inordinate expansion and hypermethylation of the fragile X DNA triplet repeat, (GGC)n.(GCC)n, are correlated with the ability of the individual G- and C-rich single strands to form hairpin structures. Two-dimensional NMR and gel electrophoresis studies show that both the G- and C-rich single strands form hairpins under physiological conditions. This propensity of hairpin formation is more pronounced for the C-rich strand than for the G-rich strand. This observation suggests that the C-rich strand is more likely to form hairpin or "slippage" structure and show asymmetric strand expansion during replication. NMR data also show that the hairpins formed by the C-rich strands fold in such a way that the cytosine at the CpG step of the stem is C.C paired. The presence of a C.C mismatch at the CpG site generates local flexibility, thereby providing analogs of the transition to the methyltransferase. In other words, the hairpins of the C-rich strand act as better substrates for the human methyltransferase than the Watson-Crick duplex or the G-rich strand. Therefore, hairpin formation could account for the specific methylation of the CpG island in the fragile X repeat that occurs during inactivation of the FMR1 gene during the onset of the disease.

A serine proteinase inhibitor locus at 18q21.3 contains a tandem duplication of the human squamous cell carcinoma antigen gene.

The squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is a member of the ovalbumin family of serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins). A neutral form of the protein is found in normal and some malignant squamous cells, whereas an acidic form is detected exclusively in tumor cells and in the circulation of patients with squamous cell tumors. In this report, we describe the cloning of the SCCA gene from normal genomic DNA. Surprisingly, two genes were found. They were tandemly arrayed and flanked by two other closely related serpins, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI2) and maspin at 18q21.3. The genomic structure of the two genes, SCCA1 and SCCA2, was highly conserved. The predicted amino acid sequences were 92% identical and suggested that the neutral form of the protein was encoded by SCCA1 and the acidic form was encoded by SCCA2. Further characterization of the region should determine whether the differential expression of the SCCA genes plays a causal role in development of more aggressive squamous cell carcinomas.

The sulfur controller-2 negative regulatory gene of Neurospora crassa encodes a protein with beta-transducin repeats.

The sulfur regulatory system of Neurospora crassa is composed of a set of structural genes involved in sulfur catabolism controlled by a genetically defined set of trans-acting regulatory genes. These sulfur regulatory genes include cys-3+, which encodes a basic region-leucine zipper transcriptional activator, and the negative regulatory gene scon-2+. We report here that the scon-2+ gene encodes a polypeptide of 650 amino acids belonging to the expanding beta-transducin family of eukaryotic regulatory proteins. Specifically, SCON2 protein contains six repeated G beta-homologous domains spanning the C-terminal half of the protein. SCON2 represents the initial filamentous fungal protein identified in the beta-transducin group. Additionally, SCON2 exhibits a specific amino-terminal domain that potentially defines another subfamily of beta-transducin homologs. Expression of the scon-2+ gene has been examined using RNA hybridization and gel mobility-shift analysis. The dependence of scon-2+ expression on CYS3 function and the binding of CYS3 to the scon-2+ promoter indicate the presence of an important control loop within the N. crassa sulfur regulatory circuit involving CYS3 activation of scon-2+ expression. On the basis of the presence of beta-transducin repeats, the crucial role of SCON2 in the signal-response pathway triggered by sulfur limitation may be mediated by protein-protein interactions.

The future of the Franco-German tandem. OSW Commentary No. 83, 2012-07-11

Following the victories of François Hollande in the presidential election and the Socialist Party in the parliamentary election, the existing model of relations between Germany and France as symbolised by the Merkel-Sarkozy duo is undergoing a transformation. Along with the defeat for Sarkozy, who had fostered close cooperation with the German Chancellor, we are witnessing a change in the German-French modus operandi, which was based on making confidential agreements concerning the anti-crisis measures in the eurozone and then presenting ready-made solutions to other EU members (as in the case of the successive versions of the document currently known as the fiscal pact). However, a conflict in bilateral relations, which would mean a total breakdown of the Franco-German engine, is rather unlikely. In fact, François Hollande’s proposals have diminished the appearance of the two states’ exceptional compatibility, and have restored the specific relationship affected by the natural rivalry between two states, who because of their economies’ different orientation have divergent interests. Nevertheless, both sides are destined to reach a compromise, as neither can attain its goals in the face of the other’s opposition. In the long term, Hollande is likely to maintain a common front with Germany in fighting the crisis, while at the same time trying (with his allies from the south of the EU) to limit Berlin’s political and economic superiority.

First-interim report on the hydrodynamics and stability and control of a tandem propeller submarine.

"Contract Nonr-3659(00) (FBM)."

S. Anselmi archiepiscopi Cantuariensis ... Tomus tertius Scholiis ac commentariis illustratus Tractatus de peccatis in communi, [et] in particulari : personali, [et] originali hominum, [et] angelorum, ac tandem de gratia eorum abstersiva ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Doctoris Ioannis de Selva iuris utriusque doctoris, quondam in Suprema Parisiensi Curia Consilarij, & tandem, ut alij existimant, primi Praesidis Tract. de Beneficio : cum notis et quibusdam additionibus celebris in magno Regis Consilio Aduocati, praxis beneficiariae peritissimi.

Mode of access: Internet.

Santuariu[m] biblicu[m] ... Fratris Fra[n]cisci de Ossuna Ordinis Minoru[m] Regularis Obseruanti[a]e : in cui[us] fine ... reperies deiparae virginis sermones octo sub hoc themate, ipsa co[n]teret caput tuu[m] pro Sabbatis Quadragessime ac Resurrectio[n]e sequenti : in calce tandem est index.

ICCU,

Gabrielis Putherbei Turonici professione Fontebraldaei, Theotimus, sive de tollendis & expungendis malis libris, iis praecipue, quos vix incolumi fide ac pietate plerique legere queant, libri tres, multa complectentes, quae tum ad mores, tum ad religionem faciant, & lectorem oppido iuuent, cuiuscunque tandem fidei illum nacti erunt

Mode of access: Internet.

Francisci Toleti ... Instructio Sacerdotum, ac Poenitentium : in qua omnium absolutissima casuum conscientiae Summa continetur, Cum additionibus, tam iis, tam iam antea impresae fuerunt, quam manuscriptis, quae nunc tandem processerunt e lucubrationibus scientifici ... Andrea Victorelli ... ; Accesit insuper praeter Opusculum D. Martini Fornarii de Sacramento Ordinis ...

Contiene con port. y pag. propias: Tractatus de origine et clausura sanctimonialium / auctore Andrea Victorello ... Institutio confessariorum / Martini Fornarii ... In duos distincta libros ...

A method for predicting the aerodynamic loads and dynamic response of the rotor blades of a tandem-rotor helicopter.

"USAAVLABS technical report 67-38."

Methodus apodemica : in eorum gratiam, qui cum fructu in quocunq[ue] tandem vitae genere peregrinari cupiunt /

Includes index.

Leges Novellae V. Anecdotae imperatorum Theodosii Junioris et Valentiniani III ... ex ... cod. ms. Ottoboniano ... ac tandem lex Romana seu Responsum Papiani ... et alterius Sueco-Vaticani /

Mode of access: Internet.