Is “I-DNA” derived from Nuclear DNA ?

On the basis of double radioactive labelling and buoyant density studies, it is concluded that “I-DNA” is not a separate entity from nuclear DNA but may be an artefact derived from it.

Nanochlorum eucaryotum — a green enigmatic alga: morphology, biochemistry and molecular biology

In search of a natural systematic locality for algae — and also for other organisms — quite regularly the central question of evolution comes up. This proves as especially pertinent, when the taxonomic position of the most original phytoflagellates has to be considered. In the classical view of the direct filiation theory the ancestral phytoflagellata is positioned at the verge of the prokaryotic to the eukaryotic stage.

Notizen: Unterschiedliche Desoxyribonuclease-Aktivitäten im Seminalplasma von Bullen/Different Deoxyribonuclease-Activities in Bull Seminal Plasma

By means of the in situ assay of deoxyribonucleases in DNA-containing polyacrylamide gels after separation by micro-disc-electrophoresis different deoxyribonucleases are detectable in bull seminal plasma. There are two groups of acid deoxyribonuclease-activities with a pH optimum at pH 5.0, one with a pH optimum at pH 7.4 and an additional one with a pH optimum at pH 8.5.

Possible control mechanism of cell motility in the gorgonian Eunicella cavolinii

In a previous study it was demonstrated that a lectin controls cell-cell interaction in the gorgonian Eunicella cavolinii (Koch) as a negative modulator. Now we describe the procedure to purify this lectin to homogeneity; its molecular weight is 23 400. The homologous proteoglycans were identified as positive modulators of cell-cell (and/or cell substrate) interaction. The purified single proteoglycan aggregates were 1200±700 nm long and the distance between the attachment points of the proteoglycan subunits was about 45 nm. The glycosaminoglycan residues of the gorgonian proteoglycans were identified as hyaluronic acid (35.5%), heparan sulfate (47.9%) and dermatan sulfate (14.1%). Binding …

Ribonuclease H levels in herpes simplex virus-infected cells.

Two forms of ribonuclease H (RNase H) have been identified both in uninfected and Herpes Simplex virus (HSV-)infected BHK cells. Identical RNase H species were detected in control- as well as in infected cells. RNase H I and II have not been found to be associated both with host cell DNA polymerase alpha and beta and HSV-induced DNA polymerase. Infection of BHK cells with HSV type 1 does not lead to a pronounced alteration of RNase H II activity but to an increase (3-fold) of the extractable RNase H I activity. RNase H I activity increases to a maximum between 8-10 hours p.i.; the bulk of HSV-DNA synthesis occurs between 6-8 hours p.i. From these experiments we draw the preliminary conclusi…

Characterization of the trimeric, self-recognizing Geodia cydonium lectin I.

A D-galactose-specific lectin I was extracted from the sponge Geodia cydonium and purified by affinity chromatography. The molecular weight of lectin I as determined by high-pressure liquid gel chromatography, was found to be 36500 +/- 1300. Disc gel electrophoresis in the presence and in the absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate showed that lectin I is a trimer composed of three different subunits (Mr: 13800, 13000 and 12200); two of the three subunits are linked by one disulfide bond. Isoelectric focusing gave a pI of 5.6 for the native molecule and a pI of 4.4 and of 7.4 for the subunits. The three subunits carry carbohydrate side chains, composed of D-galactose (94%) and of arabinose (5%). …

Determination of DNase activity in the sweat and the urine

Die Mikrodiskelektrophorese mit Polyacrylamidgelen wird als neue Methode zum Nachweis von Desoxyribonucleasen im Schweis beschrieben. Unterschiede der Nuclease-Aktivitat im Schweis und Urin gesunder und an Mucoviscidose erkrankter Kinder ergaben sich nicht. Die hochste Aktivitat im Schweis findet sich nach saurer Inkubation (pH 5,0) unter Zusatz von EDTA. Nach Inkubation in schwach alkalischem Milieu (pH 7,4) und Ionenzusatz kann nur hochstens 1 enzymaktive Bande nachgewiesen werden. Im Urin lassen sich durch saure Inkubation (pH 5,0) und Magnesium- und Calciumionenzusatz sowohl bei Patienten als auch bei Kontrollpersonen 4 Nuclease-Banden deutlich darstellen. Die Ergebnisse werden im Zusam…

The biological activity of bacteriophage DNA, prepared by the cationic detergent dilution technique

Abstract The preparation of phage lambda DNA infecting E. coli K 12 with cationic detergent is described. This DNA infects E. coli spheroblasts with the same efficiency as DNA prepared by phenol methods.

Highly protective alkalinization by ammonia vapor diffusion in viscosimetric DNA damage assessment.

A method for the measurement of viscosities correlated to DNA alterations in alkaline homogenate suspensions is described. The alkaline pH shift to afford cell lysis, DNA unfolding, and denaturation is attained by gaseous ammonia diffusion, thus avoiding shear stress from mechanical mixing. At the same time a stabilizing density gradient is established. This solution is run through a plastic measuring tube that is wide enough to minimize the influence of uneven swelling of the lysing DNA-containing components. Flow times under a carefully controlled water head are registered, and their ratios to control solutions are evaluated. The relative viscosities show a strong and irreversible depende…

Aggregation of sponge cells. Isolation and characterization of an inhibitor of aggregation receptor from the cell surface.

From the cell membranes of the sponge Geodia cydonium a component was isolated and purified which inhibits the aggregation factor isolated from the same source; the component was termed anti-aggregation receptor. This molecule was characterized as a glycoprotein (54% neutral carbohydrate) and its molecular weight is in the range of 180,000 One biological site of the anti-aggregation receptor was determined to be D-galactose. Indirect evidence presented seems to indicate that this molecule is present in an active form in aggregation-deficient cells and absent in aggregation-susceptible cells.

Micro-determination of DNA in biological materials by gas-chromatographic and isotope dilution analysis of thymine content

LEVELS OF RIBONUCLEASE H IN CELLS INFECTED WITH HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE1

Alternating current voltammetric determination of DNA damage

Abstract The conditions for alternating current (a.c.) voltammetric DNA determinations have been investigated with respect to its use with alkaline filter elution techniques at low DNA concentrations. In inorganic electrolyte solutions three current peaks can be distinguished: peak I around −1.1 V caused by the reorientation or desorption of DNA segments; peak II around −1.2 V caused by the native DNA (nDNA) form; peak III caused by denatured DNA (dDNA) at −1.4 V. Sonication of nDNA increases the peak current, however not with dDNA. Both dDNA and nDNA give linear peak current increments with DNA increments, their regression lines cutting the concentration axis at the origin. In filter eluti…

A Sensitive Method for Identification of DNA Dependent DNA Polymerases in Acrylamide Gels after Seperation by Micro Disc Electrophoresis

Abstract DNA polymerase, disc electrophoresis, template affinity Two sensitive methods are described for detection of DNA dependent DNA polymerase activities in polyacrylamide gels after their fractionation by micro-disc electrophoresis. One technique is based on the increase in fluorescence of the ethidium bromide complex with template polydeoxyribonucleotides brought about by the action of the polymerases. The sensitivity of the previously described technique has been enhanced. Another method, 14 fold as sensitive, uses radioactive precursors in the enzyme assay after electrophoretic separation; washing, slicing and counting allows to evaluate incorporation into acid insoluble polymer, re…

Evaluation of the SOS/umu-test post-treatment assay for the detection of genotoxic activities of pure compounds and complex environmental mixtures.

This study presents an evaluation of the SOS/umu-test after introducing an additional dilution and incubation in the post-treatment assay. This treatment reduces the influence of coloured test compounds that otherwise affect the colorimetric determination of the beta-galactosidase activity and the bacterial growth measurement during the testing of complex environmental samples. The post-treatment assay significantly increased the beta-galactosidase activity and consequently the enzyme induction ratios at higher doses of model genotoxins 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, 2-aminoanthracene, benzo(a)pyrene with low or no effect on the sensitivity of the test itsel…

Synergistic effect of peplomycin in combination with bleomycin on L5178y mouse lymphoma cells in vivo.

Studying the treatment of NMRI mice with ip injections of bleomycin (BLM) for 5 days we found an approximate LD50 of 35 mg/kg; the toxicity of peplomycin (PEP) was slightly higher (LD50: approximately 25 mg/kg). The effect of the two drugs on growth of L5178y mouse lymphoma cells in NMRI mice was examined. BLM alone caused at a concentration of 2.5 mg/kg an almost complete inhibition of tumor cell growth; the same effect was determined with 1 mg PEP/kg. At these concentrations the drugs caused an increase of the survival time of 110% (BLM) or 104% (PEP). Given in combination, one-sixth of the optimal doses yielded an 100% increase of the median survival time. These results indicate a signif…

Separation of deoxyribonucleases (DNases) of normal human stratum corneum and psoriatic scales by micro-disc-electrophoresis.

Normal stratum corneum and psoriatic scales were homogenized and a differential centrifugation was performed. The DNase activity of the individual fractions was investigated by micro-disc-electrophoresis. At pH 5 only in the 600 × g pellet and 105.000 × g supernatant of normal keratin DNase activity could be observed. However, all psoriatic fractions showed distinct enzyme activities. At pH 7.4 little psoriatic DNase activity could only be demonstrated in the 105.000 × g supernatant. Except from the 15.000 × g pellet all fractions of normal stratum corneum displayed marked activities. In addition the 105.000 × g supernatant showed two different DNase bands.

Species-specific aggregation factor in sponges : VIII. Nature and alteration of cell surface charge.

Isolated cells from the siliceous spongeGeodia cydonium have been studied with respect to their partition behaviour in a two-phase aqueous polymer system. With this method it is possible to determine subtle changes in the cell surface charge. Addition of a homologous aggregation factor to the isolated cells lowers the partition rate, a finding which indicates that after binding of the aggregation factor to the cells their surface charge is reduced. The partition rate of the cells is strongly correlated with their content of membranebound sialic acid. Sixty-nine percent of the total, membrane-bound hexuronic acid is associated with the aggregation receptor; 1.8×107 aggregation receptor molec…

Association of a polyuridylate-specific endoribonuclease with small nuclear ribonucleo-proteins which had been isolated by affinity chromatography using antibodies from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Immunoglobulins, containing antibodies against U1-snRNP, have been prepared from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. After coupling these antibodies to a Sepharose matrix, U-snRNPs have been isolated and purified from rat liver nuclei by use of immunoaffinity chromatography. The resulting RNPs had the typical protein pattern of U-sn RNPs and a sedimentation coefficient of 12 S. The U-snRNP preparation was associated with an endoribonuclease which required Mg2+ for optimal activity. The enzyme, with an pH optimum of 6.2, degraded only poly(U). Other single-stranded polyribo- and polydeoxyribonucleotides, tRNA, as well as double-stranded RNA and DNA were not digested. The products of…

Specific detection of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in phytoplankton DNA by a non-radioactive assay based on T4-endonuclease V digestion.

The effect of artificial and natural UV irradiation on DNA in marine phytoplankton Isochrysis galbana monoculture was investigated. The presence of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in unlabelled I. galbana DNA was detected by a non-radiometric alkaline filter elution assay after T4-endonuclease V digestion. The quantity of CPDs was estimated by alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. Precise determination of the amount of DNA in the presence of I. galbana pigments was achieved by oxazole yellow homodimer (YOYO) dye. T4-endonuclease V-sensitive sites frequency (ESS/kb), measured after exposure to 2-40 kJ m(-2) of artificial UV light, increased in a dose-dependent manner. Twelve hours after…

The determination of the DNA base composition in 19 species of adriatic sponges with high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography.

Abstract The (adenine + thymine)/(guanine + cytosine) base ratios of 19 species of adriatic sponges have been determined by high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography. The base ratios vary from 1.49 (Mycale massa) to 0.63 (Hippospongia communis) according to an (A+T) content of 59.7 and 38.6 mol%, respectively. The DNAs of sponges of the order Keratosa showed marked differences in their (A +T) contents (39.5 to 58.8 mol%) whereas those of Tetractinellida and Halichondrina were nearly identical (39.3 to 40.8 and 49.5 to 49.8 mol%, respectively). The 5-methylcytosine (5MC) content was determined in 8 sponge DNAs by a semiquantitative method. The values differed from 0.8 to 2.2 mol% o…

Methode zur Bestimmung der Bleomycin-inaktivierenden Enzymaktivit�t in Geweben

Gewebe enthalten ein Enzym, das Bleomycin (BLM) inaktiviert. Die Enzymaktivitat ist in Extrakten aus verschiedenen Geweben unterschiedlich hoch. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird eine Methode zur Bestimmung der BLM-inaktivierenden Enzymaktivitat aus Organen und Geweben von Mausen beschrieben. Diese BLM-inaktivierende Enzymaktivitat ist in Extrakten aus Leber am hochsten, Hoden, Milz, Lunge und Gehirn weisen geringere Aktivitaten auf; in Hautgewebe fehlt dieses Enzym fast vollig.

Age-dependent alterations of DNA synthesis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and DNA polymerase activities in bone marrow subpopulations from mice

Abstract The decrease of functional capacity of cellular immunity during ageing seems to be due to cellular changes of stem cells, particularly in the growth properties and the cell density in T-cell subsets. We approached this problem at the molecular biological level by quantifying the key enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis in bone marrow cells from mice: deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and DNA polymerase α. The bone marrow cells were fractionated on a discontinuous bovine serum albumin density gradient and the extractable enzyme activities (expressed per 10 8 nucleated cells in the respective fraction) were determined. TdT activity was found to decrease markedly during ageing. Mature…

Alteration of poly (ADP-Rib) synthesis during progesterone- caused gene expression in oviducts of quails.

Summary The biological model of the selective induction of RNA synthesis in oviducts of estrogen stimulated immature quails by progesterone has been used to clarify whether poly (ADP-Rib) is involved in DNA transcription. The chromatin-bound as well as the soluble poly (ADP-Rib) polymerase has been isolated from oviducts and the optimal reaction conditions have been determined. The activities, as measured by the incorporation rates of NAD + into poly (ADP-Rib), of both, chromatin-bound « endogenouspolymerase (in the absence of « exogenousDNA and histones) and soluble enzyme (native DNA - lysine-rich histone ratio: 4.3) from progesterone treated quail oviducts, have been determined to be onl…

Modulation of the nuclear-envelope nucleoside triphosphatase by poly(A)-rich mRNA and by microtubule protein.

Nuclear envelopes contain a nucleoside triphosphatase which is thought to be involved in the supply of energy for nucleo-cytoplasmic RNA transport. This enzyme is stimulated most efficiently by poly(A) and to a lesser extent by poly(G) and poly(dT). Half-maximal stimulation of the enzyme from rat liver nuclei, which was associated with the poly(A)-specific endoribonuclease IV and was free from poly(A) polymerase and endoribonuclease V activity, was determined to occur at a concentration of 1.1 × 106 poly(A) molecules/nuclear ghost. Double-reciprocal plot analyses revealed a 2.8-fold stimulation of the enzyme by poly(A). Poly(A) in the hybrid form had no influence on the activity of the nucl…

Increase of sensitivity and validity of the SOS/umu-test after replacement of the beta-galactosidase reporter gene with luciferase.

The SOS/umu-test with Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 as tester strain is a rapid and valuable bacterial assay for screening of umuC-dependent mutagenic potential of chemical compounds and chemicals relevant to environmental pollution. The initial assay was modified by replacing the beta-galactosidase reporter gene with luciferase. Thereby, the sensitivity of the umu-test was increased significantly and the susceptibility to intensively coloured solutions was reduced. The alternative enzyme assay in the modified umu-test (umu-Luc) represents an independent method which allows to confirm the colorimetric results obtained with the original SOS/umu-test system (umu-Gal) by measuring the …

Untersuchungen zur Desoxyribonucleaseaktivit�t der Haut bei Xeroderma pigmentosum

Die Gesamtaktivitat der neutralen Desoxyribonucleasen (DNasen) in Xeroderma pigmentosum (X.P.) — und in Normalhaut ist gleich. Dagegen ist die Gesamt-DNase-Aktivitat bei pH 5,3 in X.P.-Haut im Vergleich zur Kontrollhaut signifikant geringer.

Nucleotide sequence of the 18S rDNA from the microalgaNanochlorum eucaryotum

Bleomycin: Action on growth of oncogenic RNA viruses and on cell transformation

Bleomycin (BLM) inhibits cell proliferation of noninfected chick embryo fibroblasts by blocking their DNA synthesis selectively. Chick embryo fibroblasts have beentransformed by Schmidt-Ruppin D strain of Rous Sarcoma Virus. Transformation has been determined by a focus assay. Foci formation is strongly reduced by BLM. Virus replication is inhibited by BLM in growing and confluent monolayer cells. This result might be explained by the observation that this drug reduces proliferation of growing and of confluent monolayer cells very sensitively. During the first 24 hours after infection the BLM inhibitory effect is more pronounced than in the case of BLM-application during the period 24--48 h…

Alterations of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities in the immature quail oviduct in response to estrogen stimulation.

Administration of diethylstilbestrol, an estrogen analogue, to immature female quails causes an increase of extractable DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities from the oviduct. At least two forms of polymerases have been determined, a high molecular weight polymerase (210,000 daltons) and a low molecular weight polymerase (34,000 daltons) calculated from column chromatography Sephadex G-200. During the primary hormone stimulation the amount of extractable enzyme reaches a maximum on the fifth day after daily injections of the hormone. In the period of withdrawal the activities decrease and reach values similar to those determined in the unstimulated oviducts. During secondary stimulation t…

A microplate version of the DNA-synthesis inhibition test for rapid detection of DNA-alteration potentials.

A microplate version of the DNA-synthesis inhibition test (DIT) for fast detection of DNA-alteration potentials has been developed. The DIT is based on the concept that DNA damage causes inhibition of DNA synthesis that becomes detectable some time after replicating cells have been in contact with genotoxic agents. In this test procedure human tissue culture cells (HeLa S3), prelabeled with [14C]thymidine, arfe exposed for 90 min to the substances in question. After the cells are rinsed, they are allowed to recover for 2 1/2 h in fresh culture medium, thereby unspecific interactions interfering with DNA replication are practically eliminated. Next, [3H]thymidine is added for 30 min, and the…

Quantitative Bestimmung von DNA in Geweben durch Thymin-Analyse

Es wird uber eine Mikrobestimmung von DNA in biologischem Material durch gas-chromatographische Thymin-Analyse berichtet. Nach Aufschlus der lyophilisierten Gewebe mit heiser Ameisensaure, Trocknen, Extraktion von Thymin mit Aceton/Wasser 98∶2 (v/v), Sublimation und Dunnschicht-Chromatographie wird der Thymingehalt gas-chromatographisch bestimmt. Die Ausbeuten werden durch Isotopenverdunnungsanalyse kontrolliert. Die kleinste, mit dieser Methode nachweisbare DNA-Menge in Geweben betragt etwa 10 μg. Die relative Standardabweichung liegt bei 13%. Die gas-chromatographischen Ergebnisse liesen sich durch UV-Spektroskopie bestatigen.

Age-associated DNA damage is accelerated in the senescence-accelerated mice

We investigated how the DNA status correlates with the aging process in organisms, in different organs and in tissues using two inbred strains of mice, which are genetically related but have different senescence patterns. The SAMP1 mice belong to an accelerated senescence-prone and short lived strain, the other, SAMR1 mice are from an accelerated senescence-resistant and long lived strain. Using the alkaline filter elution technique, pieces of tissues from six organs: lung, intestine, liver, brain, muscle, and heart have been examined for DNA damage, mainly DNA single strand breaks. It was shown that in newborns the DNA damage is minimal, and it was increased significantly with calendric ag…

Species-Specific Aggregation Factor in Sponges

An aggregation receptor (AR) from the siliceous sponge Suberites domuncula has been isolated and purified by chromatography to about 55% purity. The AR consists primarily of neutral carbohydrate and is characterized by a buoyant density of 1.59 g/ml and by an apparent molecular weight of 42,500. The average density of the AR on Suberite cells is about 3.8 × 10 5 per μm 2 . The AR contains considerable amounts of hexuronic acid. The isolated AR can bind not only to receptor-depleted Suberites cells but also to receptor depleted cells from another siliceous species (Geodia cydontum) . After being charged with Suberites ARs, Geodia cells form aggregates in the presence of the species-specific …

DNA-dependent DNA polymerase pattern in noninfected and herpesvirus infected rabbit kidney cells.

In this paper we report on a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase produced in herpesvirus infected cells which is not present in virions. It differs from the polymerases of noninfected cells by its molecular weight as well as by its insensitivity to cytosine arabinoside triphosphate (ara-CTP).

Age-dependent changes of nuclear envelope protein phosphokinase and protein phosphatase activities. Significance for altered nucleo-cytoplasmic mRNA translocation during development.

Nuclear envelopes are associated with a protein phosphokinase and a phosphoprotein phosphatase, whose activities are modulated by poly(A) in an opposite manner. The activities of these enzymes were determined in nuclear ghosts from liver and oviduct of quails of different age and of different hormone status. Under optimal conditions, kinase activity was found to increase in immature animals 8-fold in response to diethylstilbestrol; co-administration of progesterone had no marked effect on enzyme activity. After the initial burst, the activity of the enzyme increased only slightly during ageing. Two proteins present in nuclear ghosts of Mr 64 000 and of Mr 106 000 are phosphorylated during t…

Species-Specific Aggregation Factor In Sponges.

In dissociated single cells from the sponge Geodia cydonium, DNA synthesis is initiated after incubation with a homologous, soluble aggregation factor. During the DNA-initiation phase the cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP levels vary drastically; the cyclic AMP content drops from 2.2 pmol/10(6) cells to 0.3 pmol/10(6) cells while the cyclic GMP content increases from 0.6 pmol to 3.7 pmol/10(6) cells. The activity of neither the adenylate cyclase nor of the guanylate cyclase isolated from cells which have been incubated for different periods of time with the aggregation factor, is changed. The soluble as well as the particulate enzyme activities were checked in vitro. The cyclic nucleotide receptor…

Assessment of DNA-protein crosslinks in the course of aging in two mouse strains by use of a modified alkaline filter elution applied to whole tissue samples

Abstract Two different mouse strains have been used for determination of age dependence of DNA-protein crosslinks by alkaline filter elution: a long lived laboratory strain, NMRI and an accelerated senescence-prone, short lived strain, SAMP1. Five organs were selected: Brain, kidney, lung, heart and liver. Remarkably in all five organs of short lived SAMP1 mice crosslinks increased significantly with age. In NMRI however only in brain and heart a significant rise in old age has been observed, while in the other organs there was no increase in DNA-protein crosslinking. Appreciable mitotic activity which is lacking in brain and heart could be the reason for this difference. Poor repair in all…

Histoincompatibility reactions in the hydrocoral Millepora dichotoma

The xenogeneic- and allogeneic immunological specificity of the hydrocoral Millepora dichotoma has been investigated. Xenogeneic histoicompatibility reactions have been observed between this hydrocoral and a series of species belonging to the Demospongiae and to the Anthozoa (both Hexacorallia and Octocorallia). The xenogeneic histoincompatibility reactions proceed in the following sequence: (a) Species-unspecific sensitization; (b) necrosis formation, which is very likely due to an autolytic process; (c) callus formation, due to an hyperplastic growth of stolons; and (d) formation of a contact barrier in form of a barrier layer or a restored stolonial layer. Allogeneic histoincompatibility…

Fractionated precipitation of acid macropolyanions by dialysis, a simple method for the estimation of DNA in complex biological samples.

Abstract After efficient extraction by para-aminosalicylate, (hopping, grinding and eventual sonication, the macropolyanions are transformed into their cetyltrimethylammonium salts. These have differing solubilities, strongly depending on ionic strength. The cationic detergent-macropolyanionic salts are solubilized by high salt concentration. Salt is then dialysed out, rendering the polyanions highly insoluble in a sequential fashion. The insolubilized components are determined quantitatively by monitoring turbidity, which in case of DNA is strictly proportionate to its concentration. This relation is not affected by other components. This makes DNA determination possible even in crude aque…

Nanochlorum eucaryotum: a Very Reduced Coccoid Species of Marine Chlorophyceae

Nanochlorum eucaryotum was isolated from a sea water aquarium housing different sponge species, cucumarias, small crustaceans and annelids. This bright green marine alga differs from all other known coccoid species. Its most prominent features are its very small cell size (1.5 pm) and its reduced cellular organization. Its cell contains one nucleus, one chloroplast, one mitochondrium and small vacuoles. Sometimes a Golgi apparatus can be seen. No other subcellular features have been observed. The cell wall is thin and smooth and does not contain any material of high electron density; only dividing cells show a rougher surface. The cells split into two daughter cells. No sexual reproduction …

Inhibitors acting on nucleic acid synthesis in an oncogenic RNA virus.

IN infection with an oncogenic RNA virus, synthesis of viral RNA seems to be catalysed by an RNA dependent DNA polymerase in the host cell1–4. Several specific inhibitors of viral DNA polymerases have been found5–7 and Spiegelman8 has shown that the activity of viral enzymes depends strongly on the chemical composition of the template. We report here first a new highly specific poison of the Rauscher murine leukaemia virus (RMLV) DNA polymerases; second, several inactivators of the RNA and DNA template involved in the RMLV enzyme systems; and third, the action of actinomycin D on viral DNA polymerases and on host DNA/RNA polymerase. The results are discussed with respect to the influence of…

Control of Enzymic Hydrolysis of Polyadenylate Segment of Messenger RNA: Role of Polyadenylate-Associated Proteins

The role of poly(A)-associated proteins in the breakdown of poly(A) sequences in both mammalian polyribosomes and in isolated poly(A) · protein complexes has been studied on an enzymic level. Two nucleases (alkaline exoribonuclease and endoribonuclease IV; both isolated from eukaryotic tissue), which preferentially hydrolyze poly(A) sequences, have been applied to determine the susceptibility of poly(A) in dependence on the presence of poly(A) · protein(s). Polysomes, isolated from L5178y mouse lymphoma cells, do not contain endogenous poly(A) nuclease activity. The poly(A) segment in polysomes is hydrolyzed by the exoribonuclease, irrespective of the preincubation conditions used. Pretreat…

A D-mannose-specific lectin from Gerardia savaglia that inhibits nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA.

A new lectin has been isolated from the coral Gerardia savaglia by affinity chromatography, using locust gum as an absorbent, and D-mannose as eluant. Final purification was achieved by Bio-Gel P300 gel filtration. The agglutinin is a protein composed of two polypeptide chains with a Mr of 14800; the two subunits are not linked by disulfide bond(s). The isoelectric point is 4.8, the amino acid composition is rich in the acidic amino acids aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The absorption maximum for the protein was at 276 nm; with a molar absorption coefficient of 1.27 X 10(5) M-1 cm-1. The lectin precipitated erythrocytes from humans (A, B and O), sheep, rabbit and carp with a titer between …

Extraction and trace enrichment of genotoxicants from environmental samples by solid-phase adsorption on blue pearls

Deoxyribonuclease activities in human leukemic cells and mouse lymphoblasts

Summary The deoxyribonuclease activities from human lymphocytes have been compared with the activities from acute lymphocytic leukemic cells and mouse leukemic cells L5178Y using the in situ detection of deoxyribonucleases in DNA-containing polyacrylamide gels following their separation by micro-disc-electrophoresis. A neutral deoxyribonuclease activity is completely missing in leukemic cells of untreated patients while a group of acid deoxyribonuclease activities is increased. A similar deoxyribonuclease pattern can be seen in L5178Y cells. Under medical treatment the increment of the acid deoxyribonuclease activities disappears and the neutral deoxyribonuclease activity reappears.

Die Wirkung einiger Cytostatica auf die DNA Synthese in einem oncogenen RNA Virus

Sowohl durch matrizeninaktivierende Cytostatica als auch durch Cytostatica, die am Enzymprotein angreifen, konnen in vitro die RNA-abhangige DNA-Polymerase und die DNA-abhangige DNA-Polymerase aus RML-Viren gehemmt werden. Von den getesteten Cytostatica, die die Matrize inaktivieren, wirken Daunoblastin (=Daunomycin) und Adriamycin selektiv hemmend auf die RNA-abhangige DNA-Polymerase, wahrend Olivomycin, Chromomycin und Actinomycin D bereits in niedrigen Konzentrationen die DNA-abhangige DNA-Polymerase aus RML-Viren selektiv inhibieren. Durch 2 Cytostatica konnen die enzymatischen Reaktionen der DNA-Polymerasen aus RML-Viren, durch Angriff am Enzymprotein beeinflust werden: Demethyl-Rifamp…

Bleomycin, a selective inhibitor of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase from oncogenic RNA viruses.

Abstract Bleomycin, an antibiotic, inhibits the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase from Rauscher murine leukemia virus. Higher concentrations of BLM ∗ are required to inhibit it's RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. These inhibition effects of the non-competitive type are not altered by preincubation of the DNA with BLM. Under comparable conditions neither the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity from E. coli and mouse liver nor the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity from mouse lymphoma cells are affected by BLM.

Thymine content of sea water as a measure of biosynthetic potential

A hydrolysis procedure along with a high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure is given enabling simple and reliable thymine determinations in the nanogram range in different fractions of sea-water samples taken from three different locations in the Northern Adriatic Sea. The levels corresponded to 1–3 μg DNA per liter. From total polyanionic thymine, which had been precipitated as the cetyltrimethylammonium salt, the highest percentage was linked to the particulate fraction, with a definite subsurface minimum at 10 to 15 m. There was a corresponding maximum of a high molecular “non-particulate” thymine-containing fraction at the corresponding depth. From the bottom at 30 m upwards to a…

Möglichkeiten zur gezielten Diagnose durch Bestimmung der sauren Desoxyribonucleasen im Urin gesunder Kontrollpersonen und Xeroderma pigmentosum-Patienten

Das Verteilungsmuster der DNase-Aktivitat1 im Urin von Normalpersonen und X.p.-Patienten wurde mit einem mikro-disk-elektrophoretischen Verfahren untersucht. Bei saurer Inkubation sind 4 distinkte Aktivitatsbanden im Normalurin nachweisbar. Urin von X.p.-Patienten zeigt eine deutliche Verminderung der 2.–4. Bande, wobei die Veranderung der 3. Bande besonders auffallig ist. Es wurde ferner untersucht, wie sich das Verhalten verandert, wenn statt nativer DNA denaturierte als Substrat angeboten und wenn die zweiwertigen Ionen durch EDTA komplexiert wurden. Eine Aktivitatsverminderung ist nicht auf das Auftreten von Inhibitoren zuruckzufuhren, sondern wahrscheinlich durch eine Konzentrationsver…

Bleomycin, an Antibiotic That Removes Thymine from Double-Stranded DNA

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that bleomycins are members of a new class of DNA-modifying agents, the quasi-enzymes. In in vitro systems, bleomycin first removes thymines from native DNA by hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bonds without modifying the deoxyribose moiety. In a second step, single-strand scissions occur at the sites of the nonglycosidic deoxyribose moieties, resulting in the formation of 3'-OH and 5'-P termini. It is suggested that bleomycin is bound to DNA by interaction of the positively charged terminal amine moiety with the negatively charged phosphate group in DNA; intercalation seems to be involved in binding. Bleomycin is inactivated by copper and zinc ions, prob…

Virazole (Ribavirin) a Cytostatic Agent

Virazole (1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3carboxamide,ribavirin) is a synthetic triazol nucleoside with a broad spectrum of antiviral activity. But virazole affects the metabolism not only of virus infected cells. Virazole strongly inhibits the cell proliferation of mouse lymphoma cells (L 5178y), which were not infected with DNA- or RNA-viruses. Starting with 3 × 103 cells/ml and an incubation period of 72 hr, the drug reduces the cell proliferation to 50% (= ED50 concentration) in a concentration of 4,7 μM.

Species-Specific Aggregation Factor in Sponges

An aggregation factor (AF) from the siliceous sponge Suberites domuncula has been isolated and purified by the following steps: Sepharose 2 B gel chromatography, sucrose gradient, Nonidet treatment, Sephadex G-100 gel chromatography and DEAE-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatography. By this procedure the AF was purified 1340-fold with a 63% yield nearly to homogeneity. The AF is originally associated with large particles, characterized by a sedimentation of 2200 S. These particles have been visualized electron microscopically; they are characterized by a filament-like shape of a length of 3400 A and a cross-sectional diameter of 230 A. The purified, low-molecular weight AF has a buoyant density…

Identification and isolation of the primary aggregation factor from the cell membrane of the sponge Geodia cydonium

The primary aggregation factor (pAF) of sponge cells is a glycoprotein that is firmly associated with the cell membrane. Polyspecific antibodies (anti-GM) prepared from sera raised against membranes of cells from the siliceous sponge Geodia cydonium were found to inhibit initial aggregation of homologous cells. The inhibition of aggregation, caused by anti-GM was neutralized by pAF. The pAF had been successfully solubilized and enriched by affinity chromatography, gel filtration and density gradient centrifugation, if checked by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of urea. The Mr of the native pAF was approximately 40 000 as estimated by gel filtration; under denaturing condi…

A Microplate Assay for DNA Damage Determination (Fast Micromethod)in Cell Suspensions and Solid Tissues

Abstract A rapid and convenient procedure for DNA damage determination in cell suspensions and solid tissues on single microplates was developed. The procedure is based on the ability of commercially available fluorochromes to interact preferentially with dsDNA in the presence of ssDNA, RNA, and proteins at high pH (>12.0), thus allowing direct measurements of DNA denaturation without sample handling or stepwise DNA separations. The method includes a simple and rapid 40-min sample lysis in the presence of EDTA, SDS, and high urea concentration at pH 10, followed by time-dependent DNA denaturation at pH 12.4 after NaOH addition. The time course and the extent of DNA denaturation is followed …

RNA dependent DNA polymerase in cells of xeroderma pigmentosum

Abstract Cells from X.P. ∗ skin contain an RNA dependent DNA polymerase, while in cells from normal skin this enzyme is lacking. This finding stimulates the thought that carcinogenesis in X.P. cells is due to an infection with an oncogenic RNA virus.

DNA damage susceptibility and repair in correlation to calendric age and longevity.

In two mouse strains, SAM P (senescence acceleration prone) and SAM R (senescence acceleration resistant), of different longevities, with a ratio of P/R=1:2), the DNA status in the course of aging has been investigated using the DNA Alkaline Filter Elution (AFE) technique. Six different organs (brain, liver, heart, lung, intestine, and muscle) have been used in each of the four animals of a given age. Earlier it had been shown, that DNA is damaged the more the higher the age of the animal. DNA damage susceptibility, measured after exposure of organ pieces to nitroquinoline-N-oxide (NQO), is also significantly increased at higher ages, while repair, measured of NQO damaged tissue after 3 h i…

In vitro Polymerization of ?-Carotene into Sporopollenin

Cell adhesion molecule in the hexactinellid Aphrocallistes vastus

Abstract The Hexactinellida sponge Aphrocallistes vastus contains a soluble aggregation factor (AF) whose purification has been described in this communication. It is characterized by a S° 20.w value of 37 and a buoyant density of 1.45 g/cm 3 . The AF is a glycoporteinaceous particle composed of three major protein species; no core structure could be visualized. In the presence of Ca 2+ , the AF causes secondary aggregation of single cells. The aggregation process is temperature, pH, and ionic strength independent within a broad range. Evidence is presented indicating that two (or more) AF molecules are required for the establishment of a stable cell: cell interaction. In contrast to the AF…

Inhibition of herpesvirus DNA synthesis by 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine in cellular and cell-free systems.

9-beta-D-Arabinofuranosyladenine 5'-triphosphate (ara-ATP) is an inhibitor both of DNA polymerase-alpha and -beta from noninfected rabbit kidney cells and of the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase induced by herpes simplex virus Type 1 (strain IES). The studies were performed with partially purified enzymes, and each of the different polymerase preparations contained only one DNA-dependent DNA polymerase species. These enzymes were inhibited in a competitive manner. The HSV-induced DNA-dependent DNA polymerase was 39-fold more sensitive to ara-ATP than was cellular DNA polymerase-beta and 116-fold more sensitive than cellular DNA polymerase-alpha. The affinity of the HSV-induced enzyme for ara-AT…

An isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatographic purification method for radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates.

Abstract A method is described for the rapid purification of radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleoside tri­phosphates from their spontaneously emerging hydrolysis products deoxyribonucleoside diphosphate, deoxyribonucleoside monophosphate, and deoxyribonucleoside. The separations which are finished within 3 min or less are carried out on a 0.1X5 cm column filled with LiChrosorb-NH2 , using isocratic elution with 0.025 м potassium phosphate, pH 6 .8 , in a high-pressure liquid chromatograph at room temperature and a flow rate of 30 ml · h-1(flow velocity 63.7 cm·min-1).

Different deoxyribonucleases in human lymphocytes

Abstract The distribution pattern of deoxyribonuclease activities in human lymphocytes has been examined by micro-disc-electrophoresis. Four groups of deoxyribonuclease activities, differing in their electrophoretic mobility, in the nature of their optimal substrate and in their optimal incubation conditions, are characterized. There are two alkaline DNase-activities. One corresponds to DNase I (EC 3.1.4.5), the other having pH optimum of about pH 9.0, prefers denatured DNA as substrate and is not dependent on divalent cations. The fractions with an acid pH optimum can be subdivided into two groups, which differ in their activity towards native DNA, towards denatured DNA, in their activity …

A rapid separation of the four major deoxynucleosides and deoxyinosine by high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography

Microdisc-electrophoretic study of deoxyribonucleases in cow snout epidermis

Acid and neutral deoxyribonucleases (DNases) of the cow snout epidermis were investigated by the microdisc-electrophoresis of polyacrylamide gels containing highly polymerized DNA and by isoelectric focusing techniques. The nucleases were characterized with respect to their pH optimum. An acid DNase at pH 5.0 was detected as a single distinct band after the electrophoretic separation. After isoelectric focussing also, only one acid DNase activity with an isoelectric point (IP) of 6.2 was detectable. Neutral DNases at pH 7.4 were demonstrated as major and minor bands by their different electrophoretic mobilities. In the isoelectric focusing system also, two neutral DNases, a major one (IP, 4…

Deoxyribonucleases in Herpes simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Infected Primary Rabbit Kidney Cells

Abstract In primary rabbit kidney cells infected with herpes simplex virus four different neutral deoxyribonuclease activities can be detected by means of the deoxyribonuclease assay in DNA-containing polyacrylamide gels following their separation by discelectrophoresis. The method is suitable to follow independently the change in each activity of the different enzymes using only about 5 × 105 cells for each assay during the time-course of infection. Under these conditions one enzyme activity is constant, two disappear while the activity of a fourth one present only in infected cells, increases.

Identification and properties of the cell membrane bound leucine aminopeptidase interacting with the potential immunostimulant and chemotherapeutic agent bestatin.

Bestatin was found to be a competitive inhibitor (with respect to the Leu-NA substrate) not only of the isolated microsomal and cytosolic leucine aminopeptidases (Leu-APm and Leu-APc) but also of the aminopeptidases (APs) present in membrane preparations (from mouse liver) and on the cell surface of L5178Y cells. Kinetic parameters indicate that cellular AP is identical to Leu-APm. To rule out the possibility that AP-B is involved in the inhibition reactions, comparable studies with amastatin were performed. Electrophoretical studies revealed the solubilized cell membrane bound AP to co-migrate with Leu-APm in polyacrylamide gels. The activity of the separated membrane AP was inhibited by b…

Poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase in quail oviduct. Changes during estrogen and progesterone induction

Abstract The activities of the following enzymes have been determined in nuclei of quail oviducts in response to exogenous stimulation of the birds with diethylstilbestrol, used as an estrogen analogue and progesterone: DNA dependent DNA polymerase, DNA dependent RNA polymerase I and II and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) [=poly(ADP-Rib)] polymerase. During primary stimulation with the estrogen analogue the activities of the four DNA dependent polymerases increase to about the same degree. Upon withdrawal of the hormones the levels of the enzymes drop to values known from nuclei from unstimulated quail oviducts. The secondary stimulation with the estrogen analogue causes a significant in…

Biological activity of 2-phenylethanol and its derivatives

The biosynthesis of herpesvirus DNA in rabbit kidney cells is inhibited to 50% by PEA (2-Phenylethanol) at 0.65 mg PEA/ml. The inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis in uninfected cells by PEA is about twice as sensitive as that of viral DNA synthesis.

Cell-cell recognition system in gorgonians: description of the basic mechanism

The dissociation of the gorgonian Eunicella cavolinii (Koch) into single cells was successfully accomplished. These cells readily formed aggregates of a size of 2 100 μm during incubation in roller tubes; no aggregate formation was observed in non-rotating Petri dishes. The formation of aggregates was not influenced by Ca++, urea or trypsin; it was also independent of temperature (4° to 30°C) and pH (5.5–9.0). The intercellular material of the gorgonian contains a galactose-specific lectin, as determined by double diffusion experiments and haemagglutination inhibition experiments using a series of galactoglycoconjugates. This lectin converted the aggregation-susceptible cells to aggregation…

Activity and kinetics of DNA dependent DNA and RNA polymerases n xeroderma pigmentosum and in normal human skin.

1. DNA dependent DNA polymerase (E.C.2.7.7.7) was prepared from human normal and from Xeroderma pigmentosum skin. 2. DNA polymerase from normal skin has the same Michaelis constant with native and denatured DNA as templateKm= 120 ± 11 µg DNA/ml, with differing maximum reaction velocities. 3. The enzyme from Xeroderma pigmentosum has the same Michaelis constant for denatured DNA as the enzyme from normal skin, but with native DNA as template, theKmvalue is lower (97.2 ± 9.8). The maximum reaction velocities of the Xeroderma pigmentosum enzyme with native resp. denatured DNA as template are the same. 4. DNA dependent RNA polymerases (E.C.2.7.7.6) from normal and Xeroderma pigmentosum skin wer…

Specificity of deoxyribonuclease hydrolysis determined by high-performance liquid anion-exchange chromatography

Cell cycle-dependent alterations of the two types of ribonucleases H in L5178y cells.

Alterations of Activities of Ribonucleases and Polyadenylate Polymerase in Synchronized Mouse L Cells

The activities of the three known catabolic and the one anabolic polyadenylate enzymes have been determined in synchronized L5178y cells: endoribonuclease, exoribonuclease, 5'-nucleotidase and poly(A) polymerase (Mg2+-dependent). These four enzymes were found primarily in the nuclear fraction. The activity of poly(A) polymerase remains essentially constant during the transition from G1 to S phase. However, the poly(A) catabolic enzyme activities increase parallel with DNA synthesis; the endoribonuclease activity increases 4-fold during G1 to S phase, the exoribonuclease and the nucleotidase activities increasing 30-fold and 16-fold. During the S phase the poly(A)-degrading enzymes are far m…

Protein synthesis of the sponge Geodia cydonium: characterization of the system.

Abstract The ribosomal population of the sponge Geodia cydonium has been examined. The monosomes have a sedimentation constant of 80 S, the sizes of the subunits are approximately 60 S and 45 S respectively. The polyribosomes contain up to 40 ribosomal units. Cell free protein synthesizing systems (cell homogenate as well as reconstituted system) have been prepared and characterized with respect to Mg2+, KCI and ATP concentrations, temperature, pH and time course of the reaction. In the cell-free system and in the cellular system the protein biosynthesis is inhibited by chloramphenicol. It is not affected by cycloheximide.

Modulation of cytochrome P450 1A in sea bass liver by model substances and seawater extracts

Abstract 1. 1. Immunochemical and catalytic assays for cytochrome P450 1A induction in liver of sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax treated with different model substances and organic seawater extracts have been performed. 2. 2. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities in fish liver were elevated by Arochlor 1254 (Aro), 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) and β-naphtoflavone (βNF). but not by phenobarbital (PB) treatment. 3. 3. Elevated levels of P450 1A protein followed by induction of EROD activity were detected only in βNF treated fish. 4. 4. Treatment of fish with organic seawater extracts revealed that there is no simple correlation between EROD activities and its catalyst P450 1A level. Seawate…

Characterization of Different Deoxyribonucleases in Human Lymphocytes

Abstract Deoxyribonucleases, Disc Electrophoresis, Lymphocytes Four groups of deoxyribonuclease activities from human lymphocytes have been characterized by deoxyribonuclease assay in DNA-containing polyacrylamide gels following their separation by disc-electrophoresis. All activities hydrolyse DNA endonucleolytically. One neutral deoxyribo­ nuclease found in the cytoplasmic fraction prefers native or UV-irradiated DNA over denatured DNA as substrate and is a 5′-monoester former. Two groups of acid deoxyribonuclease activities are detectable in the nuclear fraction. Both are 3′-monoester formers. One is as well active with denatured DNA as with native DNA, the other one shows the same activ…

Filter paper disk techniques for assay of nucleotidase

A DE filter disk technique for assaying the activity of nucleotidase is described. This method is based on the observation that nucleotides bind to the filters at 5 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.8) while nucleosides do not. As parameter for the nucleotidase activity the decrease of bound nucleotides is determined. In parallel experiments the amount of the product (nucleoside) formed can be measured by DEAE Sephadex column chromatography. The filter disk technique can be applied for the determination of vmax and Km of a nucleotidase by using different ribonucleosidase monophosphate substrates.

Differential mode of inhibition of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase by 3′-dATP, ATP, βaraATP and αaraATP

Species-specific aggregation factor in sponges V. Influence on programmed syntheses

Isolated cells from the siliceous sponge Geodia cydonium as well as small primary aggregates (diameter: 70 mum) consisting of them show no increase in rates of programmed syntheses and mitotic activity with time. After addition of a highly purified aggregation factor to a culture with primary aggregates which subsequently form secondary aggregates (diameter: larger than 1000 mum), a dramatic increase of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis occurs. Together with this increase, the cells show a high mitotic activity. The values for the mitotic coefficient reach a first maximum 8 h after the beginning of the secondary aggregation process. The stimulation of the mitotic activity of cells during the a…

Interaction of polyribosomal components and polyribonucleotides with microtubule proteins

To demonstrate the affinity of RNA-containing polyribosomal components (isolated from L5178y cells) to microtubules, microtubule protein was attached to an insoluble matrix. In contrast to ribosomes, poly(A) (+) mRNA and poly(A)-RNP were found to bind to the matrix. Using synthetic polyribonucleotides, no significant differences in the binding properties of single- and double stranded polymers of different base composition to microtubule protein were observed. However, binding is dependent on the size of the polymer; a minimal chain length of 12 nucleotide units is required.

Influence of template inactivators on the binding of DNA polymerase to DNA.

The agents daunomycin, ethidium bromide, distamycin A and cytochrome c inhibit DNA dependent DNA polymerase I (E. coli) reaction competitively to DNA. The influence of these template inactivators on the binding of DNA polymerase to native as well as denatured DNA has been determined by affinity chromatography. Cytochrome c blocks the binding of the enzyme to double-stranded and to single-stranded DNA Sepharose. In contrast to these results daunomycin, ethidium bromide or distamycin A reduce the binding affinity only with denatured DNA Sepharose as matrix. These data are discussed with respect to the modification by template inactivators of the affinity of DNA to the different binding sites …

Biological Activity of the phenylethanol and its derivatives. Influence on isolated DNA nucleotidyltransferase and DNAase.

Two different aggregation principles in reaggregation process of dissociated sponge cells (Geodia cydonium)

Chemisch dissoziierte Zellen des KieselschwammesGeodia cydonium reaggregieren aufgrund zweier verschiedenr Reaggregationsprinzipien. Der Aggnegationsfaktor, auf den die Primaraggregation zuruckgeht, ist membrangebunden und wird durch Proteasen nicht inaktiviert. Der sekundare Aggregationsfaktor wurde 500fach angereichert. Das Molekulargewicht dieses Aggregationsfaktors betragt etwa 20000 Daltons; er ist mit einem ringformigen Makromolekul (2×109 Daltons) assoziiert.

DNA-replication complex from cells infected with herpes virus.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA synthesis is initiated in an intact cell system by a 36-residue ribonucleotide stretch [W.E.G. Müller, R.K. Zahn, J. Arendes, and D. Falke (1979) Virology, 98, 200-210]. In the present study a nucleoplasmic fraction was isolated from rabbit kidney cells infected with HSV (type 1), which catalyzes DNA synthesis. By means of specific assays, containing single-stranded deoxyribopolymers, it was elucidated that the replication complex contains both an RNA-synthesizing and a DNA-synthesizing enzyme. These enzymes were characterized as host cell RNA polymerase II and HSV-induced DNA polymerase. The RNA polymerase II synthesizes an RNA initiator with an average chain…

The Separation of High and Low Molecular Weight RNA by Precipitation with N-Cetyl- N,N,N-trimethyl-ammoniumbromide

Abstract RNA with a sedimentation constant of 28S and 18S can easily be separated from 4S and 5S RNA. The method depends on the different solubulities of nucleic acids in solutions of the cationic detergent N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-ammoniumbromide at various ionic strengths. The separation can be achieved with high efficiency in one step.

Influence of agents that act on DNA and RNA synthesis on the activity of poly(ADP-Rib) polymerase

The activity of poly(ADP-Rib) polymerase is enhanced in the presence of spermine and spermidine. Among the adenosine-like antibiotics tested, only formycin B and showdomycin cause an inhibition of the enzyme, which is competitive to NAD. The activity of poly(ADP-Rib) polymerase is not reduced by rifamycin, alpha-amanitin and 2-phenylethanol.

Eine quantitative Bestimmungsmethode des Uracilgehaltes biologischen Materials im Nanogramm-Bereich mit Hilfe der Hochdruck-Flüssigchromatografie / A Method for the Quantitative Estimation of Uracil Content in Biological Materials in the Nanogramme-Range Using High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the estimation of the uracil content in biological materials by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography. Hydrolysis of the tissues and total liberation of RNA bases are carried out in 70% perchloric acid. Less than 1 mg of the materials are needed for analysis. A pre-purification of the hydrolyzates is carried out by anion-exchange chromatography. Recoveries are estimated by isotope dilution analysis with [2-14C] labelled uracil. The method is highly sensitive - about 6000 pmol of uracil content can at least be estimated quantitatively - and analysis time is short. In routine analysis a single sample needs 4 hours to be completed. When preparing sever…

Bleomycin inhibition of DNA synthesis in isolated enzyme systems and in intact cell systems.

Abstract Blcomycin (BLM) inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis in different isolated enzyme systems. The inhibition effect can be reduced by adcling RNA to the reaction mixture. The activity of the RNA dependent DNA polymerase and of a cell-free protein synthesizing system is not affected by BLM. The antibiotic reduces cell proliferation (L5178y mouse lymphoma cells) in vitro at low concentrations by cytostatis and at higher concentrations by cytotoxicity. In BLM-treated L5178y cells DNA synthesis is strongly reduced, while RNA and protein synthesis are not affected. In vivo , using growing quail oviducts, cell proliferation and cytodifferentiation are markedly inhibited after BLM treatment. This …

Physicochemical and functional characterization of the polymerization process of the Geodia cydonium lectin

The extracellularly localized, galactose-specific lectin from the sponge Geodia cydonium binds at one class of sites, 40 mol Ca2+/mol lectin with an association constant (Ka) of 0.3 X 10(6)M-1. Stoichiometric calculations reveal that in the extracellular milieu 22 mol Ca2+ (maximum) are complexed per mol lectin. Binding of Ca2+ to the lectin increases its apparent Mr from 44000 to 56000 (electrophoretic determination) or from 36500 to 53500 (high-pressure liquid gel chromatographical determination); the s20, w increases from 4.3 S to 4.5 S if Ca2+ is added to the lectin. In the presence of Ca2+ the lectin undergoes a conformational change perhaps by expanding the carbohydrate side chains wh…

The use of high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography for determination of the 5-methylcytosine content of DNA.

A microplate version of the SOS/umu-test for rapid detection of genotoxins and genotoxic potentials of environmental samples

Abstract The umu-microtest is a miniaturized automated short-term test version proposed for screening of umuC-dependent mutagenic potentials of chemicals relevant to environmental pollution, river water and industrial waste water. The test is based on the SOS/umu-test and has been modified in order to allow extensive testing of environmental samples. Genetically engineered Salmonella typhimurium (TA1535/pSK1002) are incubated on a microplate rotor in a sloping position for 2 h with the test samples, followed by addition of fresh culture medium to reach a 10-fold dilution of the incubation medium. 2 h later, the activity of the β-galactosidase, which reflects umuC induction, is determined co…

Xenograft rejection in marine sponges. Isolation and purification of an inhibitory aggregation factor from Geodia cydonium.

In sponges there exists a graft rejection mechanism in which an inhibitory aggregation factor is involved. The inhibitory aggregation factor has been isolated from a culture medium containing dissociated cells of the sponge Geodia cydonium. Using ion-exchange and gel fractionation the factor was purified and shown to be electrophoretically pure. The factor has a molecular weight of 27000 and was characterized as a glycoprotein. The activity of the inhibitory aggregation factor was not affected by heat treatment, but treatment with trichloroacetic acid resulted in the irreversible loss of activity. The inhibitory aggregation factor affects the aggregation-factor-mediated reaggregation of dis…

A new neuraminic acid derivative and three types of glycopeptides isolated from the Cuvierian tubules of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali

The Cuvierian tubules of Holothuria forskali Della Chiaje, a sea cucumber found in the Adriatic Sea, were investigated with regard to their carbohydrate moieties. From a Pronase digest of these tubules three types of carbohydrate units were isolated and characterized. 1. A high-molecular-weight glycopeptide fraction was shown to contain sulphated polyfucose, galactosamine, a uronic acid and a previously unknown neuraminic acid derivative. The sulphate was shown by i.r. analysis to be present as an O-ester. The carbohydrate unit was linked O-glycosidically to threonine and serine residues in the polypeptide chain. The hitherto unknown neuraminic acid derivative (Hf-neuraminic acid) was resis…