'Pseudo' domains in phage-encoded DNA methyltransferases

5-Cytosine-DNA-methyltransferases, which are found in many organisms ranging from bacteriophages to mammals, transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the carbon-5 of a cytosine residue in specific DNA target sequences. Some phage-encoded methyltransferases methylate more than one sequence: these enzymes contain several independent target-recognizing domains each responsible for recognizing a different site. The amino-acid sequences of these multispecific methyltransferases reveal that some enzymes in addition carry domains that do not contribute to the enzymes' methylation potential, but strongly resemble previously identified target-recognizing domains. Here we show that introducing defined amino-acid alterations into these inactive domains endows these enzymes with additional methylation specificities. Gel retardation analysis demonstrates that these novel methylation specificities correlate with the acquisition of additional DNA-binding potential of the proteins.     

New partial skeleton of Homo habilis from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

A new partial skeleton of an adult hominid from lower Bed I (about 1.8 Myr ago), Olduvai Gorge, is described. This specimen's craniodental anatomy indicates attribution to Homo habilis, but its postcranial anatomy, including small body size and relatively long arms, is strikingly similar to that of some early Australopithecus individuals.     

Human peripheral blood monuclear cells transfected with messenger RNA stimulate antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in vitro

The efficiency of test vaccines needs to be evaluated by quantification of the triggered cellular immune response. Usually, for these assays, autologous target cells expressing the vaccine antigen are required. In the context of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccinations, the target cells used for the read-out are mRNA-transfected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs). Their production typically requires samples of 100 ml blood from the patients, and limits the number of assays that can be performed. We show here that fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be transfected with mRNA by electroporation. Such cells are as efficient as mRNA-transfected Mo-DCs for their ability to activate memory T cells in vitro. Thus, mRNA-transfected PBMCs are a convenient replacement of mRNA-transfected Mo-DCs for the in vitro monitoring of natural or vaccine-induced immune responses.Received 17 February 2005; received after revision 1 May 2005; accepted 7 Juni 2005     

The effect of unilateral and bilateral lesions in the locus coeruleus on the levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) in neocortex

Résumé Des lésions électrolytiques, soit unilatérales soit bilatérales, ont été pratiquées dans des cerveaux de rats, dans la région du locus coeruleus. Trois semaines après, la teneur en 3-méthoxy-4-hydroxyphénylglycol (MHPG) des deux cortices cérébraux a été analysée par chromatographie à gaz. Les lésions unilatérales ont réduit la teneur en MHPG du cortex ipsilatéral, et après les lésions bilatérales la réduction ent lieu dans les deux cortices.     

The C-terminal tetrapeptide of cholecystokinin decreases hunger in rats

Summary Intraperitoneal injection of the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of cholecystokinin (CCK) suppressed feeding behaviour and food intake in rats deprived of food for 12 h in a dose-dependent manner. The CCK-4 possesses a hunger suppressive property similar to the full molecule of CCK.