Definition of a consensus binding site for p53.

Recent experiments have suggested that p53 action may be mediated through its interaction with DNA. We have now identified 18 human genomic clones that bind to p53 in vitro. Precise mapping of the binding sequences within these clones revealed a consensus binding site with a striking internal symmetry, consisting of two copies of the 10 base pair motif 5'-PuPuPuC(A/T)(T/A)GPyPyPy-3' separated by 0-13 base pairs. One copy of the motif was insufficient for binding, and subtle alterations of the motif, even when present in multiple copies, resulted in loss of affinity for p53. Mutants of p53, representing each of the four "hot spots" frequently altered in human cancers, failed to bind to the consensus dimer. These results define the DNA sequence elements with which p53 interacts in vitro and which may be important for p53 action in vivo.     

Heterogeneous responses of canine basilar and middle cerebral arteries to serotonin at normal and high CO2 tension

The responses of basilar arteries (BAs) to serotonin were attenuated by high \(P_{CO_2 } \) (86±1 mm Hg) and the pH matched acidotic solution ( \(P_{CO_2 } \) 37±1 mm Hg), whereas the responses of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were not. High \(P_{CO_2 } \) decreased the basal tone of both arteries, and the changes in basal tone due to high \(P_{CO_2 } \) were not influenced by 3×10^?7 M imipramine, 10^?5 M pargyline or 10^?4 M aspirin. The responses of BAs to serotonin were attenuated by high \(P_{CO_2 } \) in the presence of imipramine, pargyline and aspirin. The responses of MCAs to serotonin were not influenced by high \(P_{CO_2 } \) in the presence of pargyline and aspirin, but attenuated by high \(P_{CO_2 } \) in the presence of imipramine.     

C1 inhibitor hinge region mutations produce dysfunction by different mechanisms.

Heterozygosity for a mutant dysfunctional C1 inhibitor protein, a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) superfamily, results in type II hereditary angioneurotic oedema. We identified a "hinge" region mutation in C1 inhibitor with a Val to Glu replacement at P14 Val-432. Recombinant C1 inhibitors P10 Ala-->Thr and P14Val-->Glu did not form stable complexes with fluid phase C1s or kallikrein. The P14 Val-->Glu mutant, however, was cleaved to a 96K form by C1s, while the P10 Ala-->Thr mutant was not. The recombinant P10 mutant also did not complex with C1s, kallikrein or beta-factor Xlla-Sepharose. The two mutations, therefore, result in dysfunction by different mechanisms: in one (P14 Val-->Glu), the inhibitor is converted to a substrate, while in the other (P10 Ala-->Thr), interaction with target protease is blocked.     

Cooperative inhibitory effect of follicular fluid and cAMP on hamster oocyte maturation

Summary Porcine or human follicular fluid inhibited the spontaneous maturation of isolated hamster oocytes in vitro during the first 1.5 h of culture. Moreover, the presence of 50% follicular fluid combined with 100 M dbcAMP cooperatively reduced the incidence of germinal vesicle breakdown. The addition of FSH also inhibited the resumption of meiosis, and the presence of LH did not overcome the inhibitory effects of follicular fluid and tended to impede isolated hamster oocyte maturation in vitro.     

Organically preserved microbial endoliths from the late Proterozoic of East Greenland

Diverse microorganisms ranging from cyanobacteria to eukaryotic algae and fungi live endolithically within ooids, hardgrounds and invertebrate shells on the present-day sea floor. These organisms are involved in the mechanical destruction of carbonates, and are useful ecological indicators of water depth and pollution. The Phanerozoic history of microbial endoliths has been elucidated through the study of microborings (the trace fossils of endolithic microorganisms) and rare cellularly preserved individuals, but nothing was known of the possible Precambrian evolution of comparable microorganisms until Campbell documented the occurrence of microborings in late Proterozoic ooids from central East Greenland. We now report the discovery of large populations of organically preserved endolithic microorganisms in silicified pisolites from 700-800-Myr-old Limestone-Dolomite Series of East Greenland. This fossil assemblage is significant for three reasons: (1) It confirms the prediction that oolites, pisolites and hardgrounds--the substrates for pre-Phanerozoic endoliths--provide a hitherto poorly explored but rewarding set of environments into which the search for early microfossils must be broadened; (2) the assemblage is diverse, containing about 12 taxa of morphologically distinct and previously unknown endolithic cyanobacteria, plus associated epilithic and interstitial populations; and (3) at least six of the fossil populations are indistinguishable in morphology, pattern of development, reproductive biology and inferred ecology from distinctive cyanobacterial species that bore ooids today in the Bahama Banks.     

Position of the Y-chromosome at somatic metaphase in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Summary A random distribution of the Y-chromosome at somatic metaphase was found in 50 patients with Ph' positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Thus, it is concluded that the positive of the Y-chromosome at somatic metaphase does not appear to influence the loss from bone marrow cells.     

Hormonal induction of steroid sulphatase in the mouse

Summary By comparing steroid sulphatase levels per se, and also ratios to -galactosidase, in 6 sets of mice — normal females, entire and castrated males both with and without exogenous testosterone administration — we obtained support for the contention that induction of this enzyme is in part controlled by male hormones.     

Studies on some enzymes of the toad (Bufo melanostictus) testis and their probable role at the time of fertilization

Summary Glycosidases like sialidase,-galactosidase, -L-fucosidase, N-acetyl hexosaminidase and proteases were detected in toad testis. Neuraminic acid aldolase activity was also detected. The enzyme activities were found to vary as production of spermatozoa varied. All enzymes, except N-acetyl glucosaminidase, were shown to decrease after injection of toad pituitary extract and they were also found to be absent from testis containing no spermatozoa. The glycosidases were found to act on toad oviduct jelly and they may therefore be involved in the degradation of the jelly after fertilization, into smaller bits, which may be utilized as nutrients by the fertilized zygote.Acknowledgment. We thank Prof. T.R. Ramaiah, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Mysore, for his help. We also acknowledge the financial assistance of University Grants Commission to one of us (MS) and CSIR through a grant No. 9 (165)83/EMR-II to HSS. Please address all correspondence to H.S. Seshadri.     

Loss of antibody production accompanied by chromosome loss in a cloned hybrid line secreting antibodies to sheep red blood cells

Summary Somatic cell hybrids between Sp2/O-Ag14 mouse myeloma cells and lymphocytes derived from BALB/c mice hyperimmunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were produced. One hybrid producing IgG₁ antibody to SRBC was selected, cloned twice and subsequently transferred to BALB/c mice. After a number of transfers it was found that the antibody titer in ascitec fluid gradually decreased. Cytogenetic analysis revealed gradual chromosome loss in the hybrid clone, which produced progressively less antibody.     

Determination of certain physical and chemical characteristics of the activating serum factor from preparturient women and women with habitual abortions

Summary Follow-up investigation of the blood sera from preparturient women and women with habitual, abortions showed the presence of a factor which has an activating effect on smooth muscle preparations because it causes the release of prostaglandins. Gel-chromatographic counter flow separation and microelectrophoresis of the blood sera have shown that the isolated serum factor is a water soluble glycopeptide with a molecular weight of about 2000.