Vol. 11 No. 1 March 2006

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0001-y Volume 11 (2006) pp 1-11
Title THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SELENOORGANIC COMPOUNDS AGAINST PEROXYNITRITE-INDUCED CHANGES IN PLASMA PROTEINS AND LIPIDS
Authors Paweł Nowak*, Joanna Saluk-Juszczak, Beata Olas, Joanna Kołodziejczyk and Barbara Wachowicz
Abstract Many selenoorganic compounds play an important role in biochemical processes and act as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors or drugs. The effects of a new selenocompound – bis(2-aminophenyl)-diselenide on oxidative/nitrative changes in human plasma proteins induced by peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were studied in vitro and compared with the those of ebselen, a well-known antioxidant. We also studied the role of the tested selenocompounds in peroxynitrite-induced plasma lipid peroxidation. Exposure of the plasma to peroxynitrite (0.1 mM) resulted in an increase in the level of carbonyl groups and nitrotyrosine residues in plasma proteins (estimated using the ELISA method and Western blot analysis). In the presence of different concentrations (0.025-0.1 mM) of the tested selenocompounds, 0.1 mM peroxynitrite caused a distinct decrease in the level of carbonyl group formation and tyrosine nitration in plasma proteins. Moreover, these selenocompounds also inhibited plasma lipid peroxidation induced by ONOO- (0.1 mM). The obtained results indicate that in vitro bis(2-aminophenyl)-diselenide and ebselen have very similar protective effects against peroxynitrite-induced oxidative/nitrative damage to human plasma proteins and lipids.
Keywords Peroxynitrite, Tyrosine nitration, Carbonyl groups, Selenium, Ebselen
Address and Contact Information Department of General Biochemistry, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
* Corresponding author; e-mail: pnowak@biol.uni.lodz.pl
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0002-x Volume 11 (2006) pp 12-29
Title DIRECT RHO-ASSOCIATED KINASE INHIBITON INDUCES COFILIN DEPHOSPHORYLATION AND NEURITE OUTGROWTH IN PC-12 CELLS
Authors Zhiqun Zhang1, 2, 3, Andrew K. Ottens1, 2, 3, Stephen F. Larner2, 3, Firas H. Kobeissy1, 2, 3, Melissa L Williams3, Ronald L. Hayes2, 3, 4 and Kevin K. W. Wang1, 2, 3, 4*
Abstract Axons fail to regenerate in the adult central nervous system (CNS) following injury. Developing strategies to promote axonal regeneration is therapeutically attractive for various CNS pathologies such as traumatic brain injury, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Because the RhoA pathway is involved in neurite outgrowth, Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs), downstream effectors of GTP-bound Rho, are potentially important targets for axonal repair strategies in CNS injuries. We investigated the effects and downstream mechanisms of ROCK inhibition in promoting neurite outgrowth in a PC-12 cell model. Robust neurite outgrowth (NOG) was induced by ROCK inhibitors Y-27632 and H-1152 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Dramatic cytoskeletalreorganization was noticed upon ROCK inhibition. NOG initiated within 5 to 30 minutes followed by neurite extension between 6 and 10 hours. Neurite processes were then sustained for over 24 hours. Rapid cofilin dephosphorylation was observed within 5 minutes of Y-27632 and H-1152 treatment. Re-phosphorylation was observed by 6 hours after Y-27632 treatment, while H-1152 treatment produced sustained cofilin dephosphorylation for over 24 hours. The results suggest that ROCK-mediated dephosphorylation of cofilin plays a role in the initiation of NOG in PC-12 cells.
Keywords Neurite outgrowth, ROCK, Y-27632, PC-12, Cofilin, Actin dynamics
Address and Contact Information 1Centers for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research and 2Traumatic Brain Injury Studies,
3Departments of Neuroscience and 4Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, P.O. Box 100256, University of Florida, 100 S. Newell Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
* Corresponding author; e-mail: kwang@psychiatry.ufl.edu, tel: 352-392-3681, fax: 352-392-2579
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0003-9 Volume 11 (2006) pp 30 – 36
Title S-NITROSOGLUTATHIONE MODULATES CXCR4 AND ICOS EXPRESSIO
Authors Yoshihiko Yamamoto1*, Rajendra Pahwa2 and Savita Pahwa2
Abstract The expression of CXCR4, a membrane protein which is involved in the entry of HIV-1, is down-modulated from the cell surface by Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the Ca+ ionophore, Ionomycin. Inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), which contributes to lymphocyte proliferation, is up-regulated by PMA/Ionomycin. We examined the influence of S-nitrosoglutathione (SNG), an inhibitor of Vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), on the expression of CXCR4 and ICOS in PMA/Ionomycin-treated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC), and of CXCR4 alone in lymphoid cell lines. In this report, we show that SNG interferes with both effects of PMA/Ionomycin, namely CXCR4 down-regulation and ICOS up-regulation. These studies imply opposing roles of V-ATPase in the regulation of CXCR4 and ICOS. The influence of SNG in modulating the susceptibility of T cells to HIV-1 and on their immune responses needs further investigation.
Keywords S-nitrosoglutathione (SNG), CXCR4, ICOS, HIV-1
Address and Contact Information North Shore-LIJ Research Institute, Immunology & Inflammation Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
* Corresponding author; e-mail: yoyamamo@onh.go.jp
Present address:
1AIDS Medical Center, Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0006, JAPAN.
2University of Miami School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10th Avenue, BCRI-712- Miami FL, 33136, USA
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0004-8 Volume 11 (2006) pp 37 – 55
Title ON THE WAY TO UNDERSTAND BIOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY IN PLANTS: S-NUTRITION AS A CASE STUDY FOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
Authors Holger Hesse* and Rainer Hoefgen
Abstract The establishment of technologies for high-throughput DNA sequencing (genomics), gene expression (transcriptomics), metabolite and ion analysis (metabolomics/ionomics) and protein analysis (proteomics) carries with it the challenge of processing and interpreting the accumulating data sets. Publicly accessible databases and newly development and adapted bioinformatic tools are employed to mine this data in order to filter relevant correlations and create models describing physiological states. These data allow the reconstruction of networks of interactions of the various cellular components as enzyme activities and complexes, gene expression, metabolite pools or pathway flux modes. Especially when merging information from transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics into consistent models, it will be possible to describe and predict the behaviour of biological systems, for example with respect to endogenous or environmental changes. However, to capture the interactions of network elements requires measurements under a variety of conditions to generate or refine existing models. The ultimate goal of systems biology is to understand the molecular principles governing plant responses and consistently explain plant physiology
Keywords Sulfur metabolism, Systems biology, Metabolome, Ionome, Transcriptome, Proteome
Address and Contact Information Max-Planck-Institute fuer Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Golm, Germany
* Corresponding author, tel: +49 331 5678247, fax: +49 331 56789 8247, e-mail: hesse@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0005-7 Volume 11 (2006) pp 56 – 61
Title THE INFLUENCE OF TIN COMPOUNDS ON THE DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF LIPOSOME MEMBRANES: A STUDY USING THE ESR METHOD
Authors Dariusz Man*, Marian Podolak and Grzegorz Engel
Abstract The influence of organic and inorganic compounds of tin on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes obtained in the process of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) sonication in distilled water was investigated. This was carried out by means of the spin ESR probe method. The probes were selected in such a way as to penetrate different areas of the membrane (a TEMPO probe, 5-DOXYL stearic acid, 16-DOXYL stearic acid). Four compounds of tin were chosen: three organic ones, (CH3)4Sn, (C2H5)4Sn and (C3H7)3SnCl, and one inorganic one, SnCl2. The investigated compounds were added to a liposome dispersion, which was prepared prior to that. The concentration of the admixture was changed within the values from 0 to 10%-mole in proportion to DPPC. The studies indicated that the chlorides of tin display the highest activity in their interaction with liposome membranes. Since these compounds have ionic form in a water solution, the obtained result can mean that this form of admixture has a considerable influence on its activity. Furthermore, it was found that there is a slightly stronger influence of tin compounds with a longer hydrocarbon chain on changes in the probes’ spectroscopic parameters.
Keywords DPPC liposomes, ESR, Tin compounds
Address and Contact Information Institute of Physics, Opole University, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland
* Corresponding author, e-mail: dariusz.man@uni.opole.pl
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0006-6 Volume 11 (2006) pp 62 – 69
Title THE TRANSCRIPT EXPRESSION PROFILE OF THE LEPTIN RECEPTOR-CODING GENE ASSAYED WITH THE OLIGONUCLEOTIDE MICROARRAY TECHNIQUE – COULD THIS BE AN Anorexia nervosa MARKER?
Authors Małgorzata Janas-Kozik1,2*, Urszula Mazurek3, Irena Krupka-Matuszczyk1, Małgorzata Stachowicz3, Joanna Głogowska-Ligus3 and Tadeusz Wilczok3
Abstract Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder with the highest mortality rate of any psychatric disorder. The DSM-IV classification differentiates two AN types: the restricting type (AN-R) and the binge-eating/purging type (AN-BP). Leptin (LEP) levels can be thought of as a signal to the body of its energy reserves. The leptin receptor (including all its mRNA isoforms) is expressed in many tissues. Our aim was to discover the transcript expression profile of the LEP receptor-coding gene in the peripheral blood mononuclears in AN-R and AN-BP patients. Three young women suffering from Anorexia nervosa (one with AN-BP and two with AN-R) took part in the study, along with three non-anorexic subjects as our reference group. LEP receptor gene expression was examined using the oligonucleotide microarray method (HG-U133A, Affymetrix). The results were normalized using RMAExpress. Next, the accumulation analysis method was used (clustering). Hierarchical clustering resulted in three groups of separate clusters. The first group (cluster I) consisted of AN-R patients. The next group (cluster II) consisted of reference group patients suffering from different psychic disorders not related to eating disorders. Cluster III consisted of two patients – the first with AN-BP and the second with an adaptive disorder.
Keywords Anorexia nervosa, Leptin receptor, Oligonucleotide microarray
Address and Contact Information 1Department and Clinic of Psychiatry and Pschychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland,
2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland,
3Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
* Corresponding author, e-mail: mkozik@centrum-pediatrii.com.pl
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0007-5 Volume 11 (2006) pp 70 – 79
Title THE SPECIFIC T-CELL RESPONSE TO ANTIGENIC PEPTIDES IS INFLUENCED BY BYSTANDER PEPTIDES
Authors Izabela Nowak1, Elżbieta Pajtasz-Piasecka2, Bartosz Chmielowski3, Leszek Ignatowicz3 and Piotr Kuśnierczyk1,4
Abstract T lymphocytes recognize antigens in the form of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the cell surface. Only a small proportion of MHC class I and class II molecules are loaded with foreign antigenic peptides; the vast majority are loaded with thousands of different self peptides. It was suggested that MHC molecules presenting self peptides may serve either to decrease (antagonistic effect) or increase (synergistic effect) the T cell response to a specific antigen. Here, we present our finding that transfected mouse fibroblasts presenting a single antigenic peptide covalently bound to a class II MHC molecule stimulated specific mouse T cell hybridoma cells to an interleukin-2 response less efficiently than fibroblasts presenting a similar amount of antigenic peptide in the presence of class II molecules loaded with heterogenous bystander peptides.
Keywords Bystander peptide, T cell response, Transfectants, Mouse model
Address and Contact Information 1Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, and 2Laboratory of Experimental Antitumor Therapy, Department of Experimental Oncology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland,
3Center of Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA and 4Jan Długosz Paedagogical University, Częstochowa, Poland
* Corresponding author: e-mail: pkusnier@iitd.pan.wroc.pl; tel: +4871 337 1172, ext. 326.
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0008-4 Volume 11 (2006) pp 80 – 89
Title THE IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A TESTIS- SPECIFIC cDNA DURING SPERMATOGENESIS
Authors Ying Chen1, Jiarui Hu2, Ping Song1 and Wuming Gong1
Abstract Using bioinformatics and experimental validation, we obtained a cDNA (named srsf) which was exclusively expressed in the mouse testes. RT-PCR analysis showed that srsf mRNA was not expressed in the gonad during the sex determination period or during embryogenesis. In developing mouse testes, srsf expression was first detected on post-natal day 10, reached its highest level on day 23, and then reduced to and remained at a moderate level throughout adulthood. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that srsf mRNA was expressed in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids in the testes. The predicted protein contains one RNA-binding domain (RBD) and a serine-arginine rich domain (RS), which are characterized by some splicing factors of SR family members. These findings indicate that srsf may play a role during spermatogenesis.
Keywords Expression pattern, Spermatogenesis, Splicing factor
Address and Contact Information 1Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China,
2Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
* Corresponding author; e-mail: pingsongps@yahoo.com.cn, tel: 86-27-87663175, fax: 86-27-68752560.
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0009-3 Volume 11 (2006) pp 90 – 101
Title SHAPE VARIATION OF BILAYER MEMBRANE DAUGHTER VESICLES INDUCED BY ANISOTROPIC MEMBRANE INCLUSIONS
Authors Klemen Bohinc1,2, Darko Lombardo1, Veronika Kraljiglič1,3, Miha Fošnarič1, Sylvio May4 , Franjo Pernuš1, Henry Hägerstrand5 and Aleš Iglič1*
Abstract A theoretical model of a two-component bilayer membrane was used in order to describe the influence of anisotropic membrane inclusions on shapes of membrane daughter micro and nano vesicles. It was shown that for weakly anisotropic inclusions the stable vesicle shapes are only sligthly out-of-round. In contrast, for strongly anisotropic inclusions the stable vesicle shapes may significantly differ from spheres, i.e. they have a flattened oblate shape at small numbers of inclusions in the membrane, and an elongated cigar-like prolate shape at high numbers of inclusions in the vesicle membrane.
Keywords Bilayer membranes, Daughter vesicles, Anisotropic membrane inclusions
Address and Contact Information 1Laboratory of Physics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trľaąka 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
2University College for Health Studies, University of Ljubljana, Poljanska 26a, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
3Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Lipičeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
4Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105-5566, USA, 5Department of Biology, Abo Akademi University, Abo/Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
* Corresponding author; e-mail: ales.iglic@fe.uni-lj.si
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0010-x Volume 11 (2006) pp 102 – 108
Title ORPHAN NUCLEAR HORMONE RECEPTOR NR4A1 INTERACTS WITH HPV16 E2 REGULATORY PROTEIN
Authors Agnieszka K. Olejnik-Schmidt1,2, Marcin T. Schmidt1* and Anna Goździcka-Józefiak2
Abstract The human NR4A1 orphan receptor is a member of the TR3 steroid receptor superfamily, which binds DNA at the NBRE and NurRE responsive elements. The TR3 receptors are involved in the regulation of differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. We report that NR4A1 interacts with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E2 protein – a key papillomavirus regulatory factor. This interaction might be involved in the transcription regulation of the HPV16 genes and the regulation of infected cell homeostasis.
Keywords NR4A1, Nur77, E2, HPV16, Two-hybrid system, Nuclear localization, Colocalization studies
Address and Contact Information 1Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, August Cieszkowski University of Agriculture, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznań, Poland,
2Department of Molecular Virology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Międzychodzka 5, 60-371 Poznań, Poland
* Corresponding author, tel/fax: (+48 61) 846 60 24, e-mail: mschmidt@au.poznan.pl
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0011-9 Volume 11 (2006) pp 109 – 131
Title DEGRADATION AND BEYOND: CONTROL OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR ACTIVITY BY THE PROTEASOME SYSTEM
Authors Tomasz Jaworski
Abstract The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors which mediates the action of androgens in the development of urogenital structures. AR expression is regulated posttranslationally by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. This regulation involves more complex mechanisms than typical degradation. The ubiquitin/proteasome system may regulate AR via mechanisms that do not engage in receptor turnover. Given the critical role of AR in sexual development, this complex regulation is especially important. Deregulation of AR signalling may be a causal factor in prostate cancer development. AR is the main target in prostate cancer therapies. Due to the critical role of the ubiquitin/proteasome system in AR regulation, current research suggests that targeting AR degradation is a promising approach.
Keywords AR, Degradation, Prostate cancer, Proteasome, Transcription, Ubiquitin
Address and Contact Information Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
* Corresponding author: e-mail: tomasz_jaworski@poczta.onet.pl
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]

DOI: 10.2478/s11658-006-0012-8 Volume 11 (2006) pp 132 – 154
Title STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITIES IN LEPIDOPTERAN SERINE PROTEASES #
Authors Ajay Srinivasan, Ashok P. Giri and Vidya S. Gupta*
Abstract Primary protein-digestion in Lepidopteran larvae relies on serine proteases like trypsin and chymotrypsin. Efforts toward the classification and characterization of digestive proteases have unraveled a considerable diversity in the specificity and mechanistic classes of gut proteases. Though the evolutionary significance of mutations that lead to structural diversity in serine proteases has been well characterized, detailing the resultant functional diversity has continually posed a challenge to researchers. Functional diversity can be correlated to the adaptation of insects to various host-plants as well as to exposure of insects to naturally occurring antagonistic biomolecules such as plant-derived protease inhibitors (PIs) and lectins. Current research is focused on deciphering the changes in protease specificities and activities arising from altered amino acids at the active site, specificity-determining pockets and other regions, which influence activity. Some insight has been gained through in silico modeling and simulation experiments, aided by the limited availability of characterized proteases. We examine the structurally and functionally diverse Lepidopteran serine proteases, and assess their influence on larval digestive processes and on overall insect physiology.
Keywords Functional diversity, Lepidoptera, Serine protease, Structural diversity
Address and Contact Information Plant Molecular Biology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune – 411008, India
# Invited paper
* Corresponding author; e-mail: vs.gupta@ncl.res.in, tel: 0091-20-25892247, fax: 0091-20-25884032
[Rozmiar: 1332 bajtów]