A tunnel in the large ribosomal subunit revealed by three-dimensional image reconstruction

A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of protein biosynthesis depends on the availability of a reliable model for the ribosome particle. The application of a diffraction technique, namely, three-dimensional image reconstruction from two-dimensional sheets of the large ribosomal subunits of Bacillus stearothermophilus at a resolution of 30 angstroms is described. The resulting three-dimensional model shows at least four projecting arms, arranged radially near the presumed interface with the 30S subunit. The projecting arms are positioned around a cleft, which turns into a tunnel with a length of 100 to 120 angstroms and a diameter of up to 25 angstroms. This tunnel spans the particle and may provide the path taken by the nascent polypeptide chain.     

Recognition of cognate transfer RNA by the 30S ribosomal subunit

Crystal structures of the 30S ribosomal subunit in complex with messenger RNA and cognate transfer RNA in the A site, both in the presence and absence of the antibiotic paromomycin, have been solved at between 3.1 and 3.3 angstroms resolution. Cognate transfer RNA (tRNA) binding induces global domain movements of the 30S subunit and changes in the conformation of the universally conserved and essential bases A1492, A1493, and G530 of 16S RNA. These bases interact intimately with the minor groove of the first two base pairs between the codon and anticodon, thus sensing Watson-Crick base-pairing geometry and discriminating against near-cognate tRNA. The third, or "wobble," position of the codon is free to accommodate certain noncanonical base pairs. By partially inducing these structural changes, paromomycin facilitates binding of near-cognate tRNAs.     

The complete atomic structure of the large ribosomal subunit at 2.4 A resolution

The large ribosomal subunit catalyzes peptide bond formation and binds initiation, termination, and elongation factors. We have determined the crystal structure of the large ribosomal subunit from Haloarcula marismortui at 2.4 angstrom resolution, and it includes 2833 of the subunit's 3045 nucleotides and 27 of its 31 proteins. The domains of its RNAs all have irregular shapes and fit together in the ribosome like the pieces of a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle to form a large, monolithic structure. Proteins are abundant everywhere on its surface except in the active site where peptide bond formation occurs and where it contacts the small subunit. Most of the proteins stabilize the structure by interacting with several RNA domains, often using idiosyncratically folded extensions that reach into the subunit's interior.     

Crystal structure of the eukaryotic 60S ribosomal subunit in complex with initiation factor 6

Protein synthesis in all organisms is catalyzed by ribosomes. In comparison to their prokaryotic counterparts, eukaryotic ribosomes are considerably larger and are subject to more complex regulation. The large ribosomal subunit (60S) catalyzes peptide bond formation and contains the nascent polypeptide exit tunnel. We present the structure of the 60S ribosomal subunit from Tetrahymena thermophila in complex with eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6), cocrystallized with the antibiotic cycloheximide (a eukaryotic-specific inhibitor of protein synthesis), at a resolution of 3.5 angstroms. The structure illustrates the complex functional architecture of the eukaryotic 60S subunit, which comprises an intricate network of interactions between eukaryotic-specific ribosomal protein features and RNA expansion segments. It reveals the roles of eukaryotic ribosomal protein elements in the stabilization of the active site and the extent of eukaryotic-specific differences in other functional regions of the subunit. Furthermore, it elucidates the molecular basis of the interaction with eIF6 and provides a structural framework for further studies of ribosome-associated diseases and the role of the 60S subunit in the initiation of protein synthesis.     

Neoplastic transformation of hamster astrocytes in vitro by simian virus 40 and polyoma virus

Astrocytes in cultures of brain cells from fetal or newborn hamsters undergo neoplastic transformation after infection with simian virus 40 or polyoma virus. Subcutaneous or intracerebral inoculation of the transformed brain cells into newborn or adult hamsters produces progressively enlarging astrocytomas at the sites of injection. Astrocytomas produced by polyomatransformed cell lines are histologically better differentiated, but grow more rapidly and metastasize more frequently, than astrocytomas produced by cell lines transformed by simian virus 40. These observations make available in vitro models of virus-induced oncogenesis in astrocytes and provide simple techniques for obtaining astrocytoma cell lines suitable for screening studies of chemical agents effective against astrocytomas.     

Tet-on系统诱导猿猴病毒40T在CHO细胞中的表达

四环素诱导表达系统（Tet-off／Tet-on系统）是比较成熟的真核生物基因诱导表达系统之一,具有高效、无毒、严密开／关功能的特点。猿猴病毒40T（SV40T）是一种病毒癌蛋白,其与肿瘤抑制蛋白p53和Rb结合,并使之失活,从而消除它们抑制细胞生长的功能,使细胞分裂加速,形成肿瘤。利用Tet-on系统首先稳定筛选获得了表达Tet-on系统调节元件rtTA的阳性细胞CHO-pTet-on,再通过稳定筛选又成功得到导入其反应元件的双阳性细胞CHO-pTet-on-pTRE2-SV40T-Hyg,经强力霉素诱导表达了目的基因SV40T,建立了Tet-on基因诱导表达系统的细胞诱导表达研究平台。     

Simian virus 40: replication in the presence of specific antiserum and adenovirus 4

Twelve consecuttive passages of simian virus 40, made in the presence of adenovirus 4 and antiserum to simian virus 40, indicated that simian virus 40 would multiply almost indefinitely under these conditions. The adenovirus and the simian virus had previously replicated together in the absence of antiserum. These data support the conclusion that the SV-40 genome is incorporated within the protein coats of adenovirus 4.     

Neoplastic transformation in vitro of hamster lens epithelium by simian virus 40

Hamster lens epithelium infected with simian virus 40 underwent transformation in vitro and produced tumors when injected into homologous hosts. Undisturbed lens epithelium in man and experimental animals has not been observed to undergo neoplastic change. The virus-induced tumors contained undifferentiated cells that were either polygonal or spindle-shaped. Their origin from lens epithelium seems certain since it is possible to isolate this unique structure free of connective tissue and blood vessels.     

Imaging of memory-specific changes in the distribution of protein kinase C in the hippocampus

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) can mimic the biophysical effects of associative learning on neurons. Furthermore, classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane (a form of associative learning) produces translocation of PKC activity from the cytosolic to the membrane compartments of the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Evidence is provided here for a significant change in the amount and distribution of PKC within the CA1 cell field of the rabbit hippocampus that is specific to learning. This change is seen at 1 day after learning as focal increments of [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate binding to PKC in computer-generated images produced from coronal autoradiographs of rabbit brain. In addition, 3 days after learning, the autoradiographs suggest a redistribution of PKC within CA1 from the cell soma to the dendrites.     

犬瘟热H基因亚单位的克隆和融合表达

将犬瘟热H基因亚单位片段(Hs)克隆人原核表达载体pGEX-6p-1中,克隆采用限制性内切酶EcoR I和Xho I酶切pGEX-6p-1以及Hs基因PCR产物,连接成pCEX-6p-1-Hs重组质粒,并将它转化进入大肠杆菌表达受体菌B121(DE3)中.经异丙基-β-D-硫代半乳糖苷(ran3)诱导,可见预计大小为32 kDa的融合蛋白,诱导菌体裂解物经SDS-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE))后,用GST单克隆抗体进行Western-blotting试验,结果确证了GST-Hs融合蛋白的正确表达,这为今后的进一步研究奠定了基础.     

Complete replication of hepatitis C virus in cell culture

Many aspects of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle have not been reproduced in cell culture, which has slowed research progress on this important human pathogen. Here, we describe a full-length HCV genome that replicates and produces virus particles that are infectious in cell culture (HCVcc). Replication of HCVcc was robust, producing nearly 10(5) infectious units per milliliter within 48 hours. Virus particles were filterable and neutralized with a monoclonal antibody against the viral glycoprotein E2. Viral entry was dependent on cellular expression of a putative HCV receptor, CD81. HCVcc replication was inhibited by interferon-alpha and by several HCV-specific antiviral compounds, suggesting that this in vitro system will aid in the search for improved antivirals.     

鸡包涵体肝炎病毒内蒙古毒株的分离与鉴定

本试验利用鸡包涵体肝炎自然病例的肝组织，通过SPF鸡胚连续传代和鸡胚肾细胞培养，分离到一株鸡包涵体肝炎病毒HA株．该病毒株的核酸型为DNA、无束膜、对乙醚、氯仿具有抵抗力；且其对酸有抵抗力，对热敏感。电镜观察发现，病毒粒子呈球形，直径约80～100nm。用2、3、4、5、8型的标准阳性血清迸行中和拭验，证明HA株为血清型2型。回归试验表明HA株具有较强的致病性。     

Leukemia, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma induced in the Syrian golden hamster by simian virus 40

Leukemia, lymphoma, and osteogenic and anaplastic sarcomas develop in Syrian golden hamsters inoculated intravenously at 3 weeks of age with simian virus 40, which is a popova virus. Previously, only RNA and herpes DNA viruses have been recognized as capable of inducing leukemia and lymphoma in mammals. The significance of these findings is emphasized in relation to the nature of viral agents that may be involved in analogous diseases of man.     

核糖体蛋白L12(RPL12)在猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒复制中的作用

为研究宿主细胞核糖体蛋白L12(RPL12)在猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(Porcine reproductive and respir-atory syndrome virus,PRRSV)复制中的作用,本研究通过荧光定量PCR和Western-blotting等方法,检测了PRRSV感染对Marc-145细胞中RPL1...     

Regulation of interferon regulatory factor-3 by the hepatitis C virus serine protease

Persistent infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are likely to depend on viral inhibition of host defenses. We show that the HCV NS3/4A serine protease blocks the phosphorylation and effector action of interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3), a key cellular antiviral signaling molecule. Disruption of NS3/4A protease function by mutation or a ketoamide peptidomimetic inhibitor relieved this blockade and restored IRF-3 phosphorylation after cellular challenge with an unrelated virus. Furthermore, dominant-negative or constitutively active IRF-3 mutants, respectively, enhanced or suppressed HCV RNA replication in hepatoma cells. Thus, the NS3/4A protease represents a dual therapeutic target, the inhibition of which may both block viral replication and restore IRF-3 control of HCV infection.     

Conversion of PrP to a self-perpetuating PrPSc-like conformation in the cytosol

A rare conformation of the prion protein, PrPSc, is found only in mammals with transmissible prion diseases and represents either the infectious agent itself or a major component of it. The mechanism for initiating PrPSc formation is unknown. We report that PrP retrogradely transported out of the endoplasmic reticulum produced both amorphous aggregates and a PrPSc-like conformation in the cytosol. The distribution between these forms correlated with the rate of appearance in the cytosol. Once conversion to the PrPSc-like conformation occurred, it was sustained. Thus, PrP has an inherent capacity to promote its own conformational conversion in mammalian cells. These observations might explain the origin of PrPSc.     

Increasing the multiplicity of ribosomal RNA genes in Drosophila melanogaster

In wild-type Drosophila melanogaster females there are about 250 ribosomal RNA genes in each nucleolus organizer region of the two X chromosomes. When this same nucleolus organizer region is present in flies in only a single dose, the number of ribosomal RNA genes increases to approximately 400. This increase is most easily explained by disproportionate replication of these genes.