Import into mitochondria, folding and retrograde movement of fumarase in yeast

A single translation product of the FUM1 gene encoding fumarase is distributed between the cytosol and mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All fumarase translation products are targeted and processed in mitochondria before distribution. Here we show that targeting of fumarase is coupled to translation and initially involves insertion of the protein across the mitochondrial membranes and processing by the matrix protease. Rapid folding of fumarase may determine its requirement for coupling of its translocation with translation and unique route of distribution. The amino termini of most fumarase molecules are translocated across the mitochondrial membranes and processed. Unlike the in vivo situation where these molecules are released into the cytosol, in vitro they remain externally attached to the mitochondria, thereby positioned for release from the organelle. Our model suggests that fumarase displays a unique mechanism of targeting and distribution, which occurs cotranslationally and involves folding and retrograde movement of the processed protein back through the translocation pore.     

The seed oil of the arrow wood

Summary The seed oil of the arrow wood bush,V. dentatum L., is a non-drying oil in contrast to that of the highbush cranberry,V. opulus L. var.americanum (Miller) Ait., (5) whose iodine number assigns it to the semi-drying group. Their content of oleic acid is of the same order of magnitude, or 54 and 58 pct., respectively. This is not true, however, with respect to their -linoleic acid content for here the ratio is approximately 1:2 or 19 and 35.8 pct. It has been found that the seed oil of the latter is, apparently, of unusual composition in that it contains only small amounts (1.6 pct.) of saturated acids; those of the former are almost four times as much. The approximate percentage composition of this oil has been found to be myristic acid 0.35, palmitic acid 4.5, stearic acid 1.1, hexadecenoic acid 3.6, oleic acid 54, and linoleic acid 19.     

Inhibition of glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition by halofuginone

Mesangial cell proliferation, increased deposition of collagen, and expansion of the mesangial extracellular matrix (ECM) are key features in the development of mesangioproliferative diseases. Halofuginone, a low molecular weight anti-coccidial quinoazolinone derivative, inhibits collagen type alpha 1(I) gene expression and synthesis. We investigated the effect of halofuginone on both normal and SV40 transformed mesangial cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and ECM deposition. Proliferation of both cell types was almost completely inhibited in the presence of 50 ng/ml halofuginone. The cells were arrested in the late G1 phase of the cell cycle and resumed their normal growth rate following removal of the compound from the culture medium. The antiproliferative effect of halofuginone was associated with inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins. Similar results were obtained whether the mesangial cells were seeded on regular tissue culture plastic or in close contact with a naturally produced ECM resembling their local environment in vivo. Halofuginone also inhibited synthesis and deposition of ECM by mesangial cells as indicated by a substantial reduction in 14C-glycine and Na2(35)SO4 incorporation into the ECM, and by the inhibition of collagen type I synthesis and gene expression. It is proposed that by inhibiting collagen type I synthesis and matrix deposition, halofuginone exerts a potent antiproliferative effect that may be applied to inhibit mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion in a variety of chronic progressive glomerular diseases.     

On history and psychoanalysis.

Freud claimed that psychoanalysis represented a major assault on human narcissism. This view is only partially correct for it is largely ahistorical. Freud's view must now be balanced against the historians' perspective on psychoanalysis, which in its turn represents a potential narcissistic blow to psychoanalysis, so long as psychoanalysts isolate themselves from fuller recognition of the sociocultural matrix of Freud's work. This article, by a psychoanalyst, presents some of the newer perspectives of historians on the development of Freud's work against the background of late 19th century Austrian and German political, cultural, and social history. Through understanding this past, we are better able to understand the present dilemmas of psychoanalysis, in particular the relevance of social forces in the development of emotional disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Blood plasma investigations by resonance Raman spectroscopy: detection of carotenoid pigments

Using Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate that low levels of beta-carotene, lycopene, and xanthophyll give rise to resonance enhanced bands in blood plasma. These results explain the significance of previously unidentified spectral maxima which have been related to the state of health of the blood donor.