This month in Bio-Med Roundup:
• Kurosu et al. found a new hormone that extends life span in mice.
• Li et al. provided details of the interaction of the SARS virus with its host receptor.
• Shendure et al. described a new genome sequencing method that is roughly ninefold cheaper than conventional sequencing.
• Evans et al. and Mekel-Bobrov et al . discussed the rapid evolution of two genes required for human brain development.
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This month’s BioMed Roundup is sponsored by the AAAS Online Store
The new AAAS online store offers AAAS/Science branded merchandise such as shirts, backpacks, and pens. AAAS members save 10% on all purchases. Obtain your discount by entering coupon code ADA5 prior to processing your completed order at http://aaasstore.epromo.com.
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Jump to:
Molecular Biology
Structural Biology
Genetics
Cell/Developmental Biology
Immunology
Plant Science
Neuroscience
Physiology/Medicine
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The Transcriptional Landscape of the Mammalian Genome (2 September 2005)
The FANTOM Consortium and RIKEN Genome Exploration Research Group and Genome Science Group (Genome Network Project Core Group)
Examination of RNA transcripts from the mouse genome defines transcriptional boundaries and identifies new complementary DNAs, proteins, and noncoding RNAs.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1533
See related Viewpoint at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5740/1529
Antisense Transcription in the Mammalian Transcriptome (2 September 2005)
RIKEN Genome Exploration Research Group and Genome Science Group (Genome Network Project Core Group) and the FANTOM Consortium
Some pairs of complementary RNA transcripts are expressed discordantly in the mouse genome, as expected, whereas others are regulated together.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1564
See related Viewpoint at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5740/1529
A Strategy for Probing the Function of Noncoding RNAs Finds a Repressor of NFAT (2 September 2005)
A. T. Willingham, A. P. Orth, S. Batalov, E. C. Peters, B. G. Wen, P. Aza-Blanc, J. B. Hogenesch, P. G. Schultz
A screen for the function of noncoding RNAs in human cells identifies an RNA repressor that probably regulates movement of a transcription factor into the nucleus.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1570
See related Viewpoint at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5740/1527
Inhibition of Translational Initiation by Let-7 MicroRNA in Human Cells (2 September 2005)
R. S. Pillai, S. N. Bhattacharyya, C. G. Artus, T. Zoller, N. Cougot, E. Basyuk, E. Bertrand, W. Filipowicz
A human microRNA regulates gene expression by inhibiting translation initiation, possibly by binding to the cap structure at the 5 ¢ end of the targeted messenger RNA.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1573
Modulation of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Abundance by a Liver-Specific MicroRNA (2 September 2005)
C. L. Jopling, M. Yi, A. M. Lancaster, S. M. Lemon, P. Sarnow
Hepatitis C virus exploits a host-encoded microRNA to increase its levels of its own RNA, suggesting new approaches to antiviral therapy.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1577
Recombination Regulation by Transcription-Induced Cohesin Dissociation in rDNA Repeats (2 September 2005)
T. Kobayashi and A. R. D. Ganley
Transcription of noncoding sequences between the genes for ribosomal RNA dissociates an inhibitory protein, promoting an increase in the number of rRNA genes.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1581
An mRNA Is Capped by a 2 ¢ ,5 ¢ Lariat Catalyzed by a Group I–Like Ribozyme (2 September 2005)
H. Nielsen, E. Westhof, S. Johansen
A natural ribozyme can generate a lariat-shaped structure at one end of a messenger RNA molecule, perhaps to serve as its protective cap.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1584
See related Viewpoint at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5740/1530
Accurate Multiplex Polony Sequencing of an Evolved Bacterial Genome (9 September 2005)
J. Shendure, G. J. Porreca, N. B. Reppas, X. Lin, J. P. McCutcheon, A. M. Rosenbaum, M. D. Wang, K. Zhang, R. D. Mitra, G. M. Church
DNA can be sequenced routinely at about one-tenth the cost of conventional sequencing with off-the-shelf instruments and reagents.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1728
STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Inositol Hexakisphosphate Is Bound in the ADAR2 Core and Required for RNA Editing (2 September 2005)M. R. Macbeth, H. L.Schubert, A. P. VanDemark, A. T.Lingam, C. P. Hill, B. L. Bass
An enzyme that “edits” messenger RNA by converting adenosine to inosine contains an essential inositol hexakisphosphate at its core, possibly to stabilize a protein fold.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1534
Structural Evidence for a Two-Metal-Ion Mechanism of Group I Intron Splicing (2 September 2005)
M. R. Stahley and S. A. Strobel
A catalytically active RNA intermediate uses the same arrangement of two magnesium ions to transfer phosphates, as is found in many protein phosphotransferases.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1587
Structure of SARS Coronavirus Spike Receptor-Binding Domain Complexed with Receptor (16 September 2005)
F. Li, W. Li, M. Farzan, S. C. Harrison
Details of the interaction of the SARS virus with its host receptor show how changes in a few amino acids can facilitate infection from species to species and among humans.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1864
See related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5742/1822
Toward High-Resolution de Novo Structure Prediction for Small Proteins (16 September 2005)
P. Bradley, K. M. S. Misura, D. Baker
The structure of small proteins can now be predicted accurately starting with estimates of likely structures and a realistic all-atom free-energy function.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1868
Structure of PTB Bound to RNA: Specific Binding and Implications for Splicing Regulation (23 September 2005)
F. C. Oberstrass, S. D. Auweter, M. Erat, Y. Hargous, A. Henning, P. Wenter, L. Reymond, B. Amir-Ahmady, S. Pitsch, D. L. Black, F. H.-T. Allain
The stru c t u re of an RNA binding protein indicates that its multiple binding domains cause looping in the RNA, s u ggesting a mechanism for regulation of RNA splicing.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2054
Direct Observation of the Three-State Folding of a Single Protein Molecule (23 September 2005)
C. Cecconi, E. A. Shank, C. Bustamante, S. Marqusee
Manipulation of individual ribonuclease molecules with optical tweezers reveals that they fold via an intermediate held together by cohesive interactions, which is nevertheless highly deformable.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2057
Xanthorhodopsin: A Proton Pump with a Light-Harvesting Carotenoid Antenna (23 September 2005)
S. P. Balashov, E. S. Imasheva, V. A. Boichenko, J. Antón, J. M. Wang, J. K. Lanyi
Adding a carotenoid to a retinal-based proton pump expands the spectrum of light energy that can be absorbed and conve rted into an electro chemical proton gradient.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2061
Tryptophan 7-Halogenase (PrnA) Structure Suggests a Mechanism for Regioselective Chlorination (30 September 2005)
C. Dong, S. Flecks, S. Unversucht, C. Haupt, K.-H. van Pée, J. H. Naismith
A flavin-dependent halogenase acts by reacting with Cl – to form HOCl, which then migrates through a tunnel to specifically chlorinate the 7-position of tryptophan.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2216
Rev1 Employs a Novel Mechanism of DNA Synthesis Using a Protein Template (30 September 2005)
D. T. Nair, R. E. Johnson, L. Prakash, S. Prakash, A. K. Aggarwal
A specialized polymerase is guided by its own structure to incorporate cytosine opposite guanine residues, rather than by base complementarity.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2219
GENETICS
Elucidation of the Small RNA Component of the Transcriptome (2 September 2005)
C. Lu, S. S. Tej, S. Luo, C. D. Haudenschild, B. C. M eyers, P. J.Green
An extensive analysis of transcribed RNAs in the plant Arabidopsis identifies 10 times more small RNAs than had previously been described.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1567
See related Viewpoint at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5740/1525
A Human-Specific Gene in Microglia (9 September 2005)
T. Hayakawa, T. Angata, A. L. Lewis, T. S. Mikkelsen, N. M. Varki, A. Varki
A human-specific gene expressed only in glial cells of the brain apparently arose from conversion of the ancestral gene by a nonfunctional pseudogene in a common human chimp ancestor.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1693
Microcephalin , a Gene Regulating Brain Size, Continues to Evolve Adaptively in Humans (9 September 2005)
P. D. Evans, S. L. Gilbert, N. Mekel-Bobrov, E. J. Vallender, J. R. Anderson, L. M. Vaez-Azizi, S. A. Tishkoff, R. R. Hudson, B. T. Lahn
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1717
Ongoing Adaptive Evolution of ASPM , a Brain Size Determinant in Homo sapiens (9 September 2005)
N. Mekel-Bobrov, S. L. Gilbert, P. D. Evans, E. J. Vallender, J. R. Anderson, R. R. Hudson, S. A. Tishkoff, B. T. Lahn
Two genes that are required for the human brain to develop to its normal size show traces of recent positive selection and rapid evolution.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1720
Parallel Patterns of Evolution in the Genomes and Transcriptomes of Humans and Chimpanzees (16 September 2005)
P. Khaitovich, I. Hellmann, W. Enard, K. Nowick, M. Leinweber, H. Franz, G. Weiss, M. Lachmann, S. Pääbo
Similar genes are expressed in many organs of the chimp and human; those expressed in the testes have evolved considerably in both species, as have those expressed in the human brain.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1850
An Aneuploid Mouse Strain Carrying Human Chromosome 21 with Down Syndrome Phenotypes (23 September 2005)
A. O'Doherty, S. Ruf, C. Mulligan, V. Hildreth, M. L. Errington, S. Cooke, A. Sesay, S. Modino, L. Vanes, D. Hernandez et al.
Mice carrying most of human chromosome 21 in each cell have developmental and learning difficulties similar to those found in Down's Syndrome, providing a way to study this disorder.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2033
CELL/DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
PUMA Couples the Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Proapoptotic Function of p53 (9 September 2005)
J. E. Chipuk, L. Bouchier-Hayes, T. Kuwana, D. D. Newmeyer, D. R. Green
A protein known to modulate cell death is found to coordinate the nuclear and cytoplasmic actions of a tumor suppressor that causes death in stressed or damaged cells.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1732
See related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5741/1685
Achieving Stability of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced NF- ?B Activation (16 September 2005)
M. W. Covert, T. H. Leung, J. E. Gaston, D. Baltimore
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1854
Stimulus Specificity of Gene Expression Programs Determined by Temporal Control of IKK Activity (16 September 2005)
S. L. Werner, D. Barken, A. Hoffmann
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1857
Modeling and experiments show how a key transcription factor uses biochemical feedback in two separate pathways to trigger either sustained or transient inflammation.
HST2 Mediates SIR2 -Independent Life-Span Extension by Calorie Restriction (16 September 2005)
D. W. Lamming, M. Latorre-Esteves, O. Medvedik, S. N. Wong, F. A. Tsang, C. Wang, S.-J. Lin, D. A. Sinclair
Two members of a protein family that stabilizes the repetitive genes encoding ribosomal RNA enable rodents to live longer when fed a low-calorie diet.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1861
Direct Isolation of Satellite Cells for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration (23 September 2005)
D. Montarras, J. Morgan, C. Collins, F. Relaix, S. Zaffran, A. Cumano, T. Partridge, M. Buckingham
Satellite muscle cells isolated from the diaphragm of a healthy mouse can restore function when grafted into muscles of a dystrophic mouse.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2064
Regulation of Mammalian Tooth Cusp Patterning by Ectodin (23 September 2005)
Y. Kassai, P. Munne, Y. Hotta, E. Penttilä, K. Kavanagh, N. Ohbayashi, S. Takada, I. Thesleff, J. Jernvall, N. Itoh
An inhibitory molecule is found to shape the topology of the mammalian tooth surface, perhaps controlling the evolution of teeth.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2067
Hsp90 Potentiates the Rapid Evolution of New Traits: Drug Resistance in Diverse Fungi (30 September 2005)
L. E. Cowen and S. Lindquist
A molecular chaperone promotes the evolution of drug resistance by acting on a calcium regulatory protein; this effect can be blocked, inhibiting the development of resistance.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2185
Related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5744/2175
IP 3 Receptor Types 2 and 3 Mediate Exocrine Secretion Underlying Energy Metabolism (30 September 2005)
A. Futatsugi, T. Nakamura, M. K. Yamada, E. Ebisui, K. Nakamura, K. Uchida, T. Kitaguchi, H. Takahashi-Iwanaga, T. Noda, J. Aruga, K. Mikoshiba
Certain subtypes of an intracellular lipid hormone receptor are required in the salivary glands and the pancreas for secretion of proteins necessary for proper digestion.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2232
Transmembrane Protein GDE2 Induces Motor Neuron Differentiation in Vivo (30 September 2005)
M. Rao and S. Sockanathan
A membrane enzyme that metabolized extracellular lipids is necessary and sufficient to induce the development of spinal motor neurons.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2212
Lymphocyte Sequestration Through S1P Lyase Inhibition and Disruption of S1P Gradients (9 September 2005)
S. R. Schwab, J. P. Pereira, M. Matloubian, Y. Xu, Y. Huang, J. G. Cyster
A compound in a food additive interferes with a biochemical gradient that lures immune cells into the blood, suggesting a way in which drugs could suppress an overactive immune system.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1735
See related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5741/1682
Plague Bacteria Target Immune Cells During Infection (9 September 2005)
M. M. Marketon, R. W. DePaolo, K. L. DeBord, B. Jabri, O. Schneewind
Bacteria that cause plague hamper the host's immune defenses by targeting certain immune cells—dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils—but not B and T lymphocytes.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1735
Extensive Diversity of Ig-Superfamily Proteins in the Immune System of Insects (16 September 2005)
F. L. Watson, R. Püttmann-Holgado, F. Thomas, D. L. Lamar, M. Hughes, M. Kondo, V. I. Rebel, D. Schmucker
Unexpectedly, insects have an alternatively spliced gene that codes for 19,000 protein isoforms that may provide immune protection against diverse pathogens.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1874
See related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5742/1826
Major Biocontrol of Plant Tumors Targets tRNA Synthetase (2 September 2005)
J. S .Reader, P. T.Ordoukhanian, J.-G. Kim, V. de Crécy-Lagard, I. Hw ang, S. F arrand, P. Schimmel
A biocontrol agent for the crown gall virus acts by inactivating the transfer RNA synthetase for leucine, an approach that might be useful in targeting other plant diseases.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5740/1533
The mRNA of the Arabidopsis Gene FT Moves from Leaf to Shoot Apex and Induces Flowering (9 September 2005)
T. Huang, H. Böhlenius, S. Eriksson, F. Parcy, O. Nilsson
The long-sought “florigen” that moves from leaf to shoot and induces flowering as days lengthen is the messenger RNA for the Flowering Locus T gene FT.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5741/1694
Characterization of a Phytophthora Mating Hormone (16 September 2005)
J. Qi, T. Asano, M. Jinno, K. Matsui, K. Atsumi, Y. Sakagami, M. Ojika
A mating hormone is identified for a common group of fungi that cause potato blight, among other diseases.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1828
Genetic Engineering of Terpenoid Metabolism Attracts Bodyguards to Arabidopsis (23 September 2005)
I. F. Kappers, A. Aharoni, T. W. J. M. van Herpen, L. L. P. Luckerhoff, M. Dicke, H. J. Bouwmeester
A plant can be engineered to protect itself by making and releasing terpenoid compounds when attacked by insect herbivores, which in turn attract predators to consume the pest.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5743/2070
Experience-Driven Plasticity of Visual Cortex Limited by Myelin and Nogo Receptor (30 September 2005)
A. W. McGee, Y. Yang, Q. S. Fischer, N. W. Daw, S. M. Strittmatter
A cell signaling receptor in mice that controls myelination, among other things, is required to terminate the critical period for developing binocular vision.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2222
Direct Evidence for a Parietal-Frontal Pathway Subserving Spatial Awareness in Humans (30 September 2005)
M. Thiebaut de Schotten, M. Urbanski, H. Duffau, E. Volle, R. Lévy, B. Dubois, P. Bartolomeo
In conscious humans, a neural pathway that carries information to the frontal lobe is found to be necessary for spatial awareness.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2226
Related Perspective at http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/309/5744/2172
Breakdown of Cortical Effective Connectivity During Sleep (30 September 2005)
M. Massimini, F. Ferrarelli, R. Huber, S. K. Esser, H. Singh, G. Tononi
Neural activity spreads to distant areas of the brain in humans when awake but not when sleeping.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5744/2228
Suppression of Aging in Mice by the Hormone Klotho (16 September 2005)
H. Kurosu, M. Yamamoto, J. D. Clark, J. V. Pastor, A. Nandi, P. Gurnani, O. P. McGuinness, H. Chikuda, M. Yamaguchi, H. Kawaguchi, et al.
A fragment of a membrane protein circulating in the blood of mice increases life span when it binds to a cell surface receptor for insulin and insulin-like peptides.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1829
Azathioprine and UVA Light Generate Mutagenic Oxidative DNA Damage (16 September 2005)
P. O'Donovan, C. M. Perrett, X. Zhang, B. Montaner, Y.-Z. Xu, C. A. Harwood, J. M. McGregor, S. L. Walker, F. Hanaoka, P. Karran
An immunosuppressant drug given to organ transplant recipients enhances mutations attributed to ultraviolet light, possibly explaining their high rates of skin cancer.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/309/5742/1871
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This month’s BioMed Roundup is sponsored by the AAAS Online Store
The new AAAS online store offers AAAS/Science branded merchandise such as shirts, backpacks, and pens. AAAS members save 10% on all purchases. Obtain your discount by entering coupon code ADA5 prior to processing your completed order at http://aaasstore.epromo.com.