Transcriptional profiling of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) roots indicates down-regulation of lignin biosynthesis and up-regulation of starch biosynthesis at an early stage of storage root formation.

Background: The number of fibrous roots that develop into storage roots determines sweetpotato yield. The aim of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation of storage root formation, by performing a detailed transcriptomic analysis of initiating storage roots using next-generation sequencing platforms. A two-step approach was undertaken: (1) generating a database for the sweetpotato root transcriptome using 454-Roche sequencing of a cDNA library created from pooled samples of two root types: fibrous and initiating storage roots; (2) comparing the expression profiles of initiating storage roots and fibrous roots, using the Illumina Genome Analyzer to sequence cDNA libraries of the two root types and map the data onto the root transcriptome database.

Olfactory discrimination byHeteropsylla cubana (Homoptera: Psyllidae) between susceptible and resistant species ofLeucaena (Leguminosae).

In the field, adult psyllids,Heteropsylla cubana Crawford, oriented significantly more towards the caged seedlings of susceptibleLeucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit than to those of the resistant tree species,Leucaena collinsii Britton & Rose, or the nonhostAmaranthus spinosus L. In a dual-choice bioassay using a still-air olfactometer, the females demonstrated a strong positive response to the hexane extract ofL.

Clinical pharmacokinetic study of tiazofurin administered as a 1-hour infusion.

Tiazofurin, 2-beta-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide, is cytotoxic to murine and human tumor cells. In earlier Phase-I/-II trials performed in other centers in patients with solid tumors, the drug was given mainly as a 10-min bolus or as a continuous i.v.

Down-regulation of c-myc and c-Ha-ras gene expression by tiazofurin in rat hepatoma cells.

There was an overexpression of the c-myc gene (11-fold) and of the c-Ha-ras gene (2-fold) in rat hepatoma 3924A cells compared to normal rat liver as measured by dot-blot analysis of total cytoplasmic RNA. The overexpression of c-myc was attributed to a 10- to 14-fold amplification and rearrangement of the c-myc sequences as determined by Southern blot analysis. The expression of the c-myc also was dependent upon the proliferative state of the hepatoma cells.

Biochemically directed therapy of leukemia with tiazofurin, a selective blocker of inosine 5'-phosphate dehydrogenase activity.

Tiazofurin (2-beta-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide, NSC 286193), a selective inhibitor of the activity of IMP dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.

Clinical and molecular impact of inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase activity by tiazofurin.

The impact of tiazofurin on inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase was discussed at the clinical and molecular levels. 1. Evidence was provided for the role of IMP dehydrogenase and guanylates in the expression of the neoplastic program in cancer cells with particular relevance to human leukemic cells.

Substituted ergolines: potential antipsychotics with unique profile. II. Neurochemical characterization.

A series of lumilysergol and lysergol derivatives were studied with a number of neurochemical methods. The compounds investigated showed heterogenous profiles on receptor binding tests. They were mostly active on D-2 receptors, but some alpha-1, alpha-2 and 5-HT-2 affinity could also be demonstrated.

Enzyme-pattern-targeted chemotherapy with tiazofurin and allopurinol in human leukemia.

The hypothesis was tested that the increased IMP dehydrogenase activity in human myelocytic leukemic cells, and along with it guanylate biosynthesis, might be a sensitive target to chemotherapy by tiazofurin. 1. IMP dehydrogenase activity in normal leukocytes was 3.

Hematological and biochemical action of tiazofurin (NSC 286193) in a case of refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

A patient with refractory acute myeloid leukemia was treated with tiazofurin, an agent that causes inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by depressing GTP concentrations in the malignant cells. The initial dose of 1100 mg/m2 was ineffective clinically and biochemically. Dose escalations to 1650, 2200, and finally 3300 mg/m2 resulted in a marked decrease in the absolute number of blasts without causing bone marrow hypoplasia or marked neutropenia.

Further studies on the biochemical characterization of the MC-29 virus derived transplantable hepatoma (VTH). II. Modification of cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate levels by catecholamines, glucagon and Vinca alkaloids in normal chicken liver and VTH.

Basic and stimulated intracellular cAMP concentrations were measured in normal chicken liver and MC-29-virus-derived transplantable hepatoma (VTH) slices after in vitro incubation. Data indicated the preservation of catecholamine receptor but a loss of glucagon receptor in VTH. Comparing the relative stimulatory action of various catecholamines on cAMP concentration it was concluded that as in normal liver a predominantly beta 2-adrenergic receptor exists in the VTH, but its response to adrenaline is greater.

Presence of GABA receptors in rat oviduct.

A low concentration of high-affinity, saturable and specific [3H]GABA binding sites has been identified in a membrane fraction of rat oviduct. The specific binding of [3H]GABA was displaced by unlabelled GABA, muscimol and bicuculline. Furthermore in oviductal slices, GABA and a known GABA receptor agonist, i.

Bicuculline-sensitive GABA receptors in rat ovary.

A specific [3H]GABA binding site, characterized by a kinetic constant of 52 nM and by a maximal binding capacity of 17 fmol/mg protein was identified in a membrane preparation of rat ovary. [3H]GABA binding was displaced by muscimol, unlabelled GABA or bicuculline. The accumulation of cyclic AMP in the slices of rat ovary was strongly increased by GABA or muscimol and these effects were antagonized by picrotoxin or bicuculline.