(1,3) beta-Glucan synthase activity of Neurospora crassa: identification of a substrate-binding protein.

(1,3)beta-Glucan synthase activity from the filamentous Ascomycete Neurospora crassa was purified 1300-fold to a specific activity of 14,000 nmol glucose incorporated/min per mg protein. Hyphae were disrupted and crude membrane fractions obtained by high-speed centrifugation. Membrane fractions were extracted with Tergitol NP-40 and a second high-speed particulate fraction was obtained.

Lipoprotein lipase gene expression in rat adipocytes is regulated by isoproterenol and insulin through different mechanisms.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is highly regulated by catecholamines and insulin in adipocytes. Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, decreases LPL enzyme activity, whereas insulin increases LPL activity. We have isolated an 868-basepair rat LPL cDNA clone to assess hormone-mediated changes in LPL steady state mRNA levels and LPL gene transcription rates in adipocytes.