Peptidyl-arginine deiminase: an additional marker of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) were thought to be more specific than rheumatoid factor (RF) for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The determination of anti-CCP in addition to RF could be helpful in the serological diagnosis and monitoring of patients with RA. Citrullination of proteins involves the enzymatic conversion of protein containing arginine residues to citrulline residues by the enzyme peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD).

Possible regulation of trehalose metabolism by methylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The current study was undertaken to correlate post-translational protein modification by methylation with the functionality of enzymes involved in trehalose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Trehalose is an economically important disaccharide providing protection against various kinds of stresses. It also acts as a source of cellular energy by storing glucose.

Lectin and serum-PSA interaction as a screening test for prostate cancer.

Objectives: The present investigation was designed to distinguish prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia by lectin-prostate specific antigen (PSA) binding.

Design And Methods: The quantitative precipitin method of concanavalin A (Con A)-carbohydrate interaction was explored with the serum PSA of patients suffering from prostatic complications.

Results: The carbohydrate content in the precipitate after binding of Con A with serum PSA of prostate cancer was significantly lower than that of benign prostate hyperplasia.

Immunodiagnosis of the primary brain tumor (glioma) by the endogenous lectin.

Background: A sugar-binding protein, lectin, was identified in the cystic fluid of brain tumor (glioma).

Methods: The protein was purified by high performance liquid chromatography.

Results: The molecular weight of the lectin was 29 kDa.