Identification of proteins that interact with the central coiled-coil region of the human protein kinase NEK1.

NEK protein kinases are evolutionarily conserved kinases structurally related to the Aspergillus nidulans mitotic regulator NIMA. At least nine members of the NEK family in vertebrates have been described to date, but for most of them the interacting protein partners are unknown. The pleiotropic deleterious effects and the formation of kidney cysts caused by NEK1 mutation in mice emphasize its involvement in the regulation of diverse cellular processes and in the etiology of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), respectively.

A yeast-based model system for cloning secreted and membrane proteins.

The targeting of proteins to cell organelles and membranes, or of proteins destined to secretion, is coordinated by signal sequences located at the 5'-end of their respective genes. A signal sequence trap system was envisaged in which a truncated version of the yeast acid phosphatase pho5 gene lacking the start codon and signal sequence could serve as a reporter gene. A fraction enriched in 5'-end fragments obtained by PCR from a potato guard-cell cDNA library was cloned in frame to the acid phosphatase gene and the acid phosphatase activity was assayed directly in yeast colonies grown on selective medium.

The essential amino acid lysine acts as precursor of glutamate in the mammalian central nervous system.

Lysine has long been recognized as an essential amino acid for humans and the lack or low supply of this compound in the diet may lead to mental and physical handicaps. Since lysine is severely restricted in cereals, the most important staple food in the world, the understanding of its biological roles must be a major concern. Here we show that lysine is an important precursor for de novo synthesis of glutamate, the most significant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.

Photon emission by bacteria challenged with phenylacetaldehyde. A possible distinction between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

With all bacteria tested, addition of phenylacetaldehyde leads to light emission. The latter is markedly stronger with gram-negative bacteria, presumably because they possess a thinner wall and an extra external lipophilic membrane. Consistent with this explanation, the bactericidal effect of phenylacetaldehyde is also stronger with gram-negative bacteria.