Phase variation of HpuAB and HmbR, two distinct haemoglobin receptors of Neisseria meningitidis DNM2.

We have previously described HpuAB, a two-component receptor that mediates binding to haemoglobin (Hb), haemoglobin-haptoglobin (Hb-Hp) and apo-haptoglobin (Hp). In this communication, we constructed non-polar mutations in the hpuA and hpuB loci to examine the individual roles of HpuA and HpuB. Our results indicate that both HpuA and HpuB are required for the acquisition of Fe from Hb and Hb-Hp.

Regional differences and up-regulation of progesterone receptors in adipose tissues from oestrogen-treated sheep.

Differing risk factors between men and women for a number of vascular and metabolic diseases have been linked to regional obesity. The differences in the distribution of adipose tissues between men (abdominal or upper-body obesity) and women (gluteal/femoral or lower body obesity) suggest a role for sex steroids in the regional distribution of fat. Previous work from this laboratory has shown the presence of oestrogen receptor (ER) in gluteal, perirenal and omental adipose tissues of ewes with similar physical characteristics to the ER in uterine tissue.