Simple method for large-scale production of macrophage activating factor GcMAF.

Human group-specific component protein (Gc protein) is a multifunctional serum protein which has three common allelic variants, Gc1F, Gc1S and Gc2 in humans. Gc1 contains an O-linked trisaccharide [sialic acid-galactose-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)] on the threonine (Thr) residue and can be converted to a potent macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) by selective removal of sialic acid and galactose, leaving GalNAc at Thr. In contrast, Gc2 is not glycosylated.

Functional characterization of the neuron-restrictive silencer element in the human tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene expression.

Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the key enzyme in the synthesis of neuronal serotonin. Although previous studies suggest that TPH2 neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE) functions as a negative regulator dependent on neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) activity, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we show a detailed analysis of the NRSE-mediated repression of the human TPH2 (hTPH2) promoter activity in RN46A cells, a cell line derived from rat raphe neurons.

l-Leucylglycylglycine.

In the title compound, C10H19N3O4, the N- and C-termini are protonated and ionized, respectively, and the mol-ecule forms a zwitterion. The main chain is in a folded form. In the crystal, the N-terminal -NH3 (+) group hydrogen bonds to three C-terminal -COO groups and one carbonyl O atom, forming a three-dimensional network.

Nucleotide sequence for cDNA of bovine mitochondrial ATP-dependent protease and determination of N-terminus of the mature enzyme from the adrenal cortex.

We have determined the cDNA sequence encoding bovine mitochondrial ATP-dependent Lon protease. Since the 5'-end region of the cDNA was highly GC-rich and thus could not be amplified by the 5'-RACE method, a genomic DNA fragment containing an in-frame ATG was isolated and sequenced. The translated amino acid sequence contained 961 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight 106,665.

Oxidized galectin-1 stimulates macrophages to promote axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves after axotomy.

Various neurotrophic factors that promote axonal regeneration have been investigated in vivo, but the signals that prompt neurons to send out processes in peripheral nerves after axotomy are not well understood. Previously, we have shown oxidized galectin-1 (GAL-1/Ox) promotes initial axonal growth after axotomy in peripheral nerves. However, the mechanism by which GAL-1/Ox promotes axonal regeneration remains unclear and is the subject of the present study.