Characterization of the genetic determinants of SsoII-restriction endonuclease and modification methyltransferase.

The genes encoding SsoI and SsoII restriction endonuclease (ENase) and methyltransferase (MTase) are located on the small plasmids P6 and P4, respectively, of Shigella sonnei strain 47. Functions provided by plasmids P5, P7 and P9, which include colicinogenicity and immunity to colicin E1, resistance to streptomycin (Sm), and conjugative DNA transfer, respectively, have also been identified. The genes of the SsoII restriction-modification (R-M) system have been cloned into Escherichia coli expressing the 35-kDa (ENase) and 43-kDa (MTase) products.

Activation of guanylate cyclase and the regulatory role of cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate.

The effect of dithiothreitol on the activity of soluble guanylate cyclase and on enzyme activation by sodium nitroprusside and free stable radical was studied. A higher degree of oxidation of guanylate cyclase from rat platelets in comparison with that of the enzyme from human platelets was found, which influences both the value of the enzyme activity and its regulation. It was shown that dithiothreitol enhanced the stimulating effect of nitroprusside but inhibited the activation of guanylate cyclase by free radical, which was suggestive of a difference in the mechanisms of the activating effect of these agents.

Collagen and fibronectin synthesis by trisomic and triploid fibroblasts from human spontaneous abortuses.

Collagen and fibronectin synthesis by trisomic and triploid fibroblasts derived from human spontaneous abortuses was studied. It was demonstrated that the level of fibronectin and collagen production in fibroblasts with trisomy 7, trisomy 9, and triploidy was reduced as compared with diploid cells. A correlation between this observation and an increased rate of intracellular 14C-procollagen degradation was also established for the anomalous strains.

Factors of activation and stabilization of DNA-methylases from Shigella sonnei 47 and Mycobacterium smegmatis butyricum cells.

A comparative study of factors of activation and stabilization of individual DNA-methylases from two bacterial strains--Shigella sonnei 47 and Mycobacterium smegmatis butyricum--isolated by isoelectrofocusing in a pH gradient has been carried out. Storage of enzymes at +4 degrees C (pH 7.5) is accompanied by periodic changes in the methylating activity.

Bivalent cation and ATP requirements of endonucleases from rat liver nuclei.

The distribution of different types of DNase in rat liver nuclei was determined after a purification procedure involving ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. As major enzymes Ca2+, Mg2+-dependent endonuclease, Mn2+-dependent endonuclease and an acid endonuclease were identified, sharing 60, 20 and 10% of the total activity, respectively. Mn2+-dependent endonuclease is a novel enzyme with a molecular mass of 30 +/- 5 kilodaltons.