Diversity of conotoxin types from Conus californicus reflects a diversity of prey types and a novel evolutionary history.

Most species within the genus Conus are considered to be specialists in their consumption of prey, typically feeding on molluscs, vermiform invertebrates or fish, and employ peptide toxins to immobilize prey. Conus californicus Hinds 1844 atypically utilizes a wide range of food sources from all three groups. Using DNA- and protein-based methods, we analyzed the molecular diversity of C. californicus toxins and detected a correspondingly large number of conotoxin types. We identified cDNAs corresponding to seven known cysteine-frameworks containing over 40 individual inferred peptides. Additionally, we found a new framework (22) with six predicted peptide examples, along with two forms of a new peptide type of unusual length. Analysis of leader sequences allowed assignment to known superfamilies in only half of the cases, and several of these showed a framework that was not in congruence with the identified superfamily. Mass spectrometric examination of chromatographic fractions from whole venom served to identify peptides corresponding to a number of cDNAs, in several cases differing in their degree of posttranslational modification. This suggests differential or incomplete biochemical processing of these peptides. In general, it is difficult to fit conotoxins from C. californicus into established toxin classification schemes. We hypothesize that the novel structural modifications of individual peptides and their encoding genes reflect evolutionary adaptation to prey species of an unusually wide range as well as the large phylogenetic distance between C. californicus and Indo-Pacific species.

A diverse family of novel peptide toxins from an unusual cone snail, Conus californicus.

Diversity among Conus toxins mirrors the high species diversity in the Indo-Pacific region, and evolution of both is thought to stem from feeding-niche specialization derived from intra-generic competition. This study focuses on Conus californicus, a phylogenetic outlier endemic to the temperate northeast Pacific. Essentially free of congeneric competitors, it preys on a wider variety of organisms than any other cone snail. Using molecular cloning of cDNAs and mass spectrometry, we examined peptides isolated from venom ducts to elucidate the sequences and post-translational modifications of two eight-cysteine toxins (cal12a and cal12b of type 12 framework) that block voltage-gated Na(+) channels. Based on homology of leader sequence and mode of action, these toxins are related to the O-superfamily, but differ significantly from other members of that group. Six of the eight cysteine residues constitute the canonical framework of O-members, but two additional cysteine residues in the N-terminal region define an O+2 classification within the O-superfamily. Fifteen putative variants of Cal12.1 toxins have been identified by mRNAs that differ primarily in two short hypervariable regions and have been grouped into three subtypes (Cal12.1.1-3). This unique modular variation has not been described for other Conus toxins and suggests recombination as a diversity-generating mechanism. We propose that these toxin isoforms show specificity for similar molecular targets (Na(+) channels) in the many species preyed on by C. californicus and that individualistic utilization of specific toxin isoforms may involve control of gene expression.

Elimination of lysosomal storage in brains of MPS VII mice treated by intrathecal administration of an adeno-associated virus vector.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by insufficient beta-glucuronidase (GUS). To provide gene therapy in a mutant mouse model of this disease, we have used a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector to deliver GUS cDNA to a variety of tissues. Although intravenous administration of vector produced therapeutic levels of GUS in the liver, delivery to the brain was inadequate. To improve delivery to the brain intrathecal injection of the vector into the cerebrospinal fluid was employed. This route of administration to either neonatal or adult mutant mice resulted in therapeutic levels of GUS in the brain and the elimination of storage granules in brain tissue.

Adeno-associated virus vectors can be efficiently produced without helper virus.

The purpose of this work was to develop an efficient method for the production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in the absence of helper virus. The adenovirus regions that mediate AAV vector replication were identified and assembled into a helper plasmid. These included the VA, E2A and E4 regions. When this helper plasmid was cotransfected into 293 cells, along with plasmids encoding the AAV vector, and rep and cap genes, AAV vector was produced as efficiently as when using adenovirus infection as a source of help. CMV-driven constructs expressing the E4orf6 and the 72-M(r), E2A proteins were able to functionally replace the E4 and E2A regions, respectively. Therefore the minimum set of genes required to produce AAV helper activity equivalent to that provided by adenovirus infection consists of, or is a subset of, the following genes: the E4orf6 gene, the 72-M(r), E2A protein gene, the VA RNA genes and the E1 region. AAV vector preparations made with adenovirus and by the helper virus-free method were essentially indistinguishable with respect to particle density, particle to infectivity ratio, capsimer ratio and efficiency of muscle transduction in vivo. Only AAV vector preparations made by the helper virus-free method were not reactive with anti-adenovirus sera.

Treatment of lysosomal storage disease in MPS VII mice using a recombinant adeno-associated virus.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a genetic deficiency of beta-glucuronidase (GUS). We used a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (AAV-GUS) to deliver GUS cDNA to MPS VII mice. The route of vector administration had a dramatic effect on the extent and distribution of GUS activity. Intramuscular injection of AAV-GUS resulted in high, localized production of GUS, while intravenous administration produced low GUS activity in several tissues. This latter treatment of MPS VII mice reduced glycosaminoglycan levels in the liver to normal and reduced storage granules dramatically. We show that a single administration of AAV-GUS can provide sustained expression of GUS in a variety of cell types and is sufficient to reverse the disease phenotype at least in the liver.

Phenolics induced in Beta vulgaris by Rhizoctonia solani infection.

Rhizoctonia solani inoculated sugarbeet roots produced the new beta-xyloside and beta-glucoside of 2'-hydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-5- methoxyisoflavone (betavulgarin) in response to infection. Also formed were 6,7-methylenedioxy-5-methoxyflavone, 6,7-methylenedioxy-5-methoxydihydroflavonol and 3'-methoxy-4',5,7-trihydroxy-dihydroflavonol, not reported previously in Beta vulgaris.

α-Tomatine and resistance of tomato cultivars toward the nematode,Meloidogyne incognita.

Susceptible and resistant tomato cultivars were assayed for root tomatine concentrations at different developmental times. No correlation between high tomatine levels and resistance towardMeloidogyne incognita was apparent. In plants infected with nematodes, tomatine in the roots was the same as in uninfected controls. Tomatine concentration, as measured by bulk analysis, does not appear to play an important role in resistance toward the nematode studied.

Mutagenicity of flavones, chromones and acetophenones in Salmonella typhimurium. New structure-activity relationships.

28 flavones and 11 structurally-related flavonoids, chromones, and acetophenones, were tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella typhimurium his reversion assay. 7 flavones, all of which were hydroxy- or methoxy-substituted at position 8, were moderate to strong mutagens in strain TA100 in the presence of rat liver S9 mix. In each case, the response of strain TA98 was either not significant or was very much weaker than that observed in strain TA100. The activation by S9 is not mediated by the microsomal cytochrome P450 system, since activation was not diminished when microsomes were removed by centrifugation at 100 000 X g. The observed strain specificity and structural requirements for activity indicate a mutagenic mechanism different from that associated with previously reported mutagenic flavonols (3-hydroxy-flavones) which are most active in strain TA98. The most mutagenic flavone investigated, 5,7,8-trihydroxy-flavone (norwogonin), had a potency of 17 revertants/nmole. Simplification of the chemical structures to hydroxy-substituted chromone and acetophenone systems revealed similar strain specificity, hydroxylation requirements, and S9 dependence within these structural classes, suggesting a similar activation pathway and mutagenic mechanism. The greatest mutagenic potency was observed within the flavone series, but significant potency was retained by similarly hydroxylated chromones and acetophenones. No mutagenic activity was observed in the absence of the aryl ketone moiety.

Growth inhibitors in tomato (Lycopersicon) to tomato fruitworm (Heliothis zea).

Several compounds that retard the larval growth of the tomato fruitworm,Heliothis zea (Boddie) have been isolated and identified from tomato leaves,Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. The major allelochemics are α-tomatine (I), chlorogenic acid (II), rutin (III), and a new caffeyl derivative of an aldaric acid (IV). The isolation, analyses, and toxicity of these compounds toH. zea are presented.

Diterpene acids as larval growth inhibitors.

Kaurenoic and trachylobanoic acids from sunflower inhibited larval development in several Lepidoptera species. The tricyclic resin acids were also effective in curtailing growth of Pectinophora gossypiella and either reduction to carbinol or esterification of the carboxyl group lowered activity. Partial reversal of growth inhibition in the presence of relatively large amounts of cholesterol suggests an interaction with the insects' hormonal system.