New Analogues of Proline-Rich Protein Fragments. Synthesis and Their Effect on Resistance of Murine Thymocytes to Hydrocortisone

New analogues of proline-rich protein (PRP) fragment were synthesized by the solid phase method using Boc/Bzl procedure. Dimer of the nonapeptide as well as dimer, trimer and tetramer of hexapeptide fragments of PRP possessing immunotropic activity were obtained. Effect of the peptides on the resistance of murine thymocytes to hydrocortisone was the same as that of the reference compounds (hexapeptide and nonapeptide). Key words: PRP fragments analogues, solid phase peptide synthesis, immunotropic activity A proline-rich protein (PRP) was isolated by Janusz et al. from ovine colostrum The aim of the present paper was to obtain synthetic analogues of NP and HP, which could replace PRP isolated from colostrum and might show the same or even Biochem., 138, 9 (1984)]

Structural and dynamic characterization of copper(11) binding of the human prion protein outside the octarepeat region

Human prion protein (hPrP) fragments encompassing the 91-120 region, namely hPrP92-100 (SP1), hPrP106-113 (SP2), hPrP91-120 (M), and hPrP91-114 (LP2), were considered for delineation of the Cu-II-binding site(s). NMR and EPR spectroscopy results obtained from LP1 or LP2 were compared with those obtained from SP1 and SP2. The coexistence of two binding sites, one centered at His96 and the other at His111, was evidenced and ratified by ESI mass spectrometry at low and high metal:peptide ratios. While room-temperature NMR spectroscopy data were consistent with the binding site centered on His111 being approximately fourfold stronger than that centered on His96, low-temperature EPR spectroscopy results yielded evidence for the opposite trend. This disagreement, which has also occurred in the literature, was clarified by temperature-dependent molecular dynamics runs that demonstrated Met112 approaching the metal at room temperature, a process that is expected to stabilize the His111-centered binding site through hydrophobic shielding of the metal coordination sphere

Structural and dynamic characterization of copper(II) binding of the human prion protein outside the octarepeat region

none13noneA. Janicka-Kłos; D. Valensin; F. Berti; C. Migliorini; R. Guerrini; R. Pogni; M. Remelli; A. Legowska; H. Miecznikowska; K. Rolka; E. Gaggelli; G. Valensin; H. KozłowskiA., Janicka Kłos; D., Valensin; F., Berti; C., Migliorini; Guerrini, Remo; R., Pogni; Remelli, Maurizio; A., Legowska; H., Miecznikowska; K., Rolka; E., Gaggelli; G., Valensin; H., Kozłowsk

Structural and dynamic characterization of Cu(II) binding of the human prion protein (hPrP) outside the octarepeat region

Human prion protein (hPrP) fragments encompassing the 91–120 region, namely hPrP92–100 (SP1), hPrP106–113 (SP2), hPrP91–120 (LP1), and hPrP91–114 (LP2), were considered for delineation of the CuII-binding site(s). NMR and EPR spectroscopy results obtained from LP1 or LP2 were compared with those obtained from SP1 and SP2. The coexistence of two binding sites, one centered at His96 and the other at His111, was evidenced and ratified by ESI mass spectrometry at lowand high metal:peptide ratios. While room-temperature NMR spectroscopy data were consistent with the binding site centered on His111 being approximately fourfold stronger than that centered on His96, low-temperature EPR spectroscopy results yielded evidence for the opposite trend. This disagreement, which has also occurred in the literature, was clarified by temperature- dependent molecular dynamics runs that demonstrated Met112 approaching the metal at room temperature, a process that is expected to stabilize the His111-centered binding site through hydrophobic shielding of the metal coordination sphere

Tuberculosis elimination: theory and practice in Europe

Although Europe identified the pathway to tuberculosis (TB) elimination in 1990, no information on programmes for country preparedness is available. A questionnaire investigating TB elimination activities was submitted to 38 national TB programme representatives of low TB incidence (<20 cases per 100 000 population) European countries/territories of the World Health Organization European region. Out of 31 providing a complete answer, 17 (54.8%) reported to have a dedicated national TB programme, 20 (64.5%) a national plan including TB elimination (13 (41.9%) including targets), 22 (71%) guidelines, 14 (45.2%) a specific budget for TB activities, and 23 (74.2%) TB reference centres. All countries reported having case-based electronic TB surveillance, 19 (61.3%) perform regular supervision, 12 (38.7%) have a monitoring and evaluation plan and five (16.1%) perform modelling. In three countries (9.7%), TB health services are free for insured individuals only. In 22 countries/territories (71%) not all TB drugs were available, while in 12 (38.7%) drug stock-outs have been described. Although high-risk group screening for latent TB infection is performed by the majority of countries, only 6 (19.4%) provided figures on preventive treatment completion rates. Not all elements identified as essential for country preparedness to achieve TB elimination are available in the countries surveyed