Characterization of a cDNA encoding a procine adipocyte membrane protein

In recent years, the general public has recognized the dangers of a high fat diet and are demanding meat with lower fat content. This demand has stimulated research in the growth and regulation of adipocytes. However, despite much effort, no adipocyte-specific plasma membrane markers from any species are available as an aid to accurately distinguish adipocytes from non-adipocytes. One potential candidate for such a marker in porcine adipocytes has been identified by Killefer and Hu (1990b). Characterization of the cDNA for this protein, designated porcine adipocyte membrane protein (PAMP), is presented here. Sequence for the 910 by clone is 80% similar to an internal region of a rat prostaglandin F[subscript 2α] receptor regulator protein (FPRP) described by Orlickey (1996). Western blot analysis suggests that the pig protein is a homotetramer held together with disulfide bonds which form very close to the transmembrane region making the tetramer extremely difficult to reduce to monomeric units. Oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a genomic fragment by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and for a reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay to study the expression of the mRNA. A 2114 bp genomic clone revealed one intron in the coding region. A serum-free primary cell culture system was used to study the expression of the mRNA. Although message was detected every day over a ten day period, it appeared to peak between 6 to 8 days after plating. The PAMP protein is clearly of the same family as the rat FPRP but its size and conformation are quite different so it is not clear what function it performs in porcine adipocytes. Further experiments should focus on attaining full length cDNA's, confirming the molecular conformation of the protein, and assessing its function in a serum-free primary cell culture system

Genome Sequences of Oceanicola granulosus HTCC2516T and Oceanicola batsensis HTCC2597T▿

Genome sequences from the prolific Roseobacter clade in the Alphaproteobacteria are beginning to reveal the genetic basis for the diverse lifestyles of these organisms. Here we present the genome sequences of Oceanicola granulosus HTCC2516T and Oceanicola batsensis HTCC2597T, two marine Roseobacter species isolated from the Sargasso Sea using dilution-to-extinction culturing, whose genomes encode for significant differences in metabolic potential

Genome Sequence of Lentisphaera araneosa HTCC2155T, the Type Species of the Order Lentisphaerales in the Phylum Lentisphaerae▿

Information on the genome content of deeply branching phyla with very few cultured members is invaluable for expanding understanding of microbial evolution. Lentisphaera araneosa HTCC2155T was isolated from the Oregon coast using dilution-to-extinction culturing. It is a marine heterotroph found in surface and mesopelagic waters in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and has the unusual property of producing a net-like matrix of secreted exopolysaccharide. Here we present the genome sequence of L. araneosa HTCC2155T, importantly, one of only two sequenced members of the phylum Lentisphaerae

Genome Sequence of Strain HTCC2083, a Novel Member of the Marine Clade Roseobacter▿

Strain HTCC2083 was isolated from Oregon seawater using dilution-to-extinction culturing and represents a novel member of the Roseobacter clade. The draft genome sequence of HTCC2083 is presented here. The genome is predicted to contain genes for aerobic anoxygenic phototrophy, sulfite-oxidizing chemolithotrophy, anapleurotic CO2 fixation, carbon monoxide oxidation, and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) utilization