Structure of hydrogenase maturation protein HypF with reaction intermediates shows two active sites

[NiFe]-hydrogenases are multimeric proteins. The large subunit contains the NiFe(CN) 2CO bimetallic active center and the small subunit contains Fe-S clusters. Biosynthesis and assembly of the NiFe(CN) 2CO active center requires six Hyp accessory proteins. The synthesis of the CN - ligands is catalyzed by the combined actions of HypF and HypE using carbamoylphosphate as a substrate. We report the structure of Escherichia coli HypF(92-750) lacking the N-terminal acylphosphatase domain. HypF(92-750) comprises the novel Zn-finger domain, the nucleotide-binding YrdC-like domain, and the Kae1-like universal domain, also binding a nucleotide and a Zn 2+ ion. The two nucleotide-binding sites are sequestered in an internal cavity, facing each other and separated by 3c14 . The YrdC-like domain converts carbamoyl moiety to a carbamoyl adenylate intermediate, which is channeled to the Kae1-like domain. Mutations within either nucleotide-binding site compromise hydrogenase maturation but do not affect the carbamoylphosphate phosphatase activity. \ua9 2011 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Acoustic detection and satellite-tracking leads to discovery of rare concentration of endangered North Pacific right whales

The North Pacific right whale, Eubalaena japonica, is one of the most endangered species of whale in the world. On 10 August 2004, two right whales were located in the Bering Sea using headings to right whale calls provided by directional sonobuoys. A satellite-monitored radio tag attached to one of these whales functioned for 40 days. Over the 40-day period, this whale moved throughout a large part of the southeast Bering Sea shelf, including areas of the outer-shelf where right whales have not been seen in decades. In September, multiple right whales were acoustically located and subsequently sighted by another survey vessel approaching a near-real-time position from the tag. An analysis of photographs confirmed at least 17 individual whales (not including the tagged whales). Genetic analysis of biopsy samples identified 17 individuals: 10 males and 7 females. The discovery of seven females was significant, as only one female had been identified in the past. Genetics also confirmed the presence of at least two calves. Although the future of this population is highly uncertain, the discovery of additional females and calves gives some hope that this most critically endangered of all whale populations may still possess the capacity to recover

Examining markers in 8q24 to explain differences in evidence for association with cleft lip with/without cleft palate between Asians and Europeans

10.1002/gepi.21633Genetic Epidemiology364392-399GENY

X-linked markers in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene associated with oral clefts

10.1111/eos.12025European Journal of Oral Sciences121263-6

Evidence for gene-environment interaction in a genome wide study of nonsyndromic cleft palate

10.1002/gepi.20595Genetic Epidemiology356469-478GENY

Environmental Risk Factors in the Etiology of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Objectives Nonsyndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) etiology is multifactorial and heterogeneous. This study aimed to identify environmental risk factors related to NSOFC in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A case-control study carried out in seven hospitals in two main cities (Jeddah and Maddina) over 2 years on parents of 112 infants with NSOFC (infants were also examined) and 138 infant controls, matched for age (≤18 months), gender, and location, completed a questionnaire on 3-month pregestation and first trimester events. Results There was significantly increased NSOFC risk with twin pregnancies (P = .01, odds ratio [OR] = 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15 to 78.4), maternal antibiotic use (P = .021, OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.11 to 6.62), antiemetic medication (P = .005, OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.3 to 6), severe morning sickness (P = .006, OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.34 to 9.65), illness (P = .009, OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.17 to 4.08), common cold/flu (P = .003, OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.48 to 7.58), Jorak smoking (P = .004, OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 1.55 to 128.1), and passive smoking (P = .05, OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.01). Reduced NSOFC risk was found with calcium supplementation (P = .02, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.88), incense use (P = .03, OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.98), and maternal drinking water, with Zamzam water (which contains a high concentration of minerals) showing a significant protective effect compared with tap water (P = .01, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.6) and bottled water (P = .02, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.57). Conclusion Twin births, maternal antibiotic use, antiemetic medication, severe morning sickness, common cold/flu, Jorak smoking, and passive smoking were associated with infants born with NSOFC. Calcium supplementation, incense use, and Zamzam water reduced the risk of NSOFC, raising the possibility of community preventive programs