Evolution of an antifreeze glycoprotein
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to identify transcriptionally active chimaeric genes that encode both an antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) polyprotein and the protease in the blood of Antarctic notothenioid fishes. This work confirms the protease origin of AFGP and shows how it was created. It was established by Southern-blot analysis of genomic DNA that chimaeric AFGP-protease genes also exist in other notothenioid species. It was possible to confirm that the AFGP sequence began as a small integral part of the ancestral protease gene, expanded and acquired independence by shedding the bulk of the protease sequence.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Convergent total synthesis of a tumour-associated mucin motif
Article Abstract:
It has been shown that synthetic glycoconjugates which imitate cell-surface tumour antigens trigger immune responses in humans, raising the possibility of vaccines based on glycopeptide antigen mimics. A new way of synthesizing tumour-associated mucin compounds is presented. The approach allows selected glycoforms to be incorporated into the peptide chain at any position, making them promising candidates for the development of anticancer vaccines.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Sequence specificity and transcriptional activation in the binding of lactoferrin to DNA
Article Abstract:
Examination of the high-affinity binding between lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, and DNA by quantitative filter binding assay reveals the existence of distinct sequence specificity in the binding reaction. Transcription activation is induced by the intracellular interaction of lactoferrin with these sequences. Substitutions in base positions of DNA decrease the binding activity as revealed by mutational analysis.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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