Kumiko Mizuno

A small nuclear RNA, U5, can transform cells in vitro.

Low-molecular-weight RNA exhibiting transforming potential was identified in chemically induced lymphoma cells by the transformation of mink lung cells after transfection. The RNA was sequenced by the direct chemical method and was shown to be a small nuclear RNA, U5. The transforming potential of the RNA was further studied in quantitative transformation assays using 3Y1, a rat fibroblastic cell line. Transformed foci appeared with a latency of 3 to 4 weeks after transfection. U5-transformed 3Y1 cells frequently carried an amplified c-myc oncogene. In addition, U5 induced chromosome aberrations in transfected cells, indicating that the RNA acts as a clastogen. Transforming and clastogenic potentials were specifically inactivated when U5 was incubated with RNase H in the presence of a complementary oligonucleotide. We discuss a possible mechanism of U5-induced cell transformation.

Ontogenetic Development of the Specific [3H]Nitrendipine Binding Sites in the Rat Whole Brain

[3H]Nitrendipine binding sites are localized much more in the synaptosomal membrane than in the mitochondrial and microsomal membranes. To use a whole homogenate (crude membrane fraction) for the purpose of observing nitrendipine binding sites in the synaptosomal membrane instead of P2-B fraction has its reason. The Bmax of specific nitrendipine binding in the rat brain increases linearly until it reaches to the adult level after birth. High affinity binding at early developmental stages shifts to low affinity after the 7 day postnatal stage. Autoradiographically, nitrendipine binding sites are rich in the interpeduncular nucleus, olfactory bulb, hippocampus and superior colliculus in an adult rat. In autoradiography, the density in the hippocampus increases gradually until it reaches the adult level at the 28 day postnatal stage.