Comparative genomics of the Hlx homeobox gene and protein: Conservation of structure and expression from fish to mammals
GENE
Authors: Bates, MD; Well, JM; Venkatesh, B
Abstract
Hlx is a homeobox transcription factor gene that is expressed in intestinal and hepatic mesenchyme of the developing mouse embryo and is essential for normal intestinal and hepatic development. Because of the morphological and molecular similarities in the development of the digestive system across species, we hypothesized that the Hlx gene and protein sequences and expression patterns would be conserved among vertebrates. Comparison of the Hlx gene orthologues of human, chimpanzee, mouse, rat, pufferfish (Fugu) and zebrafish demonstrates that these six genes share an identical organization with four exons and three introns. Comparison of the inferred Hlx protein sequences from these and three additional species (chick, Spanish ribbed newt and rainbow trout) reveals significant sequence identity, with identical homeodomains. The expression of Hlx in the mesenchyme of developing chick embryos is highly similar to that of mouse. Fugu Hlx is expressed in a tissue-specific manner that is similar though not identical to that of mouse, suggesting a conservation of Hlx function between mammals and birds. The mammalian and fish Hlx genes share a putative 5' upstream enhancer as well as an inverted repeat containing CCAAT boxes on opposite strands that we have previously shown to be important for mouse Hlx gene expression. These results suggest that the function of Hlx and the mechanisms regulating its expression are highly conserved in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Spectral Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of 2-Methyl-6-(5-H/Me/Cl/NO2-1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)-Phenols and Some Transition Metal Complexes
RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Authors: Tavman, Aydin; Ikiz, Serkan; Bagcigil, A. Funda; Ozgur, N. Yakut; Ak, Seyyal
Abstract
2-Methyl-6-(5-H/methyl/chloro/nitro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-phenols (HLx : x = 1-4) ligands and HL1 complexes with Fe(NO3)(3), Cu(NO3)(2), AgNO3, Zn(NO3)(2) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of the compounds were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic moment, FT-IR, H-1- and C-13-NMR. Antibacterial activity of the free ligands, their hydrochloride salts and the complexes were evaluated using the disk diffusion method in dimethyl sulfoxide as well as the minimum inhibitory concentration dilution method, against nine bacteria. While HL1 ligand has not any activity, it's Ag(I) complex show antibacterial effect toward almost to all the bacteria. Zn(II) complex has antibacterial effect on especially K. pneumoniae, S. epidermidis and S. aureus bacteria.