Genetic engineering of phytochrome biosynthesis in bacteria.
Authors: Gambetta G A; Lagarias J C;
Journal:Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
PubMed ID:11553807
The bilin prosthetic groups of the phytochrome photoreceptors and the light-harvesting phycobiliprotein antennae arise from the oxygen-dependent ring opening of heme. Two ferredoxin-dependent enzymes contribute to this conversion: a heme oxygenase and a bilin reductase with discrete double-bond specificity. Using a dual plasmid system, one expressing a truncated cyanobacterial apophytochrome ... More
Allurin, a 21-kDa sperm chemoattractant from Xenopus egg jelly, is related to mammalian sperm-binding proteins.
Authors: Olson J H; Xiang X; Ziegert T; Kittelson A; Rawls A; Bieber A L; Chandler D E;
Journal:Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
PubMed ID:11562501
Previously, we demonstrated that a protein from Xenopus egg jelly exhibits sperm chemoattractant activity when assayed by either video microscopy or by sperm passage across a porous filter. Here we describe the isolation and purification of allurin, the protein responsible for this activity. Freshly oviposited jellied eggs were soaked in ... More