BACKGROUND/AIMS Recent genome-wide analyses have provided strong evidence concerning adverse events caused by thiopurine drugs such as azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine. The strong associations identified between NUDT15 p.Arg139Cys and thiopurine-induced leukopenia and severe hair loss have been studied and confirmed over the last 2 years. However, other coding variants, including NUDT15 ...

We have identified the major enzymatic activity responsible for the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methylation of arginine residues (EC 2.1.1.23) in proteins of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The RMT1 (protein-arginine methyltransferase), formerly ODP1, gene product encodes a 348-residue polypeptide of 39.8 kDa that catalyzes both the NG-mono- and NG, NG-asymmetric dimethylation of argi...

The glutathione transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) (GSTs) are a family of enzymes involved in the mechanism of cellular detoxification. They catalyze the nucleophilic attack of glutathione on the electrophilic centre of a number of toxic compounds. The cytosolic enzymes have two active sites per dimmer which behave independently of one another. The homodimeric (26 kDa per subunit) glutathione S-transfe...

Intestinal glutathione S-transferase activities were measured during the GEEP Workshop in flounder Platichthys flesus collected from Langesundfjord, Norway. Though enzyme activities were generally higher in fish collected from 3 polluted sites by comparison with a reference site, the only significant differences in activities between the 3 sites ran counter to the anticipated pollution gradient...

We describe an ultramicromethod for measurement of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity. The materials used are as proposed by Hösli (Clin Chem 1977;23:1476-84) for antenatal diagnosis. The technique is based on the methods of Beutler and Kuhl (Am J Clin Pathol 1978;70:733-7) and Yasmineh et al. (Clin Chem 1980; 26:891-5). The procedure makes it possible to reduce the blood sample to ...

BACKGROUND Central Europe presents with the highest incidence of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. As sporadic CRC represents a typical multifactorial disease, it is characterized by intense interaction of the genetic background with the environment. Glutathione S-transferases could act as attractive susceptibility genes for CRC, as they are directly involved in conjugation between gl...

The distribution of catechol-O-methyl transferase and monoamine oxidase activity in the ocular tissues of albino rabbits has been determined with a radioactive tracer assay. The distribution of the former varied in the different tissues within a restricted range whereas the distribution of monoamine oxidase activity exhibited larger variations. Sympathetic denervation did not appear to affect c...

Dose-response curves of increase in pupil size and decrease in intraocular pressure with topical epinephrine have been determined in the sympathetically denervated rabbit eye. Topical pretreatment with the catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor U-0521 potentiated the effects of epinephrine on both the pupil and pressure. These observations suggest a possible role for catechol-O-methyl transfer...