Myosins, a large family of structurally diverse mechanoenzymes, which, upon interaction with actin filaments, convert energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force, play an important role in male reproductive proce...Myosins, a large family of structurally diverse mechanoenzymes, which, upon interaction with actin filaments, convert energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force, play an important role in male reproductive processes. In this study we report the rice ( Oryza sativa L.) RSSG58 gene, which was cloned from the cDNA library of rice sperm cells by using sperm cell mainly expression subtractive clone as probe. This gene encodes a putative 66.7 W polypeptide, which shows similarity to the myosin heavy chain of Arabidopsis thaliana, and consists of 579 amino acids with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.885. RSSG58, which is a member of a divergent gene family, generates transcripts of 2 278 bp and 2 437 bp that differ only in their polyadenylation sites. Southern hybridization showed that RSSG58 has only one copy in rice genome and RSSG58 transcripts are most abundant in sperm cells, with two distinct signals. The RT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcriptions of the RSSG58 gene were various in the different development stages and tissues. The greatest accumulation of RSSG58 mRNA was detected in sperm cells, while weaker expression was detected in leaves, microspore mother cells, unicellular microspore pollen stage, two-cell stage pollens, mature pollens and pollinated ovaries. These results suggest that RSSG58 is especially abundantly expressed in rice sperm cells.展开更多
PGIP gene was obtained from Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra, named BoPGIP2. The full length of BoPGIP2 gene is 1 102 bp and the exon is 993 bp which encodes a protein of 330 amino acids with a predicted molecular...PGIP gene was obtained from Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra, named BoPGIP2. The full length of BoPGIP2 gene is 1 102 bp and the exon is 993 bp which encodes a protein of 330 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 37.1 kDa, interrupted by one intron of 95 bp in, length. Sequence analysis revealed that it has five potential N-giycosylation sites, two protein kinase C phosphrylation sites, five casin kinase Ⅱ phosphrylation sites and four N-myristoylation sites. The amino acids sequences alignment confirmed that ^145 LRR stucture was highly conserved in all aligned PGIP sequences.展开更多
Insect pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play important roles in transporting hydrophobic pheromone components across the sensillum lymph to the surface of olfactory receptors (ORs). However, the PBPs of the orien...Insect pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play important roles in transporting hydrophobic pheromone components across the sensillum lymph to the surface of olfactory receptors (ORs). However, the PBPs of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, an important destructive pest of stone fruits worldwide, are not well characterized. In this study, two new putative PBP genes, GmolPBP2 and GmolPBP3, were identiifed from G. molesta antennae. The deduced amino-acid sequences of these two putative PBP genes are characteristic of the odorant binding protein family, containing six conserved cysteine residues. The genomic DNA sequence of each gene contained two introns. However, the lengths and positions of the introns differed. RT-PCR analyses revealed that the two GmolPBP genes are only expressed in the antennae of female and male moths. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the transcription levels of GmolPBP2 are far greater than those of GmolPBP3 in both female and male antennae. GmolPBP3 showed higher transcription levels in female antennae than in male antennae, while GmolPBP2 showed similar transcription levels in both female and male antennae. The transcript levels of both genes were signiifcantly different in premating and post-coitum individuals, implying that mating affects the process of sex pheromone reception. To better understand the functions, two GmolPBPs were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the ligand binding assays were conducted. Results showed that GmolPBP2 has strong binding afifnities to two sex pheromone components, E8-12:Ac and Z8-12:Ac, as well as weaker binding afifnities to Z8-12:OH and 12:OH. GmolPBP2 also bound some ordinary odor molecules. However, the afifnity of GmolPBP3 to both sex pheromones and ordinary odor molecules was very weak. These results show that GmolPBP2 plays the main role in pheromone discrimination and recognition in the oriental fruit moth.展开更多
A new member of antimicrobial protein genes of the Crustin family was cloned from haemocytes of the Chinese shrimp Fennero- penaeus chinensis by 3 ′and 5′ RACE. The full-length cDNA of Crustin-like gene contains a 3...A new member of antimicrobial protein genes of the Crustin family was cloned from haemocytes of the Chinese shrimp Fennero- penaeus chinensis by 3 ′and 5′ RACE. The full-length cDNA of Crustin-like gene contains a 390 bp open reading frame, encoding 130 amino acids. The deduced peptide contains a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids and mature peptide of 113 amino acids. The molecular mass of the deduced mature peptide is 12. 3 ku. It is highly cationic with a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.5. The deduced amino acids sequence of this Crustin showed high homology with those of Penaeus ( Litopenaeus ) setferus. Northern blotting showed that the cloned Crustin gene was mainly expressed in haemocytes, gill, intestine, and RNA in situ hybridization indicated that the Crustin gene was constitutively expressed exclusively in haemocytes of these tissues. Capillary elec- trophoresis RT-PCR analysis showed that Crustin was up-regulated dramatically from 12 to 48 h after a brief decrease of mRNA during first 6 h in response to microbe infection. The level of Crustin mRNA began to restore at 72 h post-challenge. This indicated that Crustin gene might play an important role when shrimps are infected by bacterial pathogen.展开更多
The ultrastructure of porcine kidney(PK)-15 cells was examined after lipofectamine-aided transfection of the molecular clone of the P1 agent.PK-15 cells transfected with the tandem dimer of the P1molecular DNA clone h...The ultrastructure of porcine kidney(PK)-15 cells was examined after lipofectamine-aided transfection of the molecular clone of the P1 agent.PK-15 cells transfected with the tandem dimer of the P1molecular DNA clone had numbers of intracytoplasmic inclusions,and a few cells had intranuclear inclusions.Intracytoplasmic inclusions were round to oval and 0.1-0.3μm in diameter,and intranuclear inclusions,which were more electron dense,were of two general types:the first were round and small(0.1μm approximately)and the second were hexagonal and larger(0.4-0.8μm in diameter).Cells transfected with the tandem dimer of the P1 molecular DNA clone tested positive for P1 DNA at passage 5.This is the first report that the P1 molecular clone has infectivity in vitro and it will provide fundamental materials for further study of the biological characterization of P1.展开更多
Objective: To clone human cardiac heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) gene and to determine the effects of HSP27 on the oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2. Methods: Full length of HSP27 cDNA which got ...Objective: To clone human cardiac heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) gene and to determine the effects of HSP27 on the oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2. Methods: Full length of HSP27 cDNA which got by RT-PCR was constructed into pCDNA3.1^+ . The recombinant was transfected into rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2 and the stable trahsfection cell line was selected by G418. Then we observe the effects of HSP27 over-expression on LDH release and apoptosis induced H2O2 in H9c2. Results: ①pCDNA3.1^+/HSP27 provided a sound expression of HSP27 in both 293T and H9c2. ②LDH releasing induced by 0, 100,250,500, 1000 μmol/L H2O2 in HSP27 over-expression group and wild type group were 0.396±0.017 vs. 0.390±0.01)9 (p 〉0.05), 0.437±0. 014 vs. 0.416±0.015 (P〈0.05), 0.471±0.018 vs. 0.417±0.009 (P 〈0.001), 0.505±0.030 vs. 0.657± 0.022(P 〈0.001), 0.547 ±0.027 and 0.661 ± 0.011( P 〈 0. 001 ), respectively. ③Apoptosis induced by 150 μmol/L H2O2 in HSP27 over-expression group and wild type group were (10.693± 1.122)% vs. (4.027 ± 1.628)%( P 〈0.01). Conclusion: We cloned and constructed human cardiac HSP27 gene successfully, and over-expression of human HSP27 could inhibit oxidative damage significantly in H9c2.展开更多
Fatty acid metabolism is responsible not only for oilseed metabolism but also for plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, three novel genes related to fatty acid degradation designated GhACX, Gh4CL, and Gh...Fatty acid metabolism is responsible not only for oilseed metabolism but also for plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, three novel genes related to fatty acid degradation designated GhACX, Gh4CL, and GhMFP, respectively, were isolated from Gossypium hirsutum acc. TM-1. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that amino acid sequences of GhACXand GhMFP have the highest homology with those from Vitis vinifera, and Gh4CL has a closer genetic relationship with that from Camellia sinensis. Tissue- and organ-specific analysis showed that the three genes expressed widely in all the tested tissues, including ovules and fiber at different developing stages, with expressed preferentially in some organs. Among them, GhACX showed the most abundant transcripts in seeds at 25 d post anthesis (DPA), however, GhMFP and Gh4CL have the strongest expression level in ovules on the day of anthesis. Based on real-time quantitative RT-PCR, the three genes were differentially regulated when induced under wounding, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), cold, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. The characterization and expression pattern of three novel fatty acid degradation related genes will aid both to understand the roles of fatty acid degradation related genes as precursor in stress stimuli and to elucidate the physiological function in cotton oilseed metabolism.展开更多
The insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ) gene of triangular bream (Megalobrama terminalis)(GenBank No.AY247412)(Tb)was cloned for the first time from liver by RT-PCR. Thenucleotide sequence analysis showed the Tb IGF...The insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ) gene of triangular bream (Megalobrama terminalis)(GenBank No.AY247412)(Tb)was cloned for the first time from liver by RT-PCR. Thenucleotide sequence analysis showed the Tb IGF-ⅠcDNA consisted of 486 nucleotides andencoded 117 amino acids including B, C, A, D and E five domains. Analysis of E-domainindicated that cloned Tb IGF-Ⅰbelonged to IGF-ⅠEa-2 subtype. Identity analysis showedthe IGF-Ⅰnucleotide sequence shared 99.8% homology with bluntnose bream, 88.8% withgrass carp, 85.8% with common carp; the pre-IGF-Ⅰamine acid sequence shared 99.4% withbluntnose bream, 88.8% with grass carp, 85.4% homology with common carp. In the CyprinusCarpio, the higher homology of nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence in IGF-Ⅰshowed that the closer relationship the fishes have. These results could provide basicdata for the research on Tb germplasm and the development and utilization of biologicalfeed additives.展开更多
The genomic sequence of the attenuated hog cholera virus Lapinized Chinese strain (HCLV) was determined from overlapping cDNA clones. The viral RNA of HCLV stain comprised 12 310 nucleotide (nt) including 374 nt and 2...The genomic sequence of the attenuated hog cholera virus Lapinized Chinese strain (HCLV) was determined from overlapping cDNA clones. The viral RNA of HCLV stain comprised 12 310 nucleotide (nt) including 374 nt and 239 nt at the 5′ and 3′-noncoding region, respectively. The complete genome sequence contained one large open reading frame which encoded an amino acid sequence of 3 898 residues with a calculated molecular weight of 437×103. Although there were mostly only small differences between the sequence of the HCLV strain and the published sequences of strains ALD, GPE?, Alfort and Brescia, there was one notable insertion of 12 nucleotides, TTTTCTTTTTTC in the 3′ non-coding region of HCLV strain.展开更多
Age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX = ENOX3) proteins are superoxide-generating cell surface oxidases that increase in activity with age beginning at about 30 y. A soluble and truncated exfoliated form of the activity is ...Age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX = ENOX3) proteins are superoxide-generating cell surface oxidases that increase in activity with age beginning at about 30 y. A soluble and truncated exfoliated form of the activity is present in blood and other body fluids. The activity was purified to apparent homogeneity from human urine and resolved by 2-D gel electrophoresis into a series of 24 to 32 kDa components of low isoelectric point. The purified proteins were resistant both to N-terminal sequencing and trypsin cleavage. Cleavage with pepsin revealed peptides corresponding to the TM9 family of transmembrane proteins. Peptide antisera raised to all five members of the human TM9 family sequentially blocked the arNOX activity of human saliva and sera. The soluble truncated N-terminus of the human homolog TM9SF4 was expressed in bacteria. The recombinant protein was characterized biochemically and exhibited ar-NOX activity. The findings identify five arNOX isoforms each of which correspond to one of the five known TM9 family members. The exfoliated soluble arNOX forms are derived from the 24 to 32 kDa N-termini exposed to the cell’s exterior at the cell surface. Each of the shed forms contain putative functional motifs characteristic of ECTO-NOX (ENOX) proteins despite only minimal sequence identity. Our findings identify arNOX as having functional characteristics of ENOX proteins and the TM9 superfamily of proteins as the genetic origins of the five known arNOX isoforms present in human sera, plasma and other body fluids1.展开更多
文摘Myosins, a large family of structurally diverse mechanoenzymes, which, upon interaction with actin filaments, convert energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical force, play an important role in male reproductive processes. In this study we report the rice ( Oryza sativa L.) RSSG58 gene, which was cloned from the cDNA library of rice sperm cells by using sperm cell mainly expression subtractive clone as probe. This gene encodes a putative 66.7 W polypeptide, which shows similarity to the myosin heavy chain of Arabidopsis thaliana, and consists of 579 amino acids with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.885. RSSG58, which is a member of a divergent gene family, generates transcripts of 2 278 bp and 2 437 bp that differ only in their polyadenylation sites. Southern hybridization showed that RSSG58 has only one copy in rice genome and RSSG58 transcripts are most abundant in sperm cells, with two distinct signals. The RT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcriptions of the RSSG58 gene were various in the different development stages and tissues. The greatest accumulation of RSSG58 mRNA was detected in sperm cells, while weaker expression was detected in leaves, microspore mother cells, unicellular microspore pollen stage, two-cell stage pollens, mature pollens and pollinated ovaries. These results suggest that RSSG58 is especially abundantly expressed in rice sperm cells.
基金Supported by School High-level Talent Starting Fund of Qingdao Agriculture University:Studies on Clone and Evolution of PGIPGene from Brassica crops(630745)~~
文摘PGIP gene was obtained from Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra, named BoPGIP2. The full length of BoPGIP2 gene is 1 102 bp and the exon is 993 bp which encodes a protein of 330 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 37.1 kDa, interrupted by one intron of 95 bp in, length. Sequence analysis revealed that it has five potential N-giycosylation sites, two protein kinase C phosphrylation sites, five casin kinase Ⅱ phosphrylation sites and four N-myristoylation sites. The amino acids sequences alignment confirmed that ^145 LRR stucture was highly conserved in all aligned PGIP sequences.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31272043)the the Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research in the Public Interest, China (201103024)
文摘Insect pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play important roles in transporting hydrophobic pheromone components across the sensillum lymph to the surface of olfactory receptors (ORs). However, the PBPs of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, an important destructive pest of stone fruits worldwide, are not well characterized. In this study, two new putative PBP genes, GmolPBP2 and GmolPBP3, were identiifed from G. molesta antennae. The deduced amino-acid sequences of these two putative PBP genes are characteristic of the odorant binding protein family, containing six conserved cysteine residues. The genomic DNA sequence of each gene contained two introns. However, the lengths and positions of the introns differed. RT-PCR analyses revealed that the two GmolPBP genes are only expressed in the antennae of female and male moths. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the transcription levels of GmolPBP2 are far greater than those of GmolPBP3 in both female and male antennae. GmolPBP3 showed higher transcription levels in female antennae than in male antennae, while GmolPBP2 showed similar transcription levels in both female and male antennae. The transcript levels of both genes were signiifcantly different in premating and post-coitum individuals, implying that mating affects the process of sex pheromone reception. To better understand the functions, two GmolPBPs were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the ligand binding assays were conducted. Results showed that GmolPBP2 has strong binding afifnities to two sex pheromone components, E8-12:Ac and Z8-12:Ac, as well as weaker binding afifnities to Z8-12:OH and 12:OH. GmolPBP2 also bound some ordinary odor molecules. However, the afifnity of GmolPBP3 to both sex pheromones and ordinary odor molecules was very weak. These results show that GmolPBP2 plays the main role in pheromone discrimination and recognition in the oriental fruit moth.
基金The Major State Basic Research Development Program of China under contract No2006CB101804the Natural Science Foundationof Hebei Province under contract NoC2008000596
文摘A new member of antimicrobial protein genes of the Crustin family was cloned from haemocytes of the Chinese shrimp Fennero- penaeus chinensis by 3 ′and 5′ RACE. The full-length cDNA of Crustin-like gene contains a 390 bp open reading frame, encoding 130 amino acids. The deduced peptide contains a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids and mature peptide of 113 amino acids. The molecular mass of the deduced mature peptide is 12. 3 ku. It is highly cationic with a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.5. The deduced amino acids sequence of this Crustin showed high homology with those of Penaeus ( Litopenaeus ) setferus. Northern blotting showed that the cloned Crustin gene was mainly expressed in haemocytes, gill, intestine, and RNA in situ hybridization indicated that the Crustin gene was constitutively expressed exclusively in haemocytes of these tissues. Capillary elec- trophoresis RT-PCR analysis showed that Crustin was up-regulated dramatically from 12 to 48 h after a brief decrease of mRNA during first 6 h in response to microbe infection. The level of Crustin mRNA began to restore at 72 h post-challenge. This indicated that Crustin gene might play an important role when shrimps are infected by bacterial pathogen.
基金supported by the State Key Basic Research Project(973 project)of China(Grant No.2007CB116308)Planned Projects for Postdoctoral Research Funds of Jiangsu Province,China(Grant No.5910602)Postdoctoral Funds of Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(Grant No.6510501)
文摘The ultrastructure of porcine kidney(PK)-15 cells was examined after lipofectamine-aided transfection of the molecular clone of the P1 agent.PK-15 cells transfected with the tandem dimer of the P1molecular DNA clone had numbers of intracytoplasmic inclusions,and a few cells had intranuclear inclusions.Intracytoplasmic inclusions were round to oval and 0.1-0.3μm in diameter,and intranuclear inclusions,which were more electron dense,were of two general types:the first were round and small(0.1μm approximately)and the second were hexagonal and larger(0.4-0.8μm in diameter).Cells transfected with the tandem dimer of the P1 molecular DNA clone tested positive for P1 DNA at passage 5.This is the first report that the P1 molecular clone has infectivity in vitro and it will provide fundamental materials for further study of the biological characterization of P1.
文摘Objective: To clone human cardiac heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) gene and to determine the effects of HSP27 on the oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2. Methods: Full length of HSP27 cDNA which got by RT-PCR was constructed into pCDNA3.1^+ . The recombinant was transfected into rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2 and the stable trahsfection cell line was selected by G418. Then we observe the effects of HSP27 over-expression on LDH release and apoptosis induced H2O2 in H9c2. Results: ①pCDNA3.1^+/HSP27 provided a sound expression of HSP27 in both 293T and H9c2. ②LDH releasing induced by 0, 100,250,500, 1000 μmol/L H2O2 in HSP27 over-expression group and wild type group were 0.396±0.017 vs. 0.390±0.01)9 (p 〉0.05), 0.437±0. 014 vs. 0.416±0.015 (P〈0.05), 0.471±0.018 vs. 0.417±0.009 (P 〈0.001), 0.505±0.030 vs. 0.657± 0.022(P 〈0.001), 0.547 ±0.027 and 0.661 ± 0.011( P 〈 0. 001 ), respectively. ③Apoptosis induced by 150 μmol/L H2O2 in HSP27 over-expression group and wild type group were (10.693± 1.122)% vs. (4.027 ± 1.628)%( P 〈0.01). Conclusion: We cloned and constructed human cardiac HSP27 gene successfully, and over-expression of human HSP27 could inhibit oxidative damage significantly in H9c2.
基金financially supported in part by the National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB109300)the National Transgenic Program, China (2011ZX005-004)a project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China
文摘Fatty acid metabolism is responsible not only for oilseed metabolism but also for plant responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, three novel genes related to fatty acid degradation designated GhACX, Gh4CL, and GhMFP, respectively, were isolated from Gossypium hirsutum acc. TM-1. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that amino acid sequences of GhACXand GhMFP have the highest homology with those from Vitis vinifera, and Gh4CL has a closer genetic relationship with that from Camellia sinensis. Tissue- and organ-specific analysis showed that the three genes expressed widely in all the tested tissues, including ovules and fiber at different developing stages, with expressed preferentially in some organs. Among them, GhACX showed the most abundant transcripts in seeds at 25 d post anthesis (DPA), however, GhMFP and Gh4CL have the strongest expression level in ovules on the day of anthesis. Based on real-time quantitative RT-PCR, the three genes were differentially regulated when induced under wounding, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), cold, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. The characterization and expression pattern of three novel fatty acid degradation related genes will aid both to understand the roles of fatty acid degradation related genes as precursor in stress stimuli and to elucidate the physiological function in cotton oilseed metabolism.
文摘The insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ) gene of triangular bream (Megalobrama terminalis)(GenBank No.AY247412)(Tb)was cloned for the first time from liver by RT-PCR. Thenucleotide sequence analysis showed the Tb IGF-ⅠcDNA consisted of 486 nucleotides andencoded 117 amino acids including B, C, A, D and E five domains. Analysis of E-domainindicated that cloned Tb IGF-Ⅰbelonged to IGF-ⅠEa-2 subtype. Identity analysis showedthe IGF-Ⅰnucleotide sequence shared 99.8% homology with bluntnose bream, 88.8% withgrass carp, 85.8% with common carp; the pre-IGF-Ⅰamine acid sequence shared 99.4% withbluntnose bream, 88.8% with grass carp, 85.4% homology with common carp. In the CyprinusCarpio, the higher homology of nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence in IGF-Ⅰshowed that the closer relationship the fishes have. These results could provide basicdata for the research on Tb germplasm and the development and utilization of biologicalfeed additives.
文摘The genomic sequence of the attenuated hog cholera virus Lapinized Chinese strain (HCLV) was determined from overlapping cDNA clones. The viral RNA of HCLV stain comprised 12 310 nucleotide (nt) including 374 nt and 239 nt at the 5′ and 3′-noncoding region, respectively. The complete genome sequence contained one large open reading frame which encoded an amino acid sequence of 3 898 residues with a calculated molecular weight of 437×103. Although there were mostly only small differences between the sequence of the HCLV strain and the published sequences of strains ALD, GPE?, Alfort and Brescia, there was one notable insertion of 12 nucleotides, TTTTCTTTTTTC in the 3′ non-coding region of HCLV strain.
文摘Age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX = ENOX3) proteins are superoxide-generating cell surface oxidases that increase in activity with age beginning at about 30 y. A soluble and truncated exfoliated form of the activity is present in blood and other body fluids. The activity was purified to apparent homogeneity from human urine and resolved by 2-D gel electrophoresis into a series of 24 to 32 kDa components of low isoelectric point. The purified proteins were resistant both to N-terminal sequencing and trypsin cleavage. Cleavage with pepsin revealed peptides corresponding to the TM9 family of transmembrane proteins. Peptide antisera raised to all five members of the human TM9 family sequentially blocked the arNOX activity of human saliva and sera. The soluble truncated N-terminus of the human homolog TM9SF4 was expressed in bacteria. The recombinant protein was characterized biochemically and exhibited ar-NOX activity. The findings identify five arNOX isoforms each of which correspond to one of the five known TM9 family members. The exfoliated soluble arNOX forms are derived from the 24 to 32 kDa N-termini exposed to the cell’s exterior at the cell surface. Each of the shed forms contain putative functional motifs characteristic of ECTO-NOX (ENOX) proteins despite only minimal sequence identity. Our findings identify arNOX as having functional characteristics of ENOX proteins and the TM9 superfamily of proteins as the genetic origins of the five known arNOX isoforms present in human sera, plasma and other body fluids1.