The structure of an intact, anti-canine lymphoma monoclonal antibody (Mab231) was determined by molecular replacement and refined in a triclinic cell to an R-value of 20.9%, using synchrotron diffraction data from 2.8 to 20 A resolution. All segments of the antibody, including the hinge region and carbohydrate component, are visible in electron density maps. There is no overall symmetry to the antibody, as the Fc is disposed in an entirely oblique manner with respect to the Fabs. The CH2 and CH3 domains do, however, possess a nearly exact, local 2-fold relationship. The Fab segments are related by a second, independent, local dyad axis, exact only with respect to constant domains. Variable domains exhibit no symmetry relationship as a consequence of the 16 degrees difference in Fab elbow angles. Variable domain pair associations VL:VH for the Fabs are virtually the same, and corresponding CDRs of the two Fabs also are nearly identical in structure. CDR-H3 displays the greatest difference. Hypervariable loops of both Fabs are involved in contacts with symmetry-related Fc segments at the CH2-CH3 switch junction, suggesting a "complex" structure. The hinge segment connecting Fabs with the Fc is quite extended and exhibits thermal factors indicative of a high degree of mobility. It consists of a well-defined upper hinge that partially maintains dyad symmetry and a fairly rigid core bounded above and below by fluid polypeptides that provide segmental flexibility. This structure represents the first visualization by X-ray analysis of a murine Fc segment, and its CH2 domains exhibit substantial rigid body conformational changes with respect to the human Fc used as an initial molecular replacement model. The oligosaccharides were found by difference Fourier syntheses to be very similar to those of the free human Fc fragment, although differences are present in the terminal residues. The detailed structure of the IgG presented here, and the distribution of effector binding sites, appears consistent with effector activation mechanisms involving translocation and/or aggregation of the Fc following antigen binding by the Fabs.

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Stem cells differentiate into a variety of cell lines, making them attractive for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Specific micro-environmental cues regulate self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Oxygen is an important component of the cellular micro-environment, serving as both metabolic substrate and signaling molecule. Oxygen has been shown to have a variety of effects on embryonic and adult stem cells. This review examines the role of hypoxia in regulating stem cell biology, specifically focusing on growth, maintenance of pluripotency, differentiation, and production of growth factors. Particular attention is paid to hypoxia and stem cells in relation to therapeutic angiogenesis. We conclude that further study is needed to optimize the use of hypoxia as a stimulus for various stem cell functions including its potential role in therapeutic angiogenesis.

Crystal structures of Fab antibody fragments determined by X-ray diffraction characteristically feature four-domain, beta-barrel arrangements. A human antibody Fc fragment has also been found to have four beta-barrel domains. The structures of a few intact antibodies have been solved: in two myeloma proteins, the flexible hinge regions that connect the Fc to the Fab segments were deleted so the molecules were non-functional, structurally restrained, T-shaped antibodies; a third antibody, Kol, had no hinge residues missing but the Fc region was sufficiently disordered that it was not possible to relate its disposition accurately with respect to the Fab components. Here we report the structure at 3.5 A resolution of an IgG2a antitumour monoclonal antibody which contains an intact hinge region and was solved in a triclinic crystal by molecular replacement using known Fc and Fab fragments. The antibody is asymmetric, reflecting its dynamic character. There are two local, apparently independent, dyads in the molecule. One relates the heavy chains in the Fc, the other relates the constant domains of the Fabs. The variable domains are not related by this 2-fold axis because of the different Fab elbow angles of 159 degrees and 143 degrees. The Fc has assumed an asymmetric, oblique orientation with respect to loosely tethered yet almost collinear Fabs. Our study enables the two antigen-binding segments as well as the Fc portion of a functional molecule to be visualized and illustrates the flexibility of these immune response proteins.

Background-Herein we evaluate the potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) to differentiate into smooth muscle cells (SMC) and their potential for use in a tissue-engineered vascular graft.