Most normal somatic cells enter a state called replicative senescence after a certain number of divisions, characterized by irreversible growth arrest. Moreover, they express a pronounced inflammatory phenotype that could contribute to the aging process and the development of age-related pathologies. Among the molecules involved in the inflammatory response that are overexpressed in senescent cells and aged tissues is intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Furthermore, ICAM-1 is overexpressed in atherosclerosis, an agerelated, chronic inflammatory disease. We have recently reported that the transcriptional activator p53 can trigger ICAM-1 expression in an nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-jB)-independent manner (Gorgoulis et al, EMBO J. 2003; 22: 1567-1578. As p53 exhibits an increased transcriptional activity in senescent cells, we investigated whether p53 activation is responsible for the senescence-associated ICAM-1 overexpression. To this end, we used two model systems of cellular senescence: (a) human fibroblasts and (b) conditionally immortalized human vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we present evidence from both cell systems to support a p53-mediated ICAM-1 overexpression in senescent cells that is independent of NF-jB. We also demonstrate in atherosclerotic lesions the presence of cells coexpressing activated p53, ICAM-1, and stained with the senescence-associated b-galactosidase, a biomarker of replicative senescence. Collectively, our data suggest a direct functional link between p53 and ICAM-1 in senescence and age-related disorders.

Oleuropein, the major secoiridoid compound in olive, is involved in a sophisticated two-component defence system comprising a β-glucosidase enzyme that activates oleuropein into a toxic glutaraldehyde-like structure. Although oleuropein deglycosylation studies have been monitored extensively, an oleuropein β-glucosidase gene has not been characterized as yet. Here, we report the isolation of OeGLU cDNA from olive encoding a β-glucosidase belonging to the defence-related group of terpenoid-specific glucosidases. In planta recombinant protein expression assays showed that OeGLU deglycosylated and activated oleuropein into a strong protein cross-linker. Homology and docking modelling predicted that OeGLU has a characteristic (β/α)8 TIM barrel conformation and a typical construction of a pocket-shaped substrate recognition domain composed of conserved amino acids supporting the β-glucosidase activity and non-conserved residues associated with aglycon specificity. Transcriptional analysis in various olive organs revealed that the gene was developmentally regulated, with its transcript levels coinciding well with the spatiotemporal patterns of oleuropein degradation and aglycon accumulation in drupes. OeGLU upregulation in young organs reflects its prominent role in oleuropein-mediated defence system. High gene expression during drupe maturation implies an additional role in olive secondary metabolism, through the degradation of oleuropein and reutilization of hydrolysis products.

The synthesis of the heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent 2-nitro-4-azidophenylsulfenyl chloride (NAPSCl) is described. This reagent can be used to specifically attach a photoactivatable nitrophenyl azide to tryptophan-containing polypeptides and proteins lacking sulfhydryl groups. The sulfenyl chloride group of NAPSCl reacts with the indole ring of tryptophan following second-order reaction kinetics in 50-100% acetic acid. The labeled product can be effectively photolyzed at wavelengths above 300 nm. The reaction of glucagon, a peptide hormone containing a single tryptophan residue at position 25 and no cysteine, with NAPSCl gave one major product, the photosensitive derivative glucagon-NAPS. The structure and properties of the purified derivative were established by amino acid analysis, absorption spectroscopy, and photolysis. Only the tryptophan residue of this derivative was modified. The photosensitive glucagon was shown to activate the adenylate cyclase of hepatocyte plasma membranes to the same extent as the native hormone at equimolar concentrations. Glucagon-NAPS could be radiolabeled by the lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of the peptide. A glucagon-specific antibody bound both radiolabeled glucagon and glucagon-NAPS peptides. The covalent labeling of protein molecules with radiolabeled glucagon-NAPS peptide upon photolysis was demonstrated. Glucagon-NAPS can be used as an effective photoaffinity probe for labeling the glucagon receptor site in plasma membranes of target cells.

Background: Effective plagiarism deterrence in the Republic of Cyprus, requires the identification of any gaps, best practices and case studies relating to plagiarism across the Higher Educational Institutions in the country. This paper discusses the findings of the first research conducted among university students and faculty in Cyprus and focuses on students' awareness of and perceptions towards academic plagiarism.

Preventing students' plagiarism is an important issue at Higher Education Institutions (HEI) since teachers are the ones who are primarily involved in plagiarism prevention. They have to explain to students what plagiarism is and to teach them how to avoid plagiarism. A survey conducted under the research project on the Impact of Policies for Plagiarism in Higher Education Across Europe (IPPHEAE) has collected thousands of questionnaires from both students and teachers of several HEIs at various EU countries. The project addressed several research questions relating to plagiarism. This paper compares and contrasts the overall data collected on students’ and teachers' attitude towards academic writing and their perception of plagiarism and plagiarism penalties as well as their knowledge of institutional policy/procedures on plagiarism. On the basis of the results obtained it would appear that changes in teachers’ attitude and a better understanding of students' educational needs and perception of plagiarism may provide the means to enable HEIs to help students to avoid plagiarism in a more effective way.