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Biomedical subjects

B L Hogan

Publications and source records attributed to B L Hogan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intestinal tumorigenesis is suppressed in mice lacking the metalloproteinase matrilysin.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) classically have been implicated in basement membrane destruction associated with late-stage tumor cell invasion and metastasis. However, recent studies have demonstrated that one MMP family member, matrilysin, is expressed in a high percentage of early-stage human colorectal tumors. We analyzed matrilysin expression in benign intestinal tumors from mice heterozygous for the ApcMin allele (Min/+) and found that the mRNA was induced in the majority (88%) of these adenomas. Protein was detected in the tumor cells, where, surprisingly, it was predominantly immunolocalized to the lumenal surface of dysplastic glands rather than the basement membrane or extracellular matrix. To address the role of matrilysin in Min intestinal tumorigenesis, we generated Min/+ mice deficient in this MMP by gene targeting and homologous recombination. The absence of matrilysin resulted in a reduction in mean tumor multiplicity in Min/+ animals of approximately 60% and a significant decrease in the average tumor diameter. Based on these findings, we conclude that matrilysin is a suppressor of the Min phenotype, possibly by functioning in a capacity independent of matrix degradation. These results argue for the use of MMP inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of early-stage colon cancer.

Adenoma

Involvement of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in mouse embryonic lung growth and morphogenesis.

Branching morphogenesis of the embryonic lung requires interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. Previously, we reported that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) transcripts are present in the epithelium of the developing mouse lung, with highest levels in the terminal buds. Here, we report that transcripts of mouse patched (Ptc), the homologue of a Drosophila gene encoding a putative transmembrane protein required for hedgehog signaling, are expressed at high levels in the mesenchyme adjacent to the end buds. To investigate the function of SHH in lung development, Shh was overexpressed throughout the distal epithelium, using the surfactant protein-C (SP-C)-enhancer/promoter. Beginning around 16.5 dpc, when Shh and Ptc RNA levels are normally both declining, this treatment caused an increase in the ratio of interstitial mesenchyme to epithelial tubules in transgenic compared to normal lungs. Transgenic newborn mice die soon after birth. Histological analysis of the lungs at the light and electron microscope level shows an abundance of mesenchyme and the absence of typical alveoli. In vivo BrdU labeling indicates that Shh overexpression results in increased mesenchymal and epithelial cell proliferation at 16.5 and 17.5 dpc. However, analysis of CC-10 and SP-C expression reveals no significant inhibition in the differentiation of proximal and distal epithelial cells. The expression of genes potentially regulated by SHH was also examined. No difference could be observed between transgenic and control lungs in either the level or distribution of Bmp4, Wnt2 and Fgf7 RNA. By contrast, Ptc is clearly upregulated in the transgenic lung. These results thus establish a role for SHH in lung morphogenesis, and suggest that SHH normally regulates lung mesenchymal cell proliferation in vivo.

Animals

The gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein 8B is required for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in the mouse.

Bone morphogenetic protein 8B (BMP8B) is a member of the TGFbeta superfamily of growth factors. In the mouse, Bmp8b is expressed in male germ cells of the testis and trophoblast cells of the placenta, suggesting that it has a role in spermatogenesis and reproduction. To investigate these possibilities, we have generated mice with a targeted mutation in Bmp8b. Here, we show that homozygous Bmp8b(tm1blh) mutant males exhibit variable degrees of germ-cell deficiency and infertility. Detailed analysis reveals two separable defects in the homozygous mutant testes. First, during early puberty (2 weeks old or younger) the germ cells of all homozygous mutants either fail to proliferate or show a marked reduction in proliferation and a delayed differentiation. Second, in adults, there is a significant increase in programmed cell death (apoptosis) of spermatocytes, leading to germ-cell depletion and sterility. Sertoli cells and Leydig cells appear relatively unaffected in mutants. This study therefore provides the first genetic evidence that a murine germ cell-produced factor, BMP8B, is required for the resumption of male germ-cell proliferation in early puberty, and for germ-cell survival and fertility in the adult.

Animals

The chromosomal mapping of four genes encoding winged helix proteins expressed early in mouse development.

Members of the winged helix family of transcription factors are required for the normal embryonic development of the mouse. Using the interspecific backcross panel from The Jackson Laboratory, we have determined the chromosomal locations of four genes that encode winged helix containing proteins. Mf1 was assigned to mouse Chromosome 8, Mf2 to Chromosome 4, Mf3 to Chromosome 9, and Mf4 to Chromosome 13. Since Mf3 is located in a region of Chromosome 9 containing many well-characterized mouse mutations such as short ear (se), ashen (ash), and dilute (d), we have analyzed deletion mutants to determine the location of Mf3 more precisely.

Animals

Evidence that mouse Bmp8a (Op2) and Bmp8b are duplicated genes that play a role in spermatogenesis and placental development.

We have identified two highly conserved mouse genes encoding bone morphogenetic protein 8A (BMP8A/OP2) and 8B (BMP8B). The two loci are tightly linked on chromosome 4, suggesting that they arose through a recent gene duplication. Contrary to previous reports, neither gene is expressed in the early postimplantation mouse embryo (7.5-10.5 days post coitum) as judged by a variety of sensitive techniques. By contrast, high levels of Bmp8b RNA are found in the decidual cells of the uterus, and both genes are expressed in the trophoblast cells of the labyrinthine region of the placenta and in the inner root sheath of hair follicles of early postnatal skin. In addition, both Bmp8a and Bmp8b are expressed in the testis during specific stages of spermatogenesis, with the highest levels of RNA in stage 6-8 round spermatids after 3 weeks of age. Bmp8a and 8b are, therefore, the first members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta)-related gene family to be found expressed in the germ cells of the testis, rather than in the somatic Sertoli cells. These results suggest that Bmp8a and 8b are not required for development of the embryo proper but regulate aspects of cell proliferation, survival and/or differentiation during spermatogenesis and placentation.

Amino Acid Sequence

Bone morphogenetic proteins in development.

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute a large family of cytokines related to members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. Recent evidence, in particular from gene targeting experiments in the mouse, indicates that BMPs are required for mesoderm formation and for the development and patterning of many different organ systems. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the role of BMPs in gastrulation and neurulation in Xenopus and in identifying genes regulating BMP expression and components of the downstream signaling pathways. Extracellular modifiers of BMP activity may constitute an opposing morphogenetic system.

Animals

Failure of ventral body wall closure in mouse embryos lacking a procollagen C-proteinase encoded by Bmp1, a mammalian gene related to Drosophila tolloid.

The mouse bone morphogenetic protein1 (Bmp1) gene encodes a secreted astacin metalloprotease that cleaves the COOH-propeptide of procollagen I, II and III. BMP-1 is also related to the product of the Drosophila patterning gene, tolloid (tld), which enhances the activity of the TGFbeta-related growth factor Decapentaplegic and promotes development of the dorsalmost amnioserosa. We have disrupted the mouse Bmp1 gene by deleting DNA sequences encoding the active site of the astacin-like protease domain common to all splice variants. Homozygous mutant embryos appear to have a normal skeleton, apart from reduced ossification of certain skull bones. However, they have a persistent herniation of the gut in the umbilical region and do not survive beyond birth. Analysis of the amnion of homozygous mutant embryos reveals the absence of the fold that normally tightly encloses the physiological hernia of the gut. At the electron microscopic level, the extracellular matrix of the amnion contains collagen fibrils with an abnormal morphology, consistent with the incorporation of partially processed procollagen molecules. Metabolical labelling and immunofluorescence studies also reveal abnormal processing and deposition of procollagen by homozygous mutant fibroblasts in culture.

Amnion

PDX-1 is required for pancreatic outgrowth and differentiation of the rostral duodenum.

It has been proposed that the Xenopus homeobox gene, XlHbox8, is involved in endodermal differentiation during pancreatic and duodenal development (Wright, C.V.E., Schnegelsberg, P. and De Robertis, E.M. (1988). Development 105, 787-794). To test this hypothesis directly, gene targeting was used to make two different null mutations in the mouse XlHbox8 homolog, pdx-1. In the first, the second pdx-1 exon, including the homeobox, was replaced by a neomycin resistance cassette. In the second, a lacZ reporter was fused in-frame with the N terminus of PDX-1, replacing most of the homeodomain. Neonatal pdx-1 -/- mice are apancreatic, in confirmation of previous reports (Jonsson, J., Carlsson, L., Edlund, T. and Edlund, H. (1994). Nature 371, 606-609). However, the pancreatic buds do form in homozygous mutants, and the dorsal bud undergoes limited proliferation and outgrowth to form a small, irregularly branched, ductular tree. This outgrowth does not contain insulin or amylase-positive cells, but glucagon-expressing cells are found. The rostral duodenum shows a local absence of the normal columnar epithelial lining, villi, and Brunner's glands, which are replaced by a GLUT2-positive cuboidal epithelium resembling the bile duct lining. Just distal of the abnormal epithelium, the numbers of enteroendocrine cells in the villi are greatly reduced. The PDX-1/beta-galactosidase fusion allele is expressed in pancreatic and duodenal cells in the absence of functional PDX-1, with expression continuing into perinatal stages with similar boundaries and expression levels. These results offer additional insight into the role of pdx-1 in the determination and differentiation of the posterior foregut, particularly regarding the proliferation and differentiation of the pancreatic progenitors.

Animals

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) acts during gastrula stages to cause ventralization of Xenopus embryos.

Injection of RNA encoding BMP-4 into the early Xenopus embryo suppresses formation of dorsal and anterior cell types. To understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to know the stage at which BMP-4 acts. In this paper, we present three lines of evidence showing that BMP-4 misexpression has no effect on the initial steps of mesoderm induction, either dorsal or ventral, but instead causes ventralization during gastrulation. Firstly, activation of organizer-specific genes such as goosecoid, Xnot, pintallavis and noggin occurs normally in embryos injected with BMP-4 RNA, but transcript levels are then rapidly down-regulated as gastrulation proceeds. Similarly, BMP-4 does not affect the initial activation of goosecoid by activin in animal caps, but expression then declines precipitously. Secondly, embryos made ventral by injection with BMP-4 RNA cannot be rescued by grafts of Spemann's organizer at gastrula stages. Such embryos therefore differ from those made ventral by UV-irradiation, where the defect occurs early and rescue can be effected by the organizer. Finally, the dorsalizing effects of the organizer, and of the candidate dorsalizing signal noggin, both of which exert their effects during gastrulation, can be counteracted by BMP-4. Together, these experiments demonstrate that BMP-4 can act during gastrulation both to promote ventral mesoderm differentiation and to attenuate dorsalizing signals derived from the organizer.

Animals

Evidence from normal expression and targeted misexpression that bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp-4) plays a role in mouse embryonic lung morphogenesis.

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are critical for the branching and differentiation of the lung, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. To investigate this problem in mouse embryonic lung, we have studied the temporal and spatial expression of genes implicated in the morphogenesis of other organs. At 11.5 days p.c., hepatocyte nuclear factor-3beta (Hnf-3beta) is expressed uniformly throughout the epithelium, while Wnt-2 expression is confined to the distal mesenchyme. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) transcripts are found throughout the epithelium, with high levels in the distal tips of the terminal buds, while bone morphogenetic protein-4 (Bmp-4) transcripts are localized at high levels in the distal tips of the epithelium, with lower levels in the adjacent mesenchyme. Epithelial expression is also seen for Bmp-7, but transcripts are less dramatically upregulated at the distal tips. The Type I Bone morphogenetic protein receptor gene (Bmpr/Tfr-11/Brk-1) is expressed at low levels in the epithelium and in the distal mesenchyme. To investigate the role of Bmp-4 in lung development, we have misexpressed the gene throughout the distal epithelium of transgenic lungs using a surfactant protein C enhancer/promoter. From 15.5 days p.c., transgenic lungs are smaller than normal, with grossly distended terminal buds and, at birth, contain large air-filled sacs which do not support normal lung function. Labeling with BrdU reveals an inhibition of epithelia] proliferation in 15.5 days p.c. transgenic lungs. A small but significant stimulation of proliferation of mesenchymal cells is also observed, but this is accompanied by an increase in cell death. In situ hybridization with riboprobes for the proximal airway marker, CC10, and the distal airway marker, SP-C, shows normal differentiation of bronchiolar Clara cells but a reduction in the number of differentiated Type II cells in transgenic lungs. A model is proposed for the role of BMP4 and other signalling molecules in embryonic lung morphogenesis.

Animals

Effects on blood pressure and exploratory behaviour of mice lacking angiotensin II type-2 receptor.

There are two major angiotensin II receptor isoforms, AT1 and AT2. AT1 mediates the well-known pressor and mitogenic effects of angiotensin II, but the signalling mechanism and physiological role of AT2 has not been established. Its abundant expression in fetal tissues and certain brain nuclei suggest possible roles in growth, development and neuronal functions. Here we report the unexpected finding that the targeted disruption of the mouse AT2 gene resulted in a significant increase in blood pressure and increased sensitivity to the pressor action of angiotensin II. Thus AT2 mediates a depressor effect and antagonizes the AT1-mediated pressor action of angiotensin II. In addition, disruption of the AT2 gene attenuated exploratory behaviour and lowered body temperature. Our results show that angiotensin II activates AT1 and AT2, which have mutually counteracting haemodynamic effects, and that AT2 regulates central nervous system functions, including behaviour.

Angiotensin II

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 is required for mesoderm formation and patterning in the mouse.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of polypeptide signaling molecules, closely related to BMP-2 and to Drosophila decapentaplegic (DPP). To elucidate the role of BMP-4 in mouse development the gene has been inactivated by homologous recombination in ES cells. Homozygous mutant Bmp-4tm1blh embryos die between 6.5 and 9.5 days p.c., with a variable phenotype. Most Bmp-4tm1blh embryos do not proceed beyond the egg cylinder stage, do not express the mesodermal marker T(Brachyury), and show little or no mesodermal differentiation. Some homozygous mutants develop to the head fold or beating heart/early somite stage or beyond. However, they are developmentally retarded and have truncated or disorganized posterior structures and a reduction in extraembryonic mesoderm, including blood islands. These results provide direct genetic evidence that BMP-4 is essential for several different processes in early mouse development, beginning with gastrulation and mesoderm formation. Moreover, in the presumed absence of zygotic ligand, it appears that homozygous mutants can be rescued partially by related proteins or by maternal BMP-4.

Animals

Chemical skin carcinogenesis is prevented in mice by the induced expression of a TGF-beta related transgene.

Skin papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are induced in mice by tumor initiation with a carcinogen followed by tumor promotion with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). These usually arise from preneoplastic lesions characterized by epidermal proliferation and hyperplasia, dermal edema, and inflammation. To evaluate the role of polypeptide growth factors in chemically induced skin carcinogenesis, we used transgenic mice carrying the cDNA for a TGF-beta related molecule, bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), under the control of the regulatory elements of the cytokeratin IV* gene in a skin carcinogenesis protocol. Control non-transgenic littermates and BMP-4 transgenic mice were treated with a single dose of a carcinogen, N-methyl-N'-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and biweekly with the tumor promoter TPA for 9 months. In control littermates TPA induced epidermal hyperproliferation, atypia with "dark" cells, and dermal inflammation, resulting in papillomas and SCCs in 13 of 26 animals tested. In BMP-4 transgenic mice, TPA treatment induced the expression of the BMP-4 transgene in interfollicular epidermis but only minimal epidermal thickening, hyperproliferation, and inflammation were noted after the initial dose of TPA. Furthermore, the mitotic indices in transgenic epidermis after 9 months of TPA treatment were significantly lower than the corresponding indices from untreated transgenic epidermis. Consequently, none of the 22 transgenic animals tested developed papillomas or SCCs. In conclusion, we have shown that the TPA induced expression of the BMP-4 transgene blocks proliferation and inflammation in skin, steps that are critical to the subsequent formation of papillomas and SCCs and we characterized an inducible promotersystem which expresses polypeptides in interfollicular epidermis after exogenous stimulation.

Animals

Colocalization of BMP 7 and BMP 2 RNAs suggests that these factors cooperatively mediate tissue interactions during murine development.

Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) class of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta)-related molecules have been implicated in a variety of inductive processes throughout vertebrate development. The 60A subclass of BMPs contains at least four vertebrate members, BMPs 5-8. We have shown by library screening and in situ hybridization that of these four genes, BMP 7 is expressed earliest, in gastrulating embryos. Furthermore, BMP 7 transcripts are present at diverse sites throughout development, in a pattern consistent with a role in a variety of inductive interactions. Recent studies have shown that BMP 2/7 heterodimers have unique activities compared to the corresponding homodimers. For this reason, we compared the patterns of expression of BMP 2 and BMP 7 using in situ hybridization. Our results demonstrate that these BMPs are coexpressed in a number of tissues that are known to be the source of inductive signals, including the zone of polarizing activity and apical ectodermal ridge of the developing limb and the notochord, raising the possibility that BMP 2/7 heterodimers may mediate aspects of these tissue interactions. We also show that BMP 2 transcripts are restricted within the developing gut to dorsal endoderm, whereas sonic hedgehog has been localized to ventral and medial regions of the developing gut endoderm. These markers provide the first molecular evidence for dorsal/ventral polarity in the developing gut.

Animals

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8) and sonic hedgehog (SHH) during branchial arch development in the chick.

Expression of Fgf-8, Bmp-4, Bmp-7, and shh in the branchial arches of the chick embryo is examined by in situ hybridization. Fgf-8 expression is initially broad and diffuse, becoming more tightly restricted, particularly in the epithelium of the posterior ectodermal margin (PEM) of the 2nd branchial arch. Bmp-7 transcripts, first seen at stage 12 in discrete regions corresponding to the developing branchial clefts, are later detected in both clefts and arches, including the PEM of the 2nd arch while Bmp-4 transcripts are detected at stage 18 in the distal tips of the arches. Shh expression remains localized, overlapping with both Bmp-7 and Fgf-8 in the PEM of the 2nd arch at stages 16 and 18. Based on these data, a model is proposed for the role of these signalling molecules in branchial arch development.

Animals

Developmental expression of renal angiotensin II receptor genes in the mouse.

The cellular distribution of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor mRNA was examined in mouse kidneys at several embryonic stages (12 to 18 days; 19 days = full term) and up to three weeks after birth by in situ hybridization. The expression of both AT1 and AT2 mRNAs appeared simultaneously at 14 days of gestation. However, their distributions were contrasting: AT1 mRNA was expressed in mature glomeruli and maturing S-shaped bodies throughout the stages examined. AT1 expression was also detected at 16 days of gestation in the proximal and distal tubules and peaked at the end of gestation. Both the temporal and spatial expression of AT1 coincide with the differentiation and proliferation of glomerular mesangial and tubular cells during nephrogenesis. In contrast, AT2 mRNA was present only in the mesenchymal cells adjacent to the stalk of the ureter bud at early developmental stages, and, later, extended to the mesenchymal cells located near, but outside, the nephrogenic area of superficial cortex and also the cells between collecting ducts. AT2 expression in these regions decreased markedly within three weeks after birth. Temporally and spatially, AT2 mRNA expression coincides with the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that take place during early phases of nephrogenesis. The site of AT2 expression also overlaps closely with that of a specific group of cells which undergo apoptosis following nephrogenesis. Thus, contrary to current belief, the activation of AT1 and AT2 genes takes place in different cell types of the kidney during embryonic development, and thereby conceivably contributes to the ontogeny of those specific renal cells.

Angiotensin II