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C D Funk

Publications and source records attributed to C D Funk.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Characterization of human 12-lipoxygenase genes.

Two human 12-lipoxygenase enzyme (arachidonate:oxygen 12-oxidoreductase, EC 1.13.11.31)-related genes were characterized from 13 distinct clones isolated from three genomic bacteriophage and cosmid libraries. A complete gene (12-lipoxygenase gene 1) spanning approximately 17 kilobases and consisting of 14 exons with sequence matching the cloned platelet/human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell cDNA sequence was identified. Several consensus sites for transcription factors and two potential transcription initiation sites within the 5' flanking region, encompassing the putative promoter region, were identified. A segment of a second, probable pseudogene (12-lipoxygenase gene 2), which displays approximately 85% identity to gene 1 within exon sequences, was also characterized. The presence of two 12-lipoxygenase genes was also substantiated by Southern blot analysis of total human genomic DNA. Exon-intron boundaries for the 12-lipoxygenase genes were located in the identical corresponding positions to the previously cloned human 5-lipoxygenase and rabbit 15-lipoxygenase genes, indicating a highly related gene family. Three lipoxygenase genes (12-lipoxygenase genes 1 and 2, 15-lipoxygenase) were localized to human chromosome 17, whereas the most unrelated lipoxygenase (5-lipoxygenase) was mapped to chromosome 10 by PCR analysis of a human-hamster somatic hybrid DNA panel. 12-Lipoxygenase gene 1 expression could be detected in human erythroleukemia cells, platelets, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells with certainty by reverse transcription-PCR analysis. There was no detectable 12-lipoxygenase gene 2 expression in several tissues and cell lines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Molecular cloning and functional expression of rat leukotriene A4 hydrolase using the polymerase chain reaction.

We isolated a cDNA encoding rat leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase from mesangial cells by the polymerase chain reaction according to the human amino acid sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence shows that rat LTA4 hydrolase is a 609 amino acid protein with an Mr 69 kDa. Comparison of human LTA4 hydrolase revealed 93% homology, and include zinc-binding motifs of aminopeptidases. COS-7 cells transfected with the cDNA revealed substantial LTA4 hydrolase activity, and their activities were abolished by preincubation with captopril, representing the first reported cDNA expression of recombinant enzyme in mammalian cells. RNA blot analysis indicated that LTA4 hydrolase was expressed in glomerular endothelial, epithelial and mesangial cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Lipoxin generation by human megakaryocyte-induced 12-lipoxygenase.

Eicosanoid biosynthesis was examined with a human megakaryocytic cell line (Dami). Megakaryocytes incubated with [1-14C]arachidonic acid and either ionophore A23187 or thrombin generated both thromboxane and 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (HHTrE). Exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 1 through 9 days induced differentiation and revealed an increase in the conversion of [1-14C]arachidonate to cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase (LO)-derived products. The LO-derived product was identified as 12S-HETE by its physical characteristics including GC/MS and chiral column SP-HPLC. PMA-treated Dami cells did not generate 5-HETE, leukotrienes or lipoxins from exogenous arachidonic acid while they did convert leukotriene A4 (LTA4) to lipoxin A4, lipoxin B4 and their respective all-trans isomers. In addition, COS-M6 cells transfected with a human 12-lipoxygenase cDNA and incubated with either arachidonic acid or LTA4 generated 12-HETE and lipoxins, respectively. The lipoxin profile generated by transfected COS-M6 cells incubated with LTA4 was similar to that generated by the PMA-treated Dami cells. Results indicate that human megakaryocytes can transform arachidonate and LTA4 to bioactive eicosanoids and that the 12-lipoxygenase appears upon further differentiation of these cells. In addition, they indicate that the 12-LO of human megakaryocytes and the 12-LO expressed by transfected COS cells can generate both lipoxins A4 and B4. Together they suggest that the human 12-LO can serve as a model of LX-synthetase activity with LTA4.

Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed1991

Eicosanoid forming enzyme mRNA in human tissues. Analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

The key enzymes in the formation of eicosanoids, including leukocyte 5-lipoxygenase (5LX), platelet 12-lipoxygenase (12LX), reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase (15LX), prostaglandin G/H synthase cyclooxygenase, and leukotriene A4 (LTA) hydrolase have been studied extensively in recent years. Little is known, however, about the regulation of these enzymes at the gene level. We have developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to quantify the mRNAs for these five enzymes, as well as for cytoplasmic beta-actin (bACT) mRNA. Human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells, which display megakaryocytic/erythroid characteristics, were selected as a source of RNA to characterize the assay. These cells expressed mRNA for bACT, LTA, cyclooxygenase, and 12LX (in decreasing order). mRNA for 5LX and 15LX was undetectable. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells obtained from asthmatic patients, primarily alveolar macrophages, contained mRNA for bACT, LTA, 5LX, cyclooxygenase, and 15LX (in decreasing order). Treatment of HEL cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or steroid administration to asthmatic patients apparently selectively regulated certain of these target genes. The utility of this assay in quantifying mRNA for the various target genes in blood cells, including platelets from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia, has also been demonstrated. Studies on the regulation of genes for enzymes involved in the leukotriene and prostaglandin biosynthetic pathways, especially when only small tissue samples are available, will be facilitated with this approach.

Actins↗
PubMed1991

Molecular cloning and expression of mouse leukotriene A4 hydrolase cDNA.

A cDNA clone for mouse leukotriene A4 hydrolase encoding the full sequence of the enzyme was isolated from a mouse spleen lambda ZAP-II library. The identification was ascertained by expression of enzyme activity in Escherichia coli. The encoded protein has 610 amino acids and exhibits an extensive identity (93%) with the human leukotriene A4 hydrolase. A region spanning between residues 233 and 340, where the zinc binding site is located, was found to be perfectly conserved between the two species. We found six sites of polymorphism in the cDNA sequence of mouse LTA4 hydrolase, one of which leads to a difference in the encoded amino acid. The polymorphism of cDNA was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR sequencing of mouse spleen total RNA, prepared as a mixture from ten different strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Human platelet/erythroleukemia cell prostaglandin G/H synthase: cDNA cloning, expression, and gene chromosomal assignment.

Platelets metabolize arachidonic acid to thromboxane A2, a potent platelet aggregator and vasoconstrictor compound. The first step of this transformation is catalyzed by prostaglandin (PG) G/H synthase, a target site for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. We have isolated the cDNA for both human platelet and human erythroleukemia cell PGG/H synthase using the polymerase chain reaction and conventional screening procedures. The cDNA encoding the full-length protein was expressed in COS-M6 cells. Microsomal fractions from transfected cells produced prostaglandin endoperoxide-derived products which were inhibited by indomethacin and aspirin. Mutagenesis of the serine residue at position 529, the putative aspirin acetylation site, to an asparagine reduced cyclooxygenase activity to barely detectable levels, an effect observed previously with the expressed sheep vesicular gland enzyme. Platelet-derived growth factor and phorbol ester differentially regulated the expression of PGG/H synthase mRNA levels in the megakaryocytic/platelet-like HEL cell line. The PGG/H synthase gene was assigned to chromosome 9 by analysis of a human--hamster somatic hybrid DNA panel. The availability of platelet PGG/H synthase cDNA should enhance our understanding of the important structure/function domains of this protein and its gene regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Human fibroblasts show expression of the leukotriene-A4-hydrolase gene, which is increased after simian-virus-40 transformation.

Human fibroblasts in cell culture converted the epoxide intermediate leukotriene A4 into the potent chemotaxin leukotriene B4. The identity of leukotriene B4 was ascertained by its mobility in reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The presence of the enzyme responsible for the conversion (i.e. leukotriene A4 hydrolase), as well as the corresponding mRNA, were demonstrated by Western and Northern blot analyses. Leukotriene-A4-hydrolase enzyme activity, protein and mRNA were all enhanced (approximately threefold) in human fibroblasts that had been transformed by simian virus 40.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1990

Molecular cloning, primary structure, and expression of the human platelet/erythroleukemia cell 12-lipoxygenase.

The major pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets proceeds via a 12-lipoxygenase enzyme; however, the biological role of the product of this reaction, 12-hydro(pero)xyeicosatetraenoic acid [12-H(P)ETE], is unknown. Using a combination of the polymerase chain reaction and conventional screening procedures, we have isolated cDNA clones encoding the human platelet/human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell 12-lipoxygenase. From the deduced primary structure, human platelet/HEL 12-lipoxygenase would encode a Mr 75,000 protein consisting of 663 amino acids. The cDNA encoding the full-length protein (pCDNA-121x) under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter was expressed in simian COS-M6 cells. Intact cells and lysed-cell supernatants were able to synthesize 12-H(P)ETE from arachidonic acid, whereas no 12-H(P)ETE synthesis was detected in mock-transfected cells. A single 2.4-kilobase mRNA was detected in erythroleukemia cells but not in several other tissues and cell lines evaluated by Northern blot analysis. Comparison of the human platelet/HEL 12-lipoxygenase sequence with that of porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase and human reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase revealed 65% amino acid identity to both enzymes. By contrast, the leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase is 86% identical to human reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase. Sequence data and previously demonstrated immunochemical and biochemical evidence support the existence of distinct 12-lipoxygenase isoforms. The availability of cDNA probes for human platelet/HEL cell 12-lipoxygenase should facilitate elucidation of the biological role of this pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

B-lymphocytic cell line Raji expresses the leukotriene A4 hydrolase gene but not the 5-lipoxygenase gene.

The expression of LTA hydrolase and 5-lipoxygenase genes was studied in Raji cells, a Burkitt lymphoma derived B-cell line. Northern and Western blot analyses clearly showed the expression, both at the transcriptional and translational level, of the LTA4 hydrolase gene in these cells. However, expression of the 5-lipoxygenase gene was undetectable. Thus, the genes coding for the two enzymes required for biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 from arachidonic acid, 5-lipoxygenase and LTA4 hydrolase, were differentially expressed in the Raji cells.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed1989

Binding of prostaglandin E2 to cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and its effect on catecholamine secretion.

We have previously shown that plasma membranes from adrenal medulla possess specific high-affinity binding sites for prostaglandins (PGs) E1 and E2. We have now investigated the binding of PGE2 to intact bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and the effects of prostaglandins on the release of catecholamines from these cells. Adrenal chromaffin cells specifically bound PGE2 with a dissociation constant of 2 nM and a concentration of about 40,000 binding sites per cell. Low concentrations of PGE2 inhibited the nicotine-stimulated release of catecholamines from these cells. The effect of PGE2 was biphasic, the maximal inhibitory effect being observed at a concentration of between 1 and 10 nM. Higher concentrations (1 microM) of PGE2 had minimal inhibitory effects on nicotine-evoked noradrenaline release, but instead had a direct stimulatory effect in the absence of cholinergic agonists. Although the stimulatory effects of high concentrations of PGE2 were reproducibly observed in all cell preparations, only about one-half of the cultures tested responded to the inhibitory effects of this prostaglandin. It is possible that PGE2 plays a modulatory role in the regulation of catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Characterization of the human 5-lipoxygenase gene.

The gene for human 5-lipoxygenase has been isolated from three different bacteriophage genomic libraries and a genomic cosmid library. The gene spans greater than 82 kilobases and consists of 14 exons. The size range for the exons is 82-613 base pairs, whereas that for the introns is approximately 200 bp to greater than 26 kb. A major site of transcription initiation in leukocytes was mapped to a thymidine residue 65 base pairs upstream of the ATG initiation codon by nuclease S1 protection and primer extension experiments. Other potential minor initiation sites were found. The putative promoter region contains no TATA and CCAAT sequences in the expected positions upstream of the major transcription initiation site but contains multiple GC boxes within a (G + C)-rich region, as does the immediate 5' region of the first intron. Characteristics common to the 5' end of the human 5-lipoxygenase gene and the promoter regions of the housekeeping genes raise important questions concerning the regulation of 5-lipoxygenase gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Native and mutant 5-lipoxygenase expression in a baculovirus/insect cell system.

Human 5-lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.34), the key enzyme involved in the transformation of arachidonic acid to the potent biologically active leukotrienes, has been overexpressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression system. A recombinant baculovirus (3B6) carrying the human 5-lipoxygenase coding sequence downstream of the strong polyhedrin protein promoter was isolated. Approximately 48 hr after infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells with the recombinant baculovirus, maximal intracellular enzyme activity and protein levels were detected. The recombinant 5-lipoxygenase in 10,000 x g supernatant fractions was able to synthesize large amounts of 5-hydroperoxy-6,8,10,14-icosatetraenoic acid, together with smaller amounts of the nonenzymatic hydrolysis products of leukotriene A4, and exhibited a dependence on Ca2+ and ATP for maximal activity. Immunoblot analysis of supernatant proteins from human leukocytes and recombinant virus-infected cells indicated the presence of indistinguishable approximately 80-kDa bands. However, 5-lipoxygenase protein in recombinant-infected cells was found to be present in amounts 50-200 times that present in leukocytes on a per-cell basis. Histidine-362 and histidine-372, potential iron-atom ligands within a putative iron-binding domain, were changed to serine residues. Recombinant baculoviruses carrying the mutations were isolated and used to infect insect cells. Although infected cells were able to express mutant 5-lipoxygenase protein, enzyme activity was not substantially altered, suggesting the nonessential nature of these histidines in binding iron at the putative ferric catalytic site.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗