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Colvin M Redman

Publications and source records attributed to Colvin M Redman.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Active amino acids of the Kell blood group protein and model of the ectodomain based on the structure of neutral endopeptidase 24.11.

In addition to its importance in transfusion, Kell protein is a member of the M13 family of zinc endopeptidases and functions as an endothelin-3-converting enzyme. To obtain information on the structure of Kell protein we built a model based on the crystal structure of the ectodomain of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). Similar to NEP, the Kell protein has 2 globular domains consisting mostly of alpha-helical segments. The domain situated closest to the membrane contains both the N- and C-terminal sequences and the enzyme-active site. The outer domain contains all of the amino acids whose substitutions lead to different Kell blood group phenotypes. In the model, the zinc peptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon, was docked in the active site. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids in the active site was performed and the enzymatic activities of expressed mutant Kell proteins analyzed and compared with NEP. Our studies indicate that Kell and NEP use the same homologous amino acids in the coordination of zinc and in peptide hydrolysis. However, Kell uses different amino acids than NEP in substrate binding and appears to have more flexibility in the composition of amino acids allowed in the active site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutations that diminish expression of Kell surface protein and lead to the Kmod RBC phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Kmod is an inherited rare RBC phenotype characterized by weak but detectable expression of high-incidence Kell antigens. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 19 exons and the intron-exon regions of the KEL gene from four unrelated Kmod individuals were sequenced and compared to wild-type KEL. To study the mechanisms by which the mutations result in depression of Kell antigens, mutant and wild-type Kell proteins were expressed in 293T cells and the amounts of protein present on the cell surface were determined. RESULTS: The following point mutations were identified: Kmod-1, homozygous 1208G>A, S363N; Kmod-2, heterozygous, 1208G>A, S363N and 2150 A>G, Y677C; Kmod-3 (previously classified as KEL:-13), heterozygous 1106T>C, L329P and 1716G>A, W532Stop; Kmod-4, heterozygous, 2227G>A, G703R and a silent 1839C>T mutation. In transfected 293T cells, fewer G703R and L329P mutant Kell proteins were transported to the cell surface compared with wild-type Kell protein, and there was no detectable Y677C mutant Kell protein. Previously, it was shown that that S363N Kell protein was not detected on the cell surface. CONCLUSION: Different point mutations, causing amino acid substitutions and presumably altering protein conformation, inhibit transport of the mutant Kell proteins to the cell surface. The different mutations leading to the Kmod phenotype explain why anti-Ku made by persons with the Kmod phenotype are not mutually compatible.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Oxysterols suppress constitutive fibrinogen expression.

Elevated levels of both fibrinogen and cholesterol are risk factors in coronary artery disease. Previously we reported a metabolic link between fibrinogen and lipid metabolism in that HepG2 cells that were programmed by transfection of Bbeta-fibrinogen cDNA to overexpress fibrinogen exhibited increased synthesis of cholesterol and increased secretion of apolipoprotein B. In this study we demonstrate that oxysterols, which participate in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis, also down regulate fibrinogen expression. Treatment of HepG2 cells with 25-hydroxycholesterol lowered fibrinogen Aalpha, Bbeta and gamma mRNA levels and inhibited fibrinogen synthesis and secretion but had no effect on alpha1 -antitrypsin which, like fibrinogen, is an acute-phase protein. The inhibition of fibrinogen synthesis by oxysterols was maintained in interleukin-6 treated cells. Other oxysterols, that inhibit cholesterol synthesis by a feedback mechanism, also diminished fibrinogen expression in HepG2, rat H-4-II-E hepatoma cells and in primary human hepatocytes. Overexpression of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 by transfection of HepG2 cells, or treatment with a synthetic LXRalpha agonist, which affect cholesterol metabolism, did not affect fibrinogen expression. We conclude that fibrinogen and cholesterol may share a novel common regulatory pathway.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Point mutations causing the McLeod phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The McLeod phenotype is defined by absence of Kx, weakening of Kell system antigens, and acanthocytosis. Individuals with the McLeod phenotype usually develop late-onset neuromuscular abnormalities. Gene deletions, insertions, and point mutations that affect RNA splicing or that lead to premature stop codons have been reported to cause the McLeod phenotype. The McLeod phenotype may also be caused by mutations at a different splice site and by a novel mutation encoding an amino acid substitution that prevents transport to the cell surface. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The coding and flanking intron regions of XK from four male, unrelated individuals with the McLeod phenotype and non-chronic granulomatous disease were sequenced and compared with the wild type sequence. Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR, and the products were sequenced. In one case, the mutant cDNA was expressed in a heterologous cell, and cell surface expression was determined. RESULTS: Three individuals with the McLeod phenotype had mutations that disrupted conserved GT sequences present at RNA splice sites. Two of them had G>C mutations at the 5' splice site of intron 1, and one had a G>A mutation at the 5' splice site of intron 2. One person with the McLeod phenotype had a 746C>G mutation in exon 3 encoding an R222G substitution. In a transfected cell, the expressed protein from the latter mutant did not travel to the cell surface. CONCLUSION: The McLeod phenotype may be caused by several different mutations.

Acanthocytes↗