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Biomedical subjects

D D Carson

Publications and source records attributed to D D Carson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

MUC1 expression in human prostate cancer cell lines and primary tumors.

MUC1 expression was evaluated in normal prostate epithelial cells (PrEC), and prostate cancer cell lines in response to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) treatment. Expression of MUC1 core protein was stimulated in PrEC and PC-3 cells after cytokine treatment, but was highly and constitutively expressed by DU-145 cells. MUC1 was not expressed by LNCaP, C4-2 or C4-2B cells under any condition. DHT alone or in combination with cytokines had no effect on MUC1 expression in any cell line tested. Using antibodies capable of detecting all isoforms of MUC1 core protein independent of their glycosylation state, immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays containing both nontumor and tumor tissue revealed that only 17% of tumor tissues and 41% of nontumor tissues stained positively for MUC1. Staining patterns in tumor tissue varied from focal apical staining to diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Neither the presence of MUC1 core protein nor its subcellular distribution correlated with Gleason grade. These data indicate that MUC1 is a poor marker of prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha strongly induce MUC1 expression in both normal prostate epithelia and certain prostate tumor cell lines and may exacerbate pathologies associated with MUC1-positive prostate cancers.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2002

Heparan sulfate interacting protein (HIP/L29) negatively regulates growth responses to basic fibroblast growth factor in gingival fibroblasts.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) modulates gingival growth, and its release from heparan sulfate (HS) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) governs local tissue bioavailability. We identified a heparin/HS interacting protein (HIP/L29) that recognizes specific HS sequences. We hypothesize that HIP/L29, by modulating the interactions of bFGF with HS chains on proteoglycans, could regulate bFGF bioavailability. To investigate interactions between bFGF and HIP/L29, we isolated and cultured fibroblasts from normal gingiva and overgrown gingiva from patients on cyclosporine (CSA). bFGF significantly stimulated gingival fibroblast proliferation with or without heparin. Recombinant human HIP/L29 dramatically decreased bFGF-induced proliferation, but did not alter responses to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation patterns showed that bFGF stimulation of p44 (Erk-1), but not p42 (Erk-2), also was inhibited by HIP/L29 in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results support our hypothesis that HIP/L29 modulates the bioavailability and action of bFGF.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Perlecan: an important component of the cartilage pericellular matrix.

Perlecan (Pln) is a large proteoglycan that can bear HS (heparan sulfate) and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Previous studies have demonstrated that Pln can interact with growth factors and cell surfaces either via its constituent glycosaminoglycan chains or core protein. Herein, we summarize studies demonstrating spatially and temporally regulated expression of Pln mRNA and protein in developing and mature cartilage. Mutations either in the Pln gene or in genes involved in glycosaminoglycan assembly result in severe cartilage phenotypes seen in both human syndromes and mouse model systems. In vitro studies demonstrate that Pln can trigger chondrogenic differentiation of multipotential mouse CH310T1/2 stem cells as well as maintain the phenotype of adult human chondrocytes. Structural mapping indicates that these activities lie entirely within domain I, a region unique to Pln, and that they require glycosaminoglycans. We also discuss data indicating that Pln cooperates with the key chondrogenic growth factor, BMP-2, to promote expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers. Collectively, these studies indicate that Pln is an important component of human cartilage and may have useful applications in tissue engineering and cartilage-directed therapeutics.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Expression of heparin/heparan sulfate interacting protein/ribosomal protein l29 during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in the mouse.

Using a variety of approaches, we have examined the expression of the heparin/heparan sulfate (Hp/HS) interacting protein/ribosomal protein L29 (HIP/RPL29) in mouse uteri during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. HIP/RPL29 selectively binds heparin and HS and may promote HS-dependent embryo adhesion. HIP/RPL29 was prominently expressed in both luminal and glandular epithelia under almost all conditions, including the phase of embryo attachment. In contrast, differences were noted in HIP/RPL29 expression in the stromal compartment both during the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy. Most notably, HIP/RPL29 accumulated in decidua, where it displayed a pattern complementary to that of pericellular deposition of the HS proteoglycan, perlecan. HIP/RPL29 protein was detected in implanted embryos at both initial and later stages of implantation; however, embryonic HIP/RPL29 mRNA accumulation was more pronounced at later stages (Day 7.5 postcoitum). In situ hybridization revealed similar spatial changes for HIP/RPL29 mRNA during these different physiological states. Whereas differences in the spatial pattern of HIP/RPL29 protein and mRNA expression were demonstrable, little change was detected in the level of HIP/RPL29 mRNA or protein in total endometrial extracts. Mouse blastocysts attached, but did not outgrow, on surfaces coated with recombinant murine HIP/RPL29. Surprisingly, soluble glycosaminoglycans including heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or chondroitin sulfate were not able to inhibit embryo attachment to HIP/RPL29-coated surfaces. These latter observations indicate that embryonic cell surface components other than HS proteoglycans can promote binding to HIP/RPL29 expressed by uterine cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Multiple domains contribute to heparin/heparan sulfate binding by human HIP/L29.

Human heparin/heparan sulfate interacting protein/L29 (HIP/L29) is thought to be involved in the promotion of cell adhesion, the promotion of cell growth in the cancerous state, and the modulation of blood coagulation. These activities are consistent with the proposed function of HIP/L29 as a heparin/heparan sulfate (Hp/HS) binding growth factor that has a preference for anticoagulantly active Hp/HS. Previous studies showed that a peptide derived from the C terminus of human HIP/L29 (HIP peptide-1) can selectively bind anticoagulant Hp and support cell adhesion. However, a murine ortholog does not have an identical HIP peptide-1 sequence, yet still retains the ability to bind Hp, suggesting that there may be additional Hp/HS binding sites outside of the HIP peptide-1 domain. To test this hypothesis, a systematic study of the domains within human and murine HIP/L29 responsible for Hp/HS binding activity was undertaken. Using deletion mutants, proteolytic fragments, and protease protection of HIP/L29 by Hp, we demonstrate that multiple binding domains contribute to the overall Hp/HS binding activity of HIP/L29 proteins. Furthermore, a conformational change is induced in human HIP/L29 upon Hp binding as detected by circular dichroism spectroscopy. These studies demonstrate the multiplicity of Hp/HS binding sequences within human and murine HIP/L29.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed2000

Cloning, expression, and chromosome mapping of the murine Hip/Rpl29 gene.

We previously have identified murine heparin/heparan sulfate-interacting protein (HIP) identical to mouse ribosomal protein L29 that is, like its human orthologue, distinctively expressed both on the cell surface and intracellularly in different adult tissues and cell types. In the present study, we show that mouse HIP/RPL29 is encoded by a single mRNA and that it is expressed to different extents in most of the tissues of the developing embryo without restriction to a specific cell type. We isolated the single-copy gene coding for murine Hip/Rpl29 among a large number of pseudogenes, established its structure, and assigned its location to distal chromosome 9. Similar to other ribosomal protein promoters, the promoter of Hip/Rpl29 is rich in polypyrimidine tracts, contains binding motifs for ubiquitously expressed transcription factors, and lacks a TATA box. Progressive 5' deletion analyses identified a strong enhancer region that includes CT-rich sequences and a potential consensus binding site for NF-kappaB. These data will provide valuable tools to progress the understanding of HIP/RPL29 function as a ribosomal protein and/or as a regulator of growth and cell adhesion through interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Cytoskeletal abnormalities in chondrocytes with EXT1 and EXT2 mutations.

The EXT genes are a group of putative tumor suppressor genes that previously have been shown to participate in the development of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), HME-associated and isolated chondrosarcomas. Two HME disease genes, EXT1 and EXT2, have been identified and are expressed ubiquitously. However, the only known effect of mutations in the EXT genes is on chondrocyte function as evidenced by aberrant proliferation of chondrocytes leading to formation of bony, cartilage-capped projections (exostoses). In this study, we have characterized exostosis chondrocytes from three patients with HME (one with EXT1 and two with EXT2 germline mutations) and from one individual with a non-HME, isolated exostosis. At the light microscopic level, exostosis chondrocytes have a stellate appearance with elongated inclusions in the cytoplasm. Confocal and immunofluorescence of in vitro and in vivo chondrocytes showed that these massive accumulations are composed of actin bundled by 1.5-microm repeat cross-bridges of alpha-actinin. Western blot analysis shows that exostosis chondrocytes from two out of three patients aberrantly produce high levels of muscle-specific alpha-actin, whereas beta-actin levels are similar to normal chondrocytes. These findings suggest that mutations in the EXT genes cause abnormal processing of cytoskeleton proteins in chondrocytes.

Actinin↗
PubMed1999

Expression of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan, during mouse embryogenesis and perlecan chondrogenic activity in vitro.

Expression of the basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), perlecan (Pln), mRNA, and protein has been examined during murine development. Both Pln mRNA and protein are highly expressed in cartilaginous regions of developing mouse embryos, but not in areas of membranous bone formation. Initially detected at low levels in precartilaginous areas of d 12.5 embryos, Pln protein accumulates in these regions through d 15.5 at which time high levels are detected in the cartilage primordia. Laminin and collagen type IV, other basal lamina proteins commonly found colocalized with Pln, are absent from the cartilage primordia. Accumulation of Pln mRNA, detected by in situ hybridization, was increased in d 14.5 embryos. Cartilage primordia expression decreased to levels similar to that of the surrounding tissue at d 15.5. Pln accumulation in developing cartilage is preceded by that of collagen type II. To gain insight into Pln function in chondrogenesis, an assay was developed to assess the potential inductive activity of Pln using multipotential 10T1/2 murine embryonic fibroblast cells. Culture on Pln, but not on a variety of other matrices, stimulated extensive formation of dense nodules reminiscent of embryonic cartilaginous condensations. These nodules stained intensely with Alcian blue and collagen type II antibodies. mRNA encoding chondrocyte markers including collagen type II, aggrecan, and Pln was elevated in 10T1/2 cells cultured on Pln. Human chondrocytes that otherwise rapidly dedifferentiate during in vitro culture also formed nodules and expressed high levels of chondrocytic marker proteins when cultured on Pln. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that Pln is not only a marker of chondrogenesis, but also strongly potentiates chondrogenic differentiation in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

MUC1/episialin: a critical barrier in the female reproductive tract.

The female reproductive tract must resist microbial infections as well as support embryonic development, implantation and placentation. Reproductive tract mucins, in general, and Muc1/episialin, in particular, play key roles in implantation related events and in protection from microbial infection. High levels of mucin expression in the lower reproductive tract presumably affords protection against infection while down-regulation of uterine mucins has been suggested to provide access to the uterine surface. The present studies demonstrate that mucins, particularly Muc1, are effective barriers to embryo attachment. Furthermore, a strain of female Muc1 null mice in normal housing displays chronic infection and inflammation of the lower reproductive tract and markedly reduced fertility rates. This phenotype is not observed when Muc1 nulls are housed in a pathogen-free environment indicating that this phenotype results from chronic microbial exposure. Only normal endogenous flora were isolated from the reproductive tracts of affected Muc1 null mice, suggesting that these bacterial species become opportunistic with loss of the mucin barrier. Staphylococcal adherence to lower reproductive tract epithelia was found to be mediated by cell surface mucin carbohydrates. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a critical barrier role for Muc1 in various aspects of female reproductive tract physiology.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Dynamics of uterine glycoconjugate expression and function.

Embryo attachment to the apical surface of the uterine epithelium is an event found in all mammalian species. Consequently, aspects of this process may be shared and considered as general principles in implantation strategies across species. This review focuses on studies implicating mucin glycoproteins disposed at the apical surface of uterine epithelia as antiadhesive molecules that block embryo attachment. As such, mucins must be removed, at least locally, to permit intimate contact between trophectoderm and uterine epithelia. Subsequently, we consider the role that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and HSPG-binding proteins play in tethering embryos to the apical surface of uterine epithelia during the attachment process.

Amphiregulin↗
PubMed1999

Bacterial conjunctivitis in Muc1 null mice.

PURPOSE: In contrast to wild-type mice, genetically engineered Mucin1 (Muc1) null animals display a marked propensity for development of blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Molecular approaches confirmed the presence of Muc1 mRNA and protein in the conjunctival tissue of wild-type mice and identified the bacterial species in Muc1 null symptomatic mice. METHODS: Muc1 null animals housed in a conventional facility were examined for visually apparent inflammation of the eye and surrounding tissue. Blood taken from overtly affected animals was assayed for antibodies to common murine viral agents. Swabs of infected eyes and whole eye preparations were used to detect and speciate bacterial pathogens. Frozen sections of whole eye, lid margin, and Harderian gland were immunostained with antibodies to Muc1 and cytokeratin 14, both epithelial cell markers. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed on RNA isolated from conjunctiva and Harderian gland of wild-type mice to compare relative levels of transcript. RESULTS: Student's unpaired t-test performed on the eye inflammation frequency of Muc1 null mice confirmed a statistical significance (P < 0.01) when compared to wild-type background animals housed in the same room. Analysis of blood samples from affected Muc1 null animals detected no common murine viral pathogens. Bacterial analysis of conjunctival swabs and whole eye preparations demonstrated the presence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus type alpha, and Corynebacterium group G2. Muc1 antibody staining of wild-type sections revealed the presence of Muc1 on conjunctival goblet and non-goblet cells and on the epithelium of the Harderian gland. Serial sections stained with cytokeratin 14 antibody confirmed the epithelial nature of cells expressing the Muc1 protein. RNA from conjunctiva and Harderian gland subjected to RT-PCR and northern blot analysis showed an abundance of Muc1 transcript in these tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Muc1 mRNA and protein are present in murine conjunctival and Harderian gland epithelia. Animals lacking Muc1 mRNA and protein are predisposed to developing eye inflammation when compared to wild-type animals with an intact Muc1 gene. Muc1 appears to play a critical protective role at the ocular surface, presumably by acting as a barrier to infection by certain bacterial strains.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Murine HIP/L29 is a heparin-binding protein with a restricted pattern of expression in adult tissues.

Heparin/heparan sulfate (Hp/HS)-binding proteins are implicated in a variety of cell biological processes including cell adhesion, modulation of blood coagulation, and cytokine/growth factor action. Hp/HS-interacting protein (HIP) has been identified in various adult tissues in humans. HIP supports high affinity, selective binding to Hp/HS, promotes cell adhesion, and modulates blood coagulation activities via Hp/HS-dependent mechanisms. Herein, a murine ortholog of human HIP is described that is 78.8% identical to human HIP and 99.8% identical at the cDNA level and identical at the amino acid level to a previously described murine ribosomal protein, L29. Western blot analyses and immunohistological staining with affinity-purified antibodies generated against two distinct peptide sequences of murine HIP/L29 indicate that HIP/L29 is differentially expressed in adult murine tissues and cell types. In the normal murine mammary epithelial cell line, NMuMG, HIP/L29 is enriched in the 100,000 x g particulate fraction. HIP/L29 can be solubilized from the 100,000 x g particulate fraction with 0.8 M NaCl, suggesting that it is a peripheral membrane protein. HIP/L29 directly binds 125I-Hp in gel overlay assays and requires 0.75 M NaCl for elution from Hp-agarose. In addition, recombinant murine HIP expressed in Escherichia coli binds Hp in a saturable and highly selective manner, compared with other glycosaminoglycans including dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. Collectively, these data indicate that murine HIP/L29, like its human ortholog, is a Hp-binding protein expressed in a restricted manner in adult tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Estrogen receptor does not directly regulate the murine Muc-1 promoter.

Muc-1 is a heavily O-glycosylated, type 1 membrane glycoprotein present on the surface of polarized secretory uterine epithelial cells. Previous studies have shown that treatment of ovariectomized mice with 17-beta-estradiol (E2) strongly induces Muc-1 mRNA expression in an estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated fashion in the uterus. In this study, the 5.4 kb Muc-1 gene promoter has been isolated from a mouse genomic library and the proximal 1.85 kb region has been sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of one potential full estrogen response element (ERE) (GCTCGCGGTGACC) located at -748 to -735 bp in the Muc-1 promoter and several potential ERE half sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that neither ERalpha nor ERbeta bind efficiently to this sequence. Transient cotransfection assays using constructs containing various deletion mutations of the 5' Muc-1 flanking sequences showed that E2 had no direct stimulation on promoter-driven reporter in NMuMG cells or primary mouse uterine epithelial cells, but did stimulate a consensus ERE CAT-reporter gene activity. In addition, E2-treatment of Weg-ER cells, a mouse uterine epithelial cell line stably expressing human ERalpha, did not restore endogenous Muc-1 expression or activate Muc-1 promoter-driven CAT activity. These results indicate that regions of the Muc-1 gene promoter within -1838 to +43 bp do not respond to E2 and ER stimulation and that ER alone is not sufficient to restore Muc1 gene expression. Deletion analyses also revealed that the sequence between -73 and +43 bp of the Muc-1 promoter is the minimal promoter region required for maximal Muc-1 promoter activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ER does not directly regulate the 1.85 kb murine Muc-1 gene promoter. Therefore, E2 control of uterine Muc-1 gene expression is likely to be indirect, i.e. mediated by stromal cell-derived factors.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A peptide sequence of heparin/heparan sulfate (HP/HS)-interacting protein supports selective, high affinity binding of HP/HS and cell attachment.

We previously have identified a novel cell surface heparan sulfate/heparin (HS/HP)-interacting protein (HIP) found in human uterine epithelia and a variety of other human epithelial and endothelial cells and cell lines (Liu, S., Smith, S. E., Julian, J., Rohde, L. H., Karin, N. J., and Carson, D. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 11817-11823; Rohde, L. H., Julian, J., Babaknia, A., and Carson, D. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 11824-11830). The amino acid sequence predicted for HIP revealed a potential HS/HP-binding motif. In the present studies, a synthetic peptide corresponding to this putative HS/HP-binding motif, HIP peptide, was synthesized and examined with regard to its HS/HP binding and cell attachment promoting activity. Results using solid phase binding assays demonstrate that HIP peptide binds HS/HP with high selectivity and has high affinity for bulk HP (50% saturation congruent with 300 nM) and even higher affinity for a subset of polysaccharides found in commercial [3H]HP (half-saturation congruent with 10 nM). Moreover, HIP peptide binds subsets of cell and extracellular matrix-associated HS and dermatan sulfate expressed by RL95 cells, a human uterine adenocarcinoma cell line. HIP peptide also binds a similar fraction of HS as well as dermatan sulfate expressed by JAR cells, a human choriocarcinoma cell line. In contrast to binding of cell- or extracellular matrix-associated HS, HIP peptide does not bind secreted or released forms of HS or DS from either RL95 or JAR cells to a significant extent. HS species that bind to HIP peptide are generally larger, have a higher negative charge density, and have a larger proportion of di- and trisulfated disaccharide units than HS species that do not bind to HIP peptide, demonstrating structural differences among these polysaccharides. This same peptide supports HS-dependent JAR cell attachment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that a linear peptide sequence found within HIP can account, at least in part, for the HS/HP binding and cell adhesion promoting activities of this protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Mucin and proteoglycan functions in embryo implantation.

Embryo implantation is a complex series of events that involves changes in pattern of expression of embryonic as well as uterine cell surface components. In the case of the embryo, these changes are driven by the developmental program. In the case of the uterus, these changes are triggered by both maternal hormonal influences as well as embryo-derived factors. Aspects of the implantation process vary among species; however, interaction between the external surface of the embryonic trophectoderm and the apical surface of the lumenal uterine epithelium is a common event. Progress is being made in defining the molecular players in these cell surface interactions. Large-molecular-weight mucin glycoproteins such as MUC1 are present at the apical surface of the uterine epithelium under most conditions. Under most circumstances, these mucins appear to protect the mucosal surface from infection and the action of degradative enzymes. These mucins are antiadhesive and also appear to represent a barrier to embryo attachment. Consistent with this model, reduction of mucin expression is observed in uterine lumenal epithelia in many species. Nonetheless, mucin expression persists in the human uterus during the proposed receptive phase. It is possible that mucin loss is localized to implantation sites in humans. Alternatively, mucins may function differently within the context of human implantation than in other species. Studies primarily performed in mice indicate that heparan sulfate proteoglycans, in particular, perlecan, appears on the exterior trophectodermal surface coincident with the acquisition of attachment competence. Various in vitro studies indicate that heparan sulfate proteoglycans support embryo attachment activity that may represent an early event in embryo-uterine interaction. Uterine epithelia cells express several complementary heparan sulfate-binding proteins that may participate in these attachment processes. Use of molecular genetic approaches in mouse models, as well as careful studies of the expression and function of these molecules in the context of implantation in various species are beginning to shed light on the key molecular events of implantation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Regional specialization of the cell membrane-associated, polymorphic mucin (MUC1) in human uterine epithelia.

The cell membrane-associated, polymorphic mucin, MUC1, has been proposed to hinder implantation by virtue of its anti-adhesive properties. Consistent with this proposal is the observation of a dramatic decrease in MUC1 protein and mRNA expression in the uterine epithelium of several species at the time of implantation. In contrast, little change in glandular epithelial expression of MUC1 protein or its mRNA during the peri-implantation period has been detected in humans. However, expression in the luminal epithelium, i.e. the epithelium involved in embryo attachment, has not been reported. Using tissue samples with a clearly defined luminal epithelium and antibodies directed against the cytoplasmic domain found in all cell-associated MUC1 species (CT-1) and against two MUC1 ectodomain epitopes, HMFG-1 and HMFG-2, we demonstrate that MUC1 expression in the luminal epithelium is maintained throughout the menstrual cycle. The staining observed with CT-1 correlates with that seen with HMFG-2, but not HMFG-1. HMFG-1 reactivity was high in all regions except basal glands in the mid proliferative endometrium and fell to very low levels throughout the tissue in the mid secretory phase. In all cases, HMFG-1 reactivity could be restored by predigestion with keratanase or neuraminidase which removes keratan sulphates and sialic acids, respectively. These observations suggest that regionally restricted glycosylation generates an altered external structure of MUC1. These alterations appear to decrease accessibility to the MUC1 protein core region and are maximal in luminal epithelium at the receptive phase. Due to their large highly extended structures, MUC1 ectodomains are very likely to be among the first cell surface components encountered during human blastocyst attachment to the luminal epithelium. Thus, MUC1 either must be locally removed during the attachment process or functions actually to promote the initial steps in embryo adhesion to the apical surface of the human uterine epithelium.

Adolescent↗