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Biomedical subjects

E Clayton

Publications and source records attributed to E Clayton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

BCR activation of PI3K is Vav-independent in murine B cells.

BCR (B-cell antigen receptor)-induced Ca(2+) signalling is initiated by activation of tyrosine kinases, which in concert with adaptor proteins and lipid kinases regulate PLC (phospholipase C) gamma2 activation. Vav and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) are required for optimal Ca(2+) responses, although it has not been established, in primary B-cells, if both proteins are components of the same pathway. In vitro evidence suggests that binding of the PI3K lipid product PIP3 to Vav pleckstrin homology domain contributes to Vav activation. However, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K by wortmannin or deletion of the p110delta catalytic subunit has no effect on Vav activation in response to BCR engagement, suggesting that this mechanism does not operate in vivo. We also show that PI3K recruitment to phosphorylated-tyrosine-containing complexes is Vav-independent. Taken together with our previous observation that protein kinase B phosphorylation is normal in Vav-deficient B-cells, we suggest that PI3K activation is Vav-independent in response to strong signals delivered by multivalent cross-linking.

Androstadienes↗

Identification of the urinary metabolites of 4-bromoaniline and 4-bromo-[carbonyl-13C]-acetanilide in rat.

1. The urinary excretion of 4-bromoaniline and its [carbonyl-(13)C]-labelled N-acetanilide, together with their corresponding metabolites, have been investigated in the rat following i.p. administration at 50 mg kg(-1). 2. Metabolite profiling was performed by reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection, whilst identification was performed using a combination of enzymic hydrolysis and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS analysis. The urinary metabolite profile was quantitatively and qualitatively similar for both compounds with little of either excreted unchanged. 3. The major metabolite present in urine was 2-amino-5-bromophenylsulphate, but, in addition, a number of metabolites with modification of the N-acetyl moiety were identified (from both the [(13)C]-acetanilide or produced following acetylation of the free bromoaniline). 4. For 4-bromoacetanilide, N-deacetylation was a major route of metabolism, but despite the detection of the acetanilide following the administration of the free aniline, there was no evidence of reacetylation (futile deacetylation). 5. Metabolites resulting from the oxidation of the acetyl group included a novel glucuronide of an N-glycolanilide, an unusual N-oxanilic acid and a novel N-acetyl cysteine conjugate.

Acetanilides↗

Vav is required for cyclin D2 induction and proliferation of mouse B lymphocytes activated via the antigen Receptor.

B lymphocytes from mice null for the Rho-family guanine-nucleotide exchange factor, Vav, are defective in their ability to proliferate in response to BCR cross-linking, but are able to proliferate normally in response to LPS. In addition, they have a depletion of CD5(+) (B1) lymphocytes and defective IgG class switching. This phenotype is reminiscent of that observed in mice null for the cell cycle regulatory protein, cyclin D2. We demonstrate here that the inability of vav(-/-) B cells to proliferate in response to BCR ligation is due to an inability to induce cyclin D2. In addition, we show that the proliferative defect of these cells occurs after the cells have entered early G1 phase. Analyses of potential down-stream signaling intermediates revealed differential activation of the stress-activated MAP kinases in the absence of Vav, normal activation of the ERK, MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, and defective intracellular calcium mobilization. We further demonstrate that intracellular calcium homeostasis is required for cyclin D2 induction, implicating a possible link with the defective calcium response of vav(-/-) B cells and their inability to induce cyclin D2.

Animals↗

Structural organization of the mouse phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110d gene.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases are a family of dual specificity lipid/protein kinases. The products of PI3K's, phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5) triphosphate and phosphatidylinositol(3,4) bisphosphate, act as second messengers connecting activated transmembrane receptors to signaling pathways that control gene transcription, proliferation, transformation, programmed cell death, adhesion, migration and vesicular transport. There is evidence that different isoforms of PI3K's activate specific signaling pathways and are thus responsible for integrating cellular responses. The elucidation of the genomic structure of the catalytic subunits is a necessary step for the investigation of the function of PI3K isoforms by inactivation of the gene in vivo. The structural organization of p110alpha, beta, and gamma genes has been previously reported. Here we report the cloning, sequencing, and structural organization of the mouse p110delta gene from a murine 129/Sv genomic library. The p110delta gene consists of 22 exons and spans over 13 kb. Comparison of the genomic structure with that of p110alpha, beta, and gamma demonstrates that the p110delta gene shares its exon structure with p110beta, the most closely related PI3K at the amino acid level.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Signal transduction through Vav-2 participates in humoral immune responses and B cell maturation.

B and T lymphocytes develop normally in mice lacking the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav-2. However, the immune responses to type II thymus-independent antigen as well as the primary response to thymus-dependent (TD) antigen are defective. Vav-2-deficient mice are also defective in their ability to switch immunoglobulin class, form germinal centers and generate secondary immune responses to TD antigens. Mice lacking both Vav-1 and Vav-2 contain reduced numbers of B lymphocytes and display a maturational block in the development of mature B cells. B cells from Vav-1(-/-)Vav-2(-/-) mice respond poorly to antigen receptor triggering, both in terms of proliferation and calcium release. These studies show the importance of Vav-2 in humoral immune responses and B cell maturation.

Animals↗

Vav-2 controls NFAT-dependent transcription in B- but not T-lymphocytes.

We show here that Vav-2 is tyrosine phosphorylated following antigen receptor engagement in both B- and T-cells, but potentiates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-dependent transcription only in B cells. Vav-2 function requires the N-terminus, as well as functional Dbl homology and SH2 domains. More over, the enhancement of NFAT-dependent transcription by Vav-2 can be inhibited by a number of dominant-negative GTPases. The ability of Vav-2 to potentiate NFAT-dependent transcription correlates with its ability to promote a sustained calcium flux. Thus, Vav-2 augments the calcium signal in B cells but not T cells, and a truncated form of Vav-2 can neither activate NFAT nor augment calcium signaling. The CD19 co-receptor physically interacts with Vav-2 and synergistically enhances Vav-2 phosphorylation induced by the B-cell receptor (BCR). In addition, we found that Vav-2 augments CD19-stimulated NFAT- dependent transcription, as well as transcription from the CD5 enhancer. These data suggest a role for Vav-2 in transducing BCR signals to the transcription factor NFAT and implicate Vav-2 in the integration of BCR and CD19 signaling.

Animals↗

Identification and quantification of metabolites of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethylaniline in rat urine using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The urinary excretion profile and identity of the metabolites of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-triflouromethylaniline, following i.p. administration to the rat at 50 mg kg(-1), were determined using a combination of 19F-NMR, HPLC-NMR and HPLC-MS. A total of 38% of the dose was eliminated in the urine as five metabolites. The major routes of metabolism were N-glucuronidation, sulfation and oxidation with a significant amount of metabolic defluorination to give a number of ortho-ring hydroxylated metabolites. The oxidised metabolites were excreted as glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates.

Aniline Compounds↗

Kinetic and structural characteristics of the inhibition of enoyl (acyl carrier protein) reductase by triclosan.

Triclosan is used widely as an antibacterial agent in dermatological products, mouthwashes, and toothpastes. Recent studies imply that antibacterial activity results from binding to enoyl (acyl carrier protein) reductase (EACPR, EC 1.3.1.9). We first recognized the ability of triclosan to inhibit EACPR from Escherichia coli in a high throughput screen where the enzyme and test compound were preincubated with NAD(+), which is a product of the reaction. The concentration of triclosan required for 50% inhibition approximates to 50% of the enzyme concentration, indicating that the free compound is depleted by binding to EACPR. With no preincubation or added NAD(+), the degree of inhibition by 150 nM triclosan increases gradually over several minutes. The onset of inhibition is more rapid when NAD(+) is added. Gel filtration and mass spectrometry show that inhibition by triclosan is reversible. Steady-state assays were designed to avoid depletion of free inhibitor and changes in the degree of inhibition. The results suggest that triclosan binds to E-NAD(+) complex, with a dissociation constant around 20-40 pM. Triclosan follows competitive kinetics with respect to NADH, giving an inhibition constant of 38 pM at zero NADH and saturating NAD(+). Uncompetitive kinetics are observed when NAD(+) is varied, giving an inhibition constant of 22 pM at saturating NAD(+). By following regain of catalytic activity after dilution of EACPR that had been preincubated with triclosan and NAD(+), the rate constant for dissociation of the inhibitor (k(off)) is measured as 1.9 x 10(-4) s(-1). The association rate constant (k(on)) is estimated as 2.6 x 10(7) s(-1) M(-1) by monitoring the onset of inhibition during assays started by addition of EACPR. As expected, the ratio k(off)/k(on) = 7.1 pM is similar to the inhibition constants from the steady-state studies. The crystal structure of E. coli EACPR in a complex with coenzyme and triclosan has been determined at 1.9 A resolution, showing that this compound binds in a similar site to the diazaborine inhibitors. The high affinity of triclosan appears to be due to structural similarity to a tightly bound intermediate in catalysis.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Quantitative studies on the urinary metabolic fate of 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylaniline in the rat using 19F-NMR spectroscopy and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS.

1. The metabolism and urinary excretion of 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylaniline has been studied in the rat using 19F-NMR spectroscopy and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS methods. The compound was dosed to three male Sprague-Dawley rats (50 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and urine collected over 0-8, 8-24 and 24-48 h post-dosing. 2. A total urinary recovery of 56.3+/-2.2% of the dose was achieved up to 48 h after dosing. The major metabolite in the urine was identified as 2-amino-3-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenylsulphate accounting for a total of 33.5+/-2.2% of the dose. 3. Further metabolites detected and characterized included 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenylhydroxylamine glucuronide (13.2+/-0.5% of the dose), 2-amino-3-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenylglucuronide (3.8+/-0.4% of the dose) and 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylaniline-N-glucuronide (3.6+/-0.1% of the dose). Several minor metabolites were also found and identified, including 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenylsulphamate, which together accounted for 2.1+/-0.4% of the dose. 4. Directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS and 19F-NMR spectroscopy is shown to provide an efficient approach for the unequivocal and rapid determination of the quantitative urinary metabolic fate and excretion balance of a fluorinated xenobiotic without the necessity for specific radiolabelling.

Aniline Compounds↗

Investigation of the quantitative metabolic fate and urinary excretion of 3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylaniline and 3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylacetanilide in the rat.

The urinary metabolites of 3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylaniline in the rat were characterized and quantified using a combination of (19)F NMR, HPLC-NMR ((1)H and (19)F), and HPLC-mass spectrometry techniques. The major routes of metabolism were amine N-acetylation and methyl group C-oxidation to the benzyl alcohol (with subsequent glucuronide conjugation) and further to the corresponding benzoic acid derivative. Quantitatively only a small proportion of the urinary metabolites contained the free amino group, and these were products of ortho-hydroxylation (2 and 6 position) with additional conjugation to form the ether sulfates and glucuronides. An N-glucuronide of the parent compound was also identified. 3-Methyl-4-trifluoromethylacetanilide ((13)C-labeled in the acetyl group) gave virtually the same overall metabolite profile as 3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylaniline; however, a significant level of futile N-deacetylation and reacetylation occurred as ca. 50% of the excreted N-acetylated major metabolites contained no (13)C-label at the acetyl, having been replaced by an endogenous (12)C-acetyl source. This level of futile deacetylation is the highest yet reported for a substituted aniline/acetanilide and indicates a high degree of electronic activation of the amino group toward the acetyltransferase enzymes in vivo.

Anilides↗

19F-NMR and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS investigations into the metabolism of 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylaniline in rat: a urinary excretion balance study without the use of radiolabelling.

1. The metabolic fate and urinary excretion of 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylaniline has been studied in rat using 19F-NMR spectroscopic and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS methods. The compound was dosed to Sprague-Dawley rats (50 mg kg-1, i.p.) and urine collected over 0-8, 8-24 and 24-48 h post-dosing. 2. A total urinary recovery of 53.5 +/- 7.0% of the dose was achieved up to 48 h after dosing. The major metabolite in the urine was identified as 2-amino-3-bromo-5-trifluoromethylphenylsulphate accounting for a total of 35.7 +/- 6.2% of the dose. 3. Further metabolites detected were 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylphenylhydroxylamine-1V-glucuronide (9.7 +/- 0.2% of the dose), 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylaniline-N-glucuronide (3.0 +/- 0.3%) and 2-amino-3-bromo-5-trifluoromethylphenylglucuronide (2-St 0-4). Minor metabolites, including 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylphenylhydroxylamine-O-glucuronide, 2-amino-3-bromo-5-trifluoromethylphenol and 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylphenylsulphamate, in total accounted for 2.3 +/- 0.9% of the dose. 4. Directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS and 19F-NMR spectroscopy proved to be efficient techniques for the unequivocal and rapid determination of the urinary metabolic fate and excretion balance of fluorinated xenobiotics without the need for radiolabelling.

Aniline Compounds↗

Exact mass measurement of polar organic molecules at low resolution using electrospray ionization and a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Hitherto, exact mass measurement experiments have usually been performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. However, under the right circumstances, measurements with comparable accuracy may be made at low resolution. Here we demonstrate the use of a low-resolution single-quadrupole mass spectrometer to accurately mass measure organic samples analyzed by electrospray ionization, using a variety of glycol polymers for internal calibration. Results are presented from 11 samples which yield molecular signals in the m/z range 190-750, including data for positive, negative, and multiply-charged sample and reference ions. Replicate determinations of the masses of 12 ions gave values within 4.5 ppm (1.1 millimass units, mmu) of their calculated values, with standard deviations no larger than 3 ppm (1.7 mmu). From a total of 88 individual 1 min measurements, 83 were within 5 ppm, and 87 within 2 mmu of the theoretical mass. The accuracy, precision, and sensitivity shown here are comparable to those achievable using high-resolution mass spectrometers, with the added benefits of simpler instrumentation and analytical technique afforded by the quadrupole mass analyzer.

Bradykinin↗

The nature of ophthalmic services, and the education and qualifications of nurses: a national survey.

This paper reports on a national survey undertaken by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Ophthalmic Nursing Forum to assess, first, the nature of ophthalmic services and, second, skill-mix and educational opportunities of nurses working with ophthalmic patients. A questionnaire was formulated and tested by members of the committee, with research and statistical support from the School of Nursing Studies, University of Manchester. The questionnaire was sent to the total population of ophthalmic units/hospitals in the UK (n = 168). Following descriptive statistical data analysis it was concluded that in smaller units, that is those with less than 18 beds (NB mean number of beds = 18), less than one in four nurses holds an ophthalmic qualification. Some respondents identified that in 10 instances no nurses held an ophthalmic qualification and that on 12 further occasions only one nurse held a relevant ophthalmic qualification. There are insufficient numbers of nurses holding ophthalmic qualifications. The implications of this situation are discussed and recommendations made.

Career Mobility↗

Identification of novel hydroxy fatty acids in the barnacle Balanus balanoides.

The ability of the barnacle Balanus balanoides tissues to produce eicosanoid hatching factors from endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids has been investigated. GC-MS analysis of an active HPLC fraction from the trihydroxy fatty acid band on TLC revealed the presence of a number of trihydroxy fatty acids and two compounds which were tentatively identified as chlorinated dihydroxy fatty acids. The identified trihydroxy fatty acids are 10,11,12-trihydroxy-5,8,14-eicosatrienoic acid, 10,11,12-trihydroxy-5,8,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid, 13,14,15-trihydroxy-5,8,11,17-eicosatetraenoic acid and 12,13,14-trihydroxy-4,7,10,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid. The tentatively identified chlorinated dihydroxy fatty acids are 9-chloro- and/or 11-chloro-8,12-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The formation of these compounds is evidence of lipoxygenase activities in Balanus balanoides and their identification will facilitate the understanding of the roles eicosanoids play in barnacle physiology, especially with regard to the larval hatching process.

Animals↗

Identification of the hatching factor of the barnacle Balanus balanoides as the novel eicosanoid 10,11,12-trihydroxy-5,8,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid.

Barnacle egg hatching factor which is released into the mantle cavity where the egg masses are brooded and stimulates embryonic musculature resulting in hatching and liberation of the larvae into the sea has been isolated in a purified form from a common barnacle Balanus balanoides. Derivatised hatching factor has been analysed by GC-MS and identified as 10,11,12-trihydroxy-5,8,14,12-eicosatetraenoic acid, a novel eicosanoid probably formed from endogenous eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5w3). Hatching factor activity is the first specific physiological function to be established for this type of compound.

Animals↗