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Biomedical subjects

E R Simpson

Publications and source records attributed to E R Simpson.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Relative expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 in human fetal tissues as determined by competitive polymerase chain reaction amplification.

The aromatase enzyme complex is responsible for the conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens. Aromatase activities ranging from moderate to very low have been measured in human fetal tissues. The inability to demonstrate aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450AROM) messenger RNA (mRNA) in several fetal tissues by northern blotting has been attributed to low levels of specific message. In order to identify and compare P450AROM mRNA levels in fetal tissues, we developed a specific competitive polymerase chain reaction amplification technique. This reaction uses coamplification of a rat P450AROM complementary RNA to normalize differences in amplification efficiencies. Using this technique, P450AROM mRNA was identified in all fetal tissues studied including; liver, lung, brain, skin, intestine, kidney, spleen, and heart. Fetal liver contained far more P450AROM mRNA per total RNA than any other tissues studied. Fetal brain and intestine also tended to have slightly higher levels than other tissues.

Aromatase↗
PubMed1992

3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent transcription of the CYP11A (cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450) gene involves a DNA response element containing a putative binding site for transcription factor Sp1.

The product of the CYP11A gene, cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450, catalyzes the initial step of steroidogenesis. A major mechanism whereby steroid hydroxylase gene transcription is regulated in the adrenal cortex requires the pituitary peptide hormone, ACTH, which acts via cAMP. We have previously identified a transcriptional enhancer in the 5'-flanking sequence [-183 to -83 base pairs (bp)] of the bovine CYP11A gene, which activates transcription of a beta-globin promoter/reporter gene in transiently transfected mouse Y1 adrenocortical tumor cells in response to the activator of adenylate cyclase, forskolin. Further deletion analysis has located the minimal cAMP-responsive sequence (CRS) to -118 to -100 bp. Analysis of DNA-protein interactions using nuclear extracts from Y1 cells revealed two protein binding sites, which were shown by competition analysis to be closely related to the two protein binding sites identified previously in the CRS of the human CYP21 gene. Namely, within the cAMP responsive fragment -118 to -100 bp, a sequence with a high degree of similarity to the consensus binding sequence for the ubiquitous transcription factor Sp1 is present, and binding of protein to this site was abolished by competition with excess GC box oligonucleotide. The second partially overlapping site is located 3' of the putative Sp1-binding site and binds to a protein identical or closely related to a putative adrenal-specific protein. Whereas the adrenal-specific protein binding site of the CYP21 CRS was previously shown to be sufficient to confer cAMP-responsive activation of transcription, the homologous site within the CYP11A CRS appears to have an attenuating effect on transcription.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1991

Activation of transcription in cell-free extracts by a novel cAMP-responsive sequence from the bovine CYP17 gene.

An in vitro transcription system has been developed to study the transcriptional control of steroid hydroxylase gene expression in steroidogenic tissues using upstream sequences of these genes in rabbit beta-globin promoter/reporter constructs. Analysis of deletion mutants of the upstream region of the bovine CYP17 (p45017 alpha) gene in whole cell extracts prepared from mouse Y1 adrenocortical cells revealed that sequences activating transcription in vitro are identical to those previously identified in vivo, namely the novel cAMP-responsive sequences crsI (-243 to -225 base pairs) and crsII (-80 to -40 base pairs). These sequences do not contain the known cAMP response elements, CRE or AP-2. In similar extracts from nonsteroidogenic mouse SVT2 cells, crsI was unable to activate transcription. Partially purified protein factor(s) binding to crsI were prepared from Y1 extracts by crsI-specific DNA affinity chromatography. This fraction activated transcription in vitro in SVT2 extracts only when crsI was present in the template. This in vitro transcription system will permit further investigation of crsI and its cognate factors and of the transcriptional regulation of the other steroid hydroxylase genes.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Structure-function relationships of human aromatase cytochrome P-450 using molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis.

The conversion of androgens to estrogens is catalyzed by an enzyme complex named aromatase, which consists of a form of cytochrome P-450, aromatase cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome P-450AROM), and the flavoprotein, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. As a first step toward investigation of the structure-function relationships of cytochrome P-450AROM, we have used computer modeling to align the amino acid sequence of cytochrome P-450AROM with that of cytochrome P-450CAM from Pseudomonas putida and thus create a substrate pocket using the heme-binding region and the I-helix of cytochrome P-450CAM as the template. Site-directed mutagenesis was then carried out at two sites: one at a region that aligns with the bend in the I-helix of cytochrome P-450CAM and the other at a glutamate (Glu302) just N-terminal of this bend, which is predicted to be in close proximity to the C2-position of the androstenedione substrate. To determine the importance of the former region, three mutants were constructed: A307G (Ala307----Gly), P308V (Pro308----Val), and GAGV, which changed -Ile305-Ala306-Ala307-Pro308- to -Gly-Ala-Gly-Val- (the corresponding sequence found in 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450). When these proteins were expressed in COS-1 cells, it was found that the activity of P308V was approximately one-third that of the wild type. These observations are consistent with the concept that Pro308 causes a bend in the I-helix of cytochrome P-450AROM, similar to that observed in cytochrome P-450CAM, which is believed to be important in forming the substrate-binding pocket. The next set of mutants were designed to determine the importance of Glu302 in catalysis. Four mutants were prepared in which Glu302 was changed either to Ala, Val, Gln, or Asp, and the activities of the expressed proteins were examined. It was found that mutations in which the carboxylic acid was replaced were essentially devoid of activity. On the other hand, changing Glu302 to Asp resulted in a two-thirds reduction in the apparent Vmax. These results support the role of a carboxylic acid residue at position 302 in the catalytic activity of cytochrome P-450AROM.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Regulation of CYP11A (P450SCC) and CYP17 (P450(17) alpha) gene expression in bovine luteal cells in primary culture.

Cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450SCC) and 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450(17) alpha) are key enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis. The 5'-flanking regions of the corresponding bovine genes have recently been characterized in the adrenal-derived Y1 cell line and specific DNA sequences, required for basal and cAMP-dependent gene expression, were identified. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling P450SCC and P450(17) alpha gene expression throughout the ovarian cycle, we devised an electroporation protocol to transfect bovine luteal cells in primary culture with specific chimeric DNA constructs. Transfection of such cells with reporter gene constructs containing 186 base pairs (bp) or more of the CYP11A (P450SCC) 5'-regulatory region resulted in cAMP-responsive reporter gene expression. Reporter gene constructs containing 101 bp or less of this regulatory region were expressed neither in the presence nor in the absence of forskolin. Thus, expression of the CYP11A gene in bovine luteal cells in primary culture appears to be controlled by a cis-acting element located between -186 to -101 bp. Transfection of bovine luteal cells in primary culture with reporter gene constructs containing increasing deletions of the bovine CYP17 (P450(17) alpha) 5'-regulatory region clearly demonstrated that none of the sequences were capable of promoting significant reporter gene expression, neither in the presence nor absence of forskolin. Since no 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity and no specific mRNA encoding P450(17) alpha have been detected in the bovine corpus luteum, the failure of expression of the P450(17) alpha reporter gene constructs mimics that of the endogenous gene. These results demonstrate that the regulation of CYP11A gene expression in bovine luteal cells is carried out by the same cis-acting element (-183/-101) which serves this role in the adrenal Y1 cell line. On the other hand, expression of the CYP17 gene in bovine luteal cells appears to be completely repressed, due to the absence of specific positive transcription factor(s) or the presence of negative regulatory factor(s). Thus, transfection experiments using bovine luteal cells in primary culture represent a first step towards the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of cytochrome P450 gene expression throughout the ovarian cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Tissue-specific expression of human P-450AROM. The promoter responsible for expression in adipose tissue is different from that utilized in placenta.

The biosynthesis of estrogens from androgens is catalyzed by a enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum termed aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450AROM). The gene encoding P-450AROM was isolated in our laboratory utilizing a full-length P-450AROM cDNA and a primer-extended cDNA obtained from human placental libraries as probes. We have found that the P-450AROM gene spans at least 75 kilobases and the region encoding the P-450AROM protein is comprised of nine exons. In addition, there are at least two untranslated exons, I.1 and I.2, upstream of which are found putative promoter sequences thought to be responsible for expression of P-450AROM in placenta. To determine if these promoters are utilized to regulate P-450AROM expression in adipose tissue, we have used polymerase chain reaction technology in an attempt to amplify the untranslated exons out of human adipose total RNA. The untranslated exons could not be amplified out of adipose RNA although they could be amplified out of placental RNA. When oligonucleotides corresponding to these untranslated exons were used in Northern analysis of RNA from human adipose stromal cells, no hybridizable mRNA species was detectable. Putative promoter sequences 326 and 110 base pairs (bp) upstream of the 5' end of exon II were evaluated as adipose P-450AROM promoters by primer extension analysis and S1 nuclease protection assays. Both methods suggest a start site of transcription 26 bp down-stream of the TATAAA sequence located 110 bp from the placental intron-exon II junction. These results indicate that tissue-specific regulation of aromatase activity in the human is achieved in part by the use of alternative transcriptional start sites and tissue-specific promoters.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1991

The heterologous expression of the cytochromes P450: a new approach for the study of enzyme activities and regulation.

The superfamily of cytochrome P450s encompasses a vast arena of biologically important reactions. The ever-increasing numbers of P450s and the diversity of their enzymatic properties dictate the need to develop new approaches for studying their chemical, physical and catalytic properties. The heterologous expression of P450s in various cell systems (e.g., COS cells, yeast, E. coli, etc.) now provides a means of producing recombinant proteins for such studies. The example is presented of the expression of P450(17)alpha in COS cells and the use of this technique for the comparison of the enzymatic properties of the rat, bovine and human enzymes. Further, studies are described whereby cotransfection results in the simultaneous expression of more than one P450 permitting the construction of 'designer membranes' for assessing protein-protein interactions and the reconstruction of complex pathways of metabolism. Recent advances with genetically engineered systems point to the power of the transfection technique for the study of structure-function relationships with this class of important hemoproteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Immunocytochemical distribution of aromatase cytochrome P450 in the rat brain using peptide-generated polyclonal antibodies.

Estrogen formation is catalyzed by the aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450AROM) enzyme. Aromatase activity has been detected in several regions in the rat brain. In the present study, we used peptide-generated polyclonal antibodies raised against a 20-amino acid synthetic fragment of the rat P450AROM protein (as deduced from the nucleic acid sequence of the rat P450AROM complementary DNA), to determine the location of this enzyme in rat brain sections. Immunoreactive antisera were titered by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and purified by diethylaminoethyl-Affigel Blue chromatography. Specific immunoreactivity was confirmed by Western blot analysis using known aromatase-containing tissue (rat ovary homogenates and microsomal fractions). Evaluation of the distribution of P450AROM immunoreactivity in brain sections of male and female rats (30 and 60 days of age) was performed using the avidin biotin peroxidase immunocytochemical technique and light microscopy. P450AROM immunoreactivity appeared to be localized to neurons, and was present in brain regions and nuclei where enzymatic activity has been reported. For example, intense immunoreactivity was observed in the amygdaloid structures and supraoptic nucleus, whereas moderate to light immunoreactivity was evident in the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei and hippocampus. Surprisingly, neurons in the bed nucleus stria terminalis, medial basal hypothalamic, and preoptic areas displayed little aromatase immunoreactivity. However, P450AROM immunoreactivity was detected in specific brain regions not previously recognized to contain the enzyme (i.e. intense staining was seen in the reticular thalamic nucleus, olfactory tract and piriform cortex, as well as other brain structures). The pattern, distribution, and intensity of P450AROM immunoreactivity was similar regardless of sex or age. In this study, microsomal preparations derived from a new brain area (i.e. the reticular thalamic nucleus; Rt) displaying P450AROM immunoreactivity were observed to contain detectable levels of aromatase enzymatic activity, as determined by the 3H2O-release assay. The activity in the Rt was inhibited by a known aromatase inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione. These results confirm histologically the localization of P450AROM to brain regions where aromatase enzymatic activity has been detected and extend the knowledge of its location to areas previously unknown as sites of aromatase activity, which may be involved in the modulation of neuroendocrine function and reproductive behavior.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Tissue-specific promoters regulate aromatase cytochrome P450 gene expression in human ovary and fetal tissues.

The formation of estrogens from C19 steroids is catalyzed by a specific form of cytochrome P450, aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450AROM; the product of the CYP19 gene). Previous studies have demonstrated that aromatase activity in human adipose and ovarian granulosa cells is subject to complex multifactorial regulation and that changes in activity are correlated with changes in the levels of mRNA encoding P450AROM. We have previously isolated the human CYP19 gene. Two unique untranslated first exons (exons I.1 and I.2) have been identified in mRNA specific for P450AROM in human placenta. Although the proportion of transcripts encoding exon I.2 is very small, genomic clones encoding the sequences of both exons I.1 and I.2 have recently been isolated. The corpus luteum of human ovary differs in that promoters I.1 and I.2 are completely inactive. Sequence analysis of the DNA immediately 5' of exon II (which contains the start site of translation) demonstrates the presence of a TATAA sequence beginning 149 basepairs 5' of the ATG initiation codon identified in placental exon II. Using a combination of primer extension and S1 nuclease protection analysis, it appears that the initiation site of ovarian P450AROM transcripts aligns 26 basepairs down-stream of the sequence TATAA. It appears, therefore, that the expression of P450AROM-specific mRNA in corpus luteum is regulated by an additional promoter (promoter II), which is located just 5' of exon II. Consistent with these observations, Northern analysis of poly(A)+ RNA isolated from placenta and corpus luteum demonstrates that the major promoter of placental P450AROM is promoter I.1, while the major promoter in the corpus luteum is promoter II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Deletion within the CYP17 gene together with insertion of foreign DNA is the cause of combined complete 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency in an Italian patient.

The molecular basis of 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency syndrome in a 14-yr-old 46,XY Italian patient was investigated by amplification, subcloning, and sequencing of specific exonic sequences from genomic DNA samples. A homozygous mutation, consisting of a 518-basepair (bp) deletion combined with a 469-bp insertion, was identified in the CYP17 gene of the patient. The deletion spans much of exon II, the whole intron 2, and a portion of exon III. A part (156 bp) of the inserted sequence shows 95.5% identity to the nuclear antigen-binding site on Marek disease virus DNA and sequences found in rearranged mitochondrial DNA of rat hepatoma cells. A similar degree of sequence identity (99%) was also found between the above sequences and part of the lac operon of E. coli. The inserted sequence is lacking the BamHI site in intron 2 of CYP17 and contains an in-frame stop codon (TAA). Thus, the mutated gene encodes a truncated nonfunctional steroid hydroxylase, giving rise to symptoms associated with complete combined 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency. The family history revealed that the patient is the child of a consanguineous marriage and has two genotypically and phenotypically female sisters also suffering from symptoms of the disease. Investigation of genomic DNA from these sisters revealed that in each case both CYP17 alleles contained the same mutation. On the other hand, the parents were found to be heterozygous for this mutation. The insertion could not be found in DNA from normal individuals or in the CYP17 gene of other Italian patients with the 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Expression of mRNA encoding basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in bovine corpora lutea and cultured luteal cells.

A radiolabelled cRNA was synthesized using a 1.4 kb cDNA complementary to mRNA encoding bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as a template, and used as a probe to investigate the expression of mRNA encoding bFGF in bovine ovarian tissue, and luteal cells in primary culture. Northern analysis of poly(A +)RNA prepared from follicles and corpora lutea of various stages revealed a major mRNA species of 7 kb in corpora lutea of all stages, the amount of which was higher late in the luteal phase. No hybridizable message was detectable in follicles of any size. When luteal cells were established in primary culture, expression of the 7 kb mRNA species was maintained. This expression was increased markedly when cells were treated with LH/hCG or Bt2cAMP. Prostaglandin F-2 alpha treatment caused a marked decrease in the basal content of this 7 kb mRNA, and also severely impaired the ability of LH to stimulate this expression.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Expression of mRNA species encoding steroidogenic enzymes in the rat ovary.

We have examined the levels of expression of mRNA species encoding cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 (P-450scc), 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-450(17 alpha), aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450AROM) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) in rat ovaries throughout the oestrous cycle, during pregnancy and in immature animals treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). Total or poly(A)(+)-enriched RNA was prepared from adult rat ovaries throughout the oestrous cycle, from immature rat ovaries 24 and 48 h after treatment and from adult rat ovaries on days 10, 14, 17 and 21 of gestation. Expression of the mRNA species was examined by Northern analysis using specific [32P]cDNA probes. During the oestrous cycle P-450scc mRNA of approximately 1.9 kb was detected at low levels, while 3 beta-HSD mRNA of 1.7 kb was in relatively high abundance throughout the oestrous cycle. While P-450(17) alpha mRNA of 1.9 kb and P-450AROM of 2.7, 2.2 and 1.7 kb were highly abundant during dioestrus, pro-oestrus and oestrus, the levels of these mRNA species decreased markedly to be nearly undetectable during metoestrus. During pregnancy there was considerably more variation in the expression of the mRNA species examined. Expression of P-450scc mRNA was at low, but detectable, levels until day 14, thereafter expression increased to high levels (day 14-21 of gestation). Levels of P-450(17) alpha mRNA on day 10 of gestation were lower than at pro-oestrus during the oestrous cycle and decreased further on days 14 and 17. Expression of 3 beta-HSD was decreased on day 10, but on days 14, 17 and 21 of gestation high mRNA levels were detectable. Ovarian expression of the three P-450AROM species was dramatically increased between days 14 and 17 of pregnancy, but declined by day 21. In immature rats, P-450scc mRNA was detected at low levels in unstimulated animals and increased markedly after treatment with PMSG, while subsequent treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) had a minimal effect on expression. Expression of P-450(17) alpha mRNA was high in unstimulated immature and PMSG-treated rats, but diminished after treatment with hCG. All three P-450AROM mRNA species were undetectable in ovaries from unstimulated immature animals; however, induction of all three was observed in PMSG-treated rats, but this expression decreased to undetectable levels upon subsequent administration of hCG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1991

Rat adrenal 5 alpha-reductase mRNA content and enzyme activity are sex hormone dependent.

To investigate the effects of sex hormones on 5 alpha-reductase, we examined 5 alpha-reductase mRNA content and enzyme activity in the adrenal cortex of peripubertal male and female rats. In male rats, the influence of castration or hormone-replacement treatment with dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) on 5 alpha-reductase was assessed. To stimulate ovarian sex hormone production in immature female rats, the effect of a single injection of 5 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) on 5 alpha-reductase was examined. The efficacy of the treatments was demonstrated by measuring serum LH and ventral prostate weight in male rats, and serum oestradiol and ovarian weight in female rats. Growth hormone was also measured across all treatments in male and female rats. Adrenal 5 alpha-reductase mRNA levels were determined by RNA blot analysis utilizing a rat 5 alpha-reductase cDNA as probe. 5 alpha-Reductase enzyme activity was estimated by isolating [3H]5 alpha-DHT by thin-layer chromatography after incubation with [3H]testosterone. The identity of the [3H]5 alpha-DHT formed was demonstrated by recrystallization of the derivatized DHT to constant specific activity. In controls, adrenal cortical 5 alpha-reductase mRNA content was nearly four times higher in immature female rats compared with intact peripubertal males. Castration resulted in a sevenfold increase in adrenal 5 alpha-reductase mRNA content compared with that in intact controls, while in DHT-injected castrated animals the mRNA level was nearly undetectable. The content of adrenal 5 alpha-reductase mRNA in anoestrous rats was nearly four times higher than in PMSG-treated animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1991

Adenoma of the nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary body.

A 56-year-old man presented with a left ciliary body mass, anterior vitreous hemorrhage and a subluxed, cataractous lens. The clinical course included rapid enlargement of the mass, anterior uveitis, cataract progression and secondary glaucoma. Investigation included fluorescein angiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography. The eye was enucleated because of progressive enlargement with poor vision and uncontrolled secondary glaucoma. Histopathological examination showed an adenoma of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium with cystic areas of hyaluronidase-sensitive acid mucopolysaccharide. The mass distorted the iris, occluded the angle structures and produced a complete cataract. The basement membrane of the adjacent ciliary processes was extensively thickened. The authors discuss the clinical association with vitreous hemorrhage and the local damage caused by this benign tumour.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1991

Expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes in the bovine corpus luteum.

To examine the regulation of P-450SCC expression at the molecular level, a transfection protocol specific for bovine luteal cell cultures was developed. Among several commonly used transfection methods, electroporation yielded highest transfection efficiencies. Transfection of primary cultures of bovine luteal cells with chimaeric DNA constructs containing increasing deletions of the 5'-flanking region of P-450SCC fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene allowed two conclusions. Firstly, sequences of the P-450SCC 5'-flanking region were capable of conferring basal expression and cAMP responsiveness to the CAT reporter gene and secondly, the region -186 to -100 bp appears to be required for these two types of regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, 5'-flanking regions of P-450(17 alpha) were not capable of conferring any regulation of gene expression to the CAT reporter gene in these cells. Thus, the physiologically observed regulation of the endogenous cytochromes P-450SCC and P-450(17 alpha) is closely reflected by CAT reporter gene expression. These experiments will allow investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes throughout the ovarian cycle.

Animals↗