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Biomedical subjects

F Baas

Publications and source records attributed to F Baas.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

MRP3, an organic anion transporter able to transport anti-cancer drugs.

The human multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) gene family contains at least six members: MRP1, encoding the multidrug-resistance protein; MRP2 or cMOAT, encoding the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter; and four homologs, called MRP3, MRP4, MRP5, and MRP6. In this report, we characterize MRP3, the closest homolog of MRP1. Cell lines were retrovirally transduced with MRP3 cDNA, and new monoclonal antibodies specific for MRP3 were generated. We show that MRP3 is an organic anion and multidrug transporter, like the GS-X pumps MRP1 and MRP2. In Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells, MRP3 routes to the basolateral membrane and mediates transport of the organic anion S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl-)glutathione toward the basolateral side of the monolayer. In ovarian carcinoma cells (2008), expression of MRP3 results in low-level resistance to the epipodophyllotoxins etoposide and teniposide. In short-term drug exposure experiments, MRP3 also confers high-level resistance to methotrexate. Neither 2008 cells nor Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells overexpressing MRP3 showed an increase in glutathione export or a decrease in the level of intracellular glutathione, in contrast to cells overexpressing MRP1 or MRP2. We discuss the possible function of MRP3 in (hepatic) physiology and its potential contribution to drug resistance of cancer cells.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Expression of human MRP6, a homologue of the multidrug resistance protein gene MRP1, in tissues and cancer cells.

The human multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family contains at least six members: MRP1, the gene encoding the multidrug resistance protein; cMOAT or MRP2, encoding the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter; and four homologues, called MRP3, MRP4, MRP5, and MRP6. The most recently discovered member of the family, MRP6, is analyzed in this report. The MRP6 gene is located on chromosome 16, immediately next to MRP1, and encodes a protein of 1503 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of Mr 165,000. The 3' end of the MRP6 protein was found to be almost identical with the anthracycline resistance associated (ARA) protein identified previously in epirubicin-selected leukemia cells. Using both 3'- and 5'-derived MRP6 probes, we found that MRP6 is highly expressed in liver and kidney and to a low or very low extent in a few other tissues. No evidence was obtained for an independent expression of the ARA part of the MRP6 gene in normal tissues. To assess a possible role for MRP6 in multidrug resistance, we examined a large panel of resistant cell lines for the (over)expression of MRP6. We found overexpression of the complete MRP6 gene or part of it only in those cell lines with high overexpression and amplification of the MRP1 gene. DNA blot (Southern) analysis showed that MRP6 or a part of it is also amplified in these cell lines. Our results suggest that MRP6 does not play a role in the resistance of the resistant cells analyzed, and that MRP6/ARA is only coamplified with MRP1 because of its location immediately next to it on the same chromosome.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

X-linked cardioskeletal myopathy and neutropenia (Barth syndrome) (MIM 302060).

X-linked cardioskeletal myopathy, neutropenia and abnormal mitochondria (MIM 302060) (synonyms: Barth syndrome, 3-methylglutaconic acid-uria type II, endocardial fibroelastosis type 2) has been reported in patients and families from Europe, North America and Australia. Previous studies characterized the main components of the disease: dilated cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, neutropenia, 3-methylglutaconic aciduria and diminished statural growth. Respiratory chain impairments have been found in several studies, without pinpointing a single enzyme complex. 3-Methylglutaconic aciduria is shared with several other disorders that affect the respiratory chain. Previous studies excluded a block in the major pathway of leucine catabolism. We performed leucine loading, accompanied by fasting, in patients and observed a significant rise of 3-methylglutaconic acid and 3-methylglutaric acid. Taken together with the absence of an enzymatic block in the major leucine catabolic route, the possibility remains that the increased basal excretion of 3-methylglutaconic acid and other products of branched-chain amino acids is the result of overload of this pathway or--more likely--mitochondrial leakage. Linkage studies have localized the gene to the Xq28 region. The associated tafazzin gene (TAZ), has been fully characterized recently, and mutations located in conserved regions have been reported. Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis have now become possible through mutation analysis. Sequence homology of the TAZ gene to a highly conserved superclass of acyltransferases (Neuwald's hypothesis) predicts a glycerophospholipid as the missing end product. This points to the (lipid) structure of the inner mitochondrial membrane as a promising new area of research.

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated↗

An integrated map of chromosome 18 CAG trinucleotide repeat loci.

Expansions of trinucleotide CAG repeats have been demonstrated in at least eight neurodegenerative disorders, and suggested to occur in several others, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Chromosome 18 loci have been implicated in bipolar disorder pedigrees by linkage analysis. To address this putative link between chromosome 18 CAG trinucleotide repeats and neuropsychiatric illness, we have screened a chromosome 18 cosmid library (LL18NCO2" AD") and identified 14 novel candidate loci. Characterisation of these loci involved repeat flank sequencing, estimation of polymorphism frequency and mapping using FISH as well as radiation hybrid panels. These mapped trinucleotide loci will be useful in the investigation of chromosome 18 in neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions, and will serve to integrate physical and radiation hybrid maps of chromosome 18.

Base Sequence↗

The gene for the human Src-like adaptor protein (hSLAP) is located within the 64-kb intron of the thyroglobulin gene.

In this study, we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a Src-like adaptor protein gene embedded within the genomic organization of the human thyroglobulin (Tg) gene. This gene was identified by exon trapping on overlapping cosmids encompassing the largest Tg intron. A 2.6-kb transcript, with the highest levels of expression in fetal brain and lung, was detected on Northern blots. Two full-length cDNAs (one alternatively spliced) were isolated from a fetal brain library, both containing an open reading frame of 276 amino acids, but lacking a catalytic tyrosine kinase domain. The gene shows a high degree of cross-species similarity and appears to be transcribed in the direction opposite to Tg. This gene, designated hslap, appears to be the human ortholog of the recently described gene for the murine Src-like adaptor protein (mSLAP), a candidate intermediate in the signal-transduction pathway of the Eck receptor tyrosine kinase. Human slap is located in the candidate region for a recessive demyelinating neuropathy on chromosome 8q24, but sequence analysis failed to identify mutations, suggesting that it is not the gene for this disease.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Drug export activity of the human canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter in polarized kidney MDCK cells expressing cMOAT (MRP2) cDNA.

The canalicular (apical) membrane of the hepatocyte contains an ATP-dependent transport system for organic anions, known as the multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT). The deduced amino acid sequence of cMOAT is 49% identical to that of the human multidrug resistance- associated protein (MRP) MRP1, and cMOAT and MRP1 are members of the same sub-family of adenine nucleotide binding cassette transporters. In contrast to MRP1, cMOAT was predominantly found intracellularly in nonpolarized cells, suggesting that cMOAT requires a polarized cell for plasma membrane routing. Therefore, we expressed cMOAT cDNA in polarized kidney epithelial MDCK cell lines. When these cells are grown in a monolayer, cMOAT localizes to the apical plasma membrane. We demonstrate that cMOAT causes transport of the organic anions S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-glutathione, the glutathione conjugate of ethacrynic acid, and S-(PGA1)-glutathione, a substrate not shown to be transported by organic anion transporters previously. Transport is inhibited only inefficiently by compounds known to block MRP1. We also show that cMOAT causes transport of the anticancer drug vinblastine to the apical side of a cell monolayer. We conclude that cMOAT is a 5'-adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter that potentially might be involved in drug resistance in mammalian cells.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Abnormal heart rate and body temperature in mice lacking thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1.

Thyroid hormone, acting through several nuclear hormone receptors, plays important roles in thermogenesis, lipogenesis and maturation of the neonatal brain. The receptor specificity for mediating these effects is largely unknown, and to determine this we developed mice lacking the thyroid hormone receptor TR alpha 1. The mice have an average heart rate 20% lower than that of control animals, both under normal conditions and after thyroid hormone stimulation. Electrocardiograms show that the mice also have prolonged QRS- and QTend-durations. The mice have a body temperature 0.5 degrees C lower than normal and exhibit a mild hypothyroidism, whereas their overall behavior and reproduction are normal. The results identify specific and important roles for TR alpha 1 in regulation of tightly controlled physiological functions, such as cardiac pacemaking, ventricular repolarisation and control of body temperature.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of trinucleotide repeat containing partial transcripts in human spinal cord.

We report the isolation of 41 partial transcripts containing trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) (CAG/CCG or CAA) from human spinal cord using a polymerase chain reaction-based method. The sequence analysis and database search at the nucleic acid and protein level revealed several classes of TNR-containing partial transcripts (TNRPTs). The TNRPTs included 16 known genes and 10 contained or partially overlapped with 13 expressed sequence tags (ESTs), some of which are known to contain TNRs and others which have previously not been shown to contain these repeats (e.g., clone 54 with homology for the homeobox protein HOX-A5). A further 15 partial transcripts showed no homologies in the databases and therefore may be unique. The validity of this approach is supported by the detection of nervous system-specific genes (e.g., glial fibrillary acid protein) and genes known to show trinucleotide expansions in disease (e.g., AAD10 associated with spino cerebellar ataxia type 2). This method provides a simple approach for the isolation of TNRPTs, from which full-length transcripts can be obtained and the discovery of TNR-containing genes may be facilitated. TNRPTs can also be used to study quantitative gene expression at the transcriptional level, to construct TNR-enriched cDNA libraries, and to make larger contigs from ESTs.

Base Sequence↗

Genetic heterogeneity in Miyoshi-type distal muscular dystrophy.

Miyoshi-type distal muscular dystrophy (MMD) is an autosomal recessively inherited progressive disorder. The putative locus of MMD is linked to the limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2B locus on chromosome 2p12-14. In this study three of four MMD pedigrees show non-linkage to the region spanned by D2S134-D2S358-D2S145 on chromosome 2p, indicating genetic heterogeneity. A genome wide screen was performed to identify loci linked to MMD. In two non-chromosome 2-linked families, a 23 cM region on chromosome 10 segregated with MMD.

Adult↗

Analysis of expression of cMOAT (MRP2), MRP3, MRP4, and MRP5, homologues of the multidrug resistance-associated protein gene (MRP1), in human cancer cell lines.

By screening databases of human expressed sequence tags, we have identified three new homologues of MRP1, the gene encoding the multidrug resistance-associated protein, and cMOAT (or MRP2), the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter gene. We call these new genes MRP3, MRP4, and MRP5. MRP3, like cMOAT, is mainly expressed in the liver. MRP4 is expressed only at very low levels in a few tissues, and MRP5, like MRP1, is expressed in almost every tissue tested. To assess a possible role of these new MRP homologues in multidrug or cisplatin resistance, a large set of resistant cell lines was examined for the (over)expression of MRP1, cMOAT, MRP3, MRP4, and MRP5. We find that even in cells selected for a low level of resistance, several MRP-related genes can be up-regulated simultaneously. However, MRP4 is not overexpressed in any of the cell lines we analyzed; MRP3 and MRP5 are only overexpressed in a few cell lines, and the RNA levels do not seem to correlate with resistance to either doxorubicin or cisplatin. cMOAT is substantially overexpressed in several cell lines, and cMOAT RNA levels correlate with cisplatin but not doxorubicin resistance in a subset of resistant cell lines. Our results emphasize the need for gene-specific blocks in gene expression to define which transporter contributes to resistance in each resistant cell line.

Anion Transport Proteins↗

A mutation in the human canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter gene causes the Dubin-Johnson syndrome.

The human Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) is a rare autosomal recessive liver disorder characterized by chronic conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Patients have impaired hepatobiliary transport of non-bile salt organic anions. A highly similar phenotype has been described for a mutant Wistar rat strain, the transport-deficient (TR-) rat, which is defective in the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cmoat). This protein mediates adenosine triphosphate-dependent transport of a broad range of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds across the (apical) canalicular membrane of the hepatocyte. The complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding rat cmoat has recently been cloned, and the mutation underlying the defect in TR- rats has been identified. In the present study, we have isolated the human homologue of rat cmoat, human cMOAT, and analyzed the corresponding cDNA from fibroblasts of a DJS patient for mutations. Our results show that a mutation in this gene is the cause of DJS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata is a peroxisomal protein targeting disease caused by a non-functional PTS2 receptor.

Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized clinically by a disproportionately short stature primarily affecting the proximal parts of the extremities, typical dysmorphic facial appearance, congenital contractures and severe growth and mental retardation. Although some patients have single enzyme deficiencies, the majority of RCDP patients (86%) belong to a single complementation group (CG11, also known as complementation group I, Amsterdam nomenclature). Cells from CG11 show a tetrad of biochemical abnormalities: a deficiency of i) dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase, ii) alkyldihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase, iii) phytanic acid alpha-oxidation and iv) inability to import peroxisomal thiolase. These deficiencies indicate involvement of a component required for correct targeting of these peroxisomal proteins. Deficiencies in peroxisomal targeting are also found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae pex5 and pex7 mutants, which show differential protein import deficiencies corresponding to two peroxisomal targeting sequences (PTS1 and PTS2). These mutants lack their PTS1 and PTS2 receptors, respectively. Like S. cerevisiae pex cells, RCDP cells from CG11 cannot import a PTS2 reporter protein. Here we report the cloning of PEX7 encoding the human PTS2 receptor, based on its similarity to two yeast orthologues. All RCDP patients from CG11 with detectable PEX7 mRNA were found to contain mutations in PEX7. A mutation resulting in C-terminal truncation of PEX7 cosegregates with the disease and expression of PEX7 in RCDP fibroblasts from CG11 rescues the PTS2 protein import deficiency. These findings prove that mutations in PEX7 cause RCDP, CG11.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Allelotype of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma.

An allelotype covering all autosomes was constructed for the embryonal form of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) in order to identify regions encompassing tumorsuppressor genes (TSG) involved in ERMS. Thusfar most studies were focussed on chromosome 11p15.5, which frequently shows loss of heterozygozity (LOH) in embryonal tumors like RMS and Wilms' tumor (WT). In this study we show that, besides LOH of chromosome 11p15.5 (72%), LOH of chromosome 16q was present in 54% of the tumors analysed. Delineation of these two regions shows that the smallest region of overlap (SRO) for chromosome 11 was between D11S988 and D11S922. This region, estimated to be 7 cM and 3-5 Mb, is also the location of the putative Wilms' tumor WT2 TSG. It contains several genes including IGF2 and potential tumorsuppressor genes like H19 and p57kip2, which might contribute to the carcinogenesis of RMS. Analysis of chromosome 16q LOH defined the SRO between D16S752 and D16S413. LOH of chromosome 16 is also found in other tumors, including WT. Our data suggest that genes involved in the development of RMS and WT may not only be similar for chromosome 11 but also for chromosome 16.

Alleles↗

Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia with retinal degeneration (ADCA II): clinical and neuropathological findings in two pedigrees and genetic linkage to 3p12-p21.1.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate relations between clinical and neuropathological features and age of onset, presence of anticipation, and genetic linkage in autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type II (ADCA II). METHODS: The natural history of ADCA II was studied on the basis of clinical and neuropathological findings in two pedigrees and genetic linkage studies were carried out with polymorphic DNA markers in the largest, four generation, pedigree. RESULTS: Ataxia was constant in all age groups. Retinal degeneration with early extinction of the electroretinogram constituted an important component in juvenile and early adult (< 25 years) onset but was variable in late adult presentation. Neuromuscular involvement due to spinal anterior horn disease was an important contributing factor to illness in juvenile cases. Postmortem findings in four patients confirm the general neurodegenerative nature of the disease, which includes prominent spinal anterior horn involvement and widespread involvement of grey and white matter. Genetic linkage was found with markers to chromosome 3p12-p21.1 (maximum pairwise lod score 4.42 at D3S1285). CONCLUSIONS: The sequence of clinical involvement seems related to age at onset. Retinal degeneration is variable in late onset patients and neuromuscular features are important in patients with early onset. Strong anticipation was found in subsequent generations. Linkage of ADCA II to chromosome 3p12-p21.1 is confirmed.

Adolescent↗

Effects of maternal thyroid status on thyroid hormones and growth in congenitally hypothyroid goat fetuses during the second half of gestation.

Congenital hypothyroidism in Dutch goats is due to a thyroglobulin (TG) synthesis defect that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Minute amounts of mutated TG messenger RNA are translated into glycosylated TG fragments that contain the N-terminal hormonogenic site and are able to form T4, albeit less efficiently. We analyzed the effects of maternal thyroid status on fetal plasma thyroid hormones and growth during the second half of gestation (E90-E150). Maternal hypothyroidism, present from midgestation, resulted in decreased brain and cerebellum weights of affected goitrous fetuses, most evident at term gestation (E150). Brain and cerebellum weights of affected fetuses from unaffected mothers were not decreased. T4 and FT4 levels in affected fetuses were dependent on the maternal phenotype, as was the degree of enlargement of the goiter at E150. Newborn unaffected lambs from affected mothers had plasma T4 levels within the normal range. The present data show that in late gestation, fetal goats have to rely on their own thyroidal T4 production. The results suggest that affected fetuses are able to maintain sufficiently high T4 and T3 levels to prevent severe adverse effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the brain if maternal iodide supply is adequate, although a possible increased transfer of maternal T4 to affected fetuses cannot be excluded. Under normal conditions, sufficient amounts of iodine are provided by the efficient iodine metabolism in euthyroid mothers. In affected mothers, much iodine is wasted because the thyroid also iodinates proteins other than the aberrant TG, resulting in insufficient iodine provision of the fetus and, consequently, in severe hypothyroidism.

Animals↗

Molecular analysis of mutated thyroid peroxidase detected in patients with total iodide organification defects.

Wild-type and mutant thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was expressed in a Semliki Forest Virus (SFV)-based transient expression system in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells. Twenty four hours after transfection proteins immunoreactive with TPO antibodies could be detected on a Western blot. Peroxidase activity was assayed using both the guaiacol and the I3- assay. Addition of hematin was necessary to obtain enzymatic active TPO. Thyroid peroxidase complementary DNA constructs containing mutations originally found in patients with hereditary congenital hypothyroidism caused by total iodide organification defects were analyzed using these techniques. In all cases TPO was expressed as shown by Western blotting and immunostaining. Enzymatic activity (measured by guaiacol and iodide oxidation assay) was below the detection level in four out of five mutants. The only mutant yielding TPO with enzymatic activity was G 1858 A (Gly 590 Ser). However, the mutation could affect splicing of TPO messenger RNA, leading to inactive TPO, because it is located at the exon 10/intron 10 border.

Animals↗

Peripheral neuropathy in mice transgenic for a human MDR3 P-glycoprotein mini-gene.

We have generated mice transgenic for a human MDR3 mini-gene, under control of a hamster vimentin promoter. Expression of the MDR3 transgene was found in mesenchymal tissues, peripheral nerves, and the eye lens. These MDR3 transgenic mice have a slowed motor nerve conduction and dysmyelination of their peripheral nerves. An extensive dysmyelination in some transgenic strains results in a severe peripheral neuropathy with paresis of the hind legs. How expression of the MDR3 transgene causes these abnormalities is unknown. The MDR3 gene encodes a large glycosylated plasma membrane protein with multiple transmembrane spanning domains, which are involved in the translocation of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine through the hepatocyte canalicular membrane. The ability of the MDR3 P-glycoprotein to alter phsopholipid distribution in the plasma membrane of Schwann cells may cause the damage. It is also possible, however, that the presence of a large glycoprotein in the cell membrane may be sufficient to severely disturb myelination of peripheral nerves.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗