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Biomedical subjects

F Ramirez

Publications and source records attributed to F Ramirez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Regulation of smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter in ras-transformed cells: usefulness for setting up reporter gene-based assay system for drug screening.

Oncogenic activation of ras results in changes in the transcription of several genes leading to uncontrolled cell growth. In this paper, we demonstrate that transformation of fibroblast cells by the ras oncogene leads to transcriptional repression of the smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter. Transient transfection analysis of plasmids containing the 5' upstream region of the human alpha-actin gene fused to human growth hormone or bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase coding sequences into Rat-2 and ras-transformed Rat-2 (HO6) cells indicates that alpha-actin promoter is repressed in ras-transformed cells. In addition, stable rat fibroblast cell lines expressing human growth hormone or beta-galactosidase under the control of alpha-actin promoter exhibit repressed reporter gene activity following transformation by the ras oncogene. alpha-Actin promoter-driven beta-galactosidase activity is derepressed in revertants of ras-transformed stable cell lines. This revertant cell line expresses elevated levels of ras p21 protein and is resistant to retransformation by Ki and Ha-ras oncogenes. The revertant may have either a defective target protein whose activity is essential for the transforming activity of ras or an activated tumor suppressor gene which can suppress the activity of ras. These results indicate that smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter activity is a sensitive marker to follow phenotypic changes following transformation by ras and subsequent reversion. The advantages of this alpha-actin promoter-reporter gene assay system to screen for drugs that inhibit the transforming activity of ras, either directly or indirectly, are discussed.

Actins↗
PubMed1992

Identification of an upstream regulatory region essential for cell type-specific transcription of the pro-alpha 2(V) collagen gene (COL5A2).

The transcriptional features of the human alpha 2(V) collagen gene (COL5A2) were examined by transfection experiments coupled to various DNA binding assays. This approach identified an upstream region essential for the cell type-specific expression of the COL5A2 promoter. Within this region are two nuclear factor-binding sites, FP-A and FP-B, responsible for the formation of distinct DNA-protein complexes. Mutations introduced across each of the two binding sites eliminated the formation of the cognate complex and decreased promoter activity by about 3-fold (FP-A) and 40-fold (FP-B) in transfection experiments. Competition experiments using recognition sequences for known transcription factors exhibiting some similarity to the FP-A- and FP-B-binding sites failed to inhibit COL5A2/protein interactions. Thus, COL5A2 expression appears to be under the positive control of a short regulatory sequence likely to harbor two novel nuclear factor-binding sites.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Glucocorticoids induce the expression of CD8 alpha chains on concanavalin A-activated rat CD4+ T cells: induction is inhibited by rat recombinant interleukin 4.

Rat T lymphocytes, activated in vitro with concanavalin A (Con A), were shown by flow cytofluorographic analysis to contain a population of cells that simultaneously expressed CD4 and the alpha chain of CD8. The inclusion of the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone in the culture medium greatly increased both the frequency of these double-positive cells and the level of CD8 alpha chain expression. The level of expression of CD4 was not affected, and the cells that expressed CD8 antigen only also remained unchanged in surface phenotype. Detailed studies demonstrated unequivocally that the CD4+ CD8 alpha + cells were not artifacts produced by the random association of single-positive cells in the flow cytofluorograph, but arose from precursors that were single-positive CD4+ cells before activation. Furthermore, Con A activation of purified CD4+ T cells, in the presence of T cell-depleted accessory cells, showed that CD8+ T cells played no role in the induction process. However, the induction of CD8 alpha chain expression on CD4+ T cells and the enhancement of this expression by dexamethasone were almost completely inhibited by rat recombinant interleukin 4 (IL-4). Detection of mRNA for rat CD8 alpha chain by Northern blot closely paralleled the cell surface expression of CD8 alpha antigen, indicating that dexamethasone and IL-4 had opposing effects on mRNA levels. In contrast, IL-4 and dexamethasone both induced CD8 alpha chain expression on a rat CD4+ T cell clone when this was activated by specific antigen, and, although the effect with IL-4 was relatively weak, it did not antagonize the effect of the glucocorticoid. The possible significance of these results is briefly discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line A204 lays down a highly insoluble matrix composed mainly of alpha 1 type-XI and alpha 2 type-V collagen chains.

The biosynthesis of collagen by the A204 cell line was examined using polyclonal antibodies raised against collagen type V and type XI. The study of the pepsin-digested collagen showed that it is composed mainly of alpha 1(XI) and alpha 2(V) collagen chains in an apparent 2:1 ratio, suggesting the formation of heterotypic molecules [alpha 1(XI)]2 alpha 2(V). The existence of this chain stoichiometry was further demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of the molecule with an antibody recognizing alpha 2(V) but not alpha 1(XI) collagen chains. Electron microscopy analyses of 24-h cultures showed that this matrix is composed of thin fibrils, that can be decorated with immunogold-labelled anti-(type-V collagen) IgG, but not with anti-(type-XI collagen) IgG. The collagen matrix laid down by A204 cells is highly insoluble. In the presence of beta-aminopropionitrile, an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase, only a small proportion of intact collagen could be extracted without proteolytic treatment. Immunoblotting of intact medium collagen from cultures performed in the presence of beta-aminopropionitrile showed four distinct bands with each antibody. The migration of the bands, stained with anti-(type-V collagen) IgG, had apparent molecular masses of 127, 149, 161 and 198 kDa (compared to globular standards) while the bands stained with anti-(type-XI collagen) IgG had apparent masses of 145, 182, 207 and 225 kDa. These data indicate that type-V and type-XI collagen chains can assemble in heterotypic isoforms. In this system, the synthesized isoforms are able to aggregate into a highly cohesive matrix and they undergo a proteolytic processing closely similar to that of other fibrillar collagens.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1992

The abolition of collagen gene expression in SV40-transformed fibroblasts is associated with trans-acting factor switching.

The goal of this study was to determine whether alpha 2(1) procollagen gene expression is modulated by positive or negative trans-acting DNA-binding proteins. Previous studies have shown that a clone of SV40-transformed WI-38 fibroblasts (SVWI-38) does not produce any alpha 2(1) procollagen mRNA (Parker et al (1989), J. Biol Chem. 264, 7147-7152). In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) responsible for such inactivation, we have examined the activity of a transfected wild type COL1A2 promoter in SVWI-38 cells. A set of 5' promoter deletions was linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene and transfected into SVWI-38 and other cell lines expression type I collagen. The resulting CAT assays confirmed the importance of several upstream regions for promoter activity and documented the decreased transcriptional activity from an exogenous COL1A2 promoter in the SVWI-38 cell line. Competition experiments with an excess of COL1A2 promoter DNA fragment and a constant amount of COL1A2/CAT construct displayed a linear relationship between excess COL1A2 fragment and CAT activity in SVWI-38 cells, suggesting the involvement of a titratable negative effector. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed the presence of a specific DNA-protein complex which was present in SVWI-38 cells and almost absent in control fibroblasts. Methylation interference analysis mapped the region of binding of this factor between nucleotides -80 and -72, relative to the transcription start site. Thus the data presented provide strong evidence for the existence of a negative trans-acting factor that may play a role in the repression of COL1A2 expression in SVWI-38 fibroblasts.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Novel amino-terminal propeptide configuration in a fibrillar procollagen undergoing alternative splicing.

We isolated overlapping cDNAs from embryonic libraries of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus coding for a fibrillar procollagen (2 alpha chain) with a predicted molecular mass of about 320 kDa. The deduced primary structure of the echinoid chain consists of a 265-amino acid carboxyl-propeptide, a triple helical domain made of 337 uninterrupted Gly-X-Y repeats, and an unusually long amino-propeptide. Aside from a 10-cysteine globular region, a collagenous sequence, and a nonhelical segment, this protein domain includes a novel 4-cysteine motif repeated several times. Interestingly, preliminary evidence indicates that different combinations of the 4-cysteine repeats are encoded by alternatively spliced transcripts. Irrespective of this, the sea urchin 2 alpha procollagen chain represents the longest fibrillar molecule identified to date by cDNA cloning experiments in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Sea urchin collagen evolutionarily homologous to vertebrate pro-alpha 2(I) collagen.

We isolated several overlapping cDNA clones covering the 4242 nucleotides of a Strongylocentrotus purpuratus transcript that codes for a fibrillar procollagen chain. The sea urchin polypeptide includes a 124-amino acid long amino pre-propeptide, a 1064-amino acid alpha-chain inclusive of 338 uninterrupted Gly-X-Y repeats, and a 226-residue carboxyl-propeptide. The distribution of the highly conserved cysteines within the last domain together with the structural configuration of the amino-propeptide and the organization of the corresponding coding region, strongly suggest that the sea urchin gene is evolutionarily related to the vertebrate pro-alpha 2(I) collagen. This work, therefore, represents the first report of the complete primary structure of an invertebrate fibrillar procollagen chain. It also provides a new insight into the evolution of the amino-propeptide, the most divergent among the major protein domains of fibrillar procollagen chains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of a type II collagen gene (COL2A1) mutation identified in cultured chondrocytes from human hypochondrogenesis.

A subtle mutation in the type II collagen gene COL2A1 was detected in a case of human hypochondrogenesis by using a chondrocyte culture system and PCR-cDNA scanning analysis. Chondrocytes obtained from cartilage biopsies were dedifferentiated and expanded in monolayer culture and then redifferentiated by culture over agarose. Single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing analysis identified a G----A transition, resulting in a glycine substitution at amino acid 574 of the pro alpha 1(II) collagen triple-helical domain. Morphologic assessment of cartilage-like structures produced in culture and electrophoretic analysis of collagens synthesized by the cultured chondrocytes suggested that the glycine substitution interferes with conversion of type II procollagen to collagen, impairs intracellular transport and secretion of the molecule, and disrupts collagen fibril assembly. This experimental approach has broad implications for the investigation of human chondrodysplasias as well as human chondrocyte biology.

Alleles↗
PubMed1992

Localization of pro-alpha 2(V) collagen transcripts in the tissues of the developing mouse embryo.

Correct assembly of fibrillar collagen networks plays a critical role in animal morphogenesis. Very little is known about the contribution of the so-called minor fibrillar collagens (types V and XI) to fibrillogenesis. Here we examined the developmental expression of the mouse pro-alpha 2(V) collagen gene (col5a2) after the cloning and sequencing of cDNAs that cover the entire length of the message. Transcripts of col5a2, detectable as early as 9 days of gestation, localize with distinct patterns in the tissues of day 12.5 and day 16.5 fetuses. The earlier developmental stage is characterized by low and diffuse col5a2 expression in the peritoneal membranes and intestinal and craniofacial mesenchymes. The later stage exhibits higher and more restricted col5a2 mRNA accumulation in primary ossified regions, perichondrium, joints, tendon, atrioventricular valve of the heart, and selected portions of the head. A parallel analysis using a cartilage-specific pro-alpha 1(II) collagen (col2a1) probe confirmed that these two collagen genes are transcribed in a mutually exclusive manner during mouse embryogenesis. On the other hand, the developmental pattern of col5a2 expression closely resembles that of the type I collagen, thus further substantiating the notion that these macromolecules cooperate in the formation of fibrillar networks in non-cartilaginous matrices.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1992

Synteny between the loci for a novel FACIT-like collagen locus (D6S228E) and alpha 1 (IX) collagen (COL9A1) on 6q12-q14 in humans.

A 1.8-kb cDNA encoding portion of a novel collagenous chain was isolated from a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line by cross-hybridization using a chicken type V collagen probe. Sequence analysis suggests that this chain belongs to the recently discovered group of collagens, termed the FACIT class of macromolecules. This cDNA was used to locate the corresponding gene (D6S228E) to chromosome 6, notably at position 6q12-q14. Interestingly, within this region of human chromosome 6 residues the alpha 1 (IX) collagen gene (COL9A1), a member of the FACIT group.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of the human HOX 7 cDNA and identification of polymorphic markers.

cDNA clones for a human HOX 7 gene obtained with homologous clones of Drosophila were used in human gene mapping studies. The human cDNA clone was isolated from a library constructed from human embryonic craniofacial material. The sequence of the cDNA demonstrates significant homology with mouse HOX 7. A search for RFLPs identified MboII and BstEII variants. A CA dinucleotide repeat with 5 alleles was also identified and allowed placement of HOX 7 into a defined linkage map. Evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found with markers tested. These results place the human HOX 7 gene in a defined position on 4p.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Clinical and genetic associations in Marfan syndrome and related disorders.

Although Marfan syndrome has been a recognized clinical entity for nearly a century, only in the early 1950s were its manifestations and genetic features firmly and fully established. Similarly, although the identification of the basic defect in Marfan syndrome had been vigorously pursued for several decades, it was only in 1991 that two independent reports implicated fibrillin as the defective gene product. Surprisingly and serendipitously, these studies also revealed genetic heterogeneity of the fibrillin proteins and established linkage between one of these loci and a Marfan-related disorder, congenital contractural arachnodactyly. Like Marfan syndrome, this condition is accompanied by skeletal abnormalities; however, flexion joint contractures replace the loose-jointedness of Marfan syndrome and, more importantly, neither the eye nor the aorta are affected. More recently, a similar association with the fibrillin gene has also been established in the dominantly inherited form of ectopia lentis. These associations of structurally related gene products with Marfan and related syndromes may conceivably imply that other connective tissue disorders are caused by mutations in these or other yet undiscovered fibrillin genes.

Fibrillins↗
PubMed1991

Marshall syndrome.

We report on a mother and daughter with Marshall syndrome, with the Robin sequence present in the daughter. Results of our efforts to link this syndrome to a defect in type II collagen are reported. We compare and contrast Marshall syndrome with the Stickler syndrome, and propose that enough phenotypic overlap exists to suggest that they are probably allelic expressions of the same locus.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1991

Patient with multiple congenital anomalies and decreased production and processing of procollagen in cultured fibroblasts.

We report on a patient with hip and elbow dislocations, joint hyperextensibility, peculiar facial appearance, torticollis, cryptorchidism, unilateral hexadactyly, and other minor anomalies. Cultured cells from this patient produce less type I procollagen and have a slower rate of processing of type I procollagen to collagen in the culture medium. We think that the pattern of clinical anomalies constitutes a previously unreported syndrome with type I procollagen defect as a manifestation of the syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1991

Linkage of Marfan syndrome and a phenotypically related disorder to two different fibrillin genes.

Marfan syndrome (MFS), one of the most common genetic disorders of connective tissue, is characterized by skeletal, cardiovascular and ocular abnormalities. The incidence of the disease is about 1 in 20,000, with life expectancy severely reduced because of cardiovascular complications. As the underlying defect is unknown, MFS diagnosis is based solely on clinical criteria. Certain phenotypic features of MFS are also shared by other conditions, which may be genetically distinct entities although part of a clinical continuum. Immunohistochemical studies have implicated fibrillin, a major component of elastin-associated microfibrils, in MFS aetiology. Genetic linkage analysis with random probes has independently localized the MFS locus to chromosome 15. Here we report that these two experimental approaches converge with the cloning and mapping of the fibrillin gene to chromosome 15q15-21, and with the establishment of linkage to MFS. We also isolated a second fibrillin gene and mapped it to chromosome 5q23-31. We linked this novel gene to a condition, congenital contractural arachnodactyly, that shares some of the features of MFS. Thus, the cosegregation of two related genes with two related syndromes implies that fibrillin mutations are likely to be responsible for different MFS phenotypes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

G to T transversion at position +5 of a splice donor site causes skipping of the preceding exon in the type III procollagen transcripts of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV.

We identified a splicing mutation in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV, a heritable connective tissue disorder associated with dysfunctions of type III collagen. The mutation was first localized in the patient's type III procollagen mRNA by amplifying the reverse transcribed product in several overlapping fragments using the polymerase chain reaction. Amplified products spanning exon 24-26 sequences displayed two distinct fragments, one of normal size and the other lacking the 99 base pairs of exon 25. Sequencing of amplified genomic products identified a G to T transversion at position +5 of the splice donor site of intron 25 in one of the patient's procollagen III genes. Expression of allelic minigene constructs correlated the T for G substitution with skipping of exon 25 sequences. Like previously characterized splicing mutations in other collagen genes, lowering the temperature at which the patient's fibroblasts were incubated nearly abolished exon skipping. As a part of this study, we also identified a highly polymorphic, intronic DNA sequence whose different allelic forms can be detected easily by the polymerase chain reaction technique.

Alleles↗
PubMed1991

Multiexon deletion in the procollagen III gene is associated with mild Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV.

We have characterized a deletion of approximately 9 kilobases which spans from intron 33 to exon 48 of one pro-alpha 1 (III) collagen allele in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. The mutation results in the production of an in-frame species of mRNA which lacks the sequences corresponding to residues 595-1,008 of the triple-helical domain. Thus, half of the pro-alpha 1 (III) chains synthesized by the patient's fibroblasts are nearly 30% shorter than normal. The procollagen III molecules composed of either three normal length or three shortened chains are thermally stable and efficiently secreted. In contrast, the procollagen III molecules that contain one or two shortened chains are unstable and are not secreted. Failure to secrete unstable molecules and a residual functional role of the shortened but stable homotrimers may explain the somewhat milder phenotype of this individual compared with that of another Ehlers-Danlos type IV patient bearing a deletion of similar size in the amino-terminal portion of the alpha 1 (III) collagen chain.

Chromosome Deletion↗