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Biomedical subjects

G Sun

Publications and source records attributed to G Sun.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Distribution of three HIV-1 resistance-conferring polymorphisms (SDF1-3'A, CCR2-641, and CCR5-delta32) in global populations.

Chemokine receptors (CCR5, CXCR4 and CCR2) have been shown to be important co-receptors for HIV infection. Mutations at CCR5 (CCR5-delta2), CCR2 (CCR2-641), and stromal-derived factor SDF1 (SDF1-3'A), a primary ligand for CXCR4, are known to have protective effects against HIV-1 infection and the onset of AIDS symptoms. We studied the three-locus genotype frequency distributions in 70worldwide populations from a sample of 2341 individuals without any known history of HIV-1 infection and AIDS symptoms. From these data, we estimated the risk of AIDS onset (relative hazard, RH) of each population. This survey shows that the substantial allele frequency differences of each of these mutations translate into an extensive variation in relative hazards for AIDS in worldwide populations. However, no evidence of natural selection against the mutant gene carriers is detected. Finally, the combined three-locus genotype data predict the highest relative hazard (RH) in South-East Asia and Africa where AIDS is known to be more prevalent.

Chemokine CXCL12↗

Interactions among the alpha2-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenergic receptor genes and obesity-related phenotypes in the Quebec Family Study.

The gene-gene interactions between markers in the alpha2-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenergic receptor (ADR) genes and obesity-related phenotypes were studied in the Quebec Family Study (QFS) cohort. The prevalence of the Arg allele of the Arg16Gly polymorphism in the beta2-ADR gene was higher (49%) in males with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher versus those with a BMI less than 35 kg/m2 (33%; P = .010). The beta2-ADR gene Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms were associated with plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. In addition, the homozygotes for the 6.3-kb allele of DraI polymorphism in the alpha2-ADR gene had the lowest mean abdominal subcutaneous fat area (P = .012) and total fat area (P = .003), as well as insulin area, under the curve during an oral glucose tolerance test ([OGTT] P = .004). Several ADR gene-gene interaction effects on abdominal fat distribution and plasma lipids were detected. First, significant interactions between alpha2- and beta3-ADR genes were observed on total (P = .015) and subcutaneous (P = .004) abdominal fat. Second, interaction effects between alpha2- and beta2-ADR gene variants influenced total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and LDL cholesterol concentrations. Finally, there were interactions between markers within the beta2-ADR gene affecting plasma triglyceride concentrations and subcutaneous abdominal fat. From these results, we conclude that polymorphisms in the ADR genes contribute to body fat and plasma lipid variability in men. Gene-gene interactions among the ADR genes contribute to the phenotypic variability in abdominal obesity and plasma lipid and lipoprotein, but not in visceral fat levels.

Abdomen↗

Superoxide generation and tyrosine kinase.

NADPH oxidase is a multi-subunit enzyme complex responsible for superoxide generation in many cells, for example, B-lymphocytes and osteoclasts. NADPH oxidase is localized on the cell surface and generates superoxide extracellularly. After synthesis, components of this oxidase are transported to the cell membrane where the functional NADPH oxidase complex is assembled. The mechanism by which the membrane-bound components are transported to the cell surface of osteoclasts remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of tyrosine kinase activity in the transport of NADPH oxidase components. When B-lymphocytes and osteoclasts were treated with herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, superoxide production was significantly decreased. The amount of p91, the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, was decreased in the cellular membrane of herbimycin A treated cells compared to untreated controls. Similar results were obtained for the movement of a regulatory subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex, p47, in B-lymphocytes. Thus, inhibition of tyrosine kinase decreases superoxide production by disrupting the translocation of the NADPH oxidase complex.

Animals↗

[The application of polymerase chain reaction-single strain conformation polymorphism in the pedigree analysis of familial hypercholerolemia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the value of polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism(PCR-SSCP) in the pedigree analysis of familial hypercholesterolemia(FH) patients. METHODS: For 4 patients with FH detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequence analysis (1 homozygote has point mutation in exon 7, 1 heterozygote in exon 14, and 2 heterozygotes in 3' part of exon 4 ), members of each pedigree, altogether 23 individuals, were analysed using PCR-SSCP. RESULTS: Every member of the 4 pedigrees was examined genetically. Besides the 4 probands, another 1 homozygote and 8 heterozygotes were found. CONCLUSION: The PCR-SSCP method can be used in the pedigree analysis of FH probands. The early diagnosis of siblings and relatives can help to provide genetic consultation and direction so as to pay attention to development of hypercholesterolemia.

Adolescent↗

The role of lasers in cosmetic dentistry.

Dental lasers contribute significantly to the field of cosmetic dentistry, providing an invaluable resource for clinicians who perform different types of esthetic procedures. Practitioners in this specialized field not only help patients acquire beautiful and ideal smiles and dental health, but also they assist patients in benefiting from tremendous clinical advantages, such as sterile surgical sites and increased comfort levels. Tooth whitening will always be an important component of cosmetic dentistry. Developing the most efficient and safe method of tooth whitening is the goal of power bleaching. Currently the argon laser has proved to be the most valuable energy source for power bleaching. Clinicians need to learn more about constantly updated technology and apply newly discovered methods and protocols to clinical situations to benefit patients and clinicians.

Adolescent↗

Benzodiazepine compounds as inhibitors of the src protein tyrosine kinase: screening of a combinatorial library of 1,4-benzodiazepines.

We screened 1680 spatially separated compounds of a diverse combinatorial library of 1,4-benzodiazepines for their ability to inhibit the kinase activity of protein tyrosine kinases Src, Yes, Abl, Lck, Csk, and fibroblast growth factor receptor. This screening yielded novel ligands for the protein tyrosine kinase Src. In the 1, 4-benzodiazepine-2-one scaffold, the preferred substituent at position R(1) was 4-hydroxyphenylmethyl or a 3-indolemethyl derived from a tyrosine or tyrptophan used in building the benzodiazepine, while the substituent at R(2), introduced by alkylating agents, was preferably aromatic in nature. The preferred ring structure introduced on the bicyclic ring of the scaffold by acid chlorides was a p-hydroxy phenyl group. The lead compound, designated as N-L-Yaa, has a L-4-hydroxyphenylmethyl ring at R(1) and a biphenylmethyl substituent at R(2). The compound has an IC(50) of 73 microM against Src, 2- to 6-fold lower than against other protein tyrosine kinases and >10-fold lower than against other nucleotide-utilizing enzymes. The mechanism of binding of N-L-Yaa to Src is mixed against the peptidic substrate with a K(i) of 35 microM and noncompetitive against ATP-Mg with a K(i) of 17 microM. Multiple inhibition analysis of the lead compound in the presence of other competitive inhibitors demonstrated that the binding of the lead compound is nonexclusive to the other competitive inhibitor. The inhibitor was found to be nontoxic to the AFB-13-human fibroblasts cells and inhibited the colony formation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells that are dependent on Src activity.

Benzodiazepines↗

Mutations in the N-terminal regulatory region reduce the catalytic activity of Csk, but do not affect its recognition of Src.

In addition to the C-terminal catalytic domain, Csk is a protein tyrosine kinase that has an N-terminal regulatory region that contains SH3 and SH2 domains. The role this region plays relative to the function of the catalytic domain is not clear. To study its role, we introduced either deletion or site-specific mutations within this region and analyzed the effect of such mutations on the catalytic activity of Csk and its ability to phosphorylate/inactivate Src protein tyrosine kinase, its physiological substrate in the cell. Deletion of the SH3 domain and the SH2 domain resulted in reductions of kinase activity by 70 and 96%, respectively. Mutations within the SH2 domain that abolished its ability to bind phosphotyrosine did not result in a significant loss of kinase activity. Mutation of Ser78 to Asp, located between the SH3 and the SH2 domains, resulted in a reduction of over 90% of the catalytic activity. The reduction in specific activity is not the result of any apparent physical instability of the mutants. Kinetic analyses indicate that the mutations did not affect the Km values for ATP-Mg or the polypeptide substrate. The ability of the mutants to phosphorylate and inactivate Src is directly correlated to their kinase activity. These results indicate that the regulatory region is important in optimizing the kinase activity of the catalytic domain, but apparently plays no direct or specific role in substrate recognition.

CSK Tyrosine-Protein Kinase↗

Substitution studies of the second divalent metal cation requirement of protein tyrosine kinase CSK.

In addition to a magnesium ion needed to form the ATP-Mg complex, we have previously determined that at least one more free Mg2+ ion is essential for the activation of the protein tyrosine kinase, Csk [Sun, G., and Budde, R. J. A. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 2139-2146]. In this paper, we report that several divalent metal cations, such as Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ bind to the second Mg2+-binding site of Csk with up to 13200-fold higher affinity than Mg2+. This finding enabled us to substitute the free Mg2+ at this site with Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, or Zn2+ while keeping ATP saturated with Mg2+ to study the role of the free metal cation in Csk catalysis. Substitution by these divalent metal cations resulted in varied levels of Csk activity, with Mn2+ even more effective than Mg2+. Co2+ and Ni2+ supports reduced levels of Csk activity compared to Mg2+. Zn2+ has the highest affinity for the second Mg2+-binding site of Csk at 0.65 microM, but supports no kinase activity, acting as a dead-end inhibitor. The inhibition by Zn2+ is reversible and competitive against free Mg2+, noncompetitive against ATP-Mg, and mixed against the phosphate accepting substrate, polyE4Y, significantly increasing the affinity for this substrate. Substitution of the free Mg2+ with Mn2+, Co2+, or Ni2+ also results in lower Km values for the peptide substrate. These results suggest that the divalent metal activator is an important element in determining the affinity between Csk and the phosphate-accepting substrate.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Characterization of immortalized rabbit lacrimal gland epithelial cells.

To establish an immortalized lacrimal gland epithelial cell line, the orbital lacrimal glands of normal New Zealand White rabbits were multiply injected with an immortalizing amphotropic retroviral vector (LXSN16E6E7) containing the E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16. Lacrimal glands were removed after 2 d and acinar epithelial cells were isolated and cultured on Matrigel-coated 60 mm2 plates containing DMEM-F12 supplemented with 5% Nu-serum V. Transformed cells were selected in G418 sulfate for 7 d and passaged. Morphology of the immortalized cells was similar to that described for normal acinar cells both in vivo and in vitro, with rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory granules. These characteristics remained unchanged and the cells continued to exhibit typical polygonal epithelioid structure. The cells have been maintained in culture for 14 mo. and have gone through 58 passages without loss of proliferation or epithelial cell characteristics. Immunohistochemistry and Western blots showed positive reactivity to secretory component, transferrin, and transferrin receptor, which are typical proteins found in the lacrimal gland. Functional analysis by stimulation with a cholinergic agonist, carbachol (100 microM), resulted in a significant release of protein. This is the first report of an immortalized rabbit lacrimal epithelial cell. These cells will provide a valuable tool for the molecular analysis of lacrimal gland epithelial cell functions.

Animals↗

N-myristoylation of a peptide substrate for Src converts it into an apparent slow-binding bisubstrate-type inhibitor.

The conversion of a peptide substrate to a potent inhibitor by chemical modification is a promising approach in the development of inhibitors for protein tyrosine kinases. N-acylation of the synthetic peptide substrate NH2-Glu-Phe-Leu-Tyr-Gly-Val-Phe-Asp-CONH2 (EFLYGVFD) resulted in synergistic inhibition of Src protein kinase activity that was greater than the inhibition by either free peptide and/or free acyl group. Synergistic inhibition was dependent upon the peptide sequence and the length of the acyl chain. The minimum length of the fatty acyl chain to synergistically inhibit Src was a lauryl (C11H23CO) group. N-myristoylated EFLYGVFD (myr-EFLYGVFD) inhibited the phosphorylation of poly E4Y by Src with an apparent Ki of 3 microm, whereas EFLYGVFD and myristic acid inhibited with Ki values of 260 and 35 microm, respectively. The nonacylated EFLYGVFD was a substrate for Src with Km and Vmax values of 100 microm and 400 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. However, upon myristoylation, the peptide was no longer a substrate for Src. Both the acylated and non-acylated peptides were competitive inhibitors against the substrate poly E4Y. The non-acylated free peptide showed mixed inhibition against ATP while the myristoylated peptide was competitive against ATP. Myristic acid was uncompetitive against poly E4Y and competitive against ATP. Further analysis indicated that the myristoylated peptide acted as a reversible slow-binding inhibitor with two binding sites on Src. The myristoylated 8-mer peptide was reduced in size to a myristoylated 3-mer without losing the affinity or characteristics of a bisubstrate-type inhibitor. The conversion of a classical reversible inhibitor to a reversible slow-binding multisubstrate analogue has improved the potency of inhibition by the peptide.

Acylation↗

Association and linkage between an insulin-like growth factor-1 gene polymorphism and fat free mass in the HERITAGE Family Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between a DNA microsatellite marker in the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene and body composition phenotypes before and following exposure to 20 weeks of aerobic exercise training in the HERITAGE Family Study. DESIGN: A controlled intervention study: fat mass (FM), percentage body fat (%FAT), fat free mass (FFM), body mass index (BMI) and abdominal visceral fat (AVF) at baseline (B) and in response to training (delta=post minus pre-training value) were measured. Association and sib-pair linkage studies were undertaken. SUBJECTS: A maximum of 502 Caucasian individuals (99 families; 190 parents and 312 adult offspring). MEASUREMENTS: The polymorphism was typed by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencer. The body composition phenotypes were determined from the underwater weighing method, and AVF was assessed by computerized tomography scan. RESULTS: 11 alleles were found: the lengths ranged from 189 to 209 base pairs (bp), and the frequency of the most common allele, 189 bp, reached 0.71. In association studies, significant differences for B-FM, B-FFM and B-%FAT among the three genotypes (189 bp homozygotes, heterozygotes and non-carriers) were detected. The B-FM for 189 bp homozygotes was 19.7+/-0.6 kg, but 21.6+/-0.7 and 21.3+/-1.5 kg for the 189 bp heterozygotes and the non-189 bp carriers respectively (P=0.03 after adjustment for age, sex and generation). Differences among the three genotypes were also observed for B-%FAT (25.9+/-0.5 versus 27.4+/-0.6 and 26.6+/-1.2 kg; P<0.05) and B-FFM (53.7+/-0.4 versus 54.9+/-0.5 kg and 54.4+/-1.0 kg; P<0.05). No significant difference for B-AVF was found among the three genotypes. Following 20 weeks of endurance exercise, the 189 bp homozygotes gained only about half the amount of FFM compared with the other two IGF-1 genotypes (0.3+/-0.1 vs 0.7+/-0.1 and 0.5+/-0.2 kg; P=0.005). A strong linkage was observed between the IGF-1 marker and the changes in FFM (308 pairs of full sibs, P=0.0002) but only a suggestive linkage with B-AVF (352 pairs of full sibs, P<0.02) CONCLUSION: Associations were detected between the IGF-1 gene marker and FM, %FAT and FFM at baseline, and a strong association with the changes in FFM in response to training. Moreover, the IGF-1 gene marker was found to be strongly linked to the changes in FFM in response to 20 weeks of endurance exercise and weakly linked to abdominal visceral fat in the sedentary state.

Adolescent↗

3,3'4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl exhibits antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activity in the rodent uterus and mammary cells and in human breast cancer cells.

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB) binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and several reports have demonstrated that AhR agonists exhibit antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activities in human breast cancer cells, the rodent uterus and breast. In contrast, a recent study showed that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB bound the estrogen receptor (ER) and exhibited ER agonist activities, and we therefore have reinvestigated the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB. Our results showed that 3,3',4,4'tetraCB and a structurally related analog, 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, did not bind the mouse uterine or human ER, did not induce proliferation of MCF-7 or T47D human breast cancer cells or induce reporter gene activity in cells transfected with E2-responsive constructs derived from the creatine kinase B (pCKB) or cathepsin D (pCD) gene promoters. Moreover, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB and 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB did not induce an increase in uterine wet weight, peroxidase activity or progesterone receptor binding in the 21-25-day-old female B6C3F1 mouse uterus. In contrast, both compounds inhibited 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced cell proliferation and transactivation in MCF-7/T47D cells and uterine responses in B6C3F1 mice; surprisingly inhibition of E2-induced reporter gene activity was not observed in T47D cells transfected with pCKB, and this was observed as a cell-specific response with other AhR agonists. Additionally, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB significantly inhibited mammary tumor growth in female Sprague-Dawley rats initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. Our results indicate that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB does not exhibit ER agonist activity but exhibits a broad spectrum of antiestrogenic responses consistent with ligand-mediated AhR-ER crosstalk.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

[Susceptibility gene location of simple congenital heart defect by transmission disequilibrium test].

OBJECTIVE: To locate the susceptibility gene of human simple congenital heart defect(CHD) and provide a sound basis for further gene cloning. METHODS: Three short tandem repeats(STRs) in regions of chromosome 7p14-15, 17q21 where exist Hox gene family's A, B clusters which regulate the embryonic heart development were chosen. Genotypes of 112 members in 39 CHD families were analyzed by amplifying the STR fragments using fluorescence-PCR technique. Then transmission disequilibrium test(TDT) was used to test the data of genotypes. RESULTS: Statistical chi(2) values of D7S1808, D7S673 and D17S791 were 31.3(P<0.005), 11.12(P<0.05) and 6.65 (P>0.05) respectively. These suggest that the former two are associated with CHD, while the latter is not. CONCLUSION: Human simple CHD is associated with Hox gene A cluster. Hox A gene may be a candidate CHD's susceptive genes. The location of the CHD's susceptive genes is in chromosome 7p14-15.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7↗

[Conversion from a tridimensional surface to a plane for measuring expanded skin area with computer-aided technique].

OBJECTIVE: To seek a reliable and practical method to measure the expanded skin area. METHODS: In our technique, the three-dimensional surface overlaid with the expanded skin was converted to a flat one through a special surface molding. This irregular plane area was scanned digitally to the computer and measured by means of counting its total pixels. With the areas of the underlying base and the defect measured in the same way, we could determine whether the extra tissue after expansion was sufficient for clinical repair at any stage of expansion. RESULTS: The deviation of this protocol was less than 3 percent at most in our preliminary reliability demonstration. CONCLUSION: This protocol can be used to estimate the expanded skin area in the clinical and experimental applications.

Adult↗

[Identification of adhalin gene mutation in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in Chinese].

OBJECTIVE: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of severe genetic heterogeneity muscular diseases characterized by proximal muscular weakness of the pelvis and shoulder, affecting both male and female. This group of diseases involves four gene loci (13q12, 17q21,4q12,5q33). Up till now there is no research report about LGMD in Chinese. This study was intended to identify the pathogenic genes of LGMD in Chinese by mutation detecting. METHODS: The exons 2 and 3 of adhalin gene were analyzed in 13 Chinese LGMD patients and 20 controls by using PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The R77C (Arg77Cys) missense mutation was found at the two alleles of a 9-year-old LGMD girl, which had not been found in the 40 wild type chromosomes. This is the first report on adhalin mutation that exists in LGMD in Chinese. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that adhalin gene is one of the predisposing genes in LGMD in Chinese.

Child↗