Biomedical subjects

Guillermo Oliver

Publications and source records attributed to Guillermo Oliver.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Prox1 expression patterns in the developing and adult murine brain.

Prox1, a homeobox gene related to the Drosophila gene prospero, is necessary for retina, lens, liver, pancreas, and lymphatics development. However, not much is yet known about Prox1 expression during central nervous system development. Here we provide a detailed analysis of Prox1 mRNA and protein expression during prenatal and postnatal murine brain development. Prenatally, Prox1 is expressed in the subventricular zone or in early differentiating regions of the brain. At these stages, Prox1 mRNA, but not Prox1 protein, was also detected in several regions of the prethalamus and hypothalamus. At an early postnatal stage, Prox1 expression is mainly detected in several nuclei of the thalamus, the cerebellum, and the hippocampus. In adulthood, Prox1 expression remains only in the hippocampus and cerebellum. These complex patterns of expression suggest that Prox1 activity is differentially required during brain development and adulthood.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Six3 activation of Pax6 expression is essential for mammalian lens induction and specification.

The homeobox gene Six3 regulates forebrain development. Here we show that Six3 is also crucial for lens formation. Conditional deletion of mouse Six3 in the presumptive lens ectoderm (PLE) disrupted lens formation. In the most severe cases, lens induction and specification were defective, and the lens placode and lens were absent. In Six3-mutant embryos, Pax6 was downregulated, and Sox2 was absent in the lens preplacodal ectoderm. Using ChIP, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and luciferase reporter assays, we determined that Six3 activates Pax6 and Sox2 expression. Misexpression of mouse Six3 into chick embryos promoted the ectopic expansion of the ectodermal Pax6 expression domain. Our results position Six3 at the top of the regulatory pathway leading to lens formation. We conclude that Six3 directly activates Pax6 and probably also Sox2 in the PLE and regulates cell autonomously the earliest stages of mammalian lens induction.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Six2 is required for suppression of nephrogenesis and progenitor renewal in the developing kidney.

During kidney development and in response to inductive signals, the metanephric mesenchyme aggregates, becomes polarized, and generates much of the epithelia of the nephron. As such, the metanephric mesenchyme is a renal progenitor cell population that must be replenished as epithelial derivatives are continuously generated. The molecular mechanisms that maintain the undifferentiated state of the metanephric mesenchymal precursor cells have not yet been identified. In this paper, we report that functional inactivation of the homeobox gene Six2 results in premature and ectopic differentiation of mesenchymal cells into epithelia and depletion of the progenitor cell population within the metanephric mesenchyme. Failure to renew the mesenchymal cells results in severe renal hypoplasia. Gain of Six2 function in cortical metanephric mesenchymal cells was sufficient to prevent their epithelial differentiation in an organ culture assay. We propose that in the developing kidney, Six2 activity is required for maintaining the mesenchymal progenitor population in an undifferentiated state by opposing the inductive signals emanating from the ureteric bud.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Expression of Six3 Opposite Strand (Six3OS) during mouse embryonic development.

Recently, sequence analyses have identified a large number of opposite strand transcripts in the vertebrate genome. Although the transcripts appear to be spliced and polyadenylated, many of them are predicted to represent noncoding RNAs. High levels of noncoding transcripts of the Six3 Opposite Strand (Six3OS) were recently identified in the embryonic and postnatal retina of the mouse. In this study, we expanded those initial expression analyses, elucidated in detail the developmental expression profile of mouse Six3OS in the brain and visual system, and compared it with that of Six3. Our results show that Six3OS expression overlaps extensively with that of Six3 and is not altered in Six3-null embryos.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta are markers of early liver development.

Pancreatic cells can be converted to hepatocytes by overexpression of C/EBPbeta (Shen, C-N, Slack, J.M.W. and Tosh, D., 2000. Molecular basis of transdifferentiation of pancreas to liver. Nature Cell Biology 2: 879-887). This suggested that expression of one or more C/EBP factors may distinguish liver and pancreas in early development. We have now studied the early expression of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta in the mouse embryo and show that both are expressed exclusively in the early liver bud and not in the pancreatic buds. Their expression is identical to that of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4), another key hepatic transcription factor and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a differentiation product characteristic of immature hepatocytes. Both are complementary to the early expression of Pdx1, a key pancreatic transcription factor. These results are consistent with the idea that C/EBP factors are master regulators for liver development.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1224 as biological controls for Aspergillus flavus strains.

The effect of two species of lactobacilli, Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1224, on growth of different Aspergillus flavus strains was determined. A. flavus strains (Ap, TR2, or CF80) were grown in LAPTg broth at 37 degrees C for 7 days as a single culture and in association with L. casei CRL 431 or L. rhamnosus CRL 1224 at initial inoculum ratios of 1:1, 1:10, and 1:100. In most cases, the mixed cultures had a lower fungal growth and a lower pH than the control cultures. Mycelial dry weight was reduced to 73 and 85% using L. casei CRL 431 and L. rhamnosus CRL 1224, respectively. The pH decrease in mixed cultures when the fungal mycelial dry weight is reduced may play an important role in inhibition. The number of viable bacteria was variably affected by fungal growth. These results indicate that L. casei CRL 431 and L. rhamnosus CRL 1224 may be useful as potential biocontrol agent against A. flavus.

Antibiosis↗

PubMed2005

Prox1 activity controls pancreas morphogenesis and participates in the production of "secondary transition" pancreatic endocrine cells.

The development of the mammalian pancreas is governed by various signaling processes and by a cascade of gene activation events controlled by different transcription factors. Here we show that the divergent homeodomain transcription factor Prox1 is a novel, crucial regulator of mouse pancreas organogenesis. Loss of Prox1 function severely disrupted epithelial pancreas morphology and hindered pancreatic growth without affecting significantly the genesis of endocrine cells before E11.5. Conversely, the lack of Prox1 activity substantially decreased the formation of islet cell precursors after E13.5, during a period known as the "secondary transition". Notably, this defect occurred concurrently with an abnormal increment of exocrine cells. Hence, it is possible that Prox1 contributes to the allocation of an adequate supply of islet cells throughout pancreas ontogeny by preventing exocrine cell differentiation of multipotent pancreatic progenitors. Prox1 thus appears to be an essential component of a genetic program destined to produce the cellular complexity of the mammalian pancreas.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Lymphatic vascular defects promoted by Prox1 haploinsufficiency cause adult-onset obesity.

Multiple organs cooperate to regulate appetite, metabolism, and glucose and fatty acid homeostasis. Here, we identified and characterized lymphatic vasculature dysfunction as a cause of adult-onset obesity. We found that functional inactivation of a single allele of the homeobox gene Prox1 led to adult-onset obesity due to abnormal lymph leakage from mispatterned and ruptured lymphatic vessels. Prox1 heterozygous mice are a new model for adult-onset obesity and lymphatic vascular disease.

Alleles↗

PubMed2005

Pax6-dependence of Six3, Eya1 and Dach1 expression during lens and nasal placode induction.

The Drosophila eyeless gene plays a central role in fly eye development and controls a subordinate regulatory network consisting of the so, eya and dac genes. All three genes have highly conserved mammalian homologs, suggesting possible conservation of this eye forming regulatory network. sine oculis (so) belongs to the so/Six gene family, and Six3 is prominently expressed in the developing mammalian eye. Eya1 and Dach1 are mammalian homologs of eya and dac, respectively, and although neither Eya1 nor Dach1 knockout mice express prenatal eye defects, possibilities exist for postnatal ocular phenotypes or for functional redundancy between related family members. To examine whether expression relationships analogous to those between ey, so, eya and dac exist in early mammalian oculogenesis, we investigated Pax6, Six3, Eya1 and Dach1 protein expression in murine lens and nasal placode development. Six3 expression in the pre-placode lens ectoderm is initially Pax6-independent, but subsequently both its expression and nuclear localization become Pax6-dependent. Six3, Dach1 and Eya1 nasal expression in pre-placode ectoderm are also initially Pax6-independent, but thereafter become Pax6-dependent. Pax6, Six3, Dach1 and Eya1 are all co-expressed in the developing ciliary marginal zone, a source of retinal stem cells in some vertebrates. An in vitro protein-protein interaction is detected between Six3 and Eya1. Collectively, these findings suggest that the Pax-Eya-Six-Dach network is at best only partly conserved during lens and nasal placode development. However, the findings do not rule out the possibility that such a regulatory network acts at later stages of oculogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

AP-2alpha selectively regulates fragile X mental retardation-1 gene transcription during embryonic development.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is almost always caused by silencing of the FMR1 gene. The defects observed in FXS indicate that the normal FMR1 gene has a range of functions and plays a particularly prominent role during development. However, the mechanisms regulating FMR1 expression in vivo are not known. Here, we have tested the role of the transcription factor AP-2alpha in regulating Fmr1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that AP-2alpha associates with the Fmr1 promoter in vivo. Furthermore, Fmr1 transcript levels are reduced >4-fold in homozygous null AP-2alpha mutant mice at embryonic day 18.5 when compared with normal littermates. Notably, AP-2alpha exhibits a strong gene dosage effect, with heterozygous mice showing approximately 2-fold reduction in Fmr1 levels. Examination of conditional AP-2alpha mutant mice indicates that this transcription factor plays a major role in regulating Fmr1 expression in embryos, but not in adults. We further investigated the role of AP-2alpha in the developmental regulation of Fmr1 expression using the Xenopus animal cap assay. Over-expression of a dominant-negative AP-2alpha in Xenopus embryos led to reduced Fmr1 levels. Moreover, exogenous wild-type AP-2alpha rescued Fmr1 expression in embryos where endogenous AP-2alpha had been suppressed. We conclude that AP-2alpha associates with the Fmr1 promoter in vivo and selectively regulates Fmr1 transcription during embryonic development.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Distinct developmental programs require different levels of Bmp signaling during mouse retinal development.

The Bmp family of secreted signaling molecules is implicated in multiple aspects of embryonic development. However, the cell-type-specific requirements for this signaling pathway are often obscure in the context of complex embryonic tissue interactions. To define the cell-autonomous requirements for Bmp signaling, we have used a Cre-loxP strategy to delete Bmp receptor function specifically within the developing mouse retina. Disruption of a Bmp type I receptor gene, Bmpr1a, leads to no detectable eye abnormality. Further reduction of Bmp receptor activity by removing one functional copy of another Bmp type I receptor gene, Bmpr1b, in the retina-specific Bmpr1a mutant background, results in abnormal retinal dorsoventral patterning. Double mutants completely lacking both of these genes exhibit severe eye defects characterized by reduced growth of embryonic retina and failure of retinal neurogenesis. These studies provide direct genetic evidence that Bmpr1a and Bmpr1b play redundant roles during retinal development, and that different threshold levels of Bmp signaling regulate distinct developmental programs such as patterning, growth and differentiation of the retina.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The lymphatic vasculature: recent progress and paradigms.

The field of lymphatic research has been recently invigorated by the identification of genes and mechanisms that control various aspects of lymphatic development. We are beginning to understand how, starting from a subgroup of embryonic venous endothelial cells, the whole lymphatic system forms in a stepwise manner. The generation of genetically engineered mice with defects in different steps of the lymphangiogenic program has provided models that are increasing our understanding of the lymphatic system in health and disease. This knowledge, in turn, should lead to the development of better diagnostic methods and treatments of lymphatic disorders and tumor metastasis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

In vitro binding of zearalenone to different adsorbents.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some Fusarium species. No treatment has been successfully employed to get rid of the ZEA contained in foods. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability (adsorptive power) of five adsorbents--activated carbon, bentonite, talc, sandstone, and calcium sulfate--to trap ZEA in vitro. Activated carbon was the best adsorbent, binding 100% ZEA (pH 3 and 7.3) at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% dose levels. Bentonite, talc,and calcium sulfate were less efficient than activated carbon but still could bind ZEA to some extent. On the other hand, sandstone was inactive in the experimental conditions employed. Our results indicate that activated carbon could be a good candidate for detoxification of ZEA present in foods.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2004

Choose your fate: artery, vein or lymphatic vessel?

The specification of cell fate is integral to embryonic development. Recent research has identified several molecules that are involved in the development of the embryonic vasculature. Their combined actions are required for the specification and development of the arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels; vascular networks that are vital for embryonic and adult survival, and whose malfunction causes major pathological disorders. Recent discoveries have impacted our understanding of the embryonic origins of arterial, venous and lymphatic endothelial cells and the signals that mediate their navigation into mature, functional circulatory systems.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Lymphatic vasculature development.

Although the process of blood vasculature formation has been well documented, little is known about lymphatic vasculature development, despite its importance in normal and pathological conditions. The lack of specific lymphatic markers has hampered progress in this field. However, the recent identification of genes that participate in the formation of the lymphatic vasculature denotes the beginning of a new era in which better diagnoses and therapeutic treatment(s) of lymphatic disorders could become a reachable goal.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Fungal isolation and enumeration in foods.

Humans have now been growing and storing enough food for a long enough time that some rapidly evolving organisms, such as fungi, are moving into niches created by the exploitation of certain plants as food. Food is expected to be nutritious. The most important of the physicochemical conditions that affects fungal growth is related to the biological state of the food. Living foods, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, and also grains and nuts before harvest, possess powerful defense mechanisms against microbial invasion. When the specific microorganisms overcome defense mechanisms, the spoilage of a living food starts. Other factors to consider are water activity, hydrogen ion concentration, temperature, gas tension, consistency, nutrient status, specific solute effect, and preservation. The consequences of mold contamination of foods are diverse: unsightly appearance, chemical (removal or change of most of the constituents) and nutritional value changes, modification of organoleptic quality, difficulties in preservation, occupational hazards (mycoses, allergies), and toxicoses (mycotoxicoses). It is possible to recognize a succession of three distinct mycoflora during the storage of cereals, but they can also be mixed: 1. Field fungi growing and established before harvesting (Alternaria, Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Cladosporium). 2. Storage fungi taking over and dominanting in the silo (Aspergillus and Penicillium). 3. Advanced decay fungi (Papulospora, Sordaria, Fusarium graminearum, and members of the order Mucorales).

Culture Media↗

PubMed2004

Determination of aflatoxins and zearalenone in different culture media.

Some molds produce desirable changes in food, but most are merely esthetically undesirable. There has also been an increasing awareness that certain metabolic products of some molds commonly found on foods and feed are dangerous to humans and animals. These toxin substances, mycotoxins, are secondary metabolites produced by different fungi, especially Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and, to a lesser degree, Alternaria. The most important toxins for humans are aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, certain trichothecenes, and zearalenone. Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites produced by different Aspergillus species: A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nomius. The most commonly encountered aflatoxins are B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2, but aflatoxin B1 is the most frequently found in contaminated samples, and aflatoxins B2, G1, and G2 are generally not reported in the absence of AFB1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers that aflatoxins are carcinogenic (hepatocarcinogenic) to humans (group 1) and animals. Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium (F. acuminatum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. verticilliodes, F. oxysporum, F. poae, F. rosum, F. solani, F. semitectum, and F. sporotrichioides) that primarily colonize different cereal grains. Several reports were noted on the occurrence of ZEA along with various combinations of group B trichothecenes, fumonisins, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins. In most cases, the levels of ZEA were considered to be low; however, the toxicological significance is not known. This toxin is not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans (group 3) by the IARC, but ZEA was implied in precocious sexual development in children in Puerto Rico and a breast enlargement in young boys in Italy.

Aflatoxins↗

PubMed2004

Microtechnique for identification of lactic acid bacteria.

Certain gut species are pathogens, but a number of other resident bacteria may be of some benefit to host health. Examples include enterococci, lactobacilli, propionibacteria, and bifidobacteria, which are present in the colon in significant numbers. Identification and classification are not identical. A group can be identified only after it has been classified, based on a pattern of properties shown by all the members of the group that other groups do not possess. The properties used in identification are often different from those used in classification. Biochemical, nutritional, and physiological characterization tests (usually carried out in bottles and tubes of solid and liquid media and on plates) have been developed and modified since the earliest days of bacteriology. Generally, the characteristics chosen for an identification plan should be easily determinable, whereas those used for classification (such as DNA homology) may be quite difficult to determine. Genera and species identification might not be based on only a few tests, but rather on the pattern given by a whole battery of tests. The members of the family Lactobacillaceae represent one example of this. Some probiotic strains can be selected for their benefical properties as active antimicrobial agents against pathogenic microorganisms, hydrophobic ability, presence of substances with a capacity for adherence to epithelium, and so on. After isolation, identification is an important step before selecting probiotic strains. These identifications can be facilitated through microtechniques. To alleviate the need to inoculate large numbers of tubes with media (conventional test), some rapid multitest systems have been devised and are commercially available (such as the API or Biolog systems). Although they are expensive for large studies and not always sufficiently versatile, these kits do offer the advantages of convenience, miniaturization, rapidity, and, above all, strict standardization. Other methods such as ribotyping or randomly amplified polymorphic DNA do not take into account the phenotypic characteristics (biotyping). In this chapter, we describe a simple, rapid, and economical microplates technique to identify lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria based on general metabolic characteristics, adapted for routine study of a large number of strains.

Bacteriological Techniques↗