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H Fang

Publications and source records attributed to H Fang.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

In vitro effects of anti-HIV immunotoxins directed against multiple epitopes on HIV type 1 envelope glycoprotein 160.

We have used a panel of anti-gp160 MAbs to construct anti-HIV immunotoxins by coupling antibodies to ricin A chain (RAC). The ability of the immunotoxins to kill HIV-1-infected cells and halt the spread of infection was tested in tissue culture on persistently and acutely infected cell lines and primary lymphocyte cultures stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA blasts). Laboratory strains and clinical isolates of HIV both were tested. The constitution and antigen-binding capacity of the immunotoxins were confirmed by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence. Immunotoxins that bind epitopes exposed on the cell surface effectively killed persistently infected cells, although killing was not directly proportional to binding of immunotoxin to cell. The activity of anti-gp41, but not anti-gp120, immunotoxins was markedly enhanced in the presence of soluble CD4 or peptides corresponding to the CDR3 region of CD4. CD4-mediated enhancement of anti-gp41 immunotoxin activity was observed for laboratory strains neutralized by sCD4 and for clinical isolates that were resistant to neutralization by sCD4. Immunotoxin action was potentiated by brefeldin A, bafilomycin A1, cortisone, and an amphipathic fusion peptide, but not by cytochalasin D, nocodazol, monodansyl cadaverine, or trans-retinoic acid. Anti-HIV immunotoxins are useful tool with which to study the functional expression of gp120/gp41 antigens on the surface of HIV-infected cells, as well as potential AIDS therapeutics. Because these studies relate to the accessibility of viral antigens to antibody-mediated attack, these studies also have relevance for vaccine development.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1996

The homologue of mammalian SPC12 is important for efficient signal peptidase activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The multisubunit signal peptidase catalyzes the cleavage of signal peptides and the degradation of some membrane proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The only subunit of this enzyme functionally examined to date, yeast Sec11p, is related to signal peptidase I from bacteria. Since bacterial signal peptidase is capable of processing both prokaryotic and eukaryotic signal sequences as a monomer, it is unclear why the analogous enzyme in the ER contains proteins unrelated to signal peptidase I. To address this issue, the gene encoding Spc1p, the yeast homologue to mammalian SPC12, is isolated from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Spc1p co-purifies and genetically interacts with Sec11p, but unlike Sec11p, Spc1p is not required for cell growth or the proteolytic processing of tested proteins in yeast. This indicates that only a subset of the ER signal peptidase subunits is required for signal peptidase and protein degradation activities in vivo. Through both genetic and biochemical criteria, Spc1p appears, however, to be important for efficient signal peptidase activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Brain sigma receptors labelled by [3H]nemonapride.

Binding of [3H]nemonapride and [3H]raclopride was examined in the brain areas of three species (rat, cow and human). The results indicated that [3H]nemonapride binding is inhibited by selective sigma receptor ligands in frontal cortex, striatum and cerebellum. Only the striatum showed significant dopaminergic sites as defined by sulpiride. Use of the subtraction method of [3H]nemonapride minus [3H]raclopride binding as a measure of D4 dopamine receptor binding may, therefore, also include a sigma receptor component.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of stored and secreted rat pancreatic digestive enzymes by mass spectrometry: alpha-amylase.

As part of a continuing effort to better understand the mechanisms of protein secretion, we compared the mass of pancreatic digestive enzymes, in resting and stimulated states, both in secretion and in the zymogen granule to determine whether their secretion is accompanied by chemical modification. Mass spectra were obtained applying the electrospray method on samples separated by reverse-phase HPLC. We report here our results for alpha-amylase (1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase EC 3.2.1.1). The data illustrate structural differences between states and compartments for this enzyme. Multiple isozymes were identified from the mass spectra, varying roughly from 52 to 60 kDa. On the basis of mass comparisons, not all of the products seen in the zymogen granule were found in secretion, nor were all secreted isoforms in the granule. Stimulation of protein secretion with a cholinergic agonist, led to time-dependent changes in the number and masses of isoforms in secretion, leaving only one of five resolvable forms in the granule. Only one form, 55.5 kDa, was found in all samples, granule and secretion. In addition to these differences, microheterogeneities of 400 Da or less were observed. The data suggest the differential or non-parallel release of different amylase forms and their chemical modification during the secretion process. As such, release appears to involve a third, intermediate compartment, between zymogen granule to ductal space, such as the cytoplasm, in which chemical modification takes place.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Expression of the actin gene family in embryos of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus.

The genome of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus includes genes encoding four cytoskeletal actins LpC1-4 and the muscle actin LpM. Gene-specific probes corresponding to 3' noncoding termini have been used to characterize their patterns of expression by in situ hybridization. The gene encoding LpC1 actin, which is most similar in sequence to the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus CyI actin, has a complex developmental profile of expression. LpC1 transcripts become prominent in the archenteron and secondary mesenchyme cells of embryos, as well as in adult testis and ovary. The LpC2 actin gene is predominantly expressed in aboral ectoderm of embryos, similarly to the pattern of expression of its closest relatives in S. purpuratus, the SpCyIIIa and SpCyIIIb actin genes. The LpC3 actin gene is expressed at low levels in secondary mesenchyme cells. The LpC4 actin gene is expressed in a subset of primary mesenchyme cells which may be actively engaged in skeletogenesis. Transcripts of the LpM gene accumulate in esophageal muscle cells beginning during gastrulation before overt differentiation. Each of the L. pictus actin genes has a distinct pattern of expression, none of which is identical to that of any S. purpuratus actin gene. These results indicate that the regulation of expression of members of the actin gene family, even those likely to have common ancestors, has diverged as these sea urchin species diverged.

Actins↗
PubMed1996

Effects of nerve growth factor on axonal retrograde transport after axonal injury of motoneurons.

In this experimental study we coupled nerve growth factor (NGF) with notatin by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to label NGF and observed the effects of NGF on axonal retrograde transport after axonal injury of motoneurons with the aid of notatin chemiluminescence system. The results showed that NGF could be transported through axon not only to sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia but also to motoneurons in spinal cord ventral horn.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

A mutation affecting signal peptidase inhibits degradation of an abnormal membrane protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Signal peptidase removes amino-terminal signal peptides from precursor proteins during or immediately following their translocation to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and may participate in ER degradation, a poorly defined process whereby abnormal proteins are rapidly degraded early in the secretory pathway. Here, the involvement of signal peptidase in ER degradation is examined through the use of two chimeric membrane proteins that lack amino-terminal signal peptides: A189invHD, which contains sequences derived from arginine permease and histidinol dehydrogenase, and AHDK2, containing the ER-resident protein Kar2p fused to the carboxyl terminus of A189invHD. Degradation of approximately 95% of A189invHD is observed in yeast cells expressing enzymatically active signal peptidase, whereas only 60% undergoes rapid degradation in a sec11 mutant bearing a temperature-sensitive mutation in the gene encoding the 18-kDa subunit (Sec11p) of the signal peptidase complex. AHDK2 is proteolyzed in a reaction yielding at least two fragments in wild-type cells and in the sec11 mutant containing a plasmid bearing the SEC11 gene. The proteolytic reaction is catalyzed in a temperature-dependent manner in the sec11 mutant, with AHDK2 remaining stable at the nonpermissive temperature. Using conditional mutants defective in protein translocation into and out of the ER and in vitro protease protection studies, the site of degradation for AHDK2 is localized to the ER lumen. The data therefore indicate (i) A189invHD is degraded through both signal peptidase-dependent and independent processes; (ii) signal peptidase, specifically the Sec11p subunit, is required for the proteolysis of AHDK2; and (iii) the Kar2 fragment at the carboxyl terminus of AHDK2 permits detection of proteolytic intermediates.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1995

Trehazolin, a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of silkworm trehalase.

Mechanisms of enzyme inhibition by trehazolin, a new inhibitor of trehalase (Ando et al. (1991) J. Antibiot. 44, 1165), were investigated using purified soluble silkworm trehalase and other glycosidases. Trehazolin inhibited trehalase with an IC50 value of 27 nM, whereas some other exo-alpha-glucosidases were inhibited only weakly, with IC50 values ranging from 7 to 370 microM. Other glycosidases tested were not inhibited by 500 microM trehazolin. The inhibition of trehalase by trehazolin was competitive with respect to trehalose. A notable feature of the inhibition was a slow progression of the association and dissociation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. Preincubation of the enzyme and the inhibitor at 37 degrees C potentiated the inhibition by 10-times in a time-dependent manner up to 6 h. Dialysis of the inactivated enzyme recovered the enzymatic activity very slowly, and the rate constant for the dissociation at 37 degrees C was (7.3).10(-2) h-1. Trehalamine, a deglucosylated form of trehazolin, inhibited both silkworm trehalase and exo-alpha-glucosidases only weakly. The inhibition of trehalase by trehalamine was reversible. Rat isomaltase inhibition by trehazolin and sucrase inhibition by trehalamine were also reversible. Taken together, trehazolin is a specific slow, tight-binding inhibitor of trehalase, and the glucose moiety of the inhibitor is essential to the tight binding.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Myeloglycan, a series of E-selectin-binding polylactosaminolipids found in normal human leukocytes and myelocytic leukemia HL60 cells.

Sialosyl-Lex (SLex) is assumed to be the binding epitope of E- and P-selectin in normal human neutrophils and myelocytic leukemia HL60 cells. Glycosphingolipid (GSL) fractions from large quantities of normal human neutrophils and HL60 cell extract did not contain SLex GSLs having 6-10 sugar residues, as commonly found in solid tumor cells and tissues. Instead, the binding target of E-selectin was revealed to be a series of long-chain, unbranched polylactosamine GSLs with terminally sialylated, internally alpha 1-->3 polyfucosylated structure as the major component, or having SLex at the terminus and internally polyfucosylated structure as a minor component. These GSLs are hereby collectively termed "myeloglycan." Regardless of the site of fucosylation, all myeloglycans cross-react strongly with "anti-SLex" monoclonal antibodies such as CSLEX, FH6, SNH3, and SNH4.

Acetylglucosamine↗
PubMed1995

Unique insertion sequence and pattern of CD4 expression in variants selected with immunotoxins from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected T cells.

To study the variability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), we used immunotoxins to select for variants within a population of H9 cells persistently infected with a molecular clone of HIV-1 designated NL4-3. Chimeric immunotoxin CD4-PE40 (a chimeric fusion protein consisting of the amino-terminal two domains of CD4 and the carboxy-terminal domains of Pseudomonas exotoxin A) was used to select for cells lacking cell surface expression of HIV Env (envelope proteins gp160, gp120, and gp41). The cells described here (A1, A7, C9, and E9) fail to express HIV proteins because they have markedly diminished transcription of the integrated provirus (A1, A7, and E9) or no HIV provirus (C9). Analysis demonstrated that two different cloned variants, A1 and E9, contain the complementary sequence of tRNA(3Lys) (45 bp) inserted 3' to the primer-binding site, following by a 169-bp deletion through the start of the gag gene. No HIV mRNA was detected by Northern (RNA) blotting, but PCR demonstrated the presence of the viral message. These variants were found very infrequently in the unselected H9/NL4-3 cell population, and they contained proviruses distinct from that found in the dominant population. In addition, all of these variants had similar patterns of CD4 surface expression that allowed them to escape reinfection within the tissue culture. The data are discussed with regard to mechanisms and errors of HIV reverse transcription, as well as the evolution of mutants within a population of persistently infected cells.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Processing of the envelope glycoprotein gp160 in immunotoxin-resistant cell lines chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

We describe the isolation and characterization of variant cell lines which are chronically infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and resistant to the action of immunotoxins directed against the HIV envelope protein. These variants all produce normal levels of HIV proteins, budding virions, and the envelope protein precursor gp160. Two of the variants, 10E and 11E, contain a mutation within the env gene which results in the production of a truncated precursor and altered processing and transport of the protein to the cell surface. Variants B9 and G4 are defective in gp160 cleavage and do not efficiently transport the envelope protein to the cell surface. There are no mutations in the expressed viruses of B9 and G4. These cell lines express higher levels of CD4 protein and mRNA than H9/NL4-3. Thus, 10E, 11E, B9, and G4 have escaped immunotoxin action by downmodulating the envelope protein from their cell surfaces. None of these variants produce infectious HIV. Two other immunotoxin-resistant variants, E9-3 and 41-17, produce normal levels of gp160, efficiently transport the cleaved and processed subunits to the cell surface, and secrete infectious HIV. These studies identify alterations in gp160 processing that underscore the importance of the relationship between HIV and the cell that it infects.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

[A comparison analysis on methods of astigmatism examinations for children].

70 children 140 eyes with astigmatic refractive error were reported. The methods of examination included retinoscopy, autorefraction and keratometry. The data of eye astigmatism and keratic astigmatism measured by the methods were analyzed. It revealed that there existed a good identity among the three methods, and the relationship between eye astigmatism (EAs) and keratic astigmatism (KAs) shown by the formula EAs = 0.94 KAs - 0.13 was similar to that of previous reports. It is suggested that the keratometry be necessary as an assistant method of refraction to assure to get a reliable astigmatism result for children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Functional role of N-glycosylation in alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptor. De-N-glycosylation induces dissociation or altered association of alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits and concomitant loss of fibronectin binding activity.

Fibronectin (FN)-mediated cell adhesion is controlled mainly by alpha 5 beta 1 (recognizing the RGD sequence) and alpha 4 beta 1 (recognizing the CS-1 peptide sequence of FN) integrin receptors. Integrin-dependent cell adhesion to FN is greatly promoted by optimal GM3 concentration at the surface membrane (Zheng, M., Fang, H., Tsuruoka, T., Tsuji, T., Sasaki, T., and Hakomori, S. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2217-2222), and cell adhesion mediated by alpha 4 beta 1 (to FN) or alpha 6 beta 1 (to laminin) is inhibited by modifying N-glycosylation processing of the integrin receptor (e.g. Akiyama, S. K., Yamada, S. S., and Yamada, K. M. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 18011-18018). We therefore studied the specific role of N-glycosylation in alpha 5 beta 1 function. Key findings of the present study were as follows. (i) Adhesion of K562 cells to FN-coated plates, which is mediated solely by alpha 5 beta 1, was inhibited when cells were treated with a mixture of endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase F and peptide -N4-(N-acetylglucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F (endo-F/PNGase-F). (ii) The alpha 5 beta 1 receptor at the K562 cell surface tended to dissociate into alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits when an extract of cells treated with endo-F/PNGase-F was precipitated by integrin subunit-specific antibodies, i.e. the alpha 5 subunit was preferentially precipitated by anti-alpha 5 monoclonal antibody ZH5, and the beta 1 subunit was preferentially precipitated by anti-beta 1 monoclonal antibody ZH1. When intact cells were extracted and treated with either ZH5 or ZH1, both alpha 5 and beta 1 were coprecipitated, indicating that the two subunits are normally tightly associated with each other. (iii) Adhesion of alpha 5 beta 1-containing liposomes (phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol liposomes incorporating purified alpha 5 beta 1) to FN-coated plates was abolished by treatment of liposomes with endo-F/PNGase-F. Liposomes incorporating alpha 5 beta 1 pretreated with endo-F/PNGase-F also did not bind to FN. When purified alpha 5 beta 1 receptor was treated with endo-F/PNGase-F followed by ZH5 or ZH1, the alpha 5 or beta 1 subunit was precipitated separately, respectively. In contrast, both subunits were always coprecipitated when intact purified alpha 5 beta 1 receptor was directly treated with ZH5 or ZH1. These findings indicate that N-glycosylation of both the alpha and beta subunits of the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptor is essential for association of these subunits and for optimal binding to FN.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1994

The cellular U-particle, whose synthesis is induced by mengovirus infection, is homologous to apoferritin.

Mengo virus infection of mouse L-cells results in induction of the synthesis of a cellular protein-containing particle, 12 nm in diameter, which was designated U (Boege et al. (1987) Virology 159, 358-367). We have purified the U-particle from virus-infected cells by a series of chromatographic steps and found it to be composed of two polypeptide species (MW 23,000 and 25,000), present in a ratio of approximately 7:3. Neither of these polypeptides is measurably glycosylated or phosphorylated and the U-particle contains no detectable nucleic acid. Several amino acid sequences obtained from CNBr fragments of the U-polypeptides identified them as the H- and L-chains of mouse apoferritin. This finding was supported by immunoblotting and electron microscopy. In terms of function, the U-particle/apoferritin effectively inhibits the translation of mRNAs in reticulocyte lysates. These experiments indicate that apoferritin may perform important functions in eukaryotic cells in addition to iron storage. Finally, we propose mechanisms to explain how Mengo virus infection could specifically induce the synthesis of apoferritin and how increasing amounts of cytoplasmic apoferritin could facilitate virus replication.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Purification and characterization of the U-particle, a cellular constituent whose synthesis is stimulated by Mengovirus infection.

We have isolated a cellular protein particle whose synthesis is induced by infection with Mengovirus or TMEV. The U-particle inhibits translation in vitro and binds to both capped and uncapped mRNA's. It is spherical, 12 nm in diameter, and is composed of multiple copies of two polypeptide subunits having molecular weights of 23,000 and 25,000 which do not appear to be glycosylated or phosphorylated. U-particles are capable of inhibiting mRNA translation in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Evolution of actin gene families of sea urchins.

The actin gene family of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus includes a single muscle actin gene, LpM, and four cytoskeletal actin genes: LpC1, LpC2, LpC3, and LpC4. The origin and relationship of these actin genes to members of the actin gene family of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were considered. Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences suggested a close relationship between LpC1 and the CyI-CyII subfamily of S. purpuratus actin genes, and between LpC2 and the CyIII subfamily of S. purpuratus actin genes; the muscle actin genes were orthologous. It is proposed that two divergent cytoskeletal actin genes of the common ancestral sea urchin gave rise by duplication to the extant cytoskeletal actin genes of these species, some of which have changed 3' noncoding sequences while others have maintained a terminus highly conserved among sea urchin actin genes.

Actins↗
PubMed1994

Nonlethal sec71-1 and sec72-1 mutations eliminate proteins associated with the Sec63p-BiP complex from S. cerevisiae.

The sec71-1 and sec72-1 mutations were identified by a genetic assay that monitored membrane protein integration into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutations inhibited integration of various chimeric membrane proteins and translocation of a subset of water soluble proteins. In this paper we show that SEC71 encodes the 31.5-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein (p31.5) and SEC72 encodes the 23-kDa protein (p23) of the Sec63p-BiP complex. SEC71 is therefore identical to SEC66 (HSS1), which was previously shown to encode p31.5. DNA sequence analyses reveal that sec71-1 cells contain a nonsense mutation that removes approximately two-thirds of the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of p31.5. The sec72-1 mutation shifts the reading frame of the gene encoding p23. Unexpectedly, the sec71-1 mutant lacks p31.5 and p23. Neither mutation is lethal, although sec71-1 cells exhibit a growth defect at 37 degrees C. These results show that p31.5 and p23 are important for the trafficking of a subset of proteins to the ER membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗