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H R Colten

Publications and source records attributed to H R Colten.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Type I human complement C2 deficiency. A 28-base pair gene deletion causes skipping of exon 6 during RNA splicing.

Two variants of a genetic deficiency of complement protein C2 (C2D) have been previously identified. No C2 protein translation is detected in type I deficiency, while type II deficiency is characterized by a selective block in C2 secretion. Type I C2 deficiency was described in a family in which the C2 null allele (C2Q0) is associated with the major histocompatibility haplotype/complotype HLA-A25,B18,C2Q0,BfS,C4A4, C4B2,Drw2; this extended haplotype occurs in over 90% of C2-deficient individuals (common complotype/haplotype). To determine the molecular basis of type I C2 deficiency, the C2 gene and cDNA were characterized from a homozygous type I C2-deficient individual with the common associated haplotype/complotype. We found a 28-base pair deletion in the type I C2Q0 gene, beginning 9 base pairs upstream of the 3'-end of exon 6, that generates a C2 transcript with a complete deletion of exon 6 (134 base pair) and a premature termination codon. In studies of eight kindred, the 28-base pair deletion was observed in all C2Q0 alleles associated with the common type I deficient complotype/haplotype; this deletion was not present in normal C2 nor in type II C2-deficient genes. These data demonstrate that: 1) type I human complement C2 deficiency is caused by a 28-base pair genomic deletion that causes skipping of exon 6 during RNA splicing, resulting in generation of a premature termination codon, 2) the 28-base pair deletion in the type I C2Q0 gene is strongly associated with the HLA haplotype/complotype A25,B18,C2Q0,BfS,C4A4,C4B2,Drw2, suggesting that all C2-deficient individuals with this haplotype/complotype will harbor the 28-base pair C2 gene deletion, and 3) type II C2 deficiency is caused by a different, as yet uncharacterized, molecular genetic defect.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Cis- and trans-acting elements required for constitutive and cytokine-regulated expression of the mouse complement C3 gene.

The third component of complement (C3) is an important mediator of inflammation. Murine and human genomic cosmid clones were isolated, characterized and sequenced 5' to the complement C3 gene transcriptional initiation sites to determine cis elements that participate in constitutive and regulated C3 gene expression. The murine and human 5' flanking regions are 51% identical overall, with positions -36 to -1 and -146 to -68 showing 80% identity. Four TATA boxes were identified upstream of the murine transcriptional initiation site, but deletion and transfection analysis using reporter gene constructs in HepG2 cells indicated that only the TATA element at position -30, together with sequences -395 to -111, are essential for constitutive expression of murine C3 in hepatocytes. Deletion analysis also suggested that sequences between -1457 and -800 contain regulatory elements that are involved in suppressing basal expression. Sequences between -90 to -41 confer both enhancer activity and interleukin-1/-6 (IL-1/IL-6)-responsiveness. Mutation analyses showed that both sequences between -88 and -83 and -77 to -72 are essential for enhancer activity and responsiveness to IL-1, but only sequences between -88 and -83 are necessary for IL-6-responsiveness. A gel-retardation assay showed that several nucleoproteins, perhaps of the C/EBP family, from HepG2 cells bound to sequences between -88 to -83. Collectively, these results localize cis-acting elements involved in constitutive and IL-1/IL-6-regulated murine C3 gene expression and provide evidence for specific transacting factors.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

cis and trans elements differ among mouse strains with high and low extrahepatic complement factor B gene expression.

Factor B (Bf), an enzyme of the alternative pathway of complement activation, is one of four major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III genes. To ascertain the genetic mechanism for tissue-specific constitutive and regulated expression of Bf, we sequenced the regulatory regions 5' of the gene from mice of different H-2 MHC haplotypes and assessed trans-acting factors, specific DNA binding nucleoproteins, in liver and kidney. Striking tissue-specific differences in constitutive expression of Bf were demonstrated in mice of H-2f or H-2z haplotypes when compared with H-2d or H-2u (kidney and intestinal Bf in H-2d or H-2u much greater than H-2f or H-2z). These differences correlated with a point nucleotide substitution 3 bp downstream of the upstream Bf initiation site that affects interaction with a DNA binding protein. This and additional cis differences localize the sequence substitutions responsible for previously identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms among inbred mouse strains and also reveal two previously unrecognized polymorphisms generated by SmaI and HinfI digestion. Evidence for differences in trans was found in a comparison of DNA binding nucleoproteins from kidney, but not liver, of B10.PL when compared with B10.M. These data, together with the high degree of sequence homology between human and mouse Bf 5' flanking regions, should prompt a search for polymorphic restriction sites and cis binding elements in the Bf promoter that could serve as markers of human MHC-associated renal pathology and variants in local MHC class III gene expression.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Complement deficiencies.

The complement system consists of about two dozen plasma and cell membrane proteins which function as cofactors in defense against pathogenic microbes and in the generation of many immunopathogenic disorders. The complexity of this system and its role in other biological functions has been appreciated within the last two decades. Recognition of genetic deficiencies of the complement proteins and their phenotypic expression has provided additional insights into the physiological role of the complement system. Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones for most of the complement components are now available, and the gene structures for many have been elucidated. Application of molecular biological methods to studies of the complement system and its deficiencies has permitted both the determination of primary structure and chromosomal localization of complement genes (Figure 1) and the capacity to elucidate the molecular basis of complement deficiency disorders.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1992

Tissue-specific regulation of inflammation.

Proteins of the complement system are important effectors and modulators of inflammation. The complement cascade is triggered by microbes, tissue debris, and specific antibodies. Serum complement proteins are derived primarily from liver, but extrahepatic complement synthesis is important in homeostasis and in local host defenses. Tissue-specific regulation of expression of complement genes is governed by mechanisms similar to those that regulate other "acute phase reactants." That is, tissue injury or infection elicit changes in expression of these acute phase proteins, which, although variable in kinetics, magnitude, and direction, are a consequence of an elaborate system of cell-to-cell communication. This communication is mediated via a complex network of cytokines, including the interferons, interleukins, several growth factors, and sex hormones. The cell biological and molecular biological details of these mechanisms are now under active investigation. An understanding in molecular terms of the balance between proinflammatory and counterregulatory forces on complement gene expression should provide new insight into the functions of complement and the design of novel therapies for disorders of inflammation.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1990

Murine complement C2 and factor B genomic and cDNA cloning reveals different mechanisms for multiple transcripts of C2 and B.

Murine genomic and cDNA clones were isolated to ascertain the mechanisms accounting for previously recognized multiple forms of complement C2 and factor B mRNA and to analyze structural similarities with the corresponding human gene products (C2, 74% and B, 85%, amino acid identity). Like the human Bf gene, murine Bf and C2 each consist of 18 exons with similar intron-exon organizations. The murine C2 gene (20 kilobases) is more than three times the size of Bf (6 kilobases) due to the presence of large intronic segments separating the exons encoding the NH2-terminal binding and central (von Willebrand factor) domains. Evidence from cDNA clones shows that the two C2 transcripts are generated by an alternative splice at the donor site of exon 14 producing long and short C2 mRNA species that differ by 21 base pairs encoding a region within the binding pocket (amino acids 636-642 (GSTCKDH)) of the serine proteinase domain. Tissue-specific multiple factor B transcripts are generated by alternative transcriptional initiation. From the structure of these transcripts the predicted regulation of expression and rates of translation of B programmed by the short and long mRNA species may differ, but the polypeptides are identical. These data indicate that different molecular mechanisms account for the multiple forms of C2 and factor B mRNA and that the structure of the different transcripts predicts differences in function and expression of the respective gene products.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Counterregulatory effects of interferon-gamma and endotoxin on expression of the human C4 genes.

Susceptibility to autoimmune disease is associated with null alleles at one of the two genetic loci encoding complement protein C4. These two genetic loci, C4A and C4B, are highly homologous in primary structure but encode proteins with different functional activities. Expression of C4A and C4B genes is regulated by IFN-gamma in human hepatoma cells and in murine fibroblasts transformed with the respective genes. In these cell lines, IFN-gamma has a significantly greater and longer-lasting effect on expression of C4A than that of C4B. In this study we examined synthesis and regulation of C4A and C4B in peripheral blood monocytes from normal, C4A-null, and C4B-null individuals. Synthesis of C4 in human peripheral blood monocytes decreases during time in culture. IFN-gamma mediates a concentration- and time-dependent increase in steady-state levels of C4 mRNA and a corresponding increase in synthesis of C4 in normal human monocytes. LPS decreases monocyte C4 expression and completely abrogates the effect of IFN-gamma on the expression of this gene. In contrast, LPS and IFN-gamma have a synergistic effect in upregulating expression of another class III MHC gene product, complement protein factor B. The effect of LPS on constitutive and IFN-gamma-regulated C4 synthesis is probably not mediated via release of endogenous monokines IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, or IL-6. Synthesis of C4, and regulation of its synthesis by IFN-gamma and LPS, are similar in normal, C4A-, and C4B-null individuals. These results demonstrate the synthesis of C4 at extrahepatic sites and tissue-specific regulation of C4 gene expression.

Complement C4↗
PubMed1990

Molecular basis of complement C3 deficiency in guinea pigs.

In experiments to ascertain the biochemical basis of a genetically determined deficiency of the third component of complement (C3) in guinea pigs, we found that C3-deficient liver and peritoneal macrophages contain C3 messenger RNA of normal size (approximately 5 kb) and amounts, that this mRNA programs synthesis of pro-C3 in oocytes primed with liver RNA and in primary macrophage cultures. In each instance, heterodimeric native C3 protein was secreted with normal kinetics but the C3 protein product of the deficient cells failed to undergo autolytic cleavage and was unusually susceptible to proteolysis. These data and a selective failure of C3 in plasma of deficient animals to incorporate [14C]methylamine suggested either a mutation in primary structure of the C3 protein or a selective defect in co- or postsynthetic processing affecting the thiolester bridge, a structure important for C3 function. A mutation in the primary structure of C3 was ruled out by comparison of direct sequence analysis of C3 cDNA generated from two C3 deficient and two C3 sufficient guinea pig liver libraries. Three base pair differences, none resulting in derived amino acid sequence differences were identified. Finally, restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified in the C3 gene that are independent of the deficiency phenotype. This marker of the C3 gene permits testing of these hypotheses using molecular biological and classical genetic methods.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Complement gene expression in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues of NZB and NZB x W (F1) mouse strains.

To study the role of local production of complement proteins during the evolution of a naturally occurring immune complex disease, C3, C4, C2 and Factor B mRNA expression was assessed in several tissues of the inbred mouse strains NZB and (NZB x W) F1 hybrid. In the NZB/W F1 hybrid strain, coincident with the development of glomerulonephritis a marked increase in kidney C3 and C4 mRNA was observed; Factor B mRNA, which is expressed as a doublet in kidney and intestine, showed an increase in expression of the smaller transcript. This alteration of kidney C3, C4 and Factor B mRNA is identical to that noted in association with lupus nephritis in the MRL lpr/lpr strain and following in vivo administration of endotoxin to the BALB/c strain. The development of systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) in the NZB/W F1 was not associated with a marked change in hepatic complement gene expression. These findings support the hypothesis that local production of complement may play a role in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and other tissue injury in SLE.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Regulation of human and murine complement: comparison of 5' structural and functional elements regulating human and murine complement factor B gene expression.

The serine protease complement factor B (Bf), an acute phase plasma protein, is a component of the alternative pathway of complement activation. Previous studies revealed that several cytokines including IFN-gamma and IL-1 are involved in mediating acute phase Bf expression. To determine the molecular details of Bf expression we isolated, sequenced and characterized the 5' flanking regions of the human and murine Bf genes. In both species the Bf transcriptional start site in liver was located less than 400 bp 3' to the polyadenylation site of the upstream C2 gene. This upstream intergenic region contained greater than 65% nucleotide homology between species. Within this region, an IRS and three heat shock consensus elements were found in the murine sequence in an identical position to that of the human. To examine the functional details of Bf expression, a series of mouse and human Bf promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) chimeric gene constructs were transfected into mouse L or human HepG2 cells. Analysis of expression of these fusion gene constructs revealed that 1) cis-acting DNA sequences identified, at least in part, in the 3' untranslated region of the C2 gene (within the 400 bp upstream of the Bf cap site) mediate responsiveness to IL-1 and IFN-gamma, 2) the responsiveness to each mediator appears to be conferred by separate upstream regions similar in position and homologous in man and mouse, and 3) the IL-1 responsive region in both species appears to have the characteristics of an enhancer element. The results of this analysis suggest a selective pressure to conserve the intergenic sequence between C2 and Bf genes and that further studies of these sequences will be useful in elucidating mechanisms controlling the acute phase response.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

A cytokine-selective defect in interleukin-1 beta-mediated acute phase gene expression in a subclone of the human hepatoma cell line (HEPG2).

Several well-differentiated human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B) have been used to identify factors which regulate hepatic gene expression during the host response to inflammation/tissue injury (acute phase response). Studies in these cell lines, as well as in primary cultures of rat, rabbit, and mouse hepatocytes, have demonstrated that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), and interferon-beta 2 (IFN-beta 2) each mediate changes in expression of several hepatic acute phase genes. In this study we identify a subclone of the HepG2 cell line in which there is a selective defect in IL-1 beta-mediated acute phase gene expression. Recombinant human IL-1 beta mediates an increase in synthesis of the positive acute phase complement protein factor B and a decrease in synthesis of negative acute phase protein albumin in the parent uncloned HepG2 cell line (HG2Y), but not in the subclone HG2N. Recombinant human IFN-beta 2 and TNF-alpha, however, regulate acute phase protein synthesis in the subclone HG2N; i.e. IFN-beta 2 and TNF-alpha increase synthesis of factor B and decrease synthesis of albumin in both HG2Y and HG2N cells. Equilibrium binding analysis with 125I-rIL-1 beta at 4 degrees C showed that both HG2N and HG2Y cells bind IL-1 beta specifically and saturably. HG2N and HG2Y possess 3.8 and 4.0 x 10(3) plasma membrane receptors/cell with affinities of 0.96 and 1.07 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Thus, the defect in this subclone of the HepG2 cell line is likely to involve the signal transduction pathway for the biological activity of IL-1 beta and will be useful in elucidation of this signal transduction pathway.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1989

Tissue-specific initiation of murine complement factor B mRNA transcription.

Factor B (Bf) gene expression is regulated independently in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues. In studying murine factor B expression, we found two mature mRNA species for Bf in kidney and intestine (2.7 and 2.4 kb) but in other tissues, including liver, lung, spleen, heart, brain, and skeletal muscle, only a single Bf transcript (2.4 kb) was observed. These two Bf transcripts in kidney or intestine are identical in structure except for a 300 bp 5' extension found in the 2.7-kb mRNA. The long Bf transcript originates from a tissue-specific alternative site of transcriptional initiation upstream of the initiation site for the 2.4-kb mRNA, as determined by primer extension and nuclease protection assays. The upstream initiation site lacks a typical promoter motif and is only 80 bp downstream from the terminus of the murine C2 gene. After stimulation in vivo with endotoxin, only the 2.4-kb mRNA increases in kidney indicating independent regulation of the two Bf transcripts. The differences in 5' untranslated region generated in these two Bf mRNA species may affect local concentrations of factor B protein in kidney and intestine by mechanisms depending on differential translation rates or stability of mRNA.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1987

Macrophage membrane interleukin 1 regulates the expression of acute phase proteins in human hepatoma Hep 3B cells.

To assess the potential role of membrane interleukin 1 (mIL-1) in modulating expression of acute phase proteins, we studied the effect of fixed mouse peritoneal macrophages and isolated cell membranes on the synthesis of C3 and albumin in human hepatoma Hep 3B cells. An increase in C3 synthesis and decrease in albumin synthesis were detected after incubation of Hep 3B cells with fixed stimulated macrophages or with membrane preparations. Estimates of hepatocellular C3 and albumin mRNA indicated that the mIL-1 regulation was exerted at a pretranslational level. The changes in C3 and albumin expression induced by mIL-1 were inhibited by addition of anti-interleukin 1 (IL-1) antiserum to the macrophages, supporting the hypothesis that a form of IL-1 is present on the outer cell membrane of macrophages. Moreover, cell-surface iodination of macrophages allowed the detection of a 33-kDa IL-1 molecule, suggesting that an IL-1 species, similar to the intracellular precursor of IL-1 is present at the outer cell surface of macrophages. The expression of mIL-1 was temporally dissociated from IL-1 release, indicating that the cell-surface associated IL-1 activity is not the result of adsorbed soluble IL-1. These studies provide a basis for further investigation of the role of mIL-1 in modulating monocytes and macrophages function via cell-cell interactions.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1987

Transcriptional regulation of genes encoding the acute-phase proteins CRP, SAA, and C3.

Inflammation or acute tissue injury results in a programmed change in the concentration of several plasma proteins. Among these proteins, two--C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA)--increase up to 1000-fold after an acute-phase stimulus in humans and rabbits. To determine the mechanism for regulation of acute-phase gene expression, we examined changes in the rates of transcription and specific hepatic mRNA content for rabbit CRP, SAA, and some complement protein mRNA during an acute-phase response. Induction of a sterile inflammatory reaction with intramuscular injection of turpentine resulted in an increase in the hepatocellular content of CRP, SAA, C3, and factor B mRNA and the transcription of CRP, SAA, and C3 genes. These data suggest that the increase in CRP, SAA, and C3 serum concentrations observed during an acute-phase reaction is due to an increase in biosynthesis and is, at least in part, under transcriptional control.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1987

A dysfunctional Mo1 glycoprotein is present on a subline of the KG1 acute myelogenous leukemia cell line.

Mo1 is a glycoprotein heterodimer found on the surface of phagocytic cells. By use of monoclonal antibodies directed against various epitopes of the 155 kd alpha-chain of Mo1, two distinct functions of this glycoprotein have been identified. Mo1 serves as the receptor (CR3) for iC3b, one of the breakdown products of the third component of complement, and in addition appears to be involved in promoting cell-cell adhesion of granulocytes. In studies performed with a subline of the acute myelogenous leukemia tumor cell line KG1, we found cells from this subline (KG1m) incapable of iC3b-mediated binding despite these cells having surface Mo1. Five distinct epitopes on Mo1 identifiable on normal cells by a panel of anti-Mo1 alpha-chain monoclonal antibodies (including OKM10, thought to be identical to or close to the iC3b binding site) were equally present on KG1m by indirect immunofluorescence. The electrophoretic mobilities of both the alpha- and beta-chains of Mo1 derived from KG1m were identical to those isolated from normal granulocytes. To determine whether altered receptor mobility or decreased surface density of Mo1 was responsible for the lack of Mo1-related functions, binding to EiC3b of isolated Mo1 derived from KG1m lysate was measured. KG1m-derived Mo1 did not bind to EiC3b when compared with normal granulocyte-derived Mo1, suggesting that the lack of iC3b binding is not secondary to decreased surface receptor number or mobility. This subline of KG1 provides an excellent model for the study of the relationship between surface receptor structure and function.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗