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J R Marks

Publications and source records attributed to J R Marks.

71 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

p53 alterations in all stages of breast cancer.

Overexpression of the nuclear phosphoprotein p53 is one of the most frequently detected abnormalities in human cancer and appears to be associated with mutation of the p53 gene. In this study of breast cancer, p53 overexpression was detected in two (15%) of 15 pure intraductal tumors, 73 (25%) of 291 primary invasive carcinomas, 13 (50%) of 26 lymph nodes containing metastatic breast cancer, and two of four established breast cancer cell lines. Sequence analysis of selected specimens confirmed that p53 overexpression was associated with mutation of the gene, while no mutations were detected in specimens without p53 overexpression. Thus, overexpression of p53 occurs in all stages of breast cancer and is consistently associated with the production of mutant proteins. Immunohistochemical analysis is a simple method which reliably predicts the presence of most p53 gene mutations in breast cancer specimens.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Relation between p53 overexpression and established prognostic factors in breast cancer.

The nuclear phosphoprotein p53 is expressed in all normal cells and appears to function in cell cycle regulation. Abnormally high levels of the protein are found in many different types of cancer. In breast carcinoma overexpression of p53 is associated with point mutations within highly conserved regions of the p53 gene. These altered genes encode stable p53 proteins that can be detected by standard immunohistochemical techniques unable to detect rapidly degraded wild-type protein. The level of p53 expression in 184 primary breast cancer specimens was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis and related to the following established prognostic factors for breast cancer: age, stage, metastatic involvement, concentration of estrogen and progesterone receptors, proliferative index, and HER-2/neu overexpression. Fifty (27%) of these primary breast cancer specimens had widespread overexpression of p53. Highly significant associations were found between p53 overexpression and late stage, metastatic spread, and low concentration of progesterone receptors. The presence of elevated levels of mutant p53 may itself be a prognostic factor in human breast cancer and activation of this oncogene may be important in the ability of a tumor to metastasize.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1990

Increased erbB-2 gene copies and expression in multiple stages of breast cancer.

In order to examine the role of the erbB-2 oncogene in human breast cancer, gene amplification and expression were examined in multiple stages of tumor progression. Gene amplification ranging from 2-fold to 32-fold was found in 30 (29%) of 130 cases analyzed. Expression of the receptor-like gene product was determined by a combination of Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. In each case of gene amplification, there was high level overexpression (+ + +) of the protein product. In an additional 29 of 111 cases in which expression was studied (26%), there was moderate level overexpression (+ +) of erbB-2 in the absence of gene amplification. Amplification and overexpression of the erbB-2 gene were found in early clinical stages of breast cancer as well as in more advanced cases. In 23 patients, gene number and level of gene expression were equivalent in the primary tumor site compared with single or multiple metastatic sites in regional lymph nodes. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and in situ cytohybridization, high (+ + +) and moderate (+ +) level overexpression were homogeneously present in all malignant epithelial cells within histological sections of both primary and metastatic tumor. The intraductal component of carcinoma was identified in sections from 16 invasive primary tumors. erbB-2 gene expression in the intraductal lesions was equivalent to or exceeded expression in the infiltrating components of these tumors. Because erbB-2 alterations are (a) present in all clinical stages, (b) maintained during metastatic spread, (c) homogeneously present throughout tumor sections, and (d) present in the in situ as well as infiltrating component, we conclude that these alterations are selected for early and may be important in the initiation of certain mammary cancer.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1989

Impact of the genetic background of transgenic mice upon the formation and timing of choroid plexus papillomas.

Transgenic mice harboring the SV40 large T antigen gene in a C57B1/6J genetic background (SV11) first express this gene at 1-2 weeks of age, develop papillomas of the choroid plexus by 80-90 days, and die within 125 days after birth. Transgenic mice harboring the same transgene in a (SV11-C57Bl/6J x NZW/lacJ) F1 genetic background express considerably lower levels of the transgene mRNA at comparable times after birth. As a consequence, tumor development and death are delayed. The NZW mice appear to contribute a dominant negative regulator for the expression of the SV40 large T antigen transgene, which in turn has a dramatic effect upon the time of appearance of tumors and the death of these transgenic animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Cellular gene expression in papillomas of the choroid plexus from transgenic mice that express the simian virus 40 large T antigen.

Transgenic mice that contain the simian virus 40 (SV40) enhancer-promoter and large tumor (T) antigen gene develop papillomas of the choroid plexus. The tumors remain well differentiated on histological examination and express normal levels of tissue-specific mRNAs for transthyretin (TTR) and the 5-HT1C serotonin receptor, two differentiated cell markers. Both Northern (RNA) blot analysis and in situ cytohybridization have been used to monitor the steady-state levels of the mRNAs from the viral oncogene (T antigen) and from several cellular oncogenes. In situ hybridization demonstrated, in serial sections, increased levels of both T antigen mRNA and p53 mRNA localized in the tumor tissue but not in the normal brain tissue. The ratios of the steady-state levels of mRNA for p53/TTR and p53/L32, a ribosomal protein gene, were 2- to 20-fold higher in the tumor tissue than in the normal choroid plexus tissue. Several other oncogenes did not show elevated levels of mRNA in these tumors. p53 protein levels were not detectable in normal brain tissue, but p53 levels were very high in tumor tissue in which all of the p53 was found in a complex with the SV40 large T antigen. These data continue to show a close relationship between SV40 T-antigen-mediated tumorigenesis and the role of p53 in these tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Replication of the murine cytomegalovirus genome: structure and role of the termini in the generation and cleavage of concatenates.

Following infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), the termini of the linear double-stranded DNA genome fuse to form circular or concatemeric forms which serve as replicative intermediates. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the generation and cleavage of the intracellular concatenates, we have used restriction endonuclease mapping and nucleotide sequence analyses to characterize the structure of the virion DNA termini and intracellular end-to-end fusion fragment. Four each of the cloned EcoRI X and EcoRI c terminal fragments were sequenced. All of the EcoRI X clones and three of the EcoRI c clones contained a 30-base-pair (bp) sequence which was directly repeated at the ends of the MCMV genome. The terminal sequence of the fourth EcoRI c clone began directly after the 30-bp direct repeat. The four EcoRI X clones also had minor length heterogeneity, differing in the number of GC bp at the terminus. Five fusion fragments were sequenced. Three of the fusion fragments contained both direct repeats, while two fusion fragments lacked one entire direct repeat. Direct analyses of the virion DNA and intracellular fusion fragments revealed that the clones accurately reflected the naturally occurring populations and that the relative proportion of fusion fragments containing only one direct repeat increased as the infection progressed. The data suggest that fusion of the termini arises by end-to-end ligation. We also show that adjacent to the MCMV termini are sequences highly conserved among the herpesviruses, and we discuss their potential role in the maturation of the viral genome.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1987

Agrobacterium tumefaciens virulence locus pscA is related to the Rhizobium meliloti exoC locus.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Rhizobium meliloti carry related genetic loci which have important roles in virulence and symbiosis. Previously, it was shown that two virulence loci of A. tumefaciens, chvA and chvB, are related to two R. meliloti symbiosis loci, ndvA and ndvB, respectively (T. Dylan, L. Ielpi, S. Stanfield, L. Kashyap, C. Douglas, M. Yanofsky, E. Nester, D. R. Helinski, and G. Ditta, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:4403-4407, 1986). Here we show that these two phytobacteria possess additional related virulence/symbiosis genes. Results of genetic complementation and DNA hybridization experiments indicate that the pscA virulence locus of A. tumefaciens is structurally and functionally related to the exoC symbiosis locus of R. meliloti. Thus, A. tumefaciens and R. meliloti bear at least three related genetic loci that have crucial roles in establishing the interactions that each bacterium has with its respective host plants.

Cosmids↗
PubMed1987

Identification of a new virulence locus in Agrobacterium tumefaciens that affects polysaccharide composition and plant cell attachment.

We have identified a new virulence locus in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Strains carrying Tn5 inserts at this locus could not incite tumors on Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Nicotiana rustica, tobacco, or sunflower and had severely attenuated virulence on carrot disks. We termed the locus pscA, because the mutants that defined the locus were initially isolated as having an altered polysaccharide composition; they were nonfluorescent on media containing Leucophor or Calcofluor, indicating a defect in the production of cellulose fibrils. Further analysis showed that the pscA mutants produced little, if any, of the four species of exopolysaccharide synthesized by the wild-type strain. DNA hybridization analysis and genetic complementation experiments indicated that the pscA locus is not encoded by the Ti plasmid and that it is distinct from the previously described chromosomal virulence loci chvA and chvB. However, like chvA and chvB mutants, the inability of the pscA mutants to form tumors is apparently due to a defect in plant cell attachment. Whereas we could demonstrate binding of the wild-type strain to tobacco suspension cells, attachment of the pscA mutants was drastically reduced or completely absent.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed1984

Fusion of the termini of the murine cytomegalovirus genome after infection.

The genome of murine cytomegalovirus, extracted from extracellular virions, is a linear double-stranded DNA molecule ca. 240 kilobase pairs long. In our initial cloning of subgenomic fragments of the murine cytomegalovirus genome, we obtained a HindIII clone which contained fused HindIII-terminal fragments. By hybridizing this cloned DNA fragment to infected-cell DNA, we identified an intracellular restriction fragment which was the length of the sum of the two authentic termini. This fusion fragment was not present in virion DNA but could be detected as early as 2 h postinfection and reached its highest level shortly after the onset of DNA replication at 16 h postinfection. The prereplicative increase of fused ends was not inhibited by a level of phosphonoacetic acid which effectively shut off viral DNA synthesis, nor was the early conversion from free to fused ends prevented by inhibitors of protein or RNA synthesis. The results are consistent with the fused state of viral DNA being a replicative intermediate and precursor to DNA synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Molecular cloning and restriction endonuclease mapping of the murine cytomegalovirus genome (Smith Strain).

We have cloned EcoRI and HindIII fragments of the Smith strain of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in the plasmid vector pACYC184. These cloned fragments were used to establish a restriction endonuclease map of the genome with respect to the EcoRI and HindIII sites. The map was constructed on the basis of data derived from cross-hybridizations of EcoRI and HindIII cloned fragments, double-digestions of the cloned fragments with EcoRI and HindIII, and hybridization of cloned HindIII fragments to Southern blots of MCMV DNA cleaved with EcoRI. From our mapping data, we have determined that the length of the MCMV genome is approximately 240 kbp. The genome does not appear to undergo inversions and lacks detectable repeated sequences. One HindIII cloned fragment was obtained which contained both HindIII termini. The existence of this fragment may be related to the mode of replication of the MCMV genome.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Transcription in mouse embryo cells permissively infected by murine cytomegalovirus.

The sites of transcription and abundance of steady-state cytoplasmic viral RNA in murine cytomegalovirus (Smith strain) infected mouse embryo cells were analyzed. Cloned subgenomic DNA fragments were labeled with 32P and hybridized to filters containing polyadenylated RNA extracted from cells at immediate-early, early, and late times in the infection. The pattern of transcription was distinctive at each time point. Immediate-early transcription occurred primarily at 0.770-0.816 map units. Minor sites of immediate-early transcription were clustered at 0.671-0.861 map units and at the termini of the genome (0.944-0.002 map units). Early transcripts were detected from the entire genome with the exception of a fragment at 0.278-0.305 map units. The site of major immediate-early transcription at 0.770-0.816 map units was represented less abundantly while the concentration of RNA from most other sites of immediate-early transcription was increased at the early time point. The most abundant site of early transcription was at 0.840-0.861 map units. RNA from late in the infection hybridized to all subgenomic fragments. The highest concentration of late RNA transcripts was detected with fragments located at 0.444-0.770 map units. In contrast, late RNA transcripts from both ends of the genome were present at a concentration equal to or lower than that seen at the early time point, and the concentration of late RNA from the major early site (0.840-0.861 map units) was significantly decreased. We also detected uninfected mouse cell RNA with three separate subgenomic EcoRI fragments.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relative promoter activity in human mammary epithelial cells assayed by transient expression.

Chimeric DNA expression vectors containing regulatory sequences proximal to the 5' end of coding sequences for mammalian genes provide valuable tools to study gene expression. Genes coding for easily measured products (reporter genes) can be used to study promoter strength and regulation of gene expression after transient expression of promoter-reporter constructs in mammalian cells. To determine the strength of a variety of mammalian and viral promoter-enhancer sequences in primary cultures of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC), these sequences were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene and transfected into HMEC using strontium phosphate. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of the endogenous murine leukemia virus AKR-623 was the most potent promoter of transient CAT expression in HMEC. A number of commonly available promoter sequences displayed a wide range of activities in these cells. The glucocorticoid responsive LTR promoter from the murine mammary tumor virus modulated expression of CAT and was sensitive to the concentration of dexamethasone in the growth media. In a similar fashion, the regulatory sequences from the murine metallothionein-1 gene retained responsiveness to zinc concentration in the growth media.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 messenger RNA in epithelial ovarian cancers produces elevated preoperative serum levels.

The molecular etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer remains unclear. Using microarray expression analysis, we recently reported that expression of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) gene is elevated in advanced epithelial ovarian cancers. The aim of this study was to further delineate the role of IGFBP-2 in the pathoetiology of epithelial ovarian cancer and determine if elevated ovarian cancer IGFBP-2 gene expression is reflected in serum. Relative IGFBP-2 expression was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 113 epithelial ovarian cancers and 6 normal ovarian surface epithelial samples. Preoperative serum IGFBP-2 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 84 women (42 ovarian cancers, 26 benign gynecological conditions, and 10 healthy female controls). Ovarian cancers demonstrated 38-fold higher mean IGFBP-2 expression than normal ovarian epithelium (P < 0.01). Serum IGFBP-2 levels were elevated in women with early- and advanced-stage ovarian cancer compared to controls and patients with benign gynecological conditions (P = 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Epithelial ovarian cancers express high levels of IGFBP-2 relative to normal ovarian epithelium, and this is associated with elevated serum IGFBP-2 levels compared to both normal controls and patients with benign gynecological disease. Our findings provide further support that the insulin-like growth factor pathway plays a significant role in epithelial ovarian cancer pathogenesis. Further, IGFBP-2 may represent an additional serum biomarker with utility in detection and monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Identification of genes associated with ovarian cancer metastasis using microarray expression analysis.

Although the transition from early- to advanced-stage ovarian cancer is a critical determinant of survival, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of ovarian metastasis. We hypothesize that microarray analysis of global gene expression patterns in primary ovarian cancer and metastatic omental implants can identify genes that underlie the metastatic process in epithelial ovarian cancer. We utilized Affymetrix U95Av2 microarrays to characterize the molecular alterations that underlie omental metastasis from 47 epithelial ovarian cancer samples collected from multiple sites in 20 patients undergoing primary surgical cytoreduction for advanced-stage (IIIC/IV) serous ovarian cancer. Fifty-six genes demonstrated differential expression between ovarian and omental samples (P < 0.01), and twenty of these 56 differentially expressed genes have previously been implicated in metastasis, cell motility, or cytoskeletal function. Ten of the 56 genes are involved in p53 gene pathways. A Bayesian statistical tree analysis was used to identify a 27-gene expression pattern that could accurately predict the site of tumor (ovary versus omentum). This predictive model was evaluated using an external data set. Nine of the 27 predictive genes have previously been shown to be involved in oncogenesis and/or metastasis, and 10/27 genes have been implicated in p53 pathways. Microarray findings were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. We conclude that gene expression patterns that distinguish omental metastasis from primary epithelial ovarian cancer can be identified and that many of the genes have functions that are biologically consistent with a role in oncogenesis, metastasis, and p53 gene networks.

Bayes Theorem↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relationship between expression of coactivators and corepressors of hormone receptors and resistance of ovarian cancers to growth regulation by steroid hormones.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether aberrant expression of hormone receptor corepressors or coactivators or defects in estrogen receptor-mediated transcription might underlie resistance of ovarian cancers to hormonal therapy. METHODS: Northern analysis, Western analysis, and polymerase chain reaction were used to examine expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), the nuclear receptor corepressors N-CoR and SMRT, and the steroid receptor coactivator BRG-1 in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary cancers. The effect of BRG-1 transfection on ER-mediated transcription was examined. We also determined the effect of estrogen and the pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780 on cell cycle profile and expression of ER. Finally, we examined the ability of estrogen to upregulate expression of known estrogen-responsive genes. RESULTS: Among primary ovarian cancers, 18 of 52 (35%) expressed N-CoR, and 37 of 52 (71%) expressed SMRT, but there was no correlation between expression of corepressors and hormone receptor status. All of the primary ovarian cancers and cell lines expressed BRG-1. Estrogen stimulation of two cell lines expressing ER (SKOV3, OVCA 432) elicited low levels of ER-mediated transcription that was not enhanced by BRG-1 transfection. ICI 182,780 did not induce cell cycle arrest in these cell lines, but there was evidence of downregulation of ER, indicating a ligand-receptor interaction. However, estrogen did not elicit increased transcription of estrogen-responsive genes (PR, myc, fos, pS2). CONCLUSION: Inappropriate expression of the nuclear corepressors N-CoR and SMRT or the coactivator BRG-1 does not underlie the resistance of ovarian cancers to hormonal therapy. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the inability of ovarian cancers to undergo ER-mediated transcription if we hope to understand their resistance to hormonal therapy.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Complex response of breast epithelial cell lines to topoisomerase inhibitors.

The topoisomerase inhibitors, camptothecin and etoposide target the activity of topoisomerase I and II respectively. These agents, or their analogues, are undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In this study, we examined the response of eight breast epithelial cell lines, including six lines derived from breast cancers and two immortalized normal epithelial lines to camptothecin and etoposide. The lines varied by 700 fold in their sensitivity to the growth inhibiting effects of camptothecin and 30 fold in their response to etoposide. The BT474 line was the most resistant to both agents. The other cell lines did not have uniform sensitivity to both drugs, i.e., some lines were sensitive to one drug but relatively resistant to the other. A variety of parameters in these lines were analyzed to elucidate mechanisms of resistance including S phase, doubling time, expression and activity of topoisomerase I and II, expression of mdr-1, p53 status, cell cycle arrest, level of apoptosis, and expression of the apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bax. We found that low levels of the topo I protein and its enzymatic activity were associated with increased resistance to camptothecin. This was not true for topo II activity and etoposide. Increased apoptotic responses were generally observed in cell lines that were sensitive to etoposide and this correlated with low ratios of Bcl-2/Bax protein. No single parameter was entirely predictive of response. However, the BT474 line displayed a series of characteristics including slow growth, the presence of mutant p53, low topo I activity, and a high Bcl-2/Bax ratio which together likely contributed to the resistance of this line to both etoposide and camptothecin.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗