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L Robb

Publications and source records attributed to L Robb.

71 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Hematopoietic and lung abnormalities in mice with a null mutation of the common beta subunit of the receptors for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukins 3 and 5.

Gene targeting was used to create mice with a null mutation of the gene encoding the common beta subunit (beta C) of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 3 (IL-3; multi-CSF), and interleukin 5 (IL-5) receptor complexes (beta C-/- mice). High-affinity binding of GM-CSF was abolished in beta C-/- bone marrow cells, while cells from heterozygous animals (beta C+/- mice) showed an intermediate number of high-affinity receptors. Binding of IL-3 was unaffected, confirming that the IL-3-specific beta chain remained intact. Eosinophil numbers in peripheral blood and bone marrow of beta C-/- animals were reduced, while other hematological parameters were normal. In clonal cultures of beta C-/- bone marrow cells, even high concentrations of GM-CSF and IL-5 failed to stimulate colony formation, but the cells exhibited normal quantitative responsiveness to stimulation by IL-3 and other growth factors. beta C-/- mice exhibited normal development and survived to young adult life, although they developed pulmonary peribronchovascular lymphoid infiltrates and areas resembling alveolar proteinosis. There was no detectable difference in the systemic clearance and distribution of GM-CSF between beta C-/- and wild-type littermates. The data establish that beta C is normally limiting for high-affinity binding of GM-CSF and demonstrate that systemic clearance of GM-CSF is not mediated via such high-affinity receptor complexes.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Lineage-restricted regulation of the murine SCL/TAL-1 promoter.

The SCL/TAL-1 gene encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that is expressed in multipotent hematopoietic progenitors before lineage commitment. Its expression is maintained during differentiation along erythroid, mast, and megakaryocytic lineages, but is repressed after commitment to nonexpressing lineages. To begin to address the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex pattern of expression, we have studied the regulation of the murine SCL promoter in erythroid and T-cell lines. Analysis of the methylation and chromatin structure of the SCL promoter region showed that SCL mRNA expression correlated with DNase hypersensitive sites and methylation status of the promoter. Transient reporter assays showed that promoter 1a was active in erythroid cells but not in T cells. Sequences between -187 and +26 were sufficient for lineage-restricted activity of promoter 1a. A joint promoter construct containing both promoter 1a and promoter 1b also exhibited lineage-restricted activity. Conserved GATA (-37), MAZ (+242), and ETS (+264) motifs were all shown to contribute to SCL promoter activity in erythroid cells, but several other motifs were not required for full promoter activity. The pattern of complexes binding to the +242 MAZ and +264 ETS sites were the same in erythroid and T cells. However, GATA-1 bound the -37 GATA site in erythroid cells, whereas in T cells GATA-3 was only able to bind weakly, if at all. Moreover, GATA-1 but not GATA-2 or GATA-3 was able to transactivate SCL promoter 1a in a T-cell environment. These results suggest that inactivity of SCL promoter 1a in T cells reflected the absence of GATA-1 rather than the presence of trans-dominant negative regulators.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Absence of yolk sac hematopoiesis from mice with a targeted disruption of the scl gene.

The scl gene encodes a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor which was identified through its involvement in chromosomal translocations in T-cell leukemia. To elucidate its physiological role, scl was targeted in embryonic stem cells. Mice heterozygous for the scl null mutation were intercrossed and their offspring were genotyped. Homozygous mutant (scl-/-) pups were not detected in newborn litters, and analysis at earlier time points demonstrated that scl-/- embryos were dying around embryonic day 9.5. The scl-/- embryos were pale, edematous, and markedly growth retarded after embryonic day 8.75. Histological studies showed complete absence of recognizable hematopoiesis in the yolk sac of these embryos. Early organogenesis appeared to be otherwise normal. Culture of yolk sac cells of wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous littermates confirmed the absence of hematopoietic cells in scl-/- yolk sacs. Reverse transcription PCR was used to examine the transcripts of several genes implicated in early hematopoiesis. Transcripts of GATA-1 and PU.1 transcription factors were absent from RNA from scl-/- yolk sacs and embryos. These results implicate scl as a crucial regulator of early hematopoiesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

L206W mutation of the cystic fibrosis gene, relatively frequent in French Canadians, is associated with atypical presentations of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Over 400 mutations have been reported at this locus. Although severe forms of cystic fibrosis are usually associated with pancreatic insufficiency, pulmonary dysfunction, and elevated sweat chloride, there is a wide range of phenotypes, including congenital absence of the vas deferens, observed with some of the milder mutations. The L206W mutation, which was first identified in patients from South France, is relatively frequent in French Canadians from Quebec. In this report, we document the atypical form of cystic fibrosis associated with this mutation, in a cohort of 7 French Canadian probands.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Myogenic and morphogenetic defects in the heart tubes of murine embryos lacking the homeo box gene Nkx2-5.

The murine homeo box gene Nkx2-5 is expressed in precardiac mesoderm and in the myocardium of embryonic and fetal hearts. Targeted interruption of Nkx2-5 resulted in abnormal heart morphogenesis, growth retardation and embryonic lethality at approximately 9-10 days postcoitum (p.c.). Heart tube formation occurred normally in mutant embryos, but looping morphogenesis, a critical determinant of heart form, was not initiated at the linear heart tube stage (8.25-8.5 days p.c.). Commitment to the cardiac muscle lineage, expression of most myofilament genes and myofibrillogenesis were not compromised. However, the myosin light-chain 2V gene (MLC2V) was not expressed in mutant hearts nor in mutant ES cell-derived cardiocytes. MLC2V expression normally occurs only in ventricular cells and is the earliest known molecular marker of ventricular differentiation. The regional expression in mutant hearts of two other ventricular markers, myosin heavy-chain beta and cyclin D2, indicated that not all ventricle-specific gene expression is dependent on Nkx2-5. The data demonstrate that Nkx2-5 is essential for normal heart morphogenesis, myogenesis, and function. Furthermore, this gene is a component of a genetic pathway required for myogenic specialization of the ventricles.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

scl, a gene frequently activated in human T cell leukaemia, does not induce lymphomas in transgenic mice.

The scl gene is implicated in human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) through its involvement in the t(1;14)(p32;q11) chromosomal translocation and, more frequently, as a result of a tumour-specific interstitial deletion on chromosome 1. The consequence of both these chromosomal alterations is overexpression of scl in the leukaemic cells. Despite the strong inference of a role in human T-ALL, scl has not yet been demonstrated to be causally involved in neoplastic transformation. We attempted to do this by generating transgenic mice in which scl expression was directed to the T cell lineage using the CD2 enhancer and the strong SR alpha viral promoter (CD2-scl mice). Three transgenic lines, all of which expressed the scl transgene at a high level, were bred and analysed. No alterations in T cell development were seen in the mice. Unexpectedly CD2-scl mice did not develop tumours, nor did the transgene enhance tumourigenesis by Moloney murine leukaemia virus. These findings throw into question the mechanism by which aberrant scl expression contributes to T cell leukaemogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Structure of the gene encoding the murine SCL protein.

We have determined the molecular structure of the gene encoding the murine SCL protein (helix-loop-helix transcription factor). The gene consists of seven exons spanning approx. 20 kb. The intron/exon structure, coding region sequences and sequences present at the splice junctions were highly conserved between mouse and human. The 5' flanking sequence contains CCAAT and TATA consensus motifs with several putative binding sites for SP-1, AP-1 and GATA-1. Multiple mRNA transcripts were generated by alternate exon usage. The transcripts differed primarily in the 5' untranslated region (UTR), but potentially also encode a smaller SCL protein. Despite the high degree of conservation between species, the heptamer/nonamer signal sequences in the 5' region of the human SCL gene (the frequent site of SCL disruption in human leukemia) were poorly represented in the murine sequence. In keeping with this, structural abnormalities of murine SCL were uncommon in murine leukemias that express the SCL transcript.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Constitutive expression of the putative transcription factor SCL associated with proviral insertion in the myeloid leukemic cell line WEHI-3BD-.

The murine myeloid leukemia WEHI-3B contains an intracisternal A-particle insertion in a growth factor gene (IL-3) and a homeobox gene (Hox 2.4). Southern blot analysis of the differentiation unresponsive subline WEHI-3BD- demonstrated a rearrangement of the SCL gene, a gene that encodes a protein of the helix-loop-helix class of transcription factors. Northern blot analysis demonstrated an abnormal SCL transcript in the WEHI-3BD- cells, although SCL expression was not detected in the parental cells. The rearrangement was cloned and confirmed as an insertion of an intracisternal A-particle in the 3' untranslated region of the SCL gene. Although SCL is implicated in up to 25% of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, this is the first example of SCL involvement in a myeloid leukemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Acrania: a manifestation of the Adams-Oliver syndrome.

A 10-year-old male with acrania, distal limb anomalies, and abnormal arterial and venous cranial blood vessels is reported. Parental films and examination are normal. This case supports the hypothesis that acrania is a severe form of aplasia cutis congenita and is within the spectrum of Adams-Oliver syndrome. It is proposed that the diagnosis of acrania requires assessment of both parents and proband to assess other manifestations of vascular disruption in order to provide accurate genetic counselling.

Angiography↗
PubMed1989

Brain stem encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus.

A 6 year old child is described with infection due to herpes simplex virus type 1 causing brain stem encephalitis. The diagnosis was established by enzyme immunosorbent assays of the cerebrospinal fluid and serum which demonstrated antibody responses to herpes simplex virus. Recovery occurred and the importance of early use of acyclovir in achieving a good outcome is emphasized.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1987

Extraction of human organ-specific cancer neoantigens from cancer cells and plasma membranes with 1-butanol.

Immunoprotective tumor antigens of experimental tumors are selectively extracted by 1-butanol. Human organ-specific cancer neoantigens (OSNs) are tumor substances in cancer extracts to which patients with cancer of the same organ respond in the in vitro assay of leukocyte adherence inhibition. Here we determined whether OSNs as measured by leukocyte adherence inhibition assay are also selectively solubilized by 2.5% (v/v) 1-butanol. Butanol extracts of live tissue-cultured human cancer cells as well as extracts of primary breast cancer contained OSNs as determined by leukocyte reactivity in leukocyte adherence inhibition. With two-phase butanol, OSN activity was recovered in the aqueous and not in the organic phase, indicating that OSN is not a lipoprotein. The butanol-soluble OSN, whether allogeneic or autologous, was recognized by the T4 subset of T-cells in association with Class II major histocompatibility complex antigens of monocytes. Autologous OSN was extracted from membrane preparations of autologous primary cancer. Butanol extracts contained the previously identified Mr 40,000 protein OSN. Butanol removed about 50% of the Mr 40,000 protein OSN from live cancer cell membranes. Probably because of residual OSN in the membrane fragments and the ability of OSN to reassociate with the membrane, the T8 subset of pure T-cells responded positively to autologous cancer extracts. Passage of the autologous extract through an anti-Class I major histocompatibility complex antigen affinity column but not through a control affinity column negated the activity of the extract with pure autologous T-cells. The results indicate that human OSNs share with immunoprotective tumor antigens of experimental tumors the unique physicochemical property of being selectively extracted by 2.5% butanol.

1-Butanol↗
PubMed1987

Effects of low ambient pH on perivitelline fluid of Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw) eggs.

Egg clumps of Ambystoma maculatum were collected from a pond on the south side of the Gaspereau Valley, Kings County, Nova Scotia, to determine the effects of low ambient pH levels on the perivitelline fluid pH. Egg masses were placed in aquaria filled with pond water adjusted to pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0. Perivitelline fluid was withdrawn from the eggs at 1, 3, 5, 7, 24, 48, 96 and 120 h after initial immersion, and its pH measured. Initial perivitelline fluid values decreased significantly 7 to 96 h after initial immersion in treatments altered to pH 4.0 and 5.0. Rate of H(+) influx into the perivitelline fluid is much greater in eggs immersed in water at pH 4 than in water at pH 5 or 6. Median Tolerance Limit tests indicated a critical pH value between 3.5 and 4.0 for newly hatched larvae.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1985

Blood transfusion and tumour growth: an experimental study.

An animal model using RIII mice, which have a high incidence of spontaneously occurring mammary tumours, was used to study the effects of blood transfusion on tumour growth. Virgin female mice were transfused with various dilutions of blood from C57b1 mice either before or both before and after inoculation of tumour cells from a tumour line. Allogeneic transfusion prior to inoculation did not affect survival compared with syngeneic transfusion. Both allogeneic and syngeneic blood given before and after tumour inoculation led to a prolonged survival compared with saline infusion. Survival was longest following syngeneic blood. The effect was attributed to the general beneficial effects of blood transfusion and not the result of immunological changes.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Haemoglobin LeporeBaltimore in a Spanish family.

Description of the clinical, haematological and biochemical aspects of a new family with heterozygous haemoglobin LeporeBaltimore. Of the 6 members affected. 4 were totally asymptomatic. All of them showed morphologic features of heterozygous beta-thalassaemia. The levels of haemoglobin Lepore ranged from 12.2 to 15% (mean value: 13.7 +/- 1.1%). The analysis of the primary structure of the haemoglobin shows that crossing over takes place between amino acid 50 of the delta-chain and amino acid 86 of the beta-chain. This is the third family, to our knowledge, with haemoglobin LeporeBaltimore so far described.

Adolescent↗