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Biomedical subjects

N Sheng

Publications and source records attributed to N Sheng.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Regulation of CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) adhesion to fibrinogen by urokinase receptor (uPAR).

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The goal of this study is to investigate the consequence of the interaction between Mac-1 and uPAR and determine the mechanisms by which uPAR regulates Mac-1 dependent adhesion to fibrinogen. MATERIAL: Human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with Mac-1 or uPAR or co-transfected with both Mac-1 and uPAR. METHODS: Cell adhesion and binding assays and Western Blotting for protein tyrosine phosphorylation analysis. RESULTS: The adhesion to fibrinogen was increased two-fold for Mac-1-uPAR co-transfected cells comparing to the Mac-1 transfected cells alone. The increased adhesion was inhibited when cells were treated with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to remove uPAR. Occupancy of uPAR with urokinase-type plasminogen activator further enhanced the cell adhesion to fibrinogen. Phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was increased in Mac-1-uPAR co-transfected cells but not in Mac-1 transfected cells. CONCLUSIONS: uPAR up-regulated the Mac-1 adhesion to fibrinogen and FAK and MAPK were involved in this regulation.

CD11b Antigen↗
PubMed2001

Functional cloning of Src-like adapter protein-2 (SLAP-2), a novel inhibitor of antigen receptor signaling.

In an effort to identify novel therapeutic targets for autoimmunity and transplant rejection, we developed and performed a large-scale retroviral-based functional screen to select for proteins that inhibit antigen receptor-mediated activation of lymphocytes. In addition to known regulators of antigen receptor signaling, we identified a novel adaptor protein, SLAP-2 which shares 36% sequence similarity with the known Src-like adaptor protein, SLAP. Similar to SLAP, SLAP-2 is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells. Overexpression of SLAP-2 in B and T cell lines specifically impaired antigen receptor-mediated signaling events, including CD69 surface marker upregulation, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) promoter activation and calcium influx. Signaling induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin was not significantly reduced, suggesting SLAP-2 functions proximally in the antigen receptor signaling cascade. The SLAP-2 protein contains an NH2-terminal myristoylation consensus sequence and SH3 and SH2 Src homology domains, but lacks a tyrosine kinase domain. In antigen receptor-stimulated cells, SLAP-2 associated with several tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, including the ubiquitin ligase Cbl. Deletion of the COOH terminus of SLAP-2 blocked function and abrogated its association with Cbl. Mutation of the putative myristoylation site of SLAP-2 compromised its inhibitory activity and impaired its localization to the membrane compartment. Our identification of the negative regulator SLAP-2 demonstrates that a retroviral-based screening strategy may be an efficient way to identify and characterize the function of key components of many signal transduction systems.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2000

Cleaved high molecular weight kininogen binds directly to the integrin CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) and blocks adhesion to fibrinogen and ICAM-1.

High molecular weight kininogen (HK) and its cleaved form (HKa) have been shown to bind to neutrophils. Based on studies using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we postulated that CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) might be the receptor on the neutrophils for binding to HK/HKa. However, the direct interaction of HK/HKa and Mac-1 had not been demonstrated. We therefore transfected HEK 293 cells with human Mac-1. Cell binding assays using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled HKa showed increased binding to the Mac-1 transfected cells compared with the control transfected cells. The binding was specific because unlabeled HKa, Mac-1-specific antibody, and fibrinogen can inhibit the binding of biotin-HKa to Mac-1 transfected cells. HKa bound to Mac-1 transfected cells (20 000 molecules/cell) with a K(d) = 62 nmol/L. To demonstrate directly the formation of a complex between HKa and Mac-1, we examined the interaction of HKa and purified Mac-1 in a cell-free system using an IAsys resonant mirror optical biosensor. The association and dissociation rate constants (k(on) and k(off), respectively) were determined, and they yielded a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 3.2x10(-9) mol/L. The functional significance of direct interaction of HKa to Mac-1 was investigated by examining the effect of HKa on cellular adhesion to fibrinogen and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), molecules abundant in the injured vessel wall. HKa blocked the adhesion of Mac-1 transfected cells to fibrinogen and ICAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, HKa may interrupt Mac-1-mediated cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesive interactions and may therefore influence the recruitment of circulating neutrophils/monocytes to sites of vessel injury. (Blood. 2000;95:3788-3795)

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1999

Corin, a mosaic transmembrane serine protease encoded by a novel cDNA from human heart.

A novel cDNA has been identified from human heart that encodes an unusual mosaic serine protease, designated corin. Corin has a predicted structure of a type II transmembrane protein and contains two frizzled-like cysteine-rich motifs, seven low density lipoprotein receptor repeats, a macrophage scavenger receptor-like domain, and a trypsin-like protease domain in the extracellular region. Northern analysis showed that corin mRNA was highly expressed in the human heart. In mice, corin mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization in the cardiac myocytes of the embryonic heart as early as embryonic day (E) 9.5. By E11.5-13.5, corin mRNA was most abundant in the primary atrial septum and the trabecular ventricular compartment. Expression in the heart was maintained through the adult. In addition, mouse corin mRNA was also detected in the prehypertrophic chrondrocytes in developing bones. By fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, the human corin gene was mapped to 4p12-13 where a congenital heart disease locus, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, had been previously localized. The unique domain structure and specific embryonic expression pattern suggest that corin may have a function in cell differentiation during development. The chromosomal localization of the human corin gene makes it an attractive candidate gene for total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Determinants of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p15NC-RNA interaction that affect enhanced cleavage by the viral protease.

During human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion assembly, cleavage of the Gag precursor by the viral protease results in the transient appearance of a nucleocapsid-p1-p6 intermediate product designated p15NC. Utilizing the p15NC precursor protein produced with an in vitro transcription-translation system or purified after expression in Escherichia coli, we have demonstrated that RNA is required for efficient cleavage of HIV p15NC. Gel mobility shift and nitrocellulose filter binding experiments indicate that purified p15NC protein specifically binds its corresponding mRNA with an estimated Kd of 1.5 nM. Binding was not affected by the presence or absence of zinc or EDTA. Moreover, mutagenesis of the cysteine residues within either of the two Cys-His arrays had no effect on RNA binding or on RNA-dependent cleavage by the viral protease. In contrast, decreased binding of RNA and diminished susceptibility to cleavage in vitro were observed with p15NC-containing mutations in one or more residues within the triplet of basic amino acids present in the region between the two zinc fingers. In addition, we found that 21- to 24-base DNA and RNA oligonucleotides of a particular sequence and secondary structure could substitute for p15 RNA in the enhancement of p15NC cleavage. Virus particles carrying a mutation in the triplet of NC basic residues (P3BE) show delayed cleavage of p15NC and a defect in core formation despite the eventual appearance of fully processed virion protein. These results define determinants of the p15NC-RNA interaction that lead to enhanced protease-mediated cleavage and demonstrate the importance of the triplet of basic residues in formation of the virus core.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Extensive anterior decompression for mixed cervical spondylosis. Resection of uncovertebral joints, neural and transverse foraminotomy, subtotal corpectomy, and fusion with strut graft.

STUDY DESIGN: This study examined a new operative procedure for treating mixed cervical spondylosis. OBJECTIVES: To relate postoperative results with extensive decompression using a surgical microscope. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Based on the dissection cadavers and clinical practice, extensive anterior decompression has been designed for mixed cervical spondylosis. It has not been reported that the cervical cord, nerve roots, and vertebral arteries have been decompressed thoroughly at the same time. METHODS: Fifteen patients with mixed cervical spondylosis were treated with extensive anterior decompression using an operative microscope. The pathologic segments in all patients were identified preoperatively with cervical radiography, myelography, computed tomography, computed tomographic myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification was used to assess the follow-up results. The operative results demonstrated the efficacy of the surgical approach. RESULTS: All patients improved neurologically, with the average Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improving from 6.3 points preoperatively to 12.4 points at follow-up examination. The plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up examination showed that the anterior part of the cervical canal and the transversaria or neural foramina were enlarged, and that there was satisfactory bony fusion without signs of nonunion and other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive anterior decompression (resection of uncovertebral joints, neural and transverse foraminotomy, subtotal corpectomy, and fusion with strut graft), a new surgical procedure for treating mixed cervical spondylosis, led to excellent follow-up results.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Bone sialoprotein is localized to the root surface during cementogenesis.

Bone sialoprotein (BSP), an RGD-containing protein with cell attachment properties, is believed to play a regulatory role in the biomineralization of various connective tissues. To determine its possible role in tooth root formation, murine dentoalveolar tissues at sequential phases of development were analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of BSP. BSP was localized to alveolar bone and cementum at time points associated with initial mineralization of these tissues. In addition, northern blot analyses of dental follicle tissue at day 27 of tooth development indicated that BSP mRNA is expressed by dental follicle cells at a time point coincident with the initiation of cementogenesis on the peripheral tooth root surface. Collectively, these findings indicate that BSP may play an important role in the formation and mineralization of cementum.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Cleavage of p15 protein in vitro by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease is RNA dependent.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag polyprotein is processed by the viral protease to yield the structural proteins of the virus. One of these structural proteins, p15, and its protease cleavage products, p7 and p6, are believed to be responsible for the viral RNA binding which is prerequisite for assembly of infectious virions. To better understand potential interactions between viral RNA, p15, and the HIV protease, we have synthesized p15 in an in vitro system and studied its processing by the viral protease. Using this system, we demonstrate that p15 synthesized in vitro is properly cleaved by the HIV protease in an RNA-dependent reaction. Mutation of cysteine residues in either zinc-binding domain of the p7 portion of p15 does not alter the RNA-dependent cleavage, but mutation of three basic residues located between the zinc-binding domains blocks HIV protease susceptibility. The results support a previously unrecognized role for the interaction of RNA and nucleocapsid-containing gag precursors that may have important consequences for virus assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Active site labeling of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

The human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) heterodimer (M(r) = 66,000 and M(r) = 51,000) has been photoaffinity labeled using 4-thiodeoxyuridine triphosphate (S4-dUTP) as a probe. A nascent polymerization complex was assembled from a single-stranded DNA template, a 12-mer DNA primer, and the necessary dNTPs (one of which was alpha-32P-labeled) to extend the primer to produce the n-1 product. The photoaffinity probe was then uniquely added at the 3'-terminal position of the extended primer bound at the catalytic site and photolyzed. The larger subunit (p66) was exclusively derivatized. The unique radioactive peptide resulting from proteolysis was isolated and identified by amino acid sequencing.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

Wheat germ and yeast RNA polymerase II: photoaffinity labeling by 4-thiouracil 5'-monophosphate positioned uniquely at the 3' end of an enzyme-bound [32P]-containing transcript.

A stable ternary transcription complex was formed with either wheat germ or yeast RNA polymerase II using a ribotrinucleotide primer (GpCpG) to initiate transcription on a short synthetic single-strand DNA template. The template was designed to limit the incorporation of a photoprobe S4-UMP (4-thio-UMP) to a unique position at the 3' terminus of the transcript. The resulting stable ternary transcription complex was photolyzed to cross-link the bound transcript ([32P]-labeled by the incorporation of [alpha-32P]CMP) with the protein domain at or near the active site. Separation of the protein components by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel containing SDS and analysis by autoradiography and silver staining revealed that for either enzyme only the largest subunit was [32P] labeled.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed1993

A "string-of-beads" vaccine, comprising linked minigenes, confers protection from lethal-dose virus challenge.

We have previously demonstrated that induction of antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), in the absence of antiviral antibodies, can confer protection against a lethal-dose virus challenge. Here we extend those findings as follows. First, three discrete viral CTL epitopes expressed from minigenes encoding peptides as short as 12 amino acids can be recognized when expressed from recombinant vaccinia virus; second, concentrating on two of the three epitopes, we show that these vaccinia virus recombinants can confer protection in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner; third, the minigenes can be fused to generate a "string of beads," and the close proximity of the two epitopes within one oligopeptide does not disrupt recognition of either epitope; fourth, this string-of-beads vaccine, in contrast to the single epitope vaccines, can protect on both MHC backgrounds; and, fifth, CTL to different epitopes may act synergistically, as protection is improved when the vaccine contains more than one CTL epitope for a given MHC background.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

A rapid and simple method for determining the DNA sequences of fragments inserted into vaccinia virus.

Recombinant virus vectors such as vaccinia virus, adenovirus and herpesvirus are frequently used to express a variety of foreign products. A rapid method allowing the precise identification of recombinants would be useful to confirm the nature of a newly produced recombinant and, in particular, to discriminate between recombinants bearing near-identical foreign products. Using vaccinia virus, we describe a method that in one day provides sequence analysis of the recombinant viral DNA.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Yeast RNA polymerase I. Derivatization of the 190 and 135 subunits by 4-thiouridine monophosphate positioned uniquely at the 3' terminus of an enzyme-bound 32P-containing transcript initiated by a triribonucleotide primer on synthetic single-stranded DNA.

Specific transcription complexes were formed with yeast RNA polymerase I using a cognate oligoribotri-nucleotide primer (GCG) to initiate transcription on short synthetic single-stranded DNA templates. The templates were designed to limit the incorporation of a photoprobe, 4-thiouridine triphosphate, to a single unique position at the 3' terminus of the product RNA (position 12, 13, 14, or 15). The resulting transcription complexes were photolyzed to cross-link the bound transcript (radiolabeled with [alpha-32P]CTP) to the protein with the probe located at the catalytic site. Separation of the protein subunit components by 5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and analysis by autoradiography and silver staining revealed that the two largest subunits (A190 and A135) were radiolabeled. The ratio of subunit labeling (A190/A135) decreased as the RNA transcript increased from 12 to 15 nucleotides in length. This decrease in ratio resulted from a progressive reduction of A190 subunit labeling while the A135 subunit derivatization remained essentially constant. It was also observed that the DNA template was radiolabeled.

Affinity Labels↗