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Biomedical subjects

P S Henthorn

Publications and source records attributed to P S Henthorn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Optimized transduction of canine paediatric CD34(+) cells using an MSCV-based bicistronic vector.

We have used a murine MSCV-based bicistronic retroviral vector, containing the common gamma chain (gammac) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) cDNAs, to optimize retroviral transduction of canine cells, including an adherent canine thymus fibroblast cell line, Cf2Th, as well as normal canine CD34(+) bone marrow (BM) cells. Both canine cell types were shown to express Ram-1 (the amphotropic retroviral receptor) mRNA. Supernatants containing infectious viruses were produced using both stable (PA317) and transient (Phoenix cells) amphotropic virus producer cell lines. Centrifugation (spinfection) combined with the addition of polybrene produced the highest transduction efficiencies, infecting approximately 75% of Cf2Th cells. An average of 11% of highly enriched canine CD34(+) cells could be transduced in a protocol that utilized spinfection and plates coated with the fibronectin fragment CH-296 (Retronectin). Indirect assays showed the vector-encoded canine gammac cDNA produced a gammac protein that was expressed on the cell surface of transduced cells. This strategy may result in the transduction of sufficient numbers of CD34(+) BM cells to make the treatment of canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency and other canine genetic diseases feasible.

Animals↗

Familial glomerulonephropathy in the Bullmastiff.

Glomerular disease was diagnosed by histopathologic examination in 11 related Bullmastiff dogs, and clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively. Four female and seven male dogs between the ages of 2.5 and 11 years were affected. Clinical signs, including lethargy and anorexia, were nonspecific and occurred shortly before death or euthanasia. In five affected dogs serial blood samples were obtained, and dramatically elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were demonstrated up to 2.75 years before death. Protein-creatinine ratios were elevated in six of six dogs and were above normal 3.5 years before death in one dog. The kidneys appeared grossly normal to slightly smaller than normal at necropsy. Histologic abnormalities of the kidneys were consistent with chronic glomerulonephropathy with sclerosis. Examination of the pedigrees of related affected dogs yielded evidence supporting an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

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Canine cystinuria: polymorphism in the canine SLC3A1 gene and identification of a nonsense mutation in cystinuric Newfoundland dogs.

Cystinuria is an inherited renal and intestinal disease characterized by defective amino acid reabsorption and cystine urolithiasis. Different forms of the disease, designated type I and non-type I in cystinuric humans, can be distinguished clinically and biochemically, and have been associated with mutations in the SLC3A1 (rBAT) and SLC7A9 genes, respectively. Type I cystinuria is the most common form and is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in humans. Cystinuria has been recognized in more than 60 breeds of dogs and a severe form, resembling type I cystinuria, has been characterized in the Newfoundland breed. Here we report the cloning and sequencing of the canine SLC3A1 cDNA and gene, and the identification of a nonsense mutation in exon 2 of the gene in cystinuric Newfoundland dogs. A mutation-specific test was developed for the diagnosis and control of cystinuria in Newfoundland dogs. In cystinuric dogs of six other breeds, either heterozygosity at the SLC3A1 locus or lack of mutations in the coding region of the SLC3A1 gene were observed, indicating that cystinuria is genetically heterogeneous in dogs, as it is in humans. The canine homologue of human type I cystinuria provides the opportunity to use a large animal model to investigate molecular approaches for the treatment of cystinuria and other renal tubular diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mild autosomal dominant hypophosphatasia: in utero presentation in two families.

We describe four pregnancies in two families in which mild hypophosphatasia, apparently transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, manifested in utero as severe long bone bowing. Postnatally, there was spontaneous improvement of the skeletal defects. Recognition of this presentation for hypophosphatasia by family investigation and assessment of the fetal skeleton for degree of ossification and chest size using ultrasonography is important. The prognosis for this condition is considerably better than for more severe forms of hypophosphatasia and for many other disorders that cause skeletal defects with long bone bowing in utero.

Adult↗

Canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) is due to mutations in the common gamma (gamma c) subunit of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15 receptors. The most striking clinical feature is a failure to thrive or 'stunted' growth. Recurrent or chronic infections begin at the time of decline of maternal antibody, usually between six and eight weeks of age. Affected dogs rarely survive past three to four months of age. The major pathologic feature of canine XSCID is a small, dysplastic thymus. Grossly identifiable lymph nodes, tonsils, and Peyer's patches are absent in XSCID dogs. During the neonatal period, XSCID dogs have few, if any, peripheral T cells and increased number of peripheral B cells. Some XSCID dogs do develop phenotypically mature, nonfunctional T cells with age, however, the absolute number of peripheral T cells remain significantly decreased compared to age-matched normal dogs. An interesting finding is that as soon as T cells begin to appear in XSCID dogs they rapidly switch from a CD45RA+ (naive) phenotype to a CD45RA- (activated or memory phenotype). One of the characteristic findings in XSCID dogs is an absent or markedly depressed blastogenic response of T cells in response to stimulation through the T cell receptor and when the necessary second messengers for cellular proliferation are directly provided that by-pass signals delivered through ligand-receptor interaction. The proliferative defect is due to the inability of T cells to express a functional IL-2 receptor. Canine XSCID B cells do not proliferate following stimulation with T cell-dependent B cell mitogens, however, they proliferate normally in response to T cell-independent B cell mitogens. Canine XSCID B cells are capable of producing IgM but are incapable of class-switching to IgG antibody production following immunization with the T cell-dependent neoantigen, bacteriophage phiX174. The number of thymocytes in the XSCID thymus is approximately 0.3% of the thymocytes present in the thymus of age-matched normal dogs. The proportion of CD4-CD8- thymocytes in XSCID dogs is increased 3.5-fold and the CD4+CD8+ population is decreased 2.3-fold. These findings demonstrate that (1) a functional gamma c is required for normal B and T cell function, (2) early T cell development is highly dependent upon a functional gamma c, and (3) B cell development can occur through a gamma c-independent pathway.

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Bone marrow transplantation for canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) is due to mutations in the common gamma chain which is a subunit of the receptors of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of human XSCID patients without pretransplant conditioning (cytoablation) results in engraftment of donor T-cells and reconstitution of T-cell function but engraftment of few, if any, donor B cells with resultant poor reconstitution of humoral immune function. In this study, we show that XSCID dogs can be transplanted with allogeneic bone marrow cells resulting in engraftment of both donor B and T cells and reconstitution of full systemic immune function including normal humoral immune function without the need for cytoablation.

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Molecular basis of feline beta-glucuronidase deficiency: an animal model of mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

A family of domestic cats was found that exhibited clinical and biochemical abnormalities consistent with mucopolysaccharidosis VII, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by beta-glucuronidase deficiency. beta-Glucuronidase activity was undetectable in affected cat fibroblasts and restored by retroviral gene transfer of rat beta-glucuronidase cDNA. beta-Glucuronidase mRNA was normal in affected cat testis by Northern blot analysis. Normal feline beta-glucuronidase cDNA was cloned and characterized, and amplified from affected cat fibroblasts by reverse transcription coupled polymerase chain reaction. There was a G-to-A transition in the affected cat cDNA that predicted an E351K substitution, destroyed a BssSI site, and eliminated GUSB enzymatic activity in expression studies. Multiple species comparison and the crystal structure of human beta-glucuronidase indicated that E351 is a highly conserved residue most likely essential in maintenance of the enzyme's conformation. BssSI digestion of polymerase chain reaction products amplified from genomic DNA indicated that affected cats were homozygous and cats with half-normal beta-glucuronidase activity were heterozygous for the missense mutation. Carriers identified in this manner produced affected kittens in prospective breedings, and a feline MPS VII breeding colony has been established.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anchoring of canine linkage groups with chromosome-specific markers.

A high-resolution genetic map with polymorphic markers spaced frequently throughout the genome is a key resource for identifying genes that control specific traits or diseases. The lack of rigorous selection against genetic disorders has resulted in many breeds of dog suffering from a very high frequency of genetic diseases, which tend to be breed-specific and usually inherited as autosomal recessive or apparently complex genetic traits. Many of these closely resemble human genetic disorders in their clinical and pathologic features and are likely to be caused by mutations in homologous genes. To identify loci important in canine disease genes, as well as traits associated with morphological and behavioral variation, we are developing a genetic map of the canine genome. Here we report on an updated version of the canine linkage map, which includes 341 mapped markers distributed over the X and 37 autosomal linkage groups. The average distance between markers on the map is 9.0 cM, and the linkage groups provide estimated coverage of over 95% of the genome. Fourteen linkage groups contain either gene-associated or anonymous markers localized to cosmids that have been assigned to specific canine chromosomes by FISH. These 14 linkage groups contain 150 microsatellite markers and allow us to assign 40% of the linkage groups to specific canine chromosomes. This new version of the map is of sufficient density and characterization to initiate mapping of traits of interest.

Animals↗

Retroviral marking of canine bone marrow: long-term, high-level expression of human interleukin-2 receptor common gamma chain in canine lymphocytes.

Optimization of retroviral gene transfer into hematopoietic cells of the dog will facilitate gene therapy of canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) and in turn advance similar efforts to treat human XSCID. Both canine and human XSCID are caused by defects in the common gamma chain, gammac, of receptors for interleukin-2 and other cytokines. In this study, normal dogs were given retrovirally transduced bone marrow cells with and without preharvest mobilization by the canine growth factors granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and stem cell factor (SCF). Harvey sarcoma virus and Moloney murine leukemia virus constructs were used, both containing cDNA encoding human gammac. The Harvey-based vector transduced into cytokine-primed marrow yielded persistent detectable provirus in bone marrow and blood and expression of human gammac on peripheral lymphocytes. In three dogs, human gammac expression disappeared after 19 to 34 weeks but reappeared and was sustained, in one dog beyond 16 months posttransplantation, upon immunosuppression with cyclosporin A and prednisone, with up to 25% of lymphocytes expressing human gammac. The long-term expression of human gammac in a high proportion of normal canine lymphocytes predicts that retrovirus-mediated gene correction of hematopoietic cells may prove to be of clinical benefit in humans affected with this XSCID. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.

Animals↗

Cloning of the canine beta-glucuronidase cDNA, mutation identification in canine MPS VII, and retroviral vector-mediated correction of MPS VII cells.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is an inherited disease resulting from deficient activity of the lysosomal acid hydrolase beta-glucuronidase (GUSB) and has been reported in humans, mice, cats, and dogs. To characterize canine MPS VII, we have isolated and sequenced the canine GUSB cDNA from normal and affected animals. A single nucleotide substitution was detected in the GUSB cDNA derived from MPS VII dogs. This guanosine to adenine base change at nucleotide position 559 in the canine cDNA sequence causes an arginine to histidine substitution at amino acid position 166. Introduction of the G to A substitution at position 559 in a mammalian expression vector containing the normal canine GUSB cDNA nearly eliminated the GUSB enzymatic activity, demonstrating that this mutation is the cause of canine MPS VII. A retroviral vector expressing the full-length canine beta-glucuronidase cDNA corrected the deficiency in MPS VII cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. A model for investigating the requirement for the common gamma chain (gamma c) in human lymphocyte development and function.

Our laboratory has identified and characterized an X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) in dogs that is due to mutations in the common gamma (gamma c) subunit of the interleukin-2 (IL2), IL4, IL7, IL9, and IL15 receptors. Canine XSCID, unlike genetically engineered gamma c-deficient mice, has a clinical and immunologic phenotype virtually identical to human XSCID. It appears that species-specific differences exist in the role of the gamma c and its associated cytokines in mice compared to their role in humans and dogs, suggesting gamma c-deficient dogs may be a more relevant model for studying the role of the gamma c in humans. We are utilizing this model for a variety of studies to address: 1. Fundamental questions concerning the role of the gamma c in cytokine regulation and lymphocyte development. 2. The pathogenesis of XSCID. 3. Strategies for improving bone marrow transplantation outcome. 4. Development and evaluation of strategies for gene therapy. 5. Human hematopoietic stem cell development.

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RXRA and HSPA5 map to the telomeric end of dog chromosome 9.

Previous results showed that loci from human chromosome 17q (HSA17q) map to the centromeric two-thirds of dog chromosome 9 (CFA9). In these studies fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a human total chromosome 17 painting probe, indicated that the telomeric one-third of CFA9 must have homology to one or more human chromosomes other than HSA17. Here we report that this distal part of CFA9 contains a segment syntenic to the telomeric end of HSA9q and mouse chromosome 2 (MMU2). The gene loci encoding retinoid X receptor, alpha (RXRA) and heat shock protein 5 (HSPA5 or GRP78), which are found on HSA9q34 and MMU2, occupy a region on CFA9 distal to NF1 and CRYBA1. FISH of a canine specific genomic cosmid clone for RXRA demonstrated the more telomeric localization of this locus to NF1 on CFA9. A linkage map developed for the distal region of CFA9 included: NF1-(2.7 CM)-CRYBA1-(6.5 CM)-RXRA-(22CM)-HSPA5. The next best order, RXRA-NF1-CRYBA1-HSPA5 with a difference in the log odds of 1.43 does not correspond to our findings with FISH. The most probable map order places HSPA5 distal to RXRA on CFA9 whereas in humans it lies centromeric of RXRA on HSA9q34.

Animals↗

Full immunologic reconstitution following nonconditioned bone marrow transplantation for canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Bone marrow transplantation in human X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) without pretransplant conditioning results in engraftment of donor T cells and reconstitution of T-cell function but engraftment of few, if any, donor B cells and poor reconstitution of humoral immune function. Since bone marrow transplantation remains the most effective treatment of XSCID patients, better strategies are necessary to achieve optimum long-term results. Canine XSCID, like human XSCID, is due to mutations in the common gamma chain (gamma c) gene and has clinical and immunologic features identical to those of human XSCID, making it a true homolog of the human disease. We have successfully performed bone marrow transplantation in three XSCID dogs without pretransplant conditioning, using untreated bone marrow cells from mixed lymphocyte culture-nonreactive normal littermates. Unlike the experience in human XSCID patients, all three dogs engrafted both donor B and T cells and attained full reconstitution of immunologic function. Normal percentages of T cells and T-cell mitogenic responses were attained by 3 months posttransplant. CD3+ T cells after transplantation expressed the CD45RA isoform indicating that the cells were recent thymic emigrants derived from immature progenitors. Serum IgG levels were within normal range by 5 months posttransplant. Immunization with the T-dependent antigen, bacteriophage phiX174, demonstrated normal antibody titers, immunologic memory, and class-switching. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the gamma c locus showed that 100% of circulating T cells and 30% to 50% of circulating B cells were donor-derived. None of the dogs developed clinically evident graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Thus, canine XSCID provides a model to determine the optimal conditions for bone marrow transplantation in human patients, and to develop and test strategies for somatic gene therapy.

Animals↗

Physical and linkage mapping of human chromosome 17 loci to dog chromosomes 9 and 5.

Genome mapping in the dog is in its early stages. Here we illustrate an approach to combined physical and linkage mapping of type 1 anchor (gene) loci in the dog using information on syntenic homology from human and mouse, an interbreed cross/backcross, and a strategy for isolation of dog genomic clones containing both gene-specific sequences and simple sequence repeat polymorphisms. Eleven gene loci from human chromosome 17q (HSA17q) were mapped to the centromeric two-thirds of dog chromosome 9 (CFA9), an acrocentric chromosome of medium size: P4HB, GALK1, TK1, GH1, MYL4, BRCA1, RARA, THRA1, MPO, NF1, and CRYBA1. Eight of these were also positioned on a linkage map spanning 38.6 cM. Based on combined fluorescence in situ hybridization and linkage mapping, the gene order on CFA9 is similar to that of the homologous genes on HSA17q and mouse chromosome 11 (MMU11), but in the dog the gene order is inverted with respect to the centromere. Canine loci, GALK1, TK1, GH1, MYL4, THRA1, and RARA constitute a closely linked group near the centromeric end of CFA9, spanning a genetic distance of only 4.7 cM. Canine NF1 and CRYBA1 lie distally, near the lower border of the Giemsa band adjacent to the distal one-third of CFA9. NF1 and CRYBA1 are loosely linked to the more centromeric group (31.2 cM). No HSA17 genes were found on the telomeric one-third of CFA9. Painting of dog chromosomes with a human whole chromosome 17 probe showed hybridization with only the proximal two-thirds of CFA9, consistent with the conclusion that the distal one-third corresponds to a segment or segments of other human chromosomes. Two loci, GLUT4 and PMP22, located on HSA17p, were mapped by FISH to dog chromosome 5 in a region also identified by the whole human chromosome 17 paint, indicating disruption of HSA17 syntenic homology at the centromere.

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