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Paul Webster

Publications and source records attributed to Paul Webster.

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Induction of secretory pathway components in yeast is associated with increased stability of their mRNA.

The overexpression of certain membrane proteins is accompanied by a striking proliferation of intracellular membranes. One of the best characterized inducers of membrane proliferation is the 180-kD mammalian ribosome receptor (p180), whose expression in yeast results in increases in levels of mRNAs encoding proteins that function in the secretory pathway, and an elevation in the cell's ability to secrete proteins. In this study we demonstrate that neither the unfolded protein response nor increased transcription accounts for membrane proliferation or the observed increase in secretory pathway mRNAs. Rather, p180-induced up-regulation of certain secretory pathway transcripts is due to a p180-mediated increase in the longevity of these mRNA species, as determined by measurements of transcriptional activity and specific mRNA turnover. Moreover, we show that the longevity of mRNA in general is substantially promoted through the process of its targeting to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. With respect to the terminal differentiation of secretory tissues, results from this model system provide insights into how the expression of a single protein, p180, could result in substantial morphological and functional changes.

Bodily Secretions↗

IN02, a positive regulator of lipid biosynthesis, is essential for the formation of inducible membranes in yeast.

Expression of the 180-kDa canine ribosome receptor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads to the accumulation of ER-like membranes. Gene expression patterns in strains expressing various forms of p180, each of which gives rise to unique membrane morphologies, were surveyed by microarray analysis. Several genes whose products regulate phospholipid biosynthesis were determined by Northern blotting to be differentially expressed in all strains that undergo membrane proliferation. Of these, the INO2 gene product was found to be essential for formation of p180-inducible membranes. Expression of p180 in ino2Delta cells failed to give rise to the p180-induced membrane proliferation seen in wild-type cells, whereas p180 expression in ino4Delta cells gave rise to membranes indistinguishable from wild type. Thus, Ino2p is required for the formation of p180-induced membranes and, in this case, appears to be functional in the absence of its putative binding partner, Ino4p.

Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins↗

Immortalization of normal adult human middle ear epithelial cells using a retrovirus containing the E6/E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16.

A human middle ear epithelial cell line (HMEEC-1) was established using human papillomavirus E6/E7 genes. HMEEC-1 has remained morphologically and phenotypically stable, even after 50 passages. The cells are anchorage-dependent and nontumorigenic when injected into nude mice. This cell line thus provides a new tool for the study of normal cell biology and the pathological processes associated with the epithelial cells of the middle ear in otitis media. HMEEC-1 will also be useful in the search for new drugs and biological agents for the treatment of otitis media.

Adult↗

Early intracellular events during internalization of Listeria monocytogenes by J774 cells.

The gram-positive bacillus Listeria monocytogenes gains entry into host cells through a phagosome membrane that forms around entering bacteria. During the early stages of internalization the invading bacteria appear to modify the protein composition of the forming phagosome membrane in J774 cells. MHC class II molecules on the cell surface and exposed surface molecules available for biotinylation are excluded from the bacteria-host cell membrane interface and from the forming phagosome. This exclusion of MHC class II molecules from the early phagosome may partially help to explain previous reports suggesting that L. monocytogenes is able to interfere with antigen presentation. Inside the host cell, MHC class II molecules are delivered to the phagosome membrane. This is followed by delivery of LAMP 1, a marker of late endocytic compartments, and fusion with low-pH compartments. The bacteria then escape into the cell cytoplasm, possibly assisted by rapid delivery of this low-pH environment.

Animals↗

A polio-free world?

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Child↗

A cochlear cell line as an in vitro system for drug ototoxicity screening.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, antineoplastic agents and other commonly used pharmacological drugs are ototoxic. Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying drug ototoxicity, however, has been hampered by the limited availability of inner ear tissues and drug side effects on laboratory animals. Immortalized cell lines derived from the auditory sensory organ, sensitive to ototoxic drugs and growing in environments that can be systematically manipulated, would facilitate the research directed at elucidating these mechanisms. Such immortalized cell lines could also be used to discover novel therapeutic agents for preventing drug-induced sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we report a conditionally immortalized organ of Corti-derived epithelial cell line, which shows evidence of activation of apoptosis when exposed to known ototoxic drugs. This cell line may be an excellent in vitro system to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in ototoxicity and for screening of the potential ototoxicity or otoprotective properties of new pharmacological drugs.

Aminoglycosides↗