Detection of biotinylated molecules in solid-phase assays using a recombinant biotin-binding bacteriophage.
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Amino Acid Sequence↗
Biomedical subjects
R Laufer
Publications and source records attributed to R Laufer.
Phorbol esters inhibit the activity of the chicken acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunit gene promoter. Role of myogenic regulators.
Protein kinase C has previously been implicated in the regulation of chicken acetylcholine receptor (AChR) gene expression. To investigate the molecular basis of this regulation, the promoter of the AChR alpha-subunit (alpha AChR) gene was linked to a reporter gene and introduced into cultured chick myotubes by transient transfection. Treatment of myotubes with protein-kinase-C-activating phorbol esters was found to inhibit promoter activity. These inhibitory actions were mediated by promoter sequences between nucleotides -110 and -45, relative to the start point of transcription of the alpha AChR gene. In particular, phorbol-ester responsiveness could be conferred by a short DNA sequence that contains one of the two MyoD binding sites of the alpha AChR gene muscle-specific enhancer. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate was found to inhibit rapidly and potently the expression of mRNAs coding for the myogenic regulators CMD1 and myogenin. Moreover, its inhibitory effect on the alpha AChR gene promoter could be attenuated by cotransfection of a MyoD1 expression vector. These results provide a molecular basis for the previously demonstrated involvement of protein kinase C in the regulation of alpha AChR biosynthesis. In addition, they lend further support to the notion that myogenic proteins play an important role in the control of alpha AChR gene expression.
Animals↗
Pseudopeptide analogues of substance P and leucine enkephalinamide containing the psi (CH2O) modification: synthesis and biological activity.
The isosteric methyleneoxy psi (CH2O) function was employed as a novel peptide-bond surrogate and incorporated into sequences of two neuropeptides, substance P (SP) and enkephalin. A pseudopeptide analogue [pGlu6,Phe8 psi(CH2O)Gly9]SP6-11 (7) of SP related C-terminal hexapeptide [pGlu6]SP6-11 and two pseudopeptide analogues of [Leu5]enkephalinamide, [Tyr1 psi (CH2O)Gly2, Leu5] enkephalinamide (11) and [Gly2 psi (CH2O)-Gly3, Leu5]enkephalinamide (17), were synthesized. The N alpha-protected pseudodipeptidic units were incorporated in the appropriate peptide sequences by using conventional coupling methods in solution. Compound 7 was a potent agonist (EC50 = 4.8 nM) of substance P as compared to the parent peptide [pGlu6]SP6-11 (EC50 = 1.2 nM), in stimulating contraction of the isolated guinea pig ileum (GPI). Analogue 7 was more potent on the neuronal (NK-3) than on the muscular (NK-1) tachykinin receptors in the GPI as shown by the ratio of activities, EC50 (NK-1)/EC50 (NK-3) = 3.16, thus displaying an improved selectivity for the NK-3 tachykinin receptor subtype as compared to that of [pGlu6]SP6-11, EC50 (NK-1)/EC50 (NK-3) = 0.44. In the rat vas deferens (RVD) assay, a typical NK-2 system, the pseudopeptide analogue 7 was (EC50 = 2 microM) 10-fold more potent than the parent peptide and 20-fold less potent than eledoisin, an NK-2 selective tachykinin. The pseudopeptide enkephalin analogue 17 had low biological activity when tested in the electrically induced GPI (EC50 = 2.3 microM) and was inactive in the mouse vas deferens (MVD) assay. In the rat brain membrane (RBM) binding assay analogue 17 had low affinity (in the micromolar range) for both the mu and delta binding sites. In contrast, analogue 11 was a potent enkephalin agonist (EC50 = 30 nM), being equipotent to [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalinamide (DALE) in the GPI assay. In the MVD, analogue 11 showed a substantially reduced activity (EC50 = 92 nM), being about 10-fold less potent than DALE. In the RBM binding assay analogue 11 showed high affinity (in the nanomolar range) for both mu and delta binding sites with increased selectivity for the delta sites as shown by the ratio of the apparent affinities for both receptors, Ki (delta)/Ki (mu) = 2.1. The contribution of the modified peptide bonds in the mode of interaction of SP and enkephalin at their corresponding receptors is discussed.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Proteolytic resistance and biological activity of N-methylated analogs of [pGlu6] substance P6-11.
Five synthetic N-methylated analogs (II-V) of the C-terminal hexapeptide analog of substance P (SP), [pGlu6]SP6-11 (I) were evaluated for their metabolic stability and in vitro spasmogenic activity. The metabolic resistance of the analogs was tested by two SP degrading systems with different specificities, namely, the rat parotid and the hypothalamic slice systems. Their biological activity was assessed in the isolated guinea pig ileum. The analog [pGlu6, N-Me Phe7, N-Me Gly9]SP6-11 (III), had relative potency of 65% in the spasmogenic assay as compared to the parent compound. It was found to be more stable than the parent peptide in the hypothalamus, whereas in the parotid system it was susceptible as the parent peptide. However, the analog [pGlu6, N-Me Leu10]SP6-11 (II) (46% relative potency in the spasmogenic assay) was more stable than the parent peptide in the parotid system but did not show any improved stability in the hypothalamus. Identification of degradation products of the [pGlu6, N-Me Leu10]SP6-11 reflected the differences in the specificities of the two preparations. A significant drop in potency (7%) was observed for [pGlu, N-Me Phe7]SP6-11 (IV). This analog was more stable in the hypothalamic system than in the parotid. Introduction of a double methylation, [pGlu6, N-Me Leu10] SP6-11, contributed toward the stabilization in both degrading systems. Its relative spasmogenic activity was comparable to that of analog IV. In light of the above mentioned findings the implications of the N-methylated analogs with respect to putative CNS activity are discussed.
Animals↗
The acetylcholine receptor: functional architecture and regulation.
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Acetylcholine↗
Phase II study of recombinant interferon alpha-C in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Recombinant interferon alpha-C is a new strain of the alpha interferon family. It was given to 33 patients with measurable metastatic renal cell carcinoma of whom 31 were evaluable. Protocol consisted of 3 million U/d for 2 weeks, then 3 million U/m2 every other day until progression. No complete response was observed. Three patients (9.7%) had partial response for a mean duration of 5.6 months and eight patients (25.8%) were stabilized for a mean of 4.3 months. Responsive sites were mainly lung, bone, and kidney, while side effects were generally mild. better results were observed in previously nephrectomized patients who had not received chemotherapy or hormonotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease (p less than 0.05), and also in patients with a brief disease-free interval and short delay from presenting symptoms of the primary tumor until interferon treatment (p less than 0.05). Median survival was significantly longer in responders than in progressors (p less than 0.05). We suggest that the efficacy of recombinant interferon alpha-C in a low-dose regime versus other types of interferon as first-line therapy for inoperable, metastatic, or locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma should be investigated in a prospective, controlled, randomized study.
Adult↗
Regulation of acetylcholine receptor gene expression by neural factors and electrical activity during motor endplate formation.
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Animals↗
Calcitonin gene-related peptide and cyclic AMP stimulate phosphoinositide turnover in skeletal muscle cells. Interaction between two second messenger systems.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has previously been shown to coexist with acetylcholine in spinal cord motoneurons and to stimulate adenylate cyclase in skeletal muscle cells. We now demonstrate that in cultured chick myotubes whose phosphoinositides have been labeled with [3H]inositol, CGRP enhanced the accumulation of [3H]inositol mono-, bis-, and trisphosphates. Rat CGRP-I (rCGRP) (0.1 microM) elicited a transient increase in [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, as well as a more sustained elevation of [3H]inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate levels. In the presence of Li+, rCGRP evoked an approximately 3-fold increase of [3H]inositol monophosphate levels, which persisted for up to 1 h. This effect of rCGRP was concentration-dependent, the half-maximal response being obtained at 1 nM. Since rCGRP also accelerated the rate of synthesis of [3H]inositol-containing lipids, it appears that the peptide acts by stimulating phosphoinositide turnover in chick myotubes. Agents that either mimic or elevate intracellular cyclic AMP also enhanced the synthesis of [3H]inositol-containing lipids, and the accumulation of inositol phosphates, suggesting that the effects of rCGRP are mediated, at least in part, via the activation of adenylate cyclase. This hypothesis was strengthened by the non-additivity of the inositol phosphate responses elicited by rCGRP and other cAMP-mobilizing agents, and by the sensitivity of these responses to various pharmacological treatments. The present results provide an example of positive interaction between cAMP and the phosphoinositide signaling system. They further suggest that a coexisting neuropeptide may exert pleiotropic actions upon its target cell by stimulating multiple signal transduction pathways.
8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
Regulation of muscle AChR alpha subunit gene expression by electrical activity: involvement of protein kinase C and Ca2+.
Using primary cultures of chicken myotubes, we investigated the involvement of protein kinase C and Ca2+ in the repression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) biosynthesis by electrical activity. Treatment with the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil or the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin increased alpha subunit mRNA levels 11.5- to 15-fold. The effect of tetrodotoxin was abolished in the presence of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Dantrolene, which blocks Ca2+ efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, caused only a 1.7-fold increase in alpha subunit mRNA levels. Down regulation of protein kinase C by prolonged exposure to the phorbol ester TPA or inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine led to 8- to 10-fold increases in alpha subunit mRNA levels. Mature and precursor forms of AChR alpha subunit mRNA were found to vary in parallel throughout all of these treatments, suggesting that protein kinase C and Ca2+ ions may modulate AChR alpha subunit biosynthesis at the transcriptional level.
Animals↗
Molecular biology of acetylcholine receptor long-term evolution during motor end-plate morphogenesis.
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Animals↗
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma arising in a congenital solitary kidney. Treatment with interferon-containing combinations. A case report and a review of the literature.
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in a single kidney is a rare occurrence, more so when it concerns agenesis of the kidney. Chemotherapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has a poor effect. We report a case of a man, 49 years of age, with agenesis of one kidney, admitted with a metastatic RCC of his only kidney. Survival of 15 months duration was achieved by therapy combining Provera, Vinblastine and Alpha-C-Recombinant Interferon.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
[Possible trophic role on the neuromuscular junction of a neuropeptide co-existing with acetylcholine in motor neurons of the spinal cord].
The Calcitonin-Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide present in chick spinal cord motoneurons, increases the levels of surface acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and of the AChR alpha-subunit mRNA in cultured chick myotubes. Cholera toxin (CT), an activator of adenylate cyclase, produces a similar effect which does not add up with that of CGRP. Consistent with this observation, CGRP increases the content of cyclic AMP in chick muscle cells in culture. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a blocker of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels, elevates the levels of AChR and of AChR alpha-subunit mRNA. This effect is additive with that of CGRP or CT. TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate), an activator of protein kinase C, decreases the level of AChR but has no effect on the level of AChR alpha-subunit mRNA. Interestingly, TPA inhibits the increase of AChR alpha-subunit mRNA caused by TTX without affecting that produced by CGRP or CT. These data suggest that CGRP, which coexists with acetylcholine in spinal cord motoneurons, could be one of the anterograde factors (or a model of such factor) responsible for the enhanced expression of the genes coding for AChR subunits in subneural nuclei, via the activation of adenylate cyclase. Muscle electrical activity would then inhibit the expression of the same genes in extrajunctional nuclei, via another intracellular pathway.
Animals↗
Effect of substance P on rat gastrointestinal transit.
The in vivo effect of substance P and related peptide analogs on gastrointestinal transit in unanesthetized rats was studied. Fasted male rats were given intragastrically 0.5 ml of a powdered charcoal (BaSo4.H2O) meal and were concomitantly injected intraperitoneally with 8 micrograms/kg of substance P or a related peptide. In control rats, the percentage of small intestine traversed by the meal 15 min after feeding was 44.9 +/- 1.4 (N = 12). Substance P, [pGlu6]SP, [pGlu6, gPhe8, mGly9]SP and [pGlu5, N-MePhe8, N-MeGly9]SP significantly accelerated intestinal transit: 59.5 +/- 3.1% (N = 7); 66.0 +/- 3.8% (N = 14), 66.8 +/- 2.4% (N = 25), and 58.4 +/- 4.4% (N = 4), respectively. Concomitant injection of [pGlu6]SP and BOC-Phe-Phe-Gly-NHOH, an inhibitor of enzyme degradation at a dose of 800 micrograms/kg lowered by 10-fold the dose of [pGlu6]SP needed to induce the same degree of intestinal transit acceleration. These results indicate that in rats, substance P and related peptides accelerate gastrointestinal transit.
Animals↗
Dehydro keto methylene and keto methylene analogues of substance P. Synthesis and biological activity.
The synthesis of dehydro keto methylene and keto methylene analogues of substance P using classical peptide synthesis is described. The following analogues were prepared: [pGlu6,Gly9psi(COCH2)(RS)Leu10]SP6-11 (4) and [pGlu6,-(RS)Phe7 psi(COCH2)(RS)Phe8]SP6-11 (8). The use of an improved deprotection scheme employing Meerwein's reagent (Et3OBF4) made possible the syntheses of the novel dehydro keto methylene analogue [pGlu6,(RS)Phe7 psi-(COCH2)delta(E)Phe8]SP6-11 (26) adn the tetrapeptide analogue [pGlu6,(RS)Phe8 psi(COCH2)Gly9]SP6-9(-OMe) (23). Compound 4 was a weak agonist in provoking contractions of the guinea pig ileum. Compound 26 was a potent inhibitor of SP degradation in rat hypothalamus preparations, with an IC50 value of 1.8 microM.
Animals↗
Desensitization with a selective agonist discriminates between multiple tachykinin receptors.
We have reported recently the development of substance P analogs which selectively activate different tachykinin receptor types. These compounds, namely septide [( pGlu6, Pro9]substance P6-11 hexapeptide), which preferentially acts on the NK-1 (SP-P) receptor, and senktide (succinyl-[Asp6,Me-Phe8] substance P (6-11) hexapeptide), which selectively acts on the NK-3 (or SP-N) receptor, were now used to identify the tachykinin receptors present in several smooth muscle systems. Septide as well as senktide were found to be devoid of activity in the electrically stimulated rat vas deferens, showing that, in this preparation, which is the prototype NK-2 (or SP-E) system, tachykinin-induced contraction is not mediated via NK-1 or NK-3 receptors. In contrast, senktide did evoke contraction of the isolated rat duodenum, demonstrating that this tissue, which had been classified previously as a NK-2 preparation, also contains NK-3 receptors. After desensitization of NK-3 receptors by treatment with a desensitizing concentration of senktide, the rank order of tachykinin potencies in contracting the isolated rat duodenum corresponded to that of a typical NK-2 system. In the guinea pig ileum in which the tachykinin-evoked contraction is mediated by both NK-1 and NK-3 receptors, desensitization of NK-3 receptors unmasked a typical NK-1 response. Inasmuch as selective desensitization of both NK-1 and NK-3 sites abolished the tachykinin-induced response of the guinea pig ileum, it seems that this preparation does not contain NK-2 receptors. Our results show that selective agonists can be used to perform independent assays of several tachykinin receptors present within the same tissue preparation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Calcitonin gene-related peptide elevates cyclic AMP levels in chick skeletal muscle: possible neurotrophic role for a coexisting neuronal messenger.
Recent immunocytochemical studies have shown that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) coexists with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in spinal motoneurons of the chick. Moreover, CGRP causes an increase in the number of acetylcholine receptors on the surface of cultured chick myotubes. CGRP might thus serve as one of the signals by which motoneurons regulate endplate development. In a search for the second messengers involved, we now demonstrate that CGRP stimulates accumulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cultured chick myotubes. This effect is, at least in part, mediated by an increase in cAMP synthesis, as the peptide also activates adenylate cyclase in chick muscle membranes. Nanomolar concentrations of CGRP elicit significant increases in both cellular cAMP levels and acetylcholine receptor numbers. The present findings suggest that cAMP is one of the second messengers which mediate the increase in acetylcholine receptor number elicited by CGRP. Furthermore, CGRP might be implicated in other trophic actions mediated by cAMP in skeletal muscle cells.
Adenylyl Cyclases↗
The determination of the eosinophil count: comparison of two techniques.
The total eosinophil count obtained by use of the standard hemacytometer is considered by several investigators to be the most reliable method for the determination of the circulating eosinophil levels in the blood because it is believed to be less subject to error than the calculated eosinophil count obtained with Wright stained blood smears from the differential count. We compared the two techniques in outpatients as well as inpatients with and without allergies (total of 514 patients). Our results demonstrate that the eosinophil count by the two methods are similar.
Eosinophils↗
Characterization of a neurokinin B receptor site in rat brain using a highly selective radioligand.
We have recently characterized a tachykinin receptor subtype (SP-N) whose preferred ligand is the mammalian neuropeptide, neurokinin B (Laufer, R., Wormser, U., Friedman, Z. Y., Gilon, C., Chorev, M., and Selinger, Z. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 7444-7448). To investigate this novel tachykinin receptor, we have now prepared a radiolabeled peptide, N alpha-[( 125I]desamino-3-iodotyrosyl)-[Asp5,6, N-methyl-Phe8]substance P (5-11) heptapeptide (125I-BH-NH-Senktide), which selectively interacts with the SP-N receptor subtype. The binding of 125I-BH-NH-Senktide to rat cerebral cortex membranes was studied under conditions that minimized nonspecific binding. Unlike other tachykinin receptor probes, this radioligand is not degraded during the binding experiment. Binding of 125I-BH-NH-Senktide is reversible, saturable, and of high affinity (KD = 0.9 nM). The radioligand labels a single class of binding site (122 fmol binding sites/mg of protein), as indicated by a linear Scatchard plot and a Hill coefficient close to unity (nH = 1.05). The pharmacological specificity of this binding site corresponds to that of the neuronal SP-N receptor in guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus, which was determined by a functional bioassay. Among various rat brain regions, the highest binding was observed in the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. These results suggest the existence and specific distribution of a neurokinin B receptor site of the SP-N type in rat brain. 125I-BH-NH-Senktide is the first selective and potent probe for this receptor and is thus an important tool for further studies of its distribution, regulation, and functional role.
Animals↗