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Biomedical subjects

S Kellie

Publications and source records attributed to S Kellie.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Detection of differentially expressed genes in synovial fibroblasts by restriction fragment differential display.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differentially expressed genes in synovial fibroblasts and examine the effect on gene expression of exposure to TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. METHODS: Restriction fragment differential display was used to isolate genes using degenerate primers complementary to the lysophosphatidic acid acyl transferase gene family. Differential gene expression was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry using a variety of synovial fibroblasts, including cells from patients with osteoarthritis and self-limiting parvovirus arthritis. RESULTS: Irrespective of disease process, synovial fibroblasts constitutively produced higher levels of IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) (CCL2) than skin fibroblasts. Seven genes were differentially expressed in synovial fibroblasts compared with skin fibroblasts. Of these genes, four [tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2), growth regulatory oncogene beta (GRObeta), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 (GCP-2)] were all found to be constitutively overexpressed in synoviocytes derived from patients with osteoarthritis. These four genes were only weakly expressed in other synovial fibroblasts (rheumatoid and self-limiting parvovirus infection). However, expression in all types of fibroblasts was increased after stimulation with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Three other genes (aggrecan, biglycan and caldesmon) were expressed at higher levels in all types of synovial fibroblasts compared with skin fibroblasts even after stimulation with TNF-alpha and IL-1. CONCLUSIONS: Seven genes have been identified with differential expression patterns in terms of disease process (osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis), state of activation (resting vs cytokine activation) and anatomical location (synovium vs skin). Four of these genes, TFPI2, GRObeta (CXCL2), MnSOD and GCP-2 (CXCL6), were selectively overexpressed in osteoarthritis fibroblasts rather than rheumatoid fibroblasts. While these differences may represent differential behaviour of synovial fibroblasts in in vitro culture, these observations suggest that TFPI2, GRObeta (CXCL2), MnSOD and GCP-2 (CXCL6) may represent new targets for treatments specifically tailored to osteoarthritis.

Adult↗

Alterations in habituation of the tail flip response in epigean and troglobitic crayfish.

We demonstrate that the probability of the crayfish, P. clarkii, to tail flip in response to a touch on the dorsal tail fan is dependent on both the size and the behavioral state of the animal. Alterations in the animal's internal physical state, such as when the animal autotomizes its chelipeds, will cause larger-sized animals to tail flip; if they were not autotomized, then no tail flip response would occur. Altering the external environment by removal of water causes small crayfish, which normally habituate slowly, to rapidly habituate. Observation of large adult crayfish in a species, O. australis packardi, one that evolved to live in total cave darkness, revealed that they are more likely to tail flip than are the sighted, adult P. clarkii. Results indicate that the behavioral state of the crayfish can result in rapid and long-term alterations in the tail flip response and in habituation rates to repetitive stimuli. This ability to show plasticity in gain setting may be regulated by neuromodulators and can occur in large adults of the sighted crayfish. Differences between the two species indicate that size may not be the sole contributing factor to account for tail flip behaviors. J. Exp. Zool. 290:163-176, 2001.

Animals↗

A nuclear SH3 domain-binding protein that colocalizes with mRNA splicing factors and intermediate filament-containing perinuclear networks.

A protein (SNP70) has been isolated that binds to the Src homology domain 3 of p47(phox), p85alpha, and c-src. Cloning and sequencing of the polypeptide revealed it to be a 70-kDa protein that has a number of potential domains, including Src homology 3 binding motifs and several nuclear localization signals. Immunofluorescence using anti-peptide antibodies revealed SNP70 to be primarily concentrated in the nucleus but excluded from nucleoli, in interphase cells. However, it was distributed throughout the cytoplasm in dividing cells. Extraction and subfractionation experiments indicated that SNP70 did not bind directly to DNA but did bind to poly(G)-rich oligonucleotides and was resistant to extraction with non-ionic detergents but was solubilized by treatment with RNase, high salt, or ammonium sulfate. Double-immunofluorescence experiments showed that SNP70 co-localized with two pre-mRNA splicing factors SC35 and U2B" within the nucleus. A population of SNP70 was found outside the nucleus, and double-immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that it associated with vimentin-containing intermediate filaments, particularly those surrounding the nucleus. The data suggest that SNP70 associates with nuclear or perinuclear filaments and may play a role in the regulation of pre-mRNA processing.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A functional nuclear localization sequence in the C-terminal domain of SHP-1.

The Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 play an important role in many intracellular signaling pathways. Both SHP-1 and SHP-2 have been shown to interact with a diverse range of cytosolic and membrane-bound signaling proteins. Generally, SHP-1 and SHP-2 perform opposing roles in signaling processes; SHP-1 acts as a negative regulator of transduction in hemopoietic cells, whereas SHP-2 acts as a positive regulator. Intriguingly, SHP-1 has been proposed to play a positive regulating role in nonhemopoietic cells, although the mechanisms for this are not understood. Here we show that green fluorescent protein-tagged SHP-1 is unexpectedly localized within the nucleus of transfected HEK293 cells. In contrast, the highly related SHP-2 protein is more abundant within the cytoplasm of transfected cells. In accordance with this, endogenous SHP-1 is localized within the nucleus of several other nonhemopoietic cell types, whereas SHP-2 is distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In contrast, SHP-1 is confined to the cytoplasm of hemopoietic cells, with very little nuclear SHP-1 evident. Using chimeric SHP proteins and mutagenesis studies, the nuclear localization signal of SHP-1 was identified within the C-terminal domain of SHP-1 and found to consist of a short cluster of basic amino acids (KRK). Although the KRK motif resembles half of a bipartite nuclear localization signal, it appears to function independently and is absolutely required for nuclear import. Our findings show that SHP-1 and SHP-2 are distinctly localized within nonhemopoietic cells, with the localization of SHP-1 differing dramatically between nonhemopoietic and hemopoietic cell lineages. This implies that SHP-1 nuclear import is a tightly regulated process and indicates that SHP-1 may possess novel nuclear targets.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mechanism of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent increases in BAC1.2F5 macrophage-like cell density in response to M-CSF: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors increase the rate of apoptosis rather than inhibit DNA synthesis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To determine the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in macrophagecolony stimulating factor (M-CSF)-induced macrophage proliferation. MATERIALS: The M-CSF-dependent BAC1.2F5 murine macrophage cell line was used. METHODS: PI 3-kinase activity, Protein kinase B activation, increased cell numbers, induction of DNA synthesis and apoptosis were measured in response to serum, M-CSF and PI 3-kinase inhibitors. RESULTS: Wortmannin or LY294002 inhibited M-CSF-stimulated increases in BAC1.2F5 cell density. Further analysis showed that inhibition of PI 3-kinase had an insignificant effect on DNA synthesis, but significantly induced apoptosis. Other co-factors in serum mediated cell survival and prevented programmed cell death, in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner. Stimulation of BAC1.2F5 macrophages with M-CSF induced phosphorylation of PKB/Akt as detected by activation-specific antibodies. Activation of PKB/Akt correlated with PI 3-kinase activation, suggesting that the protection from apoptosis in these cells is mediated by PKB/Akt. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the lack of increase in cell numbers when cells are stimulated with M-CSF in the presence of PI 3-kinase inhibitors is due to a preferential PI 3-kinase requirement for protection against apoptosis, rather than a requirement for PI 3-kinase activation during the proliferation signal.

Androstadienes↗

Phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase-dependent vesicle formation in macrophages in response to macrophage colony stimulating factor.

Treatment of the BAC1.2F5 macrophage cell line with Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) resulted in a rapid induction of vesiculation that was reminiscent of macropinocytosis. Time-lapse micrography showed that these vesicles initiated as small vesicles at the cell periphery, but grew in size and migrated with time to a perinuclear localisation after growth factor stimulation. Immunofluorescence showed that the M-CSF receptor (c-fms) associated with the small vesicles and also the larger phase-bright vesicles. Treatment with two distinct inhibitors showed that the rapid initiation of vesicle formation was not dependent on phosphatidylinositol-3' (PI-3) kinase activity; however, the subsequent maintenance, maturation and translocation of the large, phase-bright, c-fms-containing vesicles was dependent on PI-3 kinase activity. The inhibitors could also reverse the further maturation of preformed vesicles. The inhibition of vesicle trafficking and maturation correlated with ablation of M-CSF-induced PI-3 kinase activity associated with p110(alpha). These data demonstrate a role for PI-3 kinase in vesicle trafficking and maintenance. PI-3 kinase activity was also necessary for the macropinocytotic response in macrophages, a process that is essential for efficient antigen processing and presentation in macrophage-like cells.

Animals↗

SH3 domain-mediated interactions involving the phox components of the NADPH oxidase.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To derive a model describing the SH3 domain-mediated assembly of the activated NADPH oxidase. MATERIALS: Recombinant SH3 domain and Pro-rich fusion proteins were used to investigate potential co-associations. METHODS: Interactions were assessed using biotinylated overlay assays and the yeast two hybrid system. Association with p47phox from cell lysates was examined by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: The association between p47- and p22phox involves the SH3 domains of p47phox functioning in tandem. The Prorich motif in p47phox interacts with both p40phox and the COOH-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox. CONCLUSIONS: In the resting cell, the Pro-rich motif of p47phox interacts with the SH3 domain of p40phox, which in turn associates with p67phox. Upon activation, the p47-p40phox regulatory complex dissociates, permitting the association of p47phox with the COOH-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox. This complex translocates to the plasma membrane and associates with cytochrome b558, via interaction of the tandem SH3 domains of p47phox with the p22phox Pro-rich motif.

Binding, Competitive↗

Identification of regions of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein responsible for association with selected Src homology 3 domains.

Src homology 3 (SH3) domains have been shown to mediate selected interactions between signaling molecules and are essential for the activation of a number of receptor-driven pathways. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein was identified as a protein that associated selectively with the SH3 domains derived from c-Src, p85alpha, phospholipase Cgamma1, and c-Fgr. Significantly reduced association was detected to the N-terminal SH3 domain and the tandem SH3 domains of p47(phox), and no binding was detected to the SH3 domain of n-Src, the C-terminal SH3 domain of p47(phox), or either of the SH3 domains of p67(phox). Three peptides corresponding to potential Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein SH3 domain binding motifs were found to inhibit its association with c-Src, Fgr, and phospholipase Cgamma1 SH3 domains, but not the p85alpha SH3 domain. These peptides have the sequences MRRQEPLPPPPPPSRG, TGRSGPLPPPPPGA, and KGRSGPLPPVPLGI and show homology with other SH3 domain binding motifs. It is possible that the intracellular association of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein with other signaling proteins is mediated by its SH3 domain-binding regions, and this may play a role in its putative function as a regulatory molecule in immune cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The C-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox binds its natural ligand in a reverse orientation.

Src-homology 3 (SH3) domains are small protein modules that bind to proline-rich motifs and mediate the formation of signalling complexes. SH3 domains have been implicated in the assembly of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex, a multicomponent enzyme responsible for the production of antimicrobial oxidants. Two components of the NADPH oxidase, p67phox and p47phox, each contain two SH3 domains and we have previously shown that the SH3 domain near the carboxyl terminus of p67phox interacts with a proline-rich region of p47phox. In order to gain an insight into the specificity of this interaction, a structural model of the p67phox SH3 domain has been produced using the known structure of the c-abl SH3 domain as a template. The model suggests that the proline-rich ligand of p47phox can bind to the SH3 domain in either of two orientations. In each orientation, the key residues of the SH3 domain that contact the ligand have been identified and altered by site-directed mutagenesis. The ability of the mutated SH3 domains to associate with p47phox from cell lysates was tested and the results provide the first evidence for the binding of a full-length protein to an SH3 domain in a reversed orientation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of Grb2-binding proteins in human platelets activated by Fc gamma RIIA cross-linking.

Glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-Grb2 fusion proteins have been used to identify the potential role of Grb2-binding proteins in platelet activation by the platelet low-affinity IgG receptor, Fc gamma RIIA. Two tyrosine phosphoproteins of 38 and 63 kD bind to the SH2 domain of Grb2 following Fc gamma RIIA stimulation of platelets. Both are located in the particulate fraction following platelet activation and are also able to bind to a GST-construct containing the SH2 and SH3 domains of phospholipase C gamma 1. p38 also forms a complex with the tyrosine kinase csk in stimulated cells and is a substrate for the kinase. The SH3 domains of Grb2 form a stable complex with SOS1 and two proteins of 75 kD and 120 kD, which undergo tyrosine phosphorylation in Fc gamma RIIA stimulated cells. The 75-kD protein is recognized by antibodies to SLP-76, which has recently been isolated from T cells and sequenced. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p38 and p63 is also observed in platelets stimulated by the tyrosine kinase-linked receptor agonist collagen and by the G protein-coupled receptor agonist thrombin, although phosphorylation of SLP-76 is only observed in collagen-stimulated platelets. p38 and p63 may provide a docking site for Grb2, thereby linking Grb2 SH3-binding proteins SOS1, SLP-76, and p120 to downstream signalling events.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Sam68 from an immortalised B-cell line associates with a subset of SH3 domains.

The binding of proteins from an immortalised B-cell line to a panel of SH3 domains was investigated in vitro. One of the most prominent SH3 domain binding proteins was a 68 kD polypeptide which strongly associated with the SH3 domains of c-src, p85a and p47phox and weakly with the SH3 domain of PLCgamma and n-src with undetectable binding to the other SH3 domains tested. Immunoblotting identified this protein as human Sam68. The ability of proline-rich peptides homologous to the Sam68 primary sequence to inhibit the binding of Sam68 to SH3 domains was investigated. Only one peptide inhibited binding of Sam68 to the p85alpha SH3 domain, whereas several peptides inhibited binding of Sam68 to c-src SH3 domain, suggesting that Sam68 uses different proline-rich motifs to bind to different SH3 domains. A peptide derived from residues 32-44 of Sam68 which fits the class II SH3 domain binding consensus sequence inhibited binding of Sam68 to both p85alpha SH3 domain and c-src SH3 domain, but with differential potency, suggesting a differential affinity of these SH3 domains for this proline-rich motif.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemotherapy without irradiation--a novel approach for newly diagnosed CNS germ cell tumors: results of an international cooperative trial. The First International Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor Study.

PURPOSE: Radiation therapy for CNS germ cell tumors (GCT) is commonly associated with neurologic sequelae. We designed a therapeutic trial to determine whether irradiation could be avoided. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received four cycles of carboplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin. Those with a complete response (CR) received two further cycles; others received two cycles intensified by cyclophosphamide. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled (45 with germinoma and 26 with nongerminomatous GCT [NGGCT]). Sixty-eight were assessable for response. Thirty-nine of 68 (57%) achieved a CR within four cycles. Of 29 patients with less than a CR, 16 achieved CR with intensified chemotherapy or second surgery. Overall, 55 of 71 (78%) achieved a CR without irradiation. The CR rate was 84% for germinomas and 78% for NGGCT. With a median follow-up duration of 31 months, 28 of 71 patients were alive without relapse or progression. Thirty-five showed tumor recurrence (n = 28) or progression (n = 7) at a median of 13 months. Twenty-six of 28 patients (93%) who recurred following remission underwent successful salvage therapy. Pathology was the only variable predictive of survival. The probability of surviving 2 years was .84 for germinoma patients and .62 for NGGCT. Seven of 71 patients died of toxicity associated with study chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Forty-one percent of surviving patients and 50% of all patients were treated successfully with chemotherapy only without irradiation. Chemotherapy-only regimens for CNS GCT, although encouraging, should continue to be used only in the setting of formal clinical trials.

Adolescent↗

pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity is not required for the assembly of F-actin stress fibres and focal adhesions in cultured mouse aortic smooth muscle cells.

The observed increase in phosphotyrosine content of focal adhesion-associated proteins, in response to integrin engagement, indicates a role for integrin-regulatable tyrosine kinase(s) in cytoskeletal re-organisation. The tyrosine kinase pp125FAK, by virtue of its focal adhesion localisation in fibroblasts, represents a prime candidate to perform this function. We have investigated whether pp125FAK performs a similar function in mouse aortic smooth muscle cells (MASMC). MASMC cultured for 16 hours exhibit F-actin stress fibres and focal adhesions. We have shown that vinculin, pp125FAK and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins are localised in focal adhesions during this time period. MASMC, under these culture conditions exhibit elevated pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity, as measured by an increased autophosphorylation potential. We investigated the development of F-actin stress fibres and focal adhesions in MASMC in response to adherence to fibronectin, conditions shown to promote cytoskeletal reorganisation in fibroblasts. Within 30 minutes, MASMC exhibited well-developed F-actin stress fibres and prominent focal adhesions which immunostained intensely for vinculin, pp125FAK and phosphotyrosine. Adherence to fibronectin has been reported to activate pp125FAK tyrosine kinase in fibroblasts, leading to the proposal that pp125FAK plays a critical role in focal adhesion formation. Therefore pp125FAK activation, in response to adherence to fibronectin, was investigated in MASMC. Anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assays of MASMC lysates have revealed that, under conditions which promote focal adhesion formation, pp125FAK remains inactive. Since overnight cultures of MASMC exhibited elevated pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity, we investigated whether these cells deposit their own combination of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and/or secrete factors into their conditioned medium which are capable of activating pp125FAK tyrosine kinase. Our results indicate that MASMC-elaborated ECM, but not their conditioned medium, supported pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activation. Furthermore, MASMC exposed to MASMC-ECM displayed a poorly defined F-actin stress fibre network and rudimentary focal adhesions. Thus we have demonstrated the existence of two adhesion-mediated situations in MASMC; one in which fibronectin promotes cytoskeletal reorganisation in the absence of pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity and the other in which cells adhering to MASMC-ECM display elevated pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity in association with an impaired ability to promote F-actin stress fibre and focal adhesion formation. These results indicate that in MASMC, pp125FAK tyrosine kinase activity is not involved in F-actin stress fibre assembly and focal adhesion formation.

Actins↗

Tyrosine phosphatase antagonist-induced activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase: a possible role for protein kinase C.

To investigate the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) activation we have examined the effect of the potent tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) inhibitor, vanadyl hydroperoxide, on PMN function. Western blotting of vanadyl hydroperoxide-treated PMN showed that there was a rapid dose-dependent increase in tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Vanadyl hydroperoxide also induced superoxide production in PMN over the range 10-100 microM, similar to the concentrations that also induced tyrosine phosphorylation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin totally inhibited the respiratory burst induced by vandyl hydroperoxide, showing that tyrosine kinase activity was necessary for superoxide production. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors chelerythrine and bisidolylmaleimide inhibited the vanadyl hydroperoxide-induced respiratory burst with an inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) close to that for PKC inhibition without affecting tyrosine phosphorylation. These results indicate a possible role for PKC in vanadyl hydroperoxide-mediated superoxide production, and that any PKC involvement is downstream of tyrosine phosphorylation. These results further demonstrate that inhibition of phosphotyrosine phosphatases results in the activation of a functional response, indicating a critical role for phosphotyrosine phosphatases in PMN stimulation.

Animals↗

An SH3 domain and proline-rich sequence mediate an interaction between two components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex.

Neutrophils possess a multicomponent NADPH oxidase system capable of producing large quantities of superoxide in a process known as the respiratory burst (1). Upon stimulation of a phagocytic cell, two cytosolic components of the oxidase, p67phox and p47phox, associate with a membrane-bound flavocytochrome b and a small GTP-binding protein to form a functional enzyme complex. Each of the Phox proteins contains two src homology 3 (SH3) domains, which are of unknown function but are potential mediators of protein-protein interactions between components of the activated oxidase. We have isolated a 47-kDa protein from lysates of differentiated HL60 cells that specifically bound to the carboxyl-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox and not to any other SH3 domain tested. This protein was identified as p47phox, and the putative SH3 domain binding site was located to a carboxyl-terminal proline-rich region. Proline-rich synthetic peptides based on this carboxyl-terminal region specifically inhibited the binding of p47phox to the carboxyl-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox, and sequential truncation defined a unique minimal sequence, which, although similar, does not match the consensus sequence defined for other SH3-binding proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Dose-intensive cyclophosphamide with etoposide and vincristine for pediatric solid tumors: a phase I/II pilot study by the Australia and New Zealand Childhood Cancer Study Group.

PURPOSE: This pilot study of the Australia and New Zealand Childhood Cancer Study Group investigated the effectiveness and toxicity of a regimen incorporating vincristine (VCR), etoposide, and divided-dose, escalating cyclophosphamide (CPA) (VETOPEC) in 23 patients aged 1 to 20 years with solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients (group A) had recurrent or refractory tumors after prior multiagent therapy, and six patients (group B) with adverse prognostic indicators were treated at initial presentation. Treatment cycles were 21 to 28 days and consisted of vincristine (0.05 mg/kg) on days 1 and 14, with etoposide (2.5 mg/kg/d) plus escalating CPA on days 1, 2, and 3. The CPA dosage was escalated from 30 mg/kg/d in cycle no. 1 by 5 mg/kg/d in each cycle to a maximum of 55 mg/kg/d in cycle no. 6. RESULTS: Of 20 patients assessable for tumor response, 19 (95%) responded after two to six cycles of VETOPEC: seven complete responses (CRs); eight very good partial responses (VGPRs); and four partial responses (PRs). In group A, 13 of 14 (93%) assessable patients responded (five CRs, four VGPRs, four PRs), and in group B, five stage IV and one stage III patient achieved two CRs and four VGPRs. The principal toxicity was myelosuppression. Grade IV neutropenia occurred after 98% of cycles, and the incidence of grade IV thrombocytopenia increased from 37% after cycle no. 1 to 91% after cycle no. 6 (P = .002). A total of 115 cycles delivered were followed by 62 febrile admissions (54%), and showed a significant rise with increasing cycles (P = .001). One patient died of septicemia. CONCLUSION: This combination and scheduling produced a high response rate in patients with recurrent, refractory, or advanced solid tumors of childhood. Further studies of this regimen and of strategies to reduce hematologic toxicity are warranted.

Adolescent↗

Tyrosine-kinase activity in rabbit platelets stimulated with platelet-activating factor. The effect of inhibiting tyrosine kinase with genistein on platelet-signal-molecule elevation and functional responses.

The temporal relationship of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in platelet-activating-factor-(PAF)-stimulated rabbit platelets was characterised by Western blotting using a monoclonal anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, demonstrated to be specific for detecting only tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. In addition, the protein tyrosine kinase (PTKase) inhibitor genistein, was used to investigate the role of endogenously activated PTKase(s) in the regulation of receptor-stimulated changes in both signal molecule production and in platelet functional responses. Several tyrosine phosphorylated protein bands (52-62 kDa) were observed in unstimulated platelets, however, within 5 s of PAF stimulation, two further groups of tyrosine phosphorylated protein bands were observed (35-45 kDa and 66-90 kDa) and within 30 s of PAF stimulation a further group was detected (90-150 kDa). Under conditions where intracellular Ca2+ was chelated with acetoxymethyl 1,2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (BAPTA-AM) and extracellular Ca2+ was chelated with EGTA, the number of tyrosine-phosphorylated bands was greatly reduced. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the proteins induced by PAF stimulation were differentially inhibited by treatment with genistein. Genistein inhibited PAF-induced elevation of the signal molecule inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and also inhibited both mobilization of Ca2+ and the influx of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane. These results suggest a role for endogenously activated PTKase(s) in the early stages of signal transduction in PAF-stimulated platelets. Moreover, inhibition of genistein-sensitive PTKase(s) also caused an inhibition of PAF-induced thromboxane B2 generation, dense-granule release and platelet aggregation, indicating a role for PTKase(s) in the regulation of platelet functional responses. Platelets stimulated with alpha-thrombin, ionomycin and 12-O-tetradecanylphorbol 13-acetate gave a similar pattern of phosphorylated proteins to PAF-stimulated platelets, however, whereas genistein inhibited protein phosphorylation, it had no significant effect on functional responses in platelets stimulated with these agents, suggesting that an alternative signalling pathway exists.

Animals↗

Calcium ionophore A23187 induces interleukin-8 gene expression and protein secretion in human monocytic cells.

The regulation of the expression of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in human monocytic cell lines has been investigated. Agents such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) or interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) did not induce increased IL-8 expression in THP-1 or U937 cells. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) alone induced suboptimal expression as assessed by Northern blotting; however, preincubation of cells with PMA followed by endotoxin induced much higher levels of IL-8 mRNA. Incubation of the cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 resulted in consistent increased IL-8 gene expression comparable to that of cells treated with endotoxin alone. In addition to inducing IL-8 mRNA this calcium ionophore also induced IL-8 protein synthesis as assessed by immunofluorescence and secretion as detected by ELISA. These results indicate that increases in intracellular calcium result in IL-8 gene expression and protein secretion.

Blotting, Northern↗