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Biomedical subjects

T M Haqqi

Publications and source records attributed to T M Haqqi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression profile of protein tyrosine kinase genes in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression profile of protein kinase (PK) and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) genes in human primary osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes and to compare it with that of immortalized human chondrocytes T/C 28a4 with a view to learning whether T/C 28a4 cells can be used for elucidating signal transduction pathways in human chondrocytes. DESIGN: We used the Atlas Human cDNA Array and a method based on PCR with degenerate primers to analyse the expression profile of protein kinase genes in primary human OA chondrocytes and compared it with that of immortalized human chondrocyte cell line T/C 28a4 using RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 21 PTK genes were identified and several of these have never been shown to be expressed in human OA chondrocytes. Comparative expression analysis of some selected kinase genes showed that the mRNA expression pattern of many protein kinase genes in OA chondrocytes was identical to that of T/C 28a4 cells. However, there were differences in the level of protein expression of selected protein kinases in these cells. For example, mRNA expression of the novel kinase HCK was detected in OA chondrocytes and in the cell lines analysed but by Western blotting HCK protein was not detected in OA chondrocytes. In these studies, we also identified a novel mutant form of the discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) transcript from chondrocyte-like cell line HTB-94. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel information about protein kinase gene expression in OA chondrocytes and indicate that the transformed chondrocyte cell line T/C 28a4 may be suitable for elucidating signal transduction pathways in chondrocytes and to investigate how they regulate chondrocyte function in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases.

Blotting, Western↗

Involvement of caspase-3 in epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated apoptosis of human chondrosarcoma cells.

Green tea polyphenol-(-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-is a potent chemopreventive agent in many test systems and has been shown to inhibit tumor promotion and induce apoptosis. In this study we describe a novel observation that EGCG displayed strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation and viability of HTB-94 human chondrosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Investigation of the mechanism of EGCG-induced apoptosis revealed that treatment with EGCG resulted in DNA fragmentation, induction of caspase-3/CPP32 activity, and cleavage of the death substrate poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). Pretreatment of cells with a synthetic pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) and a caspase-3-specific inhibitor (DEVD-CHO) prevented EGCG-induced PARP cleavage. The induction of apoptosis by EGCG via activation of caspase-3/CPP32-like proteases may provide a mechanistic explanation for its antitumor effects.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Tumour necrosis factor alpha enhances the expression of hydroxyl lyase, cytoplasmic antiproteinase-2 and a dual specificity kinase TTK in human chondrocyte-like cells.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects on cells ranging from proliferation to apoptosis. These biological effects of TNF-alpha are believed to be elicited by the induction or enhancement of the expression of TNF-alpha responsive genes in the target cells. TNF-alpha is pro-inflammatory and a principal mediator in the pathogenesis of arthritis. The activation of an inflammatory cascade by TNF-alpha in arthritis results in the degradation of cartilage, joint destruction and loss of function. Because TNF-alpha is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of arthritis, the present study addresses the identification of novel TNF-alpha responsive genes in HTB-94 cell line which is of human origin and maintains a chondrocytic phenotype. The three identified cDNAs were previously not known to be induced or upregulated by TNF-alpha in chondrocytes or cells of chondrocytic lineage. One of the identified cDNAs had sequence similarity to human hydroxyl lyase mRNA (PLOD), an enzyme involved in collagen biosynthesis and its metabolism; the second cDNA had sequence similarity to the human cytoplasmic anti-proteinase-2 mRNA (CAP-2), a member of a group of proteins shown to be associated with protecting cells from TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis; and the third cDNA had sequence similarity to a dual specificity kinase, TTK, which is associated with cell proliferation. Relative gene expression level analysis by PCR and by Northern blotting revealed that treatment with TNF-alpha enhanced the expression of PLOD, CAP2 and TTK transcripts which confirmed the results obtained with display gels. Furthermore, TTK mRNA expression was also induced in human articular chondrocytes treated with TNF-alpha but not in untreated chondrocytes. Our results suggest that these genes may play a role in chondrocytic responses to TNF-alpha-mediated stimuli affecting the cartilage homeostasis.

Base Sequence↗

Prevention of collagen-induced arthritis in mice by a polyphenolic fraction from green tea.

Identification of common dietary substances capable of affording protection or modulating the onset and severity of arthritis may have important human health implications. An antioxidant-rich polyphenolic fraction isolated from green tea (green tea polyphenols, GTPs) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties in experimental animals. In this study we determined the effect of oral consumption of GTP on collagen-induced arthritis in mice. In three independent experiments mice given GTP in water exhibited significantly reduced incidence of arthritis (33% to 50%) as compared with mice not given GTP in water (84% to 100%). The arthritis index also was significantly lower in GTP-fed animals. Western blot analysis showed a marked reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase 2, IFN-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in arthritic joints of GTP-fed mice. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of the arthritic joints in GTP-fed mice demonstrated only marginal joint infiltration by IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing cells as opposed to massive cellular infiltration and fully developed pannus in arthritic joints of non-GTP-fed mice. The neutral endopeptidase activity was approximately 7-fold higher in arthritic joints of non-GTP-fed mice in comparison to nonarthritic joints of unimmunized mice whereas it was only 2-fold higher in the arthritic joints of GTP-fed mice. Additionally, total IgG and type II collagen-specific IgG levels were lower in serum and arthritic joints of GTP-fed mice. Taken together our studies suggest that a polyphenolic fraction from green tea that is rich in antioxidants may be useful in the prevention of onset and severity of arthritis.

Animals↗

T cells reactive to a single immunodominant self-restricted allopeptide induce skin graft rejection in mice.

Alloreactive T lymphocytes can respond to foreign MHC complexed with foreign peptides through the direct pathway of allorecognition and can additionally recognize allopeptides expressed in the context of recipient (self) MHC through the indirect pathway. To better elucidate how indirect pathway-responsive CD4(+) T cells mediate allograft rejection, we isolated and characterized a TH1 T cell line from BALB/c recipients of B10.A skin that responds to a defined immunodominant, self-restricted allopeptide, I-Abetak58-71. When transferred into BALB/c severe combined immunodeficiency recipients of B10.A skin allografts, this cell line specifically induced a form of skin graft rejection characterized by the presence of TH1 cytokines, macrophage infiltration, and extensive fibrosis. Recall immune responses and immunofluorescence of the rejecting skin revealed only the presence of the peptide-specific T cells within the recipient animals, with no evidence of a direct pathway alloresponse. These studies demonstrate that T cells reactive to a single self-restricted allopeptide can mediate a form of allogeneic skin graft rejection that exhibits characteristics of a chronic, fibrosing process.

Animals↗

Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in B10.BV8S2 transgenic mice: preferential usage of TCRAV1 gene by lymphocytes responding to acetylcholine receptor.

Multiple TCRBV genes have been implicated in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) pathogenesis in susceptible H-2(b) strains of mice. We studied the contribution of specific TCRBV and AV genes in EAMG pathogenesis using B10.BV8S2 transgenic mice (H-2[b]). The TCR transgenic mice predominantly have TCRBV8S2 transgene, but can use any of the endogenous AV gene repertoire. The transgenic mice were immunized with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in CFA and evaluated for EAMG pathogenesis. Although the lymphocyte responses to AChR in B10.BV8S2 transgenic and nontransgenic TCR wild-type mice were equivalent, a marked reduction in lymphocyte response to the dominant AChR alpha chain peptide 146-162 was observed in the TCR transgenic mice. After boosting with AChR in CFA, anti-AChR Abs were detected in the serum, and 14 of 42 (33%) of the TCR transgenic mice developed clinical EAMG. Furthermore, EAMG in TCR transgenic mice was prevented by treatment with mAb to TCRBV8, which depleted BV8-expressing T cells. Cloning and sequencing of TCRAV genes from AChR-reactive T cells from B10.BV8S2 transgenic mice revealed a pattern of restricted TCRAV gene usage. The majority (60%) of the clones sequenced showed a sequence identical with that of the TCRAV1S8 gene. In the normal spleen cells of TCR transgenic mice, AV gene usage was more random. Thus, despite the presence of a complete endogenous TCRAV repertoire in B10.BV8S2 transgenic mice, T cells responding to AChR preferentially used a single endogenous TCRAV gene, thus implicating the involvement of the TCRAV1S8 gene in EAMG pathogenesis.

Animals↗

Immunization with T cell receptor V beta chain peptides deletes pathogenic T cells and prevents the induction of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in susceptible strains of mice is an animal model of T cell-mediated inflammatory polyarthritis. Analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta gene usage in cells isolated from arthritic joints of BUB/BnJ (BUB) mice (H-2q, TCR V beta a) showed that TCR V beta chain gene usage was limited to TCR V beta 3 and V beta 10 gene families. All of the BUB mice immunized with a mixture of TCR V beta 3 and TCR V beta 10 peptides, but not with control TCR V beta 14 peptide, were refractory to the induction of CIA. Immunization with TCR V beta 3 and V beta 10 peptides completely blocked the development of clinical and subclinical inflammation, formation of pannus and synovial hyperplasia, and the erosion of cartilage and bone. Further studies revealed that preimmunization of BUB mice with V beta 10 peptide alone was sufficient to render the mice resistant to CIA. Analysis of TCR V beta chain gene expression in lymph node cells from arthritic and arthritis-protected mice showed the expression of TCR V beta 10 subfamily in all of the arthritic mice, but not in arthritis-protected mice. Immunization with TCR V beta peptides did not diminish the humoral responses to chicken type-II collagen and also elicited significant levels of anti-V beta 3 and anti-V beta 10 peptide antibodies. Antibodies cross-reactive with mouse chicken type-II collagen were detected in both the arthritic and arthritis-protected mice. Adoptive transfer of serum from arthritis-protected BUB mice significantly delayed the onset (P < 0.005) of arthritis in recipient BUB mice. In contrast, mice injected with serum from arthritic mice had early onset of arthritis. These results demonstrate that immunization of BUB mice with TCR V beta chain peptides elicited antibodies reactive with the self-TCR and prevented the induction of collagen-induced arthritis by eliminating or downregulating pathogenic T cells and consequently blocking the development of humoral immune response. These findings may have clinical applications in treating human autoimmune diseases characterized by common TCR gene usage.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hereditary osteoarthritis with mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia--are there "hot spots" on COL2A1?

OBJECTIVE: To define the genetic basis of a family with an autosomal, dominantly inherited form of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) associated with tall stature. METHODS: A 6 generation family with early onset osteoarthritis (OA) associated with mild SED was studied. 14 individuals were examined clinically and radiologically, and DNA analysis was performed on 5. As the clinical pattern of joint involvement and tall stature of affected individuals resembled a family recently reported with an exon 11 mutation in COL2A1, this same mutation was specifically sought. In 2 clinically affected and 3 unaffected family members, exon 11 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digestion with Asp H1, the enzyme recognition sequence of which is altered by the mutation. The PCR product containing exon 11 was then directly sequenced. RESULTS: OA with widespread involvement of peripheral joints, in addition to spondylodysplasia, was seen in 14 members of the kindred. Affected family members had brachydactyly and were of average to above average height. Asp H1 digestion of the PCR product containing exon 11 in those with clinical disease was consistent with the presence of a mutation. Direct sequencing of this PCR product conclusively showed that a single base substitution was present in those with clinical disease, resulting in an arginine 75-cysteine (Arg75-Cys) mutation. CONCLUSION: We describe a 3rd family with an Arg75-Cys mutation with precocious generalized OA and mild SED. This finding supports the concept of mutational hot spots on COL2A1 related to the hypermutability of the cytosine-guanine doublet.

Adolescent↗

Limited heterogeneity in T-cell receptor V beta chain gene expression in arthritic joints of BUB/BnJ (H-2q) mice--a T-cell receptor V beta a strain.

We have earlier shown that T-cells in arthritic joints and LNs of B10.Q mice (H-2q, TCR V beta b) use a restricted number of TCR V beta chain genes (V beta 6, 8, 9). In the present study, we have investigated the TCR V beta chain gene expression in arthritic joints and LN of BUB/BnJ mice (H-2q, TCR V beta a). Mice were immunized with [table: see text] chicken type-II collagen, and arthritic joints and draining LNs were removed at the onset of arthritis and the TCR V beta chain gene expression was studied by PCR. A restricted usage of TCR V beta was observed in both the tissues. A dominant usage of TCR V beta 4, 7, and 15 was found in the LNs while TCR V beta 3 and 10 were predominantly expressed in arthritic joints in the majority of the arthritic mice (5/7). Our results indicate that (a) in H-2q mice with CIA there is a restricted usage of TCR V beta chain genes regardless of the TCR V beta genotype; and (b) in the absence of TCR V beta 8 and 9, TCR V beta 3 and 10 are predominantly used by joint-infiltrating T-cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phenotypic modulation of newly synthesized proteoglycans in human cartilage and chondrocytes.

The proteoglycans synthesized by human osteoarthritic femoral head cartilage and nonarthritic articular cartilage age-matched to the osteoarthritic cartilage specimens was studied in explant cultures and in chondrocytes generated by explant outgrowth from the cartilages. Twenty-four hours after explanation, both nonarthritic articular cartilage and osteoarthritic cartilage synthesized principally one large proteoglycan core protein that migrated on 3-5% acrylamide gels with an apparent molecular mass (M(r)) of approximately 520 kDa after enzymatic digestion with chondroitinase ABC and keratanase. The proteoglycan was found in both the explant itself and in the medium compartment of the culture as well. This proteoglycan contained chondroitin-6-sulfate, keratan sulfate and the hyaluronan binding region as evidenced by immunoblotting with murine anti-proteoglycan monoclonal antibodies indicating that the proteoglycan was aggrecan. To a much lesser extent two additional proteoglycan core proteins were also found in the explant but were not seen in the culture medium compartment. These proteoglycans possessed apparent M(r)'s of approximately 480 kDa and approximately 390 kDa on 3-5% acrylamide gels after chondroitinase ABC and keratanase digestion. The medium compartment contained principally the approximately 520 kDa proteoglycan core protein. In osteoarthritic cartilage explants, the pattern of newly synthesized proteoglycans recovered from the tissue as assessed on 3-16% polyacrylamide gradient gels remained relatively the same from day 1 after explantation up to 36 days of culture. By contrast, the proteoglycans recovered from the culture medium contained chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate after 1, 7, and 21 days in culture but by 36 days appeared to contain only chondroitin sulfate. Chondrocytes generated from osteoarthritic cartilage and age-matched nonarthritic articular cartilage synthesized different patterns of large (greater than 200 kDa) proteoglycan. Whereas chondrocytes derived from osteoarthritic cartilage continued to synthesize principally the approximately 520 kDa proteoglycan core protein, the chondrocytes derived from nonarthritic cartilage synthesized in addition to this proteoglycan, abundant amounts of the other two proteoglycan core proteins as well.

Age Factors↗

Restricted expression of T cell receptor V beta and lymphokine genes in arthritic joints of a TCR V beta a (H-2q) mouse strain-BUB/BnJ-with collagen-induced arthritis.

Type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is an animal model of inflammatory polyarthritis with clinical and pathological features resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We compared the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta genes in T cells isolated from the inflamed joints, draining lymph nodes and the spleens of BUB/BnJ (H-2q) mice (BUB) during the early phase of CIA. We also investigated the profiles of cytokine gene expression in T cells obtained from the same tissues. We found that the expression of TCR V beta s, in arthritic joints of mice, during the early phase of the disease was limited to TCR V beta 3 and 10 gene families. In contrast, TCR V beta 4, 7, and 15 were predominant in the draining lymph nodes (LNs) and TCR V beta 2, 6, and 14 were predominant in the spleens of arthritic mice. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis revealed that the T cell populations in the arthritic joints were oligoclonal as determined by the limited N-D-N region diversity observed in the sequenced clones. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that (1) joint infiltrating T cells in TCR V beta a genotype mice use a restricted repertoire of TCR V beta genes; (2) there was oligoclonal expansion of infiltrating T cells in arthritic joints in mice with collagen-induced arthritis. Our results on cytokine gene expression in the arthritic joints of BUB mice indicate that Th-1-like T cell derived cytokines may be the predominant cytokines in the arthritic joints as illustrated by the presence of transcripts for IL-2 and IFN-gamma but not IL-4. In summary, our results provide evidence that T cells with restricted specificities, and more specificially, Th-1 type T cells, are crucial in the early phase of collagen induced arthritis in mice.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Type II procollagen gene (COL2A1) mutation in exon 11 associated with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, tall stature and precocious osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical, pathological and molecular genetic characteristics of a family with mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) and precocious osteoarthritis. METHODS: The proband was a 46-year-old man with precocious generalized OA, tall stature, mild chondrodysplasia and moderate deafness. His daughter, aged 21, showed similar clinical features. Electron microscopic (EM) analysis of collagen from an affected joint of the proband was performed. DNA was extracted from whole blood on the proband, his affected daughter, unaffected wife and second daughter, to look for a mutation in exons 31 or 11, sites where point mutations have been previously described in mild forms of SED. After finding no mutation in exon 31, exon 11 of COL2A1 was further analyzed. Exon 11 was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and screening for the mutation was undertaken using a restriction enzyme digestion, the recognition sequence of which is altered by this point mutation. Sequence analysis was then performed. RESULTS: Electron microscopic (EM) analysis of cartilage from the proband showed thin appearing collagen fibrils organized into parallel lamellar structures. DNA studies revealed a single base change in one allele of exon 11 which produced an arginine to cysteine mutation at position 75 of the triple helix of type II collagen in the proband and his affected daughter. CONCLUSION: This is the 2nd example of an Arginine75-Cysteine mutation associated with SED; in our case, however, contrasting clinical features were present. Recurrent mutations at a few specific sites of COL2A1 suggest the possibility of susceptibility "hot spots" for mutational events.

Adult↗

Clinical correlations of osteoarthritis associated with single base mutations in the type II procollagen gene.

There are increasing numbers of mutations described in the gene for type II collagen (COL2A1). Recently, COL2A1 mutations were shown to be associated with milder forms of chondrodysplasia, which may present with precocious generalized osteoarthritis (OA). The arginine519-cysteine and the arginine75-cysteine mutations are 2 such sites on COL2A1 where multiple unrelated families have been reported presenting with early onset, generalized OA and chondrodysplasia. The observation of multiple sites where recurrent mutations occur suggests that certain areas of COL2A1 are more prone to mutational events.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

BUB/BnJ (H-2q) is a TCR deletion mutant mouse strain (TCR V beta a, KJ16-) that is susceptible to type II collagen-induced arthritis.

Type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice is an animal model of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis is induced in susceptible strains of mice (H-2q and H-2r) after immunization with heterologous or autologous type II collagen in CFA. Induction of CIA is T cell dependent and a restricted usage of TCR V beta genes has been found in the arthritic joints and lymph nodes of mice with CIA. However, genes within the MHC are not the only determinants of susceptibility to CIA as SWR/j, AU/ssJ (both H-2q) and RIIIS/J(H-2r) mice are resistant to the induction of CIA. These strains of mice are TCR V beta chain genes deletion mutants (TCR V beta a and TCR V beta c haplotypes) and it was hypothesized that these mice are resistant to CIA because of the absence of a particular set of V beta TCR genes that are genomically deleted in these strains of mice. We now show that BUB/BnJ mice (H-2q) are T cell subsets deficient because of the genomic deletion of TCR V beta 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 sub-families. Our data demonstrate that despite the deficiency in T cell subsets from genomic deletion of TCR V beta genes, BUB mice are highly susceptible to the development of CIA. These results indicate that genomic deletion of certain TCR V beta genes alone is not in itself sufficient to confer resistance to CIA. These results further suggest that other unknown gene(s) must also contribute to the induction of CIA.

Animals↗

Clinical correlations of osteoarthritis associated with a single-base mutation (arginine519 to cysteine) in type II procollagen gene. A newly defined pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence and clinical correlation of the arg519-to-cys mutation in the type II procollagen gene in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Sixty-six subjects from 7 families with a strong family history of generalized OA and 13 patients with erosive OA were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Blood samples from 58 subjects in the familial OA group and from all 13 patients with erosive OA were obtained for DNA analysis. Exon 31 of COL2A1, which spans residue 519, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The arg519-to-cys mutation was detected in 2 of the 7 families with generalized OA. In these 2 families, the mutation was present in the 2 probands and in 19 other clinically affected family members, as well as in 3 (so-far) clinically unaffected family members (ages 25, 14, and 11 years). It was absent in 18 clinically unaffected members tested. The mutation was associated with a distinctive pattern of early-onset, aggressive, generalized OA with a mild spinal chondrodysplasia. Inheritance was autosomal dominant. No mutation was found in any of the patients with erosive OA. CONCLUSION: The arg519-to-cys mutation defines a new pathogenic factor in generalized OA with characteristic clinical and radiologic features. The demonstration of a mutation in 3 of 8 families with OA studied thus far suggests a significant incidence of genetically related clinical OA.

Adolescent↗

Human cartilage from late stage familial osteoarthritis transcribes type II collagen mRNA encoding a cysteine in position 519.

A single base change resulting in the substitution of Cys for Arg at position 519 of the type II collagen triple helix is a predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of a precocious-onset form of familial osteoarthritis associated with a mild chondrodysplasia. Cartilage obtained at the time of total knee replacement in a patient with the Arg-Cys519 mutation was used to investigate the expression of Col2A1 alleles. Using PCR assisted amplification of mRNA with specific amplification of a region of Col2A1 message encompassing exons 31-34, followed by single strand conformation polymorphism and sequence analyses, we have found transcription products of both mutant and normal type II collagen alleles. Further analysis of the sequence of these exons provides evidence that the Arg-Cys519 mutation arose independently in at least two of the three known affected families. The presence of both mutant and normal alleles of Col2A1 in cDNA derived from cartilage obtained from this patient suggests that Cys519-containing type II collagen may continue to be produced even in advanced stages of osteoarthritis.

Alleles↗