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Biomedical subjects

Z Bar-Shavit

Publications and source records attributed to Z Bar-Shavit.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

TNF-alpha expression is transcriptionally regulated by RANK ligand.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is known for its osteoclastogenic and resorptive activities. Induction of osteoclastogenesis by receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is accompanied by increased TNF-alpha expression. In the present study we investigated the mechanism by which RANKL induces expression of TNF-alpha in osteoclast precursors. The macrophage-like cell-line, RAW 264.7 was used as a model for osteoclast precursors. To examine if RANKL-mediated increase in TNF-alpha expression involves increased stability of its transcript, RAW264.7 cells were treated with or without RANKL, and then a transcription inhibitor was added. At different time points, TNF-alpha and L32 mRNA levels were examined. TNF-alpha mRNA stability was not altered by RANKL. We next measured directly the transcription rate of TNF-alpha by a run-on assay and found that RANKL increases TNF-alpha transcription rate by 2.9-fold in RAW264.7 cells. We further characterized this transcriptional induction of TNF-alpha by RANKL. Gel shift assays using nuclear extracts derived from RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells show increased specific NF-kappaB binding activity on the murine TNF-alpha promoter. Gliotoxin, known for its ability to inhibit NF-kappaB activation blocked RANKL-induced TNF-alpha expression. We finally used 1,260 bp of the murine TNF-alpha promoter fused to luciferase, as well as four mutants of this promoter carrying mutations in each of the four NF-kappaB sites to stably transfect RAW 264.7 cells. Reporter activity was increased in response to RANKL in wild type promoter transfected cells, whereas treatment of the mutants' transfected cells did not elicit reporter activity. In conclusion, RANKL induces TNF-alpha expression via a transcriptional mechanism, depending on the NF-kappaB sites in the TNF promoter.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Developmental regulation of proenkephalin gene expression in osteoblasts.

Proenkephalin (PENK), a classically defined opioid gene, was originally thought to be expressed almost exclusively in the mature nervous and neuroendocrine systems. In the last few years, it was demonstrated, however, that high levels of PENK messenger RNA and PENK-derived peptides are expressed in embryonic mesenchymal tissues during differentiation into mature tissues and organs. Shortly after birth, as development progresses, PENK expression drops in those tissues to undetectable levels. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating this transient expression. To investigate those mechanisms, we used primary cell cultures of calvaria-derived osteoblasts. These cultures express PENK and exhibit a normal pattern of osteoblastic differentiation. In the present study we demonstrate that 1) a reciprocal interrelationship exists between PENK expression and osteoblastic differentiation in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro; namely, PENK expression is down-regulated upon cellular differentiation; 2) PENK promoter usage and messenger RNA splicing function similarly in osteoblasts and in neural cells; 3) osteoblastic PENK expression is modulated by bone-targeting hormones; and 4) this down-regulation is inhibited by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H-8. The link between osteoblastic differentiation and down-regulation of PENK expression together with our preliminary findings indicating the existence of an osteoblastic opioid receptor suggest that opioids act in an autocrine/paracrine mechanism on undifferentiated osteoblasts and play a significant role in bone development.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1994

Dual role of osteoblastic proenkephalin derived peptides in skeletal tissues.

Proenkephalin encode a group of small peptides with opiate-like activity, the endogenous opioids, known to function as neurohormones, neuromodulators, and neurotransmitters. Recently, we have demonstrated that in addition to its abundance in fetal brain tissue, proenkephalin is highly expressed in nondifferentiated mesodermal cells of developing fetuses. We identified the skeletal tissues, bone, and cartilage as major sites of proenkephalin expression. To examine the possibility that proenkephalin is involved in bone development we have studied the expression of this gene in bone-derived cells, its modulation by bone active hormones, and the effects of enkephalin-derived peptides on osteoblastic phenotype. Our studies revealed that osteoblastic cells synthesize high levels of proenkephalin mRNA which are translated, and the derived peptides are secreted. Reciprocal interrelationships between osteoblast maturation and proenkephalin expression were established. These results together with our observations demonstrating inhibitory effects of proenkephalin-derived peptides on osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase activity, strongly support the notion that proenkephalin is involved in bone development. A different direction of research by other investigators has established the capability of the opioid system in the periphery to participate in the control of pain. On the basis of these two lines of observation, we would like to present the following hypothesis: The potential of embryonic skeletal tissue to synthesize proenkephalin-derived peptides is retained in the adult in small defined undifferentiated cell populations. This potential is realized in certain situations requiring rapid growth, such as remodeling or fracture repair. We suggest that in these processes, similarly to the situation in the embryo, the undifferentiated dividing cells produce the endogenous opioids. In the adult these peptides may have a dual function, namely participating in the control of tissue regeneration and in the control of pain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Regulation of TNF-alpha release from bone marrow-derived macrophages by vitamin D.

The calcium-regulating hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] is recognized as an immunomodulator affecting the activities of macrophages and lymphocytes. We have shown that macrophages harvested from vitamin D-deficient mice (-D MPs) exhibit impaired phagocytic and tumoricidal activities as compared with control cells (+D MPs), and that bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) differentiation is modulated by 1,25(OH)2D3. The release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by macrophages is considered a major mechanism by which these cells exert their tumoricidal function. This cytokine was also implicated in modulation of bone resorption. In the present study we examine the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in TNF-alpha synthesis and release. BMDMs were harvested from +D and -D mice, cultured in vitro, and their conditioned media were analyzed for the presence of TNF-alpha. BMDMs did not release measurable amounts of TNF-alpha without stimulation. Addition of endotoxin (LPS) to the cultures, resulted in a marked stimulation of TNF-alpha release. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the stimulatory action of LPS, but failed to elicit a stimulatory effect in the absence of LPS. The use of another macrophage activator, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), yielded essentially similar results. +D and -D mice were injected with LPS and TNF-alpha levels in the serum were measured. A marked reduction (approximately fourfold) in the TNF-alpha levels was observed in the serum of -D mice as compared with +D mice. Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses suggested that the main effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 is on TNF-alpha synthesis. Our findings suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 plays a role in the regulation of TNF-alpha secretion by mononuclear phagocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Modulation of vitamin D increased H2O2 production and MAC-2 expression in the bone marrow-derived macrophages by estrogen.

The calcium-regulating hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is recognized as an immunomodulator. Members of the macrophage-monocyte lineage are targets for 1,25(OH)2D3 action. The hormone enhances the ability of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to produce H2O2, increases the expression of the macrophage specific surface antigen MAC-2, increases the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and inhibits BMDM proliferation. In the present study we examine the possibility that estrogen modulates 1,25(OH)2D3 effects on BMDMs. The active form, 17 beta-estradiol, failed to affect any of the BMDM functions by itself. On the other hand, 17 beta-estradiol increased the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 production by BMDMs and on MAC-2 expression on these cells. The inactive estrogen analog 17 alpha-estradiol was unable to elicit these effects. Moreover, 17 beta-estradiol was unable to elicit these effects. Moreover, 17 beta-estradiol did not affect the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in H2O2 production by BMDMs. Modulation of BMDM proliferation and TNF-alpha release from these cells by 1,25(OH)2D3 were not affected by the estrogen. The experiments were performed with BMDMs harvested from vitamin D-depleted and repleted mice, and always under similar conditions, the various functions were more pronounced in the cells derived from the repleted mice. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that 17 beta-estradiol modulates the interactions of 1,25(OH)2D3 with BMDMs and consequently is able to affect biological responses to 1,25(OH)2D3 in these cells. We propose that this cell system is a convenient, nontransformed model for studying cellular activities of 1,25(OH)2D3.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Impaired bone marrow-derived macrophage differentiation in vitamin D deficiency.

The calcium-regulating hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), is also recognized as an immunomodulator. In vitro addition of the hormone to bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) results in a decreased proliferation and an increased differentiation. In the present work we compare the in vitro differentiation of BMDMs derived from vitamin D-depleted and -repleted mice (-D and +D BMDMs, respectively). -D BMDMs proliferate in vitro slower than +D BMDMs. Addition of the hormone to BMDM cultures inhibited the rate of their proliferation, which was more pronounced in low-density cultures. The ability of mononuclear phagocytes to produce reactive oxygen metabolites is an important element in the microbicidal functions of these cells. We found that -D BMDMs produce less H2O2 than +D BMDMs, which was corrected by the in vitro addition of 1,25(OH)2D3. Analyses of various macrophage-specific surface antigens revealed a reduction in their expression on -D BMDMs. In vitro addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to BMDM cultures increased the expression of these antigens. The activity of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase was similarly affected by vitamin D deficiency and by the in vitro addition of the hormone. Thus, vitamin D deficiency is associated with impaired maturation of BMDMs suggesting that the hormone is a natural modulator of macrophage maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Proenkephalin A in bone-derived cells.

Enkephalins, a group of small peptides with opiate-like activity, have been defined originally as neuropeptides. Recent reports showed, using in situ hybridization, that the enkephalin-encoding gene, proenkephalin A (pEnkA), is expressed in nondifferentiated cells of diverse mesodermal lineages. The transient expression of pEnkA in these tissues during organogenesis suggests that this gene is involved in processes such as differentiation and/or cell proliferation. In situ hybridization revealed that bone and cartilage are among the tissues that express pEnkA most actively during organogenesis. Here we show that pEnkA mRNA is abundant in normal calvaria-derived cells and in osteosarcoma-derived cell lines ROS 17/2.8 and ROS 25/1. In addition, pEnkA-derived peptides are synthesized and secreted by these cells, as revealed by specific RIA. pEnkA expression in ROS cells is decreased by osteogenin, an osteoinductive factor, and by the calcium-regulating hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, whereas the osteoblastic phenotype marker, alkaline phosphatase, is increased by these factors. These results together with the inhibitory effects of pEnkA-derived peptides on alkaline phosphatase activity in ROS 17/2.8 cells suggest that pEnkA is involved in bone development and provide a model system for further analysis of pEnkA expression during this process.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1990

Osteoblast-like cell line maintains in vitro rat peritoneal mast cell viability and functional activity.

We studied the ability of the rat osteosarcoma derived cell-line with osteoblastic properties ROS-17/2.8 (ROS) to maintain in vitro rat peritoneal mast cells (MC) in a functional state. Highly purified (greater than 95%) MC were seeded on confluent ROS cells. The MC adhered tightly to the monolayers within a few hours and remained viable for at least 2 weeks, but did not proliferate. The MC retained their typical appearance, exhibiting highly granulated resting morphology when stained with alcian blue followed by safranin or with acidic toluidine blue. Furthermore, after 2 weeks, the MC were fully responsive to activation with compound 48/80 (3 micrograms/ml), releasing 75% of their histamine content, as compared to 3% in the absence of the secretagogue. Utilizing metabolically inactive ROS cells and prevention of contact between ROS and MC, we found that both release of factor(s) and cell-cell contact were required by ROS to exhibit their MC supporting activity. Various other cells and cell lines were unable to support MC viability. On the other hand, as demonstrated before, 3T3 fibroblasts were capable of promoting MC viability. Thus, MC viability and functional activity are specifically maintained by fibroblastic and osteoblastic cells. The abundance of MC in bone, and their participation in bone remodelling raise the possibility of physiological and pathological significance to interactions between MC and osteoblasts.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Impaired macrophage activation in vitamin D3 deficiency: differential in vitro effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on mouse peritoneal macrophage functions.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is known to interact in vitro with mononuclear phagocytes. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the steroid in macrophage activation in vivo. Peritoneal macrophages from normal and vitamin D3-deficient mice were obtained after i.p. injection of activating or eliciting agents. Cells obtained from vitamin D3-deficient mice exhibited defected capabilities to perform anti-tumor activities (cytostasis and cytolysis) and to form oxygen reduction products (H2O2 and O2-). On the other hand, the level of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase was unaffected by vitamin D3 deficiency. In vitro, incubation of macrophages with 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced their anti-tumor activities, but did not affect the cells' capacity to produce H2O2 and O2-, or acid phosphatase. Our results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 is essential for macrophage activation in vivo. However, in vitro, the hormone is only partially capable of affecting the macrophage functions, probably because of the maturation state of the cells.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1989

Modulation of the expression of CD4 on HL-60 cells by exposure to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The CD4 molecule functions as a receptor for the binding and infectivity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is of interest, therefore, to develop procedures for its down-regulation. In the present study, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on the expression of cell surface antigens of the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line was analyzed. Exposure of HL-60 cells to 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in down-regulation of CD4 as assessed by their staining with the Leu-3a monoclonal antibody (MoAb). This treatment increased the staining of HL-60 cells with the monocyte-specific 63D3 MoAb. In contrast to the rapid elimination of cell surface CD4 by exposure of HL-60 to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), the maximal reduction of CD4 by 1,25(OH)2D3 was attained within 48 h after the beginning of the exposure.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Ca2+ priming during vitamin D-induced monocytic differentiation of a human leukemia cell line.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) induces monocytic differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia line, HL-60, and enhances Ca2+ transport in target cells of the mineral metabolism system. Hence, we determined whether the steroid's maturational effect on HL-60 involves alterations of intracellular calcium [( Ca2+]i). We found that, as detected by indo-1 fluorescence, [Ca2+]i increases in a slow tonic manner from 99 +/- 11 nM in virgin HL-60 to 182 +/- 19 nM (p less than 0.001) in those treated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 24 h. The first apparent rise in [Ca2+]i occurs at between 6 and 12 h and parallels expression of alpha-thrombin and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) receptors. This increase in [Ca2+]i is derived from extracellular calcium as its reduction abolishes the effect. The increase in [Ca2+]i is associated with an increase in inositol trisphosphate-stimulated Ca2+ flux from intracellular stores. Interestingly, 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated HL-60 differentiation as manifest by expression of the macrophage-specific antigen, 63D3, is not blocked by low extracellular calcium. In contrast, the fMLP-induced superoxide ion generation is diminished if the increase in [Ca2+]i is prevented. Furthermore, fMLP-stimulated signal transduction is also reduced by limiting the stimulation of [Ca2+]i during 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. Thus, although differentiation of HL-60 to the monocytic phenotype by 1,25-(OH)2D3 is Ca2+-independent, expression of response to regulatory stimuli requires priming of cellular Ca2+ stores. The latter appears to be induced by 1,25-(OH)2D3 via stimulated Ca2+ entry through the plasma membrane.

Biological Transport↗
PubMed1988

Arachidonic acid metabolism by a vitamin D3-differentiated human leukemic cell line.

HL-60 is a human promyelocytic cell line that differentiates along the granulocytic pathway when incubated with dimethylsulfoxide and along the monocytic pathway when incubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. We compared arachidonic acid metabolism in undifferentiated, DMSO-differentiated, and 1,25-(OH)2D3-differentiated cells. DMSO- and 1,25-(OH)2D3-differentiated cells metabolized exogenous arachidonic acid to both cyclo-oxygenase products (predominantly thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2) and 5-lipoxygenase products, including leukotriene B4. Undifferentiated cells produce these metabolites in much smaller amounts. DMSO-differentiated cells released a large percentage of phospholipid-bound arachidonic acid in response to stimulation with the ionophore A23187, zymosan, or formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (FMLP). DMSO-differentiated cells stimulated with A23187 converted released arachidonate to LTB4 and TxB2. In contrast, 1,25-(OH)2D3-differentiated cells released a smaller percentage of phospholipid-bound arachidonate in response to stimuli, and undifferentiated cells released none at all. The three cell types (undifferentiated, DMSO-differentiated, and 1,25-(OH)2D3-differentiated) were homogenized and the 10,000 X g supernatant incubated with [14C]arachidonic acid. The supernatants from the homogenates of the DMSO- and 1,25-(OH)2D3-differentiated cells metabolized [14C]arachidonic acid to cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products, but the supernatant from the homogenate of undifferentiated cells did not. These data indicate that differentiation of HL-60 cells with DMSO or 1,25-(OH)2D3 induces cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase and induces mechanisms for the release of arachidonate from phospholipids by soluble and particulate stimuli.

Arachidonic Acid↗
PubMed1987

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates bone marrow macrophage precursor proliferation and differentiation. Up-regulation of the mannose receptor.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), the biologically active form of vitamin D3, has been shown to inhibit proliferation and promote monocytic differentiation of leukemic cell lines. In the present communication, we extend these observations to normal bone marrow macrophage precursors, and 1) identify the stage of monocytic maturation wherein the steroid exerts its antiproliferative effect, and 2) demonstrate that 1,25-(OH)2D3 promotes bone marrow macrophage differentiation as manifest by specific up-regulation of the lineage-specific membrane protein, the mannose-fucose receptor. In these experiments, the 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated inhibitory effect on colony formation was shown to be independent of attendant levels of colony stimulating factor-1 and targeted through the adherent bone marrow macrophage precursor. Examination of this steroid-sensitive adherent precursor population demonstrates that its specific binding of 125I-mannose bovine serum albumin spontaneously and progressively increases with time in culture. Whereas adherent bone marrow macrophages cultured for 2 days express 3 X 10(4) mannose receptors/cell, the number of binding sites increases to 7 X 10(4)/cell by day 4. When bone marrow macrophage precursors are exposed to 1,25-(OH)2D3, an additional stepwise enhancement of 125I-mannose bovine serum albumin obtains with time. Four days of culture with the steroid results in 1.6 X 10(5) mannose receptors/cell, a 100% increase as compared to control cells. Neither duration of culture nor exposure to 1,25-(OH)2D3 alters the KD of 125I-mannose bovine serum albumin which approximates 3-5 X 10(-9) ml-1. Finally, the "specificity" of vitamin D-mediated up-regulation of the mannose receptor was established by demonstrating that the steroid does not alter binding of 125I-alpha-thrombin by bone marrow-derived macrophage precursors.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Characterization of a human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2) with osteoblastic properties.

This study examines the osteoblastic properties of the established human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2. Saos-2 cells inoculated into diffusion chambers, which were implanted i.p. into nude mice, produced mineralized matrix in 4 of 6 chambers at 8 weeks. In 5 of 6 chambers there was a strong positive alkaline phosphatase reaction. In culture the alkaline phosphatase levels increased with time and cell density, reaching very high levels at confluence: 4-7 mumol/mg protein/min. The cells show a sensitive adenylate cyclase response to parathyroid hormone, 50% effective dose = 2.8 nM, which increases with cell density and is further raised by dexamethasone treatment. They also exhibit typical binding of 1-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to 3.2S receptor protein with an apparent Kd of 0.21 nM; the numbers of sites per cell were 3,300 at 50,000 cells/cm2 and 1,800 at 280,000 cells/cm2. The presence of osteonectin was visualized with a monoclonal antibody which revealed a reticular pattern on the cell surface. Osteonectin was also detected in the medium by Western blots, migrating at around Mr 40,000 in nonreduced gels and Mr 44,000 in reduced gels. The Saos-2 cells thus possess several osteoblastic features and could be useful as a permanent line of human osteoblast-like cells and as a source of bone-related molecules.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1986

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in a human leukemia cell line.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is a potent inducer of monocytic differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60. We have noted that 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in high doses is also capable of promoting monocytic differentiation of this cell line. To test the possibility that the latter activity is due to conversion of 25OHD3 to 1,25(OH)2D3 by HL-60, we exposed HL-60 cells to 25OHD3 and analyzed the products by HPLC and radioreceptor assay. When chromatographed in the traditional solvent system (isopropanol-hexane), a new peak appears which migrates with authentic 1,25(OH)2D3. However, in a solvent system containing dichloromethane, 90% of the peak migrates with another metabolite, 19-Nor-10-Keto-25OHD3 (19-Nor-25OHD3). Production of this metabolite is enhanced by living cells and is synthesized by both virgin HL-60 and those which have undergone differentiation. We next determined if authentic 19-Nor-25OHD3 also promotes differentiation of this cell. As assessed by appearance of the monocyte-specific surface antigen (63D3) and macrophage-specific esterase activity, we find that this metabolite does, in fact, induce monocytic differentiation of HL-60 with a potency of approximately 1/200 that of 1,25(OH)2D3 and similar to that of 25OHD3. In agreement with the effect upon cell maturation, 19-Nor-25OHD3 displaces 3H-1,25(OH)2D3 from its HL-60 receptor with an efficiency comparable to 25OHD3. Hence, HL-60 cells convert 25OHD3 to 19-Nor-25OHD3, and 19-Nor-25OHD3 induces monocytic differentiation of HL-60 with comparable efficiency to its precursor, 25OHD3.

Calcifediol↗
PubMed1986

Reversibility of vitamin D-induced human leukemia cell-line maturation.

HL-60 cells are induced to differentiate along a monocytic pathway by the active metabolites of vitamin D3, e.g. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. All such differentiated cells share a number of features in common but are heterogeneous in their ability to adhere to solid substrates and to resorb devitalized bone matrix. Here, we show that, in addition, as compared to the nonadherent, adherent cells are smaller, less likely to be in the S phase, more enriched in the human monocyte-specific cell surface antigen, 63D3, and contain less cmyc messenger RNA (mRNA). In addition, we document that removal of the hormone leads to dedifferentiation. For these susceptible mononuclear cells, removal of 1,25-(OH)2D3 results in a reversion to a more myeloblastic phenotype, renewed cell proliferation, and the rapid appearance of elevated levels of cmyc mRNA. Finally, we report that the cells that do not revert upon 1,25-(OH)2D3 removal are those that became multinucleated during treatment.

Antigens, Surface↗