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PubMed2003

DNA methylation and expression of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II transactivator genes in human developmental tumor cells and in T cell malignancies.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules play essential roles in the immune response by virtue of their ability to present peptides to T lymphocytes. Given their central role in adaptive immunity, the genes encoding these peptide-presenting molecules are regulated in a tight fashion to meet with local requirements for an adequate immune response. In contrast to MHC class I gene products, which are expressed on almost all nucleated cells, constitutive expression of MHC class II molecules is found in specialized antigen presenting cells of the immune system only. Transcription of both MHC class I and class II genes can be induced by immune regulators and upon cell activation. Transcription of MHC class I genes is mediated by a set of conserved cis acting regulatory elements in their promoters. Of these regulatory elements, MHC class II promoters share the SXY-module. Essential for activation of MHC class II promoters is the class II transactivator (CIITA), which acts through protein/protein interactions with regulatory factors bound to the SXY module. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA methylation in relation to altered expression of MHC class I and CIITA genes as observed in malignancies and in development.

Chromatin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allele-specific methylation in the 5'-regulatory region of class II DQ beta genes in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC): relationship to autoimmune disease susceptibility.

The DNA methylation state of the 5'-regulatory region of human HLA-DQ beta genes was examined. Two restriction enzymes were utilized to detect methylated (meCG) dinucleotides in the 5'-regulatory region of the DQ-beta genes: the restriction enzyme Msp I, which recognizes CCGG and CmeCGG, and Hpa II recognizes only the unmethylated CG sequence. DNA samples were prepared from 95 HLA-typed individuals including 40 B-lymphoblastoid cell lines and peripheral blood leukocytes of 55 individuals. Of these samples, 20 were from parents of individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes. Allele specific methylation was observed in particular DR-associated DQ-beta gene alleles. The DQw8 (DQw3.2) allele, most DQw7 (DQw3.1) alleles, and the DR3-associated DQw2 allele were all unmethylated. The parental methylation state was stably transmitted to offspring. Because these DQ alleles are highly associated with several autoimmune diseases, our results raise the possibility that the regulation of expression of these particular DQ-beta alleles might be different from that of other alleles, and that the 5'-regulatory DNA sequences of these particular DQ beta alleles may be responsible for, or contribute to, susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

Biphenyl-derivatives of 2-amino-7-phosphono-heptanoic acid, a novel class of potent competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists--II. Pharmacological characterization in vivo.

A selection of biphenyl-analogues of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists with high affinity in vivo efficacy. The lead compound SDZ EAB 515 was found to inhibit L-phenylalanine uptake by the large neutral amino acid carrier in vitro and in vivo; active transport may thus confer a good bioavailability to this class of compounds. CNS effects were demonstrated by significant changes in 2-deoxyglucose-uptake in various brain regions at doses from 1 to 10 mg/kg i.p. With the most active agent, SDZ 220-581, full protection against maximal electroshock seizures (MES) was obtained at oral doses of 10 mg/kg in rats and in mice. The compound had a fast onset (< or = 1 hr) and a long duration (> or = 24 hr) of action. Motor-debilitating effects (impairment of rotarod performance) occurred at doses about 10 times higher than those required for protection against MES. Neuroprotective activity was demonstrated by the ability of the compounds to reduce the extent of quinolinic acid-induced striatal lesions in rats, in the dose range of 3-15 mg/kg (i.p.) or 10-50 mg/kg (p.o.). In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats, the test compounds reduced the infarct size by 40-50% when given i.v. before or by 20-30% when given i.v. 1 hr after MCAO. SDZ 220-581 provided 20-30% protection at > or = 2 x 10 mg/kg p.o. This compound also showed analgesic activity at low oral doses in a model of neuropathic pain, although higher doses were required in model of mechanical inflammatory hyperalgesia. Unexpectedly, SDZ 220-581 at low s.c. doses counteracted the antiparkinsonian effects of L-DOPA in MPTP-treated marmosets. (Sub)chronic administration of SDZ 220-581 did not reduce its ability to protect against quinolinic acid neurotoxicity, and no upregulation of NMDA receptors was detected using a [3H]CGP-39653 binding assay. In conclusion, from a series of biphenyl-AP7-derivatives, SDZ 220-581 is clearly the most active compound in vivo. Its pharmacological profile with a good, long-lasting oral activity might open up novel therapeutic applications for competitive NMDA receptor antagonists.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1996

Native DNA repeats and methylation in Ascobolus.

We identified two classes of native dispersed DNA repeats in the Ascobolus genome. The first class consisted of several kilobase long, methylated repeats. These repeats, named Mars (methylated Ascobolus repeated sequences), fell in one family of LINE-like elements and in three families of LTR-containing retrotransposable elements. The methylation features of Mars elements were those expected if they were natural targets for the MIP (methylation induced premeiotically) previously discovered in Ascobolus. The second class consisted of short repeats, approximately 100 bp long, corresponding to 5S rRNA and tRNA genes. As expected from their size, which was too small to allow MIP to occur, they were unmethylated, as were 26 kb of unique sequences tested. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that MIP is targeted at natural DNA repeats and constitutes a defensive process against the detrimental consequences of the spreading of mobile elements throughout the genome. The 9 kb tandem repeats harbouring the 28S, 18S and 5.8S rRNA genes displayed methylation features suggesting that rDNA methylation proceeds through a process other than MIP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Genetic and pharmacologic analyses of the role of Icmt in Ras membrane association and function.

After isoprenylation, the Ras proteins and other proteins terminating with a so-called CAAX motif undergo two additional modifications: (1) endoproteolytic cleavage of the -AAX by Ras converting enzyme 1 (Rce1) and (2) carboxyl methylation of the isoprenylated cysteine residue by isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (Icmt). Although CAAX protein isoprenylation has been studied in great detail, until recently, very little was known about the biological role and functional importance of Icmt in mammalian cells. Studies over the past few years, however, have begun to fill in the blanks. Genetic experiments showed that Icmt-deficient embryos die at mid-gestation, whereas conditional inactivation of Icmt in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow is not associated with obvious pathology. One potential explanation for the embryonic lethality is that Icmt is the only enzyme in mouse cells capable of methylating isoprenylated CAAX proteins--including the Ras proteins. Furthermore, in addition to the CAAX proteins, Icmt methylates the CXC class of isoprenylated Rab proteins. In the absence of carboxyl methylation, the Ras proteins are mislocalized away from the plasma membrane and exhibit a shift in electrophoretic mobility. Given the important role of oncogenic Ras proteins in human tumorigenesis and the mislocalization of Ras proteins in Icmt-deficient cells, it has been hypothesized that inhibition of Icmt could be a strategy to block Ras-induced oncogenic transformation. Recent data provide strong support to that hypothesis: conditional inactivation of Icmt in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and treatment of cells with a novel selective inhibitor of Icmt, termed cysmethynil, results in a striking inhibition of Ras-induced oncogenic transformation.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2004

Molecular characterization of the tobacco SET domain protein NtSET1 unravels its role in histone methylation, chromatin binding, and segregation.

Plants contain a great number of genes encoding a distinctive class of SET domain proteins which harbor a plant-specific N-terminal part together with a C-terminal part showing highest sequence similarity to the catalytic domain of the yeast CLR4, the human SUV39H1 and G9a histone-methyltransferases (HMTases). Here we show that NtSET1, a representative member of this class from tobacco, methylated both K9 and K27 of histone H3 in vitro. Ectopic expression of NtSET1, by an inducible promoter, increased the amount of dimethylated H3K9 and induced chromosome-segregation defects in tobacco BY2 cells. Deletion analyses show that the HMTase activity, the association with specific chromatin regions and with condensed chromosomes, and the cellular effects largely depended on the C-terminal region including the SET domain of the protein. Nevertheless, the N-terminal part of NtSET1 was capable of targeting the green fluorescent protein to interphase chromatin. Finally, we show that NtSET1 bound LHP1, the Arabidopsis homolog of animal heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), and that LHP1 co-localized with heterochromatin containing high amounts of dimethylated H3K9, suggesting a role for NtSET1 in heterochromatic function. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the molecular and global chromatin-binding activities of this particular class member of plant SET domain proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Interaction of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex with a novel synapse-associated protein, SAP102.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are known to cluster at high concentration on the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory synapses, but the mechanism by which this occurs is poorly understood. Studies on the neuromuscular junction and central inhibitory synapses suggest that clustering of neurotransmitter receptors requires its interaction with a cytoplasmic protein. Recently, in vitro studies have shown that members of the N-methyl--aspartate (NMDA) class of glutamate receptors interact with a synapse-associated protein, SAP90 (PSD-95). However, evidence for the in vivo interaction of NMDA receptors with SAPs is still lacking. In the present study, we demonstrate the specific interaction between SAP102, a novel synapse-associated protein, and the NMDA receptor complex from the rat cortical synaptic plasma membranes using co-immunoprecipitation techniques. No association was observed between SAP102 and GluR1, a member of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate class of glutamate receptors. To identify the domain on the NMDA receptor responsible for this interaction, we constructed hexahistidine fusion proteins from different regions of the NR1a and NR2 subunits of the NMDA receptor. Immunoblot overlay experiments showed that while the C-terminal domain of the NR2 subunit displayed strong binding, the NR1a intracellular C-terminal tail did not interact with SAP102. The site of interaction was more precisely located to the last 20 amino acids of the NR2 subunit as indicated by the interaction of the synthetic peptide with SAP102. In summary, we demonstrate here for the first time an in vivo interaction between the native NMDA receptor complex and a synapse-associated protein. These results suggest that SAP102 may play an important role in NMDA receptor clustering and immobilization at excitatory synapses.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Hypomethylation of MHC class II Eb gene is associated with expression.

Methylation patterns in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II Eb locus have been analyzed in cell lines representative of different cell types; in particular those with phenotypes found at various stages of B cell development. A series of variant B cell lymphoma lines which serves as a model in which to investigate mechanisms regulating class II gene expression in normal peripheral B cells has been examined. Eb methylation patterns have also been determined in various healthy mouse tissues. The pattern of methylation of the Eb locus varies between different cell lines and tissue types such that hypomethylation is associated with gene expression. There appears to be a methylation pattern which is permissive for class II gene expression and which is characteristic of a variety of cell lines, but is lost in cell lines representing terminally differentiated class II nonexpressing plasma cells. Another methylation pattern has been identified which is found in cloned cell lines selected for expression of very high levels of cell surface class II product. The patterns of methylation associated with MHC class II expression involve changes in methylation sites located within the first intron and several kilobase pairs 5' of the promoter, but no changes were observed in the 3' end of the locus. Moreover, the different methylation patterns do not map to the prominent CpG rich cluster located 5' of the Eb promoter and which remains completely methylated regardless of transcriptional status.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Identification of a novel structural class of positive modulators of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, with actions mediated through the glycine recognition site.

This study describes a new structural class of compounds which interact at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-associated glycine recognition site. These E-gamma-substituted vinylglycine derivatives were active in displacing [3H]glycine binding from the NMDA receptor-associated recognition site in rat forebrain synaptic plasma membranes, with Ki values in the range of 0.24-8.7 microM. Functional analyses of these compounds indicate that they positively modulate basal [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H- [a,d]cyclohepaten-5,10-imine ([3H]MK-801) binding, consistent with their having agonist characteristics. Little stereospecificity is observed with the gamma-substituted methyl and propyl derivatives while the L-isomer of the hexyl analog is significantly more potent than the D-isomer. The D- and L-hydroxyethyl gamma-substituted vinylglycines were the most potent inhibitors of [3H]glycine binding with Ki values of 0.75 +/- 0.06 microM and 0.24 +/- 0.02 microM, respectively. The 3,4-double bond was necessary for activity in that the saturated hexyl derivative (2-aminodecanoate) was inactive. Based on the results reported herein, the hypothesis that there is a distinct size restriction for functional agonists which interact with the glycine recognition site, should be altered to include these larger extensions of vinylglycine.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1996

Biphenyl-derivatives of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid, a novel class of potent competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist--I. Pharmacological characterization in vitro.

Omega-Phosphono-substituted alpha-amino acids have long been known to be antagonists at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. D-2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic (D-AP5) and D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic (D-AP7) acids are the "prototype" compounds of this kind. Insertion of a biphenyl-moiety in the middle of the AP7 chain results in increased affinity and reverses the enantioselectivity from a D- to an L-form preference (Müller et al., (1992) Helv. Chim. Acta 75: 855-864). We describe here a series of substituted biphenyl-AP7-derivatives, the most potent of which have affinities (in a [3H]CGP-39653 binding assay using native and recombinant receptors) and potencies (antagonism of NMDA-induced depolarizations in a cortical wedge preparation; inhibition of glutamate-stimulated [3H]MK-801 binding under non-equilibrium conditions) in the low nanomolar range. Structure-activity relationships show that hydroxy-substitution at the C5-atom in the AP7-chain as well as substitution in the second phenyl ring with space filling (such as chloro-)groups in the para- and especially the ortho-position (extending the torsion angle of the two rings) increase affinity and potency of these compounds. They have no relevant affinities for the strychnine-insensitive glycine co-agonist site or the MK-801/PCP channel blocking site on the NMDA receptor complex. AMPA- and kainate-induced responses were not affected by biphenyl-analogues. These compounds also do not interact with a number of other neurotransmitter receptor sites, and they do not inhibit the uptake of [3H] glutamate in rat brain synaptosomes. However, they display affinities in the (sub)micromolar range for a non-NMDA, non-AMPA, non-kainate binding site for [3H]glutamate, measured in the presence of calcium chloride, the functional correlate of which has not yet been elucidated.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed1998

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of ketolides (6-O-methyl-3-oxoerythromycin derivatives): a new class of antibacterials highly potent against macrolide-resistant and -susceptible respiratory pathogens.

In the search for new antibiotics active against macrolide-resistant pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae, we synthesized a new class of 3-oxo-6-O-methylerythromycin derivatives, so-called "ketolides". A keto function was introduced in position 3 after removal of L-cladinose, a sugar which has long been thought essential. Further modifications of the macrolactone backbone allowed us to obtain three different series of 9-oxime, 11,12-carbamate, and 11, 12-hydrazonocarbamate ketolides. These compounds were found to be very active against penicillin/erythromycin-resistant pneumococci and noninducers of MLSB resistance. The 11,12-substituted ketolide 61 (HMR 3004) demonstrated a potent activity against multiresistant pneumococci associated with a well-balanced activity against all bacteria involved in respiratory infections including H. influenzae, Mycoplasma catarrhalis, group A streptococci, and atypical bacteria. In addition HMR 3004 displayed high therapeutic activity in animals infected by all major strains, irrespective of their resistance phenotype.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Silencing of the mouse H-rev107 gene encoding a class II tumor suppressor by CpG methylation.

H-rev107 is a tumor suppressor originally isolated in revertants of H-ras-transformed cell lines. The gene is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues but down-regulated in primary carcinomas or in many cell lines derived from tumors, including WEHI 7.1 lymphoma cells. Here, we show that unlike in H-rev107-expressing cells or tissues the 5'-end of H-rev107 containing a CpG-rich region of 421 bp is highly methylated in WEHI 7.1 lymphoma cells, correlating with silencing of this gene. Repression of H-rev107 transcription in these cells could be relieved by chemically induced hypomethylation with 5-aza-dC. In addition, upon in vitro methylation, expression of the luciferase reporter gene driven by the H-rev107 promoter decreased by 80% in WEHI 7.1 and 293 cells. Furthermore, co-transfection of the methyl-CpG binding proteins, MeCP2 and MBD2, inhibited H-rev107 promoter activity up to 70% in SL2 cells when the promoter was methylated. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we observed in vivo binding of MeCP2 and MBD2 to the 5'-end of H-rev107 in WEHI 7.1 cells, which was reduced to undetectable levels upon 5-aza-dC treatment, concluding that MeCP2 and MBD2 might be involved in silencing the methylated H-rev107 gene in lymphoma cells and probably certain tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A genome-wide screen for normally methylated human CpG islands that can identify novel imprinted genes.

DNA methylation is a covalent modification of the nucleotide cytosine that is stably inherited at the dinucleotide CpG by somatic cells, and 70% of CpG dinucleotides in the genome are methylated. The exception to this pattern of methylation are CpG islands, CpG-rich sequences that are protected from methylation, and generally are thought to be methylated only on the inactive X-chromosome and in tumors, as well as differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the vicinity of imprinted genes. To identify chromosomal regions that might harbor imprinted genes, we devised a strategy for isolating a library of normally methylated CpG islands. Most of the methylated CpG islands represented high copy number dispersed repeats. However, 62 unique clones in the library were characterized, all of which were methylated and GC-rich, with a GC content >50%. Of these, 43 clones also showed a CpG(obs)/CpG(exp) >0.6, of which 30 were studied in detail. These unique methylated CpG islands mapped to 23 chromosomal regions, and 12 were differentially methylated regions in uniparental tissues of germline origin, i.e., hydatidiform moles (paternal origin) and complete ovarian teratomas (maternal origin), even though many apparently were methylated in somatic tissues. We term these sequences gDMRs, for germline differentially methylated regions. At least two gDMRs mapped near imprinted genes, HYMA1 and a novel homolog of Elongin A and Elongin A2, which we term Elongin A3. Surprisingly, 18 of the methylated CpG islands were methylated in germline tissues of both parental origins, representing a previously uncharacterized class of normally methylated CpG islands in the genome, and which we term similarly methylated regions (SMRs). These SMRs, in contrast to the gDMRs, were significantly associated with telomeric band locations (P =.0008), suggesting a potential role for SMRs in chromosome organization. At least 10 of the methylated CpG islands were on average 85% conserved between mouse and human. These sequences will provide a valuable resource in the search for novel imprinted genes, for defining the molecular substrates of the normal methylome, and for identifying novel targets for mammalian chromatin formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Damage in B2m genes and DNA methylation of H-2 genes are involved in loss of expression of class I MHC products on the membrane of LR.4, a cell line derivative of the T-cell lymphoma L5178Y.

We have isolated an H-2 deficient cell line (LR.4) from the T-cell lymphoma L5178Y which grew without restrictions in the peritoneal cavity of different inbred strains of mice. The use of polyclonal anti-H-2 antiserum and complement indicated that LR.4 cells did not express class I determinants on the cell membrane. Southern blots of genomic DNA of LR.4 cells showed that B2m genes were severely damaged and that class I H-2 genes were extensively methylated. Consequently, LR.4 cells failed to transcribe mRNAs for both B2m and class I H-2 genes. On the other hand, specific immunity to LR.4 was demonstrated in C57BL/6J mice since, in subsequent challenges with either LR.4 or EL4.4, LR.4 did not grow, whereas EL4.4 grew and killed the mice. In C57BL/6J mice, rejection of LR.4 was accompanied by the production of cytotoxic antibodies. The immune response induced in C57BL/6J mice was determined by non-H-2 antigenic determinants in LR.4 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Discovery and synthesis of methyl 2,5-dimethyl-4-[2- (phenylmethyl)benzoyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (FPL 64176) and analogues: the first examples of a new class of calcium channel activator.

Methyl 2,5-dimethyl-4-[2-(phenylmethyl)benzoyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate, FPL 64176 (1), is the first example of a new class of calcium channel activator (CCA) that does not act on any of the well-defined calcium channel modulator receptor sites, as typified by verapamil, diltiazem, and the dihydropyridines. The potent activity of 1, having the 2-(phenylmethyl)benzoyl substituent, was predicted using QSAR on an initial set of less potent benzoylpyrroles. When compared to the CCA Bay K 8644, 1 has similar potency on calcium uptake into GH3 cells (both have EC50 approximately 0.015 microM) but is appreciably more potent functionally at increasing contractility in a guinea pig atria preparation (1 has EC50 = 0.049 microM vs Bay K 8644 EC50 = 1.95 microM). 1 is an achiral, pharmacologically clean agonist with no demonstrable partial agonist properties and possesses appreciably higher efficacy than Bay K 8644. It should therefore become a useful biochemical and pharmacological tool for the study of calcium channels in many cell types.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Different sources of reduced carbon contribute to form three classes of terpenoid emitted by Quercus ilex L. leaves.

Quercus ilex L. leaves emit terpenes but do not have specialized structures for terpene storage. We exploited this unique feature to investigate terpene biosynthesis in intact leaves of Q. ilex. Light induction allowed us to distinguish three classes of terpenes: (i) a rapidly induced class including alpha-pinene; (ii) a more slowly induced class, including cis-beta-ocimene; and (iii) the most slowly induced class, including 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol. Using 13C, we found that alpha-pinene and cis-beta-ocimene were labeled quickly and almost completely while there was a delay before label appeared in linalool and 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol. The acetyl group of 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yl acetate was labeled quickly but label was limited to 20% of the moiety. It is suggested that the ocimene class of monoterpenes is made from one or more terpenes of the alpha-pinene class and that both classes are made entirely from reduced carbon pools inside the chloroplasts. Linalool and 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol are made from a different pool of reduced carbon, possibly in nonphotosynthetic plastids. The acetyl group of the 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yl acetate is derived mostly from carbon that does not participate in photosynthetic reactions. Low humidity and prolonged exposure to light favored ocimenes emission and induced linalool emission. This may indicate conversion between terpene classes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1980

1-[Ethoxyamino)methyl]-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2-benzoxepins: a new class of antianaphylactic agents.

The synthesis and biological activity in the rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test of a new class of compounds, 1-[(ethoxyamino)methyl]-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2-benzoxepins, are reported. These compounds are synthesized from the adduct of 1-(bromomethyl)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2-benzoxepins, are reported. These compounds are synthesized from the adduct of 1-(bromomethyl)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dimethoxy-2-benzoxepin and ethylene glycol or chloroethanol. The influence of the amine function on activity in the rat PCA is discussed. Aryl- or heteroarylpiperazines favor activity with this class of compounds.

Animals↗