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2'-Deoxy-2'-S-hexyluridine derivative was synthesized from 2,2'-anhydrouridine and 1-hexanethiol and incorporated into an oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The thermal stability of the duplexes formed by the 2'-S-hexyl modified ODN with either the complementary DNA or RNA strand was decreased compared to the unmodified counterparts.
Deprotected compounds 1 and 9 were allowed to react with 4,4'-dimethoxytrityl chloride in pyridine to give 5'-O-DMT nucleosides 2 and 10. The 3'-phosphoramidites 4 and 11 were incorporated into oligodeoxynucleosides (ODNs). The hybridization properties of the modified ODNs with their complementary DNA strands were studied. Interesting results were obtained when 11 was inserted as a bulged nucleoside into TWAs, duplexes, and triplexes.
We have prepared a 5-aminopentanoic acid nucleobase (APN) dimer and investigated its hybridization capabilities to complementary DNA using both UV melting and NMR techniques.
3'-Deoxy-3'-C-methyleneuridine nucleoside 1 has been incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides. Relative to the unmodified references, oligomers containing nucleoside 1 displayed reduced binding affinities towards complementary DNA and RNA with a tendency towards RNA-selective hybridization.
A novel human CC chemokine complementary DNA was identified in a library constructed from human fetal RNA, cloned into a baculovirus vector, and expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The mature recombinant protein that was released had the NH2-terminal sequence pyro-QPDALNVPSTC...and consisted of 75 amino acids. Minor amounts of two variants of 77 and 82 residues (NH2 termini: LAQPDA...and FNPQGLAQPDA...) were released as well. The novel chemokine was designated monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4) and the variants were designated (LA)MCP-4 and (FNPQGLA)MCP-4. MCP-4 shares the pyroglutamic acidproline NH2-terminal motif and 56-61% sequence identity with the three known monocyte chemotactic proteins and is 60% identical to eotaxin. It has marked functional similarities to MCP-3 and eotaxin. Like MCP-3, MCP-4 is a chemoattractant of high efficacy for monocytes and T lymphocytes. On these cells, it binds to receptors that recognize MCP-1, MCP-3, and RANTES. On eosinophils, MCP-4 has similar efficacy and potency as MCP-3, RANTES, and cotaxin. It shares receptors with eotaxin and shows full cross-desensitization with this cosinophil-selective chemokine. Of the two variants, only (LA)MCP-4 could be purified in sufficient quantities for testing and was found to be at least 30-fold less potent than MCP-4 itself. This suggests that the 75-residue form with the characteristic NH2 terminus of an MCP is the biologically relevant species.
A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding Bufo marinus (toad) preproatrial natriuretic peptide (preproANP) was isolated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis of toad preproANP cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 150 amino acid residues, which shared 72% and 66% identity with Rana catesbeiana and Xenopus laevis preproANP, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of toad ANP that corresponded to ANP 1-24 of R. catesbeiana and Rana ridibunda was identical, but it differed by four residues from that of X. laevis. ANP mRNA transcripts were also shown to be expressed in the toad kidney. Subsequently, the effect of frog ANP (1-24) on renal function in toad was examined using a perfused kidney preparation. The arterial infusion of frog ANP caused a dose-dependent decrease in the arterial perfusion pressure that was associated with an increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a renal natriuresis and diuresis. The renal natriuresis and diuresis resulted predominantly from an increased GFR rather than from direct tubular effects. This study demonstrates that ANP can regulate renal function, which suggests it may be involved in overall fluid volume regulation.
To study the responses of the host cell to chlamydial infection, differentially transcribed genes of the host cells were examined. Complementary DNA (cDNA) probes were made from messenger RNAs of HeLa cells infected with Chlamydia trachomatis and were hybridized to a high-density human DNA microarray of 15,000 genes and expressed sequence tags. C. trachomatis alters host cell transcription at both the early and middle phases of its developmental cycle. At 2 h after infection, 13 host genes showed mean expression ratios >/=2-fold. At 16 h after infection, 130 genes were differentially transcribed. These genes encoded factors inhibiting apoptosis and factors regulating cell differentiation, components of the cytoskeleton, transcription factors, and proinflammatory cytokines. This indicates that chlamydial infection, despite its intravacuolar location, alters the transcription of a broad range of host genes in diverse cellular pathways and provides a framework for future studies.
Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) has been accomplished. However, the process itself is inefficient since most clones die before birth and survivors often display various anomalies. In an effort to determine global expression profiles of developmentally regulated liver genes in NT bovine fetuses, we employed a custom-made bovine liver complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray. The NT fetuses in early pregnancy were derived from cumulus cells as the nuclear donor cells. Normal fetuses were derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI). Gene expression levels in NT, IVF, and AI fetal livers were obtained by comparing individual fetal liver samples with that of adult liver of nonpregnant cycling cows. Statistical analyses of the expression data showed widespread dysregulation of developmentally important genes in the three NT fetuses examined. It was found that the number of dysregulated genes was within a range of 3.5-7.7% of the tested genes in the NT fetal livers. The analyses revealed that one NT fetus was markedly different in liver gene expression profile from the other two NT fetal livers in which the expression profiles were highly correlated. Thus, our findings demonstrate that widespread dysregulation of liver genes occurs in the developing liver of NT bovine fetuses. It is possible that inappropriate genomic reprogramming after NT is a key factor associated with abnormal gene expressions in the livers of NT fetuses, whereas distinct expression patterns between the fellow cloned fetuses likely have resulted from variable epigenetic status of the donor nuclei.
Reactive gliosis is a prominent result of many types of insult to the central nervous system (CNS) and leads to the formation of glial scar that impedes the regeneration of axons. The intermediate filament protein vimentin is found in pathology of the CNS, mainly in the vicinity of injuries to the CNS. In the present study we investigated the role of vimentin in the formation of glial scars in vitro and in vivo by using immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and in situ hybridization. In vitro experiments showed that the intensity of immunofluorescent labeling for vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was consistently decreased in astrocytes after transfection with a retrovirus carrying antisense complementary DNA (cDNA) for vimentin. Transfection also inhibited the growth of astrocytes and decreased the expression of vimentin mRNA. In vivo studies demonstrated that transfection with the retrovirus carrying the antisense cDNA vimentin inhibited the upregulation of vimentin and GFAP in stab wounds in rat cerebrum. These results suggest that vimentin may play a key role in the formation of glial scars in the CNS.
BACKGROUND: The protease inhibitors alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin are present in human milk, but little is known about their roles in protein digestion during infancy. It has been hypothesized that alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin may modulate digestion in the infant gut. OBJECTIVE: We determined whether the mammary gland expresses alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin, measured alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin throughout lactation, assessed the resistance of alpha(1)-antitrypsin to proteolysis, and determined the potential of alpha(1)-antitrypsin to affect the survival of other milk proteins. DESIGN: A pool of complementary DNA from the human mammary gland was analyzed with polymerase chain reaction to detect genes for alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin. alpha(1)-Antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin concentrations were measured in milk samples obtained longitudinally (days 4-47) from 8 women. An in vitro model of infant digestion was used to assess the digestive stability of alpha(1)-antitrypsin against pepsin and pancreatin. Lactoferrin, with alpha(1)-antitrypsin present, was digested by pancreatin, and the digested proteins were separated. RESULTS: Alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin concentrations were high in early milk and decreased throughout lactation. Polymerase chain reaction products were detected for both genes. After in vitro digestion, much of the alpha(1)-antitrypsin was still intact, whereas many other milk proteins were digested. Much of the lactoferrin was still intact after digestion, but only when alpha(1)-antitrypsin was added. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antichymotrypsin are produced by the mammary gland and are present in milk in relatively high amounts in early lactation. alpha(1)-Antitrypsin may survive digestion and may affect the survival of other proteins.
Dithiolethiones inhibit tumorigenicity elicited by many structurally diverse carcinogens in numerous target tissues. These protective actions are associated with the induction of several carcinogen detoxification enzymes, some of which have only recently been discovered. In order to identify additional novel inducible detoxification response genes, a cDNA library was prepared from liver of rats treated with 1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) and was screened by a differential hybridization method. Complementary DNA clones for several known D3T-inducible genes were isolated, such as epoxide hydrolase, aflatoxin B1-aldehyde reductase, quinone reductase and multiple subunits of glutathione S-transferase. Clones representing genes not previously associated with detoxification were isolated, including those for ferritin heavy and light subunits, ribosomal proteins L18a and S16 and two novel genes, termed dithiolethione-inducible genes (or DIG-1 and DIG-2). Levels of mRNA recognized by each clone were increased from 2- to 31-fold, with maximum induction between 6 and 30 h after treatment with D3T. Except for epoxide hydrolase, the kinetics of induction of each mRNA was coordinate with increased rates of gene transcription. However, based on the time of response to D3T, at least two sets of responsive genes were identified. One set of genes, including glutathione S-transferase Yp, aflatoxin B1-aldehyde reductase, quinone reductase and DIG-1, had low constitutive and highly inducible expression (approximately 20-fold) and the other, including glutathione S-transferase Ya and Yb, epoxide hydrolase, ferritin heavy and light subunits, ribosomal proteins L18a and S16 and DIG-2, had relatively high constitutive and modestly inducible expression (approximately 5-fold). The simplest explanation for this differential expression of D3T-inducible genes is that multiple regulatory mechanisms govern their response. The transcriptional activation of ferritin, ribosomal protein, DIG-1 and DIG-2 genes in conjunction with those of carcinogen detoxification enzymes suggests that they participate in the pleiotropic cellular defense response to dithiolethiones that inhibits chemically produced tumorigenesis.
Complementary DNA of marmoset CYP1A2 was isolated by means of screening the cDNA library and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The deduced amino acid sequence of marmoset CYP1A2 consisted of 516 residues and showed 88.2 and 90.0% identities to corresponding forms in human and cynomolgus monkey, respectively. S1 nuclease protection assay demonstrated that CYP1A2 mRNA was expressed constitutively in the liver, but not in the lung, kidney and small intestine. The level of CYP1A2 mRNA in the liver was increased by treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene and polychlorinated biphenyls. Marmoset CYP1A2 expressed in recombinant yeast activated 2-amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) efficiently, and also activated 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), but at a relatively lower rate in the umu mutagenicity test. Marmoset CYP1A2 also showed ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylase activity. Based on these results, we demonstrate that marmosets constitutively express CYP1A2 in the liver as in humans.
Somatostatin receptor subtypes, especially subtype 2 (SSTR2), exert their antitumor (cytostatic and/or cytotoxic) and anti-angiogenic effects. Here we aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of SSTR2 gene transfer into pancreatic cancer cell line PC-3, and the mechanisms involved in this effect. The full-length human SSTR2 complementary DNA was introduced into pancreatic cancer cell line PC-3 by lipofectamine-mediated transfection, and stable expression of SSTR2 was detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Athymic mice were separately xenografted with SSTR2-expressing cells (experimental group), vector control and mock control cells. Intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to determine the expression of angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in xenograft tumors. MVD was significantly lower in the experimental group (5.16 +/- 1.34) than that in the vector control (16.52 +/- 2.25) and mock control (15.32 +/- 2.53) (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical assay showed a significant decrease in the expression of VEGF, bFGF and MMP-2 protein in the experimental group compared with the vector control and mock control, considering both the integral optical density and area of staining (P < 0.05). RT-PCR showed a significant reduction of VEGF, bFGF and MMP-2 mRNA expression in the experimental group compared with the vector control and mock control (P < 0.05). Thus, introduction of the SSTR2 gene, the expression of which is frequently lost in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma, exerts its anti-angiogenic effects by down-regulating the expression of the factors, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, suggesting SSTR2 gene transfer as a promising strategy of gene therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Intrinsic regulatory factors play critical roles in early cortical patterning, including the development of the anteroposterior (A-P) axis. To identify genes that are differentially expressed along the A-P axis of the developing cerebral cortex, we analyzed gene expression in presumptive frontal, parietal, and occipital cerebral walls of E12.5 mouse using complementary DNA microarrays. We identified 106 genes, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), expressed in an A-P gradient in the embryonic brain and screened 88 by in situ hybridization for confirmation. Central nervous system (CNS) expression patterns of many of these genes were previously unknown. Others, such as Sfrp1, CoupTF1, and FABP7, were expressed in a manner consistent with previous studies, providing independent confirmation. Two related transcription factors, previously not implicated in CNS development, Fhl1 and Fhl2, were observed to be enriched in posterior and anterior telencephalon, respectively. We studied patterning gradients in Fhl1 knockout mice but observed no changes in gene expression related to A-P regionalization in the Fhl1 knockout mice. These data provide an important set of new candidates for studies of cortical patterning and maturation.
Calreticulin has been defined in the cat flea, Ctenophalides felis (Bouché), and oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild). Calreticulin, a major endoplasmic reticulum protein, was previously identified as a component of ixodid tick saliva. Using a riboprobe generated from tick calreticulin complementary DNA (cDNA), we distinguished 2 transcripts for calreticulin in cat fleas by Northern blot analysis. Increased expression of calreticulin was not evident in fed versus unfed adult fleas. We were able to amplify a calreticulin flea product from fed female messenger RNa (mRNA) using primers designed from the tick calreticulin gene. One of these products hybridized to the tick riboprobe. Localization of specific antibody to cat flea tissues showed calreticulin in the midgut with no detection in the salivary glands. We also observed specific labeling of calreticulin with antibody in the ovaries of fed females. Several cat flea polypeptides appear to crossreact with anticalreticulin antibody in Western blots. We did not detect a calreticulin using antibody to the tick-secreted protein in cat flea salivary glands. This antibody did recognize a protein in the rate flea salivary glands. Our results show that fleas have calreticulin and, possibly, several isoforms. It appears that the salivary glands of the cat and oriental rat flea differ in detectable levels of calreticulin. The specific antibody labeling of the ovaries is interesting and remains to be understood. Calreticulin's appearance in the midgut suggests a possible source of calreticulin as a flea secretion. Further studies are in progress to complete the sequencing of the flea polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product to compare to tick-secreted calreticulin. Comparisons to other blood-feeding arthropods at the protein and gene level are also being done. We hope to define further the expression of calreticulin in fleas, and in general, blood-feeding arthropods, with respect to its role in feeding and pathogen transmission.
BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted endothelial-specific growth factor that is angiogenic in vivo. It is commonly expressed in a range of carcinomas. PURPOSE: The study was designed to investigate the effect of constitutive expression of VEGF on tumor formation by estrogen-dependent human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. METHODS: A full-length complementary DNA encoding the shortest isoform of VEGF (VEGF121) was stably transfected into MCF-7 cells. Transfected clones were screened for VEGF121 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by ribonuclease protection analysis and for secretion of VEGF121 protein by Western blot analysis. Secretion of biologically active VEGF121 by transfectants was confirmed by 1) a competitive radioreceptor-binding assay, 2) stimulation of the growth of microvascular endothelial cells in vitro, and 3) potent angiogenic activity in the rabbit corneal assay. Tumor models were then established by subcutaneously implanting wild-type or VEGF121-transfected MCF-7 cells, together with either mouse BALB/3T3 clone A31 fibroblasts or human MDA-435S breast carcinoma cells, into ovariectomized nude mice either with or without a separately implanted slow-release estrogen pellet. Tumor vascularity was quantitatively assessed by capillary vessel counting after staining with the pan-endothelial marker CD31. RESULTS: Stable VEGF121-overexpressing MCF-7 cells were isolated and designated V12 cells. When implanted into the rabbit cornea, V12 cells elicited a strong directional outgrowth of capillaries. The growth rate of V12 cells in vitro was indistinguishable from that of MCF-7 wild-type cells. V12 cells formed faster growing tumors than did wild-type cells (P < .01) when xenografted subcutaneously into nude mice with either 3T3 fibroblasts or MDA-435S cells. Tumors formed from V12 cells were more vascular (P < .01) and showed a heterogeneous distribution of vessels when compared with the homogeneous distribution seen in tumors formed from wild-type cells. VEGF121 overexpression had no effect on hormone dependence or tamoxifen sensitivity of tumor formation by MCF-7 cells in mice. No macroscopic evidence for metastasis from subcutaneous implants was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF121 expression by breast carcinoma cells confers a growth advantage in vivo but not in vitro. Tumors formed by V12 transfectants were more vascular than those formed by wild-type MCF-7 cells, and we surmise that the growth advantage arises from increased tumor vascularization induced by VEGF121. IMPLICATIONS: Tumor formation by V12 cells could provide a useful model for the assessment of anti-angiogenic drugs.
BACKGROUND: Preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been shown to exhibit anti-Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) activity, but the identity of the responsible agent(s) remains controversial. One candidate agent is an eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN)-like polypeptide that contaminates preparations of hCG. We have genetically engineered a unique form of hEDN, which is a ribonuclease, and have evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the recombinant protein on KS Y-1 cells and on cells of other cancer types. METHODS: The amino-terminus of hEDN was extended by four amino acid residues, corresponding to the proximal part of the hEDN signal peptide (serine, leucine, histidine, and valine; positions -4 to -1, respectively), by use of the polymerase chain reaction and an hEDN complementary DNA. The recombinant protein was isolated from bacterial inclusion bodies. The cytotoxic activity of this hEDN variant, (-4)rhEDN, was tested on KS Y-1 cells and human glioma, melanoma, breast carcinoma, and renal carcinoma cells. RESULTS: Approximately half of the anti-KS activity in a crude commercial preparation of hCG was associated with a polypeptide that reacted with anti-recombinant-hEDN (rhEDN) polyclonal antibodies. Although rhEDN protein displayed little cytotoxicity against KS Y-1 cells (IC50 [50% inhibition concentration] = >100 microg/mL), (-4)rhEDN markedly inhibited cell viability (IC50 = 6 microg/mL). Neither version of rhEDN inhibited the viability of other tested human cancer cell types. CONCLUSIONS: A four amino acid extension of the amino-terminus of rhEDN confers cytotoxicity against KS Y-1 cells in vitro. Design of the (-4)rhEDN variant was based on the sequence of a natural human protein associated with hCG. Our results suggest that (-4)rhEDN is one of the agents in hCG responsible for anti-KS activity. A purified molecule is thus available for in vitro and in vivo mechanistic and, possibly, future clinical studies.
BACKGROUND: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pumps a wide range of cytotoxic drugs out of cells. Inhibiting maturation of P-gp would be a novel method for circumventing P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance, which complicates cancer chemotherapy and treatment of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. We examined the effect of disulfiram (Antabuse(TM)) on the maturation and activity of P-gp. METHODS: Embryonic kidney cells were transfected with a complementary DNA for the P-pg gene, and the effects of disulfiram on the sensitivity of the transfected cells to cytotoxic agents were determined. Enzyme assays were used to determine the effects of disulfiram on the verapamil-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of P-gp. Disulfiram modifies cysteine residues, and mutant forms of P-gp that lack individual cysteines were used to determine whether particular cysteine residues mediate disulfiram's effects on P-gp activity. Maturation of recombinant P-gp was followed on immunoblots. RESULTS: Disulfiram increased the sensitivity of P-gp-transfected cells to vinblastine and colchicine and inhibited P-gp's verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity. Half-maximal inhibition of ATPase activity occurred at 13.5 microM disulfiram. Disulfiram (at 100 microM) inhibited a P-gp mutant by 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37%-48%) when cysteine was present at position 431 only and by 72% (95% CI = 66%-77%) when cysteine was present at position 1074 only. Treatment of P-gp-transfected cells with 50 nM disulfiram blocked maturation of recombinant P-gp. CONCLUSIONS: Disulfiram can potentially reduce P-gp-mediated drug resistance by inhibiting P-gp activity (possibly via cysteine modification) and/or by blocking its maturation. These results suggest that disulfiram has the potential to increase the efficacy of drug therapies for cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.