Sample records for factor beta cells

  1. HES6 reverses nuclear reprogramming of insulin-producing cells following cell fusion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ball, Andrew J.; Abrahamsson, Annelie E.; Tyrberg, Bjoern

    2007-04-06

    To examine the mechanism by which growth-stimulated pancreatic {beta}-cells dedifferentiate, somatic cell fusions were performed between MIN6, a highly differentiated mouse insulinoma, and {beta}lox5, a cell line derived from human {beta}-cells which progressively dedifferentiated in culture. MIN6/{beta}lox5 somatic cells hybrids underwent silencing of insulin expression and a marked decline in PDX1, NeuroD, and MafA, indicating that {beta}lox5 expresses a dominant transacting factor(s) that represses {beta}-cell differentiation. Expression of Hes1, which inhibits endocrine differentiation was higher in hybrid cells than in parental MIN6 cells. Hes6, a repressor of Hes1, was highly expressed in primary {beta}-cells as well as MIN6, but wasmore » repressed in hybrids. Hes6 overexpression using a retroviral vector led to a decrease in Hes1 levels, an increase in {beta}-cell transcription factors and partial restoration of insulin expression. We conclude that the balance of Notch activators and inhibitors may play an important role in maintaining the {beta}-cell differentiated state.« less

  2. Separation of cell survival, growth, migration, and mesenchymal transdifferentiation effects of fibroblast secretome on tumor cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Metzler, Veronika Maria; Pritz, Christian; Riml, Anna; Romani, Angela; Tuertscher, Raphaela; Steinbichler, Teresa; Dejaco, Daniel; Riechelmann, Herbert; Dudás, József

    2017-11-01

    Fibroblasts play a central role in tumor invasion, recurrence, and metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of tumor cell self-produced factors and paracrine fibroblast-secreted factors in comparison to indirect co-culture on cancer cell survival, growth, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition using the cell lines SCC-25 and human gingival fibroblasts. Thereby, we particularly focused on the participation of the fibroblast-secreted transforming growth factor beta-1.Tumor cell self-produced factors were sufficient to ensure tumor cell survival and basic cell growth, but fibroblast-secreted paracrine factors significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related phenotype changes in tumor cells. Transforming growth factor beta-1 generated individually migrating disseminating tumor cell groups or single cells separated from the tumor cell nest, which were characterized by reduced E-cadherin expression. At the same time, transforming growth factor beta-1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation under serum-starved conditions. Neutralizing transforming growth factor beta antibody reduced the cell migration support of fibroblast-conditioned medium. Transforming growth factor beta-1 as a single factor was sufficient for generation of disseminating tumor cells from epithelial tumor cell nests, while other fibroblast paracrine factors supported tumor nest outgrowth. Different fibroblast-released factors might support tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as two separate effects.

  3. Density-dependent induction of apoptosis by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line.

    PubMed

    Mathieu, C; Jozan, S; Mazars, P; Côme, M G; Moisand, A; Valette, A

    1995-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibited proliferation of a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (NIH-OVCAR-3). The inhibition of NIH-OVCAR-3 cell proliferation was accompanied by a decrease in clonogenic potential, evidenced by the reduced ability of TGF-beta 1-treated NIH-OVCAR-3 cells to form colonies on a plastic substratum. This rapid decrease of clonogenic potential, which was detected 6 h after addition of TGF-beta 1 was dose-dependent (IC50 = 4 pM). Fluorescence microscopy of DAPI-stained cells supported by electron-microscopic examination showed that TGF-beta 1 induced chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. In addition, oligonucleosomal-sized fragments were detected in the TGF-beta 1-treated cells. These features indicated that TGF-beta 1 induced NIH-OVCAR-3 cell death by an apoptosis-like mechanism. This TGF-beta 1 apoptotic effect was subject to modulation by cell density. It was observed that an increase in cell density (up to 20 x 10(3) cells/cm2) protected NIH-OVCAR-3 cells against apoptosis induced by TGF-beta 1. Conditioned medium from high-density cultures of NIH-OVCAR-3 cells did not inhibit apoptosis induced by TGF-beta 1 on NIH-OVCAR-3 cells cultured at low density, suggesting that the protective effect of cell density was not related to the cell secretion of a soluble survival factor.

  4. [Factors causing damage and destruction of beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas].

    PubMed

    Anděl, Michal; Němcová, Vlasta; Pavlíková, Nela; Urbanová, Jana; Cecháková, Marie; Havlová, Andrea; Straková, Radka; Večeřová, Livia; Mandys, Václav; Kovář, Jan; Heneberg, Petr; Trnka, Jan; Polák, Jan

    2014-09-01

    Insulin secretion in patients with manifested diabetes mellitus tends to disappear months to decades after the diagnosis, which is a clear sign of a gradual loss of pancreatic islet beta-cells. In our sample of 30 type 2 diabetic patients, whose disease manifested between 30 and 45 years of age, about a half have retained or even increased insulin secretion 30 years later, while the other half exhibit a much diminished or lost insulin secretion. Factors that can damage or destroy beta-cells can be divided into the following groups: Metabolic factors: hyperglycemia and glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, hypoxia, reactive oxygen species; Pharmacological factors: antimicrobial medication pentamidine, SSRI antidepressants; Factors related to impaired insulin secretion: MODY type diabetes; Environmental toxic factors: rat poison Vacor, streptozotocin, polychlorinated and polybrominated hydrocarbons; Disorders of the exocrine pancreas: tumor infiltration, fibrous infiltration, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis; Infections, inflammation, autoimmunity, viral factors: Coxsackie viruses, H1N1 influenza, enteroviruses. We are currently working on finding other factors leading to beta-cell damage, studying their effect on apoptosis and necrosis and looking for possible protective factors to prevent this damage. We our increasing knowledge about the mechanisms of beta-cell damage and destruction we come ever closer to suggest measures for their prevention. In this review we offer a brief and simplified summary of some of the findings related to this area.Key words: pancreatic islet beta-cells of Langerhans - factors damaging or destroying beta-cells - insulin secretion.

  5. Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits human antigen-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation without modulating the cytokine response.

    PubMed

    Tiemessen, Machteld M; Kunzmann, Steffen; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten B; Garssen, Johan; Bruijnzeel-Koomen, Carla A F M; Knol, Edward F; van Hoffen, Els

    2003-12-01

    Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta has been demonstrated to play a key role in the regulation of the immune response, mainly by its suppressive function towards cells of the immune system. In humans, the effect of TGF-beta on antigen-specific established memory T cells has not been investigated yet. In this study antigen-specific CD4(+) T cell clones (TCC) were used to determine the effect of TGF-beta on antigen-specific proliferation, the activation status of the T cells and their cytokine production. This study demonstrates that TGF-beta is an adequate suppressor of antigen-specific T cell proliferation, by reducing the cell-cycle rate rather than induction of apoptosis. Addition of TGF-beta resulted in increased CD69 expression and decreased CD25 expression on T cells, indicating that TGF-beta is able to modulate the activation status of in vivo differentiated T cells. On the contrary, the antigen-specific cytokine production was not affected by TGF-beta. Although TGF-beta was suppressive towards the majority of the T cells, insensitivity of a few TCC towards TGF-beta was also observed. This could not be correlated to differential expression of TGF-beta signaling molecules such as Smad3, Smad7, SARA (Smad anchor for receptor activation) and Hgs (hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate). In summary, TGF-beta has a pronounced inhibitory effect on antigen-specific T cell proliferation without modulating their cytokine production.

  6. Interferon beta 2/B-cell stimulatory factor type 2 shares identity with monocyte-derived hepatocyte-stimulating factor and regulates the major acute phase protein response in liver cells.

    PubMed Central

    Gauldie, J; Richards, C; Harnish, D; Lansdorp, P; Baumann, H

    1987-01-01

    One of the oldest and most preserved of the homeostatic responses of the body to injury is the acute phase protein response associated with inflammation. The liver responds to hormone-like mediators by the increased synthesis of a series of plasma proteins called acute phase reactants. In these studies, we examined the relationship of hepatocyte-stimulating factor derived from peripheral blood monocytes to interferon beta 2 (IFN-beta 2), which has been cloned. Antibodies raised against fibroblast-derived IFN-beta having neutralizing activity against both IFN-beta 1 and -beta 2 inhibited the major hepatocyte-stimulating activity derived from monocytes. Fibroblast-derived mediator elicited the identical stimulated response in human HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes as the monocyte cytokine. Finally, recombinant-derived human B-cell stimulatory factor type 2 (IFN-beta 2) from Escherichia coli induced the synthesis of all major acute phase proteins studied in human hepatoma HepG2 and primary rat hepatocyte cultures. These data demonstrate that monocyte-derived hepatocyte-stimulating factor and IFN-beta 2 share immunological and functional identity and that IFN-beta 2, also known as B-cell stimulatory factor and hybridoma plasmacytoma growth factor, has the hepatocyte as a major physiologic target and thereby is essential in controlling the hepatic acute phase response. Images PMID:2444978

  7. A Synopsis of Factors Regulating Beta Cell Development and Beta Cell Mass

    PubMed Central

    Prasadan, Krishna; Shiota, Chiyo; Xiangwei, Xiao; Ricks, David; Fusco, Joseph; Gittes, George

    2016-01-01

    The insulin-secreting beta cells in the endocrine pancreas regulate blood glucose levels, and loss of functional beta cells leads to insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and diabetes mellitus. Current treatment strategies for type-1 (autoimmune) diabetes are islet transplantation, which has significant risks and limitations, or normalization of blood glucose with insulin injections, which is clearly not ideal. The type-1 patients can lack insulin counter-regulatory mechanism; therefore, hypoglycemia is a potential risk. Hence, a cell-based therapy offers a better alternative for the treatment of diabetes. Past research was focused on attempting to generate replacement beta cells from stem cells, however, recently there has been an increasing interest in identifying mechanisms that will lead to the conversion of pre-existing differentiated endocrine cells into beta cells. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of several of the key factors that regulate new beta cell formation (neogenesis) and beta cell proliferation. PMID:27105622

  8. Mechanisms of integrin-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor cross-activation in angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Mahabeleshwar, Ganapati H; Feng, Weiyi; Reddy, Kumar; Plow, Edward F; Byzova, Tatiana V

    2007-09-14

    The functional responses of endothelial cells are dependent on signaling from peptide growth factors and the cellular adhesion receptors, integrins. These include cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, which, in turn, are essential for more complex processes such as formation of the endothelial tube network during angiogenesis. This study identifies the molecular requirements for the cross-activation between beta3 integrin and tyrosine kinase receptor 2 for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (VEGFR-2) on endothelium. The relationship between VEGFR-2 and beta3 integrin appears to be synergistic, because VEGFR-2 activation induces beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation, which, in turn, is crucial for VEGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-2. We demonstrate here that adhesion- and growth factor-induced beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation are directly mediated by c-Src. VEGF-stimulated recruitment and activation of c-Src and subsequent beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation are critical for interaction between VEGFR-2 and beta3 integrin. Moreover, c-Src mediates growth factor-induced beta3 integrin activation, ligand binding, beta3 integrin-dependent cell adhesion, directional migration of endothelial cells, and initiation of angiogenic programming in endothelial cells. Thus, the present study determines the molecular mechanisms and consequences of the synergism between 2 cell surface receptor systems, growth factor receptor and integrins, and opens new avenues for the development of pro- and antiangiogenic strategies.

  9. Regulation of pancreatic islet beta-cell mass by growth factor and hormone signaling.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yao; Chang, Yongchang

    2014-01-01

    Dysfunction and destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells is a hallmark of diabetes. Better understanding of cellular signals in beta cells will allow development of therapeutic strategies for diabetes, such as preservation and expansion of beta-cell mass and improvement of beta-cell function. During the past several decades, the number of studies analyzing the molecular mechanisms, including growth factor/hormone signaling pathways that impact islet beta-cell mass and function, has increased exponentially. Notably, somatolactogenic hormones including growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and their receptors (GHR, PRLR, and IGF-1R) are critically involved in beta-cell growth, survival, differentiation, and insulin secretion. In this chapter, we focus more narrowly on GH, PRL, and IGF-1 signaling, and GH-IGF-1 cross talk. We also discuss how these signaling aspects contribute to the regulation of beta-cell proliferation and apoptosis. In particular, our novel findings of GH-induced formation of GHR-JAK2-IGF-1R protein complex and synergistic effects of GH and IGF-1 on beta-cell signaling, proliferation, and antiapoptosis lead to a new concept that IGF-1R may serve as a proximal component of GH/GHR signaling. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Transforming growth factor-beta controls T helper type 1 cell development through regulation of natural killer cell interferon-gamma.

    PubMed

    Laouar, Yasmina; Sutterwala, Fayyaz S; Gorelik, Leonid; Flavell, Richard A

    2005-06-01

    Interferon-gamma and interleukin 12 produced by the innate arm of the immune system are important regulators of T helper type 1 (T(H)1) cell development, but signals that negatively regulate their expression remain controversial. Here we show that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) controlled T(H)1 differentiation through the regulation of interferon-gamma produced by natural killer (NK) cells. Blockade of TGF-beta signaling in NK cells caused the accumulation of a large pool of NK cells secreting copious interferon-gamma, responsible for T(H)1 differentiation and protection from leishmania infection. In contrast, blockade of TGF-beta signaling in dendritic cells did not affect dendritic cell homeostasis or interleukin 12 production, thus indicating a previously undescribed demarcation of the function of TGF-beta in NK cells versus dendritic cells.

  11. Extracellular heat shock protein HSP90{beta} secreted by MG63 osteosarcoma cells inhibits activation of latent TGF-{beta}1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Suzuki, Shigeki; Kulkarni, Ashok B., E-mail: ak40m@nih.gov

    2010-07-30

    Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-{beta}1) is secreted as a latent complex, which consists of latency-associated peptide (LAP) and the mature ligand. The release of the mature ligand from LAP usually occurs through conformational change of the latent complex and is therefore considered to be the first step in the activation of the TGF-{beta} signaling pathway. So far, factors such as heat, pH changes, and proteolytic cleavage are reportedly involved in this activation process, but the precise molecular mechanism is still far from clear. Identification and characterization of the cell surface proteins that bind to LAP are important to our understandingmore » of the latent TGF-{beta} activation process. In this study, we have identified heat shock protein 90 {beta} (HSP90{beta}) from the cell surface of the MG63 osteosarcoma cell line as a LAP binding protein. We have also found that MG63 cells secrete HSP90{beta} into extracellular space which inhibits the activation of latent TGF-{beta}1, and that there is a subsequent decrease in cell proliferation. TGF-{beta}1-mediated stimulation of MG63 cells resulted in the increased cell surface expression of HSP90{beta}. Thus, extracellular HSP90{beta} is a negative regulator for the activation of latent TGF-{beta}1 modulating TGF-{beta} signaling in the extracellular domain. -- Research highlights: {yields} Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-{beta}1) is secreted as a latent complex. {yields} This complex consists of latency-associated peptide (LAP) and the mature ligand. {yields} The release of the mature ligand from LAP is the first step in TGF-{beta} activation. {yields} We identified for the first time a novel mechanism for this activation process. {yields} Heat shock protein 90 {beta} is discovered as a negative regulator for this process.« less

  12. Pleiotrophin regulates lung epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation during fetal lung development via beta-catenin and Dlk1.

    PubMed

    Weng, Tingting; Gao, Li; Bhaskaran, Manoj; Guo, Yujie; Gou, Deming; Narayanaperumal, Jeyaparthasarathy; Chintagari, Narendranath Reddy; Zhang, Kexiong; Liu, Lin

    2009-10-09

    The role of pleiotrophin in fetal lung development was investigated. We found that pleiotrophin and its receptor, protein-tyrosine phosphatase receptor beta/zeta, were highly expressed in mesenchymal and epithelial cells of the fetal lungs, respectively. Using isolated fetal alveolar epithelial type II cells, we demonstrated that pleiotrophin promoted fetal type II cell proliferation and arrested type II cell trans-differentiation into alveolar epithelial type I cells. Pleiotrophin also increased wound healing of injured type II cell monolayer. Knockdown of pleiotrophin influenced lung branching morphogenesis in a fetal lung organ culture model. Pleiotrophin increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of beta-catenin, promoted beta-catenin translocation into the nucleus, and activated T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor transcription factors. Dlk1, a membrane ligand that initiates the Notch signaling pathway, was identified as a downstream target of the pleiotrophin/beta-catenin pathway by endogenous dlk1 expression, promoter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. These results provide evidence that pleiotrophin regulates fetal type II cell proliferation and differentiation via integration of multiple signaling pathways including pleiotrophin, beta-catenin, and Notch pathways.

  13. Phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine is a target of transforming growth factor beta 1 inhibitory signals.

    PubMed Central

    Diaz-Meco, M T; Dominguez, I; Sanz, L; Municio, M M; Berra, E; Cornet, M E; Garcia de Herreros, A; Johansen, T; Moscat, J

    1992-01-01

    Cell growth and tumor transformation can be restrained in certain cell systems by the action of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). It has been established that the mechanism whereby TGF-beta 1 inhibits cell growth does not interfere with the triggering of early mitogenic signal transduction mechanisms. Phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a relatively late step in the cascade activated by growth factors. Therefore, conceivably activation of phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of PC could be the target of TGF-beta 1 action. In the study reported here, we demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 inhibits the coupling of ras p21 to the activation of PC hydrolysis, which appears to be critical for the antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta 1. Images PMID:1309592

  14. Beta-type transforming growth factor specifies organizational behavior in vascular smooth muscle cell cultures

    PubMed Central

    1987-01-01

    In culture, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) grow in a "hill-and- valley" (multilayered) pattern of organization. We have studied the growth, behavioral organization, and biosynthetic phenotype of rat aortic SMC exposed to purified platelet-derived growth regulatory molecules. We show that multilayered growth is not a constitutive feature of cultured SMC, and that beta-type transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is the primary determinant of multilayered growth and the hill-and-valley pattern of organization diagnostic for SMC in culture. TGF-beta inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the serum- or platelet- derived growth factor-mediated proliferation of these cells in two- dimensional culture, but only when cells were plated at subconfluent densities. The ability of TGF-beta to inhibit SMC growth was inversely correlated to plating cell density. When SMC were plated at monolayer density (5 X 10(4) cells/cm2) to allow maximal cell-to-cell contact, TGF-beta potentiated cell growth. This differential response of SMC to TGF-beta may contribute to the hill-and-valley pattern of organization. Unlike its effect on other cell types, TGF-beta did not enhance the synthesis of fibronectin or its incorporation into the extracellular matrix. However, the synthesis of a number of other secreted proteins was altered by TGF-beta treatment. SMC treated with TGF-beta for 4 or 8 h secreted markedly enhanced amounts of an Mr 38,000-D protein doublet whose synthesis is known to be increased by heparin (another inhibitor of SMC growth), suggesting metabolic similarities between heparin- and TGF-beta-mediated SMC growth inhibition. The data suggest that TGF-beta may play an important and complex regulatory role in SMC proliferation and organization during development and after vascular injury. PMID:3475277

  15. Both conditional ablation and overexpression of E2 SUMO-conjugating enzyme (UBC9) in mouse pancreatic beta cells result in impaired beta cell function.

    PubMed

    He, Xiaoyu; Lai, Qiaohong; Chen, Cai; Li, Na; Sun, Fei; Huang, Wenting; Zhang, Shu; Yu, Qilin; Yang, Ping; Xiong, Fei; Chen, Zhishui; Gong, Quan; Ren, Boxu; Weng, Jianping; Eizirik, Décio L; Zhou, Zhiguang; Wang, Cong-Yi

    2018-04-01

    Post-translational attachment of a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to the lysine (K) residue(s) of target proteins (SUMOylation) is an evolutionary conserved regulatory mechanism. This modification has previously been demonstrated to be implicated in the control of a remarkably versatile regulatory mechanism of cellular processes. However, the exact regulatory role and biological actions of the E2 SUMO-conjugating enzyme (UBC9)-mediated SUMOylation function in pancreatic beta cells has remained elusive. Inducible beta cell-specific Ubc9 (also known as Ube2i) knockout (KO; Ubc9 Δbeta ) and transgenic (Ubc9 Tg ) mice were employed to address the impact of SUMOylation on beta cell viability and functionality. Ubc9 deficiency or overexpression was induced at 8 weeks of age using tamoxifen. To study the mechanism involved, we closely examined the regulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) through SUMOylation in beta cells. Upon induction of Ubc9 deficiency, Ubc9 Δbeta islets exhibited a 3.5-fold higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than Ubc9 f/f control islets. Islets from Ubc9 Δbeta mice also had decreased insulin content and loss of beta cell mass after tamoxifen treatment. Specifically, at day 45 after Ubc9 deletion only 40% of beta cell mass remained in Ubc9 Δbeta mice, while 90% of beta cell mass was lost by day 75. Diabetes onset was noted in some Ubc9 Δbeta mice 8 weeks after induction of Ubc9 deficiency and all mice developed diabetes by 10 weeks following tamoxifen treatment. In contrast, Ubc9 Tg beta cells displayed an increased antioxidant ability but impaired insulin secretion. Unlike Ubc9 Δbeta mice, which spontaneously developed diabetes, Ubc9 Tg mice preserved normal non-fasting blood glucose levels without developing diabetes. It was noted that SUMOylation of NRF2 promoted its nuclear expression along with enhanced transcriptional activity, thereby preventing ROS accumulation in beta cells. SUMOylation function is required to protect against oxidative stress in beta cells; this mechanism is, at least in part, carried out by the regulation of NRF2 activity to enhance ROS detoxification. Homeostatic SUMOylation is also likely to be essential for maintaining beta cell functionality.

  16. A combination of cytokines EGF and CNTF protects the functional beta cell mass in mice with short-term hyperglycaemia.

    PubMed

    Lemper, Marie; De Groef, Sofie; Stangé, Geert; Baeyens, Luc; Heimberg, Harry

    2016-09-01

    When the beta cell mass or function declines beyond a critical point, hyperglycaemia arises. Little is known about the potential pathways involved in beta cell rescue. As two cytokines, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), restored a functional beta cell mass in mice with long-term hyperglycaemia by reprogramming acinar cells that transiently expressed neurogenin 3 (NGN3), the current study assesses the effect of these cytokines on the functional beta cell mass after an acute chemical toxic insult. Glycaemia and insulin levels, pro-endocrine gene expression and beta cell origin, as well as the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling, were assessed in EGF+CNTF-treated mice following acute hyperglycaemia. The mice were hyperglycaemic 1 day following i.v. injection of the beta cell toxin alloxan, when the two cytokines were applied. One week later, 68.6 ± 4.6% of the mice had responded to the cytokine treatment and increased their insulin(+) cell number to 30% that of normoglycaemic control mice, resulting in restoration of euglycaemia. Although insulin(-) NGN3(+) cells appeared following acute EGF+CNTF treatment, genetic lineage tracing showed that the majority of the insulin(+) cells originated from pre-existing beta cells. Beta cell rescue by EGF+CNTF depends on glycaemia rather than on STAT3-induced NGN3 expression in acinar cells. In adult mice, EGF+CNTF allows the rescue of beta cells in distress when treatment is given shortly after the diabetogenic insult. The rescued beta cells restore a functional beta cell mass able to control normal blood glucose levels. These findings may provide new insights into compensatory pathways activated early after beta cell loss.

  17. Pin1 promotes transforming growth factor-beta-induced migration and invasion.

    PubMed

    Matsuura, Isao; Chiang, Keng-Nan; Lai, Chen-Yu; He, Dongming; Wang, Guannan; Ramkumar, Romila; Uchida, Takafumi; Ryo, Akihide; Lu, Kunping; Liu, Fang

    2010-01-15

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) regulates a wide variety of biological activities. It induces potent growth-inhibitory responses in normal cells but promotes migration and invasion of cancer cells. Smads mediate the TGF-beta responses. TGF-beta binding to the cell surface receptors leads to the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in their C terminus as well as in the proline-rich linker region. The serine/threonine phosphorylation sites in the linker region are followed by the proline residue. Pin1, a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, recognizes phosphorylated serine/threonine-proline motifs. Here we show that Smad2/3 interacts with Pin1 in a TGF-beta-dependent manner. We further show that the phosphorylated threonine 179-proline motif in the Smad3 linker region is the major binding site for Pin1. Although epidermal growth factor also induces phosphorylation of threonine 179 and other residues in the Smad3 linker region the same as TGF-beta, Pin1 is unable to bind to the epidermal growth factor-stimulated Smad3. Further analysis suggests that phosphorylation of Smad3 in the C terminus is necessary for the interaction with Pin1. Depletion of Pin1 by small hairpin RNA does not significantly affect TGF-beta-induced growth-inhibitory responses and a number of TGF-beta/Smad target genes analyzed. In contrast, knockdown of Pin1 in human PC3 prostate cancer cells strongly inhibited TGF-beta-mediated migration and invasion. Accordingly, TGF-beta induction of N-cadherin, which plays an important role in migration and invasion, is markedly reduced when Pin1 is depleted in PC3 cells. Because Pin1 is overexpressed in many cancers, our findings highlight the importance of Pin1 in TGF-beta-induced migration and invasion of cancer cells.

  18. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) promotes IL-2 mRNA expression through the up-regulation of NF-kappaB, AP-1 and NF-AT in EL4 cells.

    PubMed

    Han, S H; Yea, S S; Jeon, Y J; Yang, K H; Kaminski, N E

    1998-12-01

    Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been previously shown to modulate interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion by activated T-cells. In the present studies, we determined that TGF-beta1 induced IL-2 mRNA expression in the murine T-cell line EL4, in the absence of other stimuli. IL-2 mRNA expression was significantly induced by TGF-beta1 (0.1-1 ng/ml) over a relatively narrow concentration range, which led to the induction of IL-2 secretion. Under identical condition, we examined the effect of TGF-beta1 on the activity of nuclear factor AT (NF-AT), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and octamer, all of which contribute to the regulation of IL-2 gene expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that TGF-beta1 markedly increased NF-AT, NF-kappaB and AP-1 binding to their respective cognate DNA binding sites, whereas octamer binding remained constant, as compared with untreated cells. Employing a reporter gene expression system with p(NF-kappaB)3-CAT, p(NF-AT)3-CAT and p(AP-1)3-CAT, TGF-beta1 treatment of transfected EL4 cells induced a dose-related increase in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity that correlated well with the DNA binding profile found in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay studies. These results show that TGF-beta1, in the absence of any additional stimuli, up-regulates the activity of key transcription factors involved in IL-2 gene expression, including NF-AT, NF-kappaB and AP-1, to help promote IL-2 mRNA expression by EL4 cells.

  19. CCAAT-binding factor regulates expression of the beta1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase gene in the BE2 human neuroblastoma cell line

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sharina, Iraida G.; Martin, Emil; Thomas, Anthony; Uray, Karen L.; Murad, Ferid

    2003-01-01

    Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a cytosolic enzyme producing the intracellular messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) on activation with nitric oxide (NO). sGC is an obligatory heterodimer composed of alpha and beta subunits. We investigated human beta1 sGC transcriptional regulation in BE2 human neuroblastoma cells. The 5' upstream region of the beta1 sGC gene was isolated and analyzed for promoter activity by using luciferase reporter constructs. The transcriptional start site of the beta1 sGC gene in BE2 cells was identified. The functional significance of consensus transcriptional factor binding sites proximal to the transcriptional start site was investigated by site deletions in the 800-bp promoter fragment. The elimination of CCAAT-binding factor (CBF) and growth factor independence 1 (GFI1) binding cores significantly diminished whereas deletion of the NF1 core elevated the transcription. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA) and Western analysis of proteins bound to biotinated EMSA probes confirmed the interaction of GFI1, CBF, and NF1 factors with the beta1 sGC promoter. Treatment of BE2 cells with genistein, known to inhibit the CBF binding to DNA, significantly reduced protein levels of beta1 sGC by inhibiting transcription. In summary, our study represents an analysis of the human beta1 sGC promoter regulation in human neuroblastoma BE2 cells and identifies CBF as a critically important factor in beta1 sGC expression.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Castillo, Gaelle del; Murillo, Miguel M.; IDIBELL-Institut de Recerca Oncologica, Gran Via s/n, Km 2.7, 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-{beta}) induces apoptosis in fetal rat hepatocytes. However, a subpopulation of these cells survives, concomitant with changes in phenotype, reminiscent of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously suggested that EMT might confer cell resistance to apoptosis (Valdes et al., Mol. Cancer Res., 1: 68-78, 2002). However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this resistance are not explored yet. In this work, we have isolated and subcultured the population of hepatocytes that suffered the EMT process and are resistant to apoptosis (TGF-{beta}-treated fetal hepatocytes: T{beta}T-FH). We prove that they secrete mitogenic and survival factors, as analyzed by themore » proliferative and survival capacity of conditioned medium. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) sensitizes T{beta}T-FH to die after serum withdrawal. T{beta}T-FH expresses high levels of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-{alpha}) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and shows constitutive activation of the EGFR pathway. A blocking anti-TGF-{alpha} antibody restores the capacity of cells to die. TGF-{beta}, which is expressed by T{beta}T-FH, mediates up-regulation of TGF-{alpha} and HB-EGF expression in those cells. In summary, results suggest that an autocrine loop of TGF-{beta} confers resistance to apoptosis after an EMT process in hepatocytes, through the increase in the expression of EGFR ligands.« less

  1. Proliferation of NS0 cells in protein-free medium: the role of cell-derived proteins, known growth factors and cellular receptors.

    PubMed

    Spens, Erika; Häggström, Lena

    2009-05-20

    NS0 cells proliferate without external supply of growth factors in protein-free media. We hypothesize that the cells produce their own factors to support proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms behind this autocrine regulation of proliferation may open for the novel approaches to improve animal cell processes. The following proteins were identified in NS0 conditioned medium (CM): cyclophilin A, cyclophilin B (CypB), cystatin C, D-dopachrome tautomerase, IL-25, isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), beta(2)-microglobulin, Niemann pick type C2, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, thioredoxin-1, TNF-alpha, tumour protein translationally controlled 1 and ubiquitin. Further, cDNA microarray analysis indicated that the genes for IL-11, TNF receptor 6, TGF-beta receptor 1 and the IFN-gamma receptor were transcribed. CypB, IFN-alpha/beta/gamma, IL-11, IL-25, MIF, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha as well as the known growth factors EGF, IGF-I/II, IL-6, leukaemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin M (OSM) were excluded as involved in autocrine regulation of NS0 cell proliferation. The receptors for TGF-beta, IGF and OSM are however present in NS0 cell membranes since TGF-beta(1) caused cell death, and IGF-I/II and OSM improved cell growth. Even though no ligand was found, the receptor subunit gp130, active in signal transduction of the IL-6 like proteins, was shown to be essential for NS0 cells as demonstrated by siRNA gene silencing.

  2. Id-1 promotes TGF-{beta}1-induced cell motility through HSP27 activation and disassembly of adherens junction in prostate epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Di Kaijun; Wong, Y.C.; Wang Xianghong

    Id-1 (inhibitor of differentiation or DNA binding-1) has been positively associated with cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and invasiveness during tumorigenesis. In addition, Id-1 has been shown to modulate cellular sensitivity to TGF-{beta}1 (transforming growth factor {beta}1). Here we demonstrate a novel role of Id-1 in promoting TGF-{beta}1-induced cell motility in a non-malignant prostate epithelial cell line, NPTX. We found that Id-1 promoted F-actin stress fiber formation in response to TGF-{beta}1, which was associated with increased cell-substrate adhesion and cell migration in NPTX cells. In addition, this positive effect of Id-1 on TGF-{beta}1-induced cell motility was mediated through activation ofmore » MEK-ERK signaling pathway and subsequent phosphorylation of HSP27 (heat shock protein 27). Furthermore, Id-1 disrupted the adherens junction complex in TGF-{beta}1-treated cells through down-regulation of E-cadherin, redistribution of {beta}-catenin, along with up-regulation of N-cadherin. These lines of evidence reveal a novel tumorigenic role of Id-1 through reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and disassembly of cell-cell adhesion in response to TGF-{beta}1 in human prostate epithelial cells, and suggest that intracellular Id-1 levels might be a determining factor for switching TGF-{beta}1 from a growth inhibitor to a tumor promoter during prostate carcinogenesis.« less

  3. Activation of the canonical beta-catenin pathway by histamine.

    PubMed

    Diks, Sander H; Hardwick, James C; Diab, Remco M; van Santen, Marije M; Versteeg, Henri H; van Deventer, Sander J H; Richel, Dick J; Peppelenbosch, Maikel P

    2003-12-26

    Histamine signaling is a principal regulator in a variety of pathophysiological processes including inflammation, gastric acid secretion, neurotransmission, and tumor growth. We report that histamine stimulation causes transactivation of a T cell factor/beta-catenin-responsive construct in HeLa cells and in the SW-480 colon cell line, whereas histamine did not effect transactivation of a construct containing the mutated response construct FOP. On the protein level, histamine treatment increases phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta in HeLa cells, murine macrophages, and DLD-1, HT-29, and SW-480 colon cell lines. Furthermore, histamine also decreases the phosphorylated beta-catenin content in HeLa cells and murine macrophages. Finally, pharmacological inhibitors of the histamine H1 receptor counteracted histamine-induced T cell factor/beta-catenin-responsive construct transactivation and the dephosphorylation of beta-catenin in HeLa cells and in macrophages. We conclude that the canonical beta-catenin pathway acts downstream of the histamine receptor H1 in a variety of cell types. The observation that inflammatory molecules, like histamine, activate the beta-catenin pathway may provide a molecular explanation for a possible link between inflammation and cancer.

  4. Expression and structural features of endoglin (CD105), a transforming growth factor beta1 and beta3 binding protein, in human melanoma.

    PubMed Central

    Altomonte, M.; Montagner, R.; Fonsatti, E.; Colizzi, F.; Cattarossi, I.; Brasoveanu, L. I.; Nicotra, M. R.; Cattelan, A.; Natali, P. G.; Maio, M.

    1996-01-01

    Human endoglin (CD105) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor family that binds TGF-beta1 and -beta3, but not TGF-beta2, on human endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that CD105 is expressed on normal and neoplastic cells of the melanocytic lineage. The anti-CD105 MAb, MAEND3, stained 50, 25 and 34% of intradermal naevi, primary and metastatic melanomas investigated, respectively, and nine out of 12 melanoma cell lines. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed that CD105 expressed by melanoma cells consists of a homodimeric protein with an apparent molecular weight of 180 and 95 kDa under non-reducing and reducing conditions. Cross-linking of 125I-labelled TGF-beta1 to melanoma cells, Mel 97, by disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS) demonstrated that CD105 expressed on pigmented cells binds TGF-beta1; the pattern of binding of TGF-beta1 to melanoma cells was found to be similar to that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The addition of exogenous, bioactive TGF-beta1 significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the growth of CD105-positive melanoma cells, Mel 97, but did not affect that of CD105-negative melanoma cells, F0-1. These data, altogether, demonstrate that CD105 is expressed on pigmented cells and might play a functionally relevant role in the biology of human melanoma cells by regulating their sensitivity to TGF-betas. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:8932339

  5. Transforming growth factor-{beta} inhibits CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein expression and PPAR{gamma} activity in unloaded bone marrow stromal cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahdjoudj, S.; Kaabeche, K.; Holy, X.

    2005-02-01

    The molecular mechanisms regulating the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in vivo remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-{beta}2) on transcription factors involved in adipogenic differentiation induced by hind limb suspension in rat bone marrow stromal cells in vivo. Time course real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of gene expression showed that skeletal unloading progressively increases the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP){alpha} and C/EBP{beta} {alpha} at 5 days in bone marrow stromal cells resulting in increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}2) transcripts at 7 days. TGF-{beta}2more » administration in unloaded rats corrected the rise in C/EBP{alpha} and C/EBP{beta} transcripts induced by unloading in bone marrow stromal cells. This resulted in inhibition of PPAR{gamma}2 expression that was associated with increased Runx2 expression. Additionally, the inhibition of C/EBP{alpha} and C/EBP{beta} expression by TGF-{beta}2 was associated with increased PPAR{gamma} serine phosphorylation in bone marrow stromal cells, a mechanism that inhibits PPAR{gamma} transactivating activity. The sequential inhibitory effect of TGF-{beta}2 on C/EBP{alpha}, C/EBP{beta}, and PPAR{gamma}2 resulted in reduced LPL expression and abolition of bone marrow stromal cell adipogenic differentiation, which contributed to prevent bone loss induced by skeletal unloading. We conclude that TGF-{beta}2 inhibits the excessive adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells induced by skeletal unloading by inhibiting C/EBP{alpha}, C/EBP{beta}, and PPAR{gamma} expression and activity, which provides a sequential mechanism by which TGF-{beta}2 regulates adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in vivo.« less

  6. Transcription factor EGR-1 suppresses the growth and transformation of human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells by induction of transforming growth factor beta 1.

    PubMed Central

    Liu, C; Adamson, E; Mercola, D

    1996-01-01

    The early growth response 1 (EGR-1) gene product is a transcription factor with role in differentiation and growth. We have previously shown that expression of exogenous EGR-1 in various human tumor cells unexpectedly and markedly reduces growth and tumorigenicity and, conversely, that suppression of endogenous Egr-1 expression by antisense RNA eliminates protein expression, enhances growth, and promotes phenotypic transformation. However, the mechanism of these effects remained unknown. The promoter of human transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) contains two GC-rich EGR-1 binding sites. We show that expression of EGR-1 in human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells uses increased secretion of biologically active TGF-beta 1 in direct proportion (rPearson = 0.96) to the amount of EGR-1 expressed and addition of recombinant human TGF-beta 1 is strongly growth-suppressive for these cells. Addition of monoclonal anti-TGF-beta 1 antibodies to EGR-1-expressing HT-1080 cells completely reverses the growth inhibitory effects of EGR-1. Reporter constructs bearing the EGR-1 binding segment of the TGF-beta 1 promoter was activated 4- to 6-fold relative to a control reporter in either HT-1080 cells that stably expressed or parental cells cotransfected with an EGR-1 expression vector. Expression of delta EGR-1, a mutant that cannot interact with the corepressors, nerve growth factor-activated factor binding proteins NAB1 and NAB2, due to deletion of the repressor domain, exhibited enhanced transactivation of 2- to 3.5-fold over that of wild-type EGR-1 showing that the reporter construct reflected the appropriate in vivo regulatory context. The EGR-1-stimulated transactivation was inhibited by expression of the Wilms tumor suppressor, a known specific DNA-binding competitor. These results indicate that EGR-1 suppresses growth of human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells by induction of TGF-beta 1. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 5 PMID:8876223

  7. TGF{beta} induces proHB-EGF shedding and EGFR transactivation through ADAM activation in gastric cancer cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ebi, Masahide; Kataoka, Hiromi, E-mail: hkataoka@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp; Shimura, Takaya

    2010-11-19

    Research highlights: {yields} TGF{beta} induces EGFR transactivation through proHB-EGF shedding by activated ADAM members in gastric cancer cells. {yields} TGF{beta} induces nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF cleaved by ADAM members. {yields} TGF{beta} enhances cell growth by EGFR transactivation and HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and ADAM inhibitors block these effects. {yields} Silencing of ADAM17 also blocks EGFR transactivation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and cancer cell growth by TGF{beta}. {yields} ADAM17 may play a crucial role in this TGF{beta}-HB-EGF signal transduction. -- Abstract: Background and aims: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF{beta}) is known to potently inhibit cell growth. Loss of responsiveness to TGF{beta} inhibition on cellmore » growth is a hallmark of many types of cancer, yet its mechanism is not fully understood. Membrane-anchored heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (proHB-EGF) ectodomain is cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) members and is implicated in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation. Recently, nuclear translocation of the C-terminal fragment (CTF) of pro-HB-EGF was found to induce cell growth. We investigated the association between TGF{beta} and HB-EGF signal transduction via ADAM activation. Materials and methods: The CCK-8 assay in two gastric cancer cell lines was used to determine the effect for cell growth by TGF{beta}. The effect of two ADAM inhibitors was also evaluated. Induction of EGFR phosphorylation by TGF{beta} was analyzed and the effect of the ADAM inhibitors was also examined. Nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF by shedding through ADAM activated by TGF{beta} was also analyzed. EGFR transactivation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were examined under the condition of ADAM17 knockdown. Result: TGF{beta}-induced EGFR phosphorylation of which ADAM inhibitors were able to inhibit. TGF{beta} induced shedding of proHB-EGF allowing HB-EGF-CTF to translocate to the nucleus. ADAM inhibitors blocked this nuclear translocation. TGF{beta} enhanced gastric cancer cell growth and ADAM inhibitors suppressed this effect. EGFR phosphorylation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were suppressed in ADAM17 knockdown cells. Conclusion: HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and EGFR transactivation from proHB-EGF shedding mediated by ADAM17 activated by TGF{beta} might be an important pathway of gastric cancer cell proliferation by TGF{beta}.« less

  8. N-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-2 negates anti-proliferative effect of transforming growth factor beta in endothelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Abel, Britain; Willoughby, Cara; Jang, Sungchan; Cooper, Laura; Xie, Leike; Vo-Ransdell, Chi; Sowa, Grzegorz

    2012-01-01

    Here we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-2 (Cav-2) negatively regulates the anti-proliferative function of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in endothelial cells. In contrast to wild-type-Cav-2, retroviral re-expression of Y19/27F-Cav-2 in Cav-2 knockout endothelial cells did not affect anti-proliferative effect of TGF-beta compared to empty vector. Conversely, although less effective than wild-type, re-expression of S23/36A-Cav-2 reduced the effect of TGF-beta compared to empty vector. This differential effect of tyrosine and serine phosphorylation mutants of Cav-2 correlated with TGF-beta-induced Smad3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Thus tyrosine-phosphorylated Cav-2 counteracts anti-proliferative effect of TGF-beta in endothelial cells. PMID:22819829

  9. Integrin-mediated transforming growth factor-beta activation regulates homeostasis of the pulmonary epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit.

    PubMed

    Araya, Jun; Cambier, Stephanie; Morris, Alanna; Finkbeiner, Walter; Nishimura, Stephen L

    2006-08-01

    Trophic interactions between pulmonary epithelial and mesenchymal cell types, known as the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU), are crucial in lung development and lung disease. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a key factor in mediating these interactions, but it is expressed in a latent form that requires activation to be functional. Using intact fetal tracheal tissue and primary cultures of fetal tracheal epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we demonstrate that a subset of integrins, alpha(v)beta(6) and alpha(v)beta(8), are responsible for almost all of the TGF-beta activation in the EMTU. Both alpha(v)beta(8) and alpha(v)beta(6) contribute to fetal tracheal epithelial activation of TGF-beta, whereas only alpha(v)beta(8) contributes to fetal tracheal fibroblast activation of TGF-beta. Interestingly, fetal tracheal epithelial alpha(v)beta(8)-mediated TGF-beta activation can be enhanced by phorbol esters, likely because of the increased activity of MT1-MMP, an essential co-factor in alpha(v)beta(8)-mediated activation of TGF-beta. Autocrine alpha(v)beta(8)-mediated TGF-beta activation by fetal tracheal fibroblasts results in suppression of both transcription and secretion of hepatocyte growth factor, which is sufficient to affect phosphorylation of the airway epithelial hepatocyte growth factor receptor, c-Met, as well as airway epithelial proliferation in a co-culture model of the EMTU. These findings elucidate the function and complex regulation of integrin-mediated activation of TGF-beta within the EMTU.

  10. Mediation of glucolipotoxicity in INS-1 rat insulinoma cells by small heterodimer partner interacting leucine zipper protein (SMILE).

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyeong-Min; Seo, Ye Jin; Kim, Mi-Kyung; Seo, Hyun-Ae; Jeong, Ji-Yun; Choi, Hueng-Sik; Lee, In-Kyu; Park, Keun-Gyu

    2012-03-23

    Sustained elevations of glucose and free fatty acid concentration have deleterious effects on pancreatic beta cell function. One of the hallmarks of such glucolipotoxicity is a reduction in insulin gene expression, resulting from decreased insulin promoter activity. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), a lipogenic transcription factor, is related to the development of beta cell dysfunction caused by elevated concentrations of glucose and free fatty acid. Small heterodimer partner (SHP) interacting leucine zipper protein (SMILE), also known as Zhangfei, is a novel protein which interacts with SHP that mediates glucotoxicity in INS-1 rat insulinoma cells. Treatment of INS-1 cells with high concentrations of glucose and palmitate increased SREBP-1c and SMILE expression, and decreased insulin gene expression. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of SREBP-1c in INS-1 cells induced SMILE expression. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of SMILE (Ad-SMILE) in INS-1 cells impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as well as insulin gene expression. Ad-SMILE overexpression also inhibited the expression of beta-cell enriched transcription factors including pancreatic duodenal homeobox factor-1, beta cell E box transactivator 2 and RIPE3b1/MafA, in INS-1 cells. Finally, in COS-1 cells, expression of SMILE inhibited the insulin promoter activity induced by these same beta-cell enriched transcription factors. These results collectively suggest that SMILE plays an important role in the development of beta cell dysfunction induced by glucolipotoxicity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Cross-talk between Smad and p38 MAPK signalling in transforming growth factor {beta} signal transduction in human glioblastoma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dziembowska, Magdalena; Danilkiewicz, Malgorzata; Wesolowska, Aleksandra

    2007-03-23

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-{beta}) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Malignant tumour cells often do not respond to TGF-{beta} by growth inhibition, but retain responsiveness to cytokine in regulating extracellular matrix deposition, cell adhesion, and migration. We demonstrated that TGF-{beta}1 does not affect viability or proliferation of human glioblastoma T98G, but increases transcriptional responses exemplified by induction of MMP-9 expression. TGF-{beta} receptors were functional in T98G glioblastoma cells leading to SMAD3/SMAD4 nuclear translocation and activation of SMAD-dependent promoter. In parallel, a selective activation of p38 MAPK, and phosphorylation of its substrates: ATF2more » and c-Jun proteins were followed by a transient activation of AP-1 transcription factor. Surprisingly, an inhibition of p38 MAPK with a specific inhibitor, SB202190, abolished TGF-inducible activation of Smad-dependent promoter and decreased Smad2 phosphorylation. It suggests an unexpected interaction between Smad and p38 MAPK pathways in TGF-{beta}1-induced signalling.« less

  12. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{beta}/{delta} in epidermal growth factor-induced HaCaT cell proliferation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liang Pengfei; Jiang Bimei; Yang Xinghua

    2008-10-15

    Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to be a potent mitogen for epidermal cells both in vitro and in vivo, thus contributing to the development of an organism. It has recently become clear that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{beta}/{delta} (PPAR{beta}/{delta}) expression and activation is involved in the cell proliferation. However, little is known about the role of PPAR{beta}/{delta} in EGF-induced proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. In this study, HaCaT cells were cultured in the presence and absence of EGF and we identified that EGF induced an increase of PPAR{beta}/{delta} mRNA and protein level expression in time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, and AG1487, anmore » EGF receptor (EGFR) special inhibitor, caused attenuation of PPAR{beta}/{delta} protein expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that EGF significantly increased PPAR{beta}/{delta} binding activity in HaCaT keratinocytes. Antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (asODNs) against PPAR{beta}/{delta} caused selectively inhibition of PPAR{beta}/{delta} protein content induced by EGF and significantly attenuated EGF-mediated cell proliferation. Treatment of the cells with L165041, a specific synthetic ligand for PPAR{beta}/{delta}, significantly enhanced EGF-mediated cell proliferation. Finally, c-Jun ablation inhibited PPAR{beta}/{delta} up-regulation induced by EGF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) showed that c-Jun bound to the PPAR{beta}/{delta} promoter and the binding increased in EGF-stimulated cells. These results demonstrate that EGF induces PPAR{beta}/{delta} expression in a c-Jun-dependent manner and PPAR{beta}/{delta} plays a vital role in EGF-stimulated proliferation of HaCaT cells.« less

  13. In vitro comparison of the efficacy of TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB in combination with freeze-dried bone allografts for induction of osteogenic differentiation in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells.

    PubMed

    Vahabi, Surena; Torshabi, Maryam; Esmaeil Nejad, Azadeh

    2016-12-01

    Predictable regeneration of alveolar bone defects has always been a challenge in implant dentistry. Bone allografts are widely used bone substitutes with controversial osteoinductive activity. This in vitro study aimed to assess the osteogenic potential of some commercially available freeze-dried bone allografts supplemented with human recombinant platelet-derived growth factor-BB and transforming growth factor beta-1. Cell viability, mineralization, and osteogenic gene expression of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were compared among the allograft alone, allograft/platelet-derived growth factor-BB, allograft/transforming growth factor beta-1, and allograft/platelet-derived growth factor-BB/transforming growth factor beta-1 groups. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and alizarin red staining were performed, respectively, for assessment of cell viability, differentiation, and mineralization at 24-72 h post treatment. The allograft with greater cytotoxic effect on MG-63 cells caused the lowest differentiation among the groups. In comparison with allograft alone, allograft/transforming growth factor beta-1, and allograft/transforming growth factor beta-1/platelet-derived growth factor-BB caused significant upregulation of bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin osteogenic mid-late marker genes, and resulted in significantly higher amounts of calcified nodules especially in mineralized non-cytotoxic allograft group. Supplementation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB alone in 5 ng/mL concentration had no significant effect on differentiation or mineralization markers. According to the results, transforming growth factor beta-1 acts synergistically with bone allografts to enhance the osteogenic differentiation potential. Therefore, this combination may be useful for rapid transformation of undifferentiated cells into bone-forming cells for bone regeneration. However, platelet-derived growth factor-BB supplementation did not support this synergistic ability to enhance osteogenic differentiation and thus, further investigations are required.

  14. Regulation of adhesion and growth of fibrosarcoma cells by NF-kappa B RelA involves transforming growth factor beta.

    PubMed Central

    Perez, J R; Higgins-Sochaski, K A; Maltese, J Y; Narayanan, R

    1994-01-01

    The NF-kappa B transcription factor is a pleiotropic activator that participates in the induction of a wide variety of cellular genes. Antisense oligomer inhibition of the RelA subunit of NF-kappa B results in a block of cellular adhesion and inhibition of tumor cell growth. Investigation of the molecular basis for these effects showed that in vitro inhibition of the growth of transformed fibroblasts by relA antisense oligonucleotides can be reversed by the parental-cell-conditioned medium. Cytokine profile analysis of these cells treated with relA antisense oligonucleotides revealed inhibition of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1 to the transformed fibroblasts reversed the inhibitory effects of relA antisense oligomers on soft agar colony formation and cell adhesion to the substratum. Direct inhibition of TGF-beta 1 expression by antisense phosphorothioates to TGF-beta 1 mimicked the in vitro effects of blocking cell adhesion that are elicited by antisense relA oligomers. These results may explain the in vitro effects of relA antisense oligomers on fibrosarcoma cell growth and adhesion. Images PMID:8035811

  15. Norrin mediates neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells via activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and the induction of neuroprotective growth factors in Muller cells.

    PubMed

    Seitz, Roswitha; Hackl, Simon; Seibuchner, Thomas; Tamm, Ernst R; Ohlmann, Andreas

    2010-04-28

    Norrin is a secreted protein that binds to frizzled 4 and controls development of capillaries in retina and inner ear. We provide evidence that Norrin has distinct neuroprotective properties that are independent from its effects on vascular development. The function of Norrin was investigated in a mouse model of excitotoxic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage after intravitreal injection of NMDA, and in cultured Müller glia or immortalized RGC-5 cells. Intravitreal injection of Norrin significantly increased the number of surviving RGC axons in the optic nerve and decreased apoptotic death of retinal neurons following NMDA-mediated damage. This effect could be blocked by adding dickkopf (DKK)-1, an inhibitor of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Treatment of eyes with combined Norrin/NMDA activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and increased the retinal expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and endothelin-2, as well as that of neurotrophic growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, lens epithelium-derived growth factor, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. A similar activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and an increased expression of neurotrophic factors was observed in cultured Müller cells after treatment with Norrin, effects that again could be blocked by adding DKK-1. In addition, conditioned cell culture medium of Norrin-treated Müller cells increased survival of differentiated RGC-5 cells. We conclude that Norrin has pronounced neuroprotective properties on retinal neurons with the distinct potential to decrease the damaging effects of NMDA-induced RGC loss. The effects of Norrin involve activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and subsequent induction of neurotrophic growth factors in Müller cells.

  16. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor amplification of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha production in THP-1 human monocytic cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of oral microorganisms.

    PubMed

    Baqui, A A; Meiller, T F; Chon, J J; Turng, B F; Falkler, W A

    1998-05-01

    Cytokines, including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), are used to assist in bone marrow recovery during cancer chemotherapy. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) play important roles in inflammatory processes, including exacerbation of periodontal diseases, one of the most common complications in patients who undergo this therapy. A human monocyte cell line (THP-1) was utilized to investigate IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production following GM-CSF supplementation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from two oral microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. LPS of P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum was prepared by a phenol-water extraction method and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and determination of total protein and endotoxin contents. Resting THP-1 cells were treated with LPS of P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum and/or GM-CSF (50 IU/ml) by using different concentrations for various time periods. Production of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in THP-1 cells was measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression of resting and treated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta was not detected in untreated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta production was, however, stimulated sharply at 4 h. GM-CSF amplified IL-1beta production in THP-1 cells treated with LPS from both oral anaerobes. No IL-1beta-specific mRNA transcript was detected in untreated THP-1 cells. However, IL-1beta mRNA was detected by RT-PCR 2 h after stimulation of THP-1 cells with LPS from both organisms. GM-CSF did not shorten the IL-1beta transcriptional activation time. GM-CSF plus F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis LPS activated THP-1 cells to produce a 1.6-fold increase in TNF-alpha production at 4 h over LPS stimulation alone. These investigations with the in vitro THP-1 model indicate that there may be an increase in the cellular immune response to oral endotoxin following GM-CSF therapy, as evidenced by production of the tissue-reactive cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

  17. Arsenic Exposure and Calpain-10 Polymorphisms Impair the Function of Pancreatic Beta-Cells in Humans: A Pilot Study of Risk Factors for T2DM

    PubMed Central

    Díaz-Villaseñor, Andrea; Cruz, Laura; Cebrián, Arturo; Hernández-Ramírez, Raúl U.; Hiriart, Marcia; García-Vargas, Gonzálo; Bassol, Susana; Sordo, Monserrat; Gandolfi, A. Jay; Klimecki, Walter T.; López-Carillo, Lizbeth; Cebrián, Mariano E.; Ostrosky-Wegman, Patricia

    2013-01-01

    The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide and diverse environmental and genetic risk factors are well recognized. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the calpain-10 gene (CAPN-10), which encodes a protein involved in the secretion and action of insulin, and chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) through drinking water have been independently associated with an increase in the risk for T2DM. In the present work we evaluated if CAPN-10 SNPs and iAs exposure jointly contribute to the outcome of T2DM. Insulin secretion (beta-cell function) and insulin sensitivity were evaluated indirectly through validated indexes (HOMA2) in subjects with and without T2DM who have been exposed to a gradient of iAs in their drinking water in northern Mexico. The results were analyzed taking into account the presence of the risk factor SNPs SNP-43 and -44 in CAPN-10. Subjects with T2DM had significantly lower beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity. An inverse association was found between beta-cell function and iAs exposure, the association being more pronounced in subjects with T2DM. Subjects without T2DM who were carriers of the at-risk genotype SNP-43 or -44, also had significantly lower beta-cell function. The association of SNP-43 with beta-cell function was dependent on iAs exposure, age, gender and BMI, whereas the association with SNP-44 was independent of all of these factors. Chronic exposure to iAs seems to be a risk factor for T2DM in humans through the reduction of beta-cell function, with an enhanced effect seen in the presence of the at-risk genotype of SNP-43 in CAPN-10. Carriers of CAPN-10 SNP-44 have also shown reduced beta-cell function. PMID:23349674

  18. In vitro differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Feng, Zhihui; Li, Changying; Jiao, Shuxian; Hu, Bin; Zhao, Lin

    2011-01-01

    To investigate the mechanism and regulation of differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocytes and to find a new source for therapies of hepatic diseases. We isolated BMSCs for subsequent differentiation in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF). Cell morphology was observed and cell surface phenotypings were detected by flow cytometry. a1-antitrypsin (AAT) expression of the hepatocytes was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and albumin expression was validated by real time PCR and western blotting. The expression of high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (TrkA) and the activation of Erk pathway were detected by western blotting. Hepatocyte functional activity was confirmed by uptake of indocyanine green (ICG) assay. Small round cells appeared in the presence of HGF on day 10 or beta-NGF on day 12. Differentiated cells expressed albumin and had functional characteristics of hepatocytes, such as uptake of ICG. BMSCs were positive for TrkA. HGF and beta-NGF significantly upregulated the protein levels of phospho-Erk. BMSCs could differentiate into hepatocytes in the differentiation media including HGF or beta-NGF. Combination of HGF and beta-NGF significantly increased the efficiency of hepatic differentiation.

  19. Bone sialoprotein mediates the tumor cell-targeted prometastatic activity of transforming growth factor beta in a mouse model of breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Nam, Jeong-Seok; Suchar, Adam M; Kang, Mi-Jin; Stuelten, Christina H; Tang, Binwu; Michalowska, Aleksandra M; Fisher, Larry W; Fedarko, Neal S; Jain, Alka; Pinkas, Jan; Lonning, Scott; Wakefield, Lalage M

    2006-06-15

    Transforming growth factor betas (TGF-beta) play a dual role in carcinogenesis, functioning as tumor suppressors early in the process, and then switching to act as prometastatic factors in late-stage disease. We have previously shown that high molecular weight TGF-beta antagonists can suppress metastasis without the predicted toxicities. To address the underlying mechanisms, we have used the 4T1 syngeneic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. Treatment of mice with a monoclonal anti-TGF-beta antibody (1D11) significantly suppressed metastasis of 4T1 cells to the lungs. When metastatic 4T1 cells were recovered from lungs of 1D11-treated and control mice, the most differentially expressed gene was found to be bone sialoprotein (Bsp). Immunostaining confirmed the loss of Bsp protein in 1D11-treated lung metastases, and TGF-beta was shown to regulate and correlate with Bsp expression in vitro. Functionally, knockdown of Bsp in 4T1 cells reduced the ability of TGF-beta to induce local collagen degradation and invasion in vitro, and treatment with recombinant Bsp protected 4T1 cells from complement-mediated lysis. Finally, suppression of Bsp in 4T1 cells reduced metastasis in vivo. We conclude that Bsp is a plausible mediator of at least some of the tumor cell-targeted prometastatic activity of TGF-beta in this model and that Bsp expression in metastases can be successfully suppressed by systemic treatment with anti-TGF-beta antibodies.

  20. Down-regulation of connective tissue growth factor by inhibition of transforming growth factor beta blocks the tumor-stroma cross-talk and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Mazzocca, Antonio; Fransvea, Emilia; Dituri, Francesco; Lupo, Luigi; Antonaci, Salvatore; Giannelli, Gianluigi

    2010-02-01

    Tumor-stroma interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are of key importance to tumor progression. In this study, we show that HCC invasive cells produce high levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and generate tumors with a high stromal component in a xenograft model. A transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor inhibitor, LY2109761, inhibited the synthesis and release of CTGF, as well as reducing the stromal component of the tumors. In addition, the TGF-beta-dependent down-regulation of CTGF diminished tumor growth, intravasation, and metastatic dissemination of HCC cells by inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation. By contrast, noninvasive HCC cells were found to produce low levels of CTGF. Upon TGF-beta1 stimulation, noninvasive HCC cells form tumors with a high stromal content and CTGF expression, which is inhibited by treatment with LY2109761. In addition, the acquired intravasation and metastatic spread of noninvasive HCC cells after TGF-beta1 stimulation was blocked by LY2109761. LY2109761 interrupts the cross-talk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, leading to a significant reduction of HCC growth and dissemination. Interestingly, patients with high CTGF expression had poor prognosis, suggesting that treatment aimed at reducing TGF-beta-dependent CTGF expression may offer clinical benefits. Taken together, our preclinical results indicate that LY2109761 targets the cross-talk between HCC and the stroma and provide a rationale for future clinical trials.

  1. Metabolic Stress and Compromised Identity of Pancreatic Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    Swisa, Avital; Glaser, Benjamin; Dor, Yuval

    2017-01-01

    Beta cell failure is a central feature of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the molecular underpinnings of the process remain only partly understood. It has been suggested that beta cell failure in T2D involves massive cell death. Other studies ascribe beta cell failure to cell exhaustion, due to chronic oxidative or endoplasmic reticulum stress leading to cellular dysfunction. More recently it was proposed that beta cells in T2D may lose their differentiated identity, possibly even gaining features of other islet cell types. The loss of beta cell identity appears to be driven by glucotoxicity inhibiting the activity of key beta cell transcription factors including Pdx1, Nkx6.1, MafA and Pax6, thereby silencing beta cell genes and derepressing alternative islet cell genes. The loss of beta cell identity is at least partly reversible upon normalization of glycemia, with implications for the reversibility of T2D, although it is not known if beta cell failure reaches eventually a point of no return. In this review we discuss current evidence for metabolism-driven compromised beta cell identity, key knowledge gaps and opportunities for utility in the treatment of T2D. PMID:28270834

  2. Metabolic Stress and Compromised Identity of Pancreatic Beta Cells.

    PubMed

    Swisa, Avital; Glaser, Benjamin; Dor, Yuval

    2017-01-01

    Beta cell failure is a central feature of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the molecular underpinnings of the process remain only partly understood. It has been suggested that beta cell failure in T2D involves massive cell death. Other studies ascribe beta cell failure to cell exhaustion, due to chronic oxidative or endoplasmic reticulum stress leading to cellular dysfunction. More recently it was proposed that beta cells in T2D may lose their differentiated identity, possibly even gaining features of other islet cell types. The loss of beta cell identity appears to be driven by glucotoxicity inhibiting the activity of key beta cell transcription factors including Pdx1, Nkx6.1, MafA and Pax6, thereby silencing beta cell genes and derepressing alternative islet cell genes. The loss of beta cell identity is at least partly reversible upon normalization of glycemia, with implications for the reversibility of T2D, although it is not known if beta cell failure reaches eventually a point of no return. In this review we discuss current evidence for metabolism-driven compromised beta cell identity, key knowledge gaps and opportunities for utility in the treatment of T2D.

  3. Functional cloning of the proto-oncogene brain factor-1 (BF-1) as a Smad-binding antagonist of transforming growth factor-beta signaling.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, C; Huang, L J; Son, J K; McKee, A; Xiao, Z; Lodish, H F

    2001-08-10

    Using the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) promoter to drive the expression of a reporter gene (mouse CD2), we devised a system to clone negative regulators of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway. We infected a TGF-beta-responsive cell line (MvLu1) with a retroviral cDNA library, selecting by fluorescence-activated cell sorter single cells displaying low PAI promoter activity in response to TGF-beta. Using this strategy we cloned the proto-oncogene brain factor-1 (BF-1). BF-1 represses the PAI promoter in part by associating with both unphosphorylated Smad3 (in the cytoplasm) and phosphorylated Smad3 (in the nucleus), thus preventing its binding to DNA. BF-1 also associates with Smad1, -2, and -4; the Smad MH2 domain binds to BF-1, and the C-terminal segment of BF-1 is uniquely and solely required for binding to Smads. Further, BF-1 represses another TGF-beta-induced promoter (p15), it up-regulates a TGF-beta-repressed promoter (Cyclin A), and it reverses the growth arrest caused by TGF-beta. Our results suggest that BF-1 is a general inhibitor of TGF-beta signaling and as such may play a key role during brain development.

  4. Inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 SignalingAttenuates Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Activity in Response toGenotoxic Stress

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kirshner, Julia; Jobling, Michael F.; Pajares, Maria Jose

    2006-01-01

    Ionizing radiation causes DNA damage that elicits a cellular program of damage control coordinated by the kinase activity of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM). Transforming growth factor {beta} (TGF{beta})-1, which is activated by radiation, is a potent and pleiotropic mediator of physiologic and pathologic processes. Here we show that TGF{beta} inhibition impedes the canonical cellular DNA damage stress response. Irradiated Tgf{beta}I null murine epithelial cells or human epithelial cells treated with a small-molecule inhibitor of TGF{beta} type I receptor kinase exhibit decreased phosphorylation of Chk2, Rad17, and p53; reduced H2AX radiation-induced foci; and increased radiosensitivity compared with TGF{beta} competent cells.more » We determined that loss of TGF{beta} signaling in epithelial cells truncated ATM autophosphorylation and significantly reduced its kinase activity, without affecting protein abundance. Addition of TGF{beta} restored functional ATM and downstream DNA damage responses. These data reveal a heretofore undetected critical link between the microenvironment and ATM, which directs epithelial cell stress responses, cell fate, and tissue integrity. Thus, Tgf{beta}I, in addition to its role in homoeostatic growth control, plays a complex role in regulating responses to genotoxic stress, the failure of which would contribute to the development of cancer; conversely, inhibiting TGF{beta} may be used to advantage in cancer therapy.« less

  5. Effect of transforming growth factor-beta and growth differentiation factor-5 on proliferation and matrix production by human bone marrow stromal cells cultured on braided poly lactic-co-glycolic acid scaffolds for ligament tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Jenner, J M G Th; van Eijk, F; Saris, D B F; Willems, W J; Dhert, W J A; Creemers, Laura B

    2007-07-01

    Tissue engineering of ligaments based on biomechanically suitable biomaterials combined with autologous cells may provide a solution for the drawbacks associated with conventional graft material. The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (rhTGF-beta1) and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-5, known for their role in connective tissue regeneration, to proliferation and matrix production by human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured onto woven, bioabsorbable, 3-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds. Cells were cultured for 12 days in the presence or absence of these growth factors at different concentrations. Human BMSCs attached to the suture material, proliferated, and synthesized extracellular matrix rich in collagen type I and collagen III. No differentiation was demonstrated toward cartilage or bone tissue. The addition of rhTGF-beta1 (1-10 ng/mL) and GDF-5 (10-100 ng/mL) increased cell content (p < 0.05), but only TGF-beta1 also increased total collagen production (p < 0.05) and collagen production per cell, which is a parameter indicating differentiation. In conclusion, stimulation with rhTGF-beta1, and to a lesser extent with GDF-5, can modulate human BMSCs toward collagenous soft tissue when applied to a 3D hybrid construct. The use of growth factors could play an important role in the improvement of ligament tissue engineering.

  6. SIRT1 inhibits proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells expressing pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor (PAUF), a novel oncogene, by suppression of {beta}-catenin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cho, Il-Rae; Koh, Sang Seok; Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-333

    2012-06-29

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SIRT1 inhibits protein levels of {beta}-catenin and its transcriptional activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nuclear localization of SIRT1 is not required for the decrease of {beta}-catenin expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SIRT1-mediated degradation of {beta}-catenin is not required for GSK-3{beta} and Siah-1 but for proteosome. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SIRT1 activation inhibits proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells expressing PAUF. -- Abstract: Because we found in a recent study that pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor (PAUF), a novel oncogene, induces a rapid proliferation of pancreatic cells by up-regulation of {beta}-catenin, we postulated that {beta}-catenin might be a target molecule for pancreatic cancer treatment. We thus speculated whether SIRT1, knownmore » to target {beta}-catenin in a colon cancer model, suppresses {beta}-catenin in those pancreatic cancer cells that express PAUF (Panc-PAUF). We further evaluated whether such suppression would lead to inhibition of the proliferation of these cells. The ectopic expression of either SIRT1 or resveratrol (an activator of SIRT1) suppressed levels of {beta}-catenin protein and its transcriptional activity in Panc-PAUF cells. Conversely, suppression of SIRT1 expression by siRNA enhanced {beta}-catenin expression and transcriptional activity. SIRT1 mutant analysis showed that nuclear localization of SIRT1 is not required for reduction of {beta}-catenin. Treatment with MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor, restored {beta}-catenin protein levels, suggesting that SIRT1-mediated degradation of {beta}-catenin requires proteasomal activity. It was reported that inhibition of GSK-3{beta} or Siah-1 stabilizes {beta}-catenin in colon cancer cells, but suppression of GSK-3{beta} or Siah-1 using siRNA in the presence of resveratrol instead diminished {beta}-catenin protein levels in Panc-PAUF cells. This suggests that GSK-3{beta} and Siah-1 are not involved in SIRT1-mediated degradation of {beta}-catenin in the cells. Finally, activation of SIRT1 inhibited the proliferation of Panc-PAUF cells by down-regulation of cyclin-D1, a target molecule of {beta}-catenin. These results suggest that SIRT1 activation may be a therapeutic strategy for treatment of pancreatic cancer cells that express PAUF via the down-regulation of {beta}-catenin.« less

  7. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and transforming growth factor-beta pathways inhibit intestinal epithelial cell growth by regulating levels of TSC-22.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Rajnish A; Sarraf, Pasha; Brockman, Jeffrey A; Shappell, Scott B; Raftery, Laurel A; Willson, Timothy M; DuBois, Raymond N

    2003-02-28

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are key regulators of epithelial cell biology. However, the molecular mechanisms by which either pathway induces growth inhibition and differentiation are incompletely understood. We have identified transforming growth factor-simulated clone-22 (TSC-22) as a target gene of both pathways in intestinal epithelial cells. TSC-22 is member of a family of leucine zipper containing transcription factors with repressor activity. Although little is known regarding its function in mammals, the Drosophila homolog of TSC-22, bunched, plays an essential role in fly development. The ability of PPARgamma to induce TSC-22 was not dependent on an intact TGF-beta1 signaling pathway and was specific for the gamma isoform. Localization studies revealed that TSC-22 mRNA is enriched in the postmitotic epithelial compartment of the normal human colon. Cells transfected with wild-type TSC-22 exhibited reduced growth rates and increased levels of p21 compared with vector-transfected cells. Furthermore, transfection with a dominant negative TSC-22 in which both repressor domains were deleted was able to reverse the p21 induction and growth inhibition caused by activation of either the PPARgamma or TGF-beta pathways. These results place TSC-22 as an important downstream component of PPARgamma and TGF-beta signaling during intestinal epithelial cell differentiation.

  8. Antiproliferative properties of toremifene on AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma cells.

    PubMed

    Hong, Angela; Leigh, Bryan R

    2002-12-01

    Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplastic apoptosis manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Toremifene is known to upregulate transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), which is a growth-inhibitory factor for KS. We investigated the in vitro effect of toremifene on KS cells. MTT assay was used to measure the growth of four KS cell lines and a human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cell line after incubation with toremifene. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were used to measure the level of TGF-beta1. The IC(50) for the KS cells ranged from 2.2 to 3.2 microM, and 80% of the growth inhibition occurred within 24 h. Toremifene enhanced TGF-beta1 mRNA expression, and the level of TGF-beta1 increased from 103 to 473 pg/ml after 48 h of incubation. Toremifene had no effect on the growth of HUVE cells. Toremifene has a specific antiproliferative effect on KS cells. The stimulation of TGF-beta1 production may play a role in the antiproliferative process. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

  9. Programmed disorders of beta-cell development and function as one cause for type 2 diabetes? The GK rat paradigm.

    PubMed

    Portha, Bernard

    2005-01-01

    Now that the reduction in beta-mass has been clearly established in humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 1-4, the debate focuses on the possible mechanisms responsible for decreased beta-cell number and impaired beta-cell function and their multifactorial etiology. Appropriate inbred rodent models are essential tools for identification of genes and environmental factors that increase the risk of abnormal beta-cell function and of T2DM. The information available in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, one of the best characterized animal models of spontaneous T2DM, are reviewed in such a perspective. We propose that the defective beta-cell mass and function in the GK model reflect the complex interactions of three pathogenic players: (1) several independent loci containing genes causing impaired insulin secretion; (2) gestational metabolic impairment inducing a programming of endocrine pancreas (decreased beta-cell neogenesis) which is transmitted to the next generation; and (3) secondary (acquired) loss of beta-cell differentiation due to chronic exposure to hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity). An important message is that the 'heritable' determinants of T2DM are not simply dependant on genetic factors, but probably involve transgenerational epigenetic responses. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  10. The emergence of non-cytolytic NK1.1+ T cells in the long-term culture of murine tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes: a possible role of transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed

    Tamada, K; Harada, M; Ito, O; Takenoyama, M; Mori, T; Matsuzaki, G; Nomoto, K

    1996-12-01

    The mechanism by which murine tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) decreased their anti-tumour activity during an in vitro culture with interleukin-2 (IL-2) was investigated. A phenotype analysis revealed that the TIL cultured for 7 days (TIL-d7) were exclusively NKI.1- CD4- CD8+ CD3+ cells and that this population was replaced by natural killer (NK)1.1+ CD4- CD8 CD3+ cells by day 27 (TIL-d27) during the culture of TIL. The TIL-d7 cells showed a cytolytic activity against B16 melanoma, whereas the TIL-d27 cells had lost this activity, suggesting that the decrease in the anti tumour effect of TIL during the culture with IL-2 was due to their populational change. Analysis on the characteristics of the TIL-d27 cells revealed that they expressed skewed T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta 5 and increased mRNA expression of V alpha 14. In addition, they expressed transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA. Interestingly, TGF-beta augmented the proliferation of TIL-d27 cells under the presence of IL-2, but suppressed that of TIL-d7 cells. Moreover, the proliferation of TIL-d27 cells was suppressed by anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody. Collectively, these results suggest that, in contrast to its suppressive effect on anti-tumour effector T cells. TGF-beta could be an autocrine growth factor for NKL1.1+ T cells and thereby induce non-cytolytic NK1.1+ T cells in the long-term culture of TIL.

  11. The emergence of non-cytolytic NK1.1+ T cells in the long-term culture of murine tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes: a possible role of transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed Central

    Tamada, K; Harada, M; Ito, O; Takenoyama, M; Mori, T; Matsuzaki, G; Nomoto, K

    1996-01-01

    The mechanism by which murine tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) decreased their anti-tumour activity during an in vitro culture with interleukin-2 (IL-2) was investigated. A phenotype analysis revealed that the TIL cultured for 7 days (TIL-d7) were exclusively NKI.1- CD4- CD8+ CD3+ cells and that this population was replaced by natural killer (NK)1.1+ CD4- CD8 CD3+ cells by day 27 (TIL-d27) during the culture of TIL. The TIL-d7 cells showed a cytolytic activity against B16 melanoma, whereas the TIL-d27 cells had lost this activity, suggesting that the decrease in the anti tumour effect of TIL during the culture with IL-2 was due to their populational change. Analysis on the characteristics of the TIL-d27 cells revealed that they expressed skewed T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta 5 and increased mRNA expression of V alpha 14. In addition, they expressed transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA. Interestingly, TGF-beta augmented the proliferation of TIL-d27 cells under the presence of IL-2, but suppressed that of TIL-d7 cells. Moreover, the proliferation of TIL-d27 cells was suppressed by anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody. Collectively, these results suggest that, in contrast to its suppressive effect on anti-tumour effector T cells. TGF-beta could be an autocrine growth factor for NKL1.1+ T cells and thereby induce non-cytolytic NK1.1+ T cells in the long-term culture of TIL. Images Figure 4 Figure 6 PMID:9014832

  12. Synergy between TGF-beta 3 and NT-3 to promote the survival of spiral ganglia neurones in vitro.

    PubMed

    Marzella, P L; Clark, G M; Shepherd, R K; Bartlett, P F; Kilpatrick, T J

    1998-01-09

    Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) have been implicated in normal inner ear development and in promoting neuronal survival. Early rat post-natal spiral ganglion cells (SGC) in dissociated cell culture were used as a model of auditory innervation to test the trophic factors TGF-beta3 and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for their ability, individually or in combination, to promote neuronal survival. The findings from this study suggest that TGF-beta3 supports neuronal survival in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover TGF-beta3 and NT-3-potentiated spiral ganglion neuronal survival in a synergistic fashion.

  13. PKB/Akt modulates TGF-beta signalling through a direct interaction with Smad3.

    PubMed

    Remy, Ingrid; Montmarquette, Annie; Michnick, Stephen W

    2004-04-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has a major role in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in many cell types. Integration of the TGF-beta pathway with other signalling cascades that control the same cellular processes may modulate TGF-beta responses. Here we report the discovery of a new functional link between TGF-beta and growth factor signalling pathways, mediated by a physical interaction between the serine-threonine kinase PKB (protein kinase B)/Akt and the transcriptional activator Smad3. Formation of the complex is induced by insulin, but inhibited by TGF-beta stimulation, placing PKB-Smad3 at a point of convergence between these two pathways. PKB inhibits Smad3 by preventing its phosphorylation, binding to Smad4 and nuclear translocation. In contrast, Smad3 does not inhibit PKB. Inhibition of Smad3 by PKB occurs through a kinase-activity-independent mechanism, resulting in a decrease in Smad3-mediated transcription and protection of cells against TGF-beta-induced apoptosis. Consistently, knockdown of the endogenous PKB gene with small-interfering RNA (siRNA) has the opposite effect. Our results suggest a very simple mechanism for the integration of signals arising from growth-factor- and TGF-beta-mediated pathways.

  14. Orphan nuclear receptor TLX activates Wnt/beta-catenin signalling to stimulate neural stem cell proliferation and self-renewal.

    PubMed

    Qu, Qiuhao; Sun, Guoqiang; Li, Wenwu; Yang, Su; Ye, Peng; Zhao, Chunnian; Yu, Ruth T; Gage, Fred H; Evans, Ronald M; Shi, Yanhong

    2010-01-01

    The nuclear receptor TLX (also known as NR2E1) is essential for adult neural stem cell self-renewal; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. Here we show that TLX activates the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in adult mouse neural stem cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Wnt/beta-catenin signalling is important in the proliferation and self-renewal of adult neural stem cells in the presence of epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor. Wnt7a and active beta-catenin promote neural stem cell self-renewal, whereas the deletion of Wnt7a or the lentiviral transduction of axin, a beta-catenin inhibitor, led to decreased cell proliferation in adult neurogenic areas. Lentiviral transduction of active beta-catenin led to increased numbers of type B neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of adult brains, whereas deletion of Wnt7a or TLX resulted in decreased numbers of neural stem cells retaining bromodeoxyuridine label in the adult brain. Both Wnt7a and active beta-catenin significantly rescued a TLX (also known as Nr2e1) short interfering RNA-induced deficiency in neural stem cell proliferation. Lentiviral transduction of an active beta-catenin increased cell proliferation in neurogenic areas of TLX-null adult brains markedly. These results strongly support the hypothesis that TLX acts through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway to regulate neural stem cell proliferation and self-renewal. Moreover, this study suggests that neural stem cells can promote their own self-renewal by secreting signalling molecules that act in an autocrine/paracrine mode.

  15. A critical role for transcription factor Smad4 in T cell function independent of transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling

    PubMed Central

    Gu, Ai-Di; Zhang, Song; Wang, Yunqi; Xiong, Hui; Curtis, Thomas A.; Wan, Yisong Y.

    2014-01-01

    Summary Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) suppresses T cell function to maintain self-tolerance and to promote tumor immune evasion. Yet how Smad4, a transcription factor component of TGF-β signaling, regulates T cell function remains unclear. Here we have demonstrated an essential role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function during autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity. Smad4 deletion rescued the lethal autoimmunity resulting from transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-βR) deletion and compromised T-cell-mediated tumor rejection. While Smad4 was dispensable for T cell generation, homeostasis and effector function, it was essential for T cell proliferation following activation in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factor Myc was identified to mediate Smad4-controlled T cell proliferation. This study thus reveals a requirement of Smad4 for T-cell-mediated autoimmunity and tumor rejection, which is beyond the current paradigm. It highlights a TGF-βR-independent role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function, autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity. PMID:25577439

  16. The neurotrophins act synergistically with LIF and members of the TGF-beta superfamily to promote the survival of spiral ganglia neurons in vitro.

    PubMed

    Marzella, P L; Gillespie, L N; Clark, G M; Bartlett, P F; Kilpatrick, T J

    1999-12-01

    A number of growth factor families have been implicated in normal inner ear development, auditory neuron survival and protection. Several growth factors, including transforming growth factor-beta5 (TGF-beta5) and TGF-beta3, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were tested for their ability, individually or in combination, to promote auditory neuron survival in dissociated cell cultures of early rat post-natal spiral ganglion cells (SGCs). The results indicate that at discrete concentrations all growth factors act in an additive fashion and some in synergy when promoting neuronal survival. These findings support the hypothesis that growth factors from different families may be interdependent when sustaining neuronal integrity.

  17. HGF/scatter factor selectively promotes cell invasion by increasing integrin avidity.

    PubMed

    Trusolino, L; Cavassa, S; Angelini, P; Andó, M; Bertotti, A; Comoglio, P M; Boccaccio, C

    2000-08-01

    Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) controls a genetic program known as 'invasive growth', which involves as critical steps cell adhesion, migration, and trespassing of basement membranes. We show here that in MDA-MB-231 carcinoma cells, these steps are elicited by HGF/SF but not by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Neither factor substantially alters the production or activity of extracellular matrix proteases. HGF/SF, but not EGF, selectively promotes cell adhesion on laminins 1 and 5, fibronectin, and vitronectin through a PI3-K-dependent mechanism. Increased adhesion is followed by enhanced invasiveness through isolated matrix proteins as well as through reconstituted basement membranes. Inhibition assays using function-blocking antibodies show that this phenomenon is mediated by multiple integrins including beta1, beta3, beta4, and beta5. HGF/SF triggers clustering of all these integrins at actin-rich adhesive sites and lamellipodia but does not quantitatively modify their membrane expression. These data suggest that HGF/SF promotes cell adhesion and invasiveness by increasing the avidity of integrins for their specific ligands.

  18. Evaluation of the transforming growth factor-beta activity in normal and dry eye human tears by CCL-185 cell bioassay.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Xiaofen; De Paiva, Cintia S; Rao, Kavita; Li, De-Quan; Farley, William J; Stern, Michael; Pflugfelder, Stephen C

    2010-09-01

    To develop a new bioassay method using human lung epithelial cells (CCL-185) to assess activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in human tear fluid from normal subjects and patients with dry eye. Two epithelial cell lines, mink lung cells (CCL-64) and human lung cells (CCL-185), were compared to detect the active form of TGF-beta by BrdU incorporation (quantitation of cell DNA synthesis) and WST assay (metabolic activity of viable cells). The effect of TGF-beta on the growth of CCL-185 cells was observed microscopically. Human tears from normal control subjects and patients with dry eye (DE) with and without Sjögren syndrome were evaluated for TGF-beta concentration by Luminex microbead assay, and TGF-beta activity by the CCL-185 cell growth inhibition bioassay. The metabolic activity of viable CCL-185 cells, measured by WST, was shown to be proportional to the TGF-beta1 concentration (R = 0.919) and confirmed by BrdU assay (R = 0.969). Compared with CCL-185, metabolic activity of viable cells and DNA synthesis, measured by WST and BrdU incorporation assays, were shown to be less proportional to the TGF-beta1 concentration in the CCL-64 line (R = 0.42 and 0.17, respectively). Coincubation with human anti-TGF-beta1 antibody (MAB-240) yielded a dose-dependent inhibition of TGF-beta1 (0.3 ng/mL) activity. CCL-185 cell growth observed microscopically was noted to decrease in response to increasing TGF-beta1 concentrations. Levels of immuodetectable TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were similar in normal and DE tears. TGF-beta bioactivity in DE human tears measured by the CCL-185 cells assay was found to be higher (9777.5 +/- 10481.9 pg/mL) than those in normal controls (4129.3 +/- 1342.9 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). Among patients with DE, TGF-beta bioactivity was highest in those with Sjögren syndrome. Approximately, 79.1% of TGF-beta in DE tears and 37.6% TGF-beta in normal tears were found to be biologically active. The CCL-185 cell assay was found to be a suitable tool for assessing TGF-beta activity in human tears. Tear TGF-beta bioactivity increases in DE, particularly in Sjögren syndrome, where elevated levels of TGF-beta1 transcripts in the conjunctival epithelium have been previously detected.

  19. Specific signals involved in the long-term maintenance of radiation-induced fibrogenic differentiation: a role for CCN2 and low concentration of TGF-beta1.

    PubMed

    Haydont, Valérie; Riser, Bruce L; Aigueperse, Jocelyne; Vozenin-Brotons, Marie-Catherine

    2008-06-01

    The fibrogenic differentiation of resident mesenchymal cells is a key parameter in the pathogenesis of radiation fibrosis and is triggered by the profibrotic growth factors transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and CCN2. TGF-beta1 is considered the primary inducer of fibrogenic differentiation and is thought to control its long-term maintenance, whereas CCN2 is considered secondary effector of TGF-beta1. Yet, in long-term established fibrosis like that associated with delayed radiation enteropathy, in situ TGF-beta1 deposition is low, whereas CCN2 expression is high. To explore this apparent paradox, cell response to increasing doses of TGF-beta1 was investigated in cells modeling initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, i.e., normal and fibrosis-derived smooth muscle cells, respectively. Activation of cell-specific signaling pathways by low TGF-beta1 doses was demonstrated with a main activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway in fibrosis-derived cells, whereas the Smad pathway was mainly activated in normal cells. This leads to subsequent and cell-specific regulation of the CCN2 gene. These results suggested a specific profibrotic role of CCN2 in fibrosis-initiated cells. Furthermore, the modulation of CCN2 expression by itself and the combination of TGF-beta1 and CCN2 was investigated in fibrosis-derived cells. In fibrosis-initiated cells CCN2 triggered its autoinduction; furthermore, low concentration of TGF-beta1-potentiated CCN2 autoinduction. Our findings showed a differential requirement and action of TGF-beta1 in the fibrogenic response of normal vs. fibrosis-derived cells. This study defines a novel Rho/ROCK but Smad3-independent mode of TGF-beta signaling that may operate during the chronic stages of fibrosis and provides evidence of both specific and combinatorial roles of low TGF-beta1 dose and CCN2.

  20. Three-Dimensional Bioreactor Technologies for the Cocultivation of Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    Petry, Florian; Weidner, Tobias; Salzig, Denise

    2018-01-01

    Diabetes is a prominent health problem caused by the failure of pancreatic beta cells. One therapeutic approach is the transplantation of functional beta cells, but it is difficult to generate sufficient beta cells in vitro and to ensure these cells remain viable at the transplantation site. Beta cells suffer from hypoxia, undergo apoptosis, or are attacked by the host immune system. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) can improve the functionality and survival of beta cells in vivo and in vitro due to direct cell contact or the secretion of trophic factors. Current cocultivation concepts with beta cells are simple and cannot exploit the favorable properties of hMSCs. Beta cells need a three-dimensional (3D) environment to function correctly, and the cocultivation setup is therefore more complex. This review discusses 3D cultivation forms (aggregates, capsules, and carriers) for hMSCs and beta cells and strategies for large-scale cultivation. We have determined process parameters that must be balanced and considered for the cocultivation of hMSCs and beta cells, and we present several bioreactor setups that are suitable for such an innovative cocultivation approach. Bioprocess engineering of the cocultivation processes is necessary to achieve successful beta cell therapy. PMID:29731775

  1. Coordinate regulation of estrogen-mediated fibronectin matrix assembly and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation by the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR30.

    PubMed

    Quinn, Jeffrey A; Graeber, C Thomas; Frackelton, A Raymond; Kim, Minsoo; Schwarzbauer, Jean E; Filardo, Edward J

    2009-07-01

    Estrogen promotes changes in cytoskeletal architecture not easily attributed to the biological action of estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. The Gs protein-coupled transmembrane receptor, GPR30, is linked to specific estrogen binding and rapid estrogen-mediated release of heparin-bound epidermal growth factor. Using marker rescue and dominant interfering mutant strategies, we show that estrogen action via GPR30 promotes fibronectin (FN) matrix assembly by human breast cancer cells. Stimulation with 17beta-estradiol or the ER antagonist, ICI 182, 780, results in the recruitment of FN-engaged integrin alpha5beta1 conformers to fibrillar adhesions and the synthesis of FN fibrils. Concurrent with this cellular response, GPR30 promotes the formation of Src-dependent, Shc-integrin alpha5beta1 complexes. Function-blocking antibodies directed against integrin alpha5beta1 or soluble Arg-Gly-Asp peptide fragments derived from FN specifically inhibited GPR30-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. Estrogen-mediated FN matrix assembly and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation were similarly disrupted in integrin beta1-deficient GE11 cells, whereas reintroduction of integrin beta1 into GE11 cells restored these responses. Mutant Shc (317Y/F) blocked GPR30-induced FN matrix assembly and tyrosyl phosphorylation of erbB1. Interestingly, relative to recombinant wild-type Shc, 317Y/F Shc was more readily retained in GPR30-induced integrin alpha5beta1 complexes, yet this mutant did not prevent endogenous Shc-integrin alpha5beta1 complex formation. Our results suggest that GPR30 coordinates estrogen-mediated FN matrix assembly and growth factor release in human breast cancer cells via a Shc-dependent signaling mechanism that activates integrin alpha5beta1.

  2. Effect of interlukin-1beta on proliferation of gastric epithelial cells in culture.

    PubMed

    Beales, Ian L P

    2002-04-05

    Helicobacter pylori is the main risk factor for the development of non-cardia gastric cancer. Increased proliferation of the gastric mucosa is a feature of H. pylori infection. Mucosal interkeukin-1beta production is increased in H. pylori infection and IL-1beta genotypes associated with increased pro-inflammatory activity are risk factors for the development of gastric cancer. The effect of IL-1beta on gastric epithelial cell proliferation has been examined in this study. AGS cells were cultured with IL-1beta. DNA synthesis was assed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and total viable cell numbers by MTT assay. IL-1beta dose dependently increased DNA synthesis and cell numbers. The enhanced proliferation was blocked by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Addition of neutralising antibody to GM-CSF reduced IL-1beta-stimulated proliferation by 31 +/- 4 %. GM-CSF alone significantly stimulated proliferation. Addition or neutralisation of IL-8 had no effect on basal or IL-1beta-stimulated proliferation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein completely blocked IL-1beta-stimulated proliferation and inhibition of the extracellular signal related kinase pathway with PD 98059 inhibited IL-1beta stimulated proliferation by 58 +/- 5 %. IL-1beta stimulates proliferation in gastric epithelial cells. Autocrine stimulation by GM-CSF contributes to this proliferative response. Signalling via tyrosine kinase activity is essential to the mitogenic response to IL-1beta. The extracellular signal related kinase pathway is involved in, but not essential to downstream signalling. IL-1beta may contribute to the hyperproliferation seen in H. pylori- infected gastric mucosa, and be involved in the carcinogenic process.

  3. beta-catenin mediates insulin-like growth factor-I actions to promote cyclin D1 mRNA expression, cell proliferation and survival in oligodendroglial cultures.

    PubMed

    Ye, Ping; Hu, Qichen; Liu, Hedi; Yan, Yun; D'ercole, A Joseph

    2010-07-01

    By promoting cell proliferation, survival and maturation insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is essential to the normal growth and development of the central nervous system. It is clear that IGF-I actions are primarily mediated by the type I IGF receptor (IGF1R), and that phosphoinositide 3 (PI3)-Akt kinases and MAP kinases signal many of IGF-I-IGF1R actions in neural cells, including oligodendrocyte lineage cells. The precise downstream targets of these signaling pathways, however, remain to be defined. We studied oligodendroglial cells to determine whether beta-catenin, a molecule that is a downstream target of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) and plays a key role in the Wnt canonical signaling pathway, mediates IGF-I actions. We found that IGF-I increases beta-catenin protein abundance within an hour after IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3beta. Inhibiting the PI3-Akt pathway suppressed IGF-I-induced increases in beta-catenin and cyclin D1 mRNA, while suppression of GSK3beta activity simulated IGF-I actions. Knocking-down beta-catenin mRNA by RNA interference suppressed IGF-I-stimulated increases in the abundance of cyclin D1 mRNA, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Our data suggest that beta-catenin is an important downstream molecule in the PI3-Akt-GSK3beta pathway, and as such it mediates IGF-I upregulation of cyclin D1 mRNA and promotion of cell proliferation and survival in oligodendroglial cells. Copyright 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  4. Transforming growth factor-beta regulates mammary carcinoma cell survival and interaction with the adjacent microenvironment.

    PubMed

    Bierie, Brian; Stover, Daniel G; Abel, Ty W; Chytil, Anna; Gorska, Agnieszka E; Aakre, Mary; Forrester, Elizabeth; Yang, Li; Wagner, Kay-Uwe; Moses, Harold L

    2008-03-15

    Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling has been associated with early tumor suppression and late tumor progression; however, many of the mechanisms that mediate these processes are not known. Using Cre/LoxP technology, with the whey acidic protein promoter driving transgenic expression of Cre recombinase (WAP-Cre), we have now ablated the type II TGF-beta receptor (T beta RII) expression specifically within mouse mammary alveolar progenitors. Transgenic expression of the polyoma virus middle T antigen, under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus enhancer/promoter, was used to produce mammary tumors in the absence or presence of Cre (T beta RII((fl/fl);PY) and T beta RII((fl/fl);PY;WC), respectively). The loss of TGF-beta signaling significantly decreased tumor latency and increased the rate of pulmonary metastasis. The loss of TGF-beta signaling was significantly correlated with increased tumor size and enhanced carcinoma cell survival. In addition, we observed significant differences in stromal fibrovascular abundance and composition accompanied by increased recruitment of F4/80(+) cell populations in T beta RII((fl/fl);PY;WC) mice when compared with T beta RII((fl/fl);PY) controls. The recruitment of F4/80(+) cells correlated with increased expression of known inflammatory genes including Cxcl1, Cxcl5, and Ptgs2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Notably, we also identified an enriched K5(+) dNp63(+) cell population in primary T beta RII((fl/fl);PY;WC) tumors and corresponding pulmonary metastases, suggesting that loss of TGF-beta signaling in this subset of carcinoma cells can contribute to metastasis. Together, our current results indicate that loss of TGF-beta signaling in mammary alveolar progenitors may affect tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis through regulation of both intrinsic cell signaling and adjacent stromal-epithelial interactions in vivo.

  5. C/EBP beta regulation of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene.

    PubMed Central

    Pope, R M; Leutz, A; Ness, S A

    1994-01-01

    Activated macrophages contribute to chronic inflammation by the secretion of cytokines and proteinases. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is particularly important in this process because of its ability to regulate other inflammatory mediators in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. The mechanism(s) responsible for the cell type-specific regulation of TNF alpha is not known. We present data to show that the expression of TNF alpha is regulated by the transcription factor C/EBP beta (NF-IL6). C/EBP beta activated the TNF alpha gene promoter in cotransfection assays and bound to it at a site which failed to bind the closely related protein C/EBP alpha. Finally, a dominant-negative version of C/EBP beta blocked TNF alpha promoter activation in myeloid cells. Our results implicate C/EBP beta as an important regulator of TNF alpha by myelomonocytic cells. Images PMID:7929820

  6. Transforming growth factor beta induced FoxP3+ regulatory T cells suppress Th1 mediated experimental colitis.

    PubMed

    Fantini, M C; Becker, C; Tubbe, I; Nikolaev, A; Lehr, H A; Galle, P; Neurath, M F

    2006-05-01

    The imbalance between effector and regulatory T cells plays a central role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition to the thymus, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells can be induced in the periphery from a population of CD25- T cells by treatment with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Here, we analysed the in vivo function of TGF-beta induced regulatory T (Ti-Treg) cells in experimental colitis. Ti-Treg cells were generated in cell culture in the presence or absence of TGF-beta and tested for their regulatory potential in experimental colitis using the CD4+CD62L+ T cell transfer model. Ti-Treg cells significantly suppressed Th1 mediated colitis on CD4+CD62L+ T cell transfer in vivo, as shown by high resolution endoscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, and cytokine analysis. Further analysis of in vivo and in vitro expanded Ti-Treg cells showed that exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2) was crucial for survival and expansion of these cells. Our data suggest that regulatory Ti-Treg cells expand by TGF-beta and exogenous IL-2 derived from effector T cells at the site of inflammation. In addition to Tr1 and thymic CD4+CD25+ T cells, peripheral Ti-Treg cells emerge as a class of regulatory T cells with therapeutic potential in T cell mediated chronic intestinal inflammation.

  7. Immunocytochemical localization of latent transforming growth factor-beta1 activation by stimulated macrophages

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chong, H.; Vodovotz, Y.; Cox, G. W.; Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

    1999-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta) is secreted in a latent form consisting of mature TGF-beta noncovalently associated with its amino-terminal propeptide, which is called latency associated peptide (LAP). Biological activity depends upon the release of TGF-beta from the latent complex following extracellular activation, which appears to be the key regulatory mechanism controlling TGF-beta action. We have identified two events associated with latent TGF-beta (LTGF-beta) activation in vivo: increased immunoreactivity of certain antibodies that specifically detect TGF-beta concomitant with decreased immunoreactivity of antibodies to LAP. Macrophages stimulated in vitro with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide reportedly activate LTGF-beta via cell membrane-bound protease activity. We show through dual immunostaining of paraformaldehyde-fixed macrophages that such physiological TGF-beta activation is accompanied by a loss of LAP immunoreactivity with concomitant revelation of TGF-beta epitopes. The induction of TGF-beta immunoreactivity colocalized with immunoreactive betaglycan/RIII in activated macrophages, suggesting that LTGF-beta activation occurs on the cell surface. Confocal microscopy of metabolically active macrophages incubated with antibodies to TGF-beta and betaglycan/RIII prior to fixation supported the localization of activation to the cell surface. The ability to specifically detect and localize LTGF-beta activation provides an important tool for studies of its regulation.

  8. MST1 is a key regulator of beta cell apoptosis and dysfunction in diabetes.

    PubMed

    Ardestani, Amin; Paroni, Federico; Azizi, Zahra; Kaur, Supreet; Khobragade, Vrushali; Yuan, Ting; Frogne, Thomas; Tao, Wufan; Oberholzer, Jose; Pattou, Francois; Conte, Julie Kerr; Maedler, Kathrin

    2014-04-01

    Apoptotic cell death is a hallmark of the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in all forms of diabetes mellitus. Current treatments fail to halt the decline in functional beta cell mass, and strategies to prevent beta cell apoptosis and dysfunction are urgently needed. Here, we identified mammalian sterile 20-like kinase-1 (MST1) as a critical regulator of apoptotic beta cell death and function. Under diabetogenic conditions, MST1 was strongly activated in beta cells in human and mouse islets and specifically induced the mitochondrial-dependent pathway of apoptosis through upregulation of the BCL-2 homology-3 (BH3)-only protein BIM. MST1 directly phosphorylated the beta cell transcription factor PDX1 at T11, resulting in the latter's ubiquitination and degradation and thus in impaired insulin secretion. MST1 deficiency completely restored normoglycemia, beta cell function and survival in vitro and in vivo. We show MST1 as a proapoptotic kinase and key mediator of apoptotic signaling and beta cell dysfunction and suggest that it may serve as target for the development of new therapies for diabetes.

  9. Mouse Balb/c3T3 cell mutant with low epidermal growth factor receptor activity: induction of stable anchorage-independent growth by transforming growth factor. beta

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuratomi, Y.; Ono, M.; Yasutake, C.

    1987-01-01

    A mutant clone (MO-5) was originally isolated as a clone resistant to Na/sup +//K/sup +/ ionophoric antibiotic monensin from mouse Balb/c3T3 cells. MO-5 was found to show low receptor-endocytosis activity for epidermal growth factor (EGF):binding activity for EGF in MO-5 was less than one tenth of that in Balb/c3T3. Anchorage-independent growth of MO-5 was compared to that of Balb/c3T3 when assayed by colony formation capacity in soft agar. Coadministration of EGF and TGF-..beta.. efficiently enhanced anchorage-independent growth of normal rat kidney (NRK) cells, but neither factor alone was competent to promote the anchorage-independent growth. The frequency of colonies appearing inmore » soft agar of MO-5 or Balb/c3T3 was significantly enhanced by TGF-..beta.. while EGF did not further enhance that of MO-5 or Balb/c3T3. Colonies of Balb/c3T3 formed in soft agar in the presence of TGF-..beta.. showed low colony formation capacity in soft agar in the absence of TGF-..beta... Colonies of MO-5 formed by TGF-..beta.. in soft agar, however, showed high colony formation capacity in soft agar in the absence of TGF-..beta... Pretreatment of MO-5 with TGF-..beta.. induced secretion of TGF-..beta..-like activity from the cells, while the treatment of Balb/c3T3 did not induce the secretion of a significant amount of TGF-..beta..-like activity. The loss of EGF-receptor activity in the stable expression and maintenance of the transformed phenotype in MO-5 is discussed.« less

  10. IFN-beta1b augments glucocorticoid-induced suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by increasing the number of glucocorticoid receptors on a human monocytic cell line.

    PubMed

    Uitdehaag, B M; Hoekstra, K; Koper, J W; Polman, C H; Dijkstra, C D

    2001-03-01

    We studied the effect of recombinant interferon-beta1b (IFN-beta1b) on the sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GC) and on the number of GC receptors (GCR) in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. We found that IFN-beta1b augments the suppressive effect that dexamethasone has on the stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), most likely related to the increased number of GCR observed after exposure to IFN-beta1b. This provides a possible clue to the mechanism of action of IFN-beta in multiple sclerosis.

  11. TGF-beta3 is expressed in taste buds and inhibits proliferation of primary cultured taste epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Shin-ichi; Kawai, Takayuki; Kamakura, Takashi; Ookura, Tetsuya

    2010-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas), expressed in various tissues, play important roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis through their effects on cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell death, and cell motility. However, expression of TGF-beta signaling components and their biological effect on taste epithelia has not been elucidated. We performed expression analysis of TGF-beta signaling components in taste epithelia and found that the TGF-beta3 mRNA was specifically expressed in taste buds. Type II TGF-betas receptor (TbetaR-II) mRNA was specifically expressed in the tongue epithelia including the taste epithelia. To elucidate the biological function of TGF-beta3 in taste epithelia, we performed proliferation assay with primary cultured taste epithelial cells. In the presence of TGF-beta3, percentage of BrdU-labeled cells decreased significantly, suggesting that the TGF-beta3 inhibited the proliferation of cultured taste epithelial cells through inhibiting cell-cycle entry into S phase. By quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, we found that the TGF-beta3 resulted in an increased level of expression of p15Ink4b and p21Cip1, suggesting that the TGF-beta3 inhibited the taste epithelial cell proliferation through inhibiting G1cyclin-Cdk complexes. Taken together, these results suggested that the TGF-beta3 may regulate taste epithelial cell homeostasis through controlling cell proliferation.

  12. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 in normal and diseased canine mitral valves.

    PubMed

    Aupperle, H; März, I; Thielebein, J; Schoon, H-A

    2008-01-01

    The pathogenesis of chronic valvular disease (CVD) in dogs remains unclear, but activation and proliferation of valvular stromal cells (VSC) and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblast-like cells has been described. These alterations may be influenced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a cytokine involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation and mesenchymal cell differentiation. The present study investigates immunohistochemically the expression of TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3 and smooth muscle alpha actin (alpha-SMA) in normal canine mitral valves (MVs) (n=10) and in the valves of dogs with mild (n=7), moderate (n=14) and severe (n=9) CVD. In normal mitral valves there was no expression of alpha-SMA but VSC displayed variable expression of TGF-beta1 (10% of VSC labelled), TGF-beta2 (1-5% labelled) and TGF-beta3 (50% labelled). In mild CVD the affected atrialis contain activated and proliferating alpha-SMA-positive VSC, which strongly expressed TGF-beta1 and -beta3, but only 10% of these cells expressed TGF-beta2. In unaffected areas of the leaflet there was selective increase in expression of TGF-beta1 and -beta3. In advanced CVD the activated subendothelial VSC strongly expressed alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1 and -beta3. Inactive VSC within the centre of the nodules had much less labelling for TGF-beta1 and -beta3. TGF-beta1 labelling was strong within the ECM. These data suggest that TGF-beta plays a role in the pathogenesis of CVD by inducing myofibroblast-like differentiation of VSC and ECM secretion. Changed haemodynamic forces and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may in turn regulate TGF-beta expression.

  13. Fibronectin regulates the activation of THP-1 cells by TGF-beta1.

    PubMed

    Wang, A C; Fu, L

    2001-03-01

    To determine how fibronectin regulates the immunomodulatory effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta on THP-1 cells. THP-1 monocytic cell line. THP-1 cells were primed for 48 h in the presence or absence of 250 pM TGF-beta1. Assays or assessments carried out, together with statistical test applied. We found that adherence to fibronectin dramatically modulates the effects of TGF-beta1 on the human monocytic cell line THP-1. TGF-beta did not significantly affect constitutive interleukin (IL)-8 secretion or IL-1beta-induced IL-8 secretion from suspended cells. In contrast, TGF-beta stimulated IL-8 secretion as well as augmented IL-1beta-induced IL-8 secretion from adherent cells. The differential effects of TGF-beta1 on IL-8 secretion from suspended and adherent cells could not be explained by differences in IL-1 receptor antagonist production. The effects of fibronectin on TGF-beta1 induced IL-8 secretion from THP-1 cells were mimicked by adhesion to immobilized anti-a4beta1 integrin antibody and to a fibronectin fragment containing the CS-1 domain. These results indicate that alpha4beta1-mediated adhesion to fibronectin may play a key role during inflammation by profoundly influencing the effects of TGF-beta1 on monocytes.

  14. Transforming growth factor-beta1 transcriptionally activates CD34 and prevents induced differentiation of TF-1 cells in the absence of any cell-cycle effects.

    PubMed

    Marone, M; Scambia, G; Bonanno, G; Rutella, S; de Ritis, D; Guidi, F; Leone, G; Pierelli, L

    2002-01-01

    A number of cytokines modulate self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic elements. Among these is transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), which regulates cell cycle and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, but has pleiotropic activities depending on the state of responsiveness of the target cells. It has been previously shown by us and other authors that TGF-beta1 maintains human CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors in an undifferentiated state, independently of any cell cycle effects, and that depletion of TGF-beta1 triggers differentiation accompanied by a decrease in CD34 antigen expression. In the present work, we show that exogenous TGF-beta1 upregulates the human CD34 antigen in the CD34(+) cell lines TF-1 and KG-1a, but not in the more differentiated CD34(-) cell lines HL-60 and K-562. We further studied this effect in the pluripotent erythroleukemia cell line TF-1. Here, TGF-beta1 did not effect cell growth, but induced transcriptional activation of full-length CD34 and prevented differentiation induced by differentiating agents. This effect was associated with nuclear translocation of Smad-2, activation of TAK-1, and with a dramatic decrease in p38 phosphorylation. In other systems TGF-beta1 has been shown to activate a TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which in turn, activates p38. The specific inhibitor of p38 phosphorylation, SB202190, also increased CD34 RNA expression, indicating the existence of a link between p-38 inhibition by TGF-beta1 and CD34 overexpression. Our data demonstrate that TGF-beta1 transcriptionally activates CD34 and prevents differentiation of TF-1 cells by acting independently through the Smad, TAK1 and p38 pathways, and thus provide important clues for the understanding of hematopoietic development and a potential tool to modify response of hematopoietic cells to mitogens or differentiating agents.

  15. Can transforming growth factor-beta1 and retinoids modify the activity of estradiol and antiestrogens in MCF-7 breast cancer cells?.

    PubMed

    Czeczuga-Semeniuk, Ewa; Anchim, Tomasz; Dziecioł, Janusz; Dabrowska, Milena; Wołczyński, Sławomir

    2004-01-01

    Retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) affect differentiation, proliferation and carcinogenesis of epithelial cells. The effect of both compounds on the proliferation of cells of the hormone sensitive human breast cancer cell line (ER+) MCF-7 was assessed in the presence of estradiol and tamoxifen. The assay was based on [3H]thymidine incorporation and the proliferative activity of PCNA- and Ki 67-positive cells. The apoptotic index and expression of the Bcl-2 and p53 antigens in MCF-7 cells were also determined. Exogenous TGF-beta1 added to the cell culture showed antiproliferative activity within the concentration range of 0.003-30 ng/ml. Irrespective of TGF-beta1 concentrations, a marked reduction in the stimulatory action of estradiol (10(-9) and 10(-8) M) was observed whereas in combination with tamoxifen (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) only 30 ng/ml TGF-beta1 caused a statistically significant reduction to approximately 30% of the proliferative cells. In further experiments we examined the effect of exposure of breast cancer cells to retinoids in combination with TGF-beta1. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine into MCF-7 cells was inhibited to 52 +/- 19% (control =100%) by 3 ng/ml TGF-beta1, and this dose was used throughout. It was found that addition of TGF-beta1 and isotretinoin to the culture did not decrease proliferation, while TGF-beta1 and tretinoin at low concentrations (3 x 10(-8) and 3 x 10(-7) M) reduced the percentage of proliferating cells by approximately 30% (67+/-8% and 67+/-5%, P<0.05 compared to values in the tretinoin group). Both retinoids also led to a statistically significant decrease in the stimulatory effect of 10(-9) M estradiol, attenuated by TGF-beta1. In addition, the retinoids in combination with TGF-beta1 and tamoxifen (10(-6) M) caused a further reduction in the percentage of proliferating cells. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that all the examined compounds gave a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of cells with a positive reaction to PCNA and Ki 67 antigen. TGF-beta1, isotretinoin and tretinoin added to the culture resulted in the lowest percentage of PCNA positive cells. However, the lowest fraction of Ki 67 positive cells was observed after addition of isotretinoin. The obtained results also confirm the fact that the well-known regulatory proteins Bcl-2 and p53 play an important role in the regulation of apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line, with lowered Bcl-2 expression accompanying easier apoptotic induction. The majority of the examined compounds act via the p53 pathway although some bypass this important proapoptotic factor.

  16. ROS signaling, oxidative stress and Nrf2 in pancreatic beta-cell function

    PubMed Central

    Pi, Jingbo; Zhang, Qiang; Fu, Jingqi; Woods, Courtney G.; Hou, Yongyong; Corkey, Barbara E; Collins, Sheila; Andersen, Melvin E.

    2009-01-01

    This review focuses on the emerging evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from glucose metabolism, such as H2O2, act as metabolic signaling molecules for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic beta-cells. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential inhibitory role of endogenous antioxidants, which rise in response to oxidative stress, in glucose-triggered ROS and GSIS. We propose that cellular adaptive response to oxidative stress challenge, such as nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant induction, plays paradoxical roles in pancreatic beta-cell function. On the one hand, induction of antioxidant enzymes protects beta-cells from oxidative damage and possible cell death, thus minimizing oxidative damage-related impairment of insulin secretion. On the other hand, the induction of antioxidant enzymes by Nrf2 activation blunts glucose-triggered ROS signaling, thus resulting in reduced GSIS. These two premises are potentially relevant to impairment of beta-cells occurring in the late and early stage of Type 2 diabetes, respectively. In addition, we summarized our recent findings that persistent oxidative stress due to absence of uncoupling protein 2 activates cellular adaptive response which is associated with impaired pancreatic beta-cell function. PMID:19501608

  17. Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid cloning of spermatogonial stem cell renewal factor.

    PubMed

    Miura, Takeshi; Ohta, Takashi; Miura, Chiemi I; Yamauchi, Kohei

    2003-12-01

    Spermatogonial mitosis can be subdivided into two processes: spermatogonial stem cell renewal and spermatogonial proliferation toward meiosis. Recently it has been indicated that estrogen, estradiol-17beta, is involved in regulating the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells in eel. To determine the genes that directly regulate this process, we used expression screening to identify genes whose expression is regulated by estradiol-17beta in testes. We detected a previously unidentified cDNA clone that is up-regulated by estradiol-17beta stimulation and named it eel spermatogenesis-related substances 34 (eSRS34) cDNA. Homology searching showed that eSRS34 shares amino acid sequence similarity with human platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor. We examined the function of eSRS34 using several in vitro systems. Recombinant eSRS34 produced by a baculovirus system induced spermatogonial mitosis in testicular organ culture. Furthermore, the addition of an antibody specific for eSRS34 prevented spermatogonial mitosis induced by estradiol-17beta stimulation in a germ cell/somatic cell coculture system. We therefore conclude that eSRS34 is a "spermatogonial stem cell renewal factor."

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lu Jiawei; Division of Molecular Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Torrance, CA 90502; Lu Zhenyu

    The corneal endothelial cells form a boundary layer between anterior chamber and cornea. This single cell layer is important to maintain cornea transparency by eliciting net fluid transport into the anterior chamber. Injuries of the corneal endothelial layer in humans lead to corneal swelling and translucence. This hindrance is thought to be due to limited proliferative capacity of the endothelial layer. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-{beta}2) are both found in aqueous humor, and these two cytokines promote and inhibit cell growth, respectively. The intracellular signaling mechanisms by which TGF-{beta}2 suppresses the mitogenic response tomore » FGF-2, however, remain unclear. We have addressed this question by investigating potential crosstalk between FGF-2-induced and TGF-{beta}2-regulated intracellular signaling events in cultured bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells. We found that TGF-{beta}2 and FGF-2 oppositely affect BCE cell proliferation and TGF-{beta}2 can override the stimulating effects of FGF-2 by increasing COX-2 expression in these cells. Consistent with these findings, overexpression of COX-2 significantly reduced FGF-2-induced cell proliferation whereas a COX-2 specific inhibitor NS398 reversed the effect of TGF-{beta}2 on FGF-2-induced cell proliferation. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) blocks FGF-2-induced cell proliferation. Whereas FGF-2 stimulates cell proliferation by activating the AKT pathway, TGF-{beta}2 and PGE-2 both inhibit this pathway. In accordance with the effect of PGE-2, cAMP also inhibits FGF-2-induced AKT activation. These findings suggest that the mitogenic response to FGF-2 in vivo in the corneal endothelial layer may be inhibited by TGF-{beta}2-induced suppression of the PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway.« less

  19. Different susceptibility of rat pancreatic alpha and beta cells to hypoxia.

    PubMed

    Bloch, Konstantin; Vennäng, Julia; Lazard, Daniel; Vardi, Pnina

    2012-06-01

    Insulin-producing beta cells are known to be highly susceptible to hypoxia, which is a major factor in their destruction after pancreatic islet transplantation. However, whether the glucagon-producing pancreatic islet alpha cells are sensitive to hypoxia is not known. Our objective was to compare the sensitivity of alpha and beta cells to hypoxia. Isolated rat pancreatic islets were exposed to hypoxia (1% oxygen, 94% N(2), 5% CO(2)) for 3 days. The viability of the alpha and beta cells, as well as the stimulus-specific secretion of glucagon and insulin, was evaluated. A quantitative analysis of the proportion of beta to alpha cells indicated that, under normoxic conditions, islet cells were composed mainly of beta cells (87 ± 3%) with only 13 ± 3% alpha cells. Instead, hypoxia treatment significantly increased the proportion of alpha cells (40 ± 13%) and decreased the proportion of beta cells to 60 ± 13%. Using the fluorescent TUNEL assay we found that only a few percent of beta cells and alpha cells were apoptotic in normoxia. In contrast, hypoxia induced an abundance of apoptotic beta cells (61 ± 22%) and had no effect on the level of apoptosis in alpha cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hypoxia results in severe functional abnormality in both beta and alpha cells while alpha cells display significantly decreased rate of apoptosis compared to intensive apoptotic injury of beta cells. These findings have implications for the understanding of the possible role of hypoxia in the pathophysiology of diabetes.

  20. Dietary toxins, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and diabetes.

    PubMed

    Hettiarachchi, Kalindi D; Zimmet, Paul Z; Myers, Mark A

    2008-05-01

    The incidence of Type 1 diabetes has been increasing at a rate too rapid to be due to changes in genetic risk. Instead changes in environmental factors are the likely culprit. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays an important role in the production of newly synthesized proteins and interference with these processes leads to ER stress. The insulin-producing beta cells are particularly prone to ER stress as a result of their heavy engagement in insulin production. Increasing evidence suggests ER stress is central to initiation and progression of Type 1 diabetes. An early environmental exposure, such as toxins and viral infections, can impart a significant physiological load on beta cells to initiate abnormal processing of proinsulin, ER stress and insulin secretory defects. Release of altered proinsulin from the beta cells early in life may trigger autoimmunity in those with genetic susceptibility leading to cytokine-induced nitric oxide production and so exacerbating ER stress in beta cells, ultimately leading to apoptosis of beta cells and diabetes. Here we suggest that ER stress is an inherent cause of beta cell dysfunction and environmental factors, in particular dietary toxins derived from Streptomyces in infected root vegetables, can impart additional stress that aggravates beta cell death and progression to diabetes. Furthermore, we propose that the increasing incidence of Type 1 diabetes may be accounted for by increased dietary exposure to ER-stress-inducing Streptomyces toxins.

  1. 17-Beta-estradiol inhibits transforming growth factor-beta signaling and function in breast cancer cells via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase through the G protein-coupled receptor 30.

    PubMed

    Kleuser, Burkhard; Malek, Daniela; Gust, Ronald; Pertz, Heinz H; Potteck, Henrik

    2008-12-01

    Breast cancer development and breast cancer progression involves the deregulation of growth factors leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta plays a crucial role in breast cancer because it has the potential to act as either a tumor suppressor or a pro-oncogenic chemokine. A cross-communication between the TGF-beta signaling network and estrogens has been postulated, which is important for breast tumorigenesis. Here, we provide evidence that inhibition of TGF-beta signaling is associated with a rapid estrogen-dependent nongenomic action. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that estrogens disrupt the TGF-beta signaling network as well as TGF-beta functions in breast cancer cells via the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Silencing of GPR30 in MCF-7 cells completely reduced the ability of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) to inhibit the TGF-beta pathway. Likewise, in GPR30-deficient MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, E2 achieved the ability to suppress TGF-beta signaling only after transfection with GPR30-encoding plasmids. It is most interesting that the antiestrogen fulvestrant (ICI 182,780), which possesses agonistic activity at the GPR30, also diminished TGF-beta signaling. Further experiments attempted to characterize the molecular mechanism by which activated GPR30 inhibits the TGF-beta pathway. Our results indicate that GPR30 induces the stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which interferes with the activation of Smad proteins. Inhibition of MAPK activity prevented the ability of E2 from suppressing TGF-beta signaling. These findings are of great clinical relevance, because down-regulation of TGF-beta signaling is associated with the development of breast cancer resistance in response to antiestrogens.

  2. GASDERMIN, suppressed frequently in gastric cancer, is a target of LMO1 in TGF-beta-dependent apoptotic signalling.

    PubMed

    Saeki, N; Kim, D H; Usui, T; Aoyagi, K; Tatsuta, T; Aoki, K; Yanagihara, K; Tamura, M; Mizushima, H; Sakamoto, H; Ogawa, K; Ohki, M; Shiroishi, T; Yoshida, T; Sasaki, H

    2007-10-04

    Defining apoptosis-regulatory cascades of the epithelium is important for understanding carcinogenesis, since cancer cells are considered to arise as a result of the collapse of the cascades. We previously reported that a novel gene GASDERMIN (GSDM) is expressed in the stomach but suppressed in gastric cancer cell lines. Furthermore, in this study, we demonstrated that GSDM is expressed in the mucus-secreting pit cells of the gastric epithelium and frequently silenced in primary gastric cancers. We found that GSDM has a highly apoptotic activity and its expression is regulated by a transcription factor LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) through a sequence to which Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) binds, in a GSDM promoter region. We observed coexpression of GSDM with LMO1, RUNX3 and type II transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-betaRII) in the pit cells, and found that TGF-beta upregulates the LMO1- and GSDM-expression in the gastric epithelial cell line and induces apoptosis, which was confirmed by the finding that the apoptosis induction is inhibited by suppression of each LMO1-, RUNX3- and GSDM expression, respectively. The present data suggest that TGF-beta, LMO1, possibly RUNX3, and GSDM form a regulatory pathway for directing the pit cells to apoptosis.

  3. TGF-{beta}-stimulated aberrant expression of class III {beta}-tubulin via the ERK signaling pathway in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chung, Eun Jee; Chun, Ji Na; Jung, Sun-Ah

    2011-11-18

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TGF-{beta} induces aberrant expression of {beta}III in RPE cells via the ERK pathway. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TGF-{beta} increases O-GlcNAc modification of {beta}III in RPE cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mature RPE cells have the capacity to express a neuron-associated gene by TGF-{beta}. -- Abstract: The class III {beta}-tubulin isotype ({beta}{sub III}) is expressed exclusively by neurons within the normal human retina and is not present in normal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in situ or in the early phase of primary cultures. However, aberrant expression of class III {beta}-tubulin has been observed in passaged RPE cells and RPE cells with dedifferentiated morphology inmore » pathologic epiretinal membranes from idiopathic macular pucker, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) has been implicated in dedifferentiation of RPE cells and has a critical role in the development of proliferative vitreoretinal diseases. Here, we investigated the potential effects of TGF-{beta} on the aberrant expression of class III {beta}-tubulin and the intracellular signaling pathway mediating these changes. TGF-{beta}-induced aberrant expression and O-linked-{beta}-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNac) modification of class III {beta}-tubulin in cultured RPE cells as determined using Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. TGF-{beta} also stimulated phosphorylation of ERK. TGF-{beta}-induced aberrant expression of class III {beta}-tubulin was significantly reduced by pretreatment with U0126, an inhibitor of ERK phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that TGF-{beta} stimulated aberrant expression of class III {beta}-tubulin via activation of the ERK signaling pathway. These data demonstrate that mature RPE cells have the capacity to express a neuron-associated gene in response to TGF-{beta} stimulation and provide useful information towards understanding the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinal diseases.« less

  4. Comparison of potentials between stem cells isolated from human anterior cruciate ligament and bone marrow for ligament tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Ming-Te; Liu, Chien-Lin; Chen, Tain-Hsiung; Lee, Oscar K

    2010-07-01

    We have previously isolated and identified stem cells from human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation abilities between bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and ACL-derived stem cells (LSCs) from the same donors when cultured with different growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Ligament tissues and bone marrow aspirate were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and ACL reconstruction surgeries. Proliferation, colony formation, and population doubling capacity as well as multilineage differentiation potentials of LSCs and BMSCs were compared. Gene expression and ECM production for ligament engineering were also evaluated. It was found that BMSCs possessed better osteogenic differentiation potential than LSCs, while similar adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation abilities were observed. Proliferation rates of both LSCs and BMSCs were enhanced by bFGF and TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 treatment significantly increased the expression of type I collagen, type III collagen, fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in LSCs, but TGF-beta1 only upregulated type I collagen and tenascin-c in BMSCs. Protein quantification further confirmed the results of differential gene expression and suggested that LSCs and BMSCs increase ECM production upon TGF-beta1 treatment. In summary, in comparison with BMSCs, LSCs proliferate faster and maintain an undifferentiated state with bFGF treatment, whereas under TGF-beta1 treatment, LSCs upregulate major tendinous gene expression and produce a robust amount of ligament ECM protein, making LSCs a potential cell source in future applications of ACL tissue engineering.

  5. Caveolae are negative regulators of transforming growth factor-beta1 signaling in ureteral smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Stehr, Maximilian; Estrada, Carlos R; Khoury, Joseph; Danciu, Theodora E; Sullivan, Maryrose P; Peters, Craig A; Solomon, Keith R; Freeman, Michael R; Adam, Rosalyn M

    2004-12-01

    The mechanisms underlying ureteral cell regulation are largely unknown. Previous studies have identified lipid rafts/caveolae as regulators of growth stimulatory signals in ureteral smooth muscle cells (USMCs). In this study we determined whether growth inhibitory signaling by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is also regulated by caveolae in USMC. Expression of components of the TGF-beta1 signaling axis in USMCs was determined by immunoblot and mRNA analyses. Growth regulatory activity of TGF-beta1 was assessed by H-thymidine incorporation. In select experiments caveolae were disrupted reversibly by cholesterol depletion and replenishment prior to TGF-beta1 treatment. TGF-beta1-responsive gene expression was evaluated using the TGF-beta1 responsive promoter-reporter construct 3TP-Lux. USMCs expressed TGF-beta1, types I and II TGF-beta1 receptors, and the effector Smad-2. TGF-beta1 potently inhibited DNA synthesis in USMCs (IC50 60 pM). TGF-beta1 mediated DNA synthesis inhibition was potentiated following the disruption of caveolae by cholesterol depletion. This effect was reversible with membrane cholesterol restoration. TGF-beta1 stimulated gene activity was augmented by caveolae disruption, while caveolae reformation returned promoter activity to baseline levels. TGF-beta1 is a potent growth inhibitor of USMCs and its activity can be enhanced by caveolae ablation. These findings suggest a role for TGF-beta1 in the growth regulation of normal ureteral cells and implicate caveolar membrane domains in the negative regulation of TGF-beta1 signaling. These studies may be relevant to ureteral pathologies that are characterized by smooth muscle dysplasia.

  6. Analysis of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-induced signal transduction pathways in IL-2 and TGF-beta secretion and proliferation in the thymoma cell line EL4.NOB-1.

    PubMed

    Siese, A; Jaros, P P; Willig, A

    1999-02-01

    In the present study we investigated the interleukin (IL)-1beta and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-mediated proliferation, and production of IL-2 and TGF-beta, in the murine T-cell line, EL4.NOB-1. This cell line is resistant to TGF-beta concerning growth arrest but not autoinduction or suppression of IL-1-induced IL-2 production. When cocultured with IL-1beta, TGF-beta showed growth-promoting activity that could be antagonized by adding the phosphatidyl choline-dependent phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor, D609. Using specific enzyme inhibitors of protein kinases (PK) C and A, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phosphatidylinositol-dependent (PI)-PLC and PC-PLC, we showed that IL-1beta-induced IL-2 synthesis was dependent on all investigated kinases and phospholipases, except PC-PLC. TGF-beta1 was able to inhibit IL-2 synthesis by the activation of PKA and MAPK. The same kinases are involved in TGF-beta autoinduction that is accompanied by a secretion of the active but not the latent growth factor and is antagonized by IL-1beta. Addition of the PI-PLC inhibitor, ET 18OCH3, or the PLA2 inhibitor (quinacrine) alone, resulted in secretion of latent TGF-beta and, in the case of ET 18OCH3, active TGF-beta. These data implicate a role for PI-PLC and PLA2 in the control of latency and secretion. Analysis of specific tyrosine activity and c-Fos expression showed synergistic but no antagonistic effects. These events are therefore not involved in IL- and TGF-beta-regulated IL-2 and TGF-beta production, but might participate in IL-1/TGF-beta-induced growth promotion.

  7. Pancreatic stellate cells are activated by proinflammatory cytokines: implications for pancreatic fibrogenesis.

    PubMed

    Apte, M V; Haber, P S; Darby, S J; Rodgers, S C; McCaughan, G W; Korsten, M A; Pirola, R C; Wilson, J S

    1999-04-01

    The pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis is unknown. In the liver, stellate cells play a major role in fibrogenesis by synthesising increased amounts of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins when activated by profibrogenic mediators such as cytokines and oxidant stress. To determine whether cultured rat pancreatic stellate cells produce collagen and other ECM proteins, and exhibit signs of activation when exposed to the cytokines platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Cultured pancreatic stellate cells were immunostained for the ECM proteins procollagen III, collagen I, laminin, and fibronectin using specific polyclonal antibodies. For cytokine studies, triplicate wells of cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of PDGF or TGF-beta. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells stained strongly positive for all ECM proteins tested. Incubation of cells with 1, 5, and 10 ng/ml PDGF led to a significant dose related increase in cell counts as well as in the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. Stellate cells exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ng/ml TGF-beta showed a dose dependent increase in alpha smooth muscle actin expression and increased collagen synthesis. In addition, TGF-beta increased the expression of PDGF receptors on stellate cells. Pancreatic stellate cells produce collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, and respond to the cytokines PDGF and TGF-beta by increased proliferation and increased collagen synthesis. These results suggest an important role for stellate cells in pancreatic fibrogenesis.

  8. Regulation of cell growth by redox-mediated extracellular proteolysis of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta.

    PubMed

    Okuyama, H; Shimahara, Y; Kawada, N; Seki, S; Kristensen, D B; Yoshizato, K; Uyama, N; Yamaoka, Y

    2001-07-27

    Redox-regulated processes are important elements in various cellular functions. Reducing agents, such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), are known to regulate signal transduction and cell growth through their radical scavenging action. However, recent studies have shown that reactive oxygen species are not always involved in ligand-stimulated intracellular signaling. Here, we report a novel mechanism by which NAC blocks platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced signaling pathways in hepatic stellate cells, a fibrogenic player in the liver. Unlike in vascular smooth muscle cells, we found that reducing agents, including NAC, triggered extracellular proteolysis of PDGF receptor-beta, leading to desensitization of hepatic stellate cells toward PDGF-BB. This effect was mediated by secreted mature cathepsin B. In addition, type II transforming growth factor-beta receptor was also down-regulated. Furthermore, these events seemed to cause a dramatic improvement of rat liver fibrosis. These results indicated that redox processes impact the cell's response to growth factors by regulating the turnover of growth factor receptors and that "redox therapy" is promising for fibrosis-related disease.

  9. Transcriptional activation of mouse mast cell Protease-7 by activin and transforming growth factor-beta is inhibited by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor.

    PubMed

    Funaba, Masayuki; Ikeda, Teruo; Murakami, Masaru; Ogawa, Kenji; Tsuchida, Kunihiro; Sugino, Hiromu; Abe, Matanobu

    2003-12-26

    Previous studies have revealed that activin A and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) induced migration and morphological changes toward differentiation in bone marrow-derived cultured mast cell progenitors (BMCMCs). Here we show up-regulation of mouse mast cell protease-7 (mMCP-7), which is expressed in differentiated mast cells, by activin A and TGF-beta1 in BMCMCs, and the molecular mechanism of the gene induction of mmcp-7. Smad3, a signal mediator of the activin/TGF-beta pathway, transcriptionally activated mmcp-7. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a tissue-specific transcription factor predominantly expressed in mast cells, melanocytes, and heart and skeletal muscle, inhibited Smad3-mediated mmcp-7 transcription. MITF associated with Smad3, and the C terminus of MITF and the MH1 and linker region of Smad3 were required for this association. Complex formation between Smad3 and MITF was neither necessary nor sufficient for the inhibition of Smad3 signaling by MITF. MITF inhibited the transcriptional activation induced by the MH2 domain of Smad3. In addition, MITF-truncated N-terminal amino acids could associate with Smad3 but did not inhibit Smad3-mediated transcription. The level of Smad3 was decreased by co-expression of MITF but not of dominant-negative MITF, which resulted from proteasomal protein degradation. The changes in the level of Smad3 protein were paralleled by those in Smad3-mediated signaling activity. These findings suggest that MITF negatively regulates Smad-dependent activin/TGF-beta signaling in a tissue-specific manner.

  10. Controlled release of TGF-beta 1 from RADA self-assembling peptide hydrogel scaffolds

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Ao; Chen, Shuo; He, Bin; Zhao, Weikang; Chen, Xiaojun; Jiang, Dianming

    2016-01-01

    Bioactive mediators, cytokines, and chemokines have an important role in regulating and optimizing the synergistic action of materials, cells, and cellular microenvironments for tissue engineering. RADA self-assembling peptide hydrogels have been proved to have an excellent ability to promote cell proliferation, wound healing, tissue repair, and drug delivery. Here, we report that D-RADA16 and L-RADA16-RGD self-assembling peptides can form stable second structure and hydrogel scaffolds, affording the slow release of growth factor (transforming growth factor cytokine-beta 1 [TGF-beta 1]). In vitro tests demonstrated that the plateau release amount can be obtained till 72 hours. Moreover, L-RADA16, D-RADA16, and L-RADA16-RGD self-assembling peptide hydrogels containing TGF-beta 1 were used for 3D cell culture of bone mesenchymal stem cells of rats for 2 weeks. The results revealed that these three RADA16 peptide hydrogels had a significantly favorable influence on proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells and hold some promise in slow and sustained release of growth factor. PMID:27703332

  11. Dexamethasone potently enhances phorbol ester-induced IL-1beta gene expression and nuclear factor NF-kappaB activation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Y; Zhang, J J; Dai, W; Lei, K Y; Pike, J W

    1997-07-15

    The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone, an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent, was investigated for its effect on PMA-mediated expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta in the human monocytic leukemic cell line THP-1. PMA alone induced the production of low levels of IL-1beta in THP-1 cells, whereas dexamethasone alone had no effect. However, dexamethasone potently enhanced PMA-mediated IL-1beta production. Using a selective and potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, we found that synergistic interaction between PMA and dexamethasone requires protein kinase C activation. PMA has been known to activate nuclear factor NF-kappaB in THP-1 cells. Using an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to an NF-kappaB DNA-binding motif of the IL-1beta gene promoter in gel electrophoresis mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that PMA-induced NF-kappaB activation was greatly potentiated by dexamethasone. Our results indicate that glucocorticoids can be positive regulators of inflammatory cytokine gene expression during monocytic cell differentiation.

  12. Betaglycan expression is transcriptionally up-regulated during skeletal muscle differentiation. Cloning of murine betaglycan gene promoter and its modulation by MyoD, retinoic acid, and transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed

    Lopez-Casillas, Fernando; Riquelme, Cecilia; Perez-Kato, Yoshiaki; Ponce-Castaneda, M Veronica; Osses, Nelson; Esparza-Lopez, Jose; Gonzalez-Nunez, Gerardo; Cabello-Verrugio, Claudio; Mendoza, Valentin; Troncoso, Victor; Brandan, Enrique

    2003-01-03

    Betaglycan is a membrane-anchored proteoglycan co-receptor that binds transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) via its core protein and basic fibroblast growth factor through its glycosaminoglycan chains. In this study we evaluated the expression of betaglycan during the C(2)C(12) skeletal muscle differentiation. Betaglycan expression, as determined by Northern and Western blot, was up-regulated during the conversion of myoblasts to myotubes. The mouse betaglycan gene promoter was cloned, and its sequence showed putative binding sites for SP1, Smad3, Smad4, muscle regulatory factor elements such as MyoD and MEF2, and retinoic acid receptor. Transcriptional activity of the mouse betaglycan promoter reporter was also up-regulated in differentiating C(2)C(12) cells. We found that MyoD, but not myogenin, stimulated this transcriptional activity even in the presence of high serum. Betaglycan promoter activity was increased by RA and inhibited by the three isoforms of TGF-beta. On the other hand, basic fibroblast growth factor, BMP-2, and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, which are inhibitors of myogenesis, had little effect. In myotubes, up-regulated betaglycan was also detectable by TGF-beta affinity labeling and immunofluorescence microscopy studies. The latter indicated that betaglycan was localized both on the cell surface and in the ECM. Forced expression of betaglycan in C(2)C(12) myoblasts increases their responsiveness to TGF-beta2, suggesting that it performs a TGF-beta presentation function in this cell lineage. These results indicate that betaglycan expression is up-regulated during myogenesis and that MyoD and RA modulate its expression by a mechanism that is independent of myogenin.

  13. Regeneration of hyaline cartilage by cell-mediated gene therapy using transforming growth factor beta 1-producing fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Lee, K H; Song, S U; Hwang, T S; Yi, Y; Oh, I S; Lee, J Y; Choi, K B; Choi, M S; Kim, S J

    2001-09-20

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has been considered as a candidate for gene therapy of orthopedic diseases. The possible application of cell-mediated TGF-beta gene therapy as a new treatment regimen for degenerative arthritis was investigated. In this study, fibroblasts expressing active TGF-beta 1 were injected into the knee joints of rabbits with artificially made cartilage defects to evaluate the feasibility of this therapy for orthopedic diseases. Two to 3 weeks after the injection there was evidence of cartilage regeneration, and at 4 to 6 weeks the cartilage defect was completely filled with newly grown hyaline cartilage. Histological analyses of the regenerated cartilage suggested that it was well integrated with the adjacent normal cartilage at the sides of the defect and that the newly formed tissue was indeed hyaline cartilage. Our findings suggest that cell-mediated TGF-beta 1 gene therapy may be a novel treatment for orthopedic diseases in which hyaline cartilage damage has occurred.

  14. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Burgess, Antony W., E-mail: burgess@ludwig.edu.au; Faux, Maree C.; Layton, Meredith J.

    In this brief overview we discuss the association between Wnt signaling and colon cell biology and tumorigenesis. Our current understanding of the role of Apc in the {beta}-catenin destruction complex is compared with potential roles for Apc in cell adhesion and migration. The requirement for phosphorylation in the proteasomal-mediated degradation of {beta}-catenin is contrasted with roles for phospho-{beta}-catenin in the activation of transcription, cell adhesion and migration. The synergy between Myb and {beta}-catenin regulation of transcription in crypt stem cells during Wnt signaling is discussed. Finally, potential effects of growth factor regulatory systems, Apc or truncated-Apc on crypt morphogenesis, stemmore » cell localization and crypt fission are considered.« less

  15. Increased T cell recruitment to the CNS after amyloid beta 1-42 immunization in Alzheimer's mice overproducing transforming growth factor-beta 1.

    PubMed

    Buckwalter, Marion S; Coleman, Bronwen S; Buttini, Manuel; Barbour, Robin; Schenk, Dale; Games, Dora; Seubert, Peter; Wyss-Coray, Tony

    2006-11-01

    Immunotherapy targeting the amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide is a novel therapy under investigation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A clinical trial using Abeta(1-42) (AN1792) as the immunogen was halted as a result of development of meningoencephalitis in a small number of patients. The cytokine TGF-beta1 is a key modulator of immune responses that is increased in the brain in AD. We show here that local overexpression of TGF-beta1 in the brain increases both meningeal and parenchymal T lymphocyte number. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 overexpression in a mouse model for AD [amyloid precursor protein (APP) mice] leads to development of additional T cell infiltrates when mice were immunized at a young but not old age with AN1792. Notably, only mice overproducing both Abeta (APP mice) and TGF-beta1 experienced a rise in T lymphocyte number after immunization. One-third of infiltrating T cells were CD4 positive. We did not observe significant differences in B lymphocyte numbers in any of the genotypes or treatment groups. These results demonstrate that TGF-beta1 overproduction in the brain can promote T cell infiltration, in particular after Abeta(1-42) immunization. Likewise, levels of TGF-beta1 or other immune factors in brains of AD patients may influence the response to Abeta(1-42) immunization.

  16. TGF-beta1 stimulates expression of the aromatase (CYP19) gene in human osteoblast-like cells and THP-1 cells.

    PubMed

    Shozu, M; Zhao, Y; Simpson, E R

    2000-02-25

    Recent evidence has shown that bone is not only a target of estrogen action but also a source of local estrogen production. Bone cells such as osteoblasts express aromatase (P450arom) and the expression of P450arom in osteoblasts is positively regulated in a tissue specific fashion, as in the case of other tissues which express P450arom. To clarify the physiological factors regulating expression of P450arom in bone, we tested TGF-beta1 using osteoblast-like cells obtained from human fetuses as well as THP-1 cells. TGF-beta1 increased IL-1beta+DEX- induced aromatase activity in osteoblast-like cells, while it inhibited activity in skin fibroblasts. Similar enhancement of aromatase activity by TGF-beta1 was found in DEX-stimulated THP-1 cells and this cell line was used for further experiments. In THP-1 cells, TGF-beta1 enhanced DEX-induced aromatase activity almost linearly by 12 h and thereafter. Increased levels of P450arom transcripts were also demonstrated by RT-PCR at 3 h of TGF-beta1 treatment and thereafter. Cyclohexamide abolished enhancement of activity but did not inhibit the accumulation of P450arom transcripts induced by TGF-beta1. Increase in P450arom expression by TGF-beta1 was attributable to expression driven by promoter I.4. TGF-beta1 did not change the half life of P450arom transcripts. To identify the cis-acting elements responsible for TGF-beta1 action on aromatase expression, transient transfection assays were performed using a series of deletion constructs for promoter I.4 (P450-I.4/Luc). Two constructs (-410/+14 and-340/+14) that contain a functional glucocorticoid response element (GRE) and downstream sequence showed significant increase of luciferase activity in response to TGF-beta1. Deletion and mutation of the GRE in P450-I.4/Luc (-340/+14) abolished the TGF-beta1. The luciferase activity of a (GRE)(1)-SV40/Luc construct was also stimulated by TGF-beta1. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 increases the expression of P450arom at the level of transcription through promoter I.4, at least in part via an enhancement of transactivation activity of the GR in THP-1 cells. TGF-beta1 is suggested to be one of the physiological up-regulatory factors of bone aromatase.

  17. Increased expression of c-Ski as a co-repressor in transforming growth factor-beta signaling correlates with progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Fukuchi, Minoru; Nakajima, Masanobu; Fukai, Yasuyuki; Miyazaki, Tatsuya; Masuda, Norihiro; Sohda, Makoto; Manda, Ryokuhei; Tsukada, Katsuhiko; Kato, Hiroyuki; Kuwano, Hiroyuki

    2004-03-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) regulates cell growth inhibition, and inactivation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway contributes to tumor development. In our previous study, altered expression of TGF-beta, TGF-beta-specific receptors and Smad4 was shown to correlate with tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These components, however, were maintained normally in some patients with esophageal SCC. In our study, the mechanism by which aggressive esophageal SCC maintains these components was investigated, with particular emphasis on the participation of c-Ski and SnoN as transcriptional co-repressors in TGF-beta signaling. Immunohistochemistry for c-Ski and SnoN was carried out on surgical specimens obtained from 80 patients with esophageal SCC. The expression of c-Ski and SnoN was also studied in 6 established cell lines derived from esophageal SCC and compared to an immortalized human esophageal cell line by Western blotting. High levels of expression of c-Ski, detected immunohistologically, were found to correlate with depth of invasion (p = 0.0080) and pathologic stage (p = 0.0447). There was, however, no significant correlation between expression of SnoN and clinicopathologic characteristics. A significant correlation between c-Ski and TGF-beta expression was observed. Moreover, in patients with TGF-beta negative expression, the survival rates of patients with c-Ski positive expression were significantly lower than those of patients with c-Ski negative expression (p = 0.0486). c-Ski was expressed at a high level in 5 of 6 cell lines derived from esophageal SCC compared to immortalized esophageal keratinocytes. Furthermore, the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p21 that was up-regulated by TGF-beta signaling was expressed at a low level in the 5 cell lines. The expression of c-Ski protein as a transcriptional co-repressor in TGF-beta signaling seems to be correlated with tumor progression of esophageal SCC. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  18. Etiopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus: prognostic factors for the evolution of residual β cell function

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Type 1A diabetes mellitus (T1ADM) is a progressive autoimmune disease mediated by T lymphocytes with destruction of beta cells. Up to now, we do not have precise methods to assess the beta cell mass, "in vivo" or "ex-vivo". The studies about its genetic susceptibility show strong association with class II antigens of the HLA system (particularly DQ). Others genetics associations are weaker and depend on the population studied. A combination of precipitating events may occur at the beginning of the disease. There is a silent loss of immune-mediated beta cells mass which velocity has an inverse relation with the age, but it is influenced by genetic and metabolic factors. We can predict the development of the disease primarily through the determination of four biochemically islet auto antibodies against antigens like insulin, GAD65, IA2 and Znt8. Beta cell destruction is chronically progressive but at clinical diagnosis of the disease a reserve of these cells still functioning. The goal of secondary disease prevention is halt the autoimmune attack on beta cells by redirecting or dampening the immune system. It is remains one of the foremost therapeutic goals in the T1ADM. Glycemic intensive control and immunotherapeutic agents may preserve beta-cell function in newly diagnosed patients with T1ADM. It may be assessed through C-peptide values, which are important for glycemic stability and for the prevention of chronic complications of this disease. This article will summarize the etiopathogenesis mechanisms of this disease and the factors can influence on residual C-peptide and the strategies to it preservation. PMID:19961609

  19. Neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 are differentially expressed in human proteinuric nephropathies and cytokine-stimulated proximal tubular cells.

    PubMed

    Schramek, Herbert; Sarközi, Rita; Lauterberg, Christina; Kronbichler, Andreas; Pirklbauer, Markus; Albrecht, Rudolf; Noppert, Susie-Jane; Perco, Paul; Rudnicki, Michael; Strutz, Frank M; Mayer, Gert

    2009-11-01

    Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and neuropilin-2 (NRP2) are transmembrane glycoproteins with large extracellular domains that interact with class 3 semaphorins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members, and ligands, such as hepatocyte growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor BB, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and fibroblast growth factor2 (FGF2). Neuropilins (NRPs) have been implicated in tumor growth and vascularization, as novel mediators of the primary immune response and in regeneration and repair; however, their role in renal pathophysiology is largely unknown. Here, we report upregulation of tubular and interstitial NRP2 protein expression in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In an additional cohort of patients with minimal change disease (MCD), membranous nephropathy (MN), and FSGS, elevated NRP2 mRNA expression in kidney biopsies inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of biopsy. Furthermore, upregulation of NRP2 mRNA correlated with post-bioptic decline of kidney function. Expression of NRP1 and NRP2 in human proximal tubular cells (PTCs) was differentially affected after stimulation with TGF-beta1, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and oncostatin M (OSM). Although the pro-fibrotic mediators, TGF-beta1 and IL-1beta, induced upregulation of NRP2 expression but downregulation of NRP1 expression, OSM stimulated the expression of both NRP1 and NRP2. Basal and OSM-induced NRP1 mRNA expression, as well as TGF-beta1-induced NRP2 mRNA and protein expression were partially mediated by MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling. This is the first report suggesting a differential role of NRP1 and NRP2 in renal fibrogenesis, and TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, and OSM represent the first ligands known to stimulate NRP2 expression in mammalian cells.

  20. The association of GSK3 beta with E2F1 facilitates nerve growth factor-induced neural cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Fangfang; Zhang, Long; Wang, Aijun; Song, Bo; Gong, Kai; Zhang, Lihai; Hu, Min; Zhang, Xiufang; Zhao, Nanming; Gong, Yandao

    2008-05-23

    It is widely acknowledged that E2F1 and GSK3beta are both involved in the process of cell differentiation. However, the relationship between E2F1 and GSK3beta in cell differentiation has yet to be discovered. Here, we provide evidence that in the differentiation of PC12 cells induced by nerve growth factor (NGF), GSK3beta was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas E2F1 at these two levels was decreased. Both wild-type GSK3beta and its kinase-defective mutant GSK3beta KM can inhibit E2F1 by promoting its ubiquitination through physical interaction. In addition, the colocalization of GSK3beta and E2F1 and their subcellular distribution, regulated by NGF, were observed in the process of PC12 differentiation. At the tissue level, GSK3beta colocalized and interacted with E2F1 in mouse hippocampus. Furthermore, GSK3beta facilitated neurite outgrowth by rescuing the promoter activities of Cdk inhibitors p21 and p15 from the inhibition caused by E2F1. To summarize, our findings suggest that GSK3beta can promote the ubiquitination of E2F1 via physical interaction and thus inhibit its transcription activity in a kinase activity independent manner, which plays an important role in the NGF-induced PC12 differentiation.

  1. Establishment of two new scirrhous gastric cancer cell lines: analysis of factors associated with disseminated metastasis.

    PubMed Central

    Yashiro, M.; Chung, Y. S.; Nishimura, S.; Inoue, T.; Sowa, M.

    1995-01-01

    Determination of the differences between cell lines which are derived from a primary tumour and a disseminated metastatic lesion from the same patient may aid in elucidating the factors associated with disseminated metastases. We report on the establishment and characterisation of two new scirrhous gastric cancer cell lines, designated OCUM-2M and OCUM-2D, derived from a 49-year-old female. OCUM-2M was derived from a primary gastric tumour, and OCUM-2D was derived from a sample of disseminated metastasis. The two cell lines were derived from the same patient. We investigated biological differences between the two cell lines to study mechanisms involved in disseminated metastasis. The growth activity of OCUM-2D cells as determined by doubling time and tumorigenicity was greater than that of OCUM-2M cells. The level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in OCUM-2D cells was about twice that of OCUM-2M cells and the growth of OCUM-2D cells was stimulated more by epidermal growth factor (EGF) than that of OCUM-2M cells. The invasive activity of OCUM-2D cells was higher than that of OCUM-2M cells and was increased after addition of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). An increase in the number of attached and spreading cells was found following the addition of 10 ng ml-1 TGF-beta 1. These findings suggest that high growth and invasive activity may play an important role in disseminated metastasis and that EGF and TGF-beta 1, which affect the growth and invasive activity of OCUM-2D cells, might be factors associated with metastasis in scirrhous gastric carcinoma. The two cell lines OCUM-2M and OCUM-2D should be beneficial for analysing mechanisms of tumour progression. Images Figure 1 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 10 PMID:7577468

  2. The role of Fas ligand and transforming growth factor beta in tumor progression: molecular mechanisms of immune privilege via Fas-mediated apoptosis and potential targets for cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ryungsa; Emi, Manabu; Tanabe, Kazuaki; Uchida, Yoko; Toge, Tetsuya

    2004-06-01

    Despite the fact that expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and in natural killer (NK) cells plays an important role in Fas-mediated tumor killing, During tumor progression FasL-expressing tumor cells are involved in counterattacking to kill tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Soluble FasL levels also increase with tumor progression in solid tumors, and this increase inhibits Fas-mediated tumor killing by CTLs and NK cells. The increased expression of FasL in tumor cells is associated with decreased expression of Fas; and the promoter region of the FASL gene is regulated by transcription factors, such as neuronal factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and AP-1, in the tumor microenvironment. Although the ratio of FasL expression to Fas expression in tumor cells is not strongly related to the induction of apoptosis in TILs, increased expression of FasL is associated with decreased Fas levels in tumor cells that can escape immune surveillance and facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a potent growth inhibitor and has tumor-suppressing activity in the early phases of carcinogenesis. During subsequent tumor progression, the increased secretion of TGF-beta by both tumor cells and, in a paracrine fashion, stromal cells, is involved in the enhancement of tumor invasion and metastasis accompanied by immunosuppression. Herein, the authors review the clinical significance of FasL and TGF-beta expression patterns as features of immune privilege accompanying tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. Potential strategies for identifying which molecules can serve as targets for effective antitumor therapy also are discussed. Copyright 2004 American Cancer Society.

  3. Dual role of Ski in pancreatic cancer cells: tumor-promoting versus metastasis-suppressive function.

    PubMed

    Wang, Peng; Chen, Zhen; Meng, Zhi-Qiang; Fan, Jie; Luo, Jian-Min; Liang, Wang; Lin, Jun-Hua; Zhou, Zhen-Hua; Chen, Hao; Wang, Kun; Shen, Ye-Hua; Xu, Zu-De; Liu, Lu-Ming

    2009-09-01

    Ski used to be defined as an oncogene that contributes to the resistance of tumor cells to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced growth arrest. As TGF-beta has a dual effect on tumor growth with both tumor-suppressing and -promoting activity depending on the stage of carcinogenesis and the cell type, the precise role of Ski in carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we show that downregulation of Ski through lentivirus-mediated RNA interference decreases tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, yet promotes cell invasiveness in vitro, and lung metastasis in vivo in the pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990, which contain wild-type Smad4 expression, and the BxPC3 cell line, which is Smad4 deficient. We also show that the downregulation of Ski increases TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activity, which is associated with increased TGF-beta-dependent Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and results in an altered expression profile of TGF-beta-inducible genes involved in metastasis, angiogenesis and cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Immunohistochemical analysis of specimens from 71 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma showed a significant association between overexpression of Ski and decreased patient survival time (P = 0.0024). Our results suggest that Ski may act as a tumor proliferation-promoting factor or as a metastatic suppressor in human pancreatic cancer.

  4. TGF-beta1 release from biodegradable polymer microparticles: its effects on marrow stromal osteoblast function

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lu, L.; Yaszemski, M. J.; Mikos, A. G.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

    2001-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) to a bone defect may be beneficial for the induction of a bone regeneration cascade. The objectives of this work were to assess the feasibility of using biodegradable polymer microparticles as carriers for controlled TGF-beta1 delivery and the effects of released TGF-beta1 on the proliferation and differentiation of marrow stromal cells in vitro. METHODS: Recombinant human TGF-beta1 was incorporated into microparticles of blends of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Fluorescein isothiocynate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was co-encapsulated as a porogen. The effects of PEG content (0, 1, or 5% by weight [wt%]) and buffer pH (3, 5, or 7.4) on the protein release kinetics and the degradation of PLGA were determined in vitro for as long as 28 days. Rat marrow stromal cells were seeded on a biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) substrate. The dose response and biological activity of released TGF-beta1 was determined after 3 days in culture. The effects of TGF-beta1 released from PLGA/PEG microparticles on marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were assessed during a 21-day period. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 was encapsulated along with FITC-BSA into PLGA/PEG blend microparticles and released in a multiphasic fashion including an initial burst for as long as 28 days in vitro. Increasing the initial PEG content resulted in a decreased cumulative mass of released proteins. Aggregation of FITC-BSA occurred at lower buffer pH, which led to decreased release rates of both proteins. The degradation of PLGA was increased at higher PEG content and significantly accelerated at acidic pH conditions. Rat marrow stromal cells cultured on PPF substrates showed a dose response to TGF-beta1 released from the microparticles similar to that of added TGF-beta1, indicating that the activity of TGF-beta1 was retained during microparticle fabrication and after growth factor release. At an optimal TGF-beta1 dosage of 1.0 ng/ml after 3 days, the released TGF-beta1 enhanced the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells over 21 days of culture, with increased total cell number, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin production. CONCLUSIONS: PLGA/PEG blend microparticles can serve as delivery vehicles for controlled release of TGF-beta1, and the released growth factor enhances marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Controlled release of TGF-beta1 from PLGA/PEG microparticles is representative of emerging tissue engineering technologies that may modulate cellular responses to encourage bone regeneration at a skeletal defect site.

  5. Restoration of Immune Surveillance in Lung Cancer by Natural Killer Cells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    microenvironment, Transforming Growth Factor-beta, nicotine, tobacco smokers, e-cigarette-users, lung cancer, microRNA-183, DAP12, NKp44, NKp46...to recognize tumor cells. This loss is caused by transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) produced by tumor cells that can induce microRNA (miR)-183...any effect on NK activation markers, whether they were measured by flow cytometry, western blotting, qPCR. In all experiments, transforming growth

  6. Loss of c-myc repression coincides with ovarian cancer resistance to transforming growth factor beta growth arrest independent of transforming growth factor beta/Smad signaling.

    PubMed

    Baldwin, Rae Lynn; Tran, Hang; Karlan, Beth Y

    2003-03-15

    Many epithelial carcinomas, including ovarian, are refractory to the antiproliferative effects of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta. In some cancers, TGF-beta resistance has been linked to TGF-beta receptor II (TbetaR-II) and Smad4 mutations; however, in ovarian cancer, the mechanism of resistance remains unclear. Primary ovarian epithelial cell cultures were used as a model system to determine the mechanisms of TGF-beta resistance. To simulate in vivo responses to TGF-beta, primary cultures derived from normal human ovarian surface epithelium (HOSE) and from ovarian carcinomas (CSOC) were grown on collagen I gel, the predominant matrix molecule in the ovarian tumor milieu. When treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-beta for 72 h, HOSE (n = 11) proliferation was inhibited by 20 +/- 21% on average. In contrast, CSOC (n = 10) proliferation was stimulated 5 +/- 10% in response to TGF-beta (a statistically significant difference in response when compared with HOSE; P = 0.001). To dissect the TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway we used a quantitative RNase protection assay (RPA) for measuring mRNA levels of TGF-beta pathway components in 20 HOSE and 20 CSOC cultures. Basal mRNA levels of TGF-beta receptors I and II, downstream signaling components Smad2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and the transcriptional corepressors Ski and SnoN did not show a statistically significant difference between HOSE and CSOC, and cannot explain their differential susceptibility to TGF-beta-induced cell cycle arrest. To assess functional differences of the TGF-beta pathway in TGF-beta-sensitive HOSE and TGF-beta-resistant CSOC, we measured Smad2/4 and 3/4 complex induction after TGF-beta treatment. HOSE and CSOC showed equivalent Smad2/4 and 3/4 complex induction after TGF-beta exposure for 0, 0.5, 2, and 4 h. It has been proposed that SnoN and Ski are corepressors of the TGF-beta/Smad pathway and undergo TGF-beta-induced degradation followed by reinduction of SnoN mRNA. However, our data show equivalent SnoN degradation in HOSE and CSOC, and equivalent SnoN mRNA induction after TGF-beta treatment. Surprising, TGF-beta-induced Ski degradation was not observed in HOSE or CSOC, suggesting that Ski may not function as a TGF-beta/Smad corepressor in ovarian epithelial cells. These data implied that the TGF-beta/Smad pathway remains functional in CSOC, although CSOC cells are resistant to antimitogenic TGF-beta effects. CSOC resistance to TGF-beta coincided with the loss of c-myc down-regulation. These data suggest that TGF-beta/Smad signaling is blocked downstream of Smad complex formation or that an alternate signaling pathway other than TGF-beta/Smad may transmit TGF-beta-induced cell cycle arrest in the ovarian epithelium.

  7. Transforming growth factor-beta and platelet-derived growth factor signal via c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent Smad2/3 phosphorylation in rat hepatic stellate cells after acute liver injury.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Katsunori; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Mori, Shigeo; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Yamagata, Hideo; Furukawa, Fukiko; Seki, Toshihito; Nishizawa, Mikio; Fujisawa, Junichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2005-04-01

    After liver injury, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) regulate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and tissue remodeling. Mechanisms of PDGF signaling in the TGF-beta-triggered cascade are not completely understood. TGF-beta signaling involves phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 at linker and C-terminal regions. Using antibodies to distinguish Smad2/3 phosphorylated at linker regions from those phosphorylated at C-terminal regions, we investigated Smad2/3-mediated signaling in rat liver injured by CCl(4) administration and in cultured HSCs. In acute liver injury, Smad2/3 were transiently phosphorylated at both regions. Although linker-phosphorylated Smad2 remained in the cytoplasm of alpha-smooth muscle actin-immunoreactive mesenchymal cells adjacent to necrotic hepatocytes in centrilobular areas, linker-phosphorylated Smad3 accumulated in the nuclei. c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the activated HSCs directly phosphorylated Smad2/3 at linker regions. Co-treatment of primary cultured HSCs with TGF-beta and PDGF activated the JNK pathway, subsequently inducing endogenous linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3. The JNK pathway may be involved in migration of resident HSCs within the space of Disse to the sites of tissue damage because the JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited HSC migration induced by TGF-beta and PDGF signals. Moreover, treatment of HSCs with both TGF-beta and PDGF increased transcriptional activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 through linker phosphorylation of Smad3. In conclusion, TGF-beta and PDGF activate HSCs by transmitting their signals through JNK-mediated Smad2/3 phosphorylation at linker regions, both in vivo and in vitro.

  8. Novel function of STAT1beta in B cells: induction of cell death by a mechanism different from that of STAT1alpha.

    PubMed

    Najjar, Imen; Schischmanoff, Pierre Olivier; Baran-Marszak, Fanny; Deglesne, Pierre-Antoine; Youlyouz-Marfak, Ibtissam; Pampin, Mathieu; Feuillard, Jean; Bornkamm, Georg W; Chelbi-Alix, Mounira K; Fagard, Remi

    2008-12-01

    Alternate splicing of STAT1 produces two isoforms: alpha, known as the active form, and beta, previously shown to act as a dominant-negative factor. Most studies have dealt with STAT1alpha, showing its involvement in cell growth control and cell death. To examine the specific function of either isoform in cell death, a naturally STAT1-deficient human B cell line was transfected to express STAT1alpha or STAT1beta. STAT1alpha, expressed alone, enhanced cell death, potentiated the fludarabine-induced apoptosis, and enhanced the nuclear location, the phosphorylation, and the transcriptional activity of p53. Unexpectedly, STAT1beta, expressed alone, induced cell death through a mechanism that was independent of the nuclear function of p53. Indeed, in STAT1beta-expressing B cells, p53 was strictly cytoplasmic where it formed clusters, and there was no induction of the transcriptional activity of p53. These data reveal a novel role of STAT1beta in programmed cell death, which is independent of p53.

  9. Involvement of the c-Ski oncoprotein in cell cycle arrest and transformation during nurse cell formation after Trichinella spiralis infection.

    PubMed

    Wu, Z; Nagano, I; Boonmars, T; Takahashi, Y

    2006-09-01

    The role of c-Ski, an oncoprotein encoded by the oncogene, c-ski, in Trichinella spiralis-infected muscle tissues during nurse cell formation, was investigated by following the expression kinetics and distribution of c-Ski (both protein and mRNA) in the infected muscle cell, as well as the expression kinetics of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway factor genes (TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad4) which cooperate with c-Ski. Immunohistochemical analysis using an anti-c-Ski antibody indicated that in the early stages of infection (13 and 18 days post-infection (p.i.)) the increased expression of the c-Ski protein was limited to the eosinophilic cytoplasm and not the enlarged nuclei or basophilic cytoplasm. At a later stage of infection (23 and 28 days p.i.) the c-Ski protein was limited to the enlarged nuclei in the basophilic cytoplasm, rather than the eosinophilic cytoplasm. At 48 days p.i., the c-Ski protein was barely detectable. Real-time PCR analysis showed that expression of the c-ski gene increased from 13 days p.i., reached a peak at 23-28 days p.i. and then decreased to a low level by 48 days p.i. Expression kinetics for the TGF-beta signaling pathway factor genes (TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad4) were similar to that of c-ski. These findings provide evidence that the c-Ski protein is involved in nurse cell formation through the TGF-beta signaling pathway process in the host cell nucleus.

  10. Synergistic activation of the chicken mim-1 gene by v-myb and C/EBP transcription factors.

    PubMed Central

    Burk, O; Mink, S; Ringwald, M; Klempnauer, K H

    1993-01-01

    The retroviral oncogene v-myb encodes a transcriptional activator which is responsible for the activation of the mim-1 gene in myelomonocytic cells transformed by v-myb. The mim-1 promoter contains several myb consensus binding sites and has previously been shown to be regulated directly by v-myb. Here we report that the mim-1 gene is activated synergistically by v-myb and different C/EBP transcription factors. We have cloned a chicken C/EBP-related gene that is highly expressed in myeloid cells and identified it as the chicken homolog of C/EBP beta. A dominant-negative variant of chicken C/EBP beta interferes with the v-myb induced activation of the mim-1 gene in these cells, suggesting that C/EBP beta or another C/EBP transcription factor is required for the activation of mim-1 by v-myb. We found that C/EBP beta and other C/EBP transcription factors confer to fibroblasts the ability to induce the mim-1 gene in the presence of v-myb. Finally we show that, in contrast to v-myb, c-myb synergizes with C/EBP transcription factors only at low concentrations of c-myb protein. Our results suggest a role for C/EBP beta, and possibly for other C/EBP transcription factors, in v-myb function and in myeloid-specific gene activation. Images PMID:8491193

  11. The p110beta isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signals downstream of G protein-coupled receptors and is functionally redundant with p110gamma.

    PubMed

    Guillermet-Guibert, Julie; Bjorklof, Katja; Salpekar, Ashreena; Gonella, Cristiano; Ramadani, Faruk; Bilancio, Antonio; Meek, Stephen; Smith, Andrew J H; Okkenhaug, Klaus; Vanhaesebroeck, Bart

    2008-06-17

    The p110 isoforms of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) are acutely regulated by extracellular stimuli. The class IA PI3K catalytic subunits (p110alpha, p110beta, and p110delta) occur in complex with a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing p85 regulatory subunit, which has been shown to link p110alpha and p110delta to Tyr kinase signaling pathways. The p84/p101 regulatory subunits of the p110gamma class IB PI3K lack SH2 domains and instead couple p110gamma to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we show, using small-molecule inhibitors with selectivity for p110beta and cells derived from a p110beta-deficient mouse line, that p110beta is not a major effector of Tyr kinase signaling but couples to GPCRs. In macrophages, both p110beta and p110gamma contributed to Akt activation induced by the GPCR agonist complement 5a, but not by the Tyr kinase ligand colony-stimulating factor-1. In fibroblasts, which express p110beta but not p110gamma, p110beta mediated Akt activation by the GPCR ligands stromal cell-derived factor, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and lysophosphatidic acid but not by the Tyr kinase ligands PDGF, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Introduction of p110gamma in these cells reduced the contribution of p110beta to GPCR signaling. Taken together, these data show that p110beta and p110gamma can couple redundantly to the same GPCR agonists. p110beta, which shows a much broader tissue distribution than the leukocyte-restricted p110gamma, could thus provide a conduit for GPCR-linked PI3K signaling in the many cell types where p110gamma expression is low or absent.

  12. 14-3-3 sigma and 14-3-3 zeta plays an opposite role in cell growth inhibition mediated by transforming growth factor-beta 1.

    PubMed

    Hong, Hye-Young; Jeon, Woo-Kwang; Bae, Eun-Jin; Kim, Shin-Tae; Lee, Ho-Jae; Kim, Seong-Jin; Kim, Byung-Chul

    2010-03-01

    The expression of 14-3-3 proteins is dysregulated in various types of cancer. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of 14-3-3 zeta and 14-3-3 sigma on cell growth inhibition mediated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Mouse mammary epithelial cells (Eph4) that are transformed with oncogenic c-H-Ras (EpRas) and no longer sensitive to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition displayed increased expression of 14-3-3 zeta and decreased expression of 14-3-3 sigma compared with parental Eph4 cells. Using small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression of 14-3-3 sigma or 14-3-3 zeta, we showed that 14-3-3 sigma is required for TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition whereas 14-3-3 zeta negatively modulates this growth inhibitory response. Notably, overexpression of 14-3-3 zeta increased the level of Smad3 protein that is phosphorylated at linker regions and cannot mediate the TGF-beta1 growth inhibitory response. Consistent with this finding, mutation of the 14-3-3 zeta phosphorylation sites in Smad3 markedly reduced the 14-3-3 zeta-mediated inhibition of TGF-beta1-induced p15 promoter-reporter activity and cell cycle arrest, suggesting that these residues are critical targets of 14-3-3 zeta in the suppression of TGF-beta1-mediated growth. Taken together, our findings indicate that dysregulation of 14-3-3 sigma or 14-3-3 zeta contributes to TGF-beta1 resistance in cancer cells.

  13. BetaPIX and GIT1 regulate HGF-induced lamellipodia formation and WAVE2 transport.

    PubMed

    Morimura, Shigeru; Suzuki, Katsuo; Takahashi, Kazuhide

    2009-05-08

    Formation of lamellipodia is the first step during cell migration, and involves actin reassembly at the leading edge of migrating cells through the membrane transport of WAVE2. However, the factors that regulate WAVE2 transport to the cell periphery for initiating lamellipodia formation have not been elucidated. We report here that in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced the association between the constitutive complex of betaPIX and GIT1 with WAVE2, which was concomitant with the induction of lamellipodia formation and WAVE2 transport. Although depletion of betaPIX by RNA interference abrogated the HGF-induced WAVE2 transport and lamellipodia formation, GIT1 depletion caused HGF-independent WAVE2 transport and lamellipodia formation. Collectively, we suggest that betaPIX releases cells from the GIT1-mediated suppression of HGF-independent responses and recruits GIT1 to WAVE2, thereby facilitating HGF-induced WAVE2 transport and lamellipodia formation.

  14. Dominant expression of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta genes in activated T-cells of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection.

    PubMed

    Ohga, Shouichi; Nomura, Akihiko; Takada, Hidetoshi; Tanaka, Tamami; Furuno, Kenji; Takahata, Yasushi; Kinukawa, Naoko; Fukushima, Noriyasu; Imai, Shosuke; Hara, Toshiro

    2004-11-01

    Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a chronic mononucleosis syndrome associated with clonal proliferation of EBV-carrying T-/natural killer (NK)-cells. High levels of circulating EBV and activated T-cells are sustained during the prolonged disease course, whereas it is not clear how ectopic EBV infection in T-/NK-cells has been established and maintained. To assess the biological role of activated T-cells in chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), EBV DNA and cellular gene expressions in peripheral T-cells were quantified in CAEBV and infectious mononucleosis (IM) patients. In CAEBV, HLA-DR(+) T-cells had higher viral load and larger amounts of IFN gamma, IL-10, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) mRNA than HLA-DR(-)T-cells. HLA-DR(+) T cells of IM patients transcribed more IFN gamma and IL-10 than their HLA-DR(-)T cells. Expression levels of IFN gamma and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) in CAEBV HLA-DR(+) T-cells were higher than in IM HLA-DR(+) T-cells. The effective variables to discriminate the positivity of HLA-DR were IL-10, IFN gamma, CTLA4, TGF beta, and IL-2 in the order of statistical weight. EBV load in CAEBV T-cells correlated with the expression levels of only IL-10 and TGF beta. These results suggest that CAEBV T-cells are activated to transcribe IFN gamma, IL-10, and TGF beta excessively, and the latter two genes are expressed preferentially in the EBV-infected subsets. The dominant expression of regulatory cytokines in T-cells may imply a viral evasion mechanism in the disease.

  15. The effect of TGF-beta2 on MMP-2 production and activity in highly metastatic human bladder carcinoma cell line 5637.

    PubMed

    Dehnavi, Ehsan; Soheili, Zahra-Soheila; Samiei, Shahram; Ataei, Zahra; Aryan, Hajar

    2009-06-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which intrinsically regulate various cell behaviors leading to metastasis. We investigated the effect of TGF-beta(2) on MMP-2 regulation in human bladder carcinoma cell line 5637. Zymography, ELISA, and real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that TGF-beta(2) stimulated MMP-2 production, but the transcription of its gene remained unchanged. Wortmannin could not inhibit MMP-2 secretion and activity and conversely the amount of the protein and its enzymatic activity were increased. These data suggest that TGF-beta(2) increased MMP-2 at the posttranscriptional level and this upregulation was independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway.

  16. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) cross-talks with canonical Wnt signaling via phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin at Ser 552

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Junxing; Yue, Wanfu; Zhu, Mei J.

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of energy metabolism; its activity is regulated by a plethora of physiological conditions, exercises and many anti-diabetic drugs. Recent studies show that AMPK involves in cell differentiation but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Wingless Int-1 (Wnt)/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through enhancing {beta}-catenin/T-cell transcription factor 1 (TCF) mediated transcription. The objective of this study was to determine whether AMPK cross-talks with Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling through phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin. C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells were used. Chemical inhibition of AMPK and the expression of a dominant negative AMPK decreased phosphorylation ofmore » {beta}-catenin at Ser 552. The {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription was correlated with AMPK activity. In vitro, pure AMPK phosphorylated {beta}-catenin at Ser 552 and the mutation of Ser 552 to Ala prevented such phosphorylation, which was further confirmed using [{gamma}-{sup 32}P]ATP autoradiography. In conclusion, AMPK phosphorylates {beta}-catenin at Ser 552, which stabilizes {beta}-catenin, enhances {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription, expanding AMPK from regulation of energy metabolism to cell differentiation and development via cross-talking with the Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway.« less

  17. Topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation in response to high-fat diet in mice.

    PubMed

    Ellenbroek, Johanne H; Töns, Hendrica A; de Graaf, Natascha; Loomans, Cindy J; Engelse, Marten A; Vrolijk, Hans; Voshol, Peter J; Rabelink, Ton J; Carlotti, Françoise; de Koning, Eelco J

    2013-01-01

    Beta cells adapt to an increased insulin demand by enhancing insulin secretion via increased beta cell function and/or increased beta cell number. While morphological and functional heterogeneity between individual islets exists, it is unknown whether regional differences in beta cell adaptation occur. Therefore we investigated beta cell adaptation throughout the pancreas in a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD to induce insulin resistance, or control diet for 6 weeks. The pancreas was divided in a duodenal (DR), gastric (GR) and splenic (SR) region and taken for either histology or islet isolation. The capacity of untreated islets from the three regions to adapt in an extrapancreatic location was assessed by transplantation under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-treated mice. SR islets showed 70% increased beta cell proliferation after HFD, whereas no significant increase was found in DR and GR islets. Furthermore, isolated SR islets showed twofold enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion after HFD, as compared with DR and GR islets. In contrast, transplantation of islets isolated from the three regions to an extrapancreatic location in diabetic mice led to a similar decrease in hyperglycemia and no difference in beta cell proliferation. HFD-induced insulin resistance leads to topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation and is most prominent in the splenic region of the pancreas. This topological heterogeneity in beta cell adaptation appears to result from extrinsic factors present in the islet microenvironment.

  18. Disruption of alpha beta but not of gamma delta T cell development by overexpression of the helix-loop-helix protein Id3 in committed T cell progenitors.

    PubMed Central

    Blom, B; Heemskerk, M H; Verschuren, M C; van Dongen, J J; Stegmann, A P; Bakker, A Q; Couwenberg, F; Res, P C; Spits, H

    1999-01-01

    Enforced expression of Id3, which has the capacity to inhibit many basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors, in human CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells that have not undergone T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements inhibits development of the transduced cells into TCRalpha beta and gamma delta cells in a fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC). Here we document that overexpression of Id3, in progenitors that have initiated TCR gene rearrangements (pre-T cells), inhibits development into TCRalpha beta but not into TCRgamma delta T cells. Furthermore, Id3 impedes expression of recombination activating genes and downregulates pre-Talpha mRNA. These observations suggest possible mechanisms by which Id3 overexpression can differentially affect development of pre-T cells into TCRalpha beta and gamma delta cells. We also observed that cell surface CD4(-)CD8(-)CD3(-) cells with rearranged TCR genes developed from Id3-transduced but not from control-transduced pre-T cells in an FTOC. These cells had properties of both natural killer (NK) and pre-T cells. These findings suggest that bHLH factors are required to control T cell development after the T/NK developmental checkpoint. PMID:10329625

  19. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human exocrine pancreas express transcription factors implicated in beta-cell development.

    PubMed

    Baertschiger, Reto M; Bosco, Domenico; Morel, Philippe; Serre-Beinier, Veronique; Berney, Thierry; Buhler, Leo H; Gonelle-Gispert, Carmen

    2008-07-01

    Transplantation of in vitro generated islets or insulin-producing cells represents an attractive option to overcome organ shortage. The aim of this study was to isolate, expand, and characterize cells from human exocrine pancreas and analyze their potential to differentiate into beta cells. Fibroblast-like cells growing out of human exocrine tissue were characterized by flow cytometry and by their capacity to differentiate into mesenchymal cell lineages. During cell expansion and after differentiation toward beta cells, expression of transcription factors of endocrine pancreatic progenitors was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cells emerged from 14/18 human pancreatic exocrine fractions and were expanded up to 40 population doublings. These cells displayed surface antigens similar to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. A culture of these cells in adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media allowed differentiation into adipocyte- and chondrocyte-like cells. During expansion, cells expressed transcription factors implicated in islet development such as Isl1, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, nestin, Ngn3, Pdx1, and NeuroD. Activin A and hepatocyte growth factor induced an expression of insulin, glucagon, and glucokinase. Proliferating cells with characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and endocrine progenitors were isolated from exocrine tissue. Under specific conditions, these cells expressed little insulin. Human pancreatic exocrine tissue might thus be a source of endocrine cell progenitors.

  20. Opposite actions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on the gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide biological and clearance receptors in a murine thymic stromal cell line.

    PubMed

    Agui, T; Xin, X; Cai, Y; Shim, G; Muramatsu, Y; Yamada, T; Fujiwara, H; Matsumoto, K

    1995-09-01

    The regulation of the gene expression of the atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (ANPR) subtypes, ANPR-A, ANPR-B, and ANPR-C, was investigated in a murine thymic stromal cell line, MRL 104.8a. When MRL 104.8a cells were cultured with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, [125I]ANP binding sites increased with increasing dose of TGF-beta1. These binding sites were identified as ANPR-C by a displacement experiment with ANPR-C-specific ligand, C-ANF, and by the affinity cross-linking of the [125I]ANP binding sites with a chemical cross-linker to determine the molecular weight of the ANPR. This augmentation of the ANPR-C expression was elucidated to occur at the transcriptional level by Northern blot experiment, comparison of the relative amounts of mRNA by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and in vitro nuclear transcription assay. Conversely, the expression of the ANP biological receptors, ANPR-A and ANPR-B, was shown to be down-regulated by TGF-beta1. These data suggest that TGF-beta1 regulates the gene expression of ANPRs in the thymic stromal cells and that ANP and TGF-beta1 might affect the thymic stromal cell functions.

  1. Gene Editing and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Tools for Advancing Diabetes Disease Modeling and Beta-Cell Development.

    PubMed

    Millette, Katelyn; Georgia, Senta

    2017-10-05

    This review will focus on the multiple approaches to gene editing and address the potential use of genetically modified human pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells (SC-β) as a tool to study human beta-cell development and model their function in diabetes. We will explore how new variations of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing may accelerate our understanding of beta-cell developmental biology, elucidate novel mechanisms that establish and regulate beta-cell function, and assist in pioneering new therapeutic modalities for treating diabetes. Improvements in CRISPR/Cas9 target specificity and homology-directed recombination continue to advance its use in engineering stem cells to model and potentially treat disease. We will review how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is informing our understanding of beta-cell development and expanding the therapeutic possibilities for treating diabetes and other diseases. Here we focus on the emerging use of gene editing technology, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, as a means of manipulating human gene expression to gain novel insights into the roles of key factors in beta-cell development and function. Taken together, the combined use of SC-β cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing will shed new light on human beta-cell development and function and accelerate our progress towards developing new therapies for patients with diabetes.

  2. Productive interaction between transmembrane mutants of the bovine papillomavirus E5 protein and the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor.

    PubMed

    Lai, Char-Chang; Edwards, Anne P B; DiMaio, Daniel

    2005-02-01

    The bovine papillomavirus E5 protein is a 44-amino-acid transmembrane protein that transforms cells by binding to the transmembrane region of the cellular platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor, resulting in sustained receptor signaling. However, there are published reports that certain mutants with amino acid substitutions in the membrane-spanning segment of the E5 protein transform cells without activating the PDGF beta receptor. We re-examined several of these transmembrane mutants, and here we present five lines of evidence that these mutants do in fact activate the PDGF beta receptor, resulting in cellular signaling and transformation.

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Asally, Munehiro; Yoneda, Yoshihiro

    Nuclear accumulation of {beta}-catenin plays an important role in the Wnt signaling pathway. In the nucleus, {beta}-catenin acts as a transcriptional co-activator for TCF/LEF family of transcription factors. It has been shown that lef-1 contains a typical basic type nuclear localization signal (NLS) and is transported into the nucleus by the conventional import pathway. In this study, we found that a mutant lef-1 lacking the classical NLS accumulated in the nucleus of living cells, when {beta}-catenin was co-expressed. In addition, in a cell-free import assay, lef-1 migrated into the nucleus in the presence of {beta}-catenin alone without any other solublemore » factors. In contrast, another mutant lef-1 lacking the {beta}-catenin binding domain failed to migrate into the nucleus, even in the presence of {beta}-catenin. These findings indicate that {beta}-catenin alone can mediate the nuclear import of lef-1 through the direct binding. Collectively, we propose that there are two distinct pathways for the nuclear import of lef-1: importin {alpha}/{beta}-mediated and {beta}-catenin-mediated one, which provides a novel paradigm for Wnt signaling pathway.« less

  4. Essential role of mitochondrial antiviral signaling, IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3, and IRF7 in Chlamydophila pneumoniae-mediated IFN-beta response and control of bacterial replication in human endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Buss, Claudia; Opitz, Bastian; Hocke, Andreas C; Lippmann, Juliane; van Laak, Vincent; Hippenstiel, Stefan; Krüll, Matthias; Suttorp, Norbert; Eitel, Julia

    2010-03-15

    Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection of the vascular wall as well as activation of the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3 have been linked to development of chronic vascular lesions and atherosclerosis. The innate immune system detects invading pathogens by use of pattern recognition receptors, some of which are able to stimulate IRF3/7 activation and subsequent type I IFN production (e. g., IFN-beta). In this study, we show that infection of human endothelial cells with C. pneumoniae-induced production of IFN-beta, a cytokine that so far has been mainly associated with antiviral immunity. Moreover, C. pneumoniae infection led to IRF3 and IRF7 nuclear translocation in HUVECs and RNA interference experiments showed that IRF3 and IRF7 as well as the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) were essential for IFN-beta induction. Finally, C. pneumoniae replication was enhanced in endothelial cells in which IRF3, IRF7, or MAVS expression was inhibited by small interfering RNA and attenuated by IFN-beta treatment. In conclusion, C. pneumoniae infection of endothelial cells activates an MAVS-, IRF3-, and IRF7-dependent signaling, which controls bacterial growth and might modulate development of vascular lesions.

  5. On the role of transforming growth factor-beta in the growth inhibitory effects of retinoic acid in human pancreatic cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Singh, Brahmchetna; Murphy, Richard F; Ding, Xian-Zhong; Roginsky, Alexandra B; Bell, Richard H; Adrian, Thomas E

    2007-12-24

    Retinoids are potent growth inhibitory and differentiating agents in a variety of cancer cell types. We have shown that retinoids induce growth arrest in all pancreatic cancer cell lines studied, regardless of their p53 and differentiation status. However, the mechanism of growth inhibition is not known. Since TGF-beta2 is markedly induced by retinoids in other cancers and mediates MUC4 expression in pancreatic cancer cells, we investigated the role of TGF-beta in retinoic acid-mediated growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. Retinoic acid markedly inhibited proliferation of two cell lines (Capan-2 and Hs766T) in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Retinoic acid increased TGF-beta2 mRNA content and secretion of the active and latent forms of TGF-beta2 (measured by ELISA and bioassay). The concentrations of active and TGF-beta2 secreted in response to 0.1 - 10 muM retinoic acid were between 1-5 pM. TGF-beta2 concentrations within this range also inhibited proliferation. A TGF-beta neutralizing antibody blocked the growth inhibitory effects of retinoic acid in Capan-2 cells and partially inhibitory the effects in Hs766T cells. These findings indicate that TGF-beta can cause growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer cells, in a p53-independent manner. Furthermore, it demonstrates the fundamental role of TGF-beta in growth inhibition in response to retinoic acid treatment is preserved in vitro.

  6. Role for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the generation of human T regulatory type 1 cells.

    PubMed

    Rutella, Sergio; Pierelli, Luca; Bonanno, Giuseppina; Sica, Simona; Ameglio, Franco; Capoluongo, Ettore; Mariotti, Andrea; Scambia, Giovanni; d'Onofrio, Giuseppe; Leone, Giuseppe

    2002-10-01

    Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) may affect T-cell homeostasis by multiple mechanisms, inducing polarization of cytokine secretion, inhibition of T-cell proliferation, and enhancement of T-cell apoptosis. We analyzed the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) by T cells from healthy volunteer donors treated with recombinant human G-CSF. Highly purified CD4(+) T cells obtained before and after G-CSF administration (pre-G and post-G, respectively) were activated using the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction. Post-G CD4(+) T cells produced high levels of IL-10 but undetectable levels of IL-2 and IL-4, whereas the level of TGF-beta1 release was comparable to that of pre-G CD4(+) T cells. Notably, post-G CD4(+) T cells proliferated poorly in response to alloantigens and to recall antigens and suppressed the proliferation of autologous CD4(+) T cells in a cell contact-independent and an antigen-nonspecific manner. TGF-beta1 and IL-10 were not dispensable for post-G CD4(+) T cells to mediate suppression, as shown by neutralization studies. Compared with pre-G CD4(+) T cells, alloantigen-activated post-G CD4(+) T cells preferentially expressed markers associated with memory T cells, in conjunction with reduced levels of CD28 and CD62L. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CD4(+) T cells exposed to G-CSF in vivo acquire the properties of T regulatory (Tr) cells once triggered in vitro through the T-cell receptor, including a peculiar cytokine production profile (IL-10(++)TGF-beta1(+)IL-2(low/-)IL-4(low/-)), an intrinsic low proliferative capacity, and a contact-independent suppression of antigen-driven proliferation. Tr cells generated ex vivo after exposure to G-CSF might be clinically relevant for transplantation medicine and for the treatment of human immune-mediated diseases.

  7. Effect of mitomycin C on IL-1R expression, IL-1-related hepatocyte growth factor secretion and corneal epithelial cell migration.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tsan-Chi; Chang, Shu-Wen

    2010-03-01

    To investigate how mitomycin C (MMC) modulates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) secretions in human corneal fibroblasts and regulates human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell migration. Primary human corneal fibroblasts were treated with MMC (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/mL for 5 minutes) and were cultivated with or without interleukin (IL)-1beta. Transcript and secretion of HGF and KGF were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The effect of MMC-treated fibroblasts on HCE cell migration was evaluated using a transwell migration assay. The influence of MMC on HGF expression/secretion and HCE cell migration was further confirmed by RNA interference. The number of IL-1 receptors (IL-1R) on the fibroblast surface was analyzed by flow cytometry. MMC alone did not affect endogenous HGF expression, whereas IL-1beta alone significantly upregulated HGF transcripts and secretion. By modifying IL-1R numbers, MMC further upregulated IL-1beta-related HGF expression at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL but to a lesser extent at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL. KGF transcripts and intracellular expression were suppressed by MMC dose dependently in the presence or absence of IL-1beta, whereas KGF secretion was not affected. Conditioned medium from MMC-treated fibroblasts exerted a similar concentration-dependent effect on HCE cell migration, enhancing migration most significantly at 0.05 mg/mL MMC in the presence of IL-1beta. The MMC dose-dependent modulation of HCE cell migration was abolished in HGF-silenced fibroblasts. MMC differentially modulated IL-1R expression at various concentrations and regulated HGF and KGF differently. MMC alone did not alter HGF expression. In the presence of IL-1beta, MMC-treated corneal fibroblasts modified HCE cell migration through IL-1beta-induced HGF secretion.

  8. Isoreserpine promotes {beta}-catenin degradation via Siah-1 up-regulation in HCT116 colon cancer cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gwak, Jungsug; Song, Taeyun; Song, Jie-Young

    2009-09-25

    Aberrant accumulation of intracellular {beta}-catenin in intestinal epithelial cells is a frequent early event during the development of colon cancer. To identify small molecules that decrease the level of intracellular {beta}-catenin, we performed cell-based chemical screening using genetically engineered HEK293 reporter cells to detect compounds that inhibit TOPFlash reporter activity, which was stimulated by Wnt3a-conditioned medium. We found that isoreserpine promoted the degradation of intracellular {beta}-catenin by up-regulation of Siah-1 in HEK293 and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Moreover, isoreserpine repressed the expression of {beta}-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-dependent genes, such as cyclin D1 and c-myc, resulting in the suppression of HCT116 cellmore » proliferation. Our findings suggest that isoreserpine can potentially be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against colon cancer.« less

  9. Transforming growth factor-beta in the chicken fundal layers: an immunohistochemical study.

    PubMed

    Mathis, Ute; Schaeffel, Frank

    2010-06-01

    In the chicken model of myopia, it has first been shown that imposing defocus to the retina results in active remodelling of the sclera which, in turn, results in axial length changes of the eye. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is one of the scleral growth modulators but its cellular localization in the fundal layers, colocalization and function are not well known. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cellular distribution of the three isoforms TGF-beta1, 2 and 3 by immunohistochemical labelling. Furthermore, the effects of visual experience that induces refractive errors on TGF-beta2 labelling were examined. Transversal cryostat sections of the fundal layers were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescent labelling and cell counts. Visual experience was changed by having the chicks wear either diffusers, or positive or negative lenses of 7D power in front of the right eyes for various periods of time. Left eyes served as uncovered controls. All TGF-beta isoforms were localized in both scleral layers. In choroid, diffuse labelling of all isoforms was found. In retina, TGF-beta1 and 3 were detected in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells and TGF-beta2 in amacrine and ganglion cells. To further characterize these cells, double-labelling with known amacrine and bipolar cell markers was performed (calbindin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP), Islet1, Lim3 and protein kinase C (PKC)). TGF-beta1, 2 and 3 could be colocalized with calbindin and CRABP in single amacrine cells. TGF-beta1-positive bipolar cells were immunoreactive to Lim3. TGF-beta1 and 3 were never colocalized with PKC in bipolar cells. Also, colocalization with peptides known to be involved in myopia development in chicks, such as glucagon, or vasointestinal polypeptide and the key enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, was not observed. Lenses or diffusers, worn by the chicks for various periods of time, had no effect on TGF-beta2 immunoreactivity in choroid or sclera, or on the number of TGF-beta2 (active and latent form) expressing amacrine cells. This result did not change when the two identified populations of TGF-beta2 expressing amacrine cells (one calbindin-positive and the other CRABP-positive) were separately considered. Also no modulation was seen in choroid, although an earlier study had found changes in TGF-beta2 mRNA after lens treatment. The lack of any visually-induced changes in retina or choroid suggests that TGF-beta may not represent a key molecule in the retino-choroidal signalling cascade although it has previously been shown to have a primary role in scleral remodelling. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Down-regulation of zinc transporter 8 (SLC30A8) in pancreatic beta-cells promotes cell survival

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The pancreatic islet contains high levels of zinc in granular vesicles of beta-cells where insulin is matured, crystallized, and stored before secretion. Zinc is an essential co-factor for insulin crystallization forming dense core in secretory granules. In insulin-containing secretory granules, zin...

  11. The insulin and islet amyloid polypeptide genes contain similar cell-specific promoter elements that bind identical beta-cell nuclear complexes.

    PubMed Central

    German, M S; Moss, L G; Wang, J; Rutter, W J

    1992-01-01

    The pancreatic beta cell makes several unique gene products, including insulin, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), and beta-cell-specific glucokinase (beta GK). The functions of isolated portions of the insulin, IAPP, and beta GK promoters were studied by using transient expression and DNA binding assays. A short portion (-247 to -197 bp) of the rat insulin I gene, the FF minienhancer, contains three interacting transcriptional regulatory elements. The FF minienhancer binds at least two nuclear complexes with limited tissue distribution. Sequences similar to that of the FF minienhancer are present in the 5' flanking DNA of the human IAPP and rat beta GK genes and also the rat insulin II and mouse insulin I and II genes. Similar minienhancer constructs from the insulin and IAPP genes function as cell-specific transcriptional regulatory elements and compete for binding of the same nuclear factors, while the beta GK construct competes for protein binding but functions poorly as a minienhancer. These observations suggest that the patterns of expression of the beta-cell-specific genes result in part from sharing the same transcriptional regulators. Images PMID:1549125

  12. The role of IL-1beta in reduced IL-7 production by stromal and epithelial cells: a model for impaired T-cell numbers in the gut during HIV-1 infection.

    PubMed

    Thang, P H; Ruffin, N; Brodin, D; Rethi, B; Cam, P D; Hien, N T; Lopalco, L; Vivar, N; Chiodi, F

    2010-08-01

    Interleukin (IL)-7 is a key cytokine in T-cell homeostasis. Stromal cells, intestinal epithelial cells and keratinocytes are known to produce this cytokine. The mechanisms and cellular factors regulating IL-7 production are still unclear. We assessed whether IL-1beta and interferon (IFN)-gamma, cytokines produced during inflammatory conditions, may impact on IL-7 production. We used human intestinal epithelial cells (DLD-1 cell line) and bone marrow stromal cells (HS27 cell line), known to produce IL-7; IL-7 production was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels. To assess whether treatment of HS27 cells with IL-1beta and/or IFN-gamma leads to changes in the gene expression of cytokines, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and chemokines, we analysed gene expression profiles using the whole-genome microarray Human Gene 1.0 ST. We found that IFN-gamma enhanced the expression of IL-7 mRNA (P < 0.001) in both cell lines. IL-1beta treatment led to a significant down-regulation (P < 0.001) of IL-7 mRNA expression in both cell lines. The IL-7 concentration in supernatants collected from treated DLD-1 and HS27 cell cultures reflected the trend of IL-7 mRNA levels. The gene profiles revealed dramatic changes in expression of cytokines and their receptors (IL-7/IL-7R alpha; IL-1alpha,IL-1beta/IL-1R1; IFN-gamma/IFN-gammaR1), of IFN regulatory factors (IRF-1 and 2), of TLRs and of important chemo-attractants for T cells. The microarray results were verified by additional methods. Our results are discussed in the setting of inflammation and T-cell survival in the gut compartment during HIV-1 infection where stromal and epithelial cells may produce factors that contribute to impaired IL-7 homeostasis and homing of T cells.

  13. Effect of the association of IGF-I, IGF-II, bFGF, TGF-beta1, GM-CSF, and LIF on the development of bovine embryos produced in vitro.

    PubMed

    Neira, J A; Tainturier, D; Peña, M A; Martal, J

    2010-03-15

    This study examined the influence of the following growth factors and cytokines on early embryonic development: insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I, IGF-II), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) was used as the culture medium. We studied the development of bovine embryos produced in vitro and cultured until Day 9 after fertilization. TGF-beta1, bFGF, GM-CSF, and LIF used on their own significantly improved the yield of hatched blastocysts. IGF-I, bFGF, TGF-beta1, GM-CSF, and LIF significantly accelerated embryonic development, especially the change from the expanded blastocyst to hatched blastocyst stages. Use of a combination of these growth factors and cytokines (GF-CYK) in SOF medium produced higher percentages of blastocysts and hatched blastocysts than did use of SOF alone (45% and 22% vs. 24% and 12%; P<0.05) on Day 8 after in vitro fertilization and similar results to use of SOF+10% fetal calf serum (38% and 16%, at the same stages, respectively). The averages of total cells, inner cell mass cells, and trophectoderm cells of exclusively in vitro Day-8 blastocysts for pooled GF-CYK treatments were higher than those for SOF and similar to those for fetal calf serum. The presence of these growth factors and cytokines in the embryo culture medium therefore has a combined stimulatory action on embryonic development; in particular through an increase in hatching rate and in the number of cells of both the inner cell mass and trophoblast. These results are the first to demonstrate that use of a combination of recombinant growth factors and cytokine, as IGF-I, IGF-II, bFGF, TGF-beta1, LIF, and GM-CSF, produces similar results to 10% fetal calf serum for the development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. This entirely synthetic method of embryo culture has undeniable advantages for the biosecurity of embryo transfer. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 on embryonic and posthatch muscle growth and development in normal and low score normal chicken.

    PubMed

    Li, X; Velleman, S G

    2009-02-01

    During skeletal muscle development, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent inhibitor of muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. The TGF-beta1 signal is carried by Smad proteins into the cell nucleus, inhibiting the expression of key myogenic regulatory factors including MyoD and myogenin. However, the molecular mechanism by which TGF-beta1 inhibits muscle cell proliferation and differentiation has not been well documented in vivo. The present study investigated the effect of TGF-beta1 on in vivo skeletal muscle growth and development. A chicken line, Low Score Normal (LSN) with reduced muscling and upregulated TGF-beta1 expression, was used and compared to a normal chicken line. The injection of TGF-beta1 at embryonic day (ED) 3 significantly reduced the pectoralis major (p. major) muscle weight in the normal birds at 1 wk posthatch, whereas no significant difference was observed in the LSN birds. The difference between normal and LSN birds in response to TGF-beta1 is likely due to different levels of endogenous TGF-beta1 where the LSN birds have increased TGF-beta1 expression in their p. major muscle at both 17 ED and 6 wk posthatch. Smad3 expression was reduced by TGF-beta1 from 10 ED to 1 wk posthatch in normal p. major muscle. Unlike Smad3, Smad7 expression was not significantly affected by TGF-beta1 until posthatch in both normal and LSN p. major muscle. Expression of MyoD was reduced 35% by TGF-beta1 during embryonic development in normal p. major muscle, whereas LSN p. major muscle showed a delayed decrease at 1 d posthatch in MyoD expression in response to the TGF-beta1 treatment. Myogenin expression was reduced 29% by TGF-beta1 after hatch in normal p. major muscle. In LSN p. major muscle, TGF-beta1 treatment significantly decreased myogenin expression by 43% at 1 d posthatch and 32% at 1 wk posthatch. These data suggested that TGF-beta1 reduced p. major muscle growth by inhibiting MyoD and myogenin expression during both embryonic and posthatch development. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 also reduced the expression of the cell adhesion receptor beta1 integrin subunit during embryonic and posthatch muscle growth in normal and LSN chickens. Therefore, the reduction of beta1 integrin in response to TGF-beta1 is also associated with decreased posthatch muscle growth. The results from this study indicate that TGF-beta1 inhibits skeletal muscle growth by regulating MyoD and myogenin expression. These data also suggest that a beta1 integrin-mediated alternative pathway is likely involved in the TGF-beta1-induced reduction of muscle growth.

  15. Preimplantation embryo development in vitro: cooperative interactions among embryos and role of growth factors.

    PubMed Central

    Paria, B C; Dey, S K

    1990-01-01

    We have established a model that shows cooperative interaction among preimplantation embryos and the role of growth factors on their development and growth. Two-cell mouse embryos cultured singly in 25-microliters microdrops had inferior development to blastocysts and lower cell numbers per blastocyst compared with those cultured in groups of 5 or 10. The inferior development of singly cultured embryos was markedly improved by addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor alpha or beta 1 (TGF-alpha or TGF-beta 1) to the culture medium. The stage of embryonic development, primarily affected by these treatments, was between eight-cell/morula and blastocyst. Furthermore, blastocysts developed from eight-cell embryos cultured in groups or singly in the presence of EGF showed a higher incidence of zona hatching compared with those cultured singly in the absence of EGF. Detection of EGF receptors on the embryonic cell surface at eight-cell/morula and blastocyst stages suggests beneficial effects of EGF or TGF-alpha on preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst functions. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) had no influence on embryo development. To further document the cooperative interactions among embryos, the volume of the culture medium was doubled to 50 microliters. This increase in culture volume was even more detrimental to the development of singly cultured embryos. However, this detrimental effect was significantly reversed by EGF and reversed even more markedly by a combination of EGF and TGF-beta 1 but not by TGF-beta 1 alone. Although TGF-beta 1 plus IGF-I caused a modest improvement of embryo development, the response was not as great as shown by EGF alone. Furthermore, IGF-I had no additive effect on EGF-induced embryonic development. The study presents clear evidence that specific growth factors of embryonic and/or reproductive tract origin participate in preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Images PMID:2352946

  16. Cell type-specific regulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA by agonists.

    PubMed

    Danner, S; Lohse, M J

    1997-07-16

    Prolonged agonist stimulation of beta2-adrenoceptors results in receptor down-regulation which is often paralleled by a reduction of the corresponding mRNA. In this study, we investigated the agonist-dependent regulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA in DDT1-MF2 smooth muscle cells and C6 glioma cells. In DDT1-MF2 cells the half-life of the mRNA was 12 h in monolayer compared to 2 h in suspension cultures. Under both conditions, the agonist isoproterenol reduced this half-life by a factor of 2. In contrast, in C6 glioma cells isoproterenol had no effect on the mRNA stability, even though it reduced mRNA levels by approximately 50%. Isoproterenol-induced downregulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA was completely blocked in C6 cells by the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor, while this was not so in DDT1-MF2-cells. These data show that beta2-adrenoceptor downregulation occurs via cell-type specific mechanisms.

  17. Proteomic profiling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells upon TGF-beta stimulation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Daojing; Park, Jennifer S.; Chu, Julia S.F.

    Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into different types of cells, and have tremendous potential for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}) plays an important role in cell differentiation and vascular remodeling. We showed that TGF-{beta} induced cell morphology change and an increase in actin fibers in MSCs. To determine the global effects of TGF-{beta} on MSCs, we employed a proteomic strategy to analyze the effect of TGF-{beta} on the human MSC proteome. By using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization coupled to Quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometers, we have generated a proteome reference mapmore » of MSCs, and identified {approx}30 proteins with an increase or decrease in expression or phosphorylation in response to TGF-{beta}. The proteins regulated by TGF-{beta} included cytoskeletal proteins, matrix synthesis proteins, membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, etc. TGF-{beta} increased the expression of smooth muscle (SM) {alpha}-actin and decreased the expression of gelsolin. Over-expression of gelsolin inhibited TGF-{beta}-induced assembly of SM {alpha}-actin; on the other hand, knocking down gelsolin expression enhanced the assembly of {alpha}-actin and actin filaments without significantly affecting {alpha}-actin expression. These results suggest that TGF-{beta} coordinates the increase of {alpha}-actin and the decrease of gelsolin to promote MSC differentiation. This study demonstrates that proteomic tools are valuable in studying stem cell differentiation and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.« less

  18. Akt interacts directly with Smad3 to regulate the sensitivity to TGF-beta induced apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Conery, Andrew R; Cao, Yanna; Thompson, E Aubrey; Townsend, Courtney M; Ko, Tien C; Luo, Kunxin

    2004-04-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces both apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in some cell lines, but only growth arrest in others. It is not clear how this differential response to TGF-beta is specified. Smad proteins are critical mediators of TGF-beta signalling. After stimulation by TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad3 become phosphorylated by the activated TGF-beta receptor kinases, oligomerize with Smad4, translocate to the nucleus and regulate the expression of TGF-beta target genes. Here we report that the sensitivity to TGF-beta induced apoptosis is regulated by crosstalk between the Akt/PKB serine/threonine kinase and Smad3 through a mechanism that is independent of Akt kinase activity. Akt interacts directly with unphosphorylated Smad3 to sequester it outside the nucleus, preventing its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This results in inhibition of Smad3-mediated transcription and apoptosis. Furthermore, the ratio of Smad3 to Akt correlates with the sensitivity of cells to TGF-beta induced apoptosis. Alteration of this ratio changes the apoptotic, but not the growth-inhibitory, responses of cells to TGF-beta. These findings identify an important determinant of sensitivity to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis that involves crosstalk between the TGF-beta and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) pathways.

  19. Characteristic cytokine generation patterns in cancer cells and infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinomas and the influence of chemoradiation combined with immunotherapy on these patterns.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Kimura, Tsuyoshi; Ueta, Eisaku; Tatemoto, Yukihiro; Osaki, Tokio

    2003-01-01

    Cytokines produced by tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) appear to regulate tumor cell growth and the cytotoxic activity of TIL. The objectives of the present study were to investigate cytokine generation patterns in tumor cells and TIL and to examine the influence of cancer therapy on this cytokine production and the cytotoxic activity of TIL. We determined the levels of cytokines produced by tumor cells and TIL in vitro and measured the cytotoxic activity of TIL against Daudi cells in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSC) before and 1 week after the start of concomitant chemo-radio-immunotherapy. Before the therapy, OSC cells generated higher levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) than did oral keratinocytes isolated from the noninflamed gingivae of healthy individuals, but both kinds of cells generated similar levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6. Compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the patients, TIL produced higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta, whereas their production of IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was only slightly higher than that in PBMC. After 1 week of therapy, the cytokine production by OSC cells had largely decreased, while the production of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta and IL-12 by TIL had increased greatly, although other cytokine levels were almost constant during the investigations. The cytotoxic activity of TIL was higher than that of PBMC before the therapy, and this activity was strongly increased by 1 week of therapy. These results suggest that the cytokine productivities of TIL and tumor cells differ from those of PBMC and normal keratinocytes, respectively, and that chemo-radio-immunotherapy modulates in situ cytokine generation, which is advantageous for inhibition of tumor cell growth and activation of TIL. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

  20. Cyclic stretching force selectively up-regulates transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in cultured rat mesangial cells.

    PubMed Central

    Riser, B. L.; Cortes, P.; Heilig, C.; Grondin, J.; Ladson-Wofford, S.; Patterson, D.; Narins, R. G.

    1996-01-01

    Glomerular distention from increased intraglomerular pressure stretches mesangial cells (MCs). Stretching MCs in culture stimulates extracellular matrix accumulation, suggesting that this may be a mechanism for glomerular hypertension-associated glomerulosclerosis. We examined whether mechanical stretching serves as a stimulus for the synthesis and activation of the prosclerotic molecule transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, thus providing a potential system for auto-induction of extracellular matrix. Rat MCs cultured on flexible-bottom plates were subjected to cyclic stretching for up to 3 days and then assayed for TGF-beta mRNA, secretion of TGF-beta, and localization of active TGF-beta by immunostaining. MCs contained mRNA for all three mammalian isoforms of TGF-beta. Cyclic stretching for 36 hours increased TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 mRNA levels approximately twofold, without altering the levels of TGF-beta2 mRNA. This was followed at 48 to 72 hours by the increased secretion of both latent and active TGF-beta1. Latent, but not active, TGF-beta3 secretion also increased whereas the levels of TGF-beta2 were unaffected by mechanical force. The stretching force in this system is unequally distributed over the culture membrane. Localization of active TGF-beta by immunostaining demonstrated that the quantity of cell-associated cytokine across the culture was directly proportional to the zonal amplitude of the stretching force. These results demonstrate that stretching force stimulates MCs to selectively release and activate TGF-beta1. This mechanical induction of TGF-beta1 may help explain the increased extracellular matrix associated with intraglomerular hypertension. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 PMID:8669477

  1. Feasibility of commercial space manufacturing, production of pharmaceuticals. Volume 1: Executive summary

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    The feasibility of the commercial manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in space is examined. The method of obtaining pharmaceutical company involvement, laboratory results of the separation of serum proteins by the continuous flow electrophoresis process, the selection and study of candidate products, and their production requirements is presented. Antihemophilic factor, beta cells, erythropoietin, epidermal growth factor, alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon were studied. Production mass balances for antihemophilic factor, beta cells, and erythropoietin were compared for space verus ground operation.

  2. Surgical Injury to the Mouse Pancreas through Ligation of the Pancreatic Duct as a Model for Endocrine and Exocrine Reprogramming and Proliferation

    PubMed Central

    De Groef, Sofie; Leuckx, Gunter; Van Gassen, Naomi; Staels, Willem; Cai, Ying; Yuchi, Yixing; Coppens, Violette; De Leu, Nico; Heremans, Yves; Baeyens, Luc; Van de Casteele, Mark; Heimberg, Harry

    2015-01-01

    Expansion of pancreatic beta cells in vivo or ex vivo, or generation of beta cells by differentiation from an embryonic or adult stem cell, can provide new expandable sources of beta cells to alleviate the donor scarcity in human islet transplantation as therapy for diabetes. Although recent advances have been made towards this aim, mechanisms that regulate beta cell expansion and differentiation from a stem/progenitor cell remain to be characterized. Here, we describe a protocol for an injury model in the adult mouse pancreas that can function as a tool to study mechanisms of tissue remodeling and beta cell proliferation and differentiation. Partial duct ligation (PDL) is an experimentally induced injury of the rodent pancreas involving surgical ligation of the main pancreatic duct resulting in an obstruction of drainage of exocrine products out of the tail region of the pancreas. The inflicted damage induces acinar atrophy, immune cell infiltration and severe tissue remodeling. We have previously reported the activation of Neurogenin (Ngn) 3 expressing endogenous progenitor-like cells and an increase in beta cell proliferation after PDL. Therefore, PDL provides a basis to study signals involved in beta cell dynamics and the properties of an endocrine progenitor in adult pancreas. Since, it still remains largely unclear, which factors and pathways contribute to beta cell neogenesis and proliferation in PDL, a standardized protocol for PDL will allow for comparison across laboratories. PMID:26273954

  3. Requirement for the SnoN oncoprotein in transforming growth factor beta-induced oncogenic transformation of fibroblast cells.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Qingwei; Pearson-White, Sonia; Luo, Kunxin

    2005-12-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was originally identified by virtue of its ability to induce transformation of the AKR-2B and NRK fibroblasts but was later found to be a potent inhibitor of the growth of epithelial, endothelial, and lymphoid cells. Although the growth-inhibitory pathway of TGF-beta mediated by the Smad proteins is well studied, the signaling pathway leading to the transforming activity of TGF-beta in fibroblasts is not well understood. Here we show that SnoN, a member of the Ski family of oncoproteins, is required for TGF-beta-induced proliferation and transformation of AKR-2B and NRK fibroblasts. TGF-beta induces upregulation of snoN expression in both epithelial cells and fibroblasts through a common Smad-dependent mechanism. However, a strong and prolonged activation of snoN transcription that lasts for 8 to 24 h is detected only in these two fibroblast lines. This prolonged induction is mediated by Smad2 and appears to play an important role in the transformation of both AKR-2B and NRK cells. Reduction of snoN expression by small interfering RNA or shortening of the duration of snoN induction by a pharmacological inhibitor impaired TGF-beta-induced anchorage-independent growth of AKR-2B cells. Interestingly, Smad2 and Smad3 play opposite roles in regulating snoN expression in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. The Smad2/Smad4 complex activates snoN transcription by direct binding to the TGF-beta-responsive element in the snoN promoter, while the Smad3/Smad4 complex inhibits it through a novel Smad inhibitory site. Mutations of Smad4 that render it defective in heterodimerization with Smad3, which are found in many human cancers, convert the activity of Smad3 on the snoN promoter from inhibitory to stimulatory, resulting in increased snoN expression in cancer cells. Thus, we demonstrate a novel role of SnoN in the transforming activity of TGF-beta in fibroblasts and also uncovered a mechanism for the elevated SnoN expression in some human cancer cells.

  4. Cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Suppression of TEF-1 mediated activation by the single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1.

    PubMed

    Carlini, Leslie E; Getz, Michael J; Strauch, Arthur R; Kelm, Robert J

    2002-03-08

    An asymmetric polypurine-polypyrimidine cis-element located in the 5' region of the mouse vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin gene serves as a binding site for multiple proteins with specific affinity for either single- or double-stranded DNA. Here, we test the hypothesis that single-stranded DNA-binding proteins are responsible for preventing a cryptic MCAT enhancer centered within this element from cooperating with a nearby serum response factor-interacting CArG motif to trans-activate the minimal promoter in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. DNA binding studies revealed that the core MCAT sequence mediates binding of transcription enhancer factor-1 to the double-stranded polypurine-polypyrimidine element while flanking nucleotides account for interaction of Pur alpha and Pur beta with the purine-rich strand and MSY1 with the complementary pyrimidine-rich strand. Mutations that selectively impaired high affinity single-stranded DNA binding by fibroblast or smooth muscle cell-derived Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 in vitro, released the cryptic MCAT enhancer from repression in transfected cells. Additional experiments indicated that Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 also interact specifically, albeit weakly, with double-stranded DNA and with transcription enhancer factor-1. These results are consistent with two plausible models of cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation by Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 involving either competitive single-stranded DNA binding or masking of MCAT-bound transcription enhancer factor-1.

  5. Hyperprolactinemia following chronic alcohol administration.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Dipak K

    2010-01-01

    There are several reports showing evidence for the existence of high levels of prolactin (PRL) in alcoholic men and women. Alcohol-induced hyperprolactinemia has also been demonstrated in nonhuman primates and laboratory animals. Therefore, the clinical data as well as animal data suggest that ethanol consumption is a positive risk factor for hyperprolactinemia. In animal studies, it was found that chronic ethanol administration not only elevates plasma levels of PRL but also increases proliferation of pituitary lactotropes. Ethanol action on lactotropes involves crosstalk with estradiol-responsive signaling cascade or estradiol-regulated cell-cell communication. Additionally, it involves suppression of dopamine D2 receptors inhibition of G proteins and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), modulation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms and their receptors (TbetaRII), as well as factors secondary to TGF-beta actions, including production of beta-fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from follicular-stellate cells. The downstream signaling that governs b-FGF production and secretion involves activation of the MAP kinase p44/42-dependent pathway. A coordinated suppression of D2 receptor- and TbetaRII receptor-mediated signaling as well as enhancement of bFGF activity might be critical for ethanol action on PRL production and cell proliferation in lactotropes. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  6. Transforming growth factor-β stimulates the expression of eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 and its promoter activity through binding site for nuclear factor-κβ in airway smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Matsukura, S; Odaka, M; Kurokawa, M; Kuga, H; Homma, T; Takeuchi, H; Notomi, K; Kokubu, F; Kawaguchi, M; Schleimer, R P; Johnson, M W; Adachi, M

    2010-05-01

    Chemokines ligands of CCR3 including eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. These chemokines and a growth factor (TGF-beta) may be involved in the process of airway remodelling. We analysed the effects of TGF-beta on the expression of CCR3 ligands in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and investigated the mechanisms. HASM cells were cultured and treated with TGF-beta and Th2 cytokines IL-4 or IL-13. Expression of mRNA was analysed by real-time PCR. Secretion of CCL11 into the culture medium was analysed by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of CCL11 was analysed by luciferase assay using CCL11 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids. IL-4 or IL-13 significantly up-regulated the expression of mRNAs for CCL11 and CCL26. TGF-beta alone did not increase the expression of chemokine mRNAs, but enhanced the induction of only CCL11 by IL-4 or IL-13 among CCR3 ligands. Activity of the CCL11 promoter was stimulated by IL-4, and this activity was enhanced by TGF-beta. Activation by IL-4 or IL-4 plus TGF-beta was lost by mutation of the binding site for signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in the promoter. Cooperative activation by IL-4 and TGF-beta was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the promoter. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate significantly inhibited the expression of CCL11 mRNA induced by IL-4 plus TGF-beta, indicating the importance of NF-kappaB in the cooperative activation of CCL11 transcription by TGF-beta and IL-4. These results indicate that Th2 cytokines and TGF-beta may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by stimulating expression of CCL11. The transcription factors STAT6 and NF-kappaB may play pivotal roles in this process.

  7. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta during heart failure is protective.

    PubMed

    Hirotani, Shinichi; Zhai, Peiyong; Tomita, Hideharu; Galeotti, Jonathan; Marquez, Juan Pablo; Gao, Shumin; Hong, Chull; Yatani, Atsuko; Avila, Jesús; Sadoshima, Junichi

    2007-11-26

    Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, a negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy, is inactivated in failing hearts. To examine the histopathological and functional consequence of the persistent inhibition of GSK-3beta in the heart in vivo, we generated transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of dominant negative GSK-3beta (Tg-GSK-3beta-DN) and tetracycline-regulatable wild-type GSK-3beta. GSK-3beta-DN significantly reduced the kinase activity of endogenous GSK-3beta, inhibited phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B epsilon, and induced accumulation of beta-catenin and myeloid cell leukemia-1, confirming that GSK-3beta-DN acts as a dominant negative in vivo. Tg-GSK-3beta-DN exhibited concentric hypertrophy at baseline, accompanied by upregulation of the alpha-myosin heavy chain gene and increases in cardiac function, as evidenced by a significantly greater Emax after dobutamine infusion and percentage of contraction in isolated cardiac myocytes, indicating that inhibition of GSK-3beta induces well-compensated hypertrophy. Although transverse aortic constriction induced a similar increase in hypertrophy in both Tg-GSK-3beta-DN and nontransgenic mice, Tg-GSK-3beta-DN exhibited better left ventricular function and less fibrosis and apoptosis than nontransgenic mice. Induction of the GSK-3beta transgene in tetracycline-regulatable wild-type GSK-3beta mice induced left ventricular dysfunction and premature death, accompanied by increases in apoptosis and fibrosis. Overexpression of GSK-3beta-DN in cardiac myocytes inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis, and the antiapoptotic effect of GSK-3beta-DN was abrogated in the absence of myeloid cell leukemia-1. These results suggest that persistent inhibition of GSK-3beta induces compensatory hypertrophy, inhibits apoptosis and fibrosis, and increases cardiac contractility and that the antiapoptotic effect of GSK-3beta inhibition is mediated by myeloid cell leukemia-1. Thus, downregulation of GSK-3beta during heart failure could be compensatory.

  8. Abrogation of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contact in mouse embryonic stem cells results in reversible LIF-independent self-renewal.

    PubMed

    Soncin, Francesca; Mohamet, Lisa; Eckardt, Dominik; Ritson, Sarah; Eastham, Angela M; Bobola, Nicoletta; Russell, Angela; Davies, Steve; Kemler, Rolf; Merry, Catherine L R; Ward, Christopher M

    2009-09-01

    We have previously demonstrated that differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells is associated with downregulation of cell surface E-cadherin. In this study, we assessed the function of E-cadherin in mouse ES cell pluripotency and differentiation. We show that inhibition of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contact in ES cells using gene knockout (Ecad(-/-)), RNA interference (EcadRNAi), or a transhomodimerization-inhibiting peptide (CHAVC) results in cellular proliferation and maintenance of an undifferentiated phenotype in fetal bovine serum-supplemented medium in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Re-expression of E-cadherin in Ecad(-/-), EcadRNAi, and CHAVC-treated ES cells restores cellular dependence to LIF supplementation. Although reversal of the LIF-independent phenotype in Ecad(-/-) ES cells is dependent on the beta-catenin binding domain of E-cadherin, we show that beta-catenin null (betacat(-/-)) ES cells also remain undifferentiated in the absence of LIF. This suggests that LIF-independent self-renewal of Ecad(-/-) ES cells is unlikely to be via beta-catenin signaling. Exposure of Ecad(-/-), EcadRNAi, and CHAVC-treated ES cells to the activin receptor-like kinase inhibitor SB431542 led to differentiation of the cells, which could be prevented by re-expression of E-cadherin. To confirm the role of transforming growth factor beta family signaling in the self-renewal of Ecad(-/-) ES cells, we show that these cells maintain an undifferentiated phenotype when cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with Activin A and Nodal, with fibroblast growth factor 2 required for cellular proliferation. We conclude that transhomodimerization of E-cadherin protein is required for LIF-dependent ES cell self-renewal and that multiple self-renewal signaling networks subsist in ES cells, with activity dependent upon the cellular context.

  9. MUC1 and colorectal cancer pathophysiology considerations.

    PubMed

    Niv, Yaron

    2008-04-14

    Several lines of evidence point towards a biological role of mucin and particularly MUC1 in colorectal cancer. A positive correlation was described between mucin secretion, proliferation, invasiveness, metastasis and bad prognosis. But, the role of MUC1 in cancer progression is still controversial and somewhat confusing. While Mukherjee and colleagues developed MUC1-specific immune therapy in a CRC model, Lillehoj and co-investigators showed recently that MUC1 inhibits cell proliferation by a beta-catenin-dependent mechanism. In carcinoma cells the polarization of MUC1 is lost and the protein is over expressed at high levels over the entire cell surface. A competitive interaction between MUC1 and E-cadherin, through beta-catenin binding, disrupts E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions at sites of MUC1 expression. In addition, the complex of MUC1-beta-catenin enters the nucleus and activates T-cell factor/leukocyte enhancing factor 1 transcription factors and activates gene expression. This mechanism may be similar to that just described for DCC and UNC5H, which induced apoptosis when not engaged with their ligand netrin, but mediate signals for proliferation, differentiation or migration when ligand bound.

  10. Inverse expression of estrogen receptor-beta and nuclear factor-kappaB in urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

    PubMed

    Kontos, Stylianos; Kominea, Athina; Melachrinou, Maria; Balampani, Eleni; Sotiropoulou-Bonikou, Georgia

    2010-09-01

    To investigate the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and estrogen receptor-beta (ER-beta) signalling pathways in bladder urothelial carcinoma according to clinicopathological features, in order to elucidate their role during carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical methodology was carried out on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from urinary bladder carcinomas of 140 patients (94 males and 46 females) who underwent transurethral resection of bladder neoplasms. Correlations between ER-beta and NF-kappaB, and tumor grade and T-stage were evaluated, along with demographic data, sex and age. A significant decrease in ER-beta expression in the nucleus of bladder cells during loss of cell differentiation (r(s) = -0.61, P-value < 0.001, test of trend P-value = 0.003) and in muscle invasive carcinomas (T2-T4; test of trend P-value < 0.001) was found. p65 Subunit of NF-kappaB was expressed in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of bladder epithelial cells. A strong positive association between tumor grade and nuclear expression of NF-kappaB was shown. No correlation between NF-kappaB, nuclear or cytoplasmic staining, with T-stage was observed. An inverse correlation between ER-beta and nuclear p65 immunoreactivity was observed (r(s) = -0.45, P-value < 0.001). There was no correlation with demographic data. Our immunohistochemical study suggests the possible inverse regulation of NF-kappaB and ER-beta transcription factor during bladder carcinogenesis. Selective ER-beta agonists and agents, inhibitors of NF-kappaB, might represent a possible new treatment strategy for bladder urothelial tumors.

  11. Wild-type cells rescue genotypically Math1-null hair cells in the inner ears of chimeric mice.

    PubMed

    Du, Xiaoping; Jensen, Patricia; Goldowitz, Daniel; Hamre, Kristin M

    2007-05-15

    The transcription factor Math1 has been shown to be critical in the formation of hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear. However, the influence of environmental factors in HC specification suggests that cell extrinsic factors are also crucial to their development. To test whether extrinsic factors impact development of Math1-null (Math1(beta-Gal/beta-Gal)) HCs, we examined neonatal (postnatal ages P0-P4.5) Math1-null chimeric mice in which genotypically mutant and wild-type cells intermingle to form the inner ear. We provide the first direct evidence that Math1-null HCs are able to be generated and survive in the conducive chimeric environment. beta-Galactosidase expression was used to identify genetically mutant cells while cells were phenotypically defined as HCs by morphological characteristics notably the expression of HC-specific markers. Genotypically mutant HCs were found in all sensory epithelia of the inner ear at all ages examined. Comparable results were obtained irrespective of the wild-type component of the chimeric mice. Thus, genotypically mutant cells retain the competence to differentiate into HCs. The implication is that the lack of the Math1 gene in HC precursors can be overcome by environmental influences, such as cell-cell interactions with wild-type cells, to ultimately result in the formation of HCs.

  12. Age-related changes in expression of transforming growth factor-beta and receptors in cells of intervertebral discs.

    PubMed

    Matsunaga, Shunji; Nagano, Satoshi; Onishi, Toshiyuki; Morimoto, Norio; Suzuki, Shusaku; Komiya, Setsuro

    2003-01-01

    The authors conducted a study to determine age-related changes in expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, -beta2, -beta3, and Type I and Type II receptors in various cells in the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. Immunolocalization of TGFbetas and Type I and II receptors was examined during the aging process of cervical intervertebral discs in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). The TGFbeta family has important roles for cellular function of various tissues. Its role in disc aging, however, is unknown. Detailed information on the temporal and spatial localization of TGFbetas and their receptors in discs is required before discussing introduction of them clinically into the intervertebral disc. Three groups of five SAM each were used. The groups of SAM were age 8, 24, and 50 weeks, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical study involving specific antibodies for TGFbeta1, -beta2, -beta3, and Types I and II TGF receptors were performed. Intervertebral discs exhibited degenerative change with advancing age. The TGFbetas and their receptors were present in the fibrocartilaginous cells within the anulus fibrosus and notochord-like cells within the nucleus pulposus of young mice. Expression of TGFbetas and Type I and Type II receptors changed markedly in the cells within the anulus fibrosus during the aging process. The TGFbetas and their receptors were present in cells within the nucleus pulposus and the anulus fibrosus of young mice, and their expression decreased with age.

  13. NFI-Ski interactions mediate transforming growth factor beta modulation of human papillomavirus type 16 early gene expression.

    PubMed

    Baldwin, Amy; Pirisi, Lucia; Creek, Kim E

    2004-04-01

    Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are present in virtually all cervical cancers. An important step in the development of malignant disease, including cervical cancer, involves a loss of sensitivity to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). HPV type 16 (HPV16) early gene expression, including that of the E6 and E7 oncoprotein genes, is under the control of the upstream regulatory region (URR), and E6 and E7 expression in HPV16-immortalized human epithelial cells is inhibited at the transcriptional level by TGF-beta. While the URR contains a myriad of transcription factor binding sites, including seven binding sites for nuclear factor I (NFI), the specific sequences within the URR or the transcription factors responsible for TGF-beta modulation of the URR remain unknown. To identify potential transcription factors and binding sites involved in TGF-beta modulation of the URR, we performed DNase I footprint analysis on the HPV16 URR using nuclear extracts from TGF-beta-sensitive HPV16-immortalized human keratinocytes (HKc/HPV16) treated with and without TGF-beta. Differentially protected regions were found to be located around NFI binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, using the NFI binding sites as probes, showed decreased binding upon TGF-beta treatment. This decrease in binding was not due to reduced NFI protein or NFI mRNA levels. Mutational analysis of individual and multiple NFI binding sites in the URR defined their role in TGF-beta sensitivity of the promoter. Overexpression of the NFI family members in HKc/HPV16 decreased the ability of TGF-beta to inhibit the URR. Since the oncoprotein Ski has been shown to interact with and increase the transcriptional activity of NFI and since cellular Ski levels are decreased by TGF-beta treatment, we explored the possibility that Ski may provide a link between TGF-beta signaling and NFI activity. Anti-NFI antibodies coimmunoprecipitated endogenous Ski in nuclear extracts from HKc/HPV16, confirming that NFI and Ski interact in these cells. Ski levels dramatically decreased upon TGF-beta treatment of HKc/HPV16, and overexpression of Ski eliminated the ability of TGF-beta to inhibit the URR. Based on these studies, we propose that TGF-beta inhibition of HPV16 early gene expression is mediated by a decrease in Ski levels, which in turn dramatically reduces NFI activity.

  14. [The mechanism of vasculogenesis: the critical role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures during the differentiation in vitro of murine embryonic stem cells].

    PubMed

    Tsung, H C; Yao, Z

    1996-09-01

    When ES-5 cells were transfected with an exogenous porcine TGF-beta 1 gene, one can obtain clones of genetically modified ES cells with over-expression of the transfected gene. We called the genetically modified ES-5 cells as ES-T cells. When ES-T cells were used to study their differentiation in vitro by all trans-retinoic acid (RA), it was soon noticed that embryoid bodies of ES-T cells can exclusively differentiate into endothelial cells and vessel-like structures, but not in their parent ES-5 cells. The above result is the first indication that the differentiation of tubular structures in embryoid bodies of ES-T cells may somehow be related to TGF-beta 1. To demonstrate further the role of TGF-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures, the cultured ES-5 cells in the presence of added rhTGF-beta 1 were closely followed in the course of their differentiation. We have, thus, demonstrated the promoting effects of exogenous rhTGF-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures, morphologically similar to those structures derived from ES-T6 cells, during the differentiation of ES-5 cells, both in monolayer culture, in three dimensional collagen gel and in embryoid bodies cultured on gelatin-coated tissue culture wells. Addition of suitable amount of anti-TGF-beta 1 monoclonal antibody IgG (TB21) to the culture medium of embryoid bodies of ES-T6 cells could effectively abolish the formation of vessel-like structures induced by retinoic acid. The percentage of the inhibition was very high, giving a figure comparable to that of atypical vessel-like structures formed in the control embryoid bodies from their parent ES-5 cells. The flat epithelial-like cells and round cells differentiated from embryoid bodies of ES-T6 cells were stained rather strongly for laminin and type IV collagen by immunofluorescent procedure. The above results indicate clearly that TGF-beta 1 is a crucial factor in organizing the differentiated derivatives (endothelial-like cells and their immediate progenitor cells) from ES-T6 cells to form vessel-like structures, and that the role of TGF-beta 1 in vasculogenesis might be performed, in part, through the modulation of the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix. In addition, the enhanced expression of bFGF mRNA in derivatives differentiated from both ES-5 cells treated with rhTGF-beta 1 and ES-T6 cells were detected by Northern blot analysis. Thus, aside from its effects on extracellular matrix, TGF-beta 1 might also modulate the bioactivity of bFGF in relation to the growth of vascular endothelial cells in the present system.

  15. A novel mechanism by which hepatocyte growth factor blocks tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

    PubMed

    Yang, Junwei; Dai, Chunsun; Liu, Youhua

    2005-01-01

    Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent antifibrotic cytokine that blocks tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-beta1. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. This study investigated the signaling events that lead to HGF blockade of the TGF-beta1-initiated EMT. Incubation of human kidney epithelial cells HKC with HGF only marginally affected the expression of TGF-beta1 and its type I and type II receptors, suggesting that disruption of TGF-beta1 signaling likely plays a critical role in mediating HGF inhibition of TGF-beta1 action. However, HGF neither affected TGF-beta1-induced Smad-2 phosphorylation and its subsequent nuclear translocation nor influenced the expression of inhibitory Smad-6 and -7 in tubular epithelial cells. HGF specifically induced the expression of Smad transcriptional co-repressor SnoN but not Ski and TG-interacting factor at both mRNA and protein levels in HKC cells. SnoN physically interacted with activated Smad-2 by forming transcriptionally inactive complex and overrode the profibrotic action of TGF-beta1. In vivo, HGF did not affect Smad-2 activation and its nuclear accumulation in tubular epithelium, but it restored SnoN protein abundance in the fibrotic kidney in obstructive nephropathy. Hence, HGF blocks EMT by antagonizing TGF-beta1's action via upregulating Smad transcriptional co-repressor SnoN expression. These findings not only identify a novel mode of interaction between the signals activated by HGF receptor tyrosine kinase and TGF-beta receptor serine/threonine kinases but also illustrate the feasibility of confining Smad activity as an effective strategy for blocking renal fibrosis.

  16. The transplantation of neural stem cells and predictive factors in hematopoietic recovery in irradiated mice.

    PubMed

    Filip, S; Mokrý, J; Karbanová, J; Vávrová, J; Vokurková, J; Bláha, M; English, D

    2005-04-01

    A number of surprising observations have shown that stem cells, in suitable conditions, have the ability to produce a whole spectrum of cell types, regardless, whether these tissues are derived from the same germ layer or not. This phenomenon is called stem cell plasticity, which means that tissue-specific stem cells are mutually interchangeable. In our experiments, as a model, we used neural stem cells (NSCs) harvested from fetal (E14-15) neocortex and beta-galactosidase positive. In the first experiment we found that on days 12 and 30 after sub-lethal irradiation (LD 8.5 Gy) and (beta-galactosidase(+)) NSCs transplantation all mice survived, just as the group with bone marrow transplantation. Moreover, the bone marrow of mice transplanted NSCs contained the number of CFU-GM colonies with beta-galactosidase(+) cells which was as much as 50% higher. These differences were statistically significant, p<0.001. In the second experiment, we studied kinetics of (beta-galactosidase(+)) NSCs after their transplantation to sub-lethally irradiated mice. Histochemistry of tissues was performed on days 12 and 30 post-transplantation, and beta-galactosidase(+) cells were detected with the help of histochemical examination of removed tissues (lung, liver, spleen, thymus, and skeletal muscle). In tissues removed on day 12 post-transplantation, we found a significantly higher number of beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the spleen and thymus on day 30. While we presumed the presence beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the spleen, as spleen and reticuloendothelial system represent an important retaining system for different cell types, the presence of beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the thymus was rather surprising but very interesting. This indicates a certain mutual and close interconnection of transplanted stem cells and immune system in an adult organism. In the third experiment, we verified the mutual interchange of Sca-1 surface antigen in the bone marrow cells and NSCs before transplantation. Analysis of this antigen showed 24.8% Sca-1 positive cells among the bone marrow cells, while NSCs were Sca-1 negative. Our experiments show that NSCs share hemopoietic identity and may significantly influence the recovery of damaged hematopoiesis but do not have typical superficial markers as HSCs. This result is important for the determination of predictive factors for hemopoiesis recovery, for stem cell plasticity and for their use in the cell therapy.

  17. Effects of Non-Collagenous Proteins, TGF-β1, and PDGF-BB on Viability and Proliferation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

    PubMed Central

    Tabatabaei, Fahimeh Sadat

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objectives The dentin matrix servers as a reservoir of growth factors, sequestered during dentinogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the viability and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells in the presence of dentin matrix-derived non-collagenous proteins and two growth factors; platelet-derived growth factor BB and transforming growth factor beta 1. Material and Methods The dental pulp cells were isolated and cultured. The dentin proteins were extracted and purified. The MTT assay was performed for assessment of cell viability and proliferation in the presence of different concentrations of dentin proteins and growth factors during 24 - 72 h post-treatment. Results The cells treated with 250 ng/mL dentin proteins had the best viability and proliferation ability in comparison with other concentrations (P < 0.05). The MTT assay demonstrated that cells cultured with 5 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor BB had the highest viability at each time point as compared to other groups (P < 0.05). However, in presence of platelet-derived growth factor BB alone and in combination with transforming growth factor beta 1 and dentin proteins (10 ng/mL), significant higher viability was seen at all time points (P < 0.05). The least viability and proliferation at each growth factor concentration was seen in cells treated with combination of transforming growth factor beta 1 and dentin proteins at 72 h (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results indicated that the triple combination of growth factors and matrix-derived non-collagenous proteins (especially at 10 ng/mL concentration) has mitogenic effect on dental pulp stem cells. PMID:27099698

  18. Improvement of macrophage dysfunction by administration of anti-transforming growth factor-beta antibody in EL4-bearing hosts.

    PubMed

    Maeda, H; Tsuru, S; Shiraishi, A

    1994-11-01

    An experimental therapy for improvement of macrophage dysfunction caused by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was tried in EL4 tumor-bearing mice. TGF-beta was detected in cell-free ascitic fluid from EL4-bearers, but not in that from normal mice, by western blot analysis. The ascites also showed growth-suppressive activity against Mv1Lu cells, and the suppressive activity was potentiated by transient acidification. To investigate whether the functions of peritoneal macrophages were suppressed in EL4-bearers, the abilities to produce nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were measured. Both abilities of macrophages in EL4-bearing mice were suppressed remarkably on day 9, and decreased further by day 14, compared with non-tumor-bearing controls. TGF-beta activity was abrogated by administration of anti-TGF-beta antibody to EL4-bearing mice. While a large amount of TGF-beta was detected in ascitic fluid from control EL4-bearers, little TGF-beta was detectable in ascites from EL4-bearers given anti-TGF-beta antibody. Furthermore, while control macrophages exhibited little or no production of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha on LPS stimulation in vitro, macrophages from EL4-bearers administered with anti-TGF-beta antibody showed the same ability as normal macrophages. These results clearly indicate that TGF-beta contributes to macrophage dysfunction and that the administration of specific antibody for TGF-beta reverses macrophage dysfunction in EL4-bearing hosts.

  19. The overexpressed human 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor mediates endocytosis and sorting of. beta. -glucuronidase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Watanabe, H.; Grubb, J.H.; Sly, W.S.

    1990-10-01

    The authors studied the function of the human small (46-kDa) mannose 6-phosphate receptor (SMPR) in transfected mouse L cells that do not express the larger insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor. Cells overexpressing human SMPR were studied for enzyme binding to cell surface receptors, for binding to intracellular receptors in permeabilized cells, and for receptor-mediated endocytosis of recombinant human {beta}-glucuronidase. Specific binding to human SMPR in permeabilized cells showed a pH optimum between pH 6.0 and pH 6.5. Binding was significant in the present of EDTA but was enhanced by added divalent cations. Up to 2.3{percent} of the total functionalmore » receptor could be detected on the cell surface by enzyme binding. They present experiments showing that at very high levels of overexpression, and at pH 6.5, human SMPR mediated the endocytosis of {beta}-glucuronidase. At pH 7.5, the rate of endocytosis was only 14{percent} the rate seen at pH 6.5. Cells overexpressing human SMPR also showed reduced secretion of newly synthesized {beta}-glucuronidase when compared to cells transfected with vector only, suggesting that overexpressed human SMPR can participate in sorting of newly synthesized {beta}-glucuronidase and partially correct the sorting defect in mouse L cells that do not express the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor.« less

  20. Proliferation of Estrogen Receptor alpha Positive Mammary Epithelial Cells is Restrained by TGFbeta1 in Adult Mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ewan, Kenneth B.R.; Oketch-Rabah, Hellen A.; Ravani, Shraddha A.

    2005-03-03

    Transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF{beta}1) is a potent inhibitor of mammary epithelial proliferation. In human breast, estrogen receptor {alpha} (ER{alpha}) cells rarely co-localize with markers of proliferation, but their increased frequency correlates with breast cancer risk. To determine whether TGF{beta}1 is necessary for the quiescence of ER{alpha}-positive population, we examined mouse mammary epithelial gland at estrus. Approximately 35% of cells showed TGF{beta}1 activation, which co-localized with nuclear receptor-phosphorylated Smad 2/3, indicating that TGF{beta} signaling is autocrine. Furthermore, nuclear Smad co-localized with nuclear ER{alpha}. To test whether TGF{beta} was functional, we examined genetically engineered mice with different levels of TGF{beta}1. ER{alpha}more » co-localization with markers of proliferation (i.e. Ki-67 or BrdU) at estrus was significantly increased in the mammary glands of Tgf{beta}1 C57/bl/129SV heterozygote mice. This relationship was maintained following pregnancy, but was absent at puberty. Conversely, mammary epithelial expression of constitutively active TGF{beta}1 via the MMTV promoter suppressed proliferation of ER{alpha} positive cells. Thus, TGF{beta}1 activation functionally restrains ER{alpha} positive cells from proliferating in adult mammary gland. Accordingly, we propose that TGF{beta}1 dysregulation may promote proliferation of ER{alpha} positive cells associated with breast cancer risk in humans.« less

  1. Linking TGF-beta-mediated Cdc25A inhibition and cytoskeletal regulation through RhoA/p160(ROCK) signaling.

    PubMed

    Brown, Kimberly; Bhowmick, Neil A

    2004-04-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) can mediate G(1)/S cell-cycle inhibition and changes in the cytoskeletal organization through multiple parallel downstream signaling pathways. Recent findings regarding TGF-beta-mediated cell-cycle checkpoint control and epithelial to mesenchymal transition have converged to the RhoA/p160(ROCK) signaling pathway. The activation of TGF-beta-mediated p160(ROCK)rapidly inhibits the Cdc25A phosphatase as a component of the G(1)/S checkpoint control at the time cytoskeletal re-organization occurs. This can be likened to the ability to preserve genomic integrity in circumstances of genotoxic stress. The inactivation of the RhoA/p160(ROCK) pathway may be a mechanism by which cancer cells bypass growth inhibition even in the presence of TGF-beta.

  2. A critical role for transcription factor Smad4 in T cell function that is independent of transforming growth factor β receptor signaling.

    PubMed

    Gu, Ai-Di; Zhang, Song; Wang, Yunqi; Xiong, Hui; Curtis, Thomas A; Wan, Yisong Y

    2015-01-20

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) suppresses T cell function to maintain self-tolerance and to promote tumor immune evasion. Yet how Smad4, a transcription factor component of TGF-β signaling, regulates T cell function remains unclear. Here we have demonstrated an essential role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function during autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity. Smad4 deletion rescued the lethal autoimmunity resulting from transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-βR) deletion and compromised T-cell-mediated tumor rejection. Although Smad4 was dispensable for T cell generation, homeostasis, and effector function, it was essential for T cell proliferation after activation in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factor Myc was identified to mediate Smad4-controlled T cell proliferation. This study thus reveals a requirement of Smad4 for T-cell-mediated autoimmunity and tumor rejection, which is beyond the current paradigm. It highlights a TGF-βR-independent role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function, autoimmunity, and anti-tumor immunity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. 17betaE2 promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by decreasing PTEN via NFkappaB-dependent pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hui; Zhao, Xingbo; Liu, Shu; Li, Jijun; Wen, Zeqing; Li, Mingjiang

    2010-04-12

    The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss in endometriosis. We found that aberrant PTEN expression and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/ERK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKt, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) signaling overactivities coexisted in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol rapidly activated the 3 pathways in endometriotic cells and specific inhibitions on the 3 pathways respectively blocked 17beta-estradiol-induced cell proliferation. 17beta-estradiol suppressed PTEN transcription and expression in endometriotic cells which was abolished by specific NFkappaB inhibition. Total/nuclear PTEN-loss and MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKt, and NFkappaB signal overactivities coexist in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol can promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by activating PI3K/AKt pathway via an NFkappaB/PTEN-dependent pathway. For the first time we propose the possibility of the presence of a positive feedback-loop: 17beta-estradiol-->high NFkappaB-->low PTEN-->high PI3K-->high NFkappaB, in endometriosis, which may finally promote the proliferation of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells and in turn contributes to the progression of the disease.

  4. Phenotypic differences between oral and skin fibroblasts in wound contraction and growth factor expression.

    PubMed

    Shannon, Diane B; McKeown, Scott T W; Lundy, Fionnuala T; Irwin, Chris R

    2006-01-01

    Wounds of the oral mucosa heal in an accelerated fashion with reduced scarring compared with cutaneous wounds. The differences in healing outcome between oral mucosa and skin could be because of phenotypic differences between the respective fibroblast populations. This study compared paired mucosal and dermal fibroblasts in terms of collagen gel contraction, alpha-smooth muscle actin expression (alpha-SMA), and production of the epithelial growth factors: keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF). The effects of transforming growth factor -beta1 and -beta3 on each parameter were also determined. Gel contraction in floating collagen lattices was determined over a 7-day period. alpha-SMA expression by fibroblasts was determined by Western blotting. KGF and HGF expression were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oral fibroblasts induced accelerated collagen gel contraction, yet surprisingly expressed lower levels of alpha-SMA. Oral cells also produced significantly greater levels of both KGF and HGF than their dermal counterparts. Transforming growth factor-beta1 and -beta3, over the concentration range of 0.1-10 ng/mL, had similar effects on cell function, stimulating both gel contraction and alpha-SMA production, but inhibiting KGF and HGF production by both cell types. These data indicate phenotypic differences between oral and dermal fibroblasts that may well contribute to the differences in healing outcome between these two tissues.

  5. TGF-beta1 inhibits expression and activity of hENT1 in a nitric oxide-dependent manner in human umbilical vein endothelium.

    PubMed

    Vega, José L; Puebla, Carlos; Vásquez, Rodrigo; Farías, Marcelo; Alarcón, Julio; Pastor-Anglada, Marçal; Krause, Bernardo; Casanello, Paola; Sobrevia, Luis

    2009-06-01

    We studied whether transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) modulates human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (hENT1) expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). hENT1-mediated adenosine transport and expression are reduced in gestational diabetes and hyperglycaemia, conditions associated with increased synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO) and TGF-beta1 in this cell type. TGF-beta1 increases NO synthesis via activation of TGF-beta receptor type II (TbetaRII), and NO inhibits hENT1 expression and activity in HUVECs. HUVECs (passage 2) were used for experiments. Total and hENT1-mediated adenosine transport was measured in the absence or presence of TGF-beta1, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L,D-penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor), and/or KT-5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor) in control cells and cells expressing a truncated form of TGF-beta1 receptor type II (TTbetaRII). Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine hENT1 protein abundance and mRNA expression. SLC29A1 gene promoter and specific protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor activity was assayed. Vascular reactivity was assayed in endothelium-intact or -denuded umbilical vein rings. TGF-beta1 reduced hENT1-mediated adenosine transport, hENT1 protein abundance, hENT1 mRNA expression, and SLC29A1 gene promoter activity, but increased Sp1 binding to DNA. TGF-beta1 effect was blocked by L-NAME and KT-5823 and mimicked by SNAP in control cells. However, TGF-beta1 was ineffective in cells expressing TTbetaRII or a mutated Sp1 consensus sequence. Vasodilatation in response to TGF-beta1 and S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thio-inosine (an ENT inhibitor) was endothelium-dependent and blocked by KT-5823 and ZM-241385. hENT1 is down-regulated by activation of TbetaRII by TGF-beta1 in HUVECs, a phenomenon where NO and Sp1 play key roles. These findings comprise physiological mechanisms that could be important in diseases where TGF-beta1 plasma level is increased as in gestational diabetic mothers or patients with diabetes mellitus.

  6. Dynamical mechanisms for skeletal pattern formation in the vertebrate limb.

    PubMed Central

    Hentschel, H. G. E.; Glimm, Tilmann; Glazier, James A.; Newman, Stuart A.

    2004-01-01

    We describe a 'reactor-diffusion' mechanism for precartilage condensation based on recent experiments on chondrogenesis in the early vertebrate limb and additional hypotheses. Cellular differentiation of mesenchymal cells into subtypes with different fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors occurs in the presence of spatio-temporal variations of FGFs and transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas). One class of differentiated cells produces elevated quantities of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, which initiates adhesion-mediated preskeletal mesenchymal condensation. The same class of cells also produces an FGF-dependent laterally acting inhibitor that keeps condensations from expanding beyond a critical size. We show that this 'reactor-diffusion' mechanism leads naturally to patterning consistent with skeletal form, and describe simulations of spatio-temporal distribution of these differentiated cell types and the TGF-beta and inhibitor concentrations in the developing limb bud. PMID:15306292

  7. Role of glutamine 17 of the bovine papillomavirus E5 protein in platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor activation and cell transformation.

    PubMed

    Klein, O; Polack, G W; Surti, T; Kegler-Ebo, D; Smith, S O; DiMaio, D

    1998-11-01

    The bovine papillomavirus E5 protein is a small, homodimeric transmembrane protein that forms a stable complex with the cellular platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor through transmembrane and juxtamembrane interactions, resulting in receptor activation and cell transformation. Glutamine 17 in the transmembrane domain of the 44-amino-acid E5 protein is critical for complex formation and receptor activation, and we previously proposed that glutamine 17 forms a hydrogen bond with threonine 513 of the PDGF beta receptor. We have constructed and analyzed mutant E5 proteins containing all possible amino acids at position 17 and examined the ability of these proteins to transform C127 fibroblasts, which express endogenous PDGF beta receptor. Although several position 17 mutants were able to transform cells, mutants containing amino acids with side groups that were unable to participate in hydrogen bonding interactions did not form a stable complex with the PDGF beta receptor or transform cells, in agreement with the proposed interaction between position 17 of the E5 protein and threonine 513 of the receptor. The nature of the residue at position 17 also affected the ability of the E5 proteins to dimerize. Overall, there was an excellent correlation between the ability of the various E5 mutant proteins to bind the PDGF beta receptor, lead to receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, and transform cells. Similar results were obtained in Ba/F3 hematopoietic cells expressing exogenous PDGF beta receptor. In addition, treatment of E5-transformed cells with a specific inhibitor of the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase reversed the transformed phenotype. These results confirm the central importance of the PDGF beta receptor in mediating E5 transformation and highlight the critical role of the residue at position 17 of the E5 protein in the productive interaction with the PDGF beta receptor. On the basis of molecular modeling analysis and the known chemical properties of the amino acids, we suggest a structural basis for the role of the residue at position 17 in E5 dimerization and in complex formation between the E5 protein and the PDGF beta receptor.

  8. miR-181b Promotes hepatic stellate cells proliferation by targeting p27 and is elevated in the serum of cirrhosis patients

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Baocan; Li, Wenxi; Guo, Kun

    2012-04-27

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-181a and miR-181b, especially, miR-181b could be induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-{beta}1) in hepatic stellate cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-181b could promote HSC-T6 cell proliferation by directly targeting the negative cell regulator-p27 in HSC-T6 cell. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-181b was identified as potential serum diagnostic marker for liver cirrhosis patients. -- Abstract: MicroRNAs, as a kind of negative gene regulators, were demonstrated to be involved in many types of diseases. In this study, we found that transforming growth factor-beta 1 could induce the expression of miR-181a and miR-181b, and miR-181b increased in the much higher folds than miR-181a. Because ofmore » the important role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in HSC activation and liver cirrhosis, we investigate the effect of miR-181a and miR-181b on HSC proliferation. The results showed that miR-181b could promote HSC-T6 cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle. Further study showed p27, the cell cycle regulator, was the direct target of miR-181b in HSC-T6 cell. But miR-181a had no effects on HSC-T6 cell proliferation and cell cycle, and did not target p27. Interestingly, miR-181b is elevated significantly in serum of liver cirrhosis cases comparing to that of normal persons, whereas miR-181a expression was in the similar level with that of normal persons. These results suggested that miR-181b could be induced by TGF-{beta}1 and promote the growth of HSCs by directly targeting p27. The elevation of miR-181b in serum suggested that it may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for cirrhosis. As for miR-181a, it may work in TGF-{beta}1 pathway by a currently unknown mechanism.« less

  9. MSX-1 gene expression and regulation in embryonic palatal tissue.

    PubMed

    Nugent, P; Greene, R M

    1998-01-01

    The palatal cleft seen in Msx-1 knock-out mice suggests a role for this gene in normal palate development. The cleft is presumed secondary to tooth and jaw malformations, since in situ hybridization suggests that Msx-1 mRNA is not highly expressed in developing palatal tissue. In this study we demonstrate, by Northern blot analysis, the expression of Msx-1, but not Msx-2, in the developing palate and in primary cultures of murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, we propose a role for Msx-1 in retinoic acid-induced cleft palate, since retinoic acid inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression in palate mesenchymal cells. We also demonstrate that transforming growth factor beta inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression in palate mesenchymal cells, with retinoic acid and transforming growth factor beta acting synergistically when added simultaneously to these cells. These data suggest a mechanistic interaction between retinoic acid, transforming growth factor beta, and Msx-1 in the etiology of retinoic acid-induced cleft palate.

  10. Progressive loss of sensitivity to growth control by retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-beta at late stages of human papillomavirus type 16-initiated transformation of human keratinocytes.

    PubMed

    Creek, K E; Geslani, G; Batova, A; Pirisi, L

    1995-01-01

    Retinoids (vitamin A and its natural and synthetic derivatives) have shown potential as chemopreventive agents, and diets poor in vitamin A and/or its precursor beta-carotene have been linked to an increased risk of cancer at several sites including the cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in the etiology of cervical cancer. We have developed an in vitro model of cancer progression using human keratinocytes (HKc) immortalized by HPV16 DNA (HKc/HPV16). Although immortal, early passage HKc/HPV16, like normal HKc, require epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bovine pituitary extract (BPE) for proliferation and undergo terminal differentiation in response to serum and calcium. However, following prolonged culture, growth factor independent HKc/HPV16 lines that no longer require EGF and BPE can be selected (HKc/GFI). Further selection of HKc/GFI produces lines that are resistant to serum- and calcium- induced terminal differentiation (HKc/DR). HKc/DR, but not early passage HKc/HPV16, are susceptible to malignant conversion following transfection with viral Harvey ras or Herpes simplex virus type II DNA. We have investigated the sensitivity of low to high passage HKc/HPV16 and HKc/GFI to growth control by all-trans-retinoic acid (RA, an active metabolite of vitamin A). Early passage HKc/HPV16 are very sensitive to growth inhibition by RA, and in these cells RA decreases the expression of the HPV16 oncogenes E6 and E7. However, as the cells progress in culture they lose their sensitivity to RA. Growth inhibition by RA may be mediated through the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell proliferation. RA treatment of HKc/HPV16 and HKc/GFI results in a dose-and time-dependent induction (maximal of 3-fold) in secreted levels of TGF-beta. Also, Northern blot analysis of mRNA isolated from HKc/HPV16 demonstrated that RA treatment induced TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 expression about 3- and 50-fold, respectively. We next studied the effect of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 on the proliferation of early to late passage HKc/HPVa6, HKc/GFI and HKc/DR. While early passage HKc/HPV16 were as sensitive as normal HKc to growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2, the cells became increasingly resistant to TGF-beta during in vitro progression, with the proliferation of HKc/DR being virtually unaffected by TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 treatment. Overall, loss of growth inhibition by RA parallels loss of TGF-beta sensitivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

  11. IL-1beta suppresses the formation of osteoclasts by increasing OPG production via an autocrine mechanism involving celecoxib-related prostaglandins in chondrocytes.

    PubMed

    Watanabe, Yusuke; Namba, Aki; Aida, Yukiko; Honda, Kazuhiro; Tanaka, Hideki; Suzuki, Naoto; Matsumura, Hideo; Maeno, Masao

    2009-01-01

    Elevated interleukin (IL)-1 concentrations in synovial fluid have been implicated in joint bone and cartilage destruction. Previously, we showed that IL-1beta stimulated the expression of prostaglandin (PG) receptor EP4 via increased PGE(2) production. However, the effect of IL-1beta on osteoclast formation via chondrocytes is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of IL-1beta and/or celecoxib on the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human chondrocytes, and the indirect effect of IL-1beta on osteoclast-like cell formation using RAW264.7 cells. OPG and RANKL expression increased with IL-1beta; whereas M-CSF expression decreased. Celecoxib blocked the stimulatory effect of IL-1beta. Conditioned medium from IL-1beta-treated chondrocytes decreased TRAP staining in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that IL-1beta suppresses the formation of osteoclast-like cells via increased OPG production and decreased M-CSF production in chondrocytes, and OPG production may increase through an autocrine mechanism involving celecoxib-related PGs.

  12. {beta}-Catenin regulates airway smooth muscle contraction.

    PubMed

    Jansen, Sepp R; Van Ziel, Anna M; Baarsma, Hoeke A; Gosens, Reinoud

    2010-08-01

    beta-Catenin is an 88-kDa member of the armadillo family of proteins that is associated with the cadherin-catenin complex in the plasma membrane. This complex interacts dynamically with the actin cytoskeleton to stabilize adherens junctions, which play a central role in force transmission by smooth muscle cells. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized a role for beta-catenin in the regulation of smooth muscle force production. beta-Catenin colocalized with smooth muscle alpha-actin (sm-alpha-actin) and N-cadherin in plasma membrane fractions and coimmunoprecipitated with sm-alpha-actin and N-cadherin in lysates of bovine tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM) strips. Moreover, immunocytochemistry of cultured BTSM cells revealed clear and specific colocalization of sm-alpha-actin and beta-catenin at the sites of cell-cell contact. Treatment of BTSM strips with the pharmacological beta-catenin/T cell factor-4 (TCF4) inhibitor PKF115-584 (100 nM) reduced beta-catenin expression in BTSM whole tissue lysates and in plasma membrane fractions and reduced maximal KCl- and methacholine-induced force production. These changes in force production were not accompanied by changes in the expression of sm-alpha-actin or sm-myosin heavy chain (MHC). Likewise, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of beta-catenin in BTSM strips reduced beta-catenin expression and attenuated maximal KCl- and methacholine-induced contractions without affecting sm-alpha-actin or sm-MHC expression. Conversely, pharmacological (SB-216763, LiCl) or insulin-induced inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) enhanced the expression of beta-catenin and augmented maximal KCl- and methacholine-induced contractions. We conclude that beta-catenin is a plasma membrane-associated protein in airway smooth muscle that regulates active tension development, presumably by stabilizing cell-cell contacts and thereby supporting force transmission between neighboring cells.

  13. Mechanisms of stimulation of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by Mycobacterium tuberculosis components.

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Y; Doerfler, M; Lee, T C; Guillemin, B; Rom, W N

    1993-01-01

    The granulomatous immune response in tuberculosis is characterized by delayed hypersensitivity and is mediated by various cytokines released by the stimulated mononuclear phagocytes, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and IL-1 beta. We have demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall component lipoarabinomannan (LAM), mycobacterial heat shock protein-65 kD, and M. tuberculosis culture filtrate, devoid of LPS as assessed by the Amebocyte Lysate assay, stimulate the production of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta proteins and mRNA from mononuclear phagocytes (THP-1 cells). The effect of LAM on the release of these cytokines was specific, as only LAM stimulation was inhibited by anti-LAM monoclonal antibody. Interestingly, we found that LAM and Gram-negative bacterial cell wall-associated endotoxin LPS may share a similar mechanism in their stimulatory action as demonstrated by inhibition of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release by monoclonal antibodies to CD14. Anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody MY4 inhibited both TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release with LAM and LPS but no effect was observed with other mycobacterial proteins. An isotype antibody control did not inhibit release of cytokines under the same experimental conditions. M. tuberculosis and its components upregulated IL-1 beta and TNF alpha mRNAs in THP-1 cells. Nuclear run-on assay for IL-1 beta demonstrated that LAM increased the transcription rate. The induction of IL-1 beta was regulated at the transcriptional level, in which these stimuli acted through cis-acting element(s) on the 5' flanking region of the IL-1 beta genomic DNA. M. tuberculosis cell wall component LAM acts similarly to LPS in activating mononuclear phagocyte cytokine TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release through CD14 and synthesis at the transcriptional level; both cytokines are key participants in the host immune response to tuberculosis. Images PMID:7683696

  14. Protective effects of St. John's wort extract and its component hyperforin against cytokine-induced cytotoxicity in a pancreatic beta-cell line.

    PubMed

    Menegazzi, Marta; Novelli, Michela; Beffy, Pascale; D'Aleo, Valentina; Tedeschi, Elisa; Lupi, Roberto; Zoratti, Elisa; Marchetti, Piero; Suzuki, Hisanori; Masiello, Pellegrino

    2008-01-01

    In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, increased production of cytokines on autoimmune or metabolic basis is supposed to trigger an inflammatory process leading to dysfunction and death of pancreatic beta-cells. Therefore, anti-inflammatory pharmacological approaches aimed at blocking cytokine signalling pathways and consequent cytotoxicity in beta-cells are highly advisable. Based on previous evidence of cytokine antagonistic effects in other cell types, we explored the protective action of Hypericum perforatum (St-John's-wort) extract and its component hyperforin against cytokine-induced functional impairment and apoptosis in the INS-1E beta-cell line, searching for the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that either St-John's-wort extract or hyperforin (at 1-3 microM) prevented cytokine-induced impairment in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and protected cells against apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. Inducible-NO-synthase expression was also potently hindered by the vegetal compounds. Interestingly, cytokine-induced activations of the signal-transducer-and-activator-of-transcription-1 (STAT-1) and the nuclear-factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were both down-regulated by SJW extract or HPF (range 0.5-5 microM) when evaluated by electrophoretic-mobility-shift-assay. Other transcription factors (CBF-1, SP-1) were unaffected. Components of SJW extract other than HPF were much less effective in down-regulating cytokine signalling. Significantly, inhibition of cytokine-elicited STAT-1 and NF-kappaB activation was confirmed in isolated rat and human islets incubated in the presence of these vegetal compounds. In conclusion, St-John's-wort extract and hyperforin are non-peptidyl compounds which, at low concentrations, target key mechanisms of cytokine-induced beta-cell injury, thereby improving beta-cell function and survival. Thus, they are potentially valuable for the prevention or limitation of beta-cell loss in diabetes.

  15. Amphiregulin mediates self-renewal in an immortal mammary epithelial cell line with stem cell characteristics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Booth, Brian W., E-mail: brbooth@clemson.edu; Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634; Boulanger, Corinne A.

    2010-02-01

    Amphiregulin (AREG), a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor, is required for mammary gland ductal morphogenesis and mediates estrogen actions in vivo, emerging as an essential growth factor during mammary gland growth and differentiation. The COMMA-D {beta}-geo (CD{beta}geo) mouse mammary cell line displays characteristics of normal mammary progenitor cells including the ability to regenerate a mammary gland when transplanted into the cleared fat pad of a juvenile mouse, nuclear label retention, and the capacity to form anchorage-independent mammospheres. We demonstrate that AREG is essential for formation of floating mammospheres by CD{beta}geo cells and that the mitogen activated protein kinase signalingmore » pathway is involved in AREG-mediated mammosphere formation. Addition of exogenous AREG promotes mammosphere formation in cells where AREG expression is knocked down by siRNA and mammosphere formation by AREG{sup -/-} mammary epithelial cells. AREG knockdown inhibits mammosphere formation by duct-limited mammary progenitor cells but not lobule-limited mammary progenitor cells. These data demonstrate AREG mediates the function of a subset of mammary progenitor cells in vitro.« less

  16. Expression and function of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat and human mast cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Mi-Sun; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Hye-Jung; Kim, Hyung-Min

    2004-03-01

    The expression and functional role of CD8 glycoprotein, a marker of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes and NK cells, were not studied on freshly isolated connective tissue type rat peritoneal mast cells, a rat mucosal type mast cell line (RBL 2H3), or human mast cell line (HMC-1). We used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis identified the presence of CD8 alpha/beta chains on the mast cells, and immunohistochemistry confirmed CD8alpha expression on rat or human mast cells. Functional studies demonstrated that stimulation of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat mast cells induced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are regarded as important mediators during infection. However, co-stimulation with stem cell factor had no effect on CD8-induced mediator secretion. Our findings demonstrate novel biological roles of CD8 molecules in mast cells.

  17. Bombesin-dependent pro-MMP-9 activation in prostatic cancer cells requires beta1 integrin engagement.

    PubMed

    Festuccia, Claudio; Angelucci, Adriano; Gravina, Giovanni; Eleuterio, Enrica; Vicentini, Carlo; Bologna, Mauro

    2002-10-15

    Bombesin-like peptides, including the mammalian homologue gastrin-releasing peptide, are highly expressed and secreted by neuroendocrine cells in prostate carcinoma tissues and are likely to be related to the progression of this neoplastic disease. Previously, we demonstrated that bombesin increased migration and protease expression in androgen-independent cells. In this work we show that bombesin is able to activate pro-MMP-9 through a mechanism involving the beta1 integrin subunit. In fact, MMP-9 processing was evident only when beta1 integrin was engaged with specific adhesive substrates, such as type I collagen, or when cells were seeded on dishes coated with antibodies against beta1 integrin, resulting in activation of the surface ligand. When exogenous pro-MMP-9 was added to PC3 cells, MMP-9 active forms were produced within 30 min by bombesin-treated cultures while control cultures expressed activated forms only after a longer time and at lower levels. MMP-9 activation required cytoskeleton integrity since this effect was abolished by cytochalasin D. Engagement of beta1 integrin caused an increased membrane-linked uPA activity which was required for MMP-9 activation. The cross talk between bombesin- and beta1-integrin-engaged signals seems to be crucial for the modulation of both membrane-linked uPA activity and MMP-9 activation and triggers complex intracellular signaling pathways requiring activation of tyrosine kinase activity, including that of src and PI3K. The beta1 integrin may be considered an important mechanism by which bombesin induces MMP-9 activation. This finding supports the idea that cellular responses to growth factors may be driven by cell-matrix interactions and stresses the role of neuroendocrine factors in prostate carcinoma progression.

  18. Development of assay system for immunoglobulin production regulatory factors using whole cell cultures of mouse splenocytes.

    PubMed

    Takasugi, M; Tamura, Y; Tachibana, H; Sugano, M; Yamada, K

    2001-01-01

    We tried to establish an assay system for screening and assessment of immunoregulatory factors using whole cell cultures of mouse splenocytes and found that splenic adhesive cells markedly increased immunogobulin (Ig) production of splenocytes. In the absence of adhesive cells, lipopolysaccharides, pokeweed mitogen, and phytohemagglutinin stimulated the production of IgA, IgG, and IgM in a class-dependent manner. Adhesive cells increased more markedly Ig production of splenocytes stimulated with these mitogens. When mouse splenocytes were cultured with milk proteins in the absence of adhesive cells, lactoferrin, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-casein, and beta-casein stimulated IgA and IgG production. Adhesive cells increased IgA production of splenocytes stimulated with milk proteins, especially. These results suggest that the assay system is useful for assessment of Ig production-regulating factors.

  19. Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor-2 in the fibrotic kidney: regulation, target specificity, and functional implication.

    PubMed

    Tan, Ruoyun; He, Weichun; Lin, Xia; Kiss, Lawrence P; Liu, Youhua

    2008-05-01

    Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor-2 (Smurf2) is an E3 ubiqutin ligase that plays a pivotal role in regulating TGF-beta signaling via selectively targeting key components of the Smad pathway for degradation. In this study, we have investigated the regulation of Smurf2 expression, its target specificity, and the functional implication of its induction in the fibrotic kidney. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that Smurf2 was upregulated specifically in renal tubules of kidney biopsies from patients with various nephropathies. In vitro, Smurf2 mRNA and protein were induced in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HKC-8) upon TGF-beta1 stimulation. Ectopic expression of Smurf2 was sufficient to reduce the steady-state levels of Smad2, but not Smad1, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7, in HKC-8 cells. Interestingly, Smurf2 was also able to downregulate the Smad transcriptional corepressors Ski, SnoN, and TG-interacting factor. Inhibition of the proteasomal pathway prevented Smurf2-mediated downregulation of Smad2 and Smad corepressors. Functionally, overexpression of Smurf2 enhanced the transcription of the TGF-beta-responsive promoter and augmented TGF-beta1-mediated E-cadherin suppression, as well as fibronectin and type I collagen induction in HKC-8 cells. These results indicate that Smurf2 specifically targets both positive and negative Smad regulators for destruction in tubular epithelial cells, thereby providing a complex fine-tuning of TGF-beta signaling. It appears that dysregulation of Smurf2 could contribute to an aberrant TGF-beta/Smad signaling in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.

  20. Dissociation of lipotoxicity and glucotoxicity in a mouse model of obesity associated diabetes: role of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in glucose-induced beta cell failure.

    PubMed

    Kluth, O; Mirhashemi, F; Scherneck, S; Kaiser, D; Kluge, R; Neschen, S; Joost, H-G; Schürmann, A

    2011-03-01

    Carbohydrate-free diet prevents hyperglycaemia and beta cell destruction in the New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse model. Here we have used a sequential dietary regimen to dissociate the effects of obesity and hyperglycaemia on beta cell function and integrity, and to study glucose-induced alterations of key transcription factors over 16 days. Mice were rendered obese by feeding a carbohydrate-free diet for 18 weeks. Thereafter, a carbohydrate-containing diet was given. Plasma glucose, plasma insulin and total pancreatic insulin were determined, and forkhead box O1 protein (FOXO1) phosphorylation and the transcription factors pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), NK6 homeobox 1 protein (NKX6.1) and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A (avian) (MAFA) were monitored by immunohistochemistry for 16 days. Dietary carbohydrates produced a rapid and continuous increase in plasma glucose in NZO mice between day 2 and 16 after the dietary challenge. Hyperglycaemia caused a dramatic dephosphorylation of FOXO1 at day 2, followed by a progressive depletion of insulin stores. The loss of beta cells was triggered by apoptosis (detectable at day 8), associated with reduction of crucial transcription factors (PDX1, NKX6.1 and MAFA). Incubation of isolated islets from carbohydrate-restricted NZO mice or MIN6 cells with palmitate and glucose for 48 h resulted in a dephosphorylation of FOXO1 and thymoma viral proto-oncogene 1 (AKT) without changing the protein levels of both proteins. The dietary regimen dissociates the effects of obesity (lipotoxicity) from those of hyperglycaemia (glucotoxicity) in NZO mice. Obese NZO mice are unable to compensate for the carbohydrate challenge by increasing insulin secretion or synthesising adequate amounts of insulin. In response to the hyperglycaemia, FOXO1 is dephosphorylated, leading to reduced levels of beta cell-specific transcription factors and to apoptosis of the cells.

  1. Redox-mediated activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Dix, T. A.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

    1996-01-01

    Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta) is a multifunctional cytokine that orchestrates response to injury via ubiquitous cell surface receptors. The biological activity of TGF beta is restrained by its secretion as a latent complex (LTGF beta) such that activation determines the extent of TGF beta activity during physiological and pathological events. TGF beta action has been implicated in a variety of reactive oxygen-mediated tissue processes, particularly inflammation, and in pathologies such as reperfusion injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. It was recently shown to be rapidly activated after in vivo radiation exposure, which also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present studies, the potential for redox-mediated LTGF beta activation was investigated using a cell-free system in which ROS were generated in solution by ionizing radiation or metal ion-catalyzed ascorbate reaction. Irradiation (100 Gray) of recombinant human LTGF beta in solution induced 26% activation compared with that elicited by standard thermal activation. Metal-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation elicited extremely efficient recombinant LTGF beta activation that matched or exceeded thermal activation. The efficiency of ascorbate activation depended on ascorbate concentrations and the presence of transition metal ions. We postulate that oxidation of specific amino acids in the latency-conferring peptide leads to a conformation change in the latent complex that allows release of TGF beta. Oxidative activation offers a novel route for the involvement of TGF beta in tissue processes in which ROS are implicated and endows LTGF beta with the ability to act as a sensor of oxidative stress and, by releasing TGF beta, to function as a signal for orchestrating the response of multiple cell types. LTGF beta redox sensitivity is presumably directed toward recovery of homeostasis; however, oxidation may also be a mechanism of LTGF beta activation that can be deleterious during disease mechanisms involving chronic ROS production.

  2. Dynamic Proteomic Analysis of Pancreatic Mesenchyme Reveals Novel Factors That Enhance Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Cell Differentiation.

    PubMed

    Russ, Holger A; Landsman, Limor; Moss, Christopher L; Higdon, Roger; Greer, Renee L; Kaihara, Kelly; Salamon, Randy; Kolker, Eugene; Hebrok, Matthias

    2016-01-01

    Current approaches in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) to pancreatic beta cell differentiation have largely been based on knowledge gained from developmental studies of the epithelial pancreas, while the potential roles of other supporting tissue compartments have not been fully explored. One such tissue is the pancreatic mesenchyme that supports epithelial organogenesis throughout embryogenesis. We hypothesized that detailed characterization of the pancreatic mesenchyme might result in the identification of novel factors not used in current differentiation protocols. Supplementing existing hESC differentiation conditions with such factors might create a more comprehensive simulation of normal development in cell culture. To validate our hypothesis, we took advantage of a novel transgenic mouse model to isolate the pancreatic mesenchyme at distinct embryonic and postnatal stages for subsequent proteomic analysis. Refined sample preparation and analysis conditions across four embryonic and prenatal time points resulted in the identification of 21,498 peptides with high-confidence mapping to 1,502 proteins. Expression analysis of pancreata confirmed the presence of three potentially important factors in cell differentiation: Galectin-1 (LGALS1), Neuroplastin (NPTN), and the Laminin α-2 subunit (LAMA2). Two of the three factors (LGALS1 and LAMA2) increased expression of pancreatic progenitor transcript levels in a published hESC to beta cell differentiation protocol. In addition, LAMA2 partially blocks cell culture induced beta cell dedifferentiation. Summarily, we provide evidence that proteomic analysis of supporting tissues such as the pancreatic mesenchyme allows for the identification of potentially important factors guiding hESC to pancreas differentiation.

  3. Dynamic Proteomic Analysis of Pancreatic Mesenchyme Reveals Novel Factors That Enhance Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Russ, Holger A.; Landsman, Limor; Moss, Christopher L.; Higdon, Roger; Greer, Renee L.; Kaihara, Kelly; Salamon, Randy; Kolker, Eugene; Hebrok, Matthias

    2016-01-01

    Current approaches in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) to pancreatic beta cell differentiation have largely been based on knowledge gained from developmental studies of the epithelial pancreas, while the potential roles of other supporting tissue compartments have not been fully explored. One such tissue is the pancreatic mesenchyme that supports epithelial organogenesis throughout embryogenesis. We hypothesized that detailed characterization of the pancreatic mesenchyme might result in the identification of novel factors not used in current differentiation protocols. Supplementing existing hESC differentiation conditions with such factors might create a more comprehensive simulation of normal development in cell culture. To validate our hypothesis, we took advantage of a novel transgenic mouse model to isolate the pancreatic mesenchyme at distinct embryonic and postnatal stages for subsequent proteomic analysis. Refined sample preparation and analysis conditions across four embryonic and prenatal time points resulted in the identification of 21,498 peptides with high-confidence mapping to 1,502 proteins. Expression analysis of pancreata confirmed the presence of three potentially important factors in cell differentiation: Galectin-1 (LGALS1), Neuroplastin (NPTN), and the Laminin α-2 subunit (LAMA2). Two of the three factors (LGALS1 and LAMA2) increased expression of pancreatic progenitor transcript levels in a published hESC to beta cell differentiation protocol. In addition, LAMA2 partially blocks cell culture induced beta cell dedifferentiation. Summarily, we provide evidence that proteomic analysis of supporting tissues such as the pancreatic mesenchyme allows for the identification of potentially important factors guiding hESC to pancreas differentiation. PMID:26681951

  4. TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotides reduce mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases in cultured wound-healing-related cells.

    PubMed

    Philipp, Katrin; Riedel, Frank; Germann, Günter; Hörmann, Karl; Sauerbier, Michael

    2005-02-01

    The pathology of chronic dermal ulcers is characterized by excessive proteolytic activity which degrades extracellular matrix. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been identified as an important component of wound healing. Recent developments in molecular therapy offer exciting prospects for the modulation of wound healing, specifically those targeting TGF-beta. We investigated the effect of TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotides on the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases in cultured human keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells using multiplex RT-PCR. The treatment of keratinocytes and fibroblasts with TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotides resulted in a significant decrease of expression of mRNA of MMP-1 and MMP-9 compared to controls. Accordingly, a decreased expression of MMP-1 mRNA in endothelial cells was detectable. Other MMPs were not affected. Affecting all dermal wound-healing-related cell types, TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotide technology may be a potential therapeutic option for the inhibition of proteolytic tissue destruction in chronic wounds. Pharmaceutical intervention in this area ultimately may help clinicians to proactively intervene in an effort to prevent normal wounds from becoming chronic.

  5. Expression of the leukemia-associated CBF{beta}/SMMHC chimeric gene causes transformation of 3T3 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hajra, A.; Liu, P.; Collins, E.S.

    1994-09-01

    A pericentric inversion of chromosome 16 (inv(16)(p13;q22)) is consistently seen in acute myeloid leukemia of the M4Eo subtype. This inversion fuses almost the entire coding region of the gene encoding of the {beta} subunit of the heterodimeric transcription factor CBF/PEBP2 to the region of the MYH11 gene encoding the rod domain for the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC). To investigate the biological properties of the CBF{beta}/SMMHC fusion protein, we have generated 3T3 cell lines that stably express the CBF{beta}/SMMHC chimeric cDNA or the normal, nonchimeric CBF{beta} and SMMHC cDNAs. 3T3 cells expressing CBF{beta}/SMMHC acquire a transformed phenotype, as indicatedmore » by altered cell morphology, formation of foci, and growth in soft agar. Cells constitutively overexpressing the normal CBF{beta} cDNA or the rod region of SMMHC remain nontransformed. Western blot analysis using antibodies to CBF{beta} and the SMMHC rod demonstrates that stably transfected cells express the appropriate chimeric or normal protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal that cells transformed by the chimeric cDNA do not have a CBF-DNA complex of the expected mobility, but instead contain a large complex with CBF DNA-binding activity that fails to migrate out of the gel wells. In order to define the regions of CBF{beta}/SMMHC necessary for 3T3 transformation, we have stably transfected cells with mutant CBF{beta}/SMMHC cDNAs containing various deletions of the coding region. Analysis of these cell lines indicates that the transformation property of CBF{beta}/SMMHC requires regions of CBF{beta} known to be necessary for association with the DNA-binding CBF{alpha} subunit, and also requires an intact SMMHC carboxyl terminus, which is necessary for formation of the coiled coil domain of the myosin rod.« less

  6. Inhibition of Interferon-beta Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Immune Cells Associated With High-Dose Statins

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Xuan; Han, Diana; Kilaru, Bharat K.; Franek, Beverly S.; Niewold, Timothy B.; Reder, Anthony T.

    2014-01-01

    Objective To determine whether statins affect type 1 interferon responses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Design Study effects of atorvastatin on type 1 interferon responses in Jurkat cells, mononuclear cells (MNCs) from therapy-naive patients with RRMS in vitro, and MNCs from interferon-treated RRMS patients in vivo in 4 conditions: no drug, statin only, interferon-beta only, and statin added on to interferon-beta therapy. Patients The study examined clinically stable patients with RRMS: 21 therapy-naive patients and 14 patients receiving interferon-beta with a statin. Interventions Statin effects on in vitro and in vivo interferon-beta–induced STAT1 transcription factor activation, expression of interferon-stimulated proteins in MNCs, and serum type 1 interferon activity. Results In vitro, atorvastatin dose dependently inhibited expression of interferon-stimulated P-Y-STAT1 by 44% (P< .001), interferon regulatory factor 1 protein by 30% (P= .006), and myxovirus resistance 1 protein by 32% (P=.004) compared with no-statin control in MNCs from therapy-naive RRMS patients. In vivo, 9 of 10 patients who received high-dose statins (80 mg) had a significant reduction in interferon-beta therapy–induced serum interferon-α/β activity, whereas only 2 of 4 patients who received medium-dose statins (40 mg) had reductions. High-dose add-on statin therapy significantly blocked interferon-beta function, with less P-Y-STAT1 transcription factor activation, and reduced myxovirus resistance 1 protein and viperin protein production. Medium doses of statins did not change STAT1 activation. Conclusions High-dose add-on statin therapy significantly reduces interferon-beta function and type 1 interferon responses in RRMS patients. These data provide a putative mechanism for how statins could counteract the beneficial effects of interferon-beta and worsen disease. PMID:22801747

  7. The effect of TRAIL molecule on cell viability in in vitro beta cell culture.

    PubMed

    Tekmen, I; Ozyurt, D; Pekçetin, C; Buldan, Z

    2007-06-01

    Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder triggered by autoreactive T cells directed to pancreas beta-cell antigens. In this disorder, more than 90% of beta cells are destroyed. Cell death may be mediated via soluble or membrane-bound cell death ligands. One of these ligands may be tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF-alpha superfamily. In the present study, we examined whether TRAIL had cytotoxic effects on adult rat pancreas beta cell cultures and INS1-E rat insulinoma cell line cultures or not. In this study, cell destruction models were built with TRAIL concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 ng. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used for evaluating cell viability. It was detected that cell cultures with TRAIL added showed no differences statistically when compared with control cultures containing no toxic additions. These results showed that TRAIL did not have significant cytotoxic effects on pancreas beta cell culture and INS-1E rat insulinoma cell line cultures. Detection of the expression of TRAIL receptors and natural apoptosis inhibitor proteins will be favourable to investigate the resistance mechanisms to TRAIL-induced cell death in this cell culture system.

  8. Early stages in the development of human T, natural killer and thymic dendritic cells.

    PubMed

    Spits, H; Blom, B; Jaleco, A C; Weijer, K; Verschuren, M C; van Dongen, J J; Heemskerk, M H; Res, P C

    1998-10-01

    T-cell development is initiated when CD34+ pluripotent stem cells or their immediate progeny leave the bone marrow to migrate to the thymus. Upon arrival in the thymus the stem cell progeny is not yet committed to the T-cell lineage as it has the capability to develop into T, natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC). Primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells in the human thymus express CD34 and lack CD1a. When these progenitor cells develop into T cells they traverse a number of checkpoints. One early checkpoint is the induction of T-cell commitment, which correlates with appearance of CD1a and involves the loss of capacity to develop into NK cells and DC and the initiation of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements. Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors play a role in induction of T-cell commitment. CD1a+CD34+ cells develop into CD4+CD8 alpha+ beta+ cells by upregulating first CD4, followed by CD8 alpha and then CD8 beta. Selection for productive TCR beta gene rearrangements (beta selection) likely occurs in the CD4+CD8 alpha+ beta- and CD4+CD8 alpha+ beta+ populations. Although the T and NK-cell lineages are closely related to each other, NK cells can develop independently of the thymus. The fetal thymus is most likely one site of NK-cell development.

  9. IGF-binding proteins mediate TGF-beta 1-induced apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial BME-UV1 cells.

    PubMed

    Gajewska, Małgorzata; Motyl, Tomasz

    2004-10-01

    TGF-beta 1 is an antiproliferative and apoptogenic factor for mammary epithelial cells (MEC) acting in an auto/paracrine manner and thus considered an important local regulator of mammary tissue involution. However, the apoptogenic signaling pathway induced by this cytokine in bovine MEC remains obscure. The present study was focused on identification of molecules involved in apoptogenic signaling of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in the model of bovine mammary epithelial cell line (BME-UV1). Laser scanning cytometry (LSC), Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used for analysis of expression and activity of TGF-beta 1-related signaling molecules. The earliest response occurring within 1-2 h after TGF-beta 1 administration was an induction and activation of R-Smads (Smad2 and Smad3) and Co-Smad (Smad4). An evident formation of Smad-DNA complexes began from 2nd hour after MEC exposure to TGF-beta 1. Similarly to Smads, proteins of AP1 complex: phosphorylated c-Jun and JunD appeared to be early reactive molecules; however, an increase in their expression was detected only in cytosolic fraction. In the next step, an increase of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and IGFBP-4 expression was observed from 6th hour followed by a decrease in the activity of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), which occurred after 24 h of MEC exposure to TGF-beta 1. The decrease in PKB/Akt activity coincided in time with the decline of phosphorylated Bad expression (inactive form). Present study supported additional evidence that stimulation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was associated with complete abrogation of TGF-beta 1-induced activation of Bad and Bax and in the consequence protection against apoptosis. In conclusion, apoptotic effect of TGF-beta 1 in bovine MEC is mediated by IGFBPs and occurs through IGF-I sequestration, resulting in inhibition of PKB/Akt-dependent survival pathway.

  10. BSC-1 growth inhibitor transforms a mitogenic stimulus into a hypertrophic stimulus for renal proximal tubular cells: relationship to Na/sup +//H/sup +/ antiport activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fine, L.G.; Holley, R.W.; Nasri, H.

    Renal hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in cell size and protein content with minimal hyperplasia. The mechanisms of control of this pattern of cell growth have not been determined. The present studies examined whether the growth inhibitor elaborated by BSC-1 kidney epilethal cells (GI), which has nearly identical biological properties to transforming growth factor ..beta.. (TGF-..beta..), could transform a mitogenic stimulus into a hypertrophic stimulus for rabbit renal proximal tubular cells in primary culture. Insulin plus hydrocortisone increased the amount of protein per cell, cell volume, and (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation at 24 and 48 hr in these cells. Whenmore » added together with insulin plus hydrocortisone, GI/TGF-..beta.. inhibited the stimulatory effect of these mitogens on (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation but did not block the increase in protein per cell and cell volume - i.e., the cells underwent hypertrophy. The fact that this pattern persisted for 48 hr indicated that GI/TGF-..beta.. exerted a prolonged inhibitory effect on mitogenic-stimulated DNA synthesis rather than delaying its onset. Amiloride-sensitive Na/sup +/ uptake using /sup 22/Na/sup +/ as a tracer, correlated with protein per cell and cell volume rather than with DNA synthesis. These studies indicate that the control of cell size may be regulated by autocrine mechanisms mediated by the elaboration of growth inhibitory factors that alter the pattern of the growth response to mitogens.« less

  11. Anti-sense suppression of epidermal growth factor receptor expression alters cellular proliferation, cell-adhesion and tumorigenicity in ovarian cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Alper, O; De Santis, M L; Stromberg, K; Hacker, N F; Cho-Chung, Y S; Salomon, D S

    2000-11-15

    Over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in ovarian cancer has been well documented. Human NIH:OVCAR-8 ovarian carcinoma cells were transfected with an expression vector containing the anti-sense orientation of truncated human EGFR cDNA. EGFR anti-sense over-expression resulted in decreased EGFR protein and mRNA expression, cell proliferation and tumor formation in nude mice. In accordance with the reduced levels of EGFR in EGFR anti-sense-expressing cells, tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR was decreased compared to untransfected parental cells treated with EGF. In EGFR anti-sense-transfected cells, expression of erbB-3, but not erbB-2, was increased. In addition, basal and heregulin-beta 1-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of erbB-3 was higher in EGFR anti-sense vector-transfected cells. A morphological alteration in EGFR anti-sense gene-expressing cells was correlated with a decrease in the expression of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and, to a lesser extent, beta-catenin. Changes in the expression of these proteins were associated with a reduction in complex formation among E-cadherin, beta-catenin and alpha-catenin and between beta-catenin and EGFR in EGFR anti-sense-expressing cells compared to sense-transfected control cells. These results demonstrate that EGFR expression in ovarian carcinoma cells regulates expression of cell adhesion proteins that may enhance cell growth and invasiveness. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. Betacellulin-Induced Beta Cell Proliferation and Regeneration Is Mediated by Activation of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Oh, Yoon Sin; Shin, Seungjin; Lee, Youn-Jung; Kim, Eung Hwi; Jun, Hee-Sook

    2011-01-01

    Background Betacellulin (BTC), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is known to play an important role in regulating growth and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells. Growth-promoting actions of BTC are mediated by epidermal growth factor receptors (ErbBs), namely ErbB-1, ErbB-2, ErbB-3 and ErbB-4; however, the exact mechanism for beta cell proliferation has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated which ErbBs are involved and some molecular mechanisms by which BTC regulates beta cell proliferation. Methodology/Principal Findings The expression of ErbB-1, ErbB-2, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in both a beta cell line (MIN-6 cells) and C57BL/6 mouse islets. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting analysis showed that BTC treatment of MIN-6 cells induced phosphorylation of only ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 among the four EGF receptors. BTC treatment resulted in DNA synthetic activity, cell cycle progression, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive staining. The proliferative effect was blocked by treatment with AG1478 or AG825, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2, respectively. BTC treatment increased mRNA and protein levels of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), and this was blocked by the ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 inhibitors. Inhibition of IRS-2 by siRNA blocked cell cycle progression induced by BTC treatment. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice injected with a recombinant adenovirus expressing BTC and treated with AG1478 or AG825 showed reduced islet size, reduced numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the islets, and did not attain BTC-mediated remission of diabetes. Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that BTC exerts proliferative activity on beta cells through the activation of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 receptors, which may increase IRS-2 expression, contributing to the regeneration of beta cells. PMID:21897861

  13. Transcription factors in pancreatic development. Animal models.

    PubMed

    Martin, Merce; Hauer, Viviane; Messmer, Mélanie; Orvain, Christophe; Gradwohl, Gérard

    2007-01-01

    Through the analysis of genetically modified mice a hierarchy of transcription factors regulating pancreas specification, endocrine destiny as well as endocrine subtype specification and differentiation has been established. In addition to conventional approaches such as transgenic technologies and gene targeting, recombinase fate mapping in mice has been key in establishing the lineage relationship between progenitor cells and their progeny in understanding pancreas formation. Moreover, the design of specific mouse models to conditionally express transcription factors in different populations of progenitor cells has revealed to what extent transcription factors required for islet cell development are also sufficient to induce endocrine differentiation and the importance of the competence of progenitor cells to respond to the genetic program implemented by these factors. Taking advantage of this basic science knowledge acquired in rodents, immature insulin-producing cells have recently been differentiated in vitro from human embryonic stem cells. Taken together these major advances emphasize the need to gain further in-depth knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling beta-cell differentiation in mice to generate functional beta-cells in the future that could be used for cell therapy in diabetes.

  14. Influence and timing of arrival of murine neural crest on pancreatic beta cell development and maturation.

    PubMed

    Plank, Jennifer L; Mundell, Nathan A; Frist, Audrey Y; LeGrone, Alison W; Kim, Thomas; Musser, Melissa A; Walter, Teagan J; Labosky, Patricia A

    2011-01-15

    Interactions between cells from the ectoderm and mesoderm influence development of the endodermally-derived pancreas. While much is known about how mesoderm regulates pancreatic development, relatively little is understood about how and when the ectodermally-derived neural crest regulates pancreatic development and specifically, beta cell maturation. A previous study demonstrated that signals from the neural crest regulate beta cell proliferation and ultimately, beta cell mass. Here, we expand on that work to describe timing of neural crest arrival at the developing pancreatic bud and extend our knowledge of the non-cell autonomous role for neural crest derivatives in the process of beta cell maturation. We demonstrated that murine neural crest entered the pancreatic mesenchyme between the 26 and 27 somite stages (approximately 10.0 dpc) and became intermingled with pancreatic progenitors as the epithelium branched into the surrounding mesenchyme. Using a neural crest-specific deletion of the Forkhead transcription factor Foxd3, we ablated neural crest cells that migrate to the pancreatic primordium. Consistent with previous data, in the absence of Foxd3, and therefore the absence of neural crest cells, proliferation of insulin-expressing cells and insulin-positive area are increased. Analysis of endocrine cell gene expression in the absence of neural crest demonstrated that, although the number of insulin-expressing cells was increased, beta cell maturation was significantly impaired. Decreased MafA and Pdx1 expression illustrated the defect in beta cell maturation; we discovered that without neural crest, there was a reduction in the percentage of insulin-positive cells that co-expressed Glut2 and Pdx1 compared to controls. In addition, transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed decreased numbers of characteristic insulin granules and the presence of abnormal granules in insulin-expressing cells from mutant embryos. Together, these data demonstrate that the neural crest is a critical regulator of beta cell development on two levels: by negatively regulating beta cell proliferation and by promoting beta cell maturation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Protective effects of melittin on transforming growth factor-{beta}1 injury to hepatocytes via anti-apoptotic mechanism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Woo-Ram; Park, Ji-Hyun; Kim, Kyung-Hyun

    Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Melittin has multiple effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, in various cell types. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin have not been fully elucidated in hepatocytes. Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and other liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytesmore » were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 {mu}g/mL) and high dose (2 {mu}g/mL) of melittin. The low doses significantly protected these cells from DNA damage in TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptosis compared to the high dose. Also, melittin suppressed TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These results demonstrate that TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis and that an optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against TGF-{beta}1-induced injury to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that an optimal dose of melittin can serve to protect cells against TGF-{beta}1-mediated injury. - Highlights: > We investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on TGF-{beta}1-induced hepatocyte. > TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis. > TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses and high dose of melittin. > Optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects to hepatocytes.« less

  16. Inhibition of human megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro by platelet factor 4 (PF4) and a synthetic COOH-terminal PF4 peptide.

    PubMed Central

    Gewirtz, A M; Calabretta, B; Rucinski, B; Niewiarowski, S; Xu, W Y

    1989-01-01

    We report that highly purified human platelet factor 4 (PF4) inhibits human megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro. At greater than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml, PF4 inhibited megakaryocyte colony formation approximately 80% in unstimulated cultures, and approximately 58% in cultures containing recombinant human IL 3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Because PF4 (25 micrograms/ml) had no effect on either myeloid or erythroid colony formation lineage specificity of this effect was suggested. A synthetic COOH-terminal PF4 peptide of 24, but not 13 residues, also inhibited megakaryocyte colony formation, whereas a synthetic 18-residue beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) peptide and native beta-TG had no such effect when assayed at similar concentrations. The mechanism of PF4-mediated inhibition was investigated. First, we enumerated total cell number, and examined cell maturation in control colonies (n = 200) and colonies (n = 100) that arose in PF4-containing cultures. Total cells per colony did not differ dramatically in the two groups (6.1 +/- 3.0 vs. 4.2 +/- 1.6, respectively), but the numbers of mature large cells per colony was significantly decreased in the presence of PF4 when compared with controls (1.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 3.9 +/- 2.3; P less than 0.001). Second, by using the human leukemia cell line HEL as a model for primitive megakaryocytic cells, we studied the effect of PF4 on cell doubling time, on the expression of both growth-regulated (H3, p53, c-myc,and c-myb), and non-growth-regulated (beta 2-microglobulin) genes. At high concentrations of native PF4 (50 micrograms/ml), no effect on cell doubling time, or H3 or p53 expression was discerned. In contrast, c-myc and c-myb were both upregulated. These results suggested the PF4 inhibited colony formation by impeding cell maturation, as opposed to cell proliferation, perhaps by inducing expression of c-myc and c-myb. The ability of PF4 to inhibit a normal cell maturation function was then tested. Megakaryocytes were incubated in synthetic PF4, or beta-TG peptides for 18 h and effect on Factor V steady-state mRNA levels was determined in 600 individual cells by in situ hybridization. beta-TG peptide had no effect on FV mRNA levels, whereas a approximately 60% decrease in expression of Factor V mRNA was found in megakaryocytes exposed to greater than or equal 100 ng/ml synthetic COOH-terminal PF4 peptide. Accordingly, PF4 modulates megakaryocyte maturation in vitro, and may function as a negative autocrine regulator of human megakaryocytopoiesis. Images PMID:2523411

  17. Human dendritic cells produce TGF-beta 1 under the influence of lung carcinoma cells and prime the differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.

    PubMed

    Dumitriu, Ingrid E; Dunbar, Donald R; Howie, Sarah E; Sethi, Tariq; Gregory, Christopher D

    2009-03-01

    Dendritic cells (DCs) have a central role in the development of adaptive immune responses, including antitumor immunity. Factors present in the tumor milieu can alter the maturation of DCs and inhibit their capacity to activate T cells. Using gene expression analysis, we found that human DCs increased the expression of TGF-beta1 transcripts following culture with human lung carcinoma cells (LCCs). These DCs produced increased amounts of TGF-beta1 protein compared with DCs not exposed to tumor cells. LCCs also decreased the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR by immature DCs. Furthermore, LCCs decreased CD86 expression and the production of TNF-alpha and IL-12 p70 by mature DCs. Moreover, LCCs also converted mature DCs into cells producing TGF-beta1. These TGF-beta1-producing DCs were poor at eliciting the activation of naive CD4(+) T cells and sustaining their proliferation and differentiation into Th1 (IFN-gamma(+)) effectors. Instead, TGF-beta1-producing DCs demonstrated an increased ability to generate CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells that suppress the proliferation of T lymphocytes. These results identify a novel mechanism by which the function of human DCs is altered by tumor cells and contributes to the evasion of the immune response.

  18. Biotin uptake by mouse and human pancreatic beta cells/islets: a regulated, lipopolysaccharide-sensitive carrier-mediated process

    PubMed Central

    Ghosal, Abhisek; Sekar, Thillai V.

    2014-01-01

    Biotin is essential for the normal function of pancreatic beta cells. These cells obtain biotin from their surroundings via transport across their cell membrane. Little is known about the uptake mechanism involved, how it is regulated, and how it is affected by internal and external factors. We addressed these issues using the mouse-derived pancreatic beta-TC-6 cells and freshly isolated mouse and human primary pancreatic beta cells as models. The results showed biotin uptake by pancreatic beta-TC-6 cells occurs via a Na+-dependent, carrier-mediated process, that is sensitive to desthiobiotin, as well as to pantothenic acid and lipoate; the process is also saturable as a function of concentration (apparent Km = 22.24 ± 5.5 μM). These cells express the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT), whose knockdown (with doxycycline-inducible shRNA) led to a sever inhibition in biotin uptake. Similarly, uptake of biotin by mouse and human primary pancreatic islets is Na+-dependent and carrier-mediated, and both cell types express SMVT. Biotin uptake by pancreatic beta-TC-6 cells is also adaptively regulated (via transcriptional mechanism) by extracellular substrate level. Chronic treatment of pancreatic beta-TC-6 cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) leads to inhibition in biotin uptake. This inhibition is mediated via a Toll-Like receptor 4-mediated process and involves a decrease in membrane expression of SMVT. These findings show, for the first time, that pancreatic beta cells/islets take up biotin via a specific and regulated carrier-mediated process, and that the process is sensitive to the effect of LPS. PMID:24904078

  19. Mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} identified in MODY3 and MODY5 downregulate DPP-IV gene expression in Caco-2 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gu Ning; Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto; Adachi, Tetsuya

    2006-08-04

    Dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a well-documented drug target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF)-1{alpha} and HNF-1{beta}, known as the causal genes of MODY3 and MODY5, respectively, have been reported to be involved in regulation of DPP-IV gene expression. But, it is not completely clear (i) that they play roles in regulation of DPP-IV gene expression, and (ii) whether DPP-IV gene activity is changed by mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} in MODY3 and MODY5. To explore these questions, we investigated transactivation effects of wild HNF-1{alpha} and 13 mutant HNF-1{alpha}, as well as wild HNF-1{beta} and 2more » mutant HNF-1{beta}, on DPP-IV promoter luciferase gene in Caco-2 cells by means of a transient experiment. Both wild HNF-1{alpha} and wild HNF-1{beta} significantly transactivated DPP-IV promoter, but mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} exhibited low transactivation activity. Moreover, to study whether mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} change endogenous DPP-IV enzyme activity, we produced four stable cell lines from Caco-2 cells, in which wild HNF-1{alpha} or wild HNF-1{beta}, or else respective dominant-negative mutant HNF-1{alpha}T539fsdelC or dominant-negative mutant HNF-1{beta}R177X, was stably expressed. We found that DPP-IV gene expression and enzyme activity were significantly increased in wild HNF-1{alpha} cells and wild HNF-1{beta} cells, whereas they decreased in HNF-1{alpha}T539fsdelC cells and HNF-1{beta}R177X cells, compared with DPP-IV gene expression and enzyme activity in Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that both wild HNF-1{alpha} and wild HNF-1{beta} have a stimulatory effect on DPP-IV gene expression, but that mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} attenuate the stimulatory effect.« less

  20. Regulatory T cells protect mice against coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis through the transforming growth factor beta-coxsackie-adenovirus receptor pathway.

    PubMed

    Shi, Yu; Fukuoka, Masahiro; Li, Guohua; Liu, Youan; Chen, Manyin; Konviser, Michael; Chen, Xin; Opavsky, Mary Anne; Liu, Peter P

    2010-06-22

    Coxsackievirus B3 infection is an excellent model of human myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac injury is caused either by a direct cytopathic effect of the virus or through immune-mediated mechanisms. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the negative modulation of host immune responses and set the threshold of autoimmune activation. This study was designed to test the protective effects of Tregs and to determine the underlying mechanisms. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-labeled Tregs or naïve CD4(+) T cells were injected intravenously once every 2 weeks 3 times into mice. The mice were then challenged with intraperitoneal coxsackievirus B3 immediately after the last cell transfer. Transfer of Tregs showed higher survival rates than transfer of CD4(+) T cells (P=0.0136) but not compared with the PBS injection group (P=0.0589). Interestingly, Tregs also significantly decreased virus titers and inflammatory scores in the heart. Transforming growth factor-beta and phosphorylated AKT were upregulated in Tregs-transferred mice and coxsackie-adenovirus receptor expression was decreased in the heart compared with control groups. Transforming growth factor-beta decreased coxsackie-adenovirus receptor expression and inhibited coxsackievirus B3 infection in HL-1 cells and neonatal cardiac myocytes. Splenocytes collected from Treg-, CD4(+) T-cell-, and PBS-treated mice proliferated equally when stimulated with heat-inactivated virus, whereas in the Treg group, the proliferation rate was reduced significantly when stimulated with noninfected heart tissue homogenate. Adoptive transfer of Tregs protected mice from coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis through the transforming growth factor beta-coxsackie-adenovirus receptor pathway and thus suppresses the immune response to cardiac tissue, maintaining the antiviral immune response.

  1. Deficiency of bone marrow beta3-integrin enhances non-functional neovascularization.

    PubMed

    Watson, Alan R; Pitchford, Simon C; Reynolds, Louise E; Direkze, Natalie; Brittan, Mairi; Alison, Malcolm R; Rankin, Sara; Wright, Nicholas A; Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan M

    2010-03-01

    beta3-Integrin is a cell surface adhesion and signalling molecule important in the regulation of tumour angiogenesis. Mice with a global deficiency in beta3-integrin show increased pathological angiogenesis, most likely due to increased vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression on beta3-null endothelial cells. Here we transplanted beta3-null bone marrow (BM) into wild-type (WT) mice to dissect the role of BM beta3-integrin deficiency in pathological angiogenesis. Mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow show significantly enhanced angiogenesis in subcutaneous B16F0 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell models and in B16F0 melanoma lung metastasis when compared with tumours grown in mice transplanted with WT bone marrow. The effect of bone marrow beta3-integrin deficiency was also assessed in the RIPTAg mouse model of pancreatic tumour growth. Again, angiogenesis in mice lacking BM beta3-integrin was enhanced. However, tumour weight between the groups was not significantly altered, suggesting that the enhanced blood vessel density in the mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow was not functional. Indeed, we demonstrate that in mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow a significant proportion of tumour blood vessels are non-functional when compared with tumour blood vessels in WT-transplanted controls. Furthermore, beta3-null-transplanted mice showed an increased angiogenic response to VEGF in vivo when compared with WT-transplanted animals. BM beta3-integrin deficiency affects the mobilization of progenitor cells to the peripheral circulation. We show that VEGF-induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells is enhanced in mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow when compared with WT-transplanted controls, suggesting a possible mechanism underlying the increased blood vessel density seen in beta3-null-transplanted mice. In conclusion, although BM beta3-integrin is not required for pathological angiogenesis, our studies demonstrate a role for BM beta3-integrin in VEGF-induced mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells to the peripheral circulation and for the functionality of those vessels in which BM-derived cells become incorporated.

  2. [Neuro-skeletal biology and its importance for clinical osteology].

    PubMed

    Zofková, I

    2012-01-01

    Bone remodeling is determined by function of two basic cell forms--bone resorbing osteoclasts and bone formation activating osteoblasts. Both cells are under control of a variety of endogenic and environmental factors, which ensure balance between bone resorption and bone formation. This article reviews the neuro-hormonal factors with osteoanabolic (central isoform of serotonin, melatonin, cannabinoids, beta 1 adrenergic system, oxytocin, ACTH and TSH) or osteocatabolic effects (neuropeptide Y, neuromedin U, beta2 adrenergic system). The dual effects of the beta-adrenergic system, serotonin and leptin are also discussed. The goal of studies focused on neuro-skeletal interaction is to synthesize new molecules, which can modify osteo-anabolic or osteo-catabolic pathways.

  3. The role of growth factors in embryonic induction in Xenopus laevis.

    PubMed

    Dawid, I B; Taira, M; Good, P J; Rebagliati, M R

    1992-06-01

    Establishment of the body pattern in all animals, and especially in vertebrate embryos, depends on cell interactions. During the cleavage and blastula stages in amphibians, signal(s) from the vegetal region induce the equatorial region to become mesoderm. Two types of peptide growth factors have been shown by explant culture experiments to be active in mesoderm induction. First, there are several isoforms of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), including aFGF, bFGF, and hst/kFGF. FGF induces ventral, but not the most dorsal, levels of mesodermal tissue; bFGF and its mRNA, and an FGF receptor and its mRNA, are present in the embryo. Thus, FGF probably has a role in mesoderm induction, but is unlikely to be the sole inducing agent in vivo. Second, members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family. TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 are active in induction, but the most powerful inducing factors are the distant relatives of TGF-beta named activin A and activin B, which are capable of inducing all types of mesoderm. An important question relates to the establishment of polarity during the induction of mesoderm. While all regions of the animal hemisphere of frog embryos are competent to respond to activins by mesoderm differentiation, only explants that include cells close to the equator form structures with some organization along dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes. These observations suggest that cells in the blastula animal hemisphere are already polarized to some extent, although inducers are required to make this polarity explicit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  4. Fibroblast migration and proliferation during in vitro wound healing. A quantitative comparison between various growth factors and a low molecular weight blood dialysate used in the clinic to normalize impaired wound healing.

    PubMed

    Schreier, T; Degen, E; Baschong, W

    1993-01-01

    During the formation of granulation tissue in a dermal wound, platelets, monocytes and other cellular blood constituents release various peptide growth factors to stimulate fibroblasts to migrate into the wound site and proliferate, in order to reconstitute the various connective tissue components. The effect on fibroblast migration and proliferation of these growth factors, and of Solcoseryl (HD), a deproteinized fraction of calf blood used to normalize wound granulation and scar tissue formation, was quantified in vitro. The presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and hemodialysate (HD) increased the number of cells in the denuded area, i.e., in the "wound space" of an artificially ruptured monolayer of LM-fibroblasts (mouse lung fibroblasts). When cell proliferation was blocked with Mitomycin C, in the first 24 h all factors, i.e., bFGF, PDGF, TGF-beta and HD, promoted cell migration, whereas after 48 h it became obvious that each factor stimulated both migration and proliferation, each in a characteristic way. The effects were significant and more distinct after 48 h, following the order: PDGF (46%) approximately bFGF (87%) > HD (45%) approximately TGF-beta (40%) > control (62%). The relative contributions of migration after inhibiting proliferation are given in brackets. The modulatory activity of HD was localized in its hydrophilic fraction. It was destroyed by acid hydrolysis. Furthermore, this activity could be blocked by protamine sulfate, an inhibitor blocking peptide growth factor receptor binding.

  5. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in wine, inhibits tissue factor expression in vascular cells : A possible mechanism for the cardiovascular benefits associated with moderate consumption of wine.

    PubMed

    Pendurthi, U R; Williams, J T; Rao, L V

    1999-02-01

    A number of studies suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may be more effective than other alcoholic beverages in decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease mortality. The phytochemical resveratrol found in wine, derived from grapes, has been thought to be responsible for cardiovascular benefits associated with wine consumption because it was shown to have antioxidant and antiplatelet activities. In the present investigation, we examined the effect of resveratrol on induction of tissue factor (TF) expression in vascular cells that were exposed to pathophysiological stimuli. The data presented herein show that resveratrol, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the expression of TF in endothelial cells stimulated with a variety of agonists, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A similar inhibition of TF induction was also seen in LPS stimulated monocytes that were pretreated with resveratrol before their stimulation with LPS. In addition, resveratrol was shown to inhibit the LPS-induced expression of TNFalpha mRNA in endothelial cells and of TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNA in monocytes. Nuclear run-on analysis in endothelial cells showed that resveratrol inhibited TF expression at the level of transcription. However, resveratrol did not significantly alter the binding of the transcription factors c-Fos/c-Jun and c-Rel/p65, the transcription factors required for the induction of TF promoter in both endothelial cells and monocytes. Similarly, resveratrol had no significant effect on the binding of NF-kappaB in endothelial cells stimulated with IL-1beta, TNFalpha, and LPS. Overall, our data show that resveratrol could effectively suppress the aberrant expression of TF and cytokines in vascular cells, but it requires further investigation to understand how resveratrol exerts its inhibitory effect.

  6. Advances in pancreatic islet monolayer culture on glass surfaces enable super-resolution microscopy and insights into beta cell ciliogenesis and proliferation

    PubMed Central

    Phelps, Edward A.; Cianciaruso, Chiara; Santo-Domingo, Jaime; Pasquier, Miriella; Galliverti, Gabriele; Piemonti, Lorenzo; Berishvili, Ekaterine; Burri, Olivier; Wiederkehr, Andreas; Hubbell, Jeffrey A.; Baekkeskov, Steinunn

    2017-01-01

    A robust and reproducible method for culturing monolayers of adherent and well-spread primary islet cells on glass coverslips is required for detailed imaging studies by super-resolution and live-cell microscopy. Guided by an observation that dispersed islet cells spread and adhere well on glass surfaces in neuronal co-culture and form a monolayer of connected cells, we demonstrate that in the absence of neurons, well-defined surface coatings combined with components of neuronal culture media collectively support robust attachment and growth of primary human or rat islet cells as monolayers on glass surfaces. The islet cell monolayer cultures on glass stably maintain distinct mono-hormonal insulin+, glucagon+, somatostatin+ and PP+ cells and glucose-responsive synchronized calcium signaling as well as expression of the transcription factors Pdx-1 and NKX-6.1 in beta cells. This technical advance enabled detailed observation of sub-cellular processes in primary human and rat beta cells by super-resolution microscopy. The protocol is envisaged to have broad applicability to sophisticated analyses of pancreatic islet cells that reveal new biological insights, as demonstrated by the identification of an in vitro protocol that markedly increases proliferation of primary beta cells and is associated with a reduction in ciliated, ostensibly proliferation-suppressed beta cells. PMID:28401888

  7. Tyrosine residues 654 and 670 in {beta}-cat enin are crucial in regulation of Met-{beta}-catenin interactions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zeng, Gang; Apte, Udayan; Micsenyi, Amanda

    2006-11-01

    {beta}-catenin, a key component of the canonical Wnt pathway, is also regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation that regulates its association to E-cadherin. Previously, we reported its association with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor Met at the membrane. HGF induced Met-{beta}-catenin dissociation and nuclear translocation of {beta}-catenin, which was tyrosine-phosphorylation-dependent. Here, we further investigate the Met-{beta}-catenin interaction by selectively mutating several tyrosine residues, alone or in combination, in {beta}-catenin. The mutants were subcloned into FLAG-CMV vector and stably transfected into rat hepatoma cells, which were treated with HGF. All single or double-mutant-transfected cells continued to show HGF-induced nuclear translocation of FLAG-{beta}-cateninmore » except the mutations affecting 654 and 670 simultaneously (Y654/670F), which coincided with the lack of formation of {beta}-catenin-TCF complex and DNA synthesis, in response to the HGF treatment. In addition, the Y654/670F-transfected cells also showed no phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin or dissociation from Met in response to HGF. Thus, intact 654 and 670 tyrosine residues in {beta}-catenin are crucial in HGF-mediated {beta}-catenin translocation, activation and mitogenesis.« less

  8. Sall2 knockdown exacerbates palmitic acid induced dysfunction and apoptosis of pancreatic NIT-1 beta cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ye; Liu, Jie; Liu, Zheng; Chen, Jing; Hu, Xuemei; Hu, Yimeng; Yuan, Yin; Wu, Guijun; Dai, Zhe; Xu, Yancheng

    2018-05-18

    Spalt-like (Sall) proteins are a class of transcription factors. The role of Sall2 in beta cells remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to explore whether Sall2 involved in lipotoxicity-mediated dysfunction and apoptosis in pancreatic NIT-1 beta cells. Our results showed that high concentrations of palmitic acid (PA) led to impaired cell viability and decreased Sall2 expression in NIT-1 cells. Knocking down of Sall2 in NIT-1 cells resulted in increased sensitivity to lipotoxicity and caused higher rates of cell apoptosis following PA treatment. Additionally, Sall2 Knockdown impaired insulin synthesis and secretion in response to glucose. Further research indicated Sall2 knockdown attenuate antioxidant capacity and decreased expression level of Peroxiredoxin 2 in NIT-1 cells. These finding implicate that Sall2 may play a significant role in NIT-1 cell function and cell apoptosis under lipotoxic conditions. Therefore, the study of Sall2 in NIT-1 cells provided a new perspective for molecular mechanism of lipotoxicity mediating dysfunction and apoptosis of beta cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. Reversal of acute and chronic synovial inflammation by anti-transforming growth factor beta.

    PubMed

    Wahl, S M; Allen, J B; Costa, G L; Wong, H L; Dasch, J R

    1993-01-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces leukocyte recruitment and activation, events central to an inflammatory response. In this study, we demonstrate that antagonism of TGF-beta with a neutralizing antibody not only blocks inflammatory cell accumulation, but also tissue pathology in an experimental model of chronic erosive polyarthritis. Intraarticular injection of monoclonal antibody 1D11.16, which inhibits both TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 bioactivity, into animals receiving an arthropathic dose of bacterial cell walls significantly inhibits arthritis. Inhibition was observed with a single injection of 50 micrograms antibody, and a 1-mg injection blocked acute inflammation > 75% compared with the contralateral joints injected with an irrelevant isotype control antibody (MOPC21) as quantitated by an articular index (AI = 0.93 +/- 0.23 for 1D11.16, and AI = 4.0 +/- 0 on day 4; p < 0.001). Moreover, suppression of the acute arthritis achieved with a single injection of antibody was sustained into the chronic, destructive phase of the disease (on day 18, AI = 0.93 +/- 0.07 vs. AI = 2.6 +/- 0.5; p < 0.01). The decreased inflammatory index associated with anti-TGF-beta treatment was consistent with histopathologic and radiologic evidence of a therapeutic response. These data implicate TGF-beta as a profound agonist not only in the early events responsible for synovial inflammation, but also in the chronicity of streptococcal cell wall fragment-induced inflammation culminating in destructive pathology. Interrupting the cycle of leukocyte recruitment and activation with TGF-beta antagonists may provide a mechanism for resolution of chronic destructive lesions.

  10. Reversal of acute and chronic synovial inflammation by anti- transforming growth factor beta

    PubMed Central

    1993-01-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces leukocyte recruitment and activation, events central to an inflammatory response. In this study, we demonstrate that antagonism of TGF-beta with a neutralizing antibody not only blocks inflammatory cell accumulation, but also tissue pathology in an experimental model of chronic erosive polyarthritis. Intraarticular injection of monoclonal antibody 1D11.16, which inhibits both TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 bioactivity, into animals receiving an arthropathic dose of bacterial cell walls significantly inhibits arthritis. Inhibition was observed with a single injection of 50 micrograms antibody, and a 1-mg injection blocked acute inflammation > 75% compared with the contralateral joints injected with an irrelevant isotype control antibody (MOPC21) as quantitated by an articular index (AI = 0.93 +/- 0.23 for 1D11.16, and AI = 4.0 +/- 0 on day 4; p < 0.001). Moreover, suppression of the acute arthritis achieved with a single injection of antibody was sustained into the chronic, destructive phase of the disease (on day 18, AI = 0.93 +/- 0.07 vs. AI = 2.6 +/- 0.5; p < 0.01). The decreased inflammatory index associated with anti-TGF-beta treatment was consistent with histopathologic and radiologic evidence of a therapeutic response. These data implicate TGF-beta as a profound agonist not only in the early events responsible for synovial inflammation, but also in the chronicity of streptococcal cell wall fragment-induced inflammation culminating in destructive pathology. Interrupting the cycle of leukocyte recruitment and activation with TGF-beta antagonists may provide a mechanism for resolution of chronic destructive lesions. PMID:8418203

  11. Exposure of T lymphocytes to leflunomide but not to dexamethasone favors the production by monocytic cells of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and the tissue-inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 over that of interleukin-1beta and metalloproteinases.

    PubMed

    Déage, V; Burger, D; Dayer, J M

    1998-12-01

    On direct cell-cell contact, stimulated T lymphocytes potently trigger the production of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-9), as well as anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in peripheral blood monocytes and the monocytic cell line THP-1. Such mechanisms might play an important part in many inflammatory diseases where tissue destruction occurs. To assess whether anti-inflammatory agents such as dexamethasone (DEX) and leflunomide (LF) would affect contact-activation of monocytic cells, T lymphocytes were stimulated by PMA and PHA in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of drug. LF and DEX (10- 4 M) inhibited the ability of stimulated T lymphocytes to activate monocytic cells by 66-97% and 43-70%, respectively, depending on the readout product. Upon contact with T lymphocytes stimulated in the presence of 10- 5 M LF, the molar ratio of IL-1Ra/IL-1beta and TIMP-1/MMP-1 produced by THP-1 cells was enhanced 3.6- and 1.9-fold, respectively, whereas it was enhanced only 1.3- and 1.4-fold upon contact with T lymphocytes stimulated in the presence of 10- 4 M DEX. Therefore, LF tends to favor the inhibition of pro-inflammatory and matrix-destructive factors over that of anti-inflammatory factors and metalloproteinase inhibitors, thus interfering with both inflammation and tissue destruction. These experiments indicate that LF and DEX have the potential to affect the capacity of stimulated T lymphocytes to activate, on direct cell-cell contact, monocytic cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed that surface molecules of T lymphocytes that were partially involved in contact-signaling of monocytes (i.e., CD69 and CD11) were not modulated by either LF or DEX, suggesting that factors which remain to be identified were mainly involved in the activation of monocytes on direct cell-cell contact.

  12. c-Ski overexpression promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis through inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta signaling in diffuse-type gastric carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Kiyono, Kunihiko; Suzuki, Hiroshi I; Morishita, Yasuyuki; Komuro, Akiyoshi; Iwata, Caname; Yashiro, Masakazu; Hirakawa, Kosei; Kano, Mitsunobu R; Miyazono, Kohei

    2009-10-01

    c-Ski, originally identified as a proto-oncogene product, is an important negative regulator of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family signaling through interaction with Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4. High expression of c-Ski has been found in some cancers, including gastric cancer. We previously showed that disruption of TGF-beta signaling by dominant-negative TGF-beta type II receptor in a diffuse-type gastric carcinoma model accelerated tumor growth through induction of tumor angiogenesis by decreased expression of the anti-angiogenic factor thrombospondin (TSP)-1. Here, we examined the function of c-Ski in human diffuse-type gastric carcinoma OCUM-2MLN cells. Overexpression of c-Ski inhibited TGF-beta signaling in OCUM-2MLN cells. Interestingly, c-Ski overexpression resulted in extensive acceleration of the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in BALB/c nu/nu female mice (6 weeks of age). Similar to tumors expressing dominant-negative TGF-beta type II receptor, histochemical studies revealed less fibrosis and increased angiogenesis in xenografted tumors expressing c-Ski compared to control tumors. Induction of TSP-1 mRNA by TGF-beta was attenuated by c-Ski in vitro, and expression of TSP-1 mRNA was decreased in tumors expressing c-Ski in vivo. These findings suggest that c-Ski overexpression promotes the growth of diffuse-type gastric carcinoma through induction of angiogenesis.

  13. RACK1 binds to Smad3 to modulate transforming growth factor-beta1-stimulated alpha2(I) collagen transcription in renal tubular epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Okano, Kazuhiro; Schnaper, H William; Bomsztyk, Karol; Hayashida, Tomoko

    2006-09-08

    Although it is clear that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is critical for renal fibrogenesis, the complexity of the involved mechanisms is increasingly apparent. TGF-beta1 stimulates phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and activates other signaling molecules as well. The molecular link between these other kinases and Smads is not known. We sought new binding partners for Smad3 in renal cells and identified receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) as a novel binding partner of Smad3. The linker region of Smad3 and the tryptophan-aspartic acid repeat 6 and 7 of RACK1 are sufficient for the association. RACK1 also interacts with Smad3 in the human kidney epithelial cell line, HKC. Silencing RACK1 increases transcriptional activity of TGF-beta1-responsive promoter sequences of the Smad binding element (SBE), p3TP-Lux, and alpha2(I) collagen. Conversely, overexpressed RACK1 negatively modulates alpha2(I) collagen transcriptional activity in TGF-beta1-stimulated cells. RACK1 did not affect phosphorylation of Smad3 at the C terminus or in the linker region. However, RACK1 reduced direct binding of Smad3 to the SBE motif. Mutating a RACK1 tyrosine at residue 246, but not at 228, decreased the inhibitory effect of RACK1 on both alpha2(I) collagen promoter activity and Smad binding to SBE induced by TGF-beta1. These results suggest that RACK1 modulates transcription of alpha2(I) collagen by TGF-beta1 through interference with Smad3 binding to the gene promoter.

  14. Inhibition of estrogen-responsive gene activation by the retinoid X receptor beta: evidence for multiple inhibitory pathways.

    PubMed

    Segars, J H; Marks, M S; Hirschfeld, S; Driggers, P H; Martinez, E; Grippo, J F; Brown, M; Wahli, W; Ozato, K

    1993-04-01

    The retinoid X receptor beta (RXR beta; H-2RIIBP) forms heterodimers with various nuclear hormone receptors and binds multiple hormone response elements, including the estrogen response element (ERE). In this report, we show that endogenous RXR beta contributes to ERE binding activity in nuclear extracts of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. To define a possible regulatory role of RXR beta regarding estrogen-responsive transcription in breast cancer cells, RXR beta and a reporter gene driven by the vitellogenin A2 ERE were transfected into estrogen-treated MCF-7 cells. RXR beta inhibited ERE-driven reporter activity in a dose-dependent and element-specific fashion. This inhibition occurred in the absence of the RXR ligand 9-cis retinoic acid. The RXR beta-induced inhibition was specific for estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated ERE activation because inhibition was observed in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells only following transfection of the estrogen-activated ER. No inhibition of the basal reporter activity was observed. The inhibition was not caused by simple competition of RXR beta with the ER for ERE binding, since deletion mutants retaining DNA binding activity but lacking the N-terminal or C-terminal domain failed to inhibit reporter activity. In addition, cross-linking studies indicated the presence of an auxiliary nuclear factor present in MCF-7 cells that contributed to RXR beta binding of the ERE. Studies using known heterodimerization partners of RXR beta confirmed that RXR beta/triiodothyronine receptor alpha heterodimers avidly bind the ERE but revealed the existence of another triiodothyronine-independent pathway of ERE inhibition. These results indicate that estrogen-responsive genes may be negatively regulated by RXR beta through two distinct pathways.

  15. Granulocyte-macrophage and macrophage colony-stimulating factors differentially regulate alpha v integrin expression on cultured human macrophages.

    PubMed

    De Nichilo, M O; Burns, G F

    1993-03-15

    The colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) greatly influence mature macrophage function in vitro: macrophage (M)-CSF induces maturation of monocytes and enhances differentiated cell function; granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF stimulates a variety of antimicrobial functions. In vivo M-CSF is thought to promote differentiation, and GM-CSF is thought to potentiate the inflammatory response. One mechanism by which these differential effects may be achieved is through the receptor-mediated interaction of macrophages with their extracellular matrix. Here we show that M-CSF induces specifically the expression of the alpha v beta 5 integrin receptor, whereas GM-CSF rapidly induces mRNA and surface expression of the alpha v beta 3 integrin. The M-CSF-treated cells acquire a flattened epitheloid phenotype, and on vitronectin the alpha v beta 5 is located in adhesion plaques. These cells do not bind collagen or laminin. In contrast, cells treated with GM-CSF adopt an elongated phenotype on a number of substrates, including collagen and laminin, and express alpha v beta 3 at the leading edge of cells on vitronectin. These results suggest that a primary means by which the CSFs exert their individual effects on mature cells may be through regulating integrin expression.

  16. Immunohistochemical detection of active transforming growth factor-beta in situ using engineered tissue

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Ehrhart, E. J.; Kalia, M.; Jirtle, R.; Flanders, K.; Tsang, M. L.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

    1995-01-01

    The biological activity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta) is governed by dissociation from its latent complex. Immunohistochemical discrimination of active and latent TGF-beta could provide insight into TGF-beta activation in physiological and pathological processes. However, evaluation of immunoreactivity specificity in situ has been hindered by the lack of tissue in which TGF-beta status is known. To provide in situ analysis of antibodies to differentiate between these functional forms, we used xenografts of human tumor cells modified by transfection to overexpress latent TGF-beta or constitutively active TGF-beta. This comparison revealed that, whereas most antibodies did not differentiate between TGF-beta activation status, the immunoreactivity of some antibodies was activation dependent. Two widely used peptide antibodies to the amino-terminus of TGF-beta, LC(1-30) and CC(1-30) showed marked preferential immunoreactivity with active TGF-beta versus latent TGF-beta in cryosections. However, in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, discrimination of active TGF-beta by CC(1-30) was lost and immunoreactivity was distinctly extracellular, as previously reported for this antibody. Similar processing-dependent extracellular localization was found with a neutralizing antibody raised to recombinant TGF-beta. Antigen retrieval recovered cell-associated immunoreactivity of both antibodies. Two antibodies to peptides 78-109 showed mild to moderate preferential immunoreactivity with active TGF-beta only in paraffin sections. LC(1-30) was the only antibody tested that discriminated active from latent TGF-beta in both frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue. Thus, in situ discrimination of active versus latent TGF-beta depends on both the antibody and tissue preparation. We propose that tissues engineered to express a specific form of a given protein provide a physiological setting in which to evaluate antibody reactivity with specific functional forms of a protein.

  17. Ski acts as a co-repressor with Smad2 and Smad3 to regulate the response to type beta transforming growth factor.

    PubMed

    Xu, W; Angelis, K; Danielpour, D; Haddad, M M; Bischof, O; Campisi, J; Stavnezer, E; Medrano, E E

    2000-05-23

    The c-ski protooncogene encodes a transcription factor that binds DNA only in association with other proteins. To identify co-binding proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen. The results of the screen and subsequent co-immunoprecipitation studies identified Smad2 and Smad3, two transcriptional activators that mediate the type beta transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) response, as Ski-interacting proteins. In Ski-transformed cells, all of the Ski protein was found in Smad3-containing complexes that accumulated in the nucleus in the absence of added TGF-beta. DNA binding assays showed that Ski, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 form a complex with the Smad/Ski binding element GTCTAGAC (SBE). Ski repressed TGF-beta-induced expression of 3TP-Lux, the natural plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 promoter and of reporter genes driven by the SBE and the related CAGA element. In addition, Ski repressed a TGF-beta-inducible promoter containing AP-1 (TRE) elements activated by a combination of Smads, Fos, and/or Jun proteins. Ski also repressed synergistic activation of promoters by combinations of Smad proteins but failed to repress in the absence of Smad4. Thus, Ski acts in opposition to TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation by functioning as a Smad-dependent co-repressor. The biological relevance of this transcriptional repression was established by showing that overexpression of Ski abolished TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition in a prostate-derived epithelial cell line.

  18. Effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 on decorin expression and muscle morphology during chicken embryonic and posthatch growth and development.

    PubMed

    Li, X; Velleman, S G

    2009-02-01

    During skeletal muscle development, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent inhibitor of muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as a regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Decorin, a member of the small leucine-rich ECM proteoglycans, binds to TGF-beta1 and modulates TGF-beta1-dependent cell growth stimulation or inhibition. The expression of decorin can be regulated by TGF-beta1 during muscle proliferation and differentiation. How TGF-beta1 affects decorin and muscle growth, however, has not been well documented in vivo. The present study investigated the effect of TGF-beta1 on decorin expression and intracellular connective tissue development during skeletal muscle growth. Exogenous TGF-beta1 significantly decreased the number of myofibers in a given area at both 1 d and 6 wk posthatch. The TGF-beta1-treated muscle had a significant decrease in decorin mRNA expression at embryonic day (ED) 10, whereas protein amounts decreased at 17 ED and 1 d posthatch compared to the control muscle. Decorin was localized in both the endomysium and perimysium in the control pectoralis major muscle. Transforming growth factor-beta1 reduced decorin in both the endomysium and perimysium from 17 ED to 6 wk posthatch. Compared to the control muscle, the perimysium space in the pectoralis major muscle was dramatically decreased by TGF-beta1 during embryonic development through posthatch growth. Because decorin regulates collagen fibrillogenesis, a major component of the ECM, the reduction of decorin by TGF-beta1 treatment may cause the irregular formation of collagen fibrils, leading to the decrease in endomysium and perimysium space. The results from the current study suggest that the effect of TGF-beta1 on decorin expression and localization was likely associated with altered development of the perimysium and the regulation of muscle fiber development.

  19. DACH1 inhibits transforming growth factor-beta signaling through binding Smad4.

    PubMed

    Wu, Kongming; Yang, Ying; Wang, Chenguang; Davoli, Maria A; D'Amico, Mark; Li, Anping; Cveklova, Kveta; Kozmik, Zbynek; Lisanti, Michael P; Russell, Robert G; Cvekl, Ales; Pestell, Richard G

    2003-12-19

    The vertebrate homologues of Drosophila dachsund, DACH1 and DACH2, have been implicated as important regulatory genes in development. DACH1 plays a role in retinal and pituitary precursor cell proliferation and DACH2 plays a specific role in myogenesis. DACH proteins contain a domain (DS domain) that is conserved with the proto-oncogenes Ski and Sno. Since the Ski/Sno proto-oncogenes repress AP-1 and SMAD signaling, we hypothesized that DACH1 might play a similar cellular function. Herein, DACH1 was found to be expressed in breast cancer cell lines and to inhibit transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced apoptosis. DACH1 repressed TGF-beta induction of AP-1 and Smad signaling in gene reporter assays and repressed endogenous TGF-beta-responsive genes by microarray analyses. DACH1 bound to endogenous NCoR and Smad4 in cultured cells and DACH1 co-localized with NCoR in nuclear dotlike structures. NCoR enhanced DACH1 repression, and the repression of TGF-beta-induced AP-1 or Smad signaling by DACH1 required the DACH1 DS domain. The DS domain of DACH was sufficient for NCoR binding at a Smad4-binding site. Smad4 was required for DACH1 repression of Smad signaling. In Smad4 null HTB-134 cells, DACH1 inhibited the activation of SBE-4 reporter activity induced by Smad2 or Smad3 only in the presence of Smad4. DACH1 participates in the negative regulation of TGF-beta signaling by interacting with NCoR and Smad4.

  20. Effects of sequential artificial tear and cyclosporine emulsion therapy on conjunctival goblet cell density and transforming growth factor-beta2 production.

    PubMed

    Pflugfelder, Stephen C; De Paiva, Cintia S; Villarreal, Arturo L; Stern, Michael E

    2008-01-01

    To evaluate the effects of sequential treatment with artificial tears and cyclosporine emulsion on conjunctival goblet cell density and production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 in patients with dry eye disease. Patients with dry eye disease (N = 6) defined by an Ocular Surface Disease Index symptom score >or=25, Schirmer test 1 <10 mm, and corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining scores >or=3 were treated with artificial tears (Refresh Plus; Allergan, Irvine, CA) 4 times a day for 4 weeks, followed by 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion (Restasis; Allergan) twice a day for 12 weeks. Impression cytology was performed on the bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes at baseline, after artificial tear therapy, and after 6 and 12 weeks of cyclosporine therapy. Goblet cells were counted in 5 representative microscopic fields per membrane in those taken from the temporal and inferior bulbar conjunctiva of the worse eye, and membranes taken from the fellow eye were immunostained for TGF-beta2. There were no differences in mean goblet cell density between baseline and 4 weeks of artificial tears in the temporal and inferior bulbar specimens. After 6 weeks of cyclosporine emulsion, goblet cell density was significantly greater than baseline and artificial tears in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva (P < 0.01). After 12 weeks of cyclosporine emulsion, goblet cell density was significantly greater than baseline and artificial tears in both temporal and inferior bulbar sites (P < 0.01). The number of TGF-beta2-positive goblet cells was also noted to increase after 6 and 12 weeks of cyclosporine therapy (P < 0.001). Cyclosporine emulsion, but not artificial tears, increases goblet cell density and production of the immunoregulatory factor TGF-beta2 in the bulbar conjunctiva in patients with dry eye.

  1. Advanced glycation end products and the progressive course of renal disease.

    PubMed

    Heidland, A; Sebekova, K; Schinzel, R

    2001-10-01

    In experimental and human diabetic nephropathy (DN), it has been shown that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in particular, carboxymethyl-lysine and pentosidine, accumulate with malondialdehyde in glomerular lesions in relation to disease severity and in the presence of an upregulated receptor for AGE (RAGE) in podocytes. Toxic effects of AGEs result from structural and functional alterations in plasma and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, in particular, from cross-linking of proteins and interaction of AGEs with their receptors and/or binding proteins. In mesangial and endothelial cells, the AGE-RAGE interaction caused enhanced formation of oxygen radicals with subsequent activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), growth factors (transforming growth factor-beta1 [TGF-beta1], insulin-like growth factor-1), and adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1). In tubular cells, incubation with AGE albumin was followed by stimulation of the mitogen-activating protein (MAP) kinase pathway and its downstream target, the activating protien-1 (AP-1) complex, TGF-beta1 overexpression, enhanced protein kinase C activity, decreased cell proliferation, and impaired protein degradation rate, in part caused by decreased cathepsin activities. The pathogenic relevance of AGEs was further verified by in vivo experiments in euglycemic rats and mice by the parenteral administration of AGE albumin, leading in the glomeruli to TGF-beta1 overproduction, enhanced gene expression of ECM proteins, and morphological lesions similar to those of DN. Evidence for the pathogenic relevance of AGEs in DN also comes from experimental studies in which the formation and/or action of AGEs was modulated by aminoguanidine, OPB-9195, pyridoxamine, soluble RAGEs, serine protease trypsin, and antioxidants, resulting in improved cell and/or renal function.

  2. Cellular localization and expression of template-activating factor I in different cell types.

    PubMed

    Nagata, K; Saito, S; Okuwaki, M; Kawase, H; Furuya, A; Kusano, A; Hanai, N; Okuda, A; Kikuchi, A

    1998-05-01

    Template-activating factors I (TAF-I) alpha and beta have been identified as chromatin remodeling factors from human HeLa cells. TAF-I beta corresponds to the protein encoded by the set gene, which was found in an acute undifferentiated leukemia as a fusion version with the can gene via chromosomal translocation. To determine the localization of TAF-I, we raised both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against TAF-I. The proteins that react to the antibodies are present not only in human cells but also in mouse, frog, insect, and yeast cells. The mouse TAF-I homologue is ubiquitous in a variety of tissue cells, including liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, and brain. It is of interest that the amounts of TAF-I alpha and beta vary among hemopoietic cells and some specific cell types do not contain TAF-I alpha. The level of the TAF-I proteins does not change significantly during the cell cycle progression in either HeLa cells synchronized with an excess concentration of thymidine or NIH 3T3 cells released from the serum-depleted state. TAF-I is predominantly located in nuclei, while TAF-I that is devoid of its acidic region, the region which is essential for the TAF-I activity, shows both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. The localization of TAF-I in conjunction with the regulation of its activity is discussed.

  3. Epithelial cell kinase-B61: an autocrine loop modulating intestinal epithelial migration and barrier function.

    PubMed

    Rosenberg, I M; Göke, M; Kanai, M; Reinecker, H C; Podolsky, D K

    1997-10-01

    Epithelial cell kinase (Eck) is a member of a large family of receptor tyrosine kinases whose functions remain largely unknown. Expression and regulation of Eck and its cognate ligand B61 were analyzed in the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated coexpression of Eck and B61 in the same cells, suggestive of an autocrine loop. Eck levels were maximal in preconfluent cells. In contrast, B61 levels were barely detectable in preconfluent cells and increased progressively after the cells reached confluence. Caco-2 cells cultured in the presence of added B61 showed a significant reduction in the levels of dipeptidyl peptidase and sucrase-isomaltase mRNA, markers of Caco-2 cell differentiation. Cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), basic fibroblast growth factor, IL-2, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta modulated steady-state levels of Eck and B61 mRNA and regulated Eck activation as assessed by tyrosine phosphorylation. Functionally, stimulation of Eck by B61 resulted in increased proliferation, enhanced barrier function, and enhanced restitution of injured epithelial monolayers. These results suggest that the Eck-B61 interaction, a target of regulatory peptides, plays a role in intestinal epithelial cell development, migration, and barrier function, contributing to homeostasis and preservation of continuity of the epithelial barrier.

  4. Conversion of immortal liver progenitor cells into pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells by persistent expression of Pdx-1.

    PubMed

    Jin, Cai-Xia; Li, Wen-Lin; Xu, Fang; Geng, Zhen H; He, Zhi-Ying; Su, Juan; Tao, Xin-Rong; Ding, Xiao-Yan; Wang, Xin; Hu, Yi-Ping

    2008-05-01

    The conversion of expandable liver progenitor cells into pancreatic beta cells would provide a renewable cell source for diabetes cell therapy. Previously, we reported the establishment of liver epithelial progenitor cells (LEPCs). In this work, LEPCs were modified into EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs, cells with stable expression of both Pdx-1 and EGFP. Unlike previous work, with persistent expression of Pdx-1, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs acquired the phenotype of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells rather than giving rise to insulin-producing cells directly. EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs proliferated vigorously and expressed the crucial transcription factors involved in beta cell development, including Ngn3, NeuroD, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, Pax4, Pax6, Isl1, MafA and endogenous Pdx-1, but did not secrete insulin. When cultured in high glucose/low serum medium supplemented with cytokines, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs stopped proliferating and gave rise to functional beta cells without any evidence of exocrine or other islet cell lineage differentiation. When transplanted into diabetic SCID mice, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs ameliorated hyperglycemia by secreting insulin in a glucose regulated manner. Considering the limited availability of beta cells, we propose that our experiments will provide a framework for utilizing the immortal liver progenitor cells as a renewable cell source for the generation of functional pancreatic beta cells.

  5. Smad7 induces tumorigenicity by blocking TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Halder, Sunil K; Beauchamp, R Daniel; Datta, Pran K

    2005-07-01

    Smad proteins play a key role in the intracellular signaling of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of extracellular polypeptides that initiate signaling to regulate a wide variety of biological processes. The inhibitory Smad, Smad7, has been shown to function as intracellular antagonists of TGF-beta family signaling and is upregulated in several cancers. To determine the effect of Smad7-mediated blockade of TGF-beta signaling, we have stably expressed Smad7 in a TGF-beta-sensitive, well-differentiated, and non-tumorigenic cell line, FET, that was derived from human colon adenocarcinoma. Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-induced transcriptional responses by blocking complex formation between Smad 2/3 and Smad4. While Smad7 has no effect on TGF-beta-induced activation of p38 MAPK and ERK, it blocks the phosphorylation of Akt by TGF-beta and enhances TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun. FET cells expressing Smad7 show anchorage-independent growth and enhance tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Smad7 blocks TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition by preventing TGF-beta-induced G1 arrest. Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of c-Myc, CDK4, and Cyclin D1, and suppresses the expression of p21(Cip1). As a result, Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of Rb phosphorylation. Furthermore, Smad7 inhibits the apoptosis of these cells. Together, Smad7 may increase the tumorigenicity of FET cells by blocking TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition and by inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, this study provides a mechanism by which a portion of human colorectal tumors may become refractory to tumor-suppressive actions of TGF-beta that might result in increased tumorigenicity.

  6. Nr-CAM is a target gene of the beta-catenin/LEF-1 pathway in melanoma and colon cancer and its expression enhances motility and confers tumorigenesis.

    PubMed

    Conacci-Sorrell, Maralice E; Ben-Yedidia, Tamar; Shtutman, Michael; Feinstein, Elena; Einat, Paz; Ben-Ze'ev, Avri

    2002-08-15

    beta-catenin and plakoglobin (gamma-catenin) are homologous molecules involved in cell adhesion, linking cadherin receptors to the cytoskeleton. beta-catenin is also a key component of the Wnt pathway by being a coactivator of LEF/TCF transcription factors. To identify novel target genes induced by beta-catenin and/or plakoglobin, DNA microarray analysis was carried out with RNA from cells overexpressing either protein. This analysis revealed that Nr-CAM is the gene most extensively induced by both catenins. Overexpression of either beta-catenin or plakoglobin induced Nr-CAM in a variety of cell types and the LEF/TCF binding sites in the Nr-CAM promoter were required for its activation by catenins. Retroviral transduction of Nr-CAM into NIH3T3 cells stimulated cell growth, enhanced motility, induced transformation, and produced rapidly growing tumors in nude mice. Nr-CAM and LEF-1 expression was elevated in human colon cancer tissue and cell lines and in human malignant melanoma cell lines but not in melanocytes or normal colon tissue. Dominant negative LEF-1 decreased Nr-CAM expression and antibodies to Nr-CAM inhibited the motility of B16 melanoma cells. The results indicate that induction of Nr-CAM transcription by beta-catenin or plakoglobin plays a role in melanoma and colon cancer tumorigenesis, probably by promoting cell growth and motility.

  7. Pregnancy Specific Glycoprotein 23 binds to CD151 and Induces the Secretion of IL-10 and TGF-beta1 in Murine Macrophages

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-07-11

    levels of trophoblast-specific beta-1-globulin (SP1) and alpha -1- fetoprotein (AFP) in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis]. Cesk Gynekol, 1991...transforming growth factor-beta TNF-": tumor necrosis factor- alpha TXA: thromboxane A2 uNK: uterine natural killer cell 1 PART ONE...specific glycoprotein, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, "- fetoprotein , as well as an array of cytokines, including IL-6, and TGF-! [95

  8. Promotion of mouse fibroblast collagen gene expression by mast cells stimulated via the Fc epsilon RI. Role for mast cell-derived transforming growth factor beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha

    PubMed Central

    1994-01-01

    Chronic allergic diseases and other disorders associated with mast cell activation can also be associated with tissue fibrosis, but a direct link between mast cell mediator release and fibroblast collagen gene expression has not been established. Using in situ hybridization, we show that the elicitation of an IgE-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice results in a transient, but marked augmentation of steady state levels of type alpha-1 (I) collagen mRNA in the dermis. While peak levels of collagen mRNA expression in the skin are observed 16-24 h after mast cell activation, substantial numbers of dermal cells are strongly positive for collagen mRNA at 1 and 2 h after antigen challenge, before circulating inflammatory cells are recruited into the tissues. Furthermore, experiments in mast cell- reconstituted or genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice demonstrate that the increased expression of collagen mRNA at sites of PCA reactions is entirely mast cell dependent. In vitro studies show that the supernatants of mouse serosal mast cells activated via the Fc epsilon RI markedly increase type alpha-1 (I) collagen mRNA levels in mouse embryonic skin fibroblasts, and also upregulate collagen secretion by these cells. The ability of mast cell supernatants to induce increased steady state levels of collagen mRNA in mouse skin fibroblasts is markedly diminished by absorption with antibodies specific for either of two mast cell-derived cytokines, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- alpha), and is eliminated entirely by absorption with antibodies against both cytokines. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that IgE-dependent mouse mast cell activation can induce a transient and marked increase in steady state levels of type alpha-1 (I) collagen mRNA in dermal fibroblasts and that mast cell-derived TGF-beta 1 and TNF-alpha importantly contribute to this effect. PMID:7964480

  9. Liver X receptor activation inhibits PC-3 prostate cancer cells via the beta-catenin pathway.

    PubMed

    Youlin, Kuang; Li, Zhang; Weiyang, He; Jian, Kang; Siming, Liang; Xin, Gou

    2017-03-01

    Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors family of ligand-dependent transcription factors that play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. Recent studies show that LXR agonists exhibit anti-cancer activities in a variety of cancer cell lines including prostate. To further identify the potential mechanisms of LXRα activation on prostate cancer, we investigated the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 on PC3 prostate cancer cell and in which activity of beta-catenin pathway involved. Prostate cancer PC3 cells were transfected with LXR-a siRNA and treated with LXR activator T0901317. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the LXR-a expression. beta-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-MYC were analyzed by western blot. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell migration was detected by Transwell chambers. Data showed that T0901317 significantly inhibited PC3 cell proliferation as well as invasion and increased apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, we found that LXRα activation induced the reduction of beta-catenin expression in PC3 cells, and this inhibitory effect could be totally abolished when cells were treated with LXRα. Meanwhile, the expression of beta-catenin target gene cyclin D1 and c-MYC were also decreased. This study provided additional evidence that LXR activation inhibited PC-3 prostate cancer cells via suppressing beta-catenin pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  10. Protein kinase A-dependent increase in WAVE2 expression induced by the focal adhesion protein vinexin.

    PubMed

    Mitsushima, Masaru; Sezaki, Takuhito; Akahane, Rie; Ueda, Kazumitsu; Suetsugu, Shiro; Takenawa, Tadaomi; Kioka, Noriyuki

    2006-03-01

    The focal adhesion protein vinexin is a member of a family of adaptor proteins that are thought to participate in the regulation of cell adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization, and growth factor signaling. Here, we show that vinexin beta increases the amount of and reduces the mobility on SDS-PAGE of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) 2 protein, which is a key factor modulating actin polymerization in migrating cells. This mobility retardation disappeared after in vitro phosphatase treatment. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed the interaction of vinexin beta with WAVE2 as well as WAVE1 and N-WASP. Vinexin beta interacts with the proline-rich region of WAVE2 through the first and second SH3 domains of vinexin beta. Mutations disrupting the interaction impaired the ability of vinexin beta to increase the amount of WAVE2 protein. Treatments with proteasome inhibitors increased the amount of WAVE2, but did not have an additive effect with vinexin beta. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) activity suppressed the vinexin-induced increase in WAVE2 protein, while activation of PKA increased WAVE2 expression without vinexin beta. These results suggest that vinexin beta regulates the proteasome-dependent degradation of WAVE2 in a PKA-dependent manner.

  11. Mesangial cell Fas ligand: upregulation in human lupus nephritis and NF-kappaB-mediated expression in cultured human mesangial cells.

    PubMed

    Tsukinoki, Tomoko; Sugiyama, Hitoshi; Sunami, Reiko; Kobayashi, Mizuho; Onoda, Tetsuya; Maeshima, Yohei; Yamasaki, Yasushi; Makino, Hirofumi

    2004-09-01

    Fas ligand (FasL) is a well-known death factor; however, the role of FasL in the regulation of human glomerulonephritis remains unclear. We investigated the renal expression and localization of FasL in various forms of human glomerulonephritis by immunohistochemistry, utilizing confocal laser scanning microscopy. We further evaluated cytokine-induced FasL expression via nuclear factor (NF)kappaB in cultured human mesangial cells (HMC). The level of soluble FasL was measured by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequency of glomerular FasL-positive cases was higher in lupus nephritis (37.9%) as compared with other forms of glomerulonephritis (8.7%). The glomerular FasL score in proliferative lupus nephritis was significantly higher than that in nonproliferative forms. Patients with a high apoptosis score, severe microhematuria, proteinuria, or decreased renal function had a high FasL score. Double immunolabelling demonstrated that the most prevalent phenotypes of FasL-positive cells were mesangial cells. In cultured HMC, interleukin (IL)1beta, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or gamma interferon (IFN) upregulated membrane-bound FasL. IL1beta significantly, and LPS or gammaIFN weakly activated NFkappaB, but none of these agents activated NFkappaB/Rel-related nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc) or IFN regulatory factor-1. IL1beta-mediated NFkappaB was completely inhibited in the presence of lactacystin, a potent inhibitor of NFkappaB. Lactacystin-mediated inhibition of NFkappaB reduced FasL protein levels. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, but not other MMPs (1, 2, 3, 8, or 9), significantly sensitized HMC to release soluble FasL after IL1beta stimulation. The results suggest that: (1) upregulation of mesangial FasL may contribute to the glomerular inflammation in proliferative lupus nephritis in vivo; (2) proinflammatory cytokines, in particular IL1beta, produced in nephritis can upregulate FasL via the transcription factor NFkappaB in HMC; and (3) MMP-7-mediated release of soluble FasL could control the mesangial inflammation.

  12. Tumor-produced, active Interleukin-1 {beta} regulates gene expression in carcinoma-associated fibroblasts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dudas, Jozsef, E-mail: Jozsef.Dudas@i-med.ac.at; Fullar, Alexandra, E-mail: fullarsz@gmail.com; 1st Institute of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Ulloei ut 26, H-1085 Budapest

    2011-09-10

    Recently we described a co-culture model of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and SCC-25 lingual squamous carcinoma cells, which resulted in conversion of normal fibroblasts into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCC-25 cells. We have found a constitutive high interleukin-1{beta} (IL1-{beta}) expression in SCC-25 cells in normal and in co-cultured conditions. In our hypothesis a constitutive IL1-{beta} expression in SCC-25 regulates gene expression in fibroblasts during co-culture. Co-cultures were performed between PDL fibroblasts and SCC-25 cells with and without dexamethasone (DEX) treatment; IL1-{beta} processing was investigated in SCC-25 cells, tumor cells and PDL fibroblasts were treated withmore » IL1-{beta}. IL1-{beta} signaling was investigated by western blot and immunocytochemistry. IL1-{beta}-regulated genes were analyzed by real-time qPCR. SCC-25 cells produced 16 kD active IL1-{beta}, its receptor was upregulated in PDL fibroblasts during co-culture, which induced phosphorylation of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1), and nuclear translocalization of NF{kappa}B{alpha}. Several genes, including interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) were induced in CAFs during co-culture. The most enhanced induction was found for IL-6 and COX-2. Treatment of PDL fibroblasts with IL1-{beta} reproduced a time- and dose-dependent upregulation of IL1-receptor, IL-6 and COX-2. A further proof was achieved by DEX inhibition for IL1-{beta}-stimulated IL-6 and COX-2 gene expression. Constitutive expression of IL1-{beta} in the tumor cells leads to IL1-{beta}-stimulated gene expression changes in tumor-associated fibroblasts, which are involved in tumor progression. -- Graphical abstract: SCC-25 cells produce active, processed IL1-{beta}. PDL fibroblasts possess receptor for IL1-{beta}, and its expression is increased 4.56-times in the presence of SCC-25 tumor cells. IL1-{beta} receptor expression in fibroblasts, especially in CAFs represents a major option in coordination of fibroblast and tumor behavior. A key event in IL1-{beta} signaling, the phosphorylation of IRAK1, occurred in co-cultured fibroblasts, which has lead to nuclear translocation of NF{kappa}B{alpha}, and finally to induction of several genes, including BDNF, IRF1, IL-6 and COX-2. The most enhanced induction was found for IL-6 and COX-2.« less

  13. Method for protecting bone marrow against chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy using transforming growth factor beta 1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Keller, J.R.; Ruscetti, F.W.; Wiltrout, R.

    1989-06-29

    Presented is a method for protecting hematopoietic stem cells from the myelotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy, which comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of transforming growth factor beta 1 for protecting bone marrow from the myelotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.

  14. 9-Methyl-beta-carboline has restorative effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Wernicke, Catrin; Hellmann, Julian; Zieba, Barbara; Kuter, Katarzyna; Ossowska, Krystyna; Frenzel, Monika; Dencher, Norbert A; Rommelspacher, Hans

    2010-01-01

    In a previous study, a primary culture of midbrain cells was exposed to 9-methyl-beta-carboline for 48 h, which caused an increase in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed increased transcription of genes participating in the maturation of dopaminergic neurons. These in vitro findings prompted us to investigate the restorative actions of 9-methyl-beta-carboline in vivo. The compound was delivered for 14 days into the left cerebral ventricle of rats pretreated with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion (MPP+) for 28 days applying a dose which lowered dopamine by approximately 50%. Interestingly, 9-methyl-beta-carboline reversed the dopamine-lowering effect of the neurotoxin in the left striatum. Stereological counts of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the substantia nigra revealed that the neurotoxin caused a decrease in the number of those cells. However, when treated subsequently with 9-methyl-beta-carboline, the number reached normal values. In search of an explanation for the restorative activity, we analyzed the complexes that compose the respiratory chain in striatal mitochondria by 2-dimension gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF peptide mass fingerprinting.We found no changes in the overall composition of the complexes. However, the activity of complex I was increased by approximately 80% in mitochondria from rats treated with MPP+ and 9-methyl-beta-carboline compared to MPP+ and saline and to sham-operated rats, as determined by measurements of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase activity. Microarray technology and single RT-PCR revealed the induction of neurotrophins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor, cerebellin 1 precursor protein, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Selected western blots yielded consistent results. The findings demonstrate restorative effects of 9-methyl-beta-carboline in an animal model of Parkinson's disease that improve the effectiveness of the respiratory chain and promote the transcription and expression of neurotrophin-related genes.

  15. Selective destruction of mouse islet beta cells by human T lymphocytes in a newly-established humanized type 1 diabetic model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Yong, E-mail: yongzhao@uic.edu; Guo, Chengshan; Hwang, David

    2010-09-03

    Research highlights: {yields} Establish a human immune-mediated type 1 diabetic model in NOD-scid IL2r{gamma}{sup null} mice. {yields} Using the irradiated diabetic NOD mouse spleen mononuclear cells as trigger. {yields} The islet {beta} cells were selectively destroyed by infiltrated human T cells. {yields} The model can facilitate translational research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. -- Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by a T cell-mediated autoimmune response that leads to the loss of insulin-producing {beta} cells. The optimal preclinical testing of promising therapies would be aided by a humanized immune-mediated T1D model. We develop this model inmore » NOD-scid IL2r{gamma}{sup null} mice. The selective destruction of pancreatic islet {beta} cells was mediated by human T lymphocytes after an initial trigger was supplied by the injection of irradiated spleen mononuclear cells (SMC) from diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. This resulted in severe insulitis, a marked loss of total {beta}-cell mass, and other related phenotypes of T1D. The migration of human T cells to pancreatic islets was controlled by the {beta} cell-produced highly conserved chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4, as demonstrated by in vivo blocking experiments using antibody to CXCR4. The specificity of humanized T cell-mediated immune responses against islet {beta} cells was generated by the local inflammatory microenvironment in pancreatic islets including human CD4{sup +} T cell infiltration and clonal expansion, and the mouse islet {beta}-cell-derived CD1d-mediated human iNKT activation. The selective destruction of mouse islet {beta} cells by a human T cell-mediated immune response in this humanized T1D model can mimic those observed in T1D patients. This model can provide a valuable tool for translational research into T1D.« less

  16. Requirement for Pdx1 in specification of latent endocrine progenitors in zebrafish

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Insulin-producing beta cells emerge during pancreas development in two sequential waves. Recently described later-forming beta cells in zebrafish show high similarity to second wave mammalian beta cells in developmental capacity. Loss-of-function studies in mouse and zebrafish demonstrated that the homeobox transcription factors Pdx1 and Hb9 are both critical for pancreas and beta cell development and discrete stage-specific requirements for these genes have been uncovered. Previously, exocrine and endocrine cell recovery was shown to follow loss of pdx1 in zebrafish, but the progenitor cells and molecular mechanisms responsible have not been clearly defined. In addition, interactions of pdx1 and hb9 in beta cell formation have not been addressed. Results To learn more about endocrine progenitor specification, we examined beta cell formation following morpholino-mediated depletion of pdx1 and hb9. We find that after early beta cell reduction, recovery occurs following loss of either pdx1 or hb9 function. Unexpectedly, simultaneous knockdown of both hb9 and pdx1 leads to virtually complete and persistent beta cell deficiency. We used a NeuroD:EGFP transgenic line to examine endocrine cell behavior in vivo and developed a novel live-imaging technique to document emergence and migration of late-forming endocrine precursors in real time. Our data show that Notch-responsive progenitors for late-arising endocrine cells are predominantly post mitotic and depend on pdx1. By contrast, early-arising endocrine cells are specified and differentiate independent of pdx1. Conclusions The nearly complete beta cell deficiency after combined loss of hb9 and pdx1 suggests functional cooperation, which we clarify as distinct roles in early and late endocrine cell formation. A novel imaging approach permitted visualization of the emergence of late endocrine cells within developing embryos for the first time. We demonstrate a pdx1-dependent progenitor population essential for the formation of duct-associated, second wave endocrine cells. We further reveal an unexpectedly low mitotic activity in these progenitor cells, indicating that they are set aside early in development. PMID:22034951

  17. Hydraulic pressure inducing renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in vitro.

    PubMed

    Li, Fei-yan; Xie, Xi-sheng; Fan, Jun-ming; Li, Zi; Wu, Jiang; Zheng, Rong

    2009-09-01

    The effects of hydraulic pressure on renal tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (TEMT) were investigated. We applied hydraulic pressure (50 cm H2O) to normal rat kidney tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) for different durations. Furthermore, different pressure magnitudes were applied to cells. The morphology, cytoskeleton, and expression of myofibroblastic marker protein and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) of NRK52E cells were examined. Disorganized actin filaments and formation of curling clusters in actin were seen in the cytoplasm of pressurized cells. We verified that de novo expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin induced by pressure, which indicated TEMT, was dependent on both the magnitude and duration of pressure. TGF-beta1 expression was significantly upregulated under certain conditions, which implies that the induction of TEMT by hydraulic pressure is related with TGF-beta1. We illustrate for the first time that hydraulic pressure can induce TEMT in a pressure magnitude- and duration-dependent manner, and that this TEMT is accompanied by TGF-beta1 secretion.

  18. Mitogenicity of M5 protein extracted from Streptococcus pyogenes cells is due to streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C and mitogenic factor MF.

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, K H; Gerlach, D; Wollweber, L; Reichardt, W; Mann, K; Ozegowski, J H; Fleischer, B

    1995-01-01

    M proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes are virulence factors which impede phagocytosis, bind to many plasma proteins, and induce formation of cross-reactive autoimmune antibodies. Recently, it has been reported that some M proteins, extracted with pepsin from streptococci (pep M), are superantigens. One of these, pep M5, was investigated in detail and was shown to stimulate human T cells bearing V beta 2, V beta 4, and V beta 8. In the present study, we extracted and purified M5 protein by different biochemical methods from two M type 5 group A streptococcal strains. The crude extracts were fractionated by affinity chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography. All fractions were tested in parallel for M protein by immunoblotting and for T-cell-stimulating activity. Although several crude preparations of M5 protein were associated with mitogenicity for V beta 2 and V beta 8 T cells, the M5 proteins, irrespective of the extraction method, could be purified to the extent that they were no longer mitogenic. The mitogenic activity was not destroyed during the purification procedures but was found in fractions separated from M protein. In these fractions, streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C and mitogenic factor MF could be detected by protein blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, anti-M protein sera did not inhibit the mitogenic activity of crude extracts, but antisera which contained anti-streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C antibodies showed inhibition. The inability of M5 protein to stimulate T cells was confirmed with recombinant pep M5 produced in Escherichia coli. Our data strongly suggest that the mitogenic activity in M protein preparations is caused by traces of streptococcal superantigens different from M protein. PMID:7591107

  19. Direct integrin alphavbeta6-ERK binding: implications for tumour growth.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, Nuzhat; Niu, Jun; Dorahy, Douglas J; Gu, Xinhua; Andrews, Sarah; Meldrum, Cliff J; Scott, Rodney J; Baker, Mark S; Macreadie, Ian G; Agrez, Michael V

    2002-02-21

    Blockade of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway suppresses growth of colon cancer in vivo. Here we demonstrate a direct link between the extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK2 and the growth-promoting cell adhesion molecule, integrin alphavbeta6, in colon cancer cells. Down-regulation of beta6 integrin subunit expression inhibits tumour growth in vivo and MAP kinase activity in response to serum stimulation. In alphavbeta6-expressing cells ERK2 is bound only to the beta6 subunit. The increase in cytosolic MAP kinase activity upon epidermal growth factor stimulation is all accounted for by beta6-bound ERK. Deletion of the ERK2 binding site on the beta6 cytoplasmic domain inhibits tumour growth and leads to an association between ERK and the beta5 subunit. The physical interaction between integrin alphavbeta6 and ERK2 defines a novel paradigm of integrin-mediated signalling and provides a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

  20. L-beta-ODAP alters mitochondrial Ca2+ handling as an early event in excitotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Van Moorhem, Marijke; Decrock, Elke; Coussee, Evelyne; Faes, Liesbeth; De Vuyst, Elke; Vranckx, Katleen; De Bock, Marijke; Wang, Nan; D'Herde, Katharina; Lambein, Fernand; Callewaert, Geert; Leybaert, Luc

    2010-03-01

    The neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid (L-beta-ODAP) is an L-glutamate analogue at alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptors in neurons and therefore acts as an excitotoxic substance. Chronic exposure to L-beta-ODAP present in Lathyrus sativus L. (L. sativus) seeds is proposed as the cause of the neurodegenerative disease neurolathyrism, but the mechanism of its action has not been conclusively identified. A key factor in excitotoxic neuronal cell death is a disturbance of the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, including changes in the capacity of intracellular Ca2+ stores like the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or mitochondria. In this study, aequorin and other Ca2+ indicators were used in N2a neuroblastoma cells to investigate alterations of cellular Ca2+ handling after 24 h exposure to L-beta-ODAP. Our data demonstrate increased mitochondrial Ca2+ loading and hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Psi(m)), which was specific for L-beta-ODAP and not observed with L-glutamate. We conclude that L-beta-ODAP disturbs the ER-mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling axis and thereby renders the cells more vulnerable to its excitotoxic effects that ultimately will lead to cell death. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Endoglin inhibits ERK-induced c-Myc and cyclin D1 expression to impede endothelial cell proliferation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pan, Christopher C.; Bloodworth, Jeffrey C.; Mythreye, Karthikeyan

    2012-08-03

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Endoglin inhibits ERK activation in endothelial cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Endoglin is a regulator of c-Myc and cyclin D1 expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {beta}-arrestin2 interaction with endoglin is required for ERK/c-Myc repression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Endoglin impedes cellular proliferation by targeting ERK-induced mitogenic signaling. -- Abstract: Endoglin is an endothelial-specific transforming growth factor beta (TGF-{beta}) co-receptor essential for angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Endoglin regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, through TGF-{beta} signaling to canonical Smad and Smad-independent pathways. Despite its overall pro-angiogenic role in the vasculature, the underlying mechanism of endoglin action is poorly characterized. We previouslymore » identified {beta}-arrestin2 as a binding partner that causes endoglin internalization from the plasma membrane and inhibits ERK signaling towards endothelial migration. In the present study, we examined the mechanistic role of endoglin and {beta}-arrestin2 in endothelial cell proliferation. We show that endoglin impedes cell growth through sustained inhibition of ERK-induced c-Myc and cyclin D1 expression in a TGF-{beta}-independent manner. The down-regulation of c-Myc and cyclin D1, along with growth-inhibition, are reversed when the endoglin/{beta}-arrestin2 interaction is disrupted. Given that TGF-{beta}-induced Smad signaling potently represses c-Myc in most cell types, our findings here show a novel mechanism by which endoglin augments growth-inhibition by targeting ERK and key downstream mitogenic substrates.« less

  2. TGF-{beta} receptors, in a Smad-independent manner, are required for terminal skeletal muscle differentiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Droguett, Rebeca; Cabello-Verrugio, Claudio; Santander, Cristian

    2010-09-10

    Skeletal muscle differentiation is strongly inhibited by transforming growth factor type {beta} (TGF-{beta}), although muscle formation as well as regeneration normally occurs in an environment rich in this growth factor. In this study, we evaluated the role of intracellular regulatory Smads proteins as well as TGF-{beta}-receptors (TGF-{beta}-Rs) during skeletal muscle differentiation. We found a decrease of TGF-{beta} signaling during differentiation. This phenomenon is explained by a decline in the levels of the regulatory proteins Smad-2, -3, and -4, a decrease in the phosphorylation of Smad-2 and lost of nuclear translocation of Smad-3 and -4 in response to TGF-{beta}. No changemore » in the levels and inhibitory function of Smad-7 was observed. In contrast, we found that TGF-{beta}-R type I (TGF-{beta}-RI) and type II (TGF-{beta}-RII) increased on the cell surface during skeletal muscle differentiation. To analyze the direct role of the serine/threonine kinase activities of TGF-{beta}-Rs, we used the specific inhibitor SB 431542 and the dominant-negative form of TGF-{beta}-RII lacking the cytoplasmic domain. The TGF-{beta}-Rs were important for successful muscle formation, determined by the induction of myogenin, creatine kinase activity, and myosin. Silencing of Smad-2/3 expression by specific siRNA treatments accelerated myogenin, myosin expression, and myotube formation; although when SB 431542 was present inhibition in myosin induction and myotube formation was observed, suggesting that these last steps of skeletal muscle differentiation require active TGF-{beta}-Rs. These results suggest that both down-regulation of Smad regulatory proteins and cell signaling through the TGF-{beta} receptors independent of Smad proteins are essential for skeletal muscle differentiation.« less

  3. Inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor-. beta. (TGF-. beta. ) on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-induced proliferation and differentiation in primary cultures of pig preadipocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Richardson, R.L.; Hausman, G.J.; Gaskins, H.R.

    1990-02-26

    The influence of serum, IGF-1 and TGF-{beta} on the differentiation of preadipocytes was examined in primary cultures of porcine adipose tissue cells. In serum-supplemented or serum-free, IGF-1 (1 and 10 nM) had no effect on total cell number. However, IGF-1 (10nM) increased adipocyte number only in serum-supplemented (1% pig serum) cultures, whereas TGF-{beta} (15 pm) reduced the adipocyte number in the presence and absence of IGF-1. Replication of preadipocytes was analyzed with a ({sup 3}H) thymidine assay. Preadipocyte proliferation (cpm in adipocyte fraction) was increased by IGF-1 (10nM) only in cultures containing pig serum. TGF-{beta} had no effect on preadipocytemore » proliferation specifically, but slightly increased total ({sup 3}H) thymidine incorporation in cultures with serum. Glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) specific activity was decreased by adding TGF-{beta} to serum-free cultures but TGF-{beta} had little effect in serum-supplemented cultures. Cellular secretion of IGF-1 was decreased when TGF-{beta} was added to serum-free or serum-supplemented cultures. These studies indicate that TGF-{beta} does not inhibit adipocyte development in the initial growth phase, but may inhibit differentiation and/or hypertrophy at a later stage of development.« less

  4. 17 beta-estradiol and tamoxifen upregulate estrogen receptor beta expression and control podocyte signaling pathways in a model of type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Catanuto, Paola; Doublier, Sophie; Lupia, Enrico; Fornoni, Alessia; Berho, Mariana; Karl, Michael; Striker, Gary E; Xia, Xiaomei; Elliot, Sharon

    2009-06-01

    Diabetic nephropathy remains one of the most important causes of end-stage renal disease. This is particularly true for women from racial/ethnic minorities. Although administration of 17beta-estradiol to diabetic animals has been shown to reduce extracellular matrix deposition in glomeruli and mesangial cells, effects on podocytes are lacking. Given that podocyte injury has been implicated as a factor leading to the progression of proteinuria and diabetic nephropathy, we treated db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetic glomerulosclerosis, with 17beta-estradiol or tamoxifen to determine whether these treatments reduce podocyte injury and decrease glomerulosclerosis. We found that albumin excretion, glomerular volume, and extracellular matrix accumulation were decreased in these mice compared to placebo treatment. Podocytes isolated from all treatment groups were immortalized and these cell lines were found to express the podocyte markers WT-1, nephrin, and the TRPC6 cation channel. Tamoxifen and 17beta-estradiol treatment decreased podocyte transforming growth factor-beta mRNA expression but increased that of the estrogen receptor subtype beta protein. 17beta-estradiol, but not tamoxifen, treatment decreased extracellular-regulated kinase phosphorylation. These data, combined with improved albumin excretion, reduced glomerular size, and decreased matrix accumulation, suggest that both 17beta-estradiol and tamoxifen may protect podocytes against injury and therefore ameliorate diabetic nephropathy.

  5. Tumor evasion of the immune system by converting CD4+CD25- T cells into CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells: role of tumor-derived TGF-beta.

    PubMed

    Liu, Victoria C; Wong, Larry Y; Jang, Thomas; Shah, Ali H; Park, Irwin; Yang, Ximing; Zhang, Qiang; Lonning, Scott; Teicher, Beverly A; Lee, Chung

    2007-03-01

    CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (T(reg)) cells were initially described for their ability to suppress autoimmune diseases in animal models. An emerging interest is the potential role of T(reg) cells in cancer development and progression because they have been shown to suppress antitumor immunity. In this study, CD4+CD25- T cells cultured in conditioned medium (CM) derived from tumor cells, RENCA or TRAMP-C2, possess similar characteristics as those of naturally occurring T(reg) cells, including expression of Foxp3, a crucial transcription factor of T(reg) cells, production of low levels of IL-2, high levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta, and the ability to suppress CD4+CD25- T cell proliferation. Further investigation revealed a critical role of tumor-derived TGF-beta in converting CD4+CD25- T cells into T(reg) cells because a neutralizing Ab against TGF-beta, 1D11, completely abrogated the induction of T(reg) cells. CM from a nontumorigenic cell line, NRP-152, or irradiated tumor cells did not convert CD4+CD25- T cells to T(reg) cells because they produce low levels of TGF-beta in CM. Finally, we observed a reduced tumor burden in animals receiving 1D11. The reduction in tumor burden correlated with a decrease in tumor-derived TGF-beta. Treatment of 1D11 also reduced the conversion of CD4+ T cells into T(reg) cells and subsequent T(reg) cell-mediated suppression of antitumor immunity. In summary, we have demonstrated that tumor cells directly convert CD4+CD25- T cells to T(reg) cells through production of high levels of TGF-beta, suggesting a possible mechanism through which tumor cells evade the immune system.

  6. EPConDB: a web resource for gene expression related to pancreatic development, beta-cell function and diabetes.

    PubMed

    Mazzarelli, Joan M; Brestelli, John; Gorski, Regina K; Liu, Junmin; Manduchi, Elisabetta; Pinney, Deborah F; Schug, Jonathan; White, Peter; Kaestner, Klaus H; Stoeckert, Christian J

    2007-01-01

    EPConDB (http://www.cbil.upenn.edu/EPConDB) is a public web site that supports research in diabetes, pancreatic development and beta-cell function by providing information about genes expressed in cells of the pancreas. EPConDB displays expression profiles for individual genes and information about transcripts, promoter elements and transcription factor binding sites. Gene expression results are obtained from studies examining tissue expression, pancreatic development and growth, differentiation of insulin-producing cells, islet or beta-cell injury, and genetic models of impaired beta-cell function. The expression datasets are derived using different microarray platforms, including the BCBC PancChips and Affymetrix gene expression arrays. Other datasets include semi-quantitative RT-PCR and MPSS expression studies. For selected microarray studies, lists of differentially expressed genes, derived from PaGE analysis, are displayed on the site. EPConDB provides database queries and tools to examine the relationship between a gene, its transcriptional regulation, protein function and expression in pancreatic tissues.

  7. Transcription of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen 1 promoter Qp is repressed by transforming growth factor-beta via Smad4 binding element in human BL cells.

    PubMed

    Liang, C L; Tsai, C N; Chung, P J; Chen, J L; Sun, C M; Chen, R H; Hong, J H; Chang, Y S

    2000-11-10

    In Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected BL cells, the oncogenic EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA 1) gene is directed from the latent promoter Qp. Yeast one-hybrid screen analysis using the -50 to -37 sequence of Qp as the bait was carried out to identify transcriptional factors that may control Qp activity. Results showed that Smad4 binds the -50 to -37 sequence of Qp, indicating that this promoter is potentially regulated by TGF-beta. The association of Smad4 with Qp was further confirmed by supershift of EMSA complexes using Smad4-specific antibody. The transfection of a Qp reporter construct in two EBV(+) BL cell lines, Rael and WW2, showed that Qp activity is repressed in response to the TGF-beta treatment. This repression involves the interaction of a Smad3/Smad4 complex and the transcriptional repressor TGIF, as determined by cotransfection assay and coimmunoprecipitation analysis. Results suggest that TGF-beta may transcriptionally repress Qp through the Smad4-binding site in human BL cells. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  8. Regulation of connective tissue growth factor activity in cultured rat mesangial cells and its expression in experimental diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

    PubMed

    Riser, B L; Denichilo, M; Cortes, P; Baker, C; Grondin, J M; Yee, J; Narins, R G

    2000-01-01

    Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a peptide secreted by cultured endothelial cells and fibroblasts when stimulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and is overexpressed during fibrotic processes in coronary arteries and in skin. To determine whether CTGF is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, cultured rat mesangial cells (MC) as well as kidney cortex and microdissected glomeruli were examined from obese, diabetic db/db mice and their normal counterparts. Exposure of MC to recombinant human CTGF significantly increased fibronectin and collagen type I production. Furthermore, unstimulated MC expressed low levels of CTGF message and secreted minimal amounts of CTGF protein (36 to 38 kD) into the media. However, sodium heparin treatment resulted in a greater than fourfold increase in media-associated CTGF, suggesting that the majority of CTGF produced was cell- or matrix-bound. Exposure of MC to TGF-beta, increased glucose concentrations, or cyclic mechanical strain, all causal factors in diabetic glomerulosclerosis, markedly induced the expression of CTGF transcripts, while recombinant human CTGF was able to autoinduce its own expression. TGF-, and high glucose, but not mechanical strain, stimulated the concomitant secretion of CTGF protein, the former also inducing abundant quantities of a small molecular weight form of CTGF (18 kD) containing the heparin-binding domain. The induction of CTGF protein by a high glucose concentration was mediated by TGF-beta, since a TGF-beta-neutralizing antibody blocked this stimulation. In vivo studies using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that although CTGF transcripts were low in the glomeruli of control mice, expression was increased 28-fold after approximately 3.5 mo of diabetes. This change occurred early in the course of diabetic nephropathy when mesangial expansion was mild, and interstitial disease and proteinuria were absent. A substantially reduced elevation of CTGF mRNA (twofold) observed in whole kidney cortices indicated that the primary alteration of CTGF expression was in the glomerulus. These results suggest that CTGF upregulation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of mesangial matrix accumulation and progressive glomerulosclerosis, acting downstream of TGF-beta.

  9. Beta-Catenin and Epithelial Tumors: A Study Based on 374 Oropharyngeal Cancers

    PubMed Central

    Santoro, Angela; Pannone, Giuseppe; Papagerakis, Silvana; McGuff, H. Stan; Cafarelli, Barbara; Lepore, Silvia; De Maria, Salvatore; Rubini, Corrado; Mattoni, Marilena; Staibano, Stefania; Mezza, Ernesto; De Rosa, Gaetano; Aquino, Gabriella; Losito, Simona; Loreto, Carla; Crimi, Salvatore; Bufo, Pantaleo

    2014-01-01

    Introduction. Although altered regulation of the Wnt pathway via beta-catenin is a frequent event in several human cancers, its potential implications in oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC/OPSCC) are largely unexplored. Work purpose was to define association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological parameters in 374 OSCCs/OP-SCCs by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials and Methods. Association between IHC detected patterns of protein expression and clinical-pathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis and survival rates by Kaplan-Meier curves. Beta-catenin expression was also investigated in OSCC cell lines by Real-Time PCR. An additional analysis of the DNA content was performed on 22 representative OSCCs/OPSCCs by DNA-image-cytometric analysis. Results and Discussion. All carcinomas exhibited significant alterations of beta-catenin expression (P < 0.05). Beta-catenin protein was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of cancerous cells and only focal nuclear positivity was observed. Higher cytoplasmic expression correlated significantly with poor histological differentiation, advanced stage, and worst patient outcome (P < 0.05). By Real-Time PCR significant increase of beta-catenin mRNA was detected in OSCC cell lines and in 45% of surgical specimens. DNA ploidy study demonstrated high levels of aneuploidy in beta-catenin overexpressing carcinomas. Conclusions. This is the largest study reporting significant association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological factors in patients with OSCCs/OPSCCs. PMID:24511551

  10. Growth regulation of simian and human AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines by TGF-β1 and IL-6

    PubMed Central

    Ruff, Kristin R; Puetter, Adriane; Levy, Laura S

    2007-01-01

    Background AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) is the second most frequent cancer associated with AIDS, and is a frequent cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Experimental analysis of AIDS-NHL has been facilitated by the availability of an excellent animal model, i.e., simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SAIDS) in the rhesus macaque consequent to infection with simian immunodeficiency virus. A recent study of SAIDS-NHL demonstrated a lymphoma-derived cell line to be sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of the ubiquitous cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The authors concluded that TGF-beta acts as a negative growth regulator of the lymphoma-derived cell line and, potentially, as an inhibitory factor in the regulatory network of AIDS-related lymphomagenesis. The present study was conducted to assess whether other SAIDS-NHL and AIDS-NHL cell lines are similarly sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta, and to test the hypothesis that interleukin-6 (IL-6) may represent a counteracting positive influence in their growth regulation. Methods Growth stimulation or inhibition in response to cytokine treatment was quantified using trypan blue exclusion or colorimetric MTT assay. Intracellular flow cytometry was used to analyze the activation of signaling pathways and to examine the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and distinguishing hallmarks of AIDS-NHL subclass. Apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometric analysis of cell populations with sub-G1 DNA content and by measuring activated caspase-3. Results Results confirmed the sensitivity of LCL8664, an immunoblastic SAIDS-NHL cell line, to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition, and further demonstrated the partial rescue by simultaneous treatment with IL-6. IL-6 was shown to activate STAT3, even in the presence of TGF-beta1, and thereby to activate proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways. By comparison, human AIDS-NHL cell lines differed in their responsiveness to TGF-beta1 and IL-6. Analysis of a recently derived AIDS-NHL cell line, UMCL01-101, indicated that it represents immunoblastic AIDS-DLCBL. Like LCL-8664, UMCL01-101 was sensitive to TGF-beta1-mediated inhibition, rescued partially by IL-6, and demonstrated rapid STAT3 activation following IL-6 treatment even in the presence of TGF-beta1. Conclusion These studies indicate that the sensitivity of immunoblastic AIDS- or SAIDS-DLBCL to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition may be overcome through the stimulation of proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals by IL-6, particularly through the rapid activation of STAT3. PMID:17324269

  11. Feasibility of commercial space manufacturing, production of pharmaceuticals. Volume 2: Technical analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    A technical analysis on the feasibility of commercial manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in space is presented. The method of obtaining pharmaceutical company involvement, laboratory results of the separation of serum proteins by the continuous flow electrophoresis process, the selection and study of candidate products, and their production requirements is described. The candidate products are antihemophilic factor, beta cells, erythropoietin, epidermal growth factor, alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon. Production mass balances for antihemophelic factor, beta cells, and erythropoietin were compared for space versus ground operation. A conceptual description of a multiproduct processing system for space operation is discussed. Production requirements for epidermal growth factor of alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon are presented.

  12. IFN-{gamma} sensitizes MIN6N8 insulinoma cells to TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis by inhibiting NF-{kappa}B-mediated XIAP upregulation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Hun Sik; Kim, Sunshin; Lee, Myung-Shik

    2005-10-28

    Although X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an important intracellular suppressor of apoptosis in a variety of cell types, its role in cytokine-induced pancreatic {beta}-cell apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we found that: (i) XIAP level was inversely correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-{alpha}-induced apoptosis in MIN6N8 insulinoma cells; (ii) adenoviral XIAP overexpression abrogated the TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis through inhibition of caspase activity; (iii) downregulation of XIAP by antisense oligonucleotide or Smac peptide sensitized MIN6N8 cells to TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis; (iv) XIAP expression was induced by TNF-{alpha} through a nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B)-dependent pathway, and interferon (IFN)-{gamma} prevented such an induction in amore » manner independent of NF-{kappa}B, which presents a potential mechanism underlying cytotoxic IFN-{gamma}/TNF-{alpha} synergism. Taken together, our results suggest that XIAP is an important modulator of TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis of MIN6N8 cells, and XIAP regulation in pancreatic {beta}-cells might play an important role in pancreatic {beta}-cell apoptosis and in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.« less

  13. Cervical Cancer Cell Line Secretome Highlights the Roles of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-Induced Protein ig-h3, Peroxiredoxin-2, and NRF2 on Cervical Carcinogenesis.

    PubMed

    Kontostathi, Georgia; Zoidakis, Jerome; Makridakis, Manousos; Lygirou, Vasiliki; Mermelekas, George; Papadopoulos, Theofilos; Vougas, Konstantinos; Vlamis-Gardikas, Alexios; Drakakis, Peter; Loutradis, Dimitrios; Vlahou, Antonia; Anagnou, Nicholas P; Pappa, Kalliopi I

    2017-01-01

    Cancer cells acquire unique secretome compositions that contribute to tumor development and metastasis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the biological processes involved in cervical cancer, by performing a proteomic analysis of the secretome from the following informative cervical cell lines: SiHa (HPV16+), HeLa (HPV18+), C33A (HPV-), and HCK1T (normal). Proteins were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis coupled to MALDI-TOF-MS. Enrichment of secreted proteins with characteristic profiles for each cell line was followed by the identification of differentially expressed proteins. Particularly, transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (Beta ig-h3) and peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) overexpression in the secretome of cancer cell lines was detected and confirmed by Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis identified the transcription factor NRF2 as a regulator of differentially expressed proteins in the cervical cancer secretome. NRF2 levels were measured by both Western blot and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) in the total cell extract of the four cell lines. NRF2 was upregulated in SiHa and C33A compared to HCK1T. In conclusion, the secreted proteins identified in cervical cancer cell lines indicate that aberrant NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response (OSR) is a prominent feature of cervical carcinogenesis.

  14. Cervical Cancer Cell Line Secretome Highlights the Roles of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-Induced Protein ig-h3, Peroxiredoxin-2, and NRF2 on Cervical Carcinogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Zoidakis, Jerome; Makridakis, Manousos; Lygirou, Vasiliki; Mermelekas, George; Vougas, Konstantinos; Drakakis, Peter

    2017-01-01

    Cancer cells acquire unique secretome compositions that contribute to tumor development and metastasis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the biological processes involved in cervical cancer, by performing a proteomic analysis of the secretome from the following informative cervical cell lines: SiHa (HPV16+), HeLa (HPV18+), C33A (HPV−), and HCK1T (normal). Proteins were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis coupled to MALDI-TOF-MS. Enrichment of secreted proteins with characteristic profiles for each cell line was followed by the identification of differentially expressed proteins. Particularly, transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (Beta ig-h3) and peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) overexpression in the secretome of cancer cell lines was detected and confirmed by Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis identified the transcription factor NRF2 as a regulator of differentially expressed proteins in the cervical cancer secretome. NRF2 levels were measured by both Western blot and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) in the total cell extract of the four cell lines. NRF2 was upregulated in SiHa and C33A compared to HCK1T. In conclusion, the secreted proteins identified in cervical cancer cell lines indicate that aberrant NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response (OSR) is a prominent feature of cervical carcinogenesis. PMID:28261610

  15. Smad3 phosphoisoform-mediated signaling during sporadic human colorectal carcinogenesis.

    PubMed

    Matsuzaki, K

    2006-06-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling occurring during human colorectal carcinogenesis involves a shift in TGF-beta function, reducing the cytokine's antiproliferative effect, while increasing actions that promote invasion and metastasis. TGF-beta signaling involves phosphorylation of Smad3 at serine residues 208 and 213 in the linker region and serine residues 423 and 425 in the C-terminal region. Exogenous TGF-beta activates not only TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI) but also c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), changing unphosphorylated Smad3 to its phosphoisoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). Either pSmad3C or pSmad3L oligomerizes with Smad4, and translocates into nuclei. While the TbetaRI/pSmad3C pathway inhibits growth of normal epithelial cells in vivo, JNK/pSmad3L-mediated signaling promotes tumor cell invasion and extracellular matrix synthesis by activated mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, hepatocyte growth factor signaling interacts with TGF-beta to activate the JNK/pSmad3L pathway, accelerating nuclear transport of cytoplasmic pSmad3L. This reduces accessibility of unphosphorylated Smad3 to membrane-anchored TbetaRI, preventing Smad3C phosphorylation, pSmad3C-mediated transcription, and antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta on epithelial cells. As neoplasia progresses from normal colorectal epithelium through adenoma to invasive adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis, nuclear pSmad3L gradually increases while pSmad3C decreases. The shift from TbetaRI/pSmad3C-mediated to JNK/pSmad3L-mediated signaling is a major mechanism orchestrating a complex transition of TGF-beta signaling during sporadic human colorectal carcinogenesis. This review summarizes the recent understanding of Smad3 phosphoisoform-mediated signaling, particularly 'cross-talk' between Smad3 and JNK pathways that cooperatively promote oncogenic activities. Understanding of these actions should help to develop more effective therapy against human colorectal cancer, involving inhibition of JNK/pSmad3L pathway.

  16. Inhibin beta E is upregulated by drug-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress as a transcriptional target gene of ATF4

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Brüning, Ansgar, E-mail: ansgar.bruening@med.uni-muenchen.de; Matsingou, Christina; Brem, German Johannes

    2012-10-15

    Inhibins and activins are gonadal peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-β super family with important functions in the reproductive system. By contrast, the recently identified inhibin βE subunit, primarily expressed in liver cells, appears to exert functions unrelated to the reproductive system. Previously shown downregulation of inhibin βE in hepatoma cells and anti-proliferative effects of ectopic inhibin βE overexpression indicated growth-regulatory effects of inhibin βE. We observed a selective re-expression of the inhibin βE subunit in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells, MCF7 breast cancer cells, and HeLa cervical cancer cells under endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions induced by tunicamycin, thapsigargin, and nelfinavir.more » Analysis of XPB1 splicing and ATF4 activation revealed that inhibin βE re-expression was associated with induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress reaction by these drugs. Transfection of an ATF4 expression plasmid specifically induced inhibin βE expression in HeLa cells and indicates inhibin βE as a hitherto unidentified target gene of ATF4, a key transcription factor of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Therefore, the inhibin βE subunit defines not only a new player but also a possible new marker for drug-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. -- Highlights: ► Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces inhibin beta E expression. ► Inhibin beta E is regulated by the transcription factor ATF4. ► Inhibin beta E expression can be used as a marker for drug-induced ER stress.« less

  17. Interleukins 1alpha and 1beta secreted by some melanoma cell lines strongly reduce expression of MITF-M and melanocyte differentiation antigens.

    PubMed

    Kholmanskikh, Olga; van Baren, Nicolas; Brasseur, Francis; Ottaviani, Sabrina; Vanacker, Julie; Arts, Nathalie; van der Bruggen, Pierre; Coulie, Pierre; De Plaen, Etienne

    2010-10-01

    We report that melanoma cell lines expressing the interleukin-1 receptor exhibit 4- to 10-fold lower levels of mRNA of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF-M) when treated with interleukin-1beta. This effect is NF-kappaB and JNK-dependent. MITF-M regulates the expression of melanocyte differentiation genes such as MLANA, tyrosinase and gp100, which encode antigens recognized on melanoma cells by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. Accordingly, treating some melanoma cells with IL-1beta reduced by 40-100% their ability to activate such antimelanoma cytolytic T lymphocytes. Finally, we observed large amounts of biologically active IL-1alpha or IL-1beta secreted by two melanoma cell lines that did not express MITF-M, suggesting an autocrine MITF-M downregulation. We estimate that approximately 13% of melanoma cell lines are MITF-M-negative and secrete IL-1 cytokines. These results indicate that the repression of melanocyte-differentiation genes by IL-1 produced by stromal cells or by tumor cells themselves may represent an additional mechanism of melanoma immune escape.

  18. Transforming growth factor-beta1 mediates cellular response to DNA damage in situ

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ewan, Kenneth B.; Henshall-Powell, Rhonda L.; Ravani, Shraddha A.; Pajares, Maria Jose; Arteaga, Carlos; Warters, Ray; Akhurst, Rosemary J.; Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen

    2002-01-01

    Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 is rapidly activated after ionizing radiation, but its specific role in cellular responses to DNA damage is not known. Here we use Tgfbeta1 knockout mice to show that radiation-induced apoptotic response is TGF-beta1 dependent in the mammary epithelium, and that both apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in response to DNA damage decrease as a function of TGF-beta1 gene dose in embryonic epithelial tissues. Because apoptosis in these tissues has been shown previously to be p53 dependent, we then examined p53 protein activation. TGF-beta1 depletion, by either gene knockout or by using TGF-beta neutralizing antibodies, resulted in decreased p53 Ser-18 phosphorylation in irradiated mammary gland. These data indicate that TGF-beta1 is essential for rapid p53-mediated cellular responses that mediate cell fate decisions in situ.

  19. cGMP may have trophic effects on beta cell function comparable to those of cAMP, implying a role for high-dose biotin in prevention/treatment of diabetes.

    PubMed

    McCarty, Mark F

    2006-01-01

    Incretin hormones have trophic effects on beta cell function that can aid prevention and treatment of diabetes. cAMP is the primary mediator of these effects, and has been shown to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, promote proper beta cells differentiation by increasing expression of the crucial transcription factor PDX-1, and prevent beta cell apoptosis. cGMP's role in beta cell function has received far less scrutiny, but there is emerging evidence that it may have a trophic impact on beta cell function analogous to that of cAMP. An increase in plasma glucose boosts beta cell production of cGMP, which acts as a feed-forward mediator to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. cGMP also has an anti-apoptotic effect in beta cells, and there is now indirect evidence that it promotes expression of PDX-1. Supraphysiological concentrations of biotin can directly activate guanylate cyclase, and there is limited evidence that high intakes of this vitamin can be therapeutically beneficial in diabetics and in rodent models of diabetes. Beneficial effects of cGMP on muscle insulin sensitivity and on control of hepatic glucose output may contribute to biotin's utility in diabetes. The fact that nitric oxide/cGMP exert a range of favorable effects on vascular health should further encourage exploration of biotin's preventive and therapeutic potential. If an appropriate high-dose biotin regimen could achieve a modest systemic increase in guanylate cyclase activity, without entailing unacceptable side effects or risks, such a regimen might have considerable potential for promoting vascular health and preventing or managing diabetes.

  20. Methylation of insulin DNA in response to proinflammatory cytokines during the progression of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice.

    PubMed

    Rui, Jinxiu; Deng, Songyan; Lebastchi, Jasmin; Clark, Pamela L; Usmani-Brown, Sahar; Herold, Kevan C

    2016-05-01

    Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immunological destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Preclinical and clinical data indicate that there are changes in beta cell function at different stages of the disease, but the fate of beta cells has not been closely studied. We studied how immune factors affect the function and epigenetics of beta cells during disease progression and identified possible triggers of these changes. We studied FACS sorted beta cells and infiltrating lymphocytes from NOD mouse and human islets. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and methylation of the insulin genes was investigated by high-throughput and Sanger sequencing. To understand the role of DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a was knocked down with small interfering RNA (siRNA). The effects of cytokines on methylation and expression of the insulin gene were studied in humans and mice. During disease progression in NOD mice, there was an inverse relationship between the proportion of infiltrating lymphocytes and the beta cell mass. In beta cells, methylation marks in the Ins1 and Ins2 genes changed over time. Insulin gene expression appears to be most closely regulated by the methylation of Ins1 exon 2 and Ins2 exon 1. Cytokine transcription increased with age in NOD mice, and these cytokines could induce methylation marks in the insulin DNA by inducing methyltransferases. Similar changes were induced by cytokines in human beta cells in vitro. Epigenetic modification of DNA by methylation in response to immunological stressors may be a mechanism that affects insulin gene expression during the progression of type 1 diabetes.

  1. Generation of glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells from human embryonic stem cells by incorporating a synthetic lineage-control network.

    PubMed

    Saxena, Pratik; Bojar, Daniel; Zulewski, Henryk; Fussenegger, Martin

    2017-10-10

    We previously reported novel technology to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells by engineering a synthetic lineage-control network regulated by the licensed food additive vanillic acid. This genetic network was able to program intricate expression dynamics of the key transcription factors Ngn3 (neurogenin 3, OFF-ON-OFF), Pdx1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, ON-OFF-ON) and MafA (V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A, OFF-ON) to guide the differentiation of IPSC-derived pancreatic progenitor cells to beta-like cells. In the present study, we show for the first time that this network can also program the expression dynamics of Ngn3, Pdx1 and MafA in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived pancreatic progenitor cells and drive differentiation of these cells into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells. Therefore, synthetic lineage-control networks appear to be a robust methodology for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into somatic cell types for basic research and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in pancreatic beta cells during the compensatory islet hyperplasia in prediabetic mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Maschio, D. A.; Oliveira, R. B.; Santos, M. R.

    The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, also known as the canonical Wnt pathway, plays a role in cell proliferation and differentiation in several tissues/organs. It has been recently described in humans a relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and mutation in the gene encoding the transcription factor TCF7L2 associated to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the present study, we demonstrated that hyperplastic pancreatic islets from prediabetic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 d displayed nuclear translocation of active β-catenin associated with significant increases in protein content and gene expression of β-catenin as well as of cyclins D1, D2 and c-Myc (target genesmore » of the Wnt pathway) but not of Tcf7l2 (the transcription factor). Meanwhile, these alterations were not observed in pancreatic islets from 30 d HFD-fed mice, that do not display significant beta cell hyperplasia. These data suggest that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated in pancreatic islets during prediabetes and may play a role in the induction of the compensatory beta cell hyperplasia observed at early phase of T2DM. - Highlights: • Exposure to high-fat diet for 60 days induced prediabetes and beta cell mass expansion. • Hyperplastic pancreatic islets displayed nuclear translocation of active β-catenin. • Hyperplastic islets showed increased expression of target genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. • Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated during compensatory beta cell hyperplasia in mice.« less

  3. Microvascular pericytes express platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptors in human healing wounds and colorectal adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed Central

    Sundberg, C.; Ljungström, M.; Lindmark, G.; Gerdin, B.; Rubin, K.

    1993-01-01

    The expression of platelet-derived growth factor- beta (PDGF-beta) receptors in the microvasculature of human healing wounds and colorectal adenocarcinoma was investigated. Frozen sections were subjected to double immunofluorescence staining using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for pericytes (MAb 225.28 recognizing the high-molecular weight-melanoma-associated antigen, expressed by activated pericytes during angiogenesis), endothelial cells (MAb PAL-E), laminin, as well as PDGF-beta receptors (MAb PDGFR-B2) and its ligand PDGF-B chain (MAb PDGF 007). Stained sections were analyzed by computer-aided imaging processing that allowed for a numerical quantification of the degree of colocalization of the investigated antigens. An apparent background colocalization, varying between 23 and 35%, between markers for cells not expected to co-localize was recorded. This background could be due to limitations of camera resolution, to out-of-focus fluorescence, and to interdigitations of the investigated structures. In all six tumor specimens, co-localization of PDGF-beta receptors and PAL-E was not different from the background co-localization, whereas that of PDGF-beta receptors and high-molecular weight-melanoma-associated antigen was significantly higher with mean values between 57 and 71%. Qualitatively, the same pattern was obtained in the two investigated healing wounds. PDGF-B chain did not co-localize with either PAL-E or high-molecular weight-melanoma-associated antigen, but PDGF-B chain-expressing cells were, however, frequently found juxtaposed to the microvasculature. The expression of PDGF-beta receptors on pericytes in activated microvessels and the presence of PDGF-B chain-expressing cells in close proximity to the microvasculature of healing wounds and colorectal adenocarcinoma is compatible with a role for PDGF in the physiology of the microvasculature in these conditions. Images Figure 1 p1381-a Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:8238254

  4. Cell surface retention sequence binding protein-1 interacts with the v-sis gene product and platelet-derived growth factor beta-type receptor in simian sarcoma virus-transformed cells.

    PubMed

    Boensch, C; Huang, S S; Connolly, D T; Huang, J S

    1999-04-09

    The cell surface retention sequence (CRS) binding protein-1 (CRSBP-1) is a newly identified membrane glycoprotein which is hypothesized to be responsible for cell surface retention of the oncogene v-sis and c-sis gene products and other secretory proteins containing CRSs. In simian sarcoma virus-transformed NIH 3T3 cells (SSV-NIH 3T3 cells), a fraction of CRSBP-1 was demonstrated at the cell surface and underwent internalization/recycling as revealed by cell surface 125I labeling and its resistance/sensitivity to trypsin digestion. However, the majority of CRSBP-1 was localized in intracellular compartments as evidenced by the resistance of most of the 35S-metabolically labeled CRSBP-1 to trypsin digestion, and by indirect immunofluorescent staining. CRSBP-1 appeared to form complexes with proteolytically processed forms (generated at and/or after the trans-Golgi network) of the v-sis gene product and with a approximately 140-kDa proteolytically cleaved form of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-type receptor, as demonstrated by metabolic labeling and co-immunoprecipitation. CRSBP-1, like the v-sis gene product and PDGF beta-type receptor, underwent rapid turnover which was blocked in the presence of 100 microM suramin. In normal and other transformed NIH 3T3 cells, CRSBP-1 was relatively stable and did not undergo rapid turnover and internalization/recycling at the cell surface. These results suggest that in SSV-NIH 3T3 cells, CRSBP-1 interacts with and forms ternary and binary complexes with the newly synthesized v-sis gene product and PDGF beta-type receptor at the trans-Golgi network and that the stable binary (CRSBP-1.v-sis gene product) complex is transported to the cell surface where it presents the v-sis gene product to unoccupied PDGF beta-type receptors during internalization/recycling.

  5. Inflammatory stress of pancreatic beta cells drives release of extracellular heat-shock protein 90α.

    PubMed

    Ocaña, Gail J; Pérez, Liliana; Guindon, Lynette; Deffit, Sarah N; Evans-Molina, Carmella; Thurmond, Debbie C; Blum, Janice S

    2017-06-01

    A major obstacle in predicting and preventing the development of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) in at-risk individuals is the lack of well-established early biomarkers indicative of ongoing beta cell stress during the pre-clinical phase of disease. Recently, serum levels of the α cytoplasmic isoform of heat-shock protein 90 (hsp90) were shown to be elevated in individuals with new-onset T1D. We therefore hypothesized that hsp90α could be released from beta cells in response to cellular stress and inflammation associated with the earliest stages of T1D. Here, human beta cell lines and cadaveric islets released hsp90α in response to stress induced by treatment with a combination of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. Mechanistically, hsp90α release was found to be driven by cytokine-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a pathway that can eventually lead to beta cell apoptosis. Cytokine-induced beta cell hsp90α release and JNK activation were significantly reduced by pre-treating cells with the endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitigating chemical chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid. The hsp90α release by cells may therefore be a sensitive indicator of stress during inflammation and a useful tool in assessing therapeutic mitigation of cytokine-induced cell damage linked to autoimmunity. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Enhanced IL-1{beta}-induced IL-8 production in cystic fibrosis lung epithelial cells is dependent of both mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-{kappa}B signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Muselet-Charlier, Celine; Universite Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Paris, UMR-S719, F-75012; Roque, Telma

    2007-06-01

    Transcription nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) is hyperactivated in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung epithelial cells, and participates in exaggerated IL-8 production in the CF lung. We recently found that rapid activation of NF-{kappa}B occurred in a CF lung epithelial IB3-1 cell line (CF cells) upon IL-1{beta} stimulation, which was not observed in its CFTR-corrected lung epithelial S9 cell line (corrected cells). To test whether other signaling pathways such as that of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) could be involved in IL-1{beta}-induced IL-8 production of CF cells, we investigated ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAP signaling compared to NF-{kappa}B. Within 30 min, exposure to IL-1{beta} causedmore » high activation of NF-{kappa}B, ERK1/2, p38MAP but not JNK in CF cells compared to corrected cells. Treatment of IL-1{beta}-stimulated CF cells with a series of chemical inhibitors of NF-{kappa}B, ERK1/2, and p38MAP, when used separately, reduced slightly IL-8 production. However, when used together, these inhibitors caused a blockade in IL-1{beta}-induced IL-8 production in CF cells. Understanding of the cross-talk between NF-{kappa}B and MAPKs signaling in CF lung epithelial cells may help in developing new therapeutics to reduce lung inflammation in patients with CF.« less

  7. A virally inactivated functional growth factor preparation from human platelet concentrates.

    PubMed

    Su, C-Y; Kuo, Y P; Lin, Y C; Huang, C-T; Tseng, Y H; Burnouf, T

    2009-08-01

    Human platelet growth factors (HPGF) are essential for tissue regeneration and may replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell therapy. No method for the manufacture of standardized virally inactivated HPGF has been developed yet. Platelet concentrates (PC) were subjected to solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment (1% TnBP/1% Triton X-45), oil extraction, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and sterile filtration. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, -BB and -AA, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were measured by ELISA. Composition in proteins and lipids was determined, protein profiles were obtained by SDS-PAGE, and TnBP and Triton X-45 were assessed by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Cell growth promoting activity of HPGF was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay using human embryonic kidney (HEK293A) fibroblast and Statens Seruminstitute rabbit corneal (SIRC) epithelial cell lines. The GF preparation contained a mean of 16.66, 2.04, 1.53, 72.19, 0.33, 48.59 and 0.44 ng/ml of PDGF-AB, -BB, -AA, TGF-beta1, EGF, IGF-1 and VEGF, respectively. The protein profile was typical of platelet releasates and had less than 2 p.p.m. of residual S/D agents. MTS assay of HEK293A and SIRC cultures showed that the GF preparation at 10% and 0.1% (v/v), respectively, could successfully replace 10% FBS for cell proliferation. Cell-stimulating activity of HPGF on HEK293A was over twice that of PC releasates. STANDARDIZED and functional virally inactivated HPGF can be prepared from human PC for possible applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

  8. Induction of myofibroblastic differentiation in vitro by covalently immobilized transforming growth factor-beta(1).

    PubMed

    Metzger, Wolfgang; Grenner, Nadine; Motsch, Sandra E; Strehlow, Rothin; Pohlemann, Tim; Oberringer, Martin

    2007-11-01

    Growth factors are an important tool in tissue engineering. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) are used to provide bioactivity to surgical implants and tissue substitute materials. Mostly growth factors are used in soluble or adsorbed form. However, simple adsorption of proteins to surfaces is always accompanied by reduced stability and undefined pharmacokinetics. This study aims to prove that TGF-beta(1) can be covalently immobilized to functionalized surfaces, maintaining its ability to induce myofibroblastic differentiation of normal human dermal fibroblasts. In vivo, fibroblasts differentiate to myofibroblasts (MFs) during soft tissue healing by the action of TGF-beta(1). As surfaces for our experiments, we used slides bearing aldehyde, epoxy, or amino groups. For our in vitro cell culture experiments, we used the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin as a marker for MFs after immunochemical staining. Using the aldehyde and the epoxy slides, we were able to demonstrate the activity of immobilized TGF-beta(1) through a significant increase in MF differentiation rate. A simple immunological test was established to detect TGF-beta(1) on the surfaces. This technology enables the creation of molecular "landscapes" consisting of several factors arranged in a distinct spatial pattern and immobilized on appropriate surfaces.

  9. Induction of an angiogenic phenotype in endometriotic stromal cell cultures by interleukin-1beta.

    PubMed

    Lebovic, D I; Bentzien, F; Chao, V A; Garrett, E N; Meng, Y G; Taylor, R N

    2000-03-01

    Activated peritoneal macrophages are associated with endometriosis and may play a central role in its aetiology by releasing interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in response to refluxed endometrium. Pari passu with the establishment of endometriotic implants is the development of a vascular supply. In this study we investigated the angiogenic properties of two endometrial proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and assessed their production in response to IL-1beta stimulation in human stromal cells isolated from normal endometrium (NE) and endometriotic lesions (EI). Proliferation of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells (BBCE) with a [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation assay was observed when VEGF (2.1 +/- 0.2-fold; P < 0.05) or VEGF and IL-6 (1.8 +/- 0.1-fold; P < 0.05) were added in vitro, relative to saline-treated control cultures. Northern blot analysis showed induction of VEGF mRNA (2.6-fold; P < 0.05) and IL-6 mRNA (6.3-fold; P < 0.05) transcripts in EI cells, but not NE cells, exposed to IL-1beta. A similar induction was seen with VEGF and IL-6 protein secretion in the responsive EI cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1 RI) indicated that the differential effects of IL-1beta on NE and EI cells was associated with 2.4 +/- 0.1-fold more receptor mRNA in EI versus NE cells. We propose that the ability of IL-1beta to activate an angiogenic phenotype in EI stromal cells but not in NE cells, is mediated by the IL-1 RI.

  10. TNF-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, regulates CCN2 (CTGF), collagen type I, and proliferation in mesangial cells: possible roles in the progression of renal fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Cooker, Laurinda A; Peterson, Darryl; Rambow, Joann; Riser, Melisa L; Riser, Rebecca E; Najmabadi, Feridoon; Brigstock, David; Riser, Bruce L

    2007-07-01

    Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a profibrotic factor acting downstream and independently of TGF-beta to mediate renal fibrosis. Although inflammation is often involved in the initiation and/or progression of fibrosis, the role of inflammatory cytokines in regulation of glomerular CCN2 expression, cellular proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation is unknown. We studied two such cytokines, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, for their effects on cultured mesangial cells in the presence or absence of TGF-beta, as a model for progressive renal fibrosis. Short-term treatment with TNF-alpha, like TGF-beta, significantly increased secreted CCN2 per cell, but unlike TGF-beta inhibited cellular replication. TNF-alpha combined with TGF-beta further increased CCN2 secretion and mRNA levels and reduced proliferation. Surprisingly, however, TNF-alpha treatment decreased baseline collagen type I protein and mRNA levels and largely blocked their stimulation by TGF-beta. Long-term treatment with TGF-beta or TNF-alpha alone no longer increased CCN2 protein levels. However, the combination synergistically increased CCN2. IFN-gamma had no effect on either CCN2 or collagen activity and produced a mild inhibition of TGF-beta-induced collagen only at a high concentration (500 U/ml). In summary, we report a strong positive regulatory role for TNF-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, in CCN2 production and secretion, including that driven by TGF-beta. The stimulation of CCN2 release by TNF-alpha, unlike TGF-beta, is independent of cellular proliferation and not linked to increased collagen type I accumulation. This suggests that the paradigm of TGF-beta-driven CCN2 with subsequent collagen production may be overridden by an as yet undefined inhibitory mechanism acting either directly or indirectly on matrix metabolism.

  11. Hyperglycaemia attenuates in vivo reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine cells to beta cells in mice

    PubMed Central

    Cavelti-Weder, Claudia; Li, Weida; Zumsteg, Adrian; Stemann-Andersen, Marianne; Zhang, Yuemei; Yamada, Takatsugu; Wang, Max; Lu, Jiaqi; Jermendy, Agnes; Bee, Yong Mong; Bonner-Weir, Susan; Weir, Gordon C.; Zhou, Qiao

    2016-01-01

    Aims/hypothesis Reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine to insulin-producing cells by viral delivery of the genes encoding transcription factors neurogenin-3 (Ngn3), pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (Pdx1) and MafA is an efficient method for reversing diabetes in murine models. The variables that modulate reprogramming success are currently ill-defined. Methods Here, we assess the impact of glycaemia on in vivo reprogramming in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced beta cell ablation, using subsequent islet transplantation or insulin pellet implantation for creation of groups with differing levels of glycaemia before viral delivery of transcription factors. Results We observed that hyperglycaemia significantly impaired reprogramming of exocrine to insulin-producing cells in their quantity, differentiation status and function. With hyperglycaemia, the reprogramming of acinar towards beta cells was less complete. Moreover, inflammatory tissue changes within the exocrine pancreas including macrophage accumulation were found, which may represent the tissue’s response to clear the pancreas from insufficiently reprogrammed cells. Conclusions/interpretation Our findings shed light on normoglycaemia as a prerequisite for optimal reprogramming success in a diabetes model, which might be important in other tissue engineering approaches and disease models, potentially facilitating their translational applications. PMID:26693711

  12. Hyperglycaemia attenuates in vivo reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine cells to beta cells in mice.

    PubMed

    Cavelti-Weder, Claudia; Li, Weida; Zumsteg, Adrian; Stemann-Andersen, Marianne; Zhang, Yuemei; Yamada, Takatsugu; Wang, Max; Lu, Jiaqi; Jermendy, Agnes; Bee, Yong Mong; Bonner-Weir, Susan; Weir, Gordon C; Zhou, Qiao

    2016-03-01

    Reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine to insulin-producing cells by viral delivery of the genes encoding transcription factors neurogenin-3 (Ngn3), pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (Pdx1) and MafA is an efficient method for reversing diabetes in murine models. The variables that modulate reprogramming success are currently ill-defined. Here, we assess the impact of glycaemia on in vivo reprogramming in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced beta cell ablation, using subsequent islet transplantation or insulin pellet implantation for creation of groups with differing levels of glycaemia before viral delivery of transcription factors. We observed that hyperglycaemia significantly impaired reprogramming of exocrine to insulin-producing cells in their quantity, differentiation status and function. With hyperglycaemia, the reprogramming of acinar towards beta cells was less complete. Moreover, inflammatory tissue changes within the exocrine pancreas including macrophage accumulation were found, which may represent the tissue's response to clear the pancreas from insufficiently reprogrammed cells. Our findings shed light on normoglycaemia as a prerequisite for optimal reprogramming success in a diabetes model, which might be important in other tissue engineering approaches and disease models, potentially facilitating their translational applications.

  13. Are genetic variants in the platelet-derived growth factor [beta] gene associated with chronic pancreatitis?

    PubMed

    Muddana, Venkata; Park, James; Lamb, Janette; Yadav, Dhiraj; Papachristou, Georgios I; Hawes, Robert H; Brand, Randall; Slivka, Adam; Whitcomb, David C

    2010-11-01

    Platelet-derived growth factor [beta] (PDGF-[beta]) is a major signal in proliferation and matrix synthesis through activated pancreatic stellate cells, leading to fibrosis of the pancreas. Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) seems to predispose to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in some patients but not others. We tested the hypothesis that 2 known PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms are associated with progression from RAP to CP. We also tested the hypothesis that PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms in combination with environmental risk factors such as alcohol and smoking are associated with CP. Three hundred eighty-two patients with CP (n = 176) and RAP (n = 206) and 251 controls were evaluated. Platelet-derived growth factor [beta] polymorphisms +286 A/G (rs#1800818) seen in 5'-UTR and +1135 A/C (rs#1800817) in first intron were genotyped using single-nucleotide polymorphism polymerase chain reaction approach and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The genotypic frequencies for PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms in positions +286 and +1135 were found to be similar in controls and patients with RAP and CP. There was no difference in genotypic frequencies among RAP, CP, and controls in subjects in the alcohol and smoking subgroups. Known variations in the PDGF-[beta] gene do not have a significant effect on promoting or preventing fibrogenesis in pancreatitis. Further evaluation of this important pathway is warranted.

  14. TGF-beta inhibits IL-1beta-activated PAR-2 expression through multiple pathways in human primary synovial cells.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Shin-Han; Sheu, Ming-Thau; Liang, Yu-Chih; Cheng, Hsiu-Tan; Fang, Sheng-Shiung; Chen, Chien-Ho

    2009-10-23

    To investigate the mechanism how Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-beta) represses Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced Proteinase-Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) expression in human primary synovial cells (hPSCs). Human chondrocytes and hPSCs isolated from cartilages and synovium of Osteoarthritis (OA) patients were cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum media or serum free media before treatment with IL-1beta, TGF-beta1, or Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The expression of PAR-2 was detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Collagen zymography was performed to assess the activity of Matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13). It was demonstrated that IL-1beta induces PAR-2 expression via p38 pathway in hPSCs. This induction can be repressed by TGF-beta and was observed to persist for at least 48 hrs, suggesting that TGF-beta inhibits PAR-2 expression through multiple pathways. First of all, TGF-beta was able to inhibit PAR-2 activity by inhibiting IL-1beta-induced p38 signal transduction and secondly the inhibition was also indirectly due to MMP-13 inactivation. Finally, TGF-beta was able to induce CTGF, and in turn CTGF represses PAR-2 expression by inhibiting IL-1beta-induced phospho-p38 level. TGF-beta could prevent OA from progression with the anabolic ability to induce CTGF production to maintain extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity and to down regulate PAR-2 expression, and the anti-catabolic ability to induce Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) production to inhibit MMPs leading to avoid PAR-2 over-expression. Because IL-1beta-induced PAR-2 expressed in hPSCs might play a significantly important role in early phase of OA, PAR-2 repression by exogenous TGF-beta or other agents might be an ideal therapeutic target to prevent OA from progression.

  15. Platelet-derived growth factor-DD targeting arrests pathological angiogenesis by modulating glycogen synthase kinase-3beta phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Anil; Hou, Xu; Lee, Chunsik; Li, Yang; Maminishkis, Arvydas; Tang, Zhongshu; Zhang, Fan; Langer, Harald F; Arjunan, Pachiappan; Dong, Lijin; Wu, Zhijian; Zhu, Linda Y; Wang, Lianchun; Min, Wang; Colosi, Peter; Chavakis, Triantafyllos; Li, Xuri

    2010-05-14

    Platelet-derived growth factor-DD (PDGF-DD) is a recently discovered member of the PDGF family. The role of PDGF-DD in pathological angiogenesis and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, using different animal models, we showed that PDGF-DD expression was up-regulated during pathological angiogenesis, and inhibition of PDGF-DD suppressed both choroidal and retinal neovascularization. We also demonstrated a novel mechanism mediating the function of PDGF-DD. PDGF-DD induced glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) Ser(9) phosphorylation and Tyr(216) dephosphorylation in vitro and in vivo, leading to increased cell survival. Consistently, GSK3beta activity was required for the antiangiogenic effect of PDGF-DD targeting. Moreover, PDGF-DD regulated the expression of GSK3beta and many other genes important for angiogenesis and apoptosis. Thus, we identified PDGF-DD as an important target gene for antiangiogenic therapy due to its pleiotropic effects on vascular and non-vascular cells. PDGF-DD inhibition may offer new therapeutic options to treat neovascular diseases.

  16. Modulation of TGF-beta signaling during progression of chronic liver diseases.

    PubMed

    Matsuzaki, Koichi

    2009-01-01

    A large body of work has established roles for epithelial cells as important mediators of progressive fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and pro-inflammatory cytokines are important inducers of fibro-carcinogenesis. TGF-beta signaling involves phosphorylation of Smad3 at middle linker and/or C-terminal regions. Reversible shifting of Smad3-dependent signaling between tumor-suppression and oncogenesis in hyperactive Ras-expressing epithelial cells indicates that Smad3 phosphorylated at the C-terminal region (pSmad3C) transmits a tumor-suppressive TGF-beta signal, while oncogenic activities such as cell proliferation and invasion are promoted by Smad3 phosphorylated at the linker region (pSmad3L). Notably, pSmad3L-mediated signaling promotes extracellular matrix deposition by activated mesenchymal cells. During progression of chronic liver diseases, hepatic epithelial hepatocytes undergo transition from the tumor-suppressive pSmad3C pathway to the fibrogenic/oncogenic pSmad3L pathway, accelerating liver fibrosis and increasing risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. c-Jun N-terminal kinase activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines is mediating this perturbed hepatocytic TGF-beta signaling. Thus, TGF-beta signaling of hepatocytes affected by chronic inflammation offers a general framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of human fibro-carcinogenesis during progression of chronic liver diseases.

  17. Aggregation and lack of secretion of most newly synthesized proinsulin in non-beta-cell lines.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yong Lian; Abdo, Alexander; Gesmonde, Joan F; Zawalich, Kathleen C; Zawalich, Walter; Dannies, Priscilla S

    2004-08-01

    Myoblasts transfected with HB10D insulin secrete more hormone than those transfected with wild-type insulin, as published previously, indicating that production of wild-type insulin is not efficient in these cells. The ability of non-beta-cells to produce insulin was examined in several cell lines. In clones of neuroendocrine GH(4)C(1) cells stably transfected with proinsulin, two thirds of (35)S-proinsulin was degraded within 3 h of synthesis, whereas (35)S-prolactin was stable. In transiently transfected neuroendocrine AtT20 cells, half of (35)S-proinsulin was degraded within 3 h after synthesis, whereas (35)S-GH was stable. In transiently transfected fibroblast COS cells, (35)S-proinsulin was stable for longer, but less than 10% was secreted 8 h after synthesis. Proinsulin formed a concentrated patch detected by immunofluorescence in transfected cells that did not colocalize with calreticulin or BiP, markers for the endoplasmic reticulum, but did colocalize with membrin, a marker for the cis-medial Golgi complex. Proinsulin formed a Lubrol-insoluble aggregate within 30 min after synthesis in non-beta-cells but not in INS-1E cells, a beta-cell line that normally produces insulin. More than 45% of (35)S-HB10D proinsulin was secreted from COS cells 3 h after synthesis, and this mutant formed less Lubrol-insoluble aggregate in the cells than did wild-type hormone. These results indicate that proinsulin production from these non-beta-cells is not efficient and that proinsulin aggregates in their secretory pathways. Factors in the environment of the secretory pathway of beta-cells may prevent aggregation of proinsulin to allow efficient production.

  18. Effects of growth factors and glucosamine on porcine mandibular condylar cartilage cells and hyaline cartilage cells for tissue engineering applications.

    PubMed

    Wang, Limin; Detamore, Michael S

    2009-01-01

    Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar cartilage is a distinct cartilage that has both fibrocartilaginous and hyaline-like character, with a thin proliferative zone that separates the fibrocartilaginous fibrous zone at the surface from the hyaline-like mature and hypertrophic zones below. In this study, we compared the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), and glucosamine sulphate on porcine TMJ condylar cartilage and ankle cartilage cells in monolayer culture. In general, TMJ condylar cartilage cells proliferated faster than ankle cartilage cells, while ankle cells produced significantly greater amounts of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen than TMJ condylar cartilage cells. IGF-I and bFGF were potent stimulators of TMJ cell proliferation, while no signals statistically outperformed controls for ankle cell proliferation. IGF-I was the most effective signal for GAG production with ankle cells, and the most potent upregulator of collagen synthesis for both cell types. Glucosamine sulphate promoted cell proliferation and biosynthesis at specific concentrations and outperformed growth factors in certain instances. In conclusion, hyaline cartilage cells had lower cell numbers and superior biosynthesis compared to TMJ condylar cartilage cells, and we have found IGF-I at 100 ng/mL and glucosamine sulphate at 100 microg/mL to be the most effective signals for these cells under the prescribed conditions.

  19. miR-218 inhibits the invasive ability of glioma cells by direct downregulation of IKK-{beta}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Song, Libing, E-mail: lb.song1@gmail.com; Huang, Quan; Chen, Kun

    2010-11-05

    Research highlights: {yields} miR-218 is markedly downregulated in glioma cell lines and in primary glioma tissues. {yields} Upregulation of miR-218 dramatically reduces the invasive ability of glioma cells. {yields} Ectopic expression of miR-218 inactivates IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway. {yields} miR-218 directly targets the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of IKK-{beta}. -- Abstract: Aberrant activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-{kappa}B) pathway has been proven to play important roles in the development and progression of cancers. Activation of NF-{kappa}B via the classical pathway is modulated by I{kappa}Bs kinase (IKK-{beta}). However, the mechanism underlying the epigenetic regulation of IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B pathway remains largely unknown. In this study,more » we found that the expression level of miR-218 was markedly downregulated in glioma cell lines and in human primary glioma tissues. Upregulation of miR-218 dramatically reduced the migratory speed and invasive ability of glioma cells. Furthermore, we showed that ectopically expressing miR-218 in glioma cells resulted in downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and reduction in NF-{kappa}B transactivity at a transcriptional level, but inhibition of miR-218 enhanced the expression of MMP-9 and transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B. Moreover, we showed that miR-218 inactivated the NF-{kappa}B pathway through downregulating IKK-{beta} expression by directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of IKK-{beta}. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-218 plays an important role in preventing the invasiveness of glioma cells, and our results present a novel mechanism of miRNA-mediated direct suppression of IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B pathway in gliomas.« less

  20. [Neuron differential attachment purification and its influence factor].

    PubMed

    Li, Jun; Feng, Daxiong; Huang, Yize; Ye, Fei

    2010-02-01

    Neuron purification is essential to procedure of various nerve cell experimental research, however, at present there is few reports on the effect of various factors on neural axons during purification. To find out a simple method of neuron purification, and to investigate the influence factors of corresponding purification culture in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue culture on beta3-tubulin positive axon. The DRGs were obtained from the 3 days neonatal SD rat microscopically and were made into cell suspension. Then, the amount of attached DRG neurons and nonneuronal cells in poly-D-lysine (PDL) group, PDL/Laminin (PDL/LN) group and collagen-I (Col I) group was observed from 10 to 100 minutes. Then, the extension and arborization of beta3-tubulin positive axons were observed after 72 hours completely randomised DRG tissue culture for the research of the influences among culture substrates (PDL, PDL/LN, and Col I), FBS (0, 5%, and 10%), 5 fluorouracil (5-Fu, 0, 20, and 40 micromol/L), and cytarabine (Ara-C, 0, 10, and 20 micromol/L). Adherent cells were observed instantly after inoculation by inverted phase contrast microscope and inverted fluorescence microscope; after cell suspension was removed, adherent growth of DRGn cells and non-DRGn cells were still seen. In PDL group, the amount of NSE negative cells was significantly higher than that of NSE positive cells at 10 and 30 minutes (P < 0.05); the amount of NSE positive cells was significantly higher than that of NSE negative cells at 80, 90 and 100 minutes (P < 0.05). In PDL/LN group, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the amount of NSE negative cells and NSE positive cells at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes; the amount of NSE positive cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of NSE negative cells at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 minutes. In Col I group, the amount of NSE negative cells was higher than that of NSE positive cells at 10-40 minutes, but showing no significant difference (P > 0.05); the amount of NSE positive cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of NSE negative cells at 70-100 minutes. At 72 hours after DRG tissue culture, the best result of beta3-tubulin positive axon extension and arborization was obtained when the substrate level was PDL/LN, and the average length of PDL/LN level was significantly larger than that of other two substrates (P < 0.05). The highest number of beta3-tubulin positive axon distal end was obtained at 5% concentration level of FBS (P < 0.05), but showing no significant differences in beta3-tubulin positive axon length among three levels (P > 0.05). Both the most of beta3-tubulin positive axon distal ends and the longest beta3-tubulin positive axon average length were obtained at 0 micromol/L concentration level of 5-Fu, showing significant differences between 0 micromol/L level and 20, 40 micromol/L levels (P < 0.05). A similar result of 33-tubulin positive axon distal end was got at the 0 micromol/L level and 10 micromol/L level of Ara-C, which was significantly higher than that of 20 micromol/L level (P < 0.05). A purified DRG neuron suspension for neuron culture could be obtained via PDL differential attachment for 30 minutes. When DRG neuron culture, neuron special medium, PDL/LN substrate and 10 micromol/L Ara-C are recommended in beta3-tubulin positive axon research.

  1. Methylglyoxal induces oxidative stress-dependent cell injury and up-regulation of interleukin-1beta and nerve growth factor in cultured hippocampal neuronal cells.

    PubMed

    Di Loreto, Silvia; Caracciolo, Valentina; Colafarina, Sabrina; Sebastiani, Pierluigi; Gasbarri, Antonella; Amicarelli, Fernanda

    2004-05-01

    Methylglyoxal (MG) is one of the most powerful glycating agents of proteins and other important cellular components and has been shown to be toxic to cultured cells. Under hyperglycaemic conditions, an increase in the concentration of MG has been observed in human body fluids and tissues that seems to be responsible for diabetic complications. Recent data suggest that diabetes may cause impairment of cognitive processes, according to a mechanism involving both oxidative stress and advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation. In this work, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying MG toxicity in neural cells, by investigating the effect of MG on both the interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), as the major inducer of the acute phase response, and the nervous growth factor (NGF) expression. Experiments were performed on cultured neural cells from rat hippocampus, being this brain region mostly involved in cognitive processes and, therefore, possible target of diabetes-mediated impairment of cognitive abilities. Results show that MG treatment causes in hippocampal neural cells extensive, oxidative stress-mediated cell death, in consequence of a strong catalase enzymatic activity and protein inhibition. MG also causes a very significant increase in both transcript and protein expression of the NGF as well as of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. MG co-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) completely abrogates the observed effects. Taken together, these data demonstrate that hippocampal neurons are strongly susceptible to MG-mediated oxidative stress.

  2. CD86 and beta2-adrenergic receptor signaling pathways, respectively, increase Oct-2 and OCA-B Expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in B cells.

    PubMed

    Podojil, Joseph R; Kin, Nicholas W; Sanders, Virginia M

    2004-05-28

    Stimulation of CD86 (formerly known as B7-2) and/or the beta2-adrenergic receptor on a CD40 ligand/interleukin-4-activated B cell increased the rate of mature IgG1 transcription. To identify the mechanism responsible for this effect, we determined whether CD86 and/or beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation regulated transcription factor expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in vitro and in vivo. We showed that CD86 stimulation increased the nuclear localization of NF-kappaB1 (p50) and phosphorylated RelA (p65) and increased Oct-2 expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer, in a protein kinase C-dependent manner. These effects were lost when CD86-deficient or NF-kappaB1-deficient B cells were used. CD86 stimulation also increased the level of IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation but in a protein kinase C-independent manner. Beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation increased CREB phosphorylation, OCA-B expression, and OCA-B binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in a protein kinase A-dependent manner, an effect lost when beta2-adrenergic receptor-deficient B cells were used. Also, the beta2-adrenergic receptor-induced increase in the level of mature IgG1 transcript was lost when OCA-B-deficient B cells were used. These data are the first to show that CD86 stimulation up-regulates the expression of the transcription factor Oct-2 in a protein kinase C- and NF-kappaB1-dependent manner, and that beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation up-regulates the expression of the coactivator OCA-B in a protein kinase A-dependent manner to cooperate with Oct-2 binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer.

  3. Transglutaminase 2 is needed for the formation of an efficient phagocyte portal in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells.

    PubMed

    Tóth, Beáta; Garabuczi, Eva; Sarang, Zsolt; Vereb, György; Vámosi, György; Aeschlimann, Daniel; Blaskó, Bernadett; Bécsi, Bálint; Erdõdi, Ferenc; Lacy-Hulbert, Adam; Zhang, Ailiang; Falasca, Laura; Birge, Raymond B; Balajthy, Zoltán; Melino, Gerry; Fésüs, László; Szondy, Zsuzsa

    2009-02-15

    Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a protein cross-linking enzyme with many additional biological functions, acts as coreceptor for integrin beta(3). We have previously shown that TG2(-/-) mice develop an age-dependent autoimmunity due to defective in vivo clearance of apoptotic cells. Here we report that TG2 on the cell surface and in guanine nucleotide-bound form promotes phagocytosis. Besides being a binding partner for integrin beta(3), a receptor known to mediate the uptake of apoptotic cells via activating Rac1, we also show that TG2 binds MFG-E8 (milk fat globulin EGF factor 8), a protein known to bridge integrin beta(3) to apoptotic cells. Finally, we report that in wild-type macrophages one or two engulfing portals are formed during phagocytosis of apoptotic cells that are characterized by accumulation of integrin beta(3) and Rac1. In the absence of TG2, integrin beta(3) cannot properly recognize the apoptotic cells, is not accumulated in the phagocytic cup, and its signaling is impaired. As a result, the formation of the engulfing portals, as well as the portals formed, is much less efficient. We propose that TG2 has a novel function to stabilize efficient phagocytic portals.

  4. alpha1B-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization induced by transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed Central

    Romero-Avila, M Teresa; Flores-Jasso, C Fabián; García-Sáinz, J Adolfo

    2002-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induced alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation in Rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing these adrenoceptors. This effect of TGF-beta was rapid, reaching a maximum within 30 min and decreasing thereafter, and concentration-dependent (EC(50) 0.3 pM). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, and the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine, Ro 318220 and bisindolylmaleimide, blocked the effect of this growth factor. alpha(1B)-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation was associated with desensitization, as indicated by a reduction in the adrenergic-mediated production of [(3)H]inositol phosphates. Phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors by TGF-beta was also observed in Cos-1 cells transfected with the receptor. Co-transfection of the dominant-negative mutant of the regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Deltap85) inhibited the phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors induced by TGF-beta. Our results indicate that activation of TGF-beta receptors induces alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization. The data suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C play key roles in this effect of TGF-beta. PMID:12234252

  5. alpha1B-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization induced by transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed

    Romero-Avila, M Teresa; Flores-Jasso, C Fabián; García-Sáinz, J Adolfo

    2002-12-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induced alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation in Rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing these adrenoceptors. This effect of TGF-beta was rapid, reaching a maximum within 30 min and decreasing thereafter, and concentration-dependent (EC(50) 0.3 pM). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, and the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine, Ro 318220 and bisindolylmaleimide, blocked the effect of this growth factor. alpha(1B)-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation was associated with desensitization, as indicated by a reduction in the adrenergic-mediated production of [(3)H]inositol phosphates. Phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors by TGF-beta was also observed in Cos-1 cells transfected with the receptor. Co-transfection of the dominant-negative mutant of the regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Deltap85) inhibited the phosphorylation of alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors induced by TGF-beta. Our results indicate that activation of TGF-beta receptors induces alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and desensitization. The data suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C play key roles in this effect of TGF-beta.

  6. Inhibition of liver fibrosis by solubilized coenzyme Q10: Role of Nrf2 activation in inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta1 expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choi, Hoo-Kyun; Pokharel, Yuba Raj; Lim, Sung Chul

    2009-11-01

    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an endogenous antioxidant, is important in oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. It has anti-diabetic and anti-cardiovascular disease effects, but its ability to protect against liver fibrosis has not been studied. Here, we assessed the ability of solubilized CoQ10 to improve dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrogenesis in mice. DMN treatments for 3 weeks produced a marked liver fibrosis as assessed by histopathological examination and tissue 4-hydroxyproline content. Solubilized CoQ10 (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited both the increases in fibrosis score and 4-hydroxyproline content induced by DMN. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed that solubilized CoQ10 inhibitedmore » increases in the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) protein by DMN. Interestingly, hepatic glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) and glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) were up-regulated in mice treated with CoQ10. Solubilized CoQ10 also up-regulated antioxidant enzymes such as catalytic subunits of GCL and GSTA2 via activating NF-E2 related factor2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) in H4IIE hepatoma cells. Moreover, CoQ10's inhibition of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 expressions disappeared in Nrf2-null MEF cells. In contrast, Nrf2 overexpression significantly decreased the basal expression levels of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 in Nrf2-null MEF cells. These results demonstrated that solubilized CoQ10 inhibited DMN-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of TGF-beta1 expression via Nrf2/ARE activation.« less

  7. Opposite Smad and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor inputs in the regulation of the collagen VII gene promoter by transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed

    Calonge, María Julia; Seoane, Joan; Massagué, Joan

    2004-05-28

    A critical component of the epidermal basement membrane, collagen type VII, is produced by keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and its production is stimulated by the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The gene, COL7A1, is activated by TGF-beta via Smad transcription factors in cooperation with AP1. Here we report a previously unsuspected level of complexity in this regulatory process. We provide evidence that TGF-beta may activate the COL7A1 promoter by two distinct inputs operating through a common region of the promoter. One input is provided by TGF-beta-induced Smad complexes via two Smad binding elements that function redundantly depending on the cell type. The second input is provided by relieving the COL7A1 promoter from chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP-TF)-mediated transcriptional repression. We identified COUP-TFI and -TFII as factors that bind to the TGF-beta-responsive region of the COL7A1 promoter in an expression library screening. COUP-TFs bind to a site between the two Smad binding elements independently of Smad or AP1 and repress the basal and TGF-beta-stimulated activities of this promoter. We provide evidence that endogenous COUP-TF activity represses the COL7A1 promoter. Furthermore, we show that TGF-beta addition causes a rapid and profound down-regulation of COUP-TF expression in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The results suggest that TGF-beta signaling may exert tight control over COL7A1 by offsetting the balance between opposing Smad and COUP-TFs.

  8. GSK-3beta inhibition enhances sorafenib-induced apoptosis in melanoma cell lines.

    PubMed

    Panka, David J; Cho, Daniel C; Atkins, Michael B; Mier, James W

    2008-01-11

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) can participate in the induction of apoptosis or, alternatively, provide a survival signal that minimizes cellular injury. We previously demonstrated that the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib induces apoptosis in melanoma cell lines. In this report, we show that sorafenib activates GSK-3beta in multiple subcellular compartments and that this activation undermines the lethality of the drug. Pharmacologic inhibition and/or down-modulation of the kinase enhances sorafenib-induced apoptosis as determined by propidium iodide staining and by assessing the mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor and Smac/DIABLO. Conversely, the forced expression of a constitutively active form of the enzyme (GSK-3beta(S9A)) protects the cells from the apoptotic effects of the drug. This protective effect is associated with a marked increase in basal levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), and survivin and a diminution in the degree to which these anti-apoptotic proteins are down-modulated by sorafenib exposure. Sorafenib down-modulates the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Noxa in cells with high constitutive GSK-3beta activity. Pharmacologic inhibition of GSK-3beta prevents the disappearance of Noxa induced by sorafenib and enhances the down-modulation of Mcl-1. Down-modulation of Noxa largely eliminates the enhancing effect of GSK-3 inhibition on sorafenib-induced apoptosis. These data provide a strong rationale for the use of GSK-3beta inhibitors as adjuncts to sorafenib treatment and suggest that preservation of Noxa may contribute to their efficacy.

  9. MafK/NF-E2 p18 is required for beta-globin genes activation by mediating the proximity of LCR and active beta-globin genes in MEL cell line.

    PubMed

    Du, Mei-Jun; Lv, Xiang; Hao, De-Long; Zhao, Guo-Wei; Wu, Xue-Song; Wu, Feng; Liu, De-Pei; Liang, Chih-Chuan

    2008-01-01

    Evidences indicate that locus control region (LCR) of beta-globin spatially closes to the downstream active gene promoter to mediate the transcriptional activation by looping. DNA binding proteins may play an important role in the looping formation. NF-E2 is one of the key transcription factors in beta-globin gene transcriptional activation. To shed light on whether NF-E2 is involved in this process, DS19MafKsiRNA cell pools were established by specifically knocked down the expression of MafK/NF-E2 p18, one subunit of NF-E2 heterodimer. In the above cell pools, it was observed that the occupancy efficiency of NF-E2 on beta-globin gene locus and the expression level of beta-globin genes were decreased. H3 acetylation, H3-K4 methylation and the deposition of RNA polymerase II, but not the recruitment of GATA-1, were also found reduced at the beta-globin gene cluster. Chromosome Conformation Capture (3C) assay showed that the cross-linking frequency between the main NF-E2 binding site HS2 and downstream structural genes was reduced compared to the normal cell. This result demonstrated that MafK/NF-E2 p18 recruitment was involved in the physical proximity of LCR and active beta-globin genes upon beta-globin gene transcriptional activation.

  10. PPARdelta inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via up-regulation of IL-1Ra.

    PubMed

    Kim, H J; Kim, M Y; Hwang, J S; Kim, H J; Lee, J H; Chang, K C; Kim, J-H; Han, C W; Kim, J-H; Seo, H G

    2010-06-01

    Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta by GW501516, a specific PPARdelta ligand, significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This effect of GW501516 was dependent on transforming growth factor-beta, and was mediated through the up-regulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist. The inhibitory effect of GW501516 on VSMC proliferation was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G1 to S phase transition, which was accompanied by the induction of p21 and p53 along with decreased cyclin-dependent kinase 4 expression. Inhibition of cell migration by GW501516 was associated with the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in IL-1beta-treated VSMCs. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase significantly reduced the GW501516-mediated inhibition of IL-1beta-stimulated VSMC proliferation. These results suggest that PPARdelta plays an important role in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.

  11. Characterization of a Commercial Silicon Beta Cell

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Foxe, Michael P.; Hayes, James C.; Mayer, Michael F.

    Silicon detectors are of interest for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to their enhanced energy resolution compared to plastic scintillators beta cells. Previous work developing a figure-of-merit (FOM) for comparison of beta cells suggests that the minimum detectable activity (MDA) could be reduced by a factor of two to three with the use of silicon detectors. Silicon beta cells have been developed by CEA (France) and Lares Ltd. (Russia), with the PIPSBox developed by CEA being commercially available from Canberra for approximately $35k, but there is still uncertainty about the reproducibility of the capabilities in themore » field. PNNL is developing a high-resolution beta-gamma detector system in the shallow underground laboratory, which will utilize and characterize the operation of the PIPSBox detector. Throughout this report, we examine the capabilities of the PIPSBox as developed by CEA. The lessons learned through the testing and use of the PIPSBox will allow PNNL to strategically develop a silicon detector optimized to better suit the communities needs in the future.« less

  12. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kosicek, Marko, E-mail: marko.kosicek@irb.hr; Malnar, Martina, E-mail: martina.malnar@irb.hr; Goate, Alison, E-mail: goate@icarus.wustl.edu

    It has been suggested that cholesterol may modulate amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) formation, a causative factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD), by regulating distribution of the three key proteins in the pathogenesis of AD ({beta}-amyloid precursor protein (APP), {beta}-secretase (BACE1) and/or presenilin 1 (PS1)) within lipid rafts. In this work we tested whether cholesterol accumulation upon NPC1 dysfunction, which causes Niemann Pick type C disease (NPC), causes increased partitioning of APP into lipid rafts leading to increased CTF/A{beta} formation in these cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains. To test this we used CHO NPC1{sup -/-} cells (NPC cells) and parental CHOwt cells. By sucrose density gradientmore » centrifugation we observed a shift in fl-APP/CTF compartmentalization into lipid raft fractions upon cholesterol accumulation in NPC vs. wt cells. Furthermore, {gamma}-secretase inhibitor treatment significantly increased fl-APP/CTF distribution in raft fractions in NPC vs. wt cells, suggesting that upon cholesterol accumulation in NPC1-null cells increased formation of APP-CTF and its increased processing towards A{beta} occurs in lipid rafts. Our results support that cholesterol overload, such as in NPC disease, leads to increased partitioning of APP/CTF into lipid rafts resulting in increased amyloidogenic processing of APP in these cholesterol-rich membranes. This work adds to the mechanism of the cholesterol-effect on APP processing and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and supports the role of lipid rafts in these processes.« less

  13. The bovine papillomavirus E5 protein requires a juxtamembrane negative charge for activation of the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor and transformation of C127 cells.

    PubMed

    Klein, O; Kegler-Ebo, D; Su, J; Smith, S; DiMaio, D

    1999-04-01

    The bovine papillomavirus E5 gene encodes a 44-amino-acid, homodimeric transmembrane protein that is the smallest known transforming protein. The E5 protein transforms cultured fibroblasts by forming a stable complex with the endogenous platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor through transmembrane and juxtamembrane interactions, leading to sustained receptor activation. Aspartic acid 33 in the extracellular juxtamembrane region of the E5 protein is important for cell transformation and interaction with the PDGF beta receptor. A. N. Meyer et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 91:4634-4638, 1994) speculated that this residue interacted with lysine 499 on the receptor. We constructed E5 mutants containing all possible substitutions at position 33, as well as several double mutants containing substitutions at aspartic acid 33 and at glutamic acid 36, and we examined the ability of these mutants to transform C127 mouse fibroblasts and to bind to and induce activation of the PDGF beta receptor. There was an excellent correlation between the transformation activities of the various mutants and their ability to bind to and activate the PDGF beta receptor. Analysis of the mutants demonstrated that a juxtamembrane negative charge on the E5 protein was required for cell transformation and for productive interaction with the PDGF beta receptor and indicated that aspartic acid 33 was more important for these activities than was glutamic acid 36. These results are consistent with the existence of an essential juxtamembrane salt bridge between lysine 499 on the PDGF beta receptor and an acidic residue in the C terminus of the E5 protein and lend support to our proposed model for the complex between the E5 dimer and the PDGF beta receptor.

  14. Thalidomide suppressed IL-1beta while enhancing TNF-alpha and IL-10, when cells in whole blood were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed

    Shannon, Edward; Noveck, Robert; Sandoval, Felipe; Kamath, Burde

    2008-01-01

    Thalidomide is used to treat erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). The events that precipitate this inflammatory reaction, which may occur in multibacillary leprosy patients, and the mechanism by which thalidomide arrest ENL, are not known. Thalidomide's ability to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in vitro has been proposed as a partial explanation of its effective treatment of ENL. In in vitro assays, thalidomide can enhance or suppress TNF-alpha. This is dependent on the stimulant used to evoke TNF-alpha; the procedure used to isolate the mononuclear cells from blood, and the predominant mononuclear cell type in the culture. To avoid artifacts that may occur during isolation of mononuclear cells from blood, we stimulated normal human blood with LPS and evaluated the effect of thalidomide and dexamethasone on TNF-alpha, and other inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers. Thalidomide suppressed interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) (p = 0.007), and it enhanced TNF-alpha (p = 0.007) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) (p = 0.031). Dexamethasone enhanced IL-10 (p = 0.013) and suppressed IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) (p = 0.013). The two drugs did not suppress: C-reactive protein (CRP), Ig-superfamily cell-adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM 1), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), or amyloid A. In vitro and in vivo evidence is accumulating that TNF-alpha is not the primary cytokine targeted by thalidomide in ENL and other inflammatory conditions.

  15. [The modern approach to wound treatment].

    PubMed

    Komarcević, A

    2000-01-01

    Wound healing is a complex process involving interactions among a variety of different cell types. The normal wound repair process consists of three phases--inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling that occur in a predictable series of cellular and biochemical events. Wounds are classified according to various criteria: etiology, lasting, morphological characteristics, communications with solid or hollow organs, the degree of contamination. In the last few years many authors use the Color Code Concept, which classifies wounds as red, yellow and black wounds. This paper presents conventional methods of local wound treatment (mechanical cleansing, disinfection with antiseptic solutions, wound debridement--surgical, biological and autolytic; wound closure, topical antibiotic treatment, dressing), as well as general measures (sedation, antitetanous and antibiotic protection, preoperative evaluation and correction of malnutrition, vasoconstriction, hyperglycemia and steroid use, appropriate surgical technique, and postoperative prevention of vasoconstriction through pain relief, warming and adequate volume resuscitation). Growth factors play a role in cell division, migration, differentiation, protein expression, enzyme production and have a potential ability to heal wounds by stimulating angiogenesis and cellular proliferation, affecting the production and the degradation of the extracellular matrix, and by being chemotactic for inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. There are seven major families of growth factors: epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukins (ILs), and colony-stimulating factor (CSF). Acute wounds contain many growth factors that play a crucial role in the initial phases of wound healing. The events of early wound healing reflect a finely balanced environment leading to uncomplicated and rapid wound healing. Chronic wounds, for many reasons, have lost this fine balance. Multiple studies have evaluated the effect that exogenously applied growth factors have on the healing of chronic wounds. In the study conducted by Knighton and colleagues, topical application of mixture of various growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta, PDAF, PF4, PDEGF) demonstrated increased wound healing over controls. Brown and associates demonstrated a decrease in skin graft donor site healing time of 1 day using topically applied EGF. Herndon and ass. used systemic growth hormone in burned children and reduction in healing time made a significant clinical difference by allowing earlier wound coverage and decreasing the duration of hospitalization. The TGF family of growth factors is believed to be primarily responsible for excessive scar formation, especially the beta 1 and beta 2 isoforms. TGF-beta 3 isoform has recently been described and may have an inhibitory function on scar formation by being a natural antagonist to the TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 isoforms. Cytokines, especially interferon-alpha (INF-alpha), INF-alpha, and INF-alpha 2b, may also reduce scar formation. These cytokines decrease the proliferation rate of fibroblasts and reduce the rate of collagen and fibronectin synthesis by reducing the production of mRNA. Expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and heat shock proteins (HSP) have an important role in wound healing, as well as trace elements (zinc, copper, manganese). Applications of some drugs (antioxidants--asiaticoside, vitamin E and ascorbic acid; calcium D-pantothenate, exogenous fibronectin; antileprosy drugs--oil of hydnocarpus; alcoholic extract of yeast) accelerate wound healing. Thymic peptide thymosin beta 4 (T beta 4R) topically applicated, increases collagen deposition and angiogenesis and stimulates keratinocyte migration. Thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1R), peptide isolated from the thymus, is a potent chemoattractant which accelerates angiogenesis and wound healing. On the contrary, steroid drugs, hemorrhage and denervation of wounds have negative effect on the healing process.

  16. Disruption of transforming growth factor-beta signaling by curcumin induces gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in rat hepatic stellate cells.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Shizhong; Chen, Anping

    2007-01-01

    Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the major effectors of hepatic fibrogenesis, is coupled with sequential alterations in gene expression, including an increase in receptors for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and a dramatic reduction in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). The relationship between them remains obscure. We previously demonstrated that curcumin induced gene expression of PPAR-gamma in activated HSC, leading to reducing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and suppressing expression of extracellular matrix genes. The underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. We recently observed that stimulation of PPAR-gamma activation suppressed gene expression of TGF-beta receptors in activated HSC, leading to the interruption of TGF-beta signaling. This observation supported our assumption of an antagonistic relationship between PPAR-gamma activation and TGF-beta signaling in HSC. In this study, we further hypothesize that TGF-beta signaling might negatively regulate gene expression of PPAR-gamma in activated HSC. The present report demonstrates that exogenous TGF-beta1 inhibits gene expression of PPAR-gamma in activated HSC, which is eliminated by the pretreatment with curcumin likely by interrupting TGF-beta signaling. Transfection assays further indicate that blocking TGF-beta signaling by dominant negative type II TGF-beta receptor increases the promoter activity of PPAR-gamma gene. Promoter deletion assays, site-directed mutageneses, and gel shift assays localize two Smad binding elements (SBEs) in the PPAR-gamma gene promoter, acting as curcumin response elements and negatively regulating the promoter activity in passaged HSC. The Smad3/4 protein complex specifically binds to the SBEs. Overexpression of Smad4 dose dependently eliminates the inhibitory effects of curcumin on the PPAR-gamma gene promoter and TGF-beta signaling. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the interruption of TGF-beta signaling by curcumin induces gene expression of PPAR-gamma in activated HSC in vitro. Our studies provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in the induction of PPAR-gamma gene expression and in the inhibition of HSC activation.

  17. New insights into the dual role of TGF-beta | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The dual role of TGF-beta in cancer continues to challenge investigators in the field. TGF-beta is a well-known factor associated with tumor suppression in normal cells and yet promotes tumor progression in advanced stages of cancer. For years, the mechanisms that underpin this conundrum have not been fully understood. Ying Zhang, Ph.D., senior investigator in the Laboratory

  18. GLUT-1 overexpression: Link between hemodynamic and metabolic factors in glomerular injury?

    PubMed

    Gnudi, Luigi; Viberti, GianCarlo; Raij, Leopoldo; Rodriguez, Veronica; Burt, Davina; Cortes, Pedro; Hartley, Barry; Thomas, Stephen; Maestrini, Sabrina; Gruden, Gabriella

    2003-07-01

    Mesangial matrix deposition is the hallmark of hypertensive and diabetic glomerulopathy. At similar levels of systemic hypertension, Dahl salt-sensitive but not spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop glomerular hypertension, which is accompanied by upregulation of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), mesangial matrix expansion, and sclerosis. GLUT-1 is ubiquitously expressed and is the predominant glucose transporter in mesangial cells. In mesangial cells in vitro, GLUT-1 overexpression increases basal glucose transport, resulting in excess fibronectin and collagen production. TGF-beta1 has been shown to upregulate GLUT-1 expression. We demonstrated that in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats fed 4% NaCl (systolic blood pressure [SBP]: 236+/-9 mm Hg), but not in similarly hypertensive SHR (SBP: 230+/-10 mm Hg) or their normotensive counterparts (Dahl S fed 0.5% NaCl, SBP: 145+/-5 mm Hg; and Wistar-Kyoto, SBP: 137+/-3 mm Hg), there was an 80% upregulation of glomerular GLUT-1 protein expression (P< or =0.03). This was accompanied by a 2.7-fold upregulation of TGF-beta1 protein expression in glomeruli of DSH compared with DSN rats (P=0.02). TGF-beta1 expression was not upregulated and did not differ in the glomeruli of Wistar-Kyoto and SHR rats. As an in vitro surrogate of the in vivo hemodynamic stress imposed by glomerular hypertension, we used mechanical stretching of human and rat mesangial cells. We found that after 33 hours of stretching, mesangial cells overexpressed GLUT-1 (40%) and showed an increase in basal glucose transport of similar magnitude (both P< or =0.01), which could be blocked with an anti TGF-beta1-neutralizing antibody. These studies suggest a novel link between hemodynamic and metabolic factors that may cooperate in inducing progressive glomerular injury in conditions characterized by glomerular hypertension.

  19. Osteoblast gene expression is differentially regulated by TGF-beta isoforms.

    PubMed

    Fagenholz, P J; Warren, S M; Greenwald, J A; Bouletreau, P J; Spector, J A; Crisera, F E; Longaker, M T

    2001-03-01

    The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily encompasses a number of important growth factors including several TGF-beta isoforms, the bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, inhibins, and growth and differentiation factors. TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3 are three closely related isoforms that are widely expressed during skeletal morphogenesis and bone repair. Numerous studies suggest that each isoform has unique in vivo functions; however, the effects of these TGF-beta isoforms on osteoblast gene expression and maturation have never been directly compared. In the current study, we treated undifferentiated neonatal rat calvaria osteoblast-enriched cell cultures with 2.5 ng/ml of each TGF-beta isoform and analyzed gene expression at 0, 3, 6, and 24 hours. We demonstrated unique isoform-specific regulation of endogenous TGF-beta 1 and type I collagen mRNA transcription. To assess the effects of extended TGF-beta treatment on osteoblast maturation, we differentiated osteoblast cultures in the presence of 2.5 ng/ml of each TGF-beta isoform. Analysis of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin demonstrated that each TGF-beta isoform uniquely suppressed the transcription of these osteoblast differentiation markers. Interestingly, TGF-beta isoform treatment increased osteopontin expression in primary osteoblasts after 4 and 10 days of differentiation. To our knowledge, these data provide the first direct comparison of the effects of the TGF-beta isoforms on osteoblast gene expression in vitro. Furthermore, these data suggest that TGF-beta isoforms may exert their unique in vivo effects by differentially regulating osteoblast cytokine secretion, extracellular matrix production, and the rate of cellular maturation.

  20. Casein kinase 2 and the cell response to growth factors.

    PubMed

    Filhol-Cochet, O; Loue-Mackenbach, P; Cochet, C; Chambaz, E M

    1994-01-01

    Different approaches have been followed with the aim of delineating a possible role of casein kinase 2 (CK2) in the mitogenic signalling in response to cell growth factors. (a) Immunocytochemical detection of CK2 showed that while the kinase is evenly distributed throughout cycle arrested cells, it becomes preferentially associated with the nuclear compartment in activity growing cells; (b) CK2 biosynthesis is activated as an early response of quiescent cells to growth factors. The newly synthesized CK2 steadily accumulates as the cells progress through the G1 phase. This growth factor-induced CK2 biosynthesis involves in parallel the two alpha and beta subunits of the kinase, with no detectable preferential subcellular localization of the newly synthesized enzyme; and (c) In addition to substrate phosphorylation, CK2 may form molecular complexes with cell components of functional significance. Such is the case with the protein p53, a major negative regulator of the cell cycle. CK2 forms a high affinity association (Kd 70 nM) with p53, through its beta subunit. The complex dissociates in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These observations suggest that CK2 and p53 may play a coordinated regulatory role in the cell response to growth factors.

  1. Role of astrocytes in reproduction and neuroprotection.

    PubMed

    Mahesh, Virendra B; Dhandapani, Krishnan M; Brann, Darrell W

    2006-02-26

    Hypothalamic astrocytes secrete TGF-beta and 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydro progesterone (3 alpha,5 alpha-THP) in culture. When the astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) was incubated with the hypothalamic cell line GT1-7, it resulted in the secretion of GnRH. Immunoneutralization with TGF-beta antibody or ultra-filteration with a 10 kDa cut off filter resulted in attenuation of the GnRH releasing ability of ACM, indicating that TGF-beta was a major factor involved with GnRH release. Treatment with estrogens increases TGF-beta secretion. These observations indicate a significant role of astrocytes in GnRH secretion. Serum-deprivation results in the death of GT1-7 neurons in culture and addition of ACM or TGF-beta to the culture, attenuates cell death. The mechanism of protection from cell death appears to involve phosphorylation of MKK4, JNK, c-Jun(Ser63), and enhancement of AP-1 binding. Co-administration of JNK inhibitors, but not MEK inhibitors attenuated ACM or TGF-beta-induced c-Jun(Ser63) phosphorylation and their neuroprotective effects. These studies suggest that astrocytes can protect neurons, at least in part, by the release of TGF-beta and activation of a c-Jun/AP-1 protective pathway.

  2. Tula and Puumala hantavirus NSs ORFs are functional and the products inhibit activation of the interferon-beta promoter.

    PubMed

    Jääskeläinen, Kirsi M; Kaukinen, Pasi; Minskaya, Ekaterina S; Plyusnina, Angelina; Vapalahti, Olli; Elliott, Richard M; Weber, Friedemann; Vaheri, Antti; Plyusnin, Alexander

    2007-10-01

    The S RNA genome segment of hantaviruses carried by Arvicolinae and Sigmodontinae rodents encodes the nucleocapsid (N) protein and has an overlapping (+1) open reading frame (ORF) for a putative nonstructural protein (NSs). The aim of this study was to determine whether the ORF is functional. A protein corresponding to the predicted size of Tula virus (TULV) NSs was detected using coupled in vitro transcription and translation from a cloned S segment cDNA, and a protein corresponding to the predicted size of Puumala virus (PUUV) NSs was detected in infected cells by Western blotting with an anti-peptide serum. The activities of the interferon beta (IFN-beta) promoter, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)- and interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) responsive promoters, were inhibited in COS-7 cells transiently expressing TULV or PUUV NSs. Also IFN-beta mRNA levels in IFN-competent MRC5 cells either infected with TULV or transiently expressing NSs were decreased. These data demonstrate that Tula and Puumala hantaviruses have a functional NSs ORF. The findings may explain why the NSs ORF has been preserved in the genome of most hantaviruses during their long evolution and why hantavirus-infected cells secrete relatively low levels of IFNs. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  3. Differential effect of 1{alpha},25-dihydroxyvitamin D{sub 3} on Hsp28 and PKC{beta} gene expression in the phorbol ester-resistant human myeloid HL-525 leukemic cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Yong J.; Galoforo, S.S.; Berns, C.M.

    We investigated the effect of 1{alpha},25-dihydroxyvitamin D{sub 3} [1,25-(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3}] on the expression of the 28-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp28) and the protein kinase C beta gene (PKC{beta}) in the human myeloid HL-60 leukemic cell variant HL-525, which is resistance to phorbol ester-induced macrophage differentiation. Northern and Western blot analysis showed little or no hsp28 gene expression in the HL-60 cell variant, HL-205, which is susceptible to such differentiation, while a relatively high basal level of hps28 gene expression was observed in the HL-525 cells. However, both cell lines demonstrated heat shock-induced expression of this gene. During treatmentmore » with 50-300 nM 1,25-(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3}, a marked reduction of hsp28 gene expression was not associated with heat shock transcription factor-heat shock element (HSF-HSE) binding activity. Our results suggest that the differential effect of 1,25-(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3} on hsp28 and PKC{beta} gene expression is due to the different sequence composition of the vitamin D response element in the in the promoter region as well as an accessory factor for each gene or that 1,25-(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3} increases PKC{beta} gene expression, which in turn negatively regulates the expression of the hsp28 gene, or vice versa.« less

  4. CRISPR/Cas9n-Mediated Deletion of the Snail 1Gene (SNAI1) Reveals Its Role in Regulating Cell Morphology, Cell-Cell Interactions, and Gene Expression in Ovarian Cancer (RMG-1) Cells.

    PubMed

    Haraguchi, Misako; Sato, Masahiro; Ozawa, Masayuki

    2015-01-01

    Snail1 is a transcription factor that induces the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, epithelial cells lose their junctions, reorganize their cytoskeletons, and reprogram gene expression. Although Snail1 is a prominent repressor of E-cadherin transcription, its precise roles in each of the phenomena of EMT are not completely understood, particularly in cytoskeletal changes. Previous studies have employed gene knockdown systems to determine the functions of Snail1. However, incomplete protein knockdown is often associated with these systems, which may cause incorrect interpretation of the data. To more precisely evaluate the functions of Snail1, we generated a stable cell line with a targeted ablation of Snail1 (Snail1 KO) by using the CRISPR/Cas9n system. Snail1 KO cells show increased cell-cell adhesion, decreased cell-substrate adhesion and cell migration, changes to their cytoskeletal organization that include few stress fibers and abundant cortical actin, and upregulation of epithelial marker genes such as E-cadherin, occludin, and claudin-1. However, morphological changes were induced by treatment of Snail1 KO cells with TGF-beta. Other transcription factors that induce EMT were also induced by treatment with TGF-beta. The precise deletion of Snail1 by the CRISPR/Cas9n system provides clear evidence that loss of Snail1 causes changes in the actin cytoskeleton, decreases cell-substrate adhesion, and increases cell-cell adhesion. Treatment of RMG1 cells with TGF-beta suggests redundancy among the transcription factors that induce EMT.

  5. Regulation of human nitric oxide synthase 2 expression by Wnt beta-catenin signaling.

    PubMed

    Du, Qiang; Park, Kyung Soo; Guo, Zhong; He, Peijun; Nagashima, Makoto; Shao, Lifang; Sahai, Rohit; Geller, David A; Hussain, S Perwez

    2006-07-15

    Nitric oxide (NO.), an important mediator of inflammation, and beta-catenin, a component of the Wnt-adenomatous polyposis coli signaling pathway, contribute to the development of cancer. We have identified two T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4)-binding elements (TBE1 and TBE2) in the promoter of human inducible NO synthase 2 (NOS2). We tested the hypothesis that beta-catenin regulates human NOS2 gene. Mutation in either of the two TBE sites decreased the basal and cytokine-induced NOS2 promoter activity in different cell lines. The promoter activity was significantly reduced when both TBE1 and TBE2 sites were mutated (P < 0.01). Nuclear extract from HCT116, HepG2, or DLD1 cells bound to NOS2 TBE1 or TBE2 oligonucleotides in electrophoretic mobility shift assays and the specific protein-DNA complexes were supershifted with anti-beta-catenin or anti-Tcf-4 antibody. Overexpression of beta-catenin and Tcf-4 significantly increased both basal and cytokine-induced NOS2 promoter activity (P < 0.01), and the induction was dependent on intact TBE sites. Overexpression of beta-catenin or Tcf-4 increased NOS2 mRNA and protein expression in HCT116 cells. Lithium chloride (LiCl), an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, increased cytosolic and nuclear beta-catenin level, NOS2 expression, and NO. production in primary human and rat hepatocytes and cancer cell lines. Treatment with Wnt-3A-conditioned medium increased beta-catenin and NOS2 expression in fetal human hepatocytes. When administered in vivo, LiCl increased hepatic beta-catenin level in a dose-dependent manner with simultaneous increase in NOS2 expression. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that beta-catenin up-regulates NOS2 and suggest a novel mechanism by which the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway may contribute to cancer by increasing NO. production.

  6. Fibronectin-mediation cell adhesion is required for induction of 92-kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase (MMP-9) gene expression during macrophage differentiation : the signaling role of protein kinase C-{beta}.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xie, B.; Laouar, A.; Huberman, E.

    1998-05-08

    Induction of the 92-kDa gelatinase (MMP-9) gene expression is associated with macrophage differentiation. In this study, we explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying this differentiation-associated MMP-9 gene expression in human HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells and human peripheral blood monocytes. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) markedly induced MMP-9 gene expression in HL-60 cells; the induction closely paralleled the timing and extent of PMA-induced cell adhesion and spreading, a hallmark of macrophage differentiation. Similarly, treatment with PMA or macrophage-colony stimulating factor stimulated adherence and spreading of blood monocytes with a concurrent 7- or 5-fold increase in MMP-9 production, respectively. In protein kinase C (PKC)-betamore » -deficient HL-60 variant cells (HL-525), PMA failed to induce cell adhesion and MMP-9 gene expression. Transfecting HL-525 cells with a PKC-beta expression plasmid restored PKC-beta levels and PMA inducibility of cell adhesion and spreading as well as MMP-9 gene expression. Induction of cell adhesion and MMP-9 gene expression in HL-60 cells and blood monocytes was strongly inhibited by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to fibronectin (FN) and its receptor {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin. HL-525 cells, which constitutively display high levels of surface {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin, adhered and spread on immobilized FN with concomitant induction of MMP-9 gene expression. Cytochalasins B and D were each a potent inhibitor of MMP-9 production. Our results suggest that {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin-mediated interaction of immature hematopoietic cells with FN plays a critical role in modulating matrix-degrading activities during macrophage differentiation.« less

  7. Human T-cell leukemia virus type I oncoprotein Tax represses Smad-dependent transforming growth factor beta signaling through interaction with CREB-binding protein/p300.

    PubMed

    Mori, N; Morishita, M; Tsukazaki, T; Giam, C Z; Kumatori, A; Tanaka, Y; Yamamoto, N

    2001-04-01

    Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax is a potent transcriptional regulator that can activate or repress specific cellular genes and that has been proposed to contribute to leukemogenesis in adult T-cell leukemia. Previously, HTLV-I- infected T-cell clones were found to be resistant to growth inhibition by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Here it is shown that Tax can perturb Smad-dependent TGF-beta signaling even though no direct interaction of Tax and Smad proteins could be detected. Importantly, a mutant Tax of CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300 binding site, could not repress the Smad transactivation function, suggesting that the CBP/p300 binding domain of Tax is essential for the suppression of Smad function. Because both Tax and Smad are known to interact with CBP/p300 for the potentiation of their transcriptional activities, the effect of CBP/p300 on suppression of Smad-mediated transactivation by Tax was examined. Overexpression of CBP/p300 reversed Tax-mediated inhibition of Smad transactivation. Furthermore, Smad could repress Tax transcriptional activation, indicating reciprocal repression between Tax and Smad. These results suggest that Tax interferes with the recruitment of CBP/p300 into transcription initiation complexes on TGF-beta-responsive elements through its binding to CBP/p300. The novel function of Tax as a repressor of TGF-beta signaling may contribute to HTLV-I leukemogenesis. (Blood. 2001;97:2137-2144)

  8. Role of transcription factor KLF11 and its diabetes-associated gene variants in pancreatic beta cell function

    PubMed Central

    Neve, Bernadette; Fernandez-Zapico, Martin E.; Ashkenazi-Katalan, Vered; Dina, Christian; Hamid, Yasmin H.; Joly, Erik; Vaillant, Emmanuel; Benmezroua, Yamina; Durand, Emmanuelle; Bakaher, Nicolas; Delannoy, Valerie; Vaxillaire, Martine; Cook, Tiffany; Dallinga-Thie, Geesje M.; Jansen, Hans; Charles, Marie-Aline; Clément, Karine; Galan, Pilar; Hercberg, Serge; Helbecque, Nicole; Charpentier, Guillaume; Prentki, Marc; Hansen, Torben; Pedersen, Oluf; Urrutia, Raul; Melloul, Danielle; Froguel, Philippe

    2005-01-01

    KLF11 (TIEG2) is a pancreas-enriched transcription factor that has elicited significant attention because of its role as negative regulator of exocrine cell growth in vitro and in vivo. However, its functional role in the endocrine pancreas remains to be established. Here, we report, for the first time, to our knowledge, the characterization of KLF11 as a glucose-inducible regulator of the insulin gene. A combination of random oligonucleotide binding, EMSA, luciferase reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays shows that KLF11 binds to the insulin promoter and regulates its activity in beta cells. Genetic analysis of the KLF11 gene revealed two rare variants (Ala347Ser and Thr220Met) that segregate with diabetes in families with early-onset type 2 diabetes, and significantly impair its transcriptional activity. In addition, analysis of 1,696 type 2 diabetes mellitus and 1,776 normoglycemic subjects show a frequent polymorphic Gln62Arg variant that significantly associates with type 2 diabetes mellitus in North European populations (OR = 1.29, P = 0.00033). Moreover, this variant alters the corepressor mSin3A-binding activity of KLF11, impairs the activation of the insulin promoter and shows lower levels of insulin expression in pancreatic beta cells. In addition, subjects carrying the Gln62Arg allele show decreased plasma insulin after an oral glucose challenge. Interestingly, all three nonsynonymous KLF11 variants show increased repression of the catalase 1 promoter, suggesting a role in free radical clearance that may render beta cells more sensitive to oxidative stress. Thus, both functional and genetic analyses reveal that KLF11 plays a role in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell physiology, and its variants may contribute to the development of diabetes. PMID:15774581

  9. Mechanisms and regulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte and eosinophil adherence to human airway epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Jagels, M A; Daffern, P J; Zuraw, B L; Hugli, T E

    1999-09-01

    Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and eosinophils (Eos) are important cellular participants in a variety of acute and chronic inflammatory reactions in the airway. Histologic evidence has implicated direct interactions between these two subsets of leukocytes and airway epithelial cells during inflammation. A comprehensive characterization and comparison of physiologic stimuli and adhesion molecule involvement in granulocyte-epithelial-cell interactions done with nontransformed human airway epithelial cells has not been reported. We therefore examined the regulation and biochemical mechanisms governing granulocyte-epithelial-cell adhesion, using either purified PMN or Eos and primary cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). We investigated the involvement of a number of proinflammatory signals associated with allergic and nonallergic airway inflammation, as well as the contribution of several epithelial and leukocyte adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and members of the beta(1), beta(2), and beta(7) integrin families. ICAM-1 was expressed at low levels on cultured HBECs and was markedly upregulated after stimulation with interferon (IFN)-gamma or, to a lesser extent, with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or interleukin (IL)-1. VCAM-1 was not present on resting HBECs, and was not upregulated after stimulation with IFN-gamma, IL-1, IL-4, or TNF-alpha. PMN adhesion to HBECs could be induced either through activation of PMN with IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or C5a, but not with IL-5 or by preactivation of HBECs with TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma. Blocking antibody studies indicated that PMN-HBEC adherence depended on beta(2) integrins, primarily alpha(M)beta(2) (Mac-1). Adherence of Eos to HBECs could be induced through activation of Eos with IL-5, GM-CSF, or C5a, but not with IL-8 or by prior activation of HBECs with TNF-alpha of IFN-gamma. Maximal adhesion of Eos and PMN required pretreatment of HBECs with either TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma in addition to leukocyte activation. Adherence of Eos to unstimulated HBECs was mediated through both beta(1) and beta(2) integrins, whereas adhesion of Eos to activated HBECs was dominated by beta(2) integrins. Adhesion of both Eos and PMN was inhibited by treatment of HBECs with blocking antibodies to ICAM-1. Differential utilization of beta(1) and beta(2) integrins by Eos, depending on the activation state of the epithelium, is a novel finding and may affect activation and/or recruitment of Eos in airway tissue. Mechanisms of adhesion of HBECs to Eos and PMN, as evidenced by the different responsiveness of the two latter types of cells to IL-8 and IL-5, may account for a prevalence of Eos over PMN in certain airway diseases.

  10. Mucosal tolerance to experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis is associated with down-regulation of AChR-specific IFN-gamma-expressing Th1-like cells and up-regulation of TGF-beta mRNA in mononuclear cells.

    PubMed

    Ma, C G; Zhang, G X; Xiao, B G; Wang, Z Y; Link, J; Olsson, T; Link, H

    1996-02-13

    Oral and nasal administration of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) to Lewis rats prior to myasthenogenic immunization with AChR and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) resulted in prevention or marked decrease of the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) and suppression of AChR-specific B-cell responses and of AChR-reactive T-cell function. To examine the involvement of immunoregulatory cytokines and the underlying mechanisms involved in tolerance induction, in situ hybridization with radiolabeled cDNA oligonucleotide proves was adopted to enumerate mononuclear cells (MNC) expressing mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the B cell-stimulating interleukin-4 (IL-4), and the immunosuppressive transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes from EAMG rats contained elevated numbers of AChR-reactive IFN-gamma, IL-4, and TGF-beta mRNA-expressing cells, compared to control rats receiving PBS orally or nasally and injected with CFA only. Oral and nasal tolerance was accompanied by decreased numbers of AChR-reactive IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA-expressing cells and strong up-regulation of TGF-beta mRNA-positive cells in lymphoid organs when compared to nontolerized EAMG control rats. The results suggest that IFN-gamma and IL-4 are central effector molecules in the development of EAMG and that TGF-beta plays an important role in tolerance induction to EAMG.

  11. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Laouar, A.; Glesne, D.; Huberman, E.

    The role of protein kinase C-{beta} (PKC-{beta}) in apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-{alpha} and anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) in the human myeloid HL-60 leukemia cell line was studied by using its variant HL-525, which is deficient in PKC-{beta}. In contrast to the parental HL-60 cells, HL-525 is resistant to TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis but sensitive to anti-Fas mAb-induced apoptosis. Both cell types expressed similar levels of the TNF-receptor I, whereas the Fas receptor was detected only in HL-525 cells. Transfecting the HL-525 cells with an expression vector containing PKC-{beta} reestablished their susceptibility to TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis. The apoptotic effect of TNF-{alpha}more » in HL-60 and the transfectants was abrogated by fumonisin, an inhibitor of ceramide generation, and by the peptide Ac-YVAD-BoMK, an inhibitor of caspase-1 and -4. Supplementing HL-525 cells with exogenous ceramides bypassed the PKC-{beta} deficiency and induced apoptosis, which was also restrained by the caspase-1 and -4 inhibitor. The apoptotic effect of anti-Fas mAb in HL-525 cells was abrogated by the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and glutathione and by the peptide z-DEVD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase-3 and -7. We suggest that TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis involves PKC-{beta} and then ceramide and, in turn, caspase-1 and/or -4, whereas anti-Fas mAb-induced apoptosis utilizes reactive oxygen intermediates and, in turn, caspase-3 and/or -7.« less

  12. Contrasting effects of TGF-beta 1 and TNF-alpha on the development of dendritic cells from progenitors in mouse bone marrow.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Y; Tsumura, H; Miwa, M; Inaba, K

    1997-01-01

    Dendritic cells (DC) are a distinct population of leukocytes and specialized antigen-presenting cells for T cell responses. Prior work has shown that GM-CSF can induce the development of large numbers of DC from proliferating progenitors in mouse bone marrow. We have monitored the effects of potentially enhancing and suppressive cytokines in these cultures. In this system, many immature DC develop from proliferating precursors during the first six days of culture, and between days 6-8 maturation of typical nonadherent and nonreplicating DC takes place. The maturation is accompanied by a large increase in the expression of major histocompatibilities complex class II (MHC II) and B7-2/CD86, and in mixed leukocyte reaction stimulating activity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), previously shown to be required for development of human DC, was found to enhance the maturation of mouse DC in the last two days of culture. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), on the other hand, almost totally blocked DC maturation, but it had to be given in the first six days of culture when the DC were actively proliferating. TGF-beta 1 did not block the production of immature, MHC II-positive but B7-2/CD86-negative DC. Maturation would take place between days 6-8 as long as the cultures were depleted of Fc-receptor-bearing cells, or if TNF-alpha were added. In both instances, maturation was not blocked even when TGF-beta 1 remained in the culture. We conclude that the development of DC, in response to GM-CSF, can be modified by other cytokines. TGF-beta 1 is suppressive but only indirectly via Fc-receptor-bearing suppressive cells, presumably suppressive macrophages, while TNF-alpha enhances the final maturation of DC.

  13. Dynamics of beta-cell turnover: evidence for beta-cell turnover and regeneration from sources of beta-cells other than beta-cell replication in the HIP rat.

    PubMed

    Manesso, Erica; Toffolo, Gianna M; Saisho, Yoshifumi; Butler, Alexandra E; Matveyenko, Aleksey V; Cobelli, Claudio; Butler, Peter C

    2009-08-01

    Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia, a deficit in beta-cells, increased beta-cell apoptosis, and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). These characteristics are recapitulated in the human IAPP transgenic (HIP) rat. We developed a mathematical model to quantify beta-cell turnover and applied it to nondiabetic wild type (WT) vs. HIP rats from age 2 days to 10 mo to establish 1) whether beta-cell formation is derived exclusively from beta-cell replication, or whether other sources of beta-cells (OSB) are present, and 2) to what extent, if any, there is attempted beta-cell regeneration in the HIP rat and if this is through beta-cell replication or OSB. We conclude that formation and maintenance of adult beta-cells depends largely ( approximately 80%) on formation of beta-cells independent from beta-cell duplication. Moreover, this source adaptively increases in the HIP rat, implying attempted beta-cell regeneration that substantially slows loss of beta-cell mass.

  14. Mechanism of abnormal growth in astrocytes derived from a mouse model of GM2 gangliosidosis.

    PubMed

    Kawashima, Nagako; Tsuji, Daisuke; Okuda, Tetsuya; Itoh, Kohji; Nakayama, Ken-ichi

    2009-11-01

    Sandhoff disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the HEXB gene which encodes the beta-subunit of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase A and B, resulting in the accumulation of the ganglioside GM2. We isolated astrocytes from the neonatal brain of Sandhoff disease model mice in which the N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase beta-subunit gene is genetically disrupted (ASD). Glycolipid profiles revealed that GM2/GA2 accumulated in the lysosomes and not on the cell surface of ASD astrocytes. In addition, GM3 was increased on the cell surface. We found remarkable differences in the cell proliferation of ASD astrocytes when compared with cells isolated from wild-type mice, with a faster growth rate of ASD cells. In addition, we observed increased extracellular, signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in ASD cells, but Akt phosphorylation was decreased. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK in ASD cells was not dependent upon extracellular growth factors. Treatment of ASD astrocytes with recombinant N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase A resulted in a decrease of their growth rate and ERK phosphorylation. These results indicated that the up-regulation of ERK phosphorylation and the increase in proliferation of ASD astrocytes were dependent upon GM2/GA2 accumulation. These findings may represent a mechanism in linking the nerve cell death and reactive gliosis observed in Sandhoff disease.

  15. Inhibitory effect of OPC-15161, a component of fungus Thielavia minor, on proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells.

    PubMed

    Sugawara, H; Ueno, T; Torimura, T; Inuzuka, S; Tanikawa, K

    1998-03-01

    A component of fungus Thielavia minor, OPC-15161, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of extracellular matrix-producing mesangial cells in the kidney in vivo. In this study, we examined the effects of OPC-15161 on the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To determine the effect of OPC-15161 on proliferation of HSCs, the cell number and the uptake of [3H]thymidine were investigated in the presence and absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). IL-1beta significantly increased the uptake of [3H]thymidine in the HSCs, and the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited the uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The cell number of HSCs was also increased by IL-1beta, which was inhibited by OPC-15161. Production of extracellular matrix by OPC-15161 was studied by the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the presence and absence of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). TGF-beta1 significantly increased the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the cells, whereas the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited this effect dose dependently. We also investigated the effects of OPC-15161 on Ca2+ mobilization and measured D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) in the HSCs. IL-1beta induced the increase of intracellular Ca2+ and IP3 concentrations in the HSCs, which were decreased by OPC-15161. Based on these results, we conclude that OPC-1 5161 inhibited the proliferation and production of hydroxyproline in cultured rat HSCs, and thus, it may have a role in prevention of liver fibrosis in vivo.

  16. PDGFBB promotes PDGFR{alpha}-positive cell migration into artificial bone in vivo

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yoshida, Shigeyuki; Center for Human Metabolomic Systems Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582; Iwasaki, Ryotaro

    2012-05-18

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We examined effects of PDGFBB in PDGFR{alpha} positive cell migration in artificial bones. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PDGFBB was not expressed in osteoblastic cells but was expressed in peripheral blood cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PDGFBB promoted PDGFR{alpha} positive cell migration into artificial bones but not osteoblast proliferation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PDGFBB did not inhibit osteoblastogenesis. -- Abstract: Bone defects caused by traumatic bone loss or tumor dissection are now treated with auto- or allo-bone graft, and also occasionally by artificial bone transplantation, particularly in the case of large bone defects. However, artificial bones often exhibit poor affinity to host bones followed by bony union failure.more » Thus therapies combining artificial bones with growth factors have been sought. Here we report that platelet derived growth factor bb (PDGFBB) promotes a significant increase in migration of PDGF receptor {alpha} (PDGFR{alpha})-positive mesenchymal stem cells/pre-osteoblastic cells into artificial bone in vivo. Growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF{beta}) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) reportedly inhibit osteoblast differentiation; however, PDGFBB did not exhibit such inhibitory effects and in fact stimulated osteoblast differentiation in vitro, suggesting that combining artificial bones with PDGFBB treatment could promote host cell migration into artificial bones without inhibiting osteoblastogenesis.« less

  17. Immunocytochemical localization of cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in oral mucosa and lymph nodes of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis.

    PubMed

    Neworal, E P M; Altemani, A; Mamoni, R L; Noronha, I L; Blotta, M H S L

    2003-03-07

    Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a deep mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, with high incidence in Brazil. In order to examine the immune response in lesional tissue from patients with PCM, we analyzed cytokines as well as the phenotype of the cell infiltrate. Paraffin-embedded tissue from the oral mucosa of eight patients with the localized adult form (AF) of PCM and from the lymph nodes of 10 patients with the juvenile form (JF) of PCM was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to detect tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Most of the inflammatory cells in the lymph nodes were CD68+ (macrophages, epithelioid and giant cells), while a mixed infiltrate with macrophages, plasma cells and neutrophils was detected in the oral mucosa. TNF-alpha as well as iNOS expression was similar in lymph nodes and oral mucosa, whereas TGF-beta and IL-10 were observed in a larger number of macrophages, epithelioid and giant cells in the lymph nodes, where numerous yeast cells were visualized. The higher expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-beta) in lesions of patients with the JF of PCM (lymph nodes) may represent a mechanism by which the fungus evades the host immune response, contributing to a more severe and disseminated form of the disease.

  18. Negative feedback regulation of TGF-beta signaling by the SnoN oncoprotein.

    PubMed

    Stroschein, S L; Wang, W; Zhou, S; Zhou, Q; Luo, K

    1999-10-22

    Smad proteins mediate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling to regulate cell growth and differentiation. The SnoN oncoprotein was found to interact with Smad2 and Smad4 and to repress their abilities to activate transcription through recruitment of the transcriptional corepressor N-CoR. Immediately after TGF-beta stimulation, SnoN is rapidly degraded by the nuclear accumulation of Smad3, allowing the activation of TGF-beta target genes. By 2 hours, TGF-beta induces a marked increase in SnoN expression, resulting in termination of Smad-mediated transactivation. Thus, SnoN maintains the repressed state of TGF-beta-responsive genes in the absence of ligand and participates in negative feedback regulation of TGF-beta signaling.

  19. Regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage with irradiated transforming growth factor beta1-producing fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Song, Sun U; Hong, Young-Jin; Oh, In-Suk; Yi, Youngsuk; Choi, Kyoung Baek; Lee, Jung Woo; Park, Kwang-Won; Han, Jeoung-Uk; Suh, Jun-Kyu; Lee, Kwan Hee

    2004-01-01

    The regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage by cell-mediated gene therapy using transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1))-producing fibroblasts (NIH 3T3-TGF-beta(1)) has been reported previously. In this study, we investigated whether TGF-beta(1)-producing fibroblasts irradiated with a lethal dose of radiation are still capable of inducing the regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage. NIH 3T3TGF-beta(1) fibroblasts were exposed to doses of 20, 40, or 80 Gy, using a irradiator, and then injected into artificially made partial defects on the femoral condyle of rabbit knee joints. The rabbits were killed 3 or 6 weeks postinjection and hyaline articular cartilage regeneration was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical staining (n = 5 per each group). Irradiated NIH 3T3-TGFbeta(1) fibroblasts started to die rapidly 3 days after irradiation; moreover, the kinetics of their viability were similar regardless of the radiation intensity. TGF-beta1 expression, measured by ELISA, showed that the TGF-beta(1) protein produced from the irradiated cells peaked 5 days after irradiation and thereafter declined rapidly. Complete filling of the defect with reparative tissue occurred in all the groups, although variations were observed in terms of the nature of the repair tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical staining of the repair tissue showed that the tissue newly formed by irradiated NIH 3T3-TGF-beta(1) fibroblasts after exposure to 20 Gy had hyaline cartilage-like characteristics, as was observed in the nonirradiated controls. On the other hand, the repair tissue formed by NIH 3T3-TGF-beta(1) fibroblasts irradiated with 40 or 80 Gy showed more fibrous cartilage-like tissue. These results suggest that TGF-beta(1)-producing fibroblasts irradiated up to a certain level of lethal dose (i.e., 20 Gy) are able to induce normal-appearing articular cartilage in vivo. Therefore, irradiated heterologous cell-mediated TGF-beta(1) gene therapy may be clinically useful and an efficient method of regenerating hyaline articular cartilage.

  20. The human interleukin-1 alpha gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 2 at band q13.

    PubMed

    Lafage, M; Maroc, N; Dubreuil, P; de Waal Malefijt, R; Pébusque, M J; Carcassonne, Y; Mannoni, P

    1989-01-01

    Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) are two biochemically distinct, but distantly related, polypeptidic cytokines that play a key role in inflammation, immunologic reactions, and tissue repair. Recently, it has been shown that IL-1 alpha is identical to hematopoietin 1, which was described as a hematopoietic growth factor acting on early progenitor cells in synergy with other hematopoietic growth factors. In this report we discuss our use of in situ hybridization on human prometaphase cells with a human IL-1 alpha cDNA probe to localize the human IL-1 alpha gene on the proximal part of the long arm of chromosome 2 at band q13, in the same chromosomal region as the IL-1 beta gene.

  1. Medicinal flowers. XXVII. New flavanone and chalcone glycosides, arenariumosides I, II, III, and IV, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors from everlasting, flowers of Helichrysum arenarium.

    PubMed

    Morikawa, Toshio; Wang, Li-Bo; Nakamura, Seikou; Ninomiya, Kiyofumi; Yokoyama, Eri; Matsuda, Hisashi; Muraoka, Osamu; Wu, Li-Jun; Yoshikawa, Masayuki

    2009-04-01

    The methanolic extract from the flowers of Helichrysum arenarium L. MOENCH was found to show inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 1 ng/ml)-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells. From the methanolic extract, 50 constituents including four new flavanone and chalcone glycosides named arenariumosides I (1), II (2), III (3), and IV (4) were isolated. The stereostructures of 1-4 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Among the constituents, naringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (14), apigenin 7-O-gentiobioside (16), and apigenin 7,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (17) significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells at 30 microM.

  2. Role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF) beta in the physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Gonzalo-Gil, Elena; Galindo-Izquierdo, María

    2014-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine with pleiotropic functions in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Although its role in rheumatoid arthritis is not well defined, TGF-β activation leads to functional immunomodulatory effects according to environmental conditions. The function of TGF-β in the development of arthritis in murine models has been extensively studied with controversial results. Recent findings point to a non-relevant role for TGF-β in a mice model of collagen-induced arthritis. The study of TGF-β on T-cell responses has shown controversial results as an inhibitor or promoter of the inflammatory response. This paper presents a review of the role of TGF-β in animal models of arthritis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  3. Activated type I TGFbeta receptor (Alk5) kinase confers enhancedsurvival to mammary epithelial cells and accelerates mammary tumorprogression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Muraoka-Cook, Rebecca S.; Shin, Incheol; Yi, Jae Youn

    2005-01-02

    The transforming growth factor-betas (TGF{beta}s) are members of a large superfamily of pleiotropic cytokines that also includes the activins and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Members of the TGF{beta} family regulate complex physiological processes such cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, motility, and cell death, among others (Massague, 1998). Dysregulation of TGF{beta} signaling contributes to several pathological processes including cancer, fibrosis, and auto-immune disorders (Massague et al., 2000). The TGF{beta}s elicit their biological effects by binding to type II and type I transmembrane receptor serine-threonine kinases (T{beta}RII and T{beta}RI) which, in turn, phosphorylated Smad 2 and Smad 3.more » Phosphorylated Smad 2/3 associate with Smad 4 and, as a heteromeric complex, translocate to the nucleus where they regulate gene transcription. The inhibitory Smad7 down regulates TGF{beta} signaling by binding to activated T{beta}RI and interfering with its ability to phosphorylate Smad 2/3 (Derynck and Zhang, 2003; Shi and Massague, 2003). Signaling is also regulated by Smad proteolysis. TGF{beta} receptor-mediated activation results in multi-ubiquitination of Smad 2 in the nucleus and subsequent degradation of Smad 2 by the proteasome (Lo and Massague, 1999). Activation of TGF{beta} receptors also induces mobilization of a Smad 7-Smurf complex from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; this complex recognizes the activated receptors and mediates their ubiquitination and internalization via caveolin-rich vesicles, leading to termination of TGF{beta} signaling (Di Guglielmo et al., 2003). Other signal transducers/pathways have been implicated in TGF{beta} actions. These include the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (Jnk), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein phosphatase PP2A, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), and the family of Rho GTPases [reviewed in (Derynck and Zhang, 2003)]. Although signaling by Smads has been shown to be causally associated with the anti-proliferative effect of TGF{beta} (Datto et al., 1999; Liu et al., 1997), the role of non-Smad effectors on mediating the cellular effects of TGF{beta} is less well characterized.« less

  4. Neomycin is a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antagonist that allows discrimination of PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor signals in cells expressing both receptor types.

    PubMed

    Vassbotn, F S; Ostman, A; Siegbahn, A; Holmsen, H; Heldin, C H

    1992-08-05

    The aminoglycoside neomycin has recently been found to affect certain platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) responses in C3H/10T1/2 C18 fibroblasts. Using porcine aortic endothelial cells transfected with PDGF alpha- or beta-receptors, we explored the possibility that neomycin interferes with the interaction between the different PDGF isoforms and their receptors. We found that neomycin (5 mM) inhibited the binding of 125I-PDGF-BB to the alpha-receptor with only partial effect on the binding of 125I-PDGF-AA; in contrast, the binding of 125I-PDGF-BB to the beta-receptor was not affected by the aminoglycoside. Scatchard analyses showed that neomycin (5 mM) decreased the number of binding sites for PDGF-BB on alpha-receptor-expressing cells by 87%. Together with cross-competition studies with 125I-labeled PDGF homodimers, the effect of neomycin indicates that PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB bind to both common and unique structures on the PDGF alpha-receptor. Neomycin specifically inhibited the autophosphorylation of the alpha-receptor by PDGF-BB, with less effect on the phosphorylation induced by PDGF-AA and no effect on the phosphorylation of the beta-receptor by PDGF-BB. Thus, neomycin is a PDGF isoform- and receptor-specific antagonist that provides a possibility to compare the signal transduction pathways of alpha- and beta-receptors in cells expressing both receptor types. This approach was used to show that activation of PDGF beta-receptors by PDGF-BB mediated a chemotactic response in human fibroblasts, whereas activation of alpha-receptors by the same ligand inhibited chemotaxis.

  5. Cross-talk between ERK MAP kinase and Smad signaling pathways enhances TGF-beta-dependent responses in human mesangial cells.

    PubMed

    Hayashida, Tomoko; Decaestecker, Mark; Schnaper, H William

    2003-08-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) stimulates renal cell fibrogenesis by a poorly understood mechanism. Previously, we suggested a synergy between TGF-beta1 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Smad signaling in collagen production by human glomerular mesangial cells. In a heterologous DNA binding transcription assay, biochemical or dominant-negative ERK blockade reduced TGF-beta1 induced Smad3 activity. Total serine phosphorylation of Smad2/3, but not phosphorylation of the C-terminal SS(P)XS(P) motif, was decreased by pretreatment with the MEK/ERK inhibitors, PD98059 (10 microM) or U0126 (25 microM). This effect was not seen in the mouse mammary epithelial NMuMG cell line, indicating that ERK-dependent activation of Smad2/3 occurs only in certain cell types. TGF-beta stimulated phosphorylation of an expressed Smad3A construct, with a mutated C-terminal SS(P)XS(P) motif, was reduced by a MEK/ERK inhibitor. In contrast, MEK/ERK inhibition did not affect phosphorylation of a Smad3 construct mutated at consensus phosphorylation sites in the linker region (Smad3EPSM). Constitutively active MEK (caMEK) induced alpha2(I) collagen promoter activity, an effect blocked by co-transfected Smad3EPSM, but not Smad3A. The effects of caMEK and TGF-beta1 on collagen promoter activity were additive. These results indicate that ERK-dependent R-Smad linker region phosphorylation enhances collagen I synthesis and imply positive cross talk between the ERK and Smad pathways in human mesangial cells.

  6. Metastatic outgrowth encompasses COL-I, FN1, and POSTN up-regulation and assembly to fibrillar networks regulating cell adhesion, migration, and growth.

    PubMed

    Soikkeli, Johanna; Podlasz, Piotr; Yin, Miao; Nummela, Pirjo; Jahkola, Tiina; Virolainen, Susanna; Krogerus, Leena; Heikkilä, Päivi; von Smitten, Karl; Saksela, Olli; Hölttä, Erkki

    2010-07-01

    Although the outgrowth of micrometastases into macrometastases is the rate-limiting step in metastatic progression and the main determinant of cancer fatality, the molecular mechanisms involved have been little studied. Here, we compared the gene expression profiles of melanoma lymph node micro- and macrometastases and unexpectedly found no common up-regulation of any single growth factor/cytokine, except for the cytokine-like SPP1. Importantly, metastatic outgrowth was found to be consistently associated with activation of the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway (confirmed by phospho-SMAD2 staining) and concerted up-regulation of POSTN, FN1, COL-I, and VCAN genes-all inducible by transforming growth factor-beta. The encoded extracellular matrix proteins were found to together form intricate fibrillar networks around tumor cell nests in melanoma and breast cancer metastases from various organs. Functional analyses suggested that these newly synthesized protein networks regulate adhesion, migration, and growth of tumor cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. POSTN acted as an anti-adhesive molecule counteracting the adhesive functions of FN1 and COL-I. Further, cellular FN and POSTN were specifically overexpressed in the newly forming/formed tumor blood vessels. Transforming growth factor-beta receptors and the metastasis-related matrix proteins, POSTN and FN1, in particular, may thus provide attractive targets for development of new therapies against disseminated melanoma, breast cancer, and possibly other tumors, by affecting key processes of metastasis: tumor/stromal cell migration, growth, and angiogenesis.

  7. A negative feedback control of transforming growth factor-beta signaling by glycogen synthase kinase 3-mediated Smad3 linker phosphorylation at Ser-204.

    PubMed

    Millet, Caroline; Yamashita, Motozo; Heller, Mary; Yu, Li-Rong; Veenstra, Timothy D; Zhang, Ying E

    2009-07-24

    Through the action of its membrane-bound type I receptor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) elicits a wide range of cellular responses that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apo ptosis. Many of these signaling responses are mediated by Smad proteins. As such, controlling Smad activity is crucial for proper signaling by TGF-beta and its related factors. Here, we show that TGF-beta induces phosphorylation at three sites in the Smad3 linker region in addition to the two C-terminal residues, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 is responsible for phosphorylation at one of these sites, namely Ser-204. Alanine substitution at Ser-204 and/or the neighboring Ser-208, the priming site for glycogen synthase kinase 3 in vivo activity, strengthened the affinity of Smad3 to CREB-binding protein, suggesting that linker phosphorylation may be part of a negative feedback loop that modulates Smad3 transcriptional activity. Thus, our findings reveal a novel aspect of the Smad3 signaling mechanism that controls the final amplitude of cellular responses to TGF-beta.

  8. [Effect of Yiguan Decoction on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells: an experimental research].

    PubMed

    Ping, Jian; Chen, Hong-Yun; Yang, Zhou; Yang, Cheng; Xu, Lie-Ming

    2014-03-01

    To observe the effect of Yiguan Decoction (YGD) on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro. Rat BMSCs were isolated using whole bone marrow adherent method. The properties of BMSCs were identified by analyzing the expression of surface cytokines by flow cytometry. The third passage cells were differentiated into fat cells to identify their features. BMSCs were incubated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plus fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) or YGD containing serum YGD for 21 days. The mRNA expression of alpha-fetoprotein (alphaAFP), albumin (Alb), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) were detected by real time PCR. Expression of AFP and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) protein was detected by cell immunofluorescence. Glycogen synthesis was observed using periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS). CK18, Wnt 3alpha, and alphacatenin protein expressions were detected by Western blot. High expression of CD90, CD29, and CD44, and low expression of CD34 and CD11b were observed in BMSCs isolated by whole bone mar- row adherent method, and numerous lipid droplets were observed in BMSCs using oil red O staining. Both YGD containing serum and growth factor stimulated the expression levels of Alb, AFP, HNF4alpha mRNA and CK18 protein. The down-regulated expression of Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin could be detected at 21 days after induction. The synthesized glycogen granule could be seen. Down-regulated Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin expression could also be observed. YGD could induce the differentiation of rat BMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells, which was related to down-regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway.

  9. Pancreatic islet cell therapy for type I diabetes: understanding the effects of glucose stimulation on islets in order to produce better islets for transplantation.

    PubMed

    Ren, Jiaqiang; Jin, Ping; Wang, Ena; Liu, Eric; Harlan, David M; Li, Xin; Stroncek, David F

    2007-01-03

    While insulin replacement remains the cornerstone treatment for type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the transplantation of pancreatic islets of Langerhans has the potential to become an important alternative. And yet, islet transplant therapy is limited by several factors, including far too few donor pancreases. Attempts to expand mature islets or to produce islets from stem cells are far from clinical application. The production and expansion of the insulin-producing cells within the islet (so called beta cells), or even creating cells that secrete insulin under appropriate physiological control, has proven difficult. The difficulty is explained, in part, because insulin synthesis and release is complex, unique, and not entirely characterized. Understanding beta-cell function at the molecular level will likely facilitate the development of techniques to manufacture beta-cells from stem cells. We will review islet transplantation, as well as the mechanisms underlying insulin transcription, translation and glucose stimulated insulin release.

  10. Increased expression of transforming growth factor beta s after acute oedematous pancreatitis in rats suggests a role in pancreatic repair.

    PubMed Central

    Riesle, E; Friess, H; Zhao, L; Wagner, M; Uhl, W; Baczako, K; Gold, L I; Korc, M; Büchler, M W

    1997-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta isoforms (TGF beta s) belong to a family of multifunctional regulators of cellular growth and differentiation. They are mitogenic and chemotactic for fibroblasts and are potent stimulators of extracellular matrix production (collagen) and deposition. Upregulation of TGF beta transcription has been reported for several in vivo systems during repair after injury. AIMS: To study the expression of the three mammalian isoforms of TGF beta (TGF beta 1-3) and their relation to collagen expression as a marker for fibroblast response in acute oedematous pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Using northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, the expression and localisation of TGF beta isoforms, collagen, and amylase were analysed during the course of acute oedematous pancreatitis in rats, experimentally induced by intravenous caerulein infusion. RESULTS: Induction of acute pancreatitis resulted in a biphasic peak pattern of expression of TGF beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 mRNA, with a pronounced increase from day 1 to day 3 (sixfold, 2.5-fold, fivefold, respectively) and again from day 5 to day 7 (three-fold, 2.3-fold, 3.5-fold, respectively). The temporal changes in TGF beta mRNA identically paralleled the expression in collagen mRNA. In contrast, amylase mRNA expression, used as a general indicator of acinar cell integrity, was slightly decreased after induction of acute pancreatitis. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatitis tissue showed that increased expression of TGF beta s was mainly present in the pancreatic acinar and ductal cells; this was evident within one day after pancreatitis induction. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of TGF beta s after induction of acute pancreatitis suggests a role for these proteins in pancreatic repair and remodelling. The increased levels of TGF beta s may help suppress immune activation, and may contribute to the increase in the extracellular matrix including collagen and to the repair of the pancreatic parenchyma. Images PMID:9155579

  11. TGF-beta is specifically expressed in human dermal papilla cells and modulates hair folliculogenesis.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Keita; Aoi, Noriyuki; Yamauchi, Yuji; Sato, Takahiro; Suga, Hirotaka; Eto, Hitomi; Kato, Harunosuke; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Yoshimura, Kotaro

    2009-01-01

    Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in the mammalian hair follicle have been shown to develop hair follicles through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. A cell therapy to regenerate human hair is theoretically possible by expanding autologous human DPCs (hDPCs) and transplanting them into bald skin, though much remains to be overcome before clinical success. In this study, we compared gene signatures of hDPCs at different passages and human dermal fibroblasts, and found transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) to be highly expressed in cultured hDPCs. Keratinocyte conditioned medium, which is known to help preserve the hair-inducing capacity of hDPCs, up-regulated TGF-beta(2) expression of hDPCs and also enhanced their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a known index for hair-inductive capacity. Through screening of components secreted from keratinocytes, the vitamin D(3) analogue was found to promote TGF-beta(2) expression and ALP activity of hDPCs. In animal hair folliculogenesis models using rat epidermis and expanded hDPCs, inhibition of TGF-beta(2) signalling at the ligand or receptor level significantly impaired hair folliculogenesis and maturation. These results suggest an important role for TGF-beta(2) in hair follicle morphogenesis and provide insights into the establishment of future cell therapies for hair regrowth by transplanting expanded DPCs.

  12. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGFBP-5 mediate TGF-{beta}- and myostatin-induced suppression of proliferation in porcine embryonic myogenic cell cultures

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kamanga-Sollo, E.; Pampusch, M.S.; White, M.E.

    2005-11-15

    We have previously shown that cultured porcine embryonic myogenic cells (PEMC) produce both insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGFBP-5 and secrete these proteins into their media. Exogenously added recombinant porcine (rp) IGFBP-3 and rpIGFBP-5 act via IGF-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms to suppress proliferation of PEMC cultures. Furthermore, immunoneutralization of endogenous IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 in the PEMC culture medium results in increased DNA synthesis rate suggesting that endogenous IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 suppress PEMC proliferation. TGF-{beta} superfamily members myostatin and TGF-{beta}{sub 1} have also been shown to suppress proliferation of myogenic cells, and treatment of cultured PEMC with either TGF-{beta}{submore » 1} or myostatin significantly (P < 0.01) increases levels of IGFBP-3 and -5 mRNA. We have previously shown that immunoneutralization of IGFBP-3 decreases the proliferation-suppressing activity of TGF-{beta}{sub 1} and myostatin. Here, we show that immunoneutralization of IGFBP-5 also significantly (P < 0.05) decreases the DNA synthesis-suppressing activity of these molecules. Simultaneous immunoneutralization of both IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 in TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin-treated PEMC cultures restores Long-R3-IGF-I-stimulated DNA synthesis rates to 90% of the levels observed in control cultures receiving no TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin treatment (P < 0.05). Even though immunoneutralization of IGFBP-3 and -5 increased DNA synthesis rates in TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin-treated PEMC cultures, phosphosmad2 levels in these cultures were not affected. These findings strongly suggest that IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 affect processes downstream from receptor-mediated Smad phosphorylation that facilitate the ability of TGF-{beta} and myostatin to suppress proliferation of PEMC.« less

  13. Reduced growth factor requirement of keloid-derived fibroblasts may account for tumor growth

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Russell, S.B.; Trupin, K.M.; Rodriguez-Eaton, S.

    Keloids are benign dermal tumors that form during an abnormal wound-healing process is genetically susceptible individuals. Although growth of normal and keloid cells did not differ in medium containing 10% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum, keloid culture grew to significantly higher densities than normal cells in medium containing 5% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum, keloid cultures grew to significantly higher densities than normal cells in medium containing 5% (vol/vol) plasma or 1% fetal bovine serum. Conditioned medium from keloid cultures did not stimulate growth of normal cells in plasma nor did it contain detectable platelet-derived growth factor or epidermal growth factor. Keloidmore » fibroblasts responded differently than normal adult fibroblasts to transforming growth factor ..beta... Whereas transforming growth factor ..beta.. reduced growth stimulation by epidermal growth factor in cells from normal adult skin or scars, it enhanced the activity of epidermal growth factor in cells from normal adult skin or scars, it enhanced the activity of epidermal growth factor in cells from keloids. Normal and keloid fibroblasts also responded differently to hydrocortisone: growth was stimulated in normal adult cells and unaffected or inhibited in keloid cells. Fetal fibroblasts resembled keloid cells in their ability to grow in plasma and in their response to hydrocortisone. The ability of keloid fibroblasts to grow to higher cell densities in low-serum medium than cells from normal adult skin or from normal early or mature scars suggests that a reduced dependence on serum growth factors may account for their prolonged growth in vivo. Similarities between keloid and fetal cells suggest that keloids may result from the untimely expression of growth-control mechanism that is developmentally regulated.« less

  14. Drug development targeting the glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta)-mediated signal transduction pathway: the role of GSK-3beta in the maintenance of steady-state levels of insulin receptor signaling molecules and Na(v)1.7 sodium channel in adrenal chromaffin cells.

    PubMed

    Nemoto, Takayuki; Yanagita, Toshihiko; Kanai, Tasuku; Wada, Akihiko

    2009-02-01

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is constitutively active in nonstimulated cells, where the majority of its substrates undergo inactivation/proteolysis by phosphorylation. Extracellular stimuli (e.g., insulin) catalyze inhibitory Ser(9)-phosphorylation of GSK-3beta, turning on signaling and causing other biological consequences otherwise constitutively suppressed by GSK-3beta. Regulated and dysregulated activities of GSK-3beta are pivotal to health, disease, and therapeutics (e.g., insulin resistance, neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis, inflammation); however, the underlying mechanisms of multifunctional GSK-3beta remain elusive. In cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, 1) constitutive and negatively-regulated activities of GSK-3beta up- and down-regulated insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), IRS-2, and Akt levels via controlling proteasomal degradation and protein synthesis; 2) nicotinic receptor/protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway up-regulated IRS-1 and IRS-2 levels, enhancing insulin-induced the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/GSK-3beta pathway; 3) inhibition of calcineurin by cyclosporin A or FK506 down-regulated IRS-2 level, attenuating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)-induced ERK and GSK-3beta pathways; and 4) insulin, IGF-I or therapeutics (e.g., lithium) up-regulated the voltage-dependent Na(v)1.7 sodium channel.

  15. Anti-activin A antibody (IgY) specifically neutralizes various activin A activities.

    PubMed

    Murata, T; Saito, S; Shiozaki, M; Lu, R Z; Eto, Y; Funaba, M; Takahashi, M; Torii, K

    1996-01-01

    Activin A (beta A beta A), originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as a follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion stimulator, has also been identified as an erythroid differentiation factor (EDF), a neuron survival factor and a mesoderm-inducing factor. Thus, activin A is a multifunctional factor, and further studies on its physiological function are important. However, it is very difficult to produce a specific antibody to neutralize the activity of activin A because of its highly conserved amino acid sequence across mammalian species. In this study, we succeeded in generating an antibody against activin A, which can neutralize several activities of activin A, such as the stimulation of FSH secretion from pituitary cells and the induction of the differentiation of erythrocytes in vitro. This antibody did not affect the activity of activin B (beta B beta B), which induces the differentiation of erythrocytes in vitro, and the activity of inhibin A (alpha beta A), which inhibits FSH secretion from pituitary in vitro, but slightly neutralized that of activin AB (beta A beta B). Western blotting analysis showed that this antibody recognized both dimeric and monomeric forms of the beta A subunit of activin and inhibin. These results suggest that this antibody recognizes the beta A subunit of activin and specifically neutralizes the activity of a dimer of the beta A subunit, activin A. Furthermore, by the addition of this antibody to the culture medium, the development of murine embryos was suppressed, suggesting that endogenous activin A plays an important role in murine development. These results indicate the usefulness of this antibody for studies of endogenous activin actions.

  16. Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates wound healing and modulates extracellular matrix gene expression in pig skin. I. Excisional wound model.

    PubMed

    Quaglino, D; Nanney, L B; Kennedy, R; Davidson, J M

    1990-09-01

    The effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on matrix gene expression has been investigated during the process of wound repair, where the formation of new connective tissue represents a critical step in restoring tissue integrity. Split-thickness excisional wounds in the pig were studied by in situ hybridization in order to obtain subjective findings on the activity and location of cells involved in matrix gene expression after the administration of recombinant TGF-beta 1. Data focus on the stimulatory role of this growth factor in granulation tissue formation, on the enhanced mRNA content of collagen types I and III, fibronectin, TGF-beta 1 itself, and on the reduction in stromelysin mRNA, suggesting that increased matrix formation measured after treatment with TGF-beta 1 is due to fibroplasia regulated by the abundance of mRNAs for several different structural, matrix proteins as well as inhibition of proteolytic phenomena elicited by metalloproteinases. These studies reveal elastin mRNA early in the repair process, and elastin mRNA expression is enhanced by administration of TGF-beta 1. Moreover, we show that TGF-beta 1 was auto-stimulating in wounds, accounting, at least in part, for the persistent effects of single doses of this multipotential cytokine.

  17. Vitronectin and fibronectin function as glucan binding proteins augmenting macrophage responses to Pneumocystis carinii.

    PubMed

    Vassallo, R; Kottom, T J; Standing, J E; Limper, A H

    2001-08-01

    beta-glucans represent major structural components of fungal cell walls. We recently reported that Pneumocystis carinii beta-glucans stimulate alveolar macrophages to release proinflammatory cytokines. Macrophage activation by beta-glucan is augmented by serum, implying the presence of circulating factors that interact with beta-glucans and enhance their ability to stimulate macrophages. Using beta-glucan-enriched cell wall fractions from P. carinii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two prominent proteins were precipitated from serum and demonstrated to be vitronectin (VN) and fibronectin (FN) by immune analysis. Preincubation of beta-glucan with VN or FN enhanced macrophage activation in response to this cell wall component. Because VN and FN accumulate in the lungs during P. carinii pneumonia, we further investigated hepatic and pulmonary expression of VN and FN messenger RNA during infection. P. carinii pneumonia in rodents is associated with increased hepatic expression of VN and FN as well as increased local expression of FN in the lung. Because interleukin (IL)-6 represents the major regulator of VN and FN expression during inflammatory conditions, we measured macrophage IL-6 release in response to stimulation with P. carinii beta-glucan. Stimulation of macrophages with P. carinii beta-glucan induced significant release of IL-6. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 were noted in the blood of infected animals compared with uninfected control animals. These studies indicate that VN and FN bind to beta-glucan components of P. carinii and augment macrophage inflammatory responses. P. carinii cell wall beta-glucan stimulates secretion of IL-6 by macrophages, thereby enhancing hepatic synthesis of both VN and FN, and lung synthesis of FN during pneumonia.

  18. Bioactive molecules in milk and their role in health and disease: the role of transforming growth factor-beta.

    PubMed

    Donnet-Hughes, A; Duc, N; Serrant, P; Vidal, K; Schiffrin, E J

    2000-02-01

    Human breast milk is rich in nutrients, hormones, growth factors and immunoactive molecules, which influence the growth, development and immune status of the newborn infant. Although several of these factors are also present in bovine milk, the greater susceptibility of the formula-fed infant to infection and disease and the development of allergy is often attributed to the reduced level of protective factors in milk formulas. Nevertheless, modifying manufacturing processes may preserve the biological activity of some bioactive molecules in end products. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is one such molecule. TGF-beta is a polypeptide, which has been described in both human and bovine milk. It is implicated in many processes, including epithelial cell growth and differentiation, development, carcinogenesis and immune regulation. The present article discusses the biological activity of TGF-beta2 that has been preserved and activated in a cow's milk-based product. More specifically, it addresses possible mechanisms of action in the intestinal lumen and speculates on how milk products containing naturally occurring TGF-beta2 could be exploited in functional foods for the infant or as therapies for specific intestinal diseases.

  19. The angiogenic factor CCN1 promotes adhesion and migration of circulating CD34+ progenitor cells: potential role in angiogenesis and endothelial regeneration.

    PubMed

    Grote, Karsten; Salguero, Gustavo; Ballmaier, Matthias; Dangers, Marc; Drexler, Helmut; Schieffer, Bernhard

    2007-08-01

    Tissue regeneration involves the formation of new blood vessels regulated by angiogenic factors. We reported recently that the expression of the angiogenic factor CCN1 is up-regulated under various pathophysiologic conditions within the cardiovascular system. Because CD34+ progenitor cells participate in cardiovascular tissue regeneration, we investigated whether CCN1-detected for the first time in human plasma-promotes the recruitment of CD34+ progenitor cells to endothelial cells, thereby enhancing endothelial proliferation and neovascularization. In this study, we demonstrated that CCN1 and supernatants from CCN1-stimulated human CD34+ progenitor cells promoted proliferation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, CCN1 induced migration and transendothelial migration of CD34+ cells and the release of multiple growth factors, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from these cells. Moreover, the CCN1-specific integrins alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(V)beta(3) are expressed on CD34+ cells and CCN1 stimulated integrin-dependent signaling. Furthermore, integrin antagonists (RGD-peptides) suppressed both binding of CCN1 to CD34+ cells and CCN1-induced adhesion of CD34+ cells to endothelial cells. These data suggest that CCN1 promotes integrin-dependent recruitment of CD34+ progenitor cells to endothelial cells, which may contribute to paracrine effects on angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.

  20. Modulation of keratinocyte motility. Correlation with production of extracellular matrix molecules in response to growth promoting and antiproliferative factors.

    PubMed Central

    Nickoloff, B. J.; Mitra, R. S.; Riser, B. L.; Dixit, V. M.; Varani, J.

    1988-01-01

    Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (KC) grown under conditions that maintain the undifferentiated state are highly motile. Migration of these cells as measured in two different assays (migration out of an agarose drop explant, and into micropore filters in a modified Boyden chamber), is stimulated by fibronectin (FN) and to a lesser extent by thrombospondin (TSP). In contrast, laminin (LN) inhibits KC migration. Cultivation of the cells for 1 day under conditions that induce differentiation (ie, in the presence of 1.4 mM Ca2+) suppresses KC motility. A number of soluble growth modulating polypeptide factors also influence KC migration. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulate KC motility. These factors simultaneously induce KC production of FN and a significant portion of the stimulated motility can be inhibited with antibodies to FN. EGF and somatomedin-C (SM-C), but not TGF-beta, also stimulate TSP production while EGF and SM-C (but not TGF-beta) induce KC proliferation. In contrast to these factors, interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) inhibits KC production of both FN and TSP and concomitantly inhibits both motility and proliferation. These data suggest that KC properties essential for normal wound healing (ie, motility and proliferation) are regulated by both extracellular matrix molecules and soluble peptide factors. Finally, these effects of various growth promoting and antiproliferative factors on KCs may, in part, be mediated through alteration in the endogenous production of extracellular matrix molecules by KCs. Images Figure 2 PMID:2458044

  1. Crystal Structure of the Bovine lactadherin C2 Domain, a Membrane Binding Motif, Shows Similarity to the C2 Domains of Factor V and Factor VIII

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lin,L.

    2007-01-01

    Lactadherin, a glycoprotein secreted by a variety of cell types, contains two EGF domains and two C domains with sequence homology to the C domains of blood coagulation proteins factor V and factor VIII. Like these proteins, lactadherin binds to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membranes with high affinity. We determined the crystal structure of the bovine lactadherin C2 domain (residues 1 to 158) at 2.4 {angstrom}. The lactadherin C2 structure is similar to the C2 domains of factors V and VIII (rmsd of C{sub {alpha}} atoms of 0.9 {angstrom} and 1.2 {angstrom}, and sequence identities of 43% and 38%, respectively). The lactadherinmore » C2 domain has a discoidin-like fold containing two {beta}-sheets of five and three antiparallel {beta}-strands packed against one another. The N and C termini are linked by a disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys158. One {beta}-turn and two loops containing solvent-exposed hydrophobic residues extend from the C2 domain {beta}-sandwich core. In analogy with the C2 domains of factors V and VIII, some or all of these solvent-exposed hydrophobic residues, Trp26, Leu28, Phe31, and Phe81, likely participate in membrane binding. The C2 domain of lactadherin may serve as a marker of cell surface phosphatidylserine exposure and may have potential as a unique anti-thrombotic agent.« less

  2. A defect in inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes in the osteopetrotic (mi/mi) mouse.

    PubMed Central

    Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R

    1996-01-01

    Macrophages were activated by administration of an inflammatory lipid metabolite, lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-Pc), to wild type mice but not murine (microphthalmic) osteopetrotic (mi/mi) mutant mice. In vitro treatment of wild type mouse peritoneal cells with lyso-Pc efficiently activated macrophages whereas lyso-Pc-treatment of mi mutant mouse peritoneal cells resulted in no activation of macrophages. Generation of macrophage activating factor requires a precursor protein, serum vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and participation of lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes. Lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes was found to be defective in mi mutant mice. PMID:8881764

  3. Placental macrophage contact potentiates the complete replicative cycle of human cytomegalovirus in syncytiotrophoblast cells: role of interleukin-8 and transforming growth factor-beta1.

    PubMed

    Bácsi, A; Aranyosi, J; Beck, Z; Ebbesen, P; Andirkó, I; Szabó, J; Lampé, L; Kiss, J; Gergely, L; Tóth, F D

    1999-10-01

    Although syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells can be infected by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), in vitro studies have indicated that ST cells do not support the complete viral reproductive cycle, or HCMV replication may occur in less than 3% of ST cells. The present study tested the possibility that placental macrophages might enhance activation of HCMV carried in ST cells and, further, that infected ST cells would be capable of transmitting virus to neighboring macrophages. For this purpose, we studied HCMV replication in ST cells grown alone or cocultured with uninfected placental macrophages. Our results demonstrated that HCMV gene expression in ST cells was markedly upregulated by coculture with macrophages, resulting in release of substantial amounts of infectious virus from HCMV-infected ST cells. After having become permissive for viral replication, ST cells delivered HCMV to the cocultured macrophages, as evidenced by detection of virus-specific antigens in these cells. The stimulatory effect of coculture on HCMV gene expression in ST cells was mediated by marked interleukin-8 (IL-8) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) release from macrophages, an effect caused by contact between the different placental cells. Our findings indicate an interactive role for the ST layer and placental macrophages in the dissemination of HCMV among placental tissue. Eventually, these interactions may contribute to the transmission of HCMV from mother to the fetus.

  4. BH3-Only protein bmf is required for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in an in vivo model of HNF1α-MODY diabetes.

    PubMed

    Pfeiffer, S; Halang, L; Düssmann, H; Byrne, M M; Prehn, Jhm

    2015-01-01

    Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α) gene can lead to diminished amounts of functional HNF-1α, resulting in the onset of a particularly severe form of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We have previously shown that induction of a dominant-negative mutant of HNF-1α (DNHNF-1α) results in the activation of the bioenergetic stress sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), preceding the onset of apoptosis and the induction of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homology domain-3-only protein Bmf (Bcl-2-modifying factor) as a mediator of DNHNF-1α-induced apoptosis. Through the knockout of bmf in a transgenic mouse model with DNHNF-1α suppression of HNF-1α function in pancreatic beta-cells, this study aimed to examine the effect of loss-of-function of this BH3-only protein on the disease pathology and progression, and further elucidate the role of Bmf in mediating DNHNF-1α-induced beta-cell loss. Morphological analysis revealed an attenuation in beta-cell loss in bmf-deficient diabetic male mice and preserved insulin content. Surprisingly, bmf deficiency was found to exacerbate hyperglycemia in both diabetic male and hyperglycemic female mice, and ultimately resulted in a decreased glucose-stimulated insulin response, implicating a role for Bmf in glucose homeostasis regulation independent of an effect on beta-cell loss. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Bmf contributes to the decline in beta-cells in a mouse model of HNF1A-MODY but is also required for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in vivo.

  5. BH3-Only protein bmf is required for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in an in vivo model of HNF1α-MODY diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Pfeiffer, S; Halang, L; Düssmann, H; Byrne, MM; Prehn, JHM

    2015-01-01

    Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α) gene can lead to diminished amounts of functional HNF-1α, resulting in the onset of a particularly severe form of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We have previously shown that induction of a dominant-negative mutant of HNF-1α (DNHNF-1α) results in the activation of the bioenergetic stress sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), preceding the onset of apoptosis and the induction of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homology domain-3-only protein Bmf (Bcl-2-modifying factor) as a mediator of DNHNF-1α-induced apoptosis. Through the knockout of bmf in a transgenic mouse model with DNHNF-1α suppression of HNF-1α function in pancreatic beta-cells, this study aimed to examine the effect of loss-of-function of this BH3-only protein on the disease pathology and progression, and further elucidate the role of Bmf in mediating DNHNF-1α-induced beta-cell loss. Morphological analysis revealed an attenuation in beta-cell loss in bmf-deficient diabetic male mice and preserved insulin content. Surprisingly, bmf deficiency was found to exacerbate hyperglycemia in both diabetic male and hyperglycemic female mice, and ultimately resulted in a decreased glucose-stimulated insulin response, implicating a role for Bmf in glucose homeostasis regulation independent of an effect on beta-cell loss. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Bmf contributes to the decline in beta-cells in a mouse model of HNF1A-MODY but is also required for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in vivo. PMID:27551471

  6. Lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-18 secretion from murine Kupffer cells independently of myeloid differentiation factor 88 that is critically involved in induction of production of IL-12 and IL-1beta.

    PubMed

    Seki, E; Tsutsui, H; Nakano, H; Tsuji, N; Hoshino, K; Adachi, O; Adachi, K; Futatsugi, S; Kuida, K; Takeuchi, O; Okamura, H; Fujimoto, J; Akira, S; Nakanishi, K

    2001-02-15

    IL-18, produced as biologically inactive precursor, is secreted from LPS-stimulated macrophages after cleavage by caspase-1. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying caspase-1-mediated IL-18 secretion. Kupffer cells constantly stored IL-18 and constitutively expressed caspase-1. Inhibition of new protein synthesis only slightly reduced IL-18 secretion, while it decreased and abrogated their IL-1beta and IL-12 secretion, respectively. Kupffer cells deficient in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, an LPS-signaling receptor, did not secrete IL-18, IL-1beta, and IL-12 upon LPS stimulation. In contrast, Kupffer cells lacking myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), an adaptor molecule for TLR-mediated-signaling, secreted IL-18 without IL-1beta and IL-12 production in a caspase-1-dependent and de novo synthesis-independent manner. These results indicate that MyD88 is essential for IL-12 and IL-1beta production from Kupffer cells while their IL-18 secretion is mediated via activation of endogenous caspase-1 without de novo protein synthesis in a MyD88-independent fashion after stimulation with LPS. In addition, infection with Listeria monocytogenes, products of which have the capacity to activate TLR, increased serum levels of IL-18 in wild-type and MyD88-deficient mice but not in caspase-1-deficient mice, whereas it induced elevation of serum levels of IL-12 in both wild-type and caspase-1-deficient mice but not in MyD88-deficient mice. Taken together, these results suggested caspase-1-dependent, MyD88-independent IL-18 release in bacterial infection.

  7. New insights into the dual role of TGF-beta | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The dual role of TGF-beta in cancer continues to challenge investigators in the field. TGF-beta is a well-known factor associated with tumor suppression in normal cells and yet promotes tumor progression in advanced stages of cancer. For years, the mechanisms that underpin this conundrum have not been fully understood. Ying Zhang, Ph.D., senior investigator in the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, has been exploring this problem by examining and characterizing several key molecules in the TGF-beta signaling pathway. Read more…

  8. Xe isotope detection and discrimination using beta spectroscopy with coincident gamma spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reeder, P. L.; Bowyer, T. W.

    1998-02-01

    Beta spectroscopic techniques show promise of significant improvements for a beta-gamma coincidence counter that is part of a system for analyzing Xe automatically separated from air. The previously developed counting system for 131mXe, 133mXe, 133gXe, and 135gXe can be enhanced to give additional discrimination between these Xe isotopes by using the plastic scintillation sample cell as a beta spectrometer to resolve the conversion electron peaks. The automated system will be a key factor in monitoring the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

  9. Effect of proinflammatory cytokines on PIGA- hematopoiesis.

    PubMed

    Kulkarni, Shashikant; Bessler, Monica

    2003-09-01

    Blood cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria lack glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins, due to a somatic mutation in the X-linked PIGA gene. It is believed that clonal expansion of PIGA- blood cells is due to a survival advantage in the hostile marrow environment of aplastic anemia. Here we investigated the effects of inhibitory cytokines in mice genetically engineered to have blood cells deficient in GPI-linked proteins. The effect of inhibitory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha [MIP-1alpha], and transforming growth factor-beta1 [TGF-beta1]) was investigated, using clonogenic assays, competitive repopulation, and in vivo induction of proinflammatory cytokines by double-stranded RNA. The expression of Fas on progenitor cells and its up-regulation by inhibitory cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry. TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, MIP-1alpha, and TGF-beta1 suppressed colony formation in a dose-dependent fashion that was similar for PIGA+ and PIGA- blood bone marrow cells. Competitive repopulation of bone marrow cells cultured in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha resulted in a comparable ability of PIGA+ and PIGA- hematopoietic stem cells to reconstitute hematopoiesis. Fas expression was minimal on PIGA+ and PIGA- progenitor cells and was up-regulated to the same extent in response to IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha as assessed by Fas antibody-mediated apoptosis. Similarly, in vivo induction of proinflammatory cytokines by double-stranded RNA had no effect on the proportion of circulating PIGA- blood cells. These results indicate that PIGA+ and PIGA- hematopoietic progenitor cells respond similarly to inhibitory cytokines, suggesting that other factors are responsible for the clonal expansion of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria cells.

  10. Transforming growth factor-beta production in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease in the rabbit.

    PubMed Central

    Coimbra, T.; Wiggins, R.; Noh, J. W.; Merritt, S.; Phan, S. H.

    1991-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to assay for the presence of collagen synthesis stimulatory activity in the kidney during immune-induced renal injury that results in severe fibrosis in both glomerular and interstitial compartments. A model of antiglomerular basement (anti-GBM) disease in the rabbit was induced on day 0 by the injection of anti-GBM antibody and renal cortex tissues were then sampled at various time points. Only conditioned media prepared from diseased renal cortical samples showed collagen synthesis stimulatory activity when tested on rabbit mesangial cells. The activity had an estimated molecular weight range of 16 to 25 kd and was neutralized by antibody to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). A standard assay for TGF-beta using a mink lung epithelial cell line confirmed the increase in TGF-beta activity in conditioned media of diseased cortex from day 7 and day 14 animals, which was not significantly activated by previous acidification. This suggests that most of the TGF-beta present in renal conditioned media was in the active form. The increase in renal cortical secretion of active TGF-beta was accompanied by increases in renal cortical TGF-beta mRNA content on days 4 and 7 after induction, with subsequent return to control levels. A similar increase in TGF-beta activity was present in nonacidified conditioned media of purified glomeruli from diseased days 7 and 14 animals, which was also accompanied by significant increases in TGF-beta mRNA. However with acidification no significant differences were noted between control and diseased samples, suggesting the presence of substantial latent TGF-beta activity in control glomerular conditioned media. These same control-conditioned media contained inhibitor activity for added exogenous TGF-beta. These results support the conclusion that the association between increased TGF-beta secretion and increased renal cortical collagen synthesis in this model is consistent with a role for this cytokine in directing fibrogenesis in the kidney. Images Figure 6 PMID:1987768

  11. Transforming growth factor (TGF)beta, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and retinoid signalling pathways promote pancreatic exocrine gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells.

    PubMed Central

    Skoudy, Anouchka; Rovira, Meritxell; Savatier, Pierre; Martin, Franz; León-Quinto, Trinidad; Soria, Bernat; Real, Francisco X

    2004-01-01

    Extracellular signalling cues play a major role in the activation of differentiation programmes. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cells. Recently, protocols designed to induce endocrine pancreatic differentiation in vitro have been designed but little information is currently available concerning the potential of ES cells to differentiate into acinar pancreatic cells. By using conditioned media of cultured foetal pancreatic rudiments, we demonstrate that ES cells can respond in vitro to signalling pathways involved in exocrine development and differentiation. In particular, modulation of the hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, retinoid, and fibroblast growth factor pathways in ES cell-derived embryoid bodies (EB) resulted in increased levels of transcripts encoding pancreatic transcription factors and cytodifferentiation markers, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. In EB undergoing spontaneous differentiation, expression of the majority of the acinar genes (i.e. amylase, carboxypeptidase A and elastase) was induced after the expression of endocrine genes, as occurs in vivo during development. These data indicate that ES cells can undergo exocrine pancreatic differentiation with a kinetic pattern of expression reminiscent of pancreas development in vivo and that ES cells can be coaxed to express an acinar phenotype by activation of signalling pathways known to play a role in pancreatic development and differentiation. PMID:14733613

  12. Effects of type I/type II interferons and transforming growth factor-beta on B-cell differentiation and proliferation. Definition of costimulation and cytokine requirements for immunoglobulin synthesis and expression.

    PubMed

    Estes, D M; Tuo, W; Brown, W C; Goin, J

    1998-12-01

    In this report, we sought to determine the role of selected type I interferons [interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and interferon-tau (IFN-tau)], IFN-gamma and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the regulation of bovine antibody responses. B cells were stimulated via CD40 in the presence or absence of B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking. IFN-alpha enhanced IgM, IgG2 and IgA responses but did not enhance IgG1 responses. BCR signalling alone was more effective at inducing IgG2 responses with IFN-alpha than dual cross-linking with CD40. Recombinant ovine IFN-tau was less effective at inducing IgG2 responses when compared with IFN-alpha, though IgA responses were similar in magnitude following BCR cross-linking. At higher concentrations, IFN-tau enhanced IgA responses greater than twofold over the levels observed with IFN-alpha. Previous studies have shown that addition of IFN-gamma to BCR or pokeweed mitogen-activated bovine B cells stimulates IgG2 production. However, following CD40 stimulation alone, IFN-gamma was relatively ineffective at stimulating high-rate synthesis of any non-IgM isotype. Dual cross-linking via CD40 and the BCR resulted in decreased synthesis of IgM with a concomitant increase in IgA and similar levels of IgG2 production to those obtained via the BCR alone. We also assessed the effects of endogenous and exogenous TGF-beta on immunoglobulin synthesis by bovine B cells. Exogenous TGF-beta stimulates both IgG2 and IgA production following CD40 and BCR cross-linking in the presence of IL-2. Blocking endogenous TGF-beta did not inhibit the up-regulation of IgG2 or IgA by interferons.

  13. Dose-related influence of sodium selenite on apoptosis in human thyroid follicles in vitro induced by iodine, EGF, TGF-beta, and H2O2.

    PubMed

    Lehmann, Petra; Rank, Petra; Hallfeldt, Klaus L J; Krebs, Bjarne; Gärtner, Roland

    2006-08-01

    Apoptosis of thyroid follicular cells is induced by high doses of iodide, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), as well as H2O2 and might be attenuated by antioxidants. Therefore, we examined the apoptotic index induced by these substances in selenium-treated vs untreated human thyroid follicular cells. Reconstituted human thyroid follicles were incubated with sodium selenite (10 or 100 nM) for 72 h; controls received none. The follicles were then distributed to 24-well plates and incubated with potassium iodide (5, 10, or 20 nM), EGF (5 ng/mL), TGF-beta (5 ng/mL), or H2O2 (100 muM). Apoptosis was determined by a mitochondrial potential assay and the number of apoptotic cells counted by two independent, experienced technicians and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was determined. Asignificant increase of apoptic cells was obtained in control thyroid follicles treated with iodine (5, 10, or 20 microM), thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) 1, or 10 mU/mL in combination with 5 and 10 microM iodine, EGF (5 ng/mL) and TGF-beta (5 ng/mL), or H2O2 (100 microM) (p < 0.001). In contrast, in thyroid follicles preincubated with 10 or 100 nM sodium selenite, the apoptototic index was identical to the basal rate. In H2O2-treated follicles, the apoptotic index was still significantly elevated but 50% lower compared to control cells. The GPx activity increased from 1.4 +/- 0.2 to 2.25 +/- 0.4 mU/microg DNA with 10 nMselenite and 2.6 + 0.4 mU/microg DNA with 100 nM selenite. Sodium selenite might increase the antioxidative potential in human thyroid follicles in vitro and therefore diminish the apoptosis induced by TGF-beta, EGF, iodide, and even H2O2.

  14. Rising intracellular zinc by membrane depolarization and glucose in insulin-secreting clonal HIT-T15 beta cells.

    PubMed

    Slepchenko, Kira G; Li, Yang V

    2012-01-01

    Zinc (Zn(2+)) appears to be intimately involved in insulin metabolism since insulin secretion is correlated with zinc secretion in response to glucose stimulation, but little is known about the regulation of zinc homeostasis in pancreatic beta-cells. This study set out to identify the intracellular zinc transient by imaging free cytosolic zinc in HIT-T15 beta-cells with fluorescent zinc indicators. We observed that membrane depolarization by KCl (30-60 mM) was able to induce a rapid increase in cytosolic concentration of zinc. Multiple zinc transients of similar magnitude were elicited during repeated stimulations. The amplitude of zinc responses was not affected by the removal of extracellular calcium or zinc. However, the half-time of the rising slope was significantly slower after removing extracellular zinc with zinc chelator CaEDTA, suggesting that extracellular zinc affect the initial rising phase of zinc response. Glucose (10 mM) induced substantial and progressive increases in intracellular zinc concentration in a similar way as KCl, with variation in the onset and the duration of zinc mobilization. It is known that the depolarization of beta-cell membrane is coupled with the secretion of insulin. Rising intracellular zinc concentration may act as a critical signaling factor in insulin metabolism of pancreatic beta-cells.

  15. Reduced expression of TGF beta is associated with advanced disease in transitional cell carcinoma.

    PubMed Central

    Coombs, L. M.; Pigott, D. A.; Eydmann, M. E.; Proctor, A. J.; Knowles, M. A.

    1993-01-01

    The gene structure and expression of the related peptide regulatory factors TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 were studied in a panel of seven urothelial carcinoma cell lines and 40 transitional cell carcinomas. The latter comprised 15 grade 1, 18 grade 2 and 5 grade 3 tumours and two cases of carcinoma in situ. Control tissues included ten matched 'field' biopsies and 17 other biopsies including 11 biopsies of macroscopically normal urothelium, two of which were from patients with no history of bladder cancer. No amplification of rearrangements of either TGF beta 1 or TGF beta 2 were detected in any sample. A complex pattern of expression or the two genes was found in the urothelial cell lines. High, but variable levels of the 2.5 kb TGF beta 1 transcript were detected and lower and more variable levels of the three (4.1 kb, 5.1 kb and 6.5 kb) transcripts of TGF beta 2 were detected. Although those cell lines expressing most TGF beta 1 tended to express less TGF beta 2 transcript there was no clear-cut relationship. In comparison, no TGF beta 2 transcript was identified in any primary transitional cell carcinoma or control tissue. Markedly reduced or undetectable levels of TGF beta 1 transcript were detected in 4/15 (26%) grade 1, 5/18 (28%) grade 2 and 3/5 (60%) grade 3 tumours. There was no clear relationship to tumour stage, lymphocytic infiltration or stromal content of the tumours. Clinical review one year after the 2 year period of tumour collection showed that 6/9 (66%) of patients with tumours with reduced levels of transcript had died or had disease which was not controllable by local resection and 3/9 (33%) had developed tumour re-occurrences. In comparison, in the group with normal levels of expression of TGF beta 1, 3/18 (17%) had disease which was not controllable by local means, 9/18 (50%) had tumour re-occurrence and 6/18 (33%) had no evidence of disease. The association of reduced expression of TGF beta 1 and advanced disease was statistically significant P < 0.02 (Fisher's test). Although the sample size is small, we suggest that the loss of expression of TGF beta 1 may be a potential marker of progressive disease or prognosis in transitional cell carcinoma and warrants further study. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8439507

  16. Regulation of natriuretic peptide receptor A and B expression by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Fujio, N; Gossard, F; Bayard, F; Tremblay, J

    1994-06-01

    Two types of natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A and NPR-B) are membrane guanylate cyclases whose relative expression varies in different tissues. Because natriuretic peptides have been shown to inhibit aortic smooth muscle proliferation, we investigated the regulation of NPR-A and NPR-B in these cells under different proliferative conditions. NPR subtype mRNA levels were measured by our newly developed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay using mutated NPR-A and NPR-B cRNA as internal standards. The functional impact of their expression was determined by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)- and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-induced stimulation of cyclic GMP production. In the intact aorta, NPR-B mRNA levels were found to be 10-fold higher than those of NPR-A. This dominance was further amplified (1000-fold) in long-term cultures (10 to 15 passages) of aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Higher cyclic GMP production with CNP than with ANP was observed in cultured ASMC from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Similar stimulation by the two agonists was noted in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) cells, paralleled by a 10-fold increase in NPR-A mRNA levels and ANP stimulation of cyclic GMP in hypertensive cells. The present study also evaluated NPR-A and NPR-B mRNA control by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), an important regulator of cell proliferation that is overexpressed in SHR ASMC. TGF-beta 1 decreased both NPR-A and NPR-B mRNA levels with a predominant effect in SHR cells at high cell density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  17. Role of phospholipase Cgamma1 in cell spreading requires association with a beta-Pix/GIT1-containing complex, leading to activation of Cdc42 and Rac1.

    PubMed

    Jones, Neil P; Katan, Matilda

    2007-08-01

    The significance of multiprotein signaling complexes in cell motility is becoming increasingly important. We have previously shown that phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) is critical for integrin-mediated cell spreading and motility (N. Jones et al., J. Cell Sci. 118:2695-2706, 2005). In the current study we show that, on a basement membrane-type matrix, PLCgamma1 associates with the adaptor protein GIT1 and the Rac1/Cdc42 guanine exchange factor beta-Pix; GIT1 and beta-Pix form tight complexes independently of PLCgamma1. The association of PLCgamma1 with the complex requires both GIT1 and beta-Pix and the specific array region (gammaSA) of PLCgamma1. Mutations of PLCgamma1 within the gammaSA region reveal that association with this complex is essential for the phosphorylation of PLCgamma1 and the progression to an elongated morphology after integrin engagement. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) depletion of either beta-Pix or GIT1 inhibited cell spreading in a fashion similar to that seen with siRNA against PLCgamma1. Furthermore, siRNA depletion of PLCgamma1, beta-Pix, or GIT1 inhibited Cdc42 and Rac1 activation, while constitutively active forms of Cdc42 or Rac1, but not RhoA, were able to rescue the elongation of these cells. Signaling of the PLCgamma1/GIT1/beta-Pix complex to Cdc42/Rac1 was found to involve the activation of calpains, calcium-dependent proteases. Therefore, we propose that the association of PLCgamma1 with complexes containing GIT1 and beta-Pix is essential for its role in integrin-mediated cell spreading and motility. As a component of this complex, PLCgamma1 is also involved in the activation of Cdc42 and Rac1.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Byung Hak; Lee, Jun-Young; Seo, Jee Hee

    Nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B regulates a central common signaling for immunity and cell survival. Artemisolide (ATM) was previously isolated as a NF-{kappa}B inhibitor from a plant of Artemisia asiatica. However, molecular basis of ATM on NF-{kappa}B activation remains to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that ATM is a typical inhibitor of I{kappa}B kinase {beta} (IKK{beta}), resulting in inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-{kappa}B activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. ATM inhibited the kinase activity of highly purified IKK{beta} and also LPS-induced IKK activity in the cells. Moreover, the effect of ATM on IKK{beta} activity was completely abolished by substitution of Cys-179 residue ofmore » IKK{beta} to Ala residue, indicating direct targeting site of ATM. ATM could inhibit I{kappa}B{alpha} phosphorylation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and subsequently prevent NF-{kappa}B activation. Further, we demonstrate that ATM down-regulates NF-{kappa}B-dependent TNF-{alpha} expression. Taken together, this study provides a pharmacological potential of ATM in NF-{kappa}B-dependent inflammatory disorders.« less

  19. Transient maintenance in bioreactor improves health of neuronal cells.

    PubMed

    Di Loreto, Silvia; Sebastiani, Pierluigi; Benedetti, Elisabetta; Zimmitti, Vincenzo; Caracciolo, Valentina; Amicarelli, Fernanda; Cimini, Annamaria; Adorno, Domenico

    2006-01-01

    To examine whether a neuronal cell suspension can be held in vitro for a relatively short period without compromising survival rates and functionality, we have set up an experimental protocol planning 24 h of suspension culture in a rotary wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor before plating in a conventional adherent system. Apoptosis measurement and activated caspase-8, -9, and -3 detection have demonstrated that survey of the cells was not affected. The activity of major antioxidant enzymes (AOE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), was significantly decreased in RWV-maintained cells. A significant decrease of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is coupled with a level of activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) protein significantly lower in RVW cells than in the control. On the contrary, the level of IL-6 expression did not change between the test and the control. A significant up-regulation of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARbeta/delta), and acyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACS2) in RWV cells has been detected. We provide the evidence that primary neuronal cells, at an early stage of development, can be maintained in a suspension condition before adherent plating. This experimental environment does not induce detrimental effects but may have an activator role, leading cells to development and maturation in a tridimensional state.

  20. Induction of insulin-producing cells from human pancreatic progenitor cells.

    PubMed

    Noguchi, H; Naziruddin, B; Shimoda, M; Fujita, Y; Chujo, D; Takita, M; Peng, H; Sugimoto, K; Itoh, T; Tamura, Y; Olsen, G S; Kobayashi, N; Onaca, N; Hayashi, S; Levy, M F; Matsumoto, S

    2010-01-01

    We previously established a mouse pancreatic stem cell line without genetic manipulation. In this study, we sought to identify and isolate human pancreatic stem/progenitor cells. We also tested whether growth factors and protein transduction of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1) and BETA2/NeuroD into human pancreatic stem/progenitor cells induced insulin or pancreas-related gene expressions. Human pancreata from brain-dead donors were used for islet isolation with the standard Ricordi technique modified by the Edmonton protocol. The cells from a duct-rich population were cultured in several media, based on those designed for mouse pancreatic or for human embryonic stem cells. To induce cell differentiation, cells were cultured for 2 weeks with exendin-4, nicotinamide, keratinocyte growth factor, PDX-1 protein, or BETA2/NeuroD protein. The cells in serum-free media showed morphologies similar to a mouse pancreatic stem cell line, while the cells in the medium for human embryonic stem cells formed fibroblast-like morphologies. The nucleus/cytoplasm ratios of the cells in each culture medium decreased during the culture. The cells stopped dividing after 30 days, suggesting that they had entered senescence. The cells treated with induction medium differentiated into insulin-producing cells, expressing pancreas-related genes. Duplications of cells from a duct-rich population were limited. Induction therapy with several growth factors and transduction proteins might provide a potential new strategy for induction of transplantable insulin-producing cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. (+/-)-3-[4-(2-dimethylamino-1-methylethoxy)-phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- B]pyridine-1-acetic acid (Y-25510) stimulates production of IL-1 beta and IL-6 at the level of messenger RNA expression in cultured human monocytes.

    PubMed

    Kusuhara, H; Komatsu, H; Hisadome, M; Ikeda, Y

    1996-12-01

    (+/-)-3-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-b]pyridine-1-acetic acid (Y-25510) stimulated the mRNA expression for interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and enhanced the expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and THP-1 cells, a cell-line derived from human monocytic leukemia. Y-25510 also stimulated the mRNA expression for IL-6 in both types of the cells, however, the stimulation required the presence of LPS. In THP-1 cells, the stimulation of IL-1 beta mRNA expression by Y-25510 was suppressed by cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. This phenomenon indicates that the stimulation requires de norv protein synthesis. In contrast, the stimulation of mRNA expression for IL-6 by Y-25510 was not suppressed by cycloheximide but suppressed by N alpha-p-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), an inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation, in the presence of LPS, suggesting that the stimulation requires NF-kappa activation. These results demonstrate that Y-25510 stimulates the mRNA expression for IL-1 beta and IL-6 by different mechanisms. Dexamethasone suppressed the LPS-induced expression of mRNA for IL-1 beta and IL-6 in THP-1 cells, whereas the drug never suppressed the mRNA expression for these cytokines in the presence of Y-25510. The result indicates that Y-25510 stimulates the mRNA expression for IL-1 beta and IL-6 by different mechanisms from those of LPS.

  2. The corepressor CtBP interacts with Evi-1 to repress transforming growth factor beta signaling.

    PubMed

    Izutsu, K; Kurokawa, M; Imai, Y; Maki, K; Mitani, K; Hirai, H

    2001-05-01

    Evi-1 is a zinc finger nuclear protein whose inappropriate expression leads to leukemic transformation of hematopoietic cells in mice and humans. This was previously shown to block the antiproliferative effect of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Evi-1 represses TGF-beta signaling by direct interaction with Smad3 through its first zinc finger motif. Here, it is demonstrated that Evi-1 represses Smad-induced transcription by recruiting C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) as a corepressor. Evi-1 associates with CtBP1 through one of the consensus binding motifs, and this association is required for efficient inhibition of TGF-beta signaling. A specific inhibitor for histone deacetylase (HDAc) alleviates Evi-1-mediated repression of TGF-beta signaling, suggesting that HDAc is involved in the transcriptional repression by Evi-1. This identifies a novel function of Evi-1 as a member of corepressor complexes and suggests that aberrant recruitment of corepressors is one of the mechanisms for Evi-1-induced leukemogenesis.

  3. Tumor suppression function of the Big-h3 gene in radiation carcinogenesis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Y.; Piao, C.; Hei, T.

    Interaction between cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Using an immortalized human bronchial epithelial (BEP2D) cell model, we show here that expression of Big-h3 gene, a secreted adhesion molecule induced by transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-beta ), is markedly decreased in independently generated, high LET radiation-induced tumor cell lines (TL1-TL5) relative to parental BEP2D cells. Expression of this gene was restored to control level in fusion cell lines between the tumorigenic and parental BEP2D cells that were no longer tumorigenic in nude mice. Transfection of Big-h3 gene into tumor cells resulted in a significant reduction of tumor growth. While integrin receptor alpha 5/beta 1 was overexpressed in tumor cells, its expression was corrected to the level of control BEP2D cells after Big-h3 transfection. These data suggest that Big-h3 is involved in tumor progression by regulating integrin receptor alpha 5/beta 1. . WWee We further show that down regulation of Big-h3 results from loss of expression of TGFbeta1 in tumor cells. The findings provide strong evidence that the Big-h3 gene has tumor suppressor function in radiation induced tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells and suggest a potential target for interventional therapy.

  4. Signal-transducing mechanisms of ketamine-caused inhibition of interleukin-1{beta} gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage-like Raw 264.7 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, T.-L.; Chang, C.-C.; Lin, Y.-L.

    2009-10-01

    Ketamine may affect the host immunity. Interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) are pivotal cytokines produced by macrophages. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ketamine on the regulation of inflammatory cytokine gene expression, especially IL-1{beta}, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage-like Raw 264.7 cells and its possible signal-transducing mechanisms. Administration of Raw 264.7 cells with a therapeutic concentration of ketamine (100 {mu}M), LPS, or a combination of ketamine and LPS for 1, 6, and 24 h was not cytotoxic to macrophages. Exposure to 100 {mu}M ketamine decreased the binding affinity of LPS and LPS-binding protein but didmore » not affect LPS-induced RNA and protein synthesis of TLR4. Treatment with LPS significantly increased IL-1{beta}, IL-6, and TNF-{alpha} gene expressions in Raw 264.7 cells. Ketamine at a clinically relevant concentration did not affect the synthesis of these inflammatory cytokines, but significantly decreased LPS-caused increases in these cytokines. Immunoblot analyses, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and a reporter luciferase activity assay revealed that ketamine significantly decreased LPS-induced translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF{kappa}B). Administration of LPS sequentially increased the phosphorylations of Ras, Raf, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and IKK. However, a therapeutic concentration of ketamine alleviated such augmentations. Application of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) small interfering (si)RNA reduced cellular TLR4 amounts and ameliorated LPS-induced RAS activation and IL-1{beta} synthesis. Co-treatment with ketamine and TLR4 siRNA synergistically ameliorated LPS-caused enhancement of IL-1{beta} production. Results of this study show that a therapeutic concentration of ketamine can inhibit gene expression of IL-1{beta} possibly through suppressing TLR4-mediated signal-transducing phosphorylations of Ras, Raf, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and IKK and subsequent translocation and transactivation of NF{kappa}B.« less

  5. Epidermal growth factor increases cortisol production and type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase expression in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells: evidence for a Stat5-dependent mechanism.

    PubMed

    Feltus, F Alex; Kovacs, William J; Nicholson, Wendell; Silva, Corrine M; Nagdas, Subir K; Ducharme, Nicole A; Melner, Michael H

    2003-05-01

    We tested the ability of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to regulate a key enzyme in the adrenal synthesis of glucocorticoids: human type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3 beta HSD). EGF treatment (25 ng/ml) of human adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R) resulted in a 5-fold increase in cortisol production and a corresponding 2-fold increase in 3 beta HSD mRNA. Experiments were performed to determine whether EGF is acting through a previously identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5)-responsive element located from -110 to -118 in the human type II 3 beta HSD promoter. A Stat5 expression construct was cotransfected with a 3 beta HSD-chloramphenol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter construct comprised of nucleotides -301-->+45 of the human type II 3 beta HSD promoter linked to the CAT reporter gene sequence. The addition of EGF at doses as low as 10 ng/ml resulted in an 11- to 15-fold increase in CAT activity. The introduction of 3-bp point mutations into critical nucleotides in the Stat5 response element obviated the EGF response. Either Stat5a or Stat5b isoforms induced CAT reporter expression upon treatment with EGF. These results demonstrate the ability of EGF to regulate the expression of a critical enzyme (3 beta HSD) in the production of cortisol and suggest a molecular mechanism by which this regulation occurs.

  6. Targeting expression of a transforming growth factor beta 1 transgene to the pregnant mammary gland inhibits alveolar development and lactation.

    PubMed Central

    Jhappan, C; Geiser, A G; Kordon, E C; Bagheri, D; Hennighausen, L; Roberts, A B; Smith, G H; Merlino, G

    1993-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) possesses highly potent, diverse and often opposing cell-specific activities, and has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of physiologic and developmental processes. To determine the effects of in vivo overexpression of TGF-beta 1 on mammary gland function, transgenic mice were generated harboring a fusion gene consisting of the porcine TGF-beta 1 cDNA placed under the control of regulatory elements of the pregnancy-responsive mouse whey-acidic protein (WAP) gene. Females from two of four transgenic lines were unable to lactate due to inhibition of the formation of lobuloalveolar structures and suppression of production of endogenous milk protein. In contrast, ductal development of the mammary glands was not overtly impaired. There was a complete concordance in transgenic mice between manifestation of the lactation-deficient phenotype and expression of RNA from the WAP/TGF-beta 1 transgene, which was present at low levels in the virgin gland, but was greatly induced at mid-pregnancy. TGF-beta 1 was localized to numerous alveoli and to the periductal extracellular matrix in the mammary gland of transgenic females late in pregnancy by immunohistochemical analysis. Glands reconstituted from cultured transgenic mammary epithelial cells duplicated the inhibition of lobuloalveolar development observed in situ in the mammary glands of pregnant transgenic mice. Results from this transgenic model strongly support the hypothesis that TGF-beta 1 plays an important in vivo role in regulating the development and function of the mammary gland. Images PMID:8491177

  7. Endocrine regulation of gonadotropin and growth hormone gene transcription in fish.

    PubMed

    Melamed, P; Rosenfeld, H; Elizur, A; Yaron, Z

    1998-06-01

    The pituitary of a number of teleosts contains two gonadotropins (GtHs) which are produced in distinct populations of cells; the beta subunit of the GtH I being found in close proximity to the somatotrophs, while the II beta cells are more peripheral. In several species the GtH beta subunits are expressed at varying levels throughout the reproductive cycle, the I beta dominating in early maturing fish, after which the II beta becomes predominant. This suggests differential control of the beta subunit synthesis which may be regulated by both hypothalamic hormones and gonadal steroids. At ovulation and spawning, changes also occur in the somatotrophs, which become markedly more active, while plasma growth hormone (GH) levels increase. In a number of species, GnRH elevates either the I beta or the II beta mRNA levels, depending on the reproductive state of the fish. In tilapia, the GnRH effect on the II beta appears to be mediated through both cAMP-PKA and PKC pathways. GnRH also stimulates GH release in both goldfish and tilapia, but it increases the GH transcript levels only in goldfish; both GnRH and direct activation of PKC are ineffective in altering GH mRNA in tilapia pituitary cells. Dopamine (DA) does not alter II beta transcript levels in cultured tilapia pituitary cells, but increases GH mRNA levels in both rainbow trout and tilapia, in a PKA-dependent manner. This effect appears to be through interactions with Pit-1 and also by stabilizing the mRNA. Somatostatin (SRIF) does not alter GH transcript levels in either tilapia or rainbow trout, although it may alter GH synthesis by modulation of translation. Gonadal steroids appear to have differential effects on the transcription of the beta subunits. In tilapia, testosterone (T) elevates I beta mRNA levels in cells from immature or early maturing fish (in low doses), but depresses them in cells from late maturing fish and is ineffective in cells from regressed fish. Similar results were seen in early recrudescing male coho salmon injected with T or E2. T or E2 administered in vivo has dramatic stimulatory effects on the II beta transcript levels in immature fish of a number of species, while less powerful effects are seen in vitro. A response is also seen in cells from early maturing rainbow trout or tilapia, or regressed tilapia, but not in cells from late maturing or spawning fish. These results are substantiated by the finding that the promoter of the salmon II beta gene contains several estrogen responsive elements (EREs) which react and interact differently when exposed to varying levels of E2. In addition, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) response elements are also found in the salmon II beta promoter; the AP-1 site is located close to a half ERE, while the SF-1 acts synergistically with the E2 receptor. The mRNA levels of both AP-1 and SP-1 are elevated, at least in mammals, by GnRH, suggesting possible sites for cross-talk between GnRH and steroid activated pathways. Reports of the effects of T or E2 on GH transcription differ. No effect is seen in vitro in pituitaries of tilapia, juvenile rainbow trout or common carp, but T does increase the transcript levels in pituitaries of both immature and mature goldfish. Reasons for these discrepancies are unclear, but other systemic hormones may be more instrumental than the gonadal steroids in regulating GH transcription. These include T3 which increases both GH mRNA levels and de novo synthesis (in tilapia and common carp) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) which reduces GH transcript levels as well as inhibiting GH release.

  8. Noradrenaline inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 production in human whole blood.

    PubMed Central

    van der Poll, T; Jansen, J; Endert, E; Sauerwein, H P; van Deventer, S J

    1994-01-01

    Sepsis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) trigger the systemic release of both cytokines and catecholamines. Cytokines are known to be capable of eliciting a stress hormone response in vivo. The present study sought insight into the effect of noradrenaline on LPS-induced release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in human whole blood. Whole blood was incubated with LPS for 4 h at 37 degrees C in the presence and absence of noradrenaline and/or specific alpha and beta antagonists and agonists. Noradrenaline caused a dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced TNF and IL-6 production. This effect could be completely prevented by addition of the specific beta 1, antagonist metoprolol, while it was not affected by the alpha antagonist phentolamine. Specific beta-adrenergic stimulation by isoprenaline mimicked the inhibiting effect of noradrenaline on LPS-evoked cytokine production, whereas alpha-adrenergic stimulation by phenylephrine had no effect. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis demonstrated that beta-adrenergic stimulation had no effect on LPS binding to and internalization into mononuclear cells or on the expression of CD14, the major receptor for LPS on mononuclear cells. In acute sepsis, enhanced release of noradrenaline may be part of a negative feedback mechanism meant to inhibit ongoing TNF and IL-6 production. PMID:8168970

  9. ICI 182,780-regulated gene expression in DU145 prostate cancer cells is mediated by estrogen receptor-beta/NFkappaB crosstalk.

    PubMed

    Leung, Yuet-Kin; Gao, Ying; Lau, Kin-Mang; Zhang, Xiang; Ho, Shuk-Mei

    2006-04-01

    Estrogen receptor (ER)-beta is the predominant ER subtype in prostate cancer (PCa). We previously demonstrated that ICI 182,780 (ICI), but not estrogens, exerted dose-dependent growth inhibition on DU145 PCa cells by an ER-beta-mediated pathway. Transcriptional profiling detected a greater than three-fold upregulation of seven genes after a 12-hour exposure to 1 microM ICI. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed the upregulation of four genes by ICI: interleukin-12alpha chain, interleukin-8, embryonic growth/differentiation factor, and RYK tyrosine kinase. Treatment with an ER-beta antisense oligonucleotide reduced cellular ER-beta mRNA and induced loss of expression of these genes. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of consensus NFkappaB sites, but not estrogen-responsive elements, in promoters of all four genes. Reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that ICI-induced gene expression could be mediated by crosstalk between ER-beta and the NFkappaB signaling pathway, denoting a novel mechanism of ER-beta-mediated ICI action. Therefore, combined therapies targeting ER-beta and NFkappaB signaling may be synergistic as treatment for PCa.

  10. Dexamethasone antagonizes IL-4 and IL-10-induced release of IL-1RA by monocytes but augments IL-4-, IL-10-, and TGF-beta-induced suppression of TNF-alpha release.

    PubMed

    Joyce, D A; Steer, J H; Kloda, A

    1996-07-01

    The activities of monocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta are potentially modified by IL-1RA and soluble receptors for TNF (sTNF-R), which are themselves monocyte products. IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta, and glucocorticoids (GC) all suppress the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated release of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta but vary in their effects on IL-1RA and sTNF-R. This raises the prospect of interactions between the cytokines and glucocorticoids, which may be antagonistic or additive on IL-1 and TNF activity. We, therefore, studied the interactions of the GC dexamethasone (Dex) with IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta on the release of TNF-alpha and IL-1RA by human monocytes and the monocytic THP-1 cell line. Low concentration of Dex (10(-8)-10(-7)M) acted additively with low concentrations of IL-4 (0.01-1 ng/ml), IL-10 (0.01-0.1 U/ml), or TGF-beta (0.01-1 ng/ml) to profoundly suppress LPS-stimulated release of TNF-alpha by whole blood and, to a lesser degree, THP-1 cells. Dex also suppressed spontaneous release of IL-1RA from PBMC and THP-1 cells, whereas IL-4 and IL-10, but not TGF-beta, stimulated release. Dex antagonized the enhanced release in IL-4 and IL-10-stimulated cultures. The capacity to stimulate release of IL-1RA may contribute to the anti-inflammatory potential of IL-4 and IL-10 in monocyte/macrophage-mediated disease. GC, therefore, do not uniquely enhance the suppressive functions of IL-4 and IL-10 on monokine activity. The therapeutic benefit of combinations of GC and IL-4, IL-10 or TGF-beta in disease may depend on the roles of the individual monokines and antagonists in pathogenesis.

  11. Pathogenic prions deviate PrPC signaling in neuronal cells and impair A-beta clearance

    PubMed Central

    Pradines, E; Hernandez-Rapp, J; Villa-Diaz, A; Dakowski, C; Ardila-Osorio, H; Haik, S; Schneider, B; Launay, J-M; Kellermann, O; Torres, J-M; Mouillet-Richard, S

    2013-01-01

    The subversion of the normal function exerted by the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in neurons by pathogenic prions is assumed to have a central role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Using two murine models of prion infection, the 1C11 neuronal cell line and neurospheres, we document that prion infection is associated with the constitutive activation of signaling targets normally coupled with PrPC, including the Fyn kinase, the mitogen-associated protein kinases ERK1/2 and the CREB transcription factor. PrPC-dependent signaling overactivation in infected cells is associated with the recruitment of p38 and JNK stress-associated kinases. Downstream from CREB, prion-infected cells exhibit reduced activity of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9. As MMP-9 catalyzes the degradation of the amyloid A-beta peptide, the decrease in MMP-9 activity in prion-infected cells causes a significant impairment of the clearance of A-beta, leading to its accumulation. By exploiting two 1C11-infected clones accumulating high or moderate levels of prions, we show that the prion-induced changes are correlated with the level of infectivity. Of note, a dose-dependent increase in A-beta levels was also found in the cerebrospinal fluid of mice inoculated with these infected clones. By demonstrating that pathogenic prions trigger increases in A-beta levels through the deviation of PrPC signaling, our data argue that A-beta may exacerbate prion-induced toxicity. PMID:23303130

  12. Lack of the central nervous system- and neural crest-expressed forkhead gene Foxs1 affects motor function and body weight.

    PubMed

    Heglind, Mikael; Cederberg, Anna; Aquino, Jorge; Lucas, Guilherme; Ernfors, Patrik; Enerbäck, Sven

    2005-07-01

    To gain insight into the expression pattern and functional importance of the forkhead transcription factor Foxs1, we constructed a Foxs1-beta-galactosidase reporter gene "knock-in" (Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal) mouse, in which the wild-type (wt) Foxs1 allele has been inactivated and replaced by a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. Staining for beta-galactosidase activity reveals an expression pattern encompassing neural crest-derived cells, e.g., cranial and dorsal root ganglia as well as several other cell populations in the central nervous system (CNS), most prominently the internal granule layer of cerebellum. Other sites of expression include the lachrymal gland, outer nuclear layer of retina, enteric ganglion neurons, and a subset of thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei. In the CNS, blood vessel-associated smooth muscle cells and pericytes stain positive for Foxs1. Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice perform significantly better (P < 0.01) on a rotating rod than do wt littermates. We have also noted a lower body weight gain (P < 0.05) in Foxs1beta-gal/lbeta-gal males on a high-fat diet, and we speculate that dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons, expressing Foxs1, could play a role in regulating body weight via regulation of sympathetic outflow. In support of this, we observed increased levels of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA in Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice. This points toward a role for Foxs1 in the integration and processing of neuronal signals of importance for energy turnover and motor function.

  13. Evidence against involvement of the acid lysosomal sphingomyelinase in the tumor-necrosis-factor- and interleukin-1-induced sphingomyelin cycle and cell proliferation in human fibroblasts.

    PubMed Central

    Andrieu, N; Salvayre, R; Levade, T

    1994-01-01

    The hydrolysis of sphingomyelin (SPM) has been reported to mediate a number of responses to extracellular agents, including cytokines. The so-called SPM cycle may result from the activation of different types of sphingomyelinases (SPMases). We investigated the hypothetical contribution of acid lysosomal SPMase in the SPM signal-transduction pathway. We examined the ability of human skin fibroblasts with a genetic deficiency of acid lysosomal SPMase activity to respond to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). We report that both cytokines promoted SPM hydrolysis in fibroblasts derived from patients with Niemann-Pick disease or I-cell disease, similar to that observed in normal cells. Treatment of normal fibroblasts with cationic amphiphilic drugs resulted in inhibition of acid SPMase activity, but had no effect on cytokine-induced SPM turnover. In addition, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation in Niemann-Pick fibroblasts, as in normal cells. Thus our results argue against a role for acid endolysosomal SPMase in mediating the cytokine-induced SPM signalling cascade. Images Figure 2 PMID:7980390

  14. Galectin-1 suppresses alpha2(I) collagen through Smad3 in renal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Okano, K; Uchida, K; Nitta, K; Hayashida, T

    2008-10-01

    Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1) promotes renal fibrogenesis through activation of Smads. Galectin-1 is reported to prevent experimental glomerulonephritis. Here we investigated the fact that transfected galectin-1 significantly suppressed the transcription of alpha2(I) collagen (COL1A2) in TGF-beta1- activated human renal epithelial cells. Conversely, galectin-1 silencing RNA reduced secretion of type I collagen by HKC cells. Galectin-1 significantly decreased activation of a TGF-beta1-responsive reporter construct and of a minimal reporter construct that contains four repeats of the Smad binding element (SBE). Galectin-1 had no effect on phosphorylation of Smad3 at the linker region and C-terminus, whereas it decreased affinity of Smad3 to the SBE. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of galectin-1 disappeared using a mutated reporter construct, 376 m-LUC, in which a potential Smad recognition site within the promoter is mutated. Taken together, the results suggest that galectin-1 decreases Smad3-complex from binding to the SBE, down-regulating transcription of COL1A2 in TGF-beta1-stimulated renal epithelial cells.

  15. Tangeretin suppresses IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression through inhibition of p38 MAPK, JNK, and AKT activation in human lung carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Kuan-Hung; Weng, Meng-Shih; Lin, Jen-Kun

    2007-01-15

    Tangeretin (5,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavone) is a polymethoxylated flavonoid concentrated in the peel of citrus fruits. Recent studies have shown that tangeretin exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, anti-metastatic, and antioxidant activities. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of tangeretin are unclear. In this study, we examine the effects of tangeretin and its structure-related compound, nobiletin, on the expression of cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) in human lung epithelial carcinoma cells, A549, and human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells, H1299. Tangeretin exerts a much better inhibitory activity than nobiletin against IL-1beta-induced production of COX-2 in A549 cells, and it effectively represses the constitutively expressed COX-2 in H1299. RT-PCR was used to investigate the transcriptional inhibition of COX-2 by tangeretin. COX-2 mRNA was rapidly induced by IL-1beta in 3h and markedly suppressed by tangeretin. IL-1beta-induced the activation of ERK, p38 MAPK, JNK, and AKT in A549 cells. COX-2 expression in response to IL-1beta was attenuated by pretreatment with SB203580, SP600125, and LY294002, but not with PD98059, suggesting the involvement of p38 MAPK, JNK, and PI3K in this response. Pretreatment of cells with tangeretin inhibited IL-1beta-induced p38 MAPK, JNK, and AKT phosphorylation and the downstream activation of NF-kappaB. These results may reveal that the tangeretin inhibition of IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression in A549 cells is, at least in part, mediated through suppression of NF-kappaB transcription factor as well as through suppression of the signaling proteins of p38 MAPK, JNK, and PI3K, but not of ERK.

  16. Expression and regulation of aromatase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 in human THP 1 leukemia cells.

    PubMed

    Jakob, F; Homann, D; Adamski, J

    1995-12-01

    Estradiol is active in proliferation and differentiation of sex-related tissues like ovary and breast. Glandular steroid metabolism was for a long time believed to dominate the estrogenic milieu around any cell of the organism. Recent reports verified the expression of estrogen receptors in "non-target" tissues as well as the extraglandular expression of steroid metabolizing enzymes. Extraglandular steroid metabolism proved to be important in the brain, skin and in stromal cells of hormone responsive tumors. Aromatase converts testosterone into estradiol and androstenedione into estrone, thereby activating estrogen precursors. The group of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases catalyzes the oxidation and/or reduction of the forementioned compounds, e.g. estradiol/estrone, thereby either activating or inactivating estradiol. Aromatase is expressed and regulated in the human THP 1 myeloid leukemia cell line after vitamin D/GMCSF-propagated differentiation. Aromatase expression is stimulated by dexamethasone, phorbolesters and granulocyte/macrophage stimulating factor (GMCSF). Exons I.2 and I.4 are expressed in PMA-stimulated cells only, exon I.3 in both PMA- and dexamethasone-stimulated cells. Vitamin D-differentiated THP 1 cells produce a net excess of estradiol in culture supernatants, if testosterone is given as aromatase substrate. In contrast, the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (17 beta-HSD 4) is abundantly expressed in unstimulated THP 1 cells and is further stimulated by glucocorticoids (2-fold). The expression is unchanged after vitamin D/GMCSF-propagated differentiation. 17 beta-HSD 4 expression is not altered by phorbolester treatment in undifferentiated cells but is abolished after vitamin D-propagated differentiation along with downregulation of beta-actin. Protein kinase C activation therefore appears to dissociate the expression of aromatase and 17 beta-HSD 4 in this differentiation stage along the monocyte/phagocyte pathway of THP 1 myeloid cells. The expression of steroid metabolizing enzymes in myeloid cells is able to create a microenvironment which is uncoupled from dominating systemic estrogens. These findings may be relevant in the autocrine, paracrine or iuxtacrine cellular crosstalk of myeloid cells in their respective states of terminal differentiation, e.g. in bone metabolism and inflammation.

  17. Expression of HSP27, HSP72 and MRP proteins in in vitro co-culture of colon tumour cell spheroids with normal cells after incubation with rhTGF- beta1 and/or CPT-11.

    PubMed

    Paduch, Roman; Jakubowicz-Gil, Joanna; Kandefer-Szerszen, Martyna

    2009-12-01

    We studied the expression of inducible heat shock protein (HSP27, HSP72) and multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) in co-cultures of human colon carcinoma cell spheroids obtained from different grades of tumour with normal human colon epithelium, myofibroblast and endothelial cell monolayers. We also measured the influence of recombinant human transforming growth factor beta1 (rhTGF-beta1) and camptothecin (CPT-11), added as single agents or in combination, on the levels of the HSPs, MRP, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide (NO). An immunoblotting analysis with densitometry showed that rhTGF-beta1 and/or CPT-11 increased HSP27, HSP72 and MRP expression in tumour cells and myofibroblasts, as well as in co-cultures compared with appropriate controls. By contrast, in colonic epithelium, inhibition of HSPs and MRP was comparable with that of the control. In endothelial cells, HSP72 was undetectable. Direct interaction of colon tumour spheroids with normal myofibroblasts caused a significant, tumour-grade dependent increase in IL-6 production. Production of IL-6 was significantly lowered by rhTGF-beta1 and/or CPT-11. Tumour cell spheroids cultivated alone produced larger amounts of NO than normal cells. In co-culture, the level of the radical decreased compared with the sum of NO produced by the monocultures of the two types of cells. rhTGF-beta1 and/or CPT-11 decreased NO production both in tumour and normal cell monocultures and their co-cultures. In conclusion, direct interactions between tumour and normal cells influence the expression of HSP27, HSP72 and MRP, and alter IL-6 and NO production. rhTGF-beta1 and/or CPT-11 may potentate resistance to chemotherapy by increasing HSP and MRP expression but, on the other hand, they may limit tumour cell spread by decreasing the level of some soluble mediators of inflammation (IL-6 and NO).

  18. Up-regulated transcriptional repressors SnoN and Ski bind Smad proteins to antagonize transforming growth factor-beta signals during liver regeneration.

    PubMed

    Macias-Silva, Marina; Li, Wei; Leu, Julia I; Crissey, Mary Ann S; Taub, Rebecca

    2002-08-09

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) functions as an antiproliferative factor for hepatocytes. However, for unexplained reasons, hepatocytes become resistant to TGF-beta signals and can proliferate despite the presence of TGF-beta during liver regeneration. TGF-beta is up-regulated during liver regeneration, although it is not known whether it is active or latent. TGF-beta activity may be examined by assessing Smad activation, a downstream signaling pathway. Smad pathway activation during liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy or CC4 injury was examined by assessing the levels of phospho-Smad2 and Smad2-Smad4 complexes. We found that Smad proteins were slightly activated in quiescent liver, but that their activation was further enhanced in regenerating liver. Interestingly, TGF-beta/Smad pathway inhibitors (SnoN and Ski) were up-regulated during regeneration, and notably, SnoN was induced mainly in hepatocytes. SnoN and Ski are transcriptional repressors that may render some cells resistant to TGF-beta via binding Smad proteins. Complexes between SnoN, Ski, and the activated Smad proteins were detected from 2 to 120 h during the major proliferative phase in regenerating liver. Inhibitory complexes decreased after liver mass restitution (5-15 days), suggesting that persistently activated Smad proteins might participate in returning the liver to a quiescent state. Our data show that active TGF-beta/Smad signals are present during regeneration and suggest that SnoN/Ski induction might explain hepatocyte resistance to TGF-beta during the proliferative phase.

  19. Expanded adipose-derived stem cells suppress mixed lymphocyte reaction by secretion of prostaglandin E2.

    PubMed

    Cui, Lei; Yin, Shuo; Liu, Wei; Li, Ningli; Zhang, Wenjie; Cao, Yilin

    2007-06-01

    Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in adult tissue are known to be less immunogenic and immunosuppressive. Previous study showed that primary cultures of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) shared their immunomodulatory properties with other MSCs. However, whether passaged human ADSCs can retain their immunomodulatory effect after in vitro expansion remains unknown. In addition, the mechanism of ADSC-mediated immunomodulatory effect remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate these issues by using passaged human ADSCs as an in vitro study model. Flow cytometry showed that passaged ADSCs expressed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I but not class II molecules, which could be induced to express to a high level with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment. The study found that passaged ADSCs could not elicit lymphocyte proliferation after co-culturing with them, even after IFN-gamma treatment. In addition, either IFN-gamma-treated or non-treated ADSCs could inhibit phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Moreover, passaged ADSCs could serve as the third-party cells to inhibited two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Further study using a transwell system also showed that this type of immunosuppressive effect was not cell-cell contact dependent. In defining possible soluble factors, we found that passaged ADSCs significantly increased their secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but not transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), when they were co-cultured with MLR. Furthermore, the result demonstrated that only PGE2 production inhibitor indomethacine, but not TGF-beta- and HGF-neutralizing antibodies, could significantly counteract ADSC-mediated suppression on allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation. These results indicated that in vitro expanded ADSCs retain low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive effect, and PGE2 might be the major soluble factor involved in the in vitro inhibition of allogeneic lymphocyte reaction.

  20. Beta-catenin signaling plays a disparate role in different phases of fracture repair: implications for therapy to improve bone healing.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yan; Whetstone, Heather C; Lin, Alvin C; Nadesan, Puviindran; Wei, Qingxia; Poon, Raymond; Alman, Benjamin A

    2007-07-31

    Delayed fracture healing causes substantial disability and usually requires additional surgical treatments. Pharmacologic management to improve fracture repair would substantially improve patient outcome. The signaling pathways regulating bone healing are beginning to be unraveled, and they provide clues into pharmacologic management. The beta-catenin signaling pathway, which activates T cell factor (TCF)-dependent transcription, has emerged as a key regulator in embryonic skeletogenesis, positively regulating osteoblasts. However, its role in bone repair is unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the role of beta-catenin signaling in bone repair. Western blot analysis showed significant up-regulation of beta-catenin during the bone healing process. Using a beta-Gal activity assay to observe activation during healing of tibia fractures in a transgenic mouse model expressing a TCF reporter, we found that beta-catenin-mediated, TCF-dependent transcription was activated in both bone and cartilage formation during fracture repair. Using reverse transcription-PCR, we observed that several WNT ligands were expressed during fracture repair. Treatment with DKK1 (an antagonist of WNT/beta-catenin pathway) inhibited beta-catenin signaling and the healing process, suggesting that WNT ligands regulate beta-catenin. Healing was significantly repressed in mice conditionally expressing either null or stabilized beta-catenin alleles induced by an adenovirus expressing Cre recombinase. Fracture repair was also inhibited in mice expressing osteoblast-specific beta-catenin null alleles. In stark contrast, there was dramatically enhanced bone healing in mice expressing an activated form of beta-catenin, whose expression was restricted to osteoblasts. Treating mice with lithium activated beta-catenin in the healing fracture, but healing was enhanced only when treatment was started subsequent to the fracture. These results demonstrate that beta-catenin functions differently at different stages of fracture repair. In early stages, precise regulation of beta-catenin is required for pluripotent mesenchymal cells to differentiate to either osteoblasts or chondrocytes. Once these undifferentiated cells have become committed to the osteoblast lineage, beta-catenin positively regulates osteoblasts. This is a different function for beta-catenin than has previously been reported during development. Activation of beta-catenin by lithium treatment has potential to improve fracture healing, but only when utilized in later phases of repair, after mesenchymal cells have become committed to the osteoblast lineage.

  1. Promotion of stem cell proliferation by vegetable peptone.

    PubMed

    Lee, J; Lee, J; Hwang, H; Jung, E; Huh, S; Hyun, J; Park, D

    2009-10-01

    Technical limitations and evolution of therapeutic applications for cell culture-derived products have accelerated elimination of animal-derived constituents from such products to minimize inadvertent introduction of microbial contaminants, such as fungi, bacteria or viruses. The study described here was conducted to investigate the proliferative effect of vegetable peptone on adult stem cells in the absence of serum, and its possible mechanisms of action. Cell viability and proliferation were determined using the MTT assay and Click-iT EdU flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, changes in expression of cytokine genes were analysed using MILLIPLEX human cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Viability of cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CB-MSC) and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) increased significantly when treated with the peptone. In addition, median value of the group treated with peptone shifted to the right when compared to the untreated control group. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the cytokines revealed that production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased significantly in response to treatment with our vegetable peptone in both CB-MSCs and ADSCs. Our findings revealed that the vegetable peptone promotes proliferation of CB-MSCs and ADSCs. In addition, results of this study suggest that induction of stem cell proliferation by vegetable peptone is likely to be related to its induction of VEGF, TGF-beta1, and IL-6 expression.

  2. Participation of OCT3/4 and beta-catenin during dysgenetic gonadal malignant transformation.

    PubMed

    Palma, Icela; Peña, Rocio-Yolanda; Contreras, Alejandra; Ceballos-Reyes, Guillermo; Coyote, Ninel; Eraña, Luis; Kofman-Alfaro, Susana; Queipo, Gloria

    2008-05-18

    Gonadoblastoma (GB) is an in situ tumor consisting of a heterogeneous population of mature and immature germ cells, other cells resembling immature Sertoli/granulosa cells, and Leydig/lutein-like cells, may also be present. GB almost exclusively affects a subset of patients with intersex disorders and in 30% of them overgrowth of the germinal component of the tumor is observed and the lesion is term dysgerminoma/seminoma. Several pathways have been proposed to explain the malignant process, and abnormal OCT3/4 expression is the most robust risk factor for malignant transformation. Some authors have suggested that OCT3/4 and beta-catenin might both be involved in the same oncogenic pathway, as both genes are master regulators of cell differentiation and, overexpression of either gene may result in cancer development. The mechanism by which beta-catenin participates in GB transformation is not completely clear and exploration of the E-cadherin pathway did not conclusively show that this pathway participated in the molecular pathogenesis of GB. Here we analyze seven patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis and GB, in an effort to elucidate the participation of beta-catenin and E-cadherin, as well as OCT3/4, in the oncogenic pathways involved in the transformation of GB into seminoma/dysgerminoma. We conclude that the proliferation of immature germ cells in GB may be due to an interaction between OCT3/4 and accumulated beta-catenin in the nuclei of the immature germ cells.

  3. Human Beta Defensin 2 Selectively Inhibits HIV-1 in Highly Permissive CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T Cells.

    PubMed

    Lafferty, Mark K; Sun, Lingling; Christensen-Quick, Aaron; Lu, Wuyuan; Garzino-Demo, Alfredo

    2017-05-16

    Chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6)⁺CD4⁺ T cells are preferentially infected and depleted during HIV disease progression, but are preserved in non-progressors. CCR6 is expressed on a heterogeneous population of memory CD4⁺ T cells that are critical to mucosal immunity. Preferential infection of these cells is associated, in part, with high surface expression of CCR5, CXCR4, and α4β7. In addition, CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells harbor elevated levels of integrated viral DNA and high levels of proliferation markers. We have previously shown that the CCR6 ligands MIP-3α and human beta defensins inhibit HIV replication. The inhibition required CCR6 and the induction of APOBEC3G. Here, we further characterize the induction of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (APOBEC3G) by human beta defensin 2. Human beta defensin 2 rapidly induces transcriptional induction of APOBEC3G that involves extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and the transcription factors NFATc2, NFATc1, and IRF4. We demonstrate that human beta defensin 2 selectively protects primary CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells infected with HIV-1. The selective protection of CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cell subsets may be critical in maintaining mucosal immune function and preventing disease progression.

  4. Lewis type 1 antigen synthase (beta3Gal-T5) is transcriptionally regulated by homeoproteins.

    PubMed

    Isshiki, Soichiro; Kudo, Takashi; Nishihara, Shoko; Ikehara, Yuzuru; Togayachi, Akira; Furuya, Akiko; Shitara, Kenya; Kubota, Tetsuro; Watanabe, Masahiko; Kitajima, Masaki; Narimatsu, Hisashi

    2003-09-19

    The type 1 carbohydrate chain, Galbeta1-3GlcNAc, is synthesized by UDP-galactose:beta-N-acetylglucosamine beta1,3-galactosyltransferase (beta3Gal-T). Among six beta3Gal-Ts cloned to date, beta3Gal-T5 is an essential enzyme for the synthesis of type 1 chain in epithelium of digestive tracts or pancreatic tissue. It forms the type 1 structure on glycoproteins produced from such tissues. In the present study, we found that the transcriptional regulation of the beta3Gal-T5 gene is controlled by homeoproteins, i.e. members of caudal-related homeobox protein (Cdx) and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) families. We found an important region (-151 to -121 from the transcription initiation site), named the beta3Gal-T5 control element (GCE), for the promoter activity. GCE contained the consensus sequences for members of the Cdx and HNF families. Mutations introduced into this sequence abolished the transcriptional activity. Four factors, Cdx1, Cdx2, HNF1alpha, and HNF1beta, could bind to GCE and transcriptionally activate the beta3Gal-T5 gene. Transcriptional regulation of the beta3Gal-T5 gene was consistent with that of members of the Cdx and HNF1 families in two in vivo systems. 1) During in vitro differentiation of Caco-2 cells, transcriptional up-regulation of beta3Gal-T5 was observed in correlation with the increase in transcripts for Cdx2 and HNF1alpha. 2) Both transcript and protein levels of beta3Gal-T5 were determined to be significantly reduced in colon cancer. This down-regulation was correlated with the decrease of Cdx1 and HNF1beta expression in cancer tissue. This is the first finding that a glycosyltransferase gene is transcriptionally regulated under the control of homeoproteins in a tissue-specific manner. beta3Gal-T5, controlled by the intestinal homeoproteins, may play an important role in the specific function of intestinal cells by modifying the carbohydrate structure of glycoproteins.

  5. Effect of doxycycline on epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the p38/Smad pathway in respiratory epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Shin, Jae-Min; Kang, Ju-Hyung; Lee, Seoung-Ae; Park, Il-Ho; Lee, Heung-Man

    2017-03-01

    Doxycycline has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and it also suppresses collagen biosynthesis. This study aimed to confirm the effects and mechanism of doxycycline on transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell migration in A549 and primary nasal epithelial cells. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and phalloidin-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining were used to evaluate cytotoxicity and cellular morphologic changes. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, phosphorylated Smad2/3, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Scratch and transwell migration assays were used to assess cellular migration ability. Doxycycline (0-10 μg/mL) had no significant cytotoxic effects in A549 and primary nasal epithelial cells. Increased expression of mesenchymal markers, including vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin in TGF beta 1 induced A549 cells were downregulated by doxycycline treatment. In contrast, E-cadherin expression was upregulated in TGF beta 1 induced A549 cells. An in vitro cell migration assay showed that doxycycline also inhibited the ability of TGF beta 1 induced migration. Doxycycline treatment suppressed the activation of Smad2/3 and p38, whereas its inhibitory effects were similar to each element-specific inhibitor in A549 and primary nasal epithelial cells. Doxycycline inhibited TGF beta 1 induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration by targeting Smad2/3 and p38 signal pathways in respiratory epithelial cells.

  6. VEGF elicits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)-like cells via an autocrine loop

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gonzalez-Moreno, Oscar; Lecanda, Jon; Green, Jeffrey E.

    2010-02-15

    Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is overexpressed during the transition from prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) to invasive carcinoma. We have mimicked such a process in vitro using the PIN-like C3(1)/Tag-derived Pr-111 cell line, which expresses low levels of VEGF and exhibits very low tumorigenicity in vivo. Elevated expression of VEGF164 in Pr-111 cells led to a significant increase in tumorigenicity, invasiveness, proliferation rates and angiogenesis. Moreover, VEGF164 induced strong changes in cell morphology and cell transcriptome through an autocrine mechanism, with changes in TGF-beta1- and cytoskeleton-related pathways, among others. Further analysis of VEGF-overexpressing Pr-111 cells or following exogenous addition ofmore » recombinant VEGF shows acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) features, with an increased expression of mesenchymal markers, such as N-cadherin, Snail1, Snail2 (Slug) and vimentin, and a decrease in E-cadherin. Administration of VEGF led to changes in TGF-beta1 signaling, including reduction of Smad7 (TGF-beta inhibitory Smad), increase in TGF-betaR-II, and translocation of phospho-Smad3 to the nucleus. Our results suggest that increased expression of VEGF in malignant cells during the transition from PIN to invasive carcinoma leads to EMT through an autocrine loop, which would promote tumor cell invasion and motility. Therapeutic blockade of VEGF/TGF-beta1 in PIN lesions might impair not only tumor angiogenesis, but also the early dissemination of malignant cells outside the epithelial layer.« less

  7. Effect of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists and other cAMP-elevating agents on inflammatory gene expression in human ASM cells: a role for protein kinase A.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Manminder; Holden, Neil S; Wilson, Sylvia M; Sukkar, Maria B; Chung, Kian Fan; Barnes, Peter J; Newton, Robert; Giembycz, Mark A

    2008-09-01

    In diseases such as asthma, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells play a synthetic role by secreting inflammatory mediators such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6, or IL-8 and by expressing surface adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1. In the present study, PGE(2), forskolin, and short-acting (salbutamol) and long-acting (salmeterol and formoterol) beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists reduced the expression of ICAM-1 and the release of GM-CSF evoked by IL-1beta in ASM cells. IL-1beta-induced IL-8 release was also repressed by PGE(2) and forskolin, whereas the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists were ineffective. In each case, repression of these inflammatory indexes was prevented by adenoviral overexpression of PKIalpha, a highly selective PKA inhibitor. These data indicate a PKA-dependent mechanism of repression and suggest that agents that elevate intracellular cAMP, and thereby activate PKA, may have a widespread anti-inflammatory effect in ASM cells. Since ICAM-1 and GM-CSF are highly NF-kappaB-dependent genes, we used an adenoviral-delivered NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase reporter to examine the effects of forskolin and the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists on NF-kappaB activation. There was no effect on luciferase activity measured in the presence of forskolin or beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. This finding is consistent with the observation that IL-1beta-induced expression of IL-6, a known NF-kappaB-dependent gene in ASM, was also unaffected by beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, forskolin, PGE(2), 8-bromo-cAMP, or rolipram. Collectively, these results indicate that repression of IL-1beta-induced ICAM-1 expression and GM-CSF release by cAMP-elevating agents, including beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, may not occur through a generic effect on NF-kappaB.

  8. Insulin-like growth factor I in inclusion-body myositis and human muscle cultures.

    PubMed

    Broccolini, Aldobrando; Ricci, Enzo; Pescatori, Mario; Papacci, Manuela; Gliubizzi, Carla; D'Amico, Adele; Servidei, Serenella; Tonali, Pietro; Mirabella, Massimiliano

    2004-06-01

    Possible pathogenic mechanisms of sporadic inclusion-body myositis (sIBM) include abnormal production and accumulation of amyloid beta (A beta), muscle aging, and increased oxidative stress. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), an endocrine and autocrine/paracrine trophic factor, provides resistance against A beta toxicity and oxidative stress in vitro and promotes cell survival. In this study we analyzed the IGF-I signaling pathway in sIBM muscle and found that 16.2% +/- 2.5% of nonregenerating fibers showed increased expression of IGF-I, phosphatidylinositide 3'OH-kinase, and Akt. In the majority of sIBM abnormal muscle fibers, increased IGF-I mRNA and protein correlated with the presence of A beta cytoplasmic inclusions. To investigate a possible relationship between A beta toxicity and IGF-I upregulation, normal primary muscle cultures were stimulated for 24 hours with the A beta(25-35) peptide corresponding to the biologically active domain of A beta. This induced an increase of IGF-I mRNA and protein in myotubes at 6 hours, followed by a gradual reduction thereafter. The level of phosphorylated Akt showed similar changes. We suggest that in sIBM. IGF-I overexpression represents a reactive response to A beta toxicity, possibly providing trophic support to vulnerable fibers. Understanding the signaling pathways activated by IGF-I in sIBM may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the disease.

  9. Expansion and redifferentiation of chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage: cells for human cartilage tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Hsieh-Bonassera, Nancy D; Wu, Iwen; Lin, Jonathan K; Schumacher, Barbara L; Chen, Albert C; Masuda, Koichi; Bugbee, William D; Sah, Robert L

    2009-11-01

    To determine if selected culture conditions enhance the expansion and redifferentiation of chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritic cartilage with yields appropriate for creation of constructs for treatment of joint-scale cartilage defects, damage, or osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes isolated from osteoarthritic cartilage were analyzed to determine the effects of medium supplement on cell expansion in monolayer and then cell redifferentiation in alginate beads. Expansion was assessed as cell number estimated from DNA, growth rate, and day of maximal growth. Redifferentiation was evaluated quantitatively from proteoglycan and collagen type II content, and qualitatively by histology and immunohistochemistry. Using either serum or a growth factor cocktail (TFP: transforming growth factor beta1, fibroblast growth factor 2, and platelet-derived growth factor type bb), cell growth rate in monolayer was increased to 5.5x that of corresponding conditions without TFP, and cell number increased 100-fold within 17 days. In subsequent alginate bead culture with human serum or transforming growth factor beta1 and insulin-transferrin-selenium-linoleic acid-bovine serum albumin, redifferentiation was enhanced with increased proteoglycan and collagen type II production. Effects of human serum were dose dependent, and 5% or higher induced formation of chondron-like structures with abundant proteoglycan-rich matrix. Chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage can be stimulated to undergo 100-fold expansion and then redifferentiation, suggesting that they may be useful as a cell source for joint-scale cartilage tissue engineering.

  10. Axin and GSK3- control Smad3 protein stability and modulate TGF- signaling.

    PubMed

    Guo, Xing; Ramirez, Alejandro; Waddell, David S; Li, Zhizhong; Liu, Xuedong; Wang, Xiao-Fan

    2008-01-01

    The broad range of biological responses elicited by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in various types of tissues and cells is mainly determined by the expression level and activity of the effector proteins Smad2 and Smad3. It is not fully understood how the baseline properties of Smad3 are regulated, although this molecule is in complex with many other proteins at the steady state. Here we show that nonactivated Smad3, but not Smad2, undergoes proteasome-dependent degradation due to the concerted action of the scaffolding protein Axin and its associated kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3-beta). Smad3 physically interacts with Axin and GSK3-beta only in the absence of TGF-beta. Reduction in the expression or activity of Axin/GSK3-beta leads to increased Smad3 stability and transcriptional activity without affecting TGF-beta receptors or Smad2, whereas overexpression of these proteins promotes Smad3 basal degradation and desensitizes cells to TGF-beta. Mechanistically, Axin facilitates GSK3-beta-mediated phosphorylation of Smad3 at Thr66, which triggers Smad3 ubiquitination and degradation. Thr66 mutants of Smad3 show altered protein stability and hence transcriptional activity. These results indicate that the steady-state stability of Smad3 is an important determinant of cellular sensitivity to TGF-beta, and suggest a new function of the Axin/GSK3-beta complex in modulating critical TGF-beta/Smad3-regulated processes during development and tumor progression.

  11. Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylated at both linker and COOH-terminal regions transmit malignant TGF-beta signal in later stages of human colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Matsuzaki, Koichi; Kitano, Chiaki; Murata, Miki; Sekimoto, Go; Yoshida, Katsunori; Uemura, Yoshiko; Seki, Toshihito; Taketani, Shigeru; Fujisawa, Jun-ichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2009-07-01

    Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta initially inhibits growth of mature epithelial cells. Later, however, autocrine TGF-beta signaling acts in concert with the Ras pathway to induce a proliferative and invasive phenotype. TGF-beta activates not only TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI) but also Ras-associated kinases, which differentially phosphorylate the mediators Smad2 and Smad3 to create distinct phosphorylated forms: COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2C and pSmad3C) and both linker and COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C). In this study, we investigated actions of pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C in cancer progression. TGF-beta inhibited cell growth by down-regulating c-Myc oncoprotein through the pSmad2C and pSmad3C pathway; TGF-beta signaling, in turn, enhanced cell growth by up-regulating c-Myc through the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4-dependent pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C pathways in cell nuclei. Alternatively, TbetaRI and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) together created cytoplasmic pSmad2L/C, which entered the nucleus and stimulated cell invasion, partly by up-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-9. In 20 clinical samples, pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C showed nuclear localization at invasion fronts of all TGF-beta-producing human metastatic colorectal cancers. In vitro kinase assay confirmed that nuclear CDK4 and cytoplasmic JNK obtained from the tumor tissue could phosphorylate Smad2 or Smad3 at their linker regions. We suggest that CDK4, together with JNK, alters tumor-suppressive TGF-beta signaling to malignant characteristics in later stages of human colorectal cancer. The linker phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 may represent a target for intervention in human metastatic cancer.

  12. PGE(2) inhibition of TGF-beta1-induced myofibroblast differentiation is Smad-independent but involves cell shape and adhesion-dependent signaling.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Peedikayil E; Peters-Golden, Marc; White, Eric S; Thannickal, Victor J; Moore, Bethany B

    2007-08-01

    Myofibroblasts are pathogenic in pulmonary fibrotic disease due to their exuberant production of matrix rich in collagen that interferes with gas exchange and the ability of these cells to contract and distort the alveolar space. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a well-known inducer of myofibroblast differentiation. TGF-beta1-induced transformation of fibroblasts to apoptosis-resistant myofibroblasts is adhesion-dependent and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) inhibits this differentiation via E prostanoid receptor 2 (EP2) signaling and cAMP elevation, but whether PGE(2) does so by interfering with TGF-beta1 signaling is unknown. Thus we examined the effects of PGE(2) in the presence and absence of TGF-beta1 stimulation on candidate signaling pathways in human lung fibroblasts. We now demonstrate that PGE(2) does not interfere with TGF-beta1-induced Smad phosphorylation or its translocation to the nucleus. Rather, PGE(2) has dramatic effects on cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture and disrupts the formation of appropriate focal adhesions. PGE(2) treatment diminishes TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of paxillin, STAT-3, and FAK and, in turn, limits activation of the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) pathway. These alterations do not, however, result in increased apoptosis within the first 24 h of treatment. Interestingly, the effects of PGE(2) stimulation alone do not always mirror the effects of PGE(2) in the presence of TGF-beta1, indicating that the context for EP2 signaling is different in the presence of TGF-beta1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PGE(2) has the potential to limit TGF-beta1-induced myofibroblast differentiation via adhesion-dependent, but Smad-independent, pathways.

  13. The role of microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1 (MACF1) in the Wnt signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hui-Jye; Lin, Chung-Ming; Lin, Chyuan-Sheng; Perez-Olle, Raul; Leung, Conrad L; Liem, Ronald K H

    2006-07-15

    MACF1 (microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1) is a multidomain protein that can associate with microfilaments and microtubules. We found that MACF1 was highly expressed in neuronal tissues and the foregut of embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) embryos and the head fold and primitive streak of E7.5 embryos. MACF1(-/-) mice died at the gastrulation stage and displayed developmental retardation at E7.5 with defects in the formation of the primitive streak, node, and mesoderm. This phenotype was similar to Wnt-3(-/-) and LRP5/6 double-knockout embryos. In the absence of Wnt, MACF1 associated with a complex that contained Axin, beta-catenin, GSK3beta, and APC. Upon Wnt stimulation, MACF1 appeared to be involved in the translocation and subsequent binding of the Axin complex to LRP6 at the cell membrane. Reduction of MACF1 with small interfering RNA decreased the amount of beta-catenin in the nucleus, and led to an inhibition of Wnt-induced TCF/beta-catenin-dependent transcriptional activation. Similar results were obtained with a dominant-negative MACF1 construct that contained the Axin-binding region. Reduction of MACF1 in Wnt-1-expressing P19 cells resulted in decreased T (Brachyury) gene expression, a DNA-binding transcription factor that is a direct target of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and required for mesoderm formation. These results suggest a new role of MACF1 in the Wnt signaling pathway.

  14. Effects of hydrostatic pressure and transforming growth factor-beta 3 on adult human mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis in vitro.

    PubMed

    Miyanishi, Keita; Trindade, Michael C D; Lindsey, Derek P; Beaupré, Gary S; Carter, Dennis R; Goodman, Stuart B; Schurman, David J; Smith, R Lane

    2006-06-01

    This study examined the effects of intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP) and transforming growth factor-beta 3 on chondrogenesis of adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro. Chondrogenic gene expression was determined by quantifying mRNA signal levels for SOX9, a transcription factor critical for cartilage development and the cartilage matrix proteins, aggrecan and type II collagen. Extracellular matrix production was determined by weight and histology. IHP was applied to hMSCs in pellet culture at a level of 10 MPa and a frequency of 1 Hz for 4 h per day for periods of 3, 7, and 14 days. hMSCs responded to addition of TGF-beta 3 (10 ng/mL) with a greater than 10-fold increase (p < 0.01) in mRNA levels for each, SOX9, type II collagen, and aggrecan during a 14-day culture period. Applying IHP in the presence of TGF-beta 3 further increased the mRNA levels for these proteins by 1.9-, 3.3-, and 1.6-fold, respectively, by day 14. Chondrogenic mRNA levels were increased with just exposure to IHP. Extracellular matrix deposition of type II collagen and aggrecan increased in the pellets as a function of treatment conditions and time of culture. This study demonstrated adjunctive effects of IHP on TGF-beta 3-induced chondrogenesis and suggests that mechanical loading can facilitate articular cartilage tissue engineering.

  15. Upregulating CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in pancreatic lymph nodes in diabetic NOD mice by adjuvant immunotherapy.

    PubMed

    Tian, Bole; Hao, Jianqiang; Zhang, Yu; Tian, Lei; Yi, Huimin; O'Brien, Timothy D; Sutherland, David E R; Hering, Bernhard J; Guo, Zhiguang

    2009-01-27

    Immunotherapy with Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) is effective in ameliorating autoimmunity in diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. We investigated whether CFA treatment up-regulates CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and increases transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 production in diabetic NOD mice. New-onset diabetic NOD mice were treated with CFA and exendin-4, a potent analog of glucagon-like peptide-1. Reversal of diabetes was determined by monitoring blood glucose level. Ameliorating autoimmunity through immunoregulation was assessed by adoptive transfer. Regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, thymus, and pancreatic nodes were measured. TGF-beta1 in plasma and the insulin content in the pancreas were also measured. Immunostainings for insulin and BrdU were performed. New-onset diabetes could be reversed in 38% of NOD mice treated with CFA alone and in 86% of NOD mice treated with both CFA and exendin-4. Diabetes adoptive transfer by splenocytes from CFA-treated NOD mice was delayed. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes of CFA-treated NOD mice was significantly increased at 1, 5, and 15 to 17 weeks after treatment. TGF-beta1 in the plasma of CFA-treated NOD mice was also significantly increased. Combining CFA with exendin-4 treatment significantly increased the insulin content and the numbers of insulin and BrdU double-labeled beta cells in the islets. Our results demonstrated that CFA treatment ameliorates autoimmunity in diabetic NOD mice by up-regulating CD4=CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and increasing TGF-beta1 production. Exendin-4 enhanced the effect of CFA on reversing diabetes in NOD mice by stimulating beta-cell replication.

  16. Activin- and Nodal-related factors control antero-posterior patterning of the zebrafish embryo.

    PubMed

    Thisse, B; Wright, C V; Thisse, C

    2000-01-27

    Definition of cell fates along the dorso-ventral axis depends on an antagonistic relationship between ventralizing transforming growth factor-beta superfamily members, the bone morphogenetic proteins and factors secreted from the dorsal organizer, such as Noggin and Chordin. The extracellular binding of the last group to the bone morphogenetic proteins prevents them from activating their receptors, and the relative ventralizer:antagonist ratio is thought to specify different dorso-ventral cell fates. Here, by taking advantage of a non-genetic interference method using a specific competitive inhibitor, the Lefty-related gene product Antivin, we provide evidence that cell fate along the antero-posterior axis of the zebrafish embryo is controlled by the morphogenetic activity of another transforming growth factor-beta superfamily subgroup--the Activin and Nodal-related factors. Increasing antivin doses progressively deleted posterior fates within the ectoderm, eventually resulting in the removal of all fates except forebrain and eyes. In contrast, overexpression of activin or nodal-related factors converted ectoderm that was fated to be forebrain into more posterior ectodermal or mesendodermal fates. We propose that modulation of intercellular signalling by Antivin/Activin and Nodal-related factors provides a mechanism for the graded establishment of cell fates along the antero-posterior axis of the zebrafish embryo.

  17. Acetylated flavonoid glycosides potentiating NGF action from Scoparia dulcis.

    PubMed

    Li, Yushan; Chen, Xigui; Satake, Masayuki; Oshima, Yasukatsu; Ohizumi, Yasushi

    2004-04-01

    Three new acetylated flavonoid glycosides, 5,6,4'-trihydroxyflavone 7-O-alpha-L-2,3-di-O-acetylrhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), apigenin 7-O-alpha-L-3-O-acetylrhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and apigenin 7-O-alpha-L-2,3-di-O-acetylrhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), were isolated from Scoparia dulcis together with the known compound eugenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (4). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 2 and 3 showed an enhancing activity of nerve growth factor-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12D cells.

  18. A GMCSF and IL-15 fusokine leads to paradoxical immunosuppression in vivo via asymmetrical JAK/STAT signaling through the IL-15 receptor complex.

    PubMed

    Rafei, Moutih; Wu, Jian Hui; Annabi, Borhane; Lejeune, Laurence; François, Moïra; Galipeau, Jacques

    2007-03-01

    We hypothesized that a granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) and interleukin 15 (IL-15) fusokine (GIFT15) would possess greater immune-stimulatory properties than their combined use. Unexpectedly, tumor cells engineered to secrete GIFT15 protein led to suppression of natural killer (NK) and NKT-cell recruitment in vivo, suggesting an unanticipated immune-suppressive effect. We found GIFT15 to have pleiotropic effects on an array of immune-competent cells. Among these, macrophages treated with GIFT15 secrete de novo the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2); activated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2); transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta); as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We show that the GIFT15 fusokine has increased affinity for the alpha chain component of the IL-15R, leading to aberrant signaling through the beta chain manifested by the hyperphosphorylation of STAT3 both in macrophages and splenocytes. Suppression of common gamma chain-mediated STAT5 phosphorylation and blockade of the IL-15-dependent IFN-gamma response in mouse splenocytes were also observed. We tested GIFT15 as an immunosuppressor and demonstrated that it allowed engraftment of allogeneic B16F0 and human xenograft U87GM glioma cells in immunocompetent mice. Thus, GIFT15 defines a new class of fusokine that mediates proangiogenic and immunosuppressive effects via aberrant signaling by the IL-15R in lymphomyeloid cells.

  19. EX4 stabilizes and activates Nrf2 via PKCδ, contributing to the prevention of oxidative stress-induced pancreatic beta cell damage

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Mi-Hwi; Kim, Eung-Hwi

    Oxidative stress in pancreatic beta cells can inhibit insulin secretion and promote apoptotic cell death. Exendin-4 (EX4), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, can suppress beta cell apoptosis, improve beta cell function and protect against oxidative damage. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms for antioxidative effects of EX4 in pancreatic beta cells. INS-1 cells, a rat insulinoma cell line, were pretreated with EX4 and exposed to palmitate or H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and glutathione and insulin secretion were measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of antioxidant genes were examined. The level of nuclear factormore » erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), its binding to antioxidant response element (ARE), and its ubiquination in the presence of EX4 were determined. The Nrf2 signaling pathway was determined using rottlerin (protein kinase [PK]Cδ inhibitor), H89 (PKA inhibitor) and LY294002 (phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor). EX4 treatment decreased ROS production, recovered cellular glutathione levels and insulin secretion in the presence of oxidative stress in INS-1 cells. The expression levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and heme oxygenase-1 were increased by EX4 treatment. EX4 promoted Nrf2 translocation, ARE binding activity and enhanced stabilization of Nrf2 by inhibition of ubiquitination. Knockdown of Nrf2 abolished the effect of EX4 on increased insulin secretion. Inhibition of PKCδ attenuated Nrf2 translocation and antioxidative gene expression by EX4 treatment. We suggest that EX4 activates and stabilizes Nrf2 through PKCδ activation, contributing to the increase of antioxidant gene expression and consequently improving beta cell function in the presence of oxidative stress. - Highlights: • EX4 protects against oxidative stress-induced pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. • EX4 increases antioxidant gene expression. • Antioxidative effect of EX4 is mediated by Nrf2. • EX4 increases Nrf2 level by stabilizing Nrf2 protein. • EX4 stabilizes Nrf2 by activation of PKCδ.« less

  20. Imbalance between pSmad3 and Notch induces CDK inhibitors in old muscle stem cells.

    PubMed

    Carlson, Morgan E; Hsu, Michael; Conboy, Irina M

    2008-07-24

    Adult skeletal muscle robustly regenerates throughout an organism's life, but as the muscle ages, its ability to repair diminishes and eventually fails. Previous work suggests that the regenerative potential of muscle stem cells (satellite cells) is not triggered in the old muscle because of a decline in Notch activation, and that it can be rejuvenated by forced local activation of Notch. Here we report that, in addition to the loss of Notch activation, old muscle produces excessive transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (but not myostatin), which induces unusually high levels of TGF-beta pSmad3 in resident satellite cells and interferes with their regenerative capacity. Importantly, endogenous Notch and pSmad3 antagonize each other in the control of satellite-cell proliferation, such that activation of Notch blocks the TGF-beta-dependent upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p15, p16, p21 and p27, whereas inhibition of Notch induces them. Furthermore, in muscle stem cells, Notch activity determines the binding of pSmad3 to the promoters of these negative regulators of cell-cycle progression. Attenuation of TGF-beta/pSmad3 in old, injured muscle restores regeneration to satellite cells in vivo. Thus a balance between endogenous pSmad3 and active Notch controls the regenerative competence of muscle stem cells, and deregulation of this balance in the old muscle microniche interferes with regeneration.

  1. Reactive oxygen species mediate liver injury through parenchymal nuclear factor-kappaB inactivation in prolonged ischemia/reperfusion.

    PubMed

    Llacuna, Laura; Marí, Montserrat; Lluis, Josep M; García-Ruiz, Carmen; Fernández-Checa, José C; Morales, Albert

    2009-05-01

    Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB participates in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) hepatic signaling, stimulating both protective mechanisms and the generation of inflammatory cytokines. After analyzing NF-kappaB activation during increasing times of ischemia in murine I/R, we observed that the nuclear translocation of p65 paralleled Src and IkappaB tyrosine phosphorylation, which peaked after 60 minutes of ischemia. After extended ischemic periods (90 to 120 minutes) however, nuclear p65 levels were inversely correlated with the progressive induction of oxidative stress. Despite this profile of NF-kappaB activation, inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1beta, predominantly induced by Kupffer cells, increased throughout time during ischemia (30 to 120 minutes), whereas protective NF-kappaB-dependent genes, such as manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), expressed in parenchymal cells, decreased. Consistent with this behavior, gadolinium chloride pretreatment abolished TNF/IL-1beta up-regulation during ischemia without affecting Mn-SOD levels. Interestingly, specific glutathione (GSH) up-regulation in hepatocytes by S-adenosylmethionine increased Mn-SOD expression and protected against I/R-mediated liver injury despite TNF/IL-1beta induction. Similar protection was achieved by administration of the SOD mimetic MnTBAP. In contrast, indiscriminate hepatic GSH depletion by buthionine-sulfoximine before I/R potentiated oxidative stress and decreased both nuclear p65 and Mn-SOD expression levels, increasing TNF/IL-1beta up-regulation and I/R-induced liver damage. Thus, the divergent role of NF-kappaB activation in selective liver cell populations underlies the dichotomy of NF-kappaB in hepatic I/R injury, illustrating the relevance of specifically maintaining NF-kappaB activation in parenchymal cells.

  2. Lymphotoxin-beta receptor signaling regulates hepatic stellate cell function and wound healing in a murine model of chronic liver injury.

    PubMed

    Ruddell, Richard G; Knight, Belinda; Tirnitz-Parker, Janina E E; Akhurst, Barbara; Summerville, Lesa; Subramaniam, V Nathan; Olynyk, John K; Ramm, Grant A

    2009-01-01

    Lymphotoxin-beta (LTbeta) is a proinflammatory cytokine and a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily known for its role in mediating lymph node development and homeostasis. Our recent studies suggest a role for LTbeta in mediating the pathogenesis of human chronic liver disease. We hypothesize that LTbeta co-ordinates the wound healing response in liver injury via direct effects on hepatic stellate cells. This study used the choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) dietary model of chronic liver injury, which induces inflammation, liver progenitor cell proliferation, and portal fibrosis, to assess (1) the cellular expression of LTbeta, and (2) the role of LTbeta receptor (LTbetaR) in mediating wound healing, in LTbetaR(-/-) versus wild-type mice. In addition, primary isolates of hepatic stellate cells were treated with LTbetaR-ligands LTbeta and LTbeta-related inducible ligand competing for glycoprotein D binding to herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells (LIGHT), and mediators of hepatic stellate cell function and fibrogenesis were assessed. LTbeta was localized to progenitor cells immediately adjacent to activated hepatic stellate cells in the periportal region of the liver in wild-type mice fed the CDE diet. LTbetaR(-/-) mice fed the CDE diet showed significantly reduced fibrosis and a dysregulated immune response. LTbetaR was demonstrated on isolated hepatic stellate cells, which when stimulated by LTbeta and LIGHT, activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway. Neither LTbeta nor LIGHT had any effect on alpha-smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, transforming growth factor beta, or procollagen alpha(1)(I) expression; however, leukocyte recruitment-associated factors intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and regulated upon activation T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) were markedly up-regulated. RANTES caused the chemotaxis of a liver progenitor cell line expressing CCR5. This study suggests that LTbetaR on hepatic stellate cells may be involved in paracrine signaling with nearby LTbeta-expressing liver progenitor cells mediating recruitment of progenitor cells, hepatic stellate cells, and leukocytes required for wound healing and regeneration during chronic liver injury.

  3. Administration of Interleukin-6 Stimulates Multilineage Hematopoiesis and Accelerates Recovery from Radiation-Induced Hematopoietic Depression

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-01

    Htirano T, Kishimoto T, Nakahata T. Asano S: In vitro hernatopoietic growth factors. J1 Natl Cancer Inst 81: t370. 1989 expansion of the murine...a.i phas S. %’ink A. Billiau A. VanSnick 1: Identification of the nutohlbyrcmiatntrekn.Cllmuolt12. human Zh-kd protein, interferon beta ,, as a B... beta . B-cell %timulatory factor type 2 shares identity T. Takaku F. Akivama Y: In vivo effects of recombinant human with rnsanc~tc-derived

  4. Iron-related disturbances of cell-mediated immunity in multitransfused children with thalassemia major.

    PubMed Central

    Pardalos, G; Kanakoudi-Tsakalidis, F; Malaka-Zafiriu, M; Tsantali, H; Athanasiou-Metaxa, M; Kallinikos, G; Papaevangelou, G

    1987-01-01

    Immunological abnormalities have been observed in many haemophiliacs receiving clotting factor concentrates. To determine whether similar changes also occur after repeated blood transfusions we estimated T cell subsets and cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity (CDH) in 50 multitransfused children with beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM). All patients were also tested for anti-HTLV-III/LAV antibodies. A diminished percentage of T lymphocytes (E-rosettes, T3+), and T4+ cells and a low T4/T8 ratio was found in patients as compared to age and sex matched controls (P less than 0.001). Negative CDH tests to specific antigens (Multi-test) were also found in a significantly larger proportion of beta-TM children (P less than 0.01). Antibodies against HTLV-III/LAV were negative in all patients. Decreased T4/T8 ratio in beta-TM children was primarily due to a reduction of T4+ cells and was inversely correlated to the patients' age, number of units of transfused blood (P less than 0.05) and especially to ferritin serum levels and annual iron balance (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that immunological abnormalities in beta-TM patients appear to be acquired, transfusion-associated and related to iron load which depends on the appropriate chelation therapy. PMID:3498564

  5. Rising Intracellular Zinc by Membrane Depolarization and Glucose in Insulin-Secreting Clonal HIT-T15 Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    Slepchenko, Kira G.; Li, Yang V.

    2012-01-01

    Zinc (Zn2+) appears to be intimately involved in insulin metabolism since insulin secretion is correlated with zinc secretion in response to glucose stimulation, but little is known about the regulation of zinc homeostasis in pancreatic beta-cells. This study set out to identify the intracellular zinc transient by imaging free cytosolic zinc in HIT-T15 beta-cells with fluorescent zinc indicators. We observed that membrane depolarization by KCl (30–60 mM) was able to induce a rapid increase in cytosolic concentration of zinc. Multiple zinc transients of similar magnitude were elicited during repeated stimulations. The amplitude of zinc responses was not affected by the removal of extracellular calcium or zinc. However, the half-time of the rising slope was significantly slower after removing extracellular zinc with zinc chelator CaEDTA, suggesting that extracellular zinc affect the initial rising phase of zinc response. Glucose (10 mM) induced substantial and progressive increases in intracellular zinc concentration in a similar way as KCl, with variation in the onset and the duration of zinc mobilization. It is known that the depolarization of beta-cell membrane is coupled with the secretion of insulin. Rising intracellular zinc concentration may act as a critical signaling factor in insulin metabolism of pancreatic beta-cells. PMID:22536213

  6. A novel mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor, leptin and transforming growth factor-beta2 sequestration in a subpopulation of human ovarian follicle cells.

    PubMed

    Antczak, M; Van Blerkom, J; Clark, A

    1997-10-01

    This study describes the occurrence of a highly specialized subpopulation of granulosa and cumulus oophorus cells that accumulate and sequester specific growth factors by a novel mechanism. These cells are characterized by multiple balloon-like processes tethered to the cell by means of a slender stalk of plasma membrane. Time-lapse analyses demonstrate that these tethered structures (TS) form in minutes and frequently detach from the cell with the bulbous portion remaining motile on the cell surface. Serial section reconstruction of transmission electron microscopic images shows a specific and stable intracellular organization in which an apparent secretory compartment composed of densely packed vacuoles, vesicles, and cisternae is separated by a thick filamentous network from a nuclear compartment containing mitochondria, polyribosomes, lipid inclusions, and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Immunofluorescent analysis performed during the formation of these structures showed a progressive accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, leptin, and transforming growth factor-beta2 in the bulbous region. TS were identified in newly aspirated masses of granulosa and cumulus oophorus, and their production persists for months in culture. Observations of TS-forming cells made over several days of culture indicates that their production is episodic and factor release from these cells may be pulsatile. The findings suggest that a novel method of growth factor storage and release by an apparent apocrine-like mechanism occurs in the human ovarian follicle. The results are discussed with respect to possible roles in pre- and post-ovulatory follicular development.

  7. Core epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition interactome gene-expression signature is associated with claudin-low and metaplastic breast cancer subtypes.

    PubMed

    Taube, Joseph H; Herschkowitz, Jason I; Komurov, Kakajan; Zhou, Alicia Y; Gupta, Supriya; Yang, Jing; Hartwell, Kimberly; Onder, Tamer T; Gupta, Piyush B; Evans, Kurt W; Hollier, Brett G; Ram, Prahlad T; Lander, Eric S; Rosen, Jeffrey M; Weinberg, Robert A; Mani, Sendurai A

    2010-08-31

    The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) produces cancer cells that are invasive, migratory, and exhibit stem cell characteristics, hallmarks of cells that have the potential to generate metastases. Inducers of the EMT include several transcription factors (TFs), such as Goosecoid, Snail, and Twist, as well as the secreted TGF-beta1. Each of these factors is capable, on its own, of inducing an EMT in the human mammary epithelial (HMLE) cell line. However, the interactions between these regulators are poorly understood. Overexpression of each of the above EMT inducers up-regulates a subset of other EMT-inducing TFs, with Twist, Zeb1, Zeb2, TGF-beta1, and FOXC2 being commonly induced. Up-regulation of Slug and FOXC2 by either Snail or Twist does not depend on TGF-beta1 signaling. Gene expression signatures (GESs) derived by overexpressing EMT-inducing TFs reveal that the Twist GES and Snail GES are the most similar, although the Goosecoid GES is the least similar to the others. An EMT core signature was derived from the changes in gene expression shared by up-regulation of Gsc, Snail, Twist, and TGF-beta1 and by down-regulation of E-cadherin, loss of which can also trigger an EMT in certain cell types. The EMT core signature associates closely with the claudin-low and metaplastic breast cancer subtypes and correlates negatively with pathological complete response. Additionally, the expression level of FOXC1, another EMT inducer, correlates strongly with poor survival of breast cancer patients.

  8. Transforming growth factor-{beta}-inducible phosphorylation of Smad3.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guannan; Matsuura, Isao; He, Dongming; Liu, Fang

    2009-04-10

    Smad proteins transduce the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signal at the cell surface into gene regulation in the nucleus. Upon TGF-beta treatment, the highly homologous Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated by the TGF-beta receptor at the SSXS motif in the C-terminal tail. Here we show that in addition to the C-tail, three (S/T)-P sites in the Smad3 linker region, Ser(208), Ser(204), and Thr(179) are phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta. The linker phosphorylation peaks at 1 h after TGF-beta treatment, behind the peak of the C-tail phosphorylation. We provide evidence suggesting that the C-tail phosphorylation by the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the TGF-beta-induced linker phosphorylation. Although the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the linker phosphorylation, the receptor itself does not phosphorylate these sites. We further show that ERK is not responsible for TGF-beta-dependent phosphorylation of these three sites. We show that GSK3 accounts for TGF-beta-inducible Ser(204) phosphorylation. Flavopiridol, a pan-CDK inhibitor, abolishes TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208), suggesting that the CDK family is responsible for phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208) in response to TGF-beta. Mutation of the linker phosphorylation sites to nonphosphorylatable residues increases the ability of Smad3 to activate a TGF-beta/Smad-target gene as well as the growth-inhibitory function of Smad3. Thus, these observations suggest that TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 linker sites inhibits its antiproliferative activity.

  9. Antioxidant enzymes stimulation in Aspergillus parasiticus by Lentinula edodes inhibits aflatoxin production.

    PubMed

    Reverberi, M; Fabbri, A A; Zjalic, S; Ricelli, A; Punelli, F; Fanelli, C

    2005-11-01

    Biosynthesis of aflatoxins, toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus parasiticus, is correlated to the fungal oxidative stress and cell ageing. In this paper, the mechanism underlying the aflatoxin-inhibiting effect of the Lentinula edodes culture filtrates was studied by analysing their anti-oxidant activity and beta-glucan content. Mushroom beta-glucans are pharmacologically active compounds stimulating anti-oxidant responses in animal cells. L. edodes lyophilised filtrates stimulate A. parasiticus anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and aflatoxin inhibition was better correlated with beta-glucan content than with anti-oxidant activity of the filtrates. RT-PCR analyses on treated mycelia showed a delay in the activation of aflR, and norA, genes of aflatoxin cluster and a synchronous activation of hsf2-like, a homologue of a yeast transcription factor involved in oxidative stress responses. The first evidence of hsf2-like in A. parasiticus and its activation during aflatoxin biosynthesis is reported. L. edodes filtrates could play a role as external stimulus affecting the anti-oxidant status in the fungal cell that, in turn, leads to aflatoxin inhibition. In the fungal cell, beta-glucans present in the filtrates could stimulate the activation of transcription factors related to anti-oxidant response and anti-oxidant enzyme activity with a contemporaneous delay of aflatoxin genes transcription, which led to a marked reduction of aflatoxin production. This research suggests new perspectives to set suitable strategies against aflatoxins and L. edodes could be considered a promising tool.

  10. Nicergoline, a drug used for age-dependent cognitive impairment, protects cultured neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity.

    PubMed

    Caraci, Filippo; Chisari, Mariangela; Frasca, Giuseppina; Canonico, Pier Luigi; Battaglia, Angelo; Calafiore, Marco; Battaglia, Giuseppe; Bosco, Paolo; Nicoletti, Ferdinando; Copani, Agata; Sortino, Maria Angela

    2005-06-14

    Nicergoline, a drug used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, was tested for its ability to protect neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity. Pure cultures of rat cortical neurons were challenged with a toxic fragment of beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP(25-35)) and toxicity was assessed after 24 h. Micromolar concentrations of nicergoline or its metabolite, MDL, attenuated betaAP(25-35)-induced neuronal death, whereas MMDL (another metabolite of nicergoline), the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, prazosin, or the serotonin 5HT-2 receptor antagonist, methysergide, were inactive. Nicergoline increased the basal levels of Bcl-2 and reduced the increase in Bax levels induced by beta-amyloid, indicating that the drug inhibits the execution of an apoptotic program in cortical neurons. In mixed cultures of rat cortical cells containing both neurons and astrocytes, nicergoline and MDL were more efficacious than in pure neuronal cultures in reducing beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Experiments carried out in pure cultures of astrocytes showed that a component of neuroprotection was mediated by a mechanism of glial-neuronal interaction. The conditioned medium of cultured astrocytes treated with nicergoline or MDL for 72-96 h (collected 24 h after drug withdrawal) was neuroprotective when transferred to pure neuronal cultures challenged with beta-amyloid. In cultured astrocytes, nicergoline increased the intracellular levels of transforming-growth factor-beta and glial-derived neurotrophic factor, two trophic factors that are known to protect neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity. These results raise the possibility that nicergoline reduces neurodegeneration in the Alzheimer's brain.

  11. Regulation of glutamate in cultures of human monocytic THP-1 and astrocytoma U-373 MG cells.

    PubMed

    Klegeris, A; Walker, D G; McGeer, P L

    1997-09-01

    Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, is neurotoxic at high concentrations. Neuroglial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play an important role in regulating its extracellular levels. Cultured human monocytic THP-1 cells increased their glutamate secretion following 18 and 68 h exposure to the inflammatory mediators zymosan, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharide, interferon-gamma, tumor-necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta. Cultured astrocytoma U-373 MG cells increased their glutamate secretion following similar exposure to zymosan and PMA. DL-Alpha-aminopimelic acid, an inhibitor of the glutamate secretion system, reduced extracellular glutamate in both cell culture systems, while the high-affinity glutamate uptake inhibitors D-Aspartic acid, DL-threo-beta-hydroxyaspartic acid and L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid increased extracellular glutamate in U-373 MG, but not THP-1 cell cultures. In co-cultures of THP-1 and U-373 MG cells, extracellular glutamate levels were increased significantly by the Alzheimer beta-amyloid peptide (1-40) and were decreased significantly by the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. These data indicate that inflammatory stimuli may increase extracellular glutamate while antiinflammatory drugs decrease it.

  12. Sonic hedgehog protein promotes proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Warzecha, Jörg; Göttig, Stephan; Brüning, Christian; Lindhorst, Elmar; Arabmothlagh, Mohammad; Kurth, Andreas

    2006-10-01

    Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein is known to be an important signaling protein in early embryonic development. Also, Shh is involved in the induction of early cartilaginous differentiation of mesenchymal cells in the limb and in the spine. The impact of Shh on adult stem cells, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), was tested. The MSCs were treated either with recombinant Sonic hedgehog protein (r-Shh) or with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) as a positive control in vitro for 3 weeks. The effects on cartilaginous differentiation and proliferation were assayed. MSCs when treated with either Shh or TGF-beta(1) showed expression of cartilage markers aggrecan, Sox9, CEP-68, and collagen type II and X within 3 weeks. Only r-Shh-treated cells showed a very strong cell proliferation and much higher BrdU incorporation in cell assay systems. These are the first data that indicate an important role of Shh for the induction of cartilage production by MSCs in vitro.

  13. Sulforaphane protects against cytokine- and streptozotocin-induced {beta}-cell damage by suppressing the NF-{kappa}B pathway

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Song, Mi-Young; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Moon, Woo-Sung

    2009-02-15

    Sulforaphane (SFN) is an indirect antioxidant that protects animal tissues from chemical or biological insults by stimulating the expression of several NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)-regulated phase 2 enzymes. Treatment of RINm5F insulinoma cells with SFN increases Nrf2 nuclear translocation and expression of phase 2 enzymes. In this study, we investigated whether the activation of Nrf2 by SFN treatment or ectopic overexpression of Nrf2 inhibited cytokine-induced {beta}-cell damage. Treatment of RIN cells with IL-1{beta} and IFN-{gamma} induced {beta}-cell damage through a NF-{kappa}B-dependent signaling pathway. Activation of Nrf2 by treatment with SFN and induction of Nrf2 overexpression by transfection with Nrf2 prevented cytokinemore » toxicity. The mechanism by which Nrf2 activation inhibited NF-{kappa}B-dependent cell death signals appeared to involve the reduction of oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the inhibition of cytokine-induced H{sub 2}O{sub 2} production. The protective effect of SFN was further demonstrated by the restoration of normal insulin secreting responses to glucose in cytokine-treated rat pancreatic islets. Furthermore, pretreatment with SFN blocked the development of type 1 diabetes in streptozotocin-treated mice.« less

  14. Foot-and-mouth disease virus replicates only transiently in well-differentiated porcine nasal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Dash, Pradyot; Barnett, Paul V; Denyer, Michael S; Jackson, Terry; Stirling, Catrina M A; Hawes, Philippa C; Simpson, Jennifer L; Monaghan, Paul; Takamatsu, Haru-H

    2010-09-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) porcine nasal mucosal and tracheal mucosal epithelial cell cultures were developed to analyze foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) interactions with mucosal epithelial cells. The cells in these cultures differentiated and polarized until they closely resemble the epithelial layers seen in vivo. FMDV infected these cultures predominantly from the apical side, primarily by binding to integrin alphav beta6, in an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-dependent manner. However, FMDV replicated only transiently without any visible cytopathic effect (CPE), and infectious progeny virus could be recovered only from the apical side. The infection induced the production of beta interferon (IFN-beta) and the IFN-inducible gene Mx1 mRNA, which coincided with the disappearance of viral RNA and progeny virus. The induction of IFN-beta mRNA correlated with the antiviral activity of the supernatants from both the apical and basolateral compartments. IFN-alpha mRNA was constitutively expressed in nasal mucosal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, FMDV infection induced interleukin 8 (IL-8) protein, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and RANTES mRNA in the infected epithelial cells, suggesting that it plays an important role in modulating the immune response.

  15. Modulation of Ionic Channels and Insulin Secretion by Drugs and Hormones in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

    PubMed

    Velasco, Myrian; Díaz-García, Carlos Manlio; Larqué, Carlos; Hiriart, Marcia

    2016-09-01

    Pancreatic beta cells, unique cells that secrete insulin in response to an increase in glucose levels, play a significant role in glucose homeostasis. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic beta cells has been extensively explored. In this mechanism, glucose enters the cells and subsequently the metabolic cycle. During this process, the ATP/ADP ratio increases, leading to ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel closure, which initiates depolarization that is also dependent on the activity of TRP nonselective ion channels. Depolarization leads to the opening of voltage-gated Na(+) channels (Nav) and subsequently voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (Cav). The increase in intracellular Ca(2+) triggers the exocytosis of insulin-containing vesicles. Thus, electrical activity of pancreatic beta cells plays a central role in GSIS. Moreover, many growth factors, incretins, neurotransmitters, and hormones can modulate GSIS, and the channels that participate in GSIS are highly regulated. In this review, we focus on the principal ionic channels (KATP, Nav, and Cav channels) involved in GSIS and how classic and new proteins, hormones, and drugs regulate it. Moreover, we also discuss advances on how metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus change channel activity leading to changes in insulin secretion. Copyright © 2016 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  16. Apolipoprotein CIII-induced THP-1 cell adhesion to endothelial cells involves pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein- and protein kinase C alpha-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB activation.

    PubMed

    Kawakami, Akio; Aikawa, Masanori; Nitta, Noriko; Yoshida, Masayuki; Libby, Peter; Sacks, Frank M

    2007-01-01

    Plasma apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) independently predicts risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). We recently reported that apoCIII directly enhances adhesion of human monocytes to endothelial cells (ECs), and identified the activation of PKC alpha as a necessary upstream event of enhanced monocyte adhesion. This study tested the hypothesis that apoCIII activates PKC alpha in human monocytic THP-1 cells, leading to NF-kappaB activation. Among inhibitors specific to PKC activators, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor D609 limited apoCIII-induced PKC alpha activation and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII increased PC-PLC activity in THP-1 cells, resulting in PKC alpha activation. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited apoCIII-induced PC-PLC activation and subsequent PKC alpha activation, implicating PTX-sensitive G protein pathway. ApoCIII further activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) through PKC alpha in THP-1 cells and augmented beta1-integrin expression. The NF-kappaB inhibitor peptide SN50 partially inhibited apoCIII-induced beta1-integrin expression and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII-rich VLDL had similar effects to apoCIII alone. PTX-sensitive G protein pathway participates critically in PKC alpha stimulation in THP-1 cells exposed to apoCIII, activating NF-kappaB, and increasing beta1-integrin. This action causes monocytic cells to adhere to endothelial cells. Furthermore, because leukocyte NF-kappaB activation contributes to inflammatory aspects of atherogenesis, apoCIII may stimulate diverse inflammatory responses through monocyte activation.

  17. Regulation of cytokine receptors by Golgi N-glycan processing and endocytosis.

    PubMed

    Partridge, Emily A; Le Roy, Christine; Di Guglielmo, Gianni M; Pawling, Judy; Cheung, Pam; Granovsky, Maria; Nabi, Ivan R; Wrana, Jeffrey L; Dennis, James W

    2004-10-01

    The Golgi enzyme beta1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5) is up-regulated in carcinomas and promotes the substitution of N-glycan with poly N-acetyllactosamine, the preferred ligand for galectin-3 (Gal-3). Here, we report that expression of Mgat5 sensitized mouse cells to multiple cytokines. Gal-3 cross-linked Mgat5-modified N-glycans on epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta receptors at the cell surface and delayed their removal by constitutive endocytosis. Mgat5 expression in mammary carcinoma was rate limiting for cytokine signaling and consequently for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell motility, and tumor metastasis. Mgat5 also promoted cytokine-mediated leukocyte signaling, phagocytosis, and extravasation in vivo. Thus, conditional regulation of N-glycan processing drives synchronous modification of cytokine receptors, which balances their surface retention against loss via endocytosis.

  18. Hair growth-promoting effect of Geranium sibiricum extract in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice.

    PubMed

    Boisvert, William A; Yu, Miri; Choi, Youngbin; Jeong, Gi Hee; Zhang, Yi-Lin; Cho, Sunghun; Choi, Changsun; Lee, Sanghyun; Lee, Bog-Hieu

    2017-02-13

    Geranium sibiricum L. has been used as a medicinal plant to treat diarrhea, bacterial infection, and cancer in Bulgaria, Peru, and Korea. However, its hair growth-promoting effect was not investigated so far. This study examined the effects of Geranium sibiricum L. extract (GSE) on hair growth, using in vitro and in vivo models. Antioxidant, proliferation and migration assay of GSE was performed with human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Hair-growth promoting effect was measured in animal model. Relative expression of interleukin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1 was determined by real time RT-PCR. Expression of Ki-67 and stem cell factor were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. GSE treatment proliferated and migrated human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) more than treatment of 10 μM minoxidil. GSE significantly stimulated the expression of Ki-67 protein and the mRNA levels of hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in hDPCs. Topical application of 1,000 ppm GSE for 3 weeks promoted more significant hair growth on shaved C57BL/6 mice than did 5% minoxidil. The histological morphology of hair follicles demonstrated an active anagen phase with the induction of stem cell factor. GSE treatment significantly reduced the number of mast cells and the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in mouse skin tissues. These results demonstrated that GSE promotes hair growth in vitro and in vivo by regulating growth factors and the cellular response.

  19. Recent progress on normal and malignant pancreatic stem/progenitor cell research: therapeutic implications for the treatment of type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and aggressive pancreatic cancer

    PubMed Central

    Mimeault, M; Batra, S K

    2010-01-01

    Recent progress on pancreatic stem/progenitor cell research has revealed that the putative multipotent pancreatic stem/progenitor cells and/or more committed beta cell precursors may persist in the pancreatic gland in adult life. The presence of immature pancreatic cells with stem cell-like properties offers the possibility of stimulating their in vivo expansion and differentiation or to use their ex vivo expanded progenies for beta cell replacement-based therapies for type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. In addition, the transplantation of either insulin-producing beta cells derived from embryonic, fetal and other tissue-resident adult stem/progenitor cells or genetically modified adult stem/progenitor cells may also constitute alternative promising therapies for treating diabetic patients. The genetic and/or epigenetic alterations in putative pancreatic adult stem/progenitor cells and/or their early progenies may, however, contribute to their acquisition of a dysfunctional behaviour as well as their malignant transformation into pancreatic cancer stem/progenitor cells. More particularly, the activation of distinct tumorigenic signalling cascades, including the hedgehog, epidermal growth factor–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF–EGFR) system, wingless ligand (Wnt)/β-catenin and/or stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)–CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathways may play a major role in the sustained growth, survival, metastasis and/or drug resistance of pancreatic cancer stem/progenitor cells and their further differentiated progenies. The combination of drugs that target the oncogenic elements in pancreatic cancer stem/progenitor cells and their microenvironment, with the conventional chemotherapeutic regimens, could represent promising therapeutic strategies. These novel targeted therapies should lead to the development of more effective treatments of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancers, which remain incurable with current therapies. PMID:18791122

  20. Involvement of Smad3 phosphoisoform-mediated signaling in the development of colonic cancer in IL-10-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Hachimine, Daisaku; Uchida, Kazushige; Asada, Masanori; Nishio, Akiyoshi; Kawamata, Seiji; Sekimoto, Go; Murata, Miki; Yamagata, Hideo; Yoshida, Katsunori; Mori, Shigeo; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2008-06-01

    Chronic inflammation predisposes to cancer. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, a multifunctional protein, suppresses the growth of normal colonic epithelial cells, whereas it stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells. Interleukin (IL)-10-deficient mice, which develop colitis and colorectal cancer, show an increased level of plasma TGF-beta. Although TGF-beta may be a key molecule in the development of colon cancer arising from chronic colitis in IL-10-deficient mice, the role of TGF-beta still remains unclear. TGF-beta activates not only TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI) but also c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which converts the mediator Smad3 into two distinctive phosphoisoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). We studied C57BL/6-IL-10-deficient mice (n=18) at 4 to 32 weeks of age. We investigated histology, and pSmad2/3L, pSmad2/3C, and p53 by immunohistochemistry. pSmad3L staining was detected in the cancer cells in all 10 mice with colonic cancer and in the epithelial cells in 7 of 12 mice with colonic dysplasia, but not in the normal or colitic mice. pSmad3c was detected without any significant difference between stages. p53 was weakly stained in a few cancer cells in 5 out of 10 mice. Smad3L signaling plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of chronic colitis in IL-10-deficient mice.

  1. Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression between gingival fibroblast cells from old and young rats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Su-Jung; Chung, Yong-Koo; Chung, Tae-Wook

    2009-01-09

    Gingival fibroblast cells (rGF) from aged rats have an age-related decline in proliferative capacity compared with young rats. We investigated G1 phase cell cycle regulation and MMP-9 expression in both young and aged rGF. G1 cell cycle protein levels and activity were significantly reduced in response to interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}) stimulation with increasing in vitro age. Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha})-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression was also decreased in aged rGF in comparison with young rGF. Mutational analysis and gel shift assays demonstrated that the lower MMP-9 expression in aged rGF is associated with lower activities of transcription factors NF-{kappa}B and AP-1.more » These results suggest that cell cycle dysregulation and down-regulation of MMP-9 expression in rGF may play a role in gingival remodeling during in vitro aging.« less

  2. Activation of interferon regulatory factor-3 via toll-like receptor 3 and immunomodulatory functions detected in A549 lung epithelial cells exposed to misplaced U1-snRNA.

    PubMed

    Sadik, Christian D; Bachmann, Malte; Pfeilschifter, Josef; Mühl, Heiko

    2009-08-01

    U1-snRNA is an integral part of the U1 ribonucleoprotein pivotal for pre-mRNA splicing. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has recently been associated with immunoregulatory capacities of U1-snRNA. Using lung A549 epithelial/carcinoma cells, we report for the first time on interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 activation initiated by endosomally delivered U1-snRNA. This was associated with expression of the IRF3-inducible genes interferon-beta (IFN-beta), CXCL10/IP-10 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Mutational analysis of the U1-snRNA-activated IFN-beta promoter confirmed the crucial role of the PRDIII element, previously proven pivotal for promoter activation by IRF3. Notably, expression of these parameters was suppressed by bafilomycin A(1), an inhibitor of endosomal acidification, implicating endosomal TLR activation. Since resiquimod, an agonist of TLR7/8, failed to stimulate A549 cells, data suggest TLR3 to be of prime relevance for cellular activation. To assess the overall regulatory potential of U1-snRNA-activated epithelial cells on cytokine production, co-cultivation with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was performed. Interestingly, A549 cells activated by U1-snRNA reinforced phytohemagglutinin-induced interleukin-10 release by PBMC but suppressed that of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, indicating an anti-inflammatory potential of U1-snRNA. Since U1-snRNA is enriched in apoptotic bodies and epithelial cells are capable of performing efferocytosis, the present data in particular connect to immunobiological aspects of apoptosis at host/environment interfaces.

  3. Improved viability and activity of neutrophils differentiated from HL-60 cells by co-culture with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Park, Yoon Shin; Lim, Goh-Woon; Cho, Kyung-Ah

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neutropenia is a principal complication of cancer treatment. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-culture of neutrophils with AD-MSC retained cell survival and proliferation and inhibited neutrophil apoptosis under serum starved conditions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer AD-MSC increased functions of neutrophil. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer AD-MSC promoted the viability of neutrophils by enhancing respiratory burst through the expression of IFN-{alpha}, G-CSF, and TGF-{beta}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer AD-MSC can be used to improve immunity for neutropenia treatment. -- Abstract: Neutropenia is a principal complication of cancer treatment. We investigated the supportive effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) on the viability and function of neutrophils. Neutrophils were derived from HL-60 cellsmore » by dimethylformamide stimulation and cultured with or without AD-MSCs under serum-starved conditions to evaluate neutrophil survival, proliferation, and function. Serum starvation resulted in the apoptosis of neutrophils and decreased cell survival. The co-culture of neutrophils and AD-MSCs resulted in cell survival and inhibited neutrophil apoptosis under serum-starved conditions. The survival rate of neutrophils was prolonged up to 72 h, and the expression levels of interferon (IFN)-{alpha}, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta} in AD-MSCs were increased after co-culture with neutrophils. AD-MSCs promoted the viability of neutrophils by inhibiting apoptosis as well as enhancing respiratory burst, which could potentially be mediated by the increased expression of IFN-{alpha}, G-CSF, and TGF-{beta}. Thus, we conclude that the use of AD-MSCs may be a promising cell-based therapy for increasing immunity by accelerating neutrophil function.« less

  4. A beta cell ATGL-lipolysis/adipose tissue axis controls energy homeostasis and body weight via insulin secretion in mice.

    PubMed

    Attané, Camille; Peyot, Marie-Line; Lussier, Roxane; Poursharifi, Pegah; Zhao, Shangang; Zhang, Dongwei; Morin, Johane; Pineda, Marco; Wang, Shupei; Dumortier, Olivier; Ruderman, Neil B; Mitchell, Grant A; Simons, Brigitte; Madiraju, S R Murthy; Joly, Erik; Prentki, Marc

    2016-12-01

    To directly assess the role of beta cell lipolysis in insulin secretion and whole-body energy homeostasis, inducible beta cell-specific adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-deficient (B-Atgl-KO) mice were studied under normal diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. Atgl flox/flox mice were cross-bred with Mip-Cre-ERT mice to generate Mip-Cre-ERT /+ ;Atgl flox/flox mice. At 8 weeks of age, these mice were injected with tamoxifen to induce deletion of beta cell-specific Atgl (also known as Pnpla2), and the mice were fed an ND or HFD. ND-fed male B-Atgl-KO mice showed decreased insulinaemia and glucose-induced insulin secretion (GSIS) in vivo. Changes in GSIS correlated with the islet content of long-chain saturated monoacylglycerol (MAG) species that have been proposed to be metabolic coupling factors for insulin secretion. Exogenous MAGs restored GSIS in B-Atgl-KO islets. B-Atgl-KO male mice fed an HFD showed reduced insulinaemia, glycaemia in the fasted and fed states and after glucose challenge, as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity. Moreover, decreased insulinaemia in B-Atgl-KO mice was associated with increased energy expenditure, and lipid metabolism in brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues, leading to reduced fat mass and body weight. ATGL in beta cells regulates insulin secretion via the production of signalling MAGs. Decreased insulinaemia due to lowered GSIS protects B-Atgl-KO mice from diet-induced obesity, improves insulin sensitivity, increases lipid mobilisation from WAT and causes BAT activation. The results support the concept that fuel excess can drive obesity and diabetes via hyperinsulinaemia, and that an islet beta cell ATGL-lipolysis/adipose tissue axis controls energy homeostasis and body weight via insulin secretion.

  5. Extrinsic factors regulate partial agonist efficacy of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors.

    PubMed

    Farroni, Jeffrey S; McCool, Brian A

    2004-08-09

    Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in many adult forebrain regions consist of alpha2 + beta heteromeric channels. This subunit composition is distinct from the alpha1 + beta channels found throughout the adult spinal cord. Unfortunately, the pharmacology of forebrain alpha2beta receptors are poorly defined compared to 'neonatal' alpha2 homomeric channels or 'spinal' alpha1beta heteromers. In addition, the pharmacologic properties of native alpha2beta glycine receptors have been generally distinct from receptors produced by heterologous expression. To identify subtype-specific pharmacologic tools for the forebrain alpha2beta receptors, it is important to identify a heterologous expression system that closely resembles these native glycine-gated chloride channels. While exploring pharmacological properties of alpha2beta glycine receptors compared to alpha2-homomers, we found that distinct heterologous expression systems appeared to differentially influence partial agonist pharmacology. The beta-amino acid taurine possessed 30-50% efficacy for alpha2-containing receptor isoforms when expressed in HEK 293 cells. However, taurine efficacy was dramatically reduced in L-cell fibroblasts. Similar results were obtained for beta-alanine. The efficacy of these partial agonists was also strongly reduced by the beta subunit. There were no significant differences in apparent strychnine affinity values calculated from concentration-response data between expression systems or subunit combinations. Nor did relative levels of expression correlate with partial agonist efficacy when compared within or between several different expression systems. Finally, disruption of the tubulin cytoskeleton reduced the efficacy of partial agonists in a subunit-dependent, but system-independent, fashion. Our results suggest that different heterologous expression systems can dramatically influence the agonist pharmacology of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. In the systems examine here, these effects are independent of both absolute expression level and any system-related alterations in the agonist binding site. We conclude that complex interactions between receptor composition and extrinsic factors may play a significant role in determining strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor partial agonist pharmacology.

  6. Suppression of transforming growth factor-beta-induced apoptosis through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-dependent pathway.

    PubMed

    Chen, R H; Su, Y H; Chuang, R L; Chang, T Y

    1998-10-15

    Insulin and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) are capable of protecting liver cells from apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta). The Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/Akt pathways are both activated upon insulin stimulation and can protect against apoptosis under certain circumstances. We investigated which of these pathways is responsible for the protective effect of insulin on TGF-beta-induced apoptosis. An activated Ras, although elicited a strong mitogenic effect, could not protect Hep3B cells from TGF-beta-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, PD98059, a selective inhibitor of MEK, did not suppress the antiapoptotic effect of insulin. In contrast, the PI 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, efficiently blocked the effect of insulin. Protection against TGF-beta-induced apoptosis conferred by PI 3-kinase was further verified by stable transfection of an activated PI 3-kinase. Downstream targets of PI 3-kinase involved in this protection was further investigated. An activated Akt mimicked the antiapoptotic effect of insulin, whereas a dominant-negative Akt inhibited such effect. However, rapamycin, the p70S6 kinase inhibitor, had no effect on the protectivity of insulin against TGF-beta-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the antiapoptotic target of PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway is independent or lies upstream of the p70S6 kinase. The mechanism by which PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway interferes with the apoptotic signaling of TGF-beta was explored. Activation of PI 3-kinase did not lead to a suppression of Smad hetero-oligomerization or nuclear translocation but blocked TGF-beta-induced caspase-3-like activity. In summary, the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway, but not the Ras/MAP kinase pathway, protects against TGF-beta-induced apoptosis by inhibiting a step downstream of Smad but upstream of caspase-3.

  7. Unraveling the contribution of pancreatic beta-cell suicide in autoimmune type 1 diabetes✩

    PubMed Central

    Jaberi-Douraki, Majid; Schnell, Santiago; Pietropaolo, Massimo; Khadra, Anmar

    2014-01-01

    In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease mediated by autoreactive T-cells that attack insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells, it has been suggested that disease progression may additionally require protective mechanisms in the target tissue to impede such auto-destructive mechanisms. We hypothesize that the autoimmune attack against beta-cells causes endoplasmic reticulum stress by forcing the remaining beta-cells to synthesize and secrete defective insulin. To rescue beta-cell from the endoplasmic reticulum stress, beta-cells activate the unfolded protein response to restore protein homeostasis and normal insulin synthesis. Here we investigate the compensatory role of unfolded protein response by developing a multi-state model of type 1 diabetes that takes into account beta-cell destruction caused by pathogenic autoreactive T-cells and apoptosis triggered by endoplasmic reticulum stress. We discuss the mechanism of unfolded protein response activation and how it counters beta-cell extinction caused by an autoimmune attack and/or irreversible damage by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our results reveal important insights about the balance between beta-cell destruction by autoimmune attack (beta-cell homicide) and beta-cell apoptosis by endoplasmic reticulum stress (beta-cell suicide). It also provides an explanation as to why the unfolded protein response may not be a successful therapeutic target to treat type 1 diabetes. PMID:24831415

  8. Suppression of proliferation and neurite extension of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells on immobilized Psathyrella velutina lectin.

    PubMed

    Kitamura, Noriaki; Ikekita, Masahiko; Hayakawa, Satoru; Funahashi, Hisayuki; Furukawa, Kiyoshi

    2004-02-01

    Glycoproteins from mammalian brain tissues contain unique N-linked oligosaccharides terminating with beta-N-acetylglucosamine residues. Lectin blot analysis of membrane glycoprotein samples from human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells showed that several protein bands bind to Psathylera velutina lectin (PVL), which interacts with beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating oligosaccharides. No lectin positive bands were detected by digestion with jack bean beta-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase or N-glycanase before incubation with the lectin, indicating that the cells contain beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating N-linked oligosaccharides. When cells were cultured in dishes with different concentrations of PVL, the cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the neurite extension, which was stimulated with nerve growth factor, was also inhibited in a manner dependent on the lectin dose. Cell proliferation and neurite extension were recovered by the addition of 10 mM N-acetylglucosamine into the medium. Immunoblot analysis of the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase C revealed that phosphorylation of 42-kDa and 44-kDa MAP kinases and 80-kDa protein kinase C are inhibited when SH-SY5Y cells are cultured in PVL-coated dishes, but are restored by the addition of the haptenic sugar into the medium, indicating that MAP kinase and protein kinase C pathways are inhibited by interaction with immobilized PVL. These results indicate that beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating N-linked oligosaccharides expressed on neural cells can induce intracellular signals upon binding to extracellular receptors, and are important for growth regulation of neural cells. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  9. The signaling pathway of Campylobacter jejuni-induced Cdc42 activation: Role of fibronectin, integrin beta1, tyrosine kinases and guanine exchange factor Vav2

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Host cell invasion by the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is considered as one of the primary reasons of gut tissue damage, however, mechanisms and key factors involved in this process are widely unclear. It was reported that small Rho GTPases, including Cdc42, are activated and play a role during invasion, but the involved signaling cascades remained unknown. Here we utilised knockout cell lines derived from fibronectin-/-, integrin-beta1-/-, focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-/- and Src/Yes/Fyn-/- deficient mice, and wild-type control cells, to investigate C. jejuni-induced mechanisms leading to Cdc42 activation and bacterial uptake. Results Using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, GTPase pulldowns, G-Lisa and gentamicin protection assays we found that each studied host factor is necessary for induction of Cdc42-GTP and efficient invasion. Interestingly, filopodia formation and associated membrane dynamics linked to invasion were only seen during infection of wild-type but not in knockout cells. Infection of cells stably expressing integrin-beta1 variants with well-known defects in fibronectin fibril formation or FAK signaling also exhibited severe deficiencies in Cdc42 activation and bacterial invasion. We further demonstrated that infection of wild-type cells induces increasing amounts of phosphorylated FAK and growth factor receptors (EGFR and PDGFR) during the course of infection, correlating with accumulating Cdc42-GTP levels and C. jejuni invasion over time. In studies using pharmacological inhibitors, silencing RNA (siRNA) and dominant-negative expression constructs, EGFR, PDGFR and PI3-kinase appeared to represent other crucial components upstream of Cdc42 and invasion. siRNA and the use of Vav1/2-/- knockout cells further showed that the guanine exchange factor Vav2 is required for Cdc42 activation and maximal bacterial invasion. Overexpression of certain mutant constructs indicated that Vav2 is a linker molecule between Cdc42 and activated EGFR/PDGFR/PI3-kinase. Using C. jejuni mutant strains we further demonstrated that the fibronectin-binding protein CadF and intact flagella are involved in Cdc42-GTP induction, indicating that the bacteria may directly target the fibronectin/integrin complex for inducing signaling leading to its host cell entry. Conclusion Collectively, our findings led us propose that C. jejuni infection triggers a novel fibronectin→integrin-beta1→FAK/Src→EGFR/PDGFR→PI3-kinase→Vav2 signaling cascade, which plays a crucial role for Cdc42 GTPase activity associated with filopodia formation and enhances bacterial invasion. PMID:22204307

  10. Decursin and PDBu: two PKC activators distinctively acting in the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 human erythroleukemia cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyeon Ho; Ahn, Kyung Seop; Han, Hogyu; Choung, Se Young; Choi, Sang-Yun; Kim, Ik-Hwan

    2005-12-01

    Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types including normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) induces the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 human erythroleukemia cells through PKC activation. Decursin, a pyranocoumarin from Angelica gigas, exhibits the cytotoxic effects on various human cancer cell lines and in vitro PKC activation. We report here the differences between two PKC activators, tumor-suppressing decursin and tumor-promoting PDBu, in their actions on the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. First of all, decursin inhibited PDBu-induced bleb formation in K562 cells. Decursin also inhibited the PDBu-induced megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells that is characterized by an increase in substrate adhesion, the secretion of granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the surface expression of integrin beta3. The binding of PDBu to PKC was competitively inhibited by decursin. Decursin induced the more rapid down-regulation of PKC alpha and betaII isozymes than that induced by PDBu in K562 cells. Unlike PDBu, decursin promoted the translocation of PKC alpha and betaII to the nuclear membrane. Decursin-induced faster down-regulation and nuclear translocation of PKC alpha and betaII were not affected by the presence of PDBu. All these results indicate that decursin and phorbol ester are PKC activators distinctively acting in megakaryocytic differentiation and PKC modulation in K562 leukemia cells.

  11. Nuclear orphan receptor TLX affects gene expression, proliferation and cell apoptosis in beta cells.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xiaoli; Xiong, Xiaokan; Dai, Zhe; Deng, Haohua; Sun, Li; Hu, Xuemei; Zhou, Feng; Xu, Yancheng

    Nuclear orphan receptor TLX is an essential regulator of the growth of neural stem cells. However, its exact function in pancreatic islet cells is still unknown. In the present study, gene expression profiling analysis revealed that overexpression of TLX in beta cell line MIN6 causes suppression of 176 genes and upregulation of 49 genes, including a cadre of cell cycle, cell proliferation and cell death control genes, such as Btg2, Ddit3 and Gadd45a. We next examined the effects of TLX overexpression on proliferation, apoptosis and insulin secretion in MIN6 cells. Proliferation analysis using EdU assay showed that overexpression of TLX increased percentage of EdU-positive cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis revealed that overexpression of TLX in MIN6 cells resulted in higher percentage of cells exiting G1 into S-phase, and a 58.8% decrease of cell apoptosis induced by 0.5 mM palmitate. Moreover, TLX overexpression did not cause impairment of insulin secretion. Together, we conclude that TLX is among factors capable of controlling beta cell proliferation and survival, which may serve as a target for the development of novel therapies for diabetes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Mediators involved in the immunomodulatory effects of apoptotic cells.

    PubMed

    Saas, Philippe; Bonnefoy, Francis; Kury-Paulin, Stephanie; Kleinclauss, François; Perruche, Sylvain

    2007-07-15

    Immunomodulatory properties are attributed to apoptotic cells. These properties have been used to modulate allogeneic immune responses in experimental transplantation settings. In independent studies, apoptotic cell infusion has been shown to favor hematopoietic cell engraftment, to increase heart graft survival, and to delay the lethal onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The goal of this review was to discuss how apoptotic cell infusion interferes with graft rejection or host rejection (i.e., GVHD) and to focus on the potential mediators or "perpetuators" involved in apoptotic cell-induced immunomodulation. Particular emphasis on apoptotic cell phagocytosis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta secretion, and regulatory T cell induction was performed. Stimulating "naturally" immunosuppressive molecules (i.e., TGF-beta) or immunomodulatory cells ("alternatively-activated" macrophages, certain dendritic cell subsets, or regulatory T cells) in a physiological manner by using apoptotic cell infusion can be a promising way to induce tolerance.

  13. Uptake of particulate vaccine adjuvants by dendritic cells activates the NALP3 inflammasome.

    PubMed

    Sharp, Fiona A; Ruane, Darren; Claass, Benjamin; Creagh, Emma; Harris, James; Malyala, Padma; Singh, Manomohan; O'Hagan, Derek T; Pétrilli, Virginie; Tschopp, Jurg; O'Neill, Luke A J; Lavelle, Ed C

    2009-01-20

    Many currently used and candidate vaccine adjuvants are particulate in nature, but their mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, we show that particulate adjuvants, including biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and polystyrene microparticles, dramatically enhance secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) by dendritic cells (DCs). The ability of particulates to promote IL-1beta secretion and caspase 1 activation required particle uptake by DCs and NALP3. Uptake of microparticles induced lysosomal damage, whereas particle-mediated enhancement of IL-1beta secretion required phagosomal acidification and the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B, suggesting a role for lysosomal damage in inflammasome activation. Although the presence of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist was required to induce IL-1beta production in vitro, injection of the adjuvants in the absence of TLR agonists induced IL-1beta production at the injection site, indicating that endogenous factors can synergize with particulates to promote inflammasome activation. The enhancement of antigen-specific antibody production by PLG microparticles was independent of NALP3. However, the ability of PLG microparticles to promote antigen-specific IL-6 production by T cells and the recruitment and activation of a population of CD11b(+)Gr1(-) cells required NALP3. Our data demonstrate that uptake of microparticulate adjuvants by DCs activates the NALP3 inflammasome, and this contributes to their enhancing effects on innate and antigen-specific cellular immunity.

  14. Possible role of TIEG1 as a feedback regulator of myostatin and TGF-{beta} in myoblasts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miyake, Masato; Hayashi, Shinichiro; Iwasaki, Shunsuke

    2010-03-19

    Myostatin and TGF-{beta} negatively regulate skeletal muscle development and growth. Both factors signal through the Smad2/3 pathway. However, the regulatory mechanism of myostatin and TGF-{beta} signaling remains unclear. TGF-{beta} inducible early gene (TIEG) 1 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and has been implicated in the modulation of TGF-{beta} signaling. These findings prompted us to investigate the effect of TIEG1 on myostatin and TGF-{beta} signaling using C2C12 myoblasts. Myostatin and TGF-{beta} induced the expression of TIEG1 and Smad7 mRNAs, but not TIEG2 mRNA, in proliferating C2C12 cells. When differentiating C2C12 myoblasts were stimulated by myostatin, TIEG1 mRNA was up-regulated atmore » a late stage of differentiation. In contrast, TGF-{beta} enhanced TIEG1 expression at an early stage. Overexpression of TIEG1 prevented the transcriptional activation of Smad by myostatin and TGF-{beta} in both proliferating or differentiating C2C12 cells, but the expression of Smad2 and Smad7 mRNAs was not affected. Forced expression of TIEG1 inhibited myogenic differentiation but did not cause more inhibition than the empty vector in the presence of myostatin or TGF-{beta}. These results demonstrate that TIEG1 is one possible feedback regulator of myostatin and TGF-{beta} that prevents excess action in myoblasts.« less

  15. Cytokines released from blood monocytes and expressed in mucocutaneous lesions of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis evaluated before and during trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment.

    PubMed

    Parise-Fortes, M R; Marques, S A; Soares, A M V C; Kurokawa, C S; Marques, M E A; Peracoli, M T S

    2006-04-01

    Mucocutaneous lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis are granulomatous and result from tissue responses to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the aetiological agent. In this study we investigate the expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 by immunohistochemistry in skin and mucosa lesions from patients with the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis, evaluated before and at day 20 of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment. Cytokine production by peripheral blood monocytes was also studied by enzyme immunoassay. Intense immunostaining for TNF-alpha was detected in mononuclear cells that infiltrated granulomas in all skin and mucosa lesions before treatment simultaneously with low IL-10 granular deposits in these cells. At day 20 of treatment, there was reduced TNF-alpha and IL-10 deposition. Immunoreactive TGF-beta1 was observed diffusely in the dermis and generally in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells, before treatment, and as increased TGF-beta1 deposits in the fibrosis area at day 20 of treatment. Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, evaluated before treatment, produced high endogenous levels of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and IL-10 in relation to healthy controls. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from patients secreted lower levels of TNF-alpha in both periods of evaluation while no impairment in capacity of IL-10 and TGF-beta production was observed. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy was effective in decreasing fungal load in the lesions, allowing patient immune response to control the infection leading to the healing of the lesions.

  16. Spleen tyrosine kinase mediates high glucose-induced transforming growth factor-{beta}1 up-regulation in proximal tubular epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, Won Seok; Chang, Jai Won; Han, Nam Jeong

    The role of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in high glucose-induced intracellular signal transduction has yet to be elucidated. We investigated whether Syk is implicated in high glucose-induced transforming growth factor-{beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) up-regulation in cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cell). High glucose increased TGF-{beta}1 gene expression through Syk, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AP-1 and NF-{kappa}B. High glucose-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity was decreased by Syk inhibitors and U0126 (an ERK inhibitor). Syk inhibitors suppressed high glucose-induced ERK activation, whereas U0126 had no effect on Syk activation. High glucose-induced NF-{kappa}B DNA binding activity was also decreased by Syk inhibitors. Highmore » glucose increased nuclear translocation of p65 without serine phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} and without degradation of I{kappa}B{alpha}, but with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} that may account for the activation of NF-{kappa}B. Both Syk inhibitors and Syk-siRNA attenuated high glucose-induced I{kappa}B{alpha} tyrosine phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation. Depletion of p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2) by transfection of Pak2-siRNA abolished high glucose-induced Syk activation. In summary, high glucose-induced TGF-{beta}1 gene transcription occurred through Pak2, Syk and subsequent ERK/AP-1 and NF-{kappa}B pathways. This suggests that Syk might be implicated in the diabetic kidney disease.« less

  17. Compartmentalization of immune responses in human tuberculosis: few CD8+ effector T cells but elevated levels of FoxP3+ regulatory t cells in the granulomatous lesions.

    PubMed

    Rahman, Sayma; Gudetta, Berhanu; Fink, Joshua; Granath, Anna; Ashenafi, Senait; Aseffa, Abraham; Derbew, Milliard; Svensson, Mattias; Andersson, Jan; Brighenti, Susanna Grundström

    2009-06-01

    Immune responses were assessed at the single-cell level in lymph nodes from children with tuberculous lymphadenitis. Tuberculosis infection was associated with tissue remodeling of lymph nodes as well as altered cellular composition. Granulomas were significantly enriched with CD68+ macrophages expressing the M. tuberculosis complex-specific protein antigen MPT64 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. There was a significant increase in CD8+ cytolytic T cells surrounding the granuloma; however, CD8+ T cells expressed low levels of the cytolytic and antimicrobial effector molecules perforin and granulysin in the granulomatous lesions. Quantitative real-time mRNA analysis revealed that interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-17 were not up-regulated in infected lymph nodes, but there was a significant induction of both transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-13. In addition, granulomas contained an increased number of CD4+FoxP3+ T cells co-expressing the immunoregulatory cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor molecules. Low numbers of CD8+ T cells in the lesions correlated with high levels of transforming growth factor-beta and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, suggesting active immunosuppression at the local infection site. Compartmentalization and skewing of the immune response toward a regulatory phenotype may result in an uncoordinated effector T-cell response that reduces granule-mediated killing of M. tuberculosis-infected cells and subsequent disease control.

  18. Ubiquitin ligase Nedd4L targets activated Smad2/3 to limit TGF-beta signaling.

    PubMed

    Gao, Sheng; Alarcón, Claudio; Sapkota, Gopal; Rahman, Sadia; Chen, Pan-Yu; Goerner, Nina; Macias, Maria J; Erdjument-Bromage, Hediye; Tempst, Paul; Massagué, Joan

    2009-11-13

    TGF-beta induces phosphorylation of the transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3 at the C terminus as well as at an interdomain linker region. TGF-beta-induced linker phosphorylation marks the activated Smad proteins for proteasome-mediated destruction. Here, we identify Nedd4L as the ubiquitin ligase responsible for this step. Through its WW domain, Nedd4L specifically recognizes a TGF-beta-induced phosphoThr-ProTyr motif in the linker region, resulting in Smad2/3 polyubiquitination and degradation. Nedd4L is not interchangeable with Smurf1, a ubiquitin ligase that targets BMP-activated, linker-phosphorylated Smad1. Nedd4L limits the half-life of TGF-beta-activated Smads and restricts the amplitude and duration of TGF-beta gene responses, and in mouse embryonic stem cells, it limits the induction of mesoendodermal fates by Smad2/3-activating factors. Hierarchical regulation is provided by SGK1, which phosphorylates Nedd4L to prevent binding of Smad2/3. Previously identified as a regulator of renal sodium channels, Nedd4L is shown here to play a broader role as a general modulator of Smad turnover during TGF-beta signal transduction.

  19. Inhibitory effects of hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-6 on transforming growth factor-beta1 mediated vocal fold fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation.

    PubMed

    Vyas, Bimal; Ishikawa, Keiko; Duflo, Suzy; Chen, Xia; Thibeault, Susan L

    2010-05-01

    The role of myofibroblasts in vocal fold scarring has not been extensively studied, partly because of the lack of a robust in vitro model. The objective of this investigation was to develop and characterize a myofibroblast in vitro model that could be utilized to investigate the molecular mechanism of myofibroblast differentiation and function in injured vocal fold tissue. Differentiation of human primary vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFFs) to myofibroblasts was stimulated with 5, 10, or 20 ng/mL of recombinant transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). Cultures were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, with an alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibody used as a myofibroblast marker. Normal rabbit vocal folds were treated with 10 ng/mL of TGF-beta1 for 7 days for in vivo corroboration. The effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on myofibroblast differentiation were studied with Western blots. The hVFFs demonstrated positive alpha-SMA labeling in cells stimulated by 10 and 20 ng/mL TGF-beta1, indicating that hVFFs were capable of differentiation to myofibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-beta1 induced the largest increase in alpha-SMA at 10 ng/mL on day 5 of treatment. Both HGF and IL-6 suppressed the expression of TGF-beta1-induced alpha-SMA. Our work characterizes a useful in vitro model of TGF-beta1-mediated vocal fold fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation. The extent of differentiation appears to be attenuated by HGF, suggesting a potential mechanism to support prior work indicating that HGF plays a protective role in reducing scar formation in vocal fold injuries. Paradoxically, IL-6, which has been shown to play a profibrotic role in dermal studies, also attenuated the TGF-beta1 response.

  20. Beneficial Effect of Jojoba Seed Extracts on Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in RINm5f Beta Cells.

    PubMed

    Belhadj, Sahla; Hentati, Olfa; Hamdaoui, Ghaith; Fakhreddine, Khaskhoussi; Maillard, Elisa; Dal, Stéphanie; Sigrist, Séverine

    2018-03-20

    Hyperglycemia occurs during diabetes and insulin resistance. It causes oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to cellular damage. Polyphenols play a central role in defense against oxidative stress. In our study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of simmondsin, a pure molecule present in jojoba seeds, and of the aqueous extract of jojoba seeds on fructose-induced oxidative stress in RINm5f beta cells. The exposure of RINm5f beta cells to fructose triggered the loss of cell viability (-48%, p < 0.001) and disruption of insulin secretion ( p < 0.001) associated with of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant signaling pathway. Cell pre-treatments with extracts considerably increased cell viability (+86% p < 0.001) for simmondsin and +74% ( p < 0.001) for aqueous extract and insulin secretion. The extracts also markedly decreased ROS (-69% ( p < 0.001) for simmondsin and -59% ( p < 0.001) for aqueous extract) and caspase-3 activation and improved antioxidant defense, inhibiting p22phox and increasing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) levels (+70%, p < 0.001) for aqueous extract. Simmondsin had no impact on Nrf2 levels. The richness and diversity of molecules present in jojoba seed extract makes jojoba a powerful agent to prevent the destruction of RINm5f beta cells induced by hyperglycemia.

  1. Prostaglandin E1 inhibits collagen expression in anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis: possible role of TGF beta.

    PubMed

    Schneider, A; Thaiss, F; Rau, H P; Wolf, G; Zahner, G; Jocks, T; Helmchen, U; Stahl, R A

    1996-07-01

    To test whether or not prostaglandins mediate extracellular matrix formation in immune-mediated glomerular disease, rats with anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis were treated with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (250 micrograms/twice daily/s.c.). Glomerular expression of collagen types III and IV was assessed by Northern blotting, immunohistology and Western blotting. Proliferation of glomerular cells was evaluated by staining for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and consecutive cell counting. At day five after induction of the disease, glomerular mRNA levels of collagen types III and IV were three- to fivefold higher compared with non-nephritic controls. Similarly glomerular deposition of these collagens was markedly increased when assessed by immunohistology. The treatment of nephritic rats with PGE1 reduced the increased glomerular mRNA levels as well as the protein concentration and the deposition of extracellular collagens. The number of PCNA positive cells which was significantly higher in nephritic rats when compared with control animals (24 hr, nephritis 2.53 +/- 0.33 and Control 0.26 +/- 0.06, P = 0.011; 5 days, nephritis 5.10 +/- 1.13 and Control 0.75 +/- 0.08, cells per glomerular cross section, P = 0.03) was reduced by PGE1 (24 hr, nephritis+PGE1 0.44 +/- 0.30, P = 0.0001; 5 days, nephritis +/- PGE1 1.91 +/- 1.84 cells per glomerular cross section, P = 0.001). Prostaglandin E1 also ameliorated the glomerular infiltration of monocytes at 24 hours (nephritis 4.36 +/- 2.82, nephritis + PGE1 2.20 +/- 1.82, cells per glomerular cross section) and five days (nephritis 1.51 +/- 0.58, nephritis+PGE1 1.12 +/- 0.61, cells per glomerular cross section). To further characterize possible mechanisms by which PGE1 reduces extracellular matrix deposition, the glomerular expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) was assessed by Northern blotting. Nephritic glomeruli showed increased mRNA levels of TGF-beta at day 5 and IL-1 beta at 24 hours when compared with control kidneys. Treatment of the animals with PGE1 inhibited the mRNA expression of TGF-beta and IL-1 beta. These data demonstrate that PGE1 reduces the glomerular expression of extracellular matrix proteins in anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis, suggesting a beneficial role of prostaglandins in this proliferative glomerular immune injury. The effects of PGE1 might be mediated by inhibition of TGF-beta and IL-1 beta production.

  2. The TGF-beta-pseudoreceptor BAMBI is strongly expressed in COPD lungs and regulated by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae.

    PubMed

    Drömann, Daniel; Rupp, Jan; Rohmann, Kristina; Osbahr, Sinia; Ulmer, Artur J; Marwitz, Sebastian; Röschmann, Kristina; Abdullah, Mahdi; Schultz, Holger; Vollmer, Ekkehard; Zabel, Peter; Dalhoff, Klaus; Goldmann, Torsten

    2010-05-31

    Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) may play a role as an infectious trigger in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Few data are available regarding the influence of acute and persistent infection on tissue remodelling and repair factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. NTHI infection in lung tissues obtained from COPD patients and controls was studied in vivo and using an in vitro model. Infection experiments were performed with two different clinical isolates. Detection of NTHI was done using in situ hybridization (ISH) in unstimulated and in in vitro infected lung tissue. For characterization of TGF-beta signaling molecules a transcriptome array was performed. Expression of the TGF-pseudoreceptor BMP and Activin Membrane-bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), ISH and PCR. CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TGF-beta expression were evaluated in lung tissue and cell culture using ELISA. In 38% of COPD patients infection with NTHI was detected in vivo in contrast to 0% of controls (p < 0.05). Transcriptome arrays showed no significant changes of TGF-beta receptors 1 and 2 and Smad-3 expression, whereas a strong expression of BAMBI with upregulation after in vitro infection of COPD lung tissue was demonstrated. BAMBI was expressed ubiquitously on alveolar macrophages (AM) and to a lesser degree on alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). Measurement of cytokine concentrations in lung tissue supernatants revealed a decreased expression of TGF-beta (p < 0.05) in combination with a strong proinflammatory response (p < 0.01). We show for the first time the expression of the TGF pseudoreceptor BAMBI in the human lung, which is upregulated in response to NTHI infection in COPD lung tissue in vivo and in vitro. The combination of NTHI-mediated induction of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibition of TGF-beta expression may influence inflammation induced tissue remodeling.

  3. Stage-specific control of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) expression in chondrocytes by Sox9 and beta-catenin.

    PubMed

    Huang, Bau-Lin; Brugger, Sean M; Lyons, Karen M

    2010-09-03

    CCN2/connective tissue growth factor is highly expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes and is required for chondrogenesis. However, the transcriptional mechanisms controlling its expression in cartilage are largely unknown. The activity of the Ccn2 promoter was, therefore, investigated in osteochondro-progenitor cells and hypertrophic chondrocytes to ascertain these mechanisms. Sox9 and T-cell factor (TCF) x lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) factors contain HMG domains and bind to related consensus sites. TCF x LEF factors are normally repressive but when bound to DNA in a complex with beta-catenin become activators of gene expression. In silico analysis of the Ccn2 proximal promoter identified multiple consensus TCF x LEF elements, one of which was also a consensus binding site for Sox9. Using luciferase reporter constructs, the TCF x LEF x Sox9 site was found to be involved in stage-specific expression of Ccn2. Luciferase, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and ChIP analysis revealed that Sox9 represses Ccn2 expression by binding to the consensus TCF x LEF x Sox9 site. On the other hand, the same assays showed that in hypertrophic chondrocytes, TCF x LEF x beta-catenin complexes occupy the consensus TCF x LEF x Sox9 site and activate Ccn2 expression. Furthermore, transgenic mice in which lacZ expression is driven under the control of the proximal Ccn2 promoter revealed that the proximal Ccn2 promoter responded to Wnt signaling in cartilage. Hence, we propose that differential occupancy of the TCF x LEF x Sox9 site by Sox9 versus beta-catenin restricts high levels of Ccn2 expression to hypertrophic chondrocytes.

  4. Trials in the prevention of type 1 diabetes: current and future.

    PubMed

    Wherrett, Diane K

    2014-08-01

    A major thrust in type 1 diabetes research is stopping the destruction of beta cells that leads to type 1 diabetes. Research over the past 30 years has defined genetic factors and evidence of autoimmunity that have led to the development of robust prediction models in those at high risk for type 1 diabetes. The ability to identify those at risk and the development of new agents and of collaborative research networks has led to multiple trials aimed at preventing beta cell loss. Trials at all stages of beta cell loss have been conducted: primary prevention (prior to the development of autoimmunity); secondary prevention (after autoantibodies are found) and tertiary prevention (intervening after diagnosis to maintain remaining beta cells). Studies have shown mixed results; evidence of maintained insulin secretion after the time of diagnosis has been described in a number of studies, and primary and secondary prevention is proving to be elusive. Much has been learned from the increasing number of studies in the field in terms of network creation, study design and choice of intervention that will facilitate new avenues of investigation. Copyright © 2014 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Whole organism high content screening identifies stimulators of pancreatic beta-cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Tsuji, Naoki; Ninov, Nikolay; Delawary, Mina; Osman, Sahar; Roh, Alex S; Gut, Philipp; Stainier, Didier Y R

    2014-01-01

    Inducing beta-cell mass expansion in diabetic patients with the aim to restore glucose homeostasis is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several in vitro studies have been carried out to identify modulators of beta-cell mass expansion, restoring endogenous beta-cell mass in vivo has yet to be achieved. To identify potential stimulators of beta-cell replication in vivo, we established transgenic zebrafish lines that monitor and allow the quantification of cell proliferation by using the fluorescent ubiquitylation-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) technology. Using these new reagents, we performed an unbiased chemical screen, and identified 20 small molecules that markedly increased beta-cell proliferation in vivo. Importantly, these structurally distinct molecules, which include clinically-approved drugs, modulate three specific signaling pathways: serotonin, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, showing the high sensitivity and robustness of our screen. Notably, two drug classes, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, also promoted beta-cell regeneration after beta-cell ablation. Thus, this study establishes a proof of principle for a high-throughput small molecule-screen for beta-cell proliferation in vivo, and identified compounds that stimulate beta-cell proliferation and regeneration.

  6. Transforming growth factor (TGF. beta. ) decreases the proliferation of human bone marrow fibroblasts by inhibiting the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) binding

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bryckaert, M.C.; Tobelem, G.; Lindroth, M.

    1988-12-01

    Human bone marrow fibroblasts were cultivated and characterized by immunofluorescent staining and electron microscopy. Their interactions with PDGF and TGF{beta} were studied. While a positive intracellular antifibronectin staining was observed, the cultured cells were not labeled with specific antibodies toward factor VIII von Willebrand factor (F VIII/vWF), desmin, and macrophage antigen. The binding of pure human PDGF to the cultured bone marrow fibroblasts was investigated. Addition of an excess of unlabeled PDGF decreased the binding to 75 and 80%, which means that the nonspecific binding represented 20-25% of total binding, whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) had no effect. Two classesmore » of sites were detected by Scatchard analysis. The stimulation of DNA synthesis of PDGF was quantified by ({sup 3}H)thymidine incorporation. The results suggested that PDGF and TGF{beta} could modulate the growth of bone marrow fibroblasts.« less

  7. Early application of Met-RANTES ameliorates chronic allograft nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Song, Erwei; Zou, Hequn; Yao, Yousheng; Proudfoot, Amanda; Antus, Balazs; Liu, Shanying; Jens, Lutz; Heemann, Uwe

    2002-02-01

    Initial insults to kidney allografts, characterized by infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, contribute to chronic allograft nephropathy. Chemokines such as RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed) are thought to be responsible for the recruitment and activation of infiltrating cells. The present study investigated whether early application of Met-RANTES, a chemokine receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of RANTES, can protect renal allografts from long-term deterioration. Fisher (F344) rat kidneys were orthotopically transplanted into Lewis recipients and treated with cyclosporine A (1.5 mg/kg/day) for the first 10 days following transplantation, together with either Met-RANTES at 40 microg/day, 200 microg/day or vehicle for the first 7 days. Animals were harvested at 2 and 28 weeks after transplantation for histologic, immunohistologic and molecular analysis. Met-RANTES treatment reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages in allografts at 2 weeks after transplantation, accompanied by decreased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and RANTES. At post-transplantation week 28, Met-RANTES treatment at high and low doses reduced urinary protein excretion and significantly ameliorated glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, intimal proliferation of graft arteries and mononuclear cell infiltration. However, creatinine clearance was not influenced by Met-RANTES. Furthermore, Met-RANTES suppressed the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B). Blockade of chemokine receptors by Met-RANTES diminishes early infiltration and activation of mononuclear cells in the grafts, and thus reduces the pace of chronic allograft nephropathy.

  8. Acquisition of T regulatory function in cathepsin L-inhibited T cells by eye-derived CTLA-2alpha during inflammatory conditions.

    PubMed

    Sugita, Sunao; Horie, Shintaro; Nakamura, Orie; Maruyama, Kazuichi; Takase, Hiroshi; Usui, Yoshihiko; Takeuchi, Masaru; Ishidoh, Kazumi; Koike, Masato; Uchiyama, Yasuo; Peters, Christoph; Yamamoto, Yoshimi; Mochizuki, Manabu

    2009-10-15

    Pigment epithelium isolated from the eye possesses immunosuppressive properties such as regulatory T (Treg) cell induction; e.g., cultured retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) converts CD4(+) T cells into Treg cells in vitro. RPE constitutively expresses a novel immunosuppressive factor, CTLA-2alpha, which is a cathepsin L (CathL) inhibitor, and this molecule acts via RPE to induce Treg cells. To clarify CTLA-2alpha's role in the T cell response to RPE in ocular inflammation, we used the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) animal model to examine this new immunosuppressive property of RPE. In EAU models, TGF-beta, but not IFN-gamma inflammatory cytokines, promotes the up-regulation of the expression of CTLA-2alpha in RPE. Similarly, CTLA-2alpha via RPE was able to promote TGF-beta production by the CD4(+) T cells. The RPE-exposed T cells (RPE-induced Treg cells) greatly produced TGF-beta and suppressed bystander effector T cells. There was less expression of CathL by the RPE-exposed T cells, and CathL-inhibited T cells were able to acquire the Treg phenotype. Moreover, CathL-deficient mice spontaneously produced Treg cells, with the increase in T cells potentially providing protection against ocular inflammation. More importantly, CD4(+) T cells from EAU in CathL knockout mice or rCTLA-2alpha from EAU animals were found to contain a high population of forkhead box p3(+) T cells. In both EAU models, there was significant suppression of the ocular inflammation. These results indicate that RPE secretes CTLA-2alpha, thereby enabling the bystander T cells to be converted into Treg cells via TGF-beta promotion.

  9. SKI knockdown inhibits human melanoma tumor growth in vivo.

    PubMed

    Chen, Dahu; Lin, Qiushi; Box, Neil; Roop, Dennis; Ishii, Shunsuke; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Fan, Tao; Hornyak, Thomas J; Reed, Jon A; Stavnezer, Ed; Timchenko, Nikolai A; Medrano, Estela E

    2009-12-01

    The SKI protein represses the TGF-beta tumor suppressor pathway by associating with the Smad transcription factors. SKI is upregulated in human malignant melanoma tumors in a disease-progression manner and its overexpression promotes proliferation and migration of melanoma cells in vitro. The mechanisms by which SKI antagonizes TGF-beta signaling in vivo have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that human melanoma cells in which endogenous SKI expression was knocked down by RNAi produced minimal orthotopic tumor xenograft nodules that displayed low mitotic rate and prominent apoptosis. These minute tumors exhibited critical signatures of active TGF-beta signaling including high levels of nuclear Smad3 and p21(Waf-1), which are not found in the parental melanomas. To understand how SKI promotes tumor growth we used gain- and loss-of-function approaches and found that simultaneously to blocking the TGF-beta-growth inhibitory pathway, SKI promotes the switch of Smad3 from tumor suppression to oncogenesis by favoring phosphorylations of the Smad3 linker region in melanoma cells but not in normal human melanocytes. In this context, SKI is required for preventing TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of the oncogenic protein c-MYC, and for inducing the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a mediator of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Together, the results indicate that SKI exploits multiple regulatory levels of the TGF-beta pathway and its deficiency restores TGF-beta tumor suppressor and apoptotic activities in spite of the likely presence of oncogenic mutations in melanoma tumors.

  10. The calcium-sensing receptor changes cell shape via a beta-arrestin-1 ARNO ARF6 ELMO protein network.

    PubMed

    Bouschet, Tristan; Martin, Stéphane; Kanamarlapudi, Venkateswarlu; Mundell, Stuart; Henley, Jeremy M

    2007-08-01

    G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce the binding of extracellular stimuli into intracellular signalling cascades that can lead to morphological changes. Here, we demonstrate that stimulation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a GPCR that promotes chemotaxis by detecting increases in extracellular calcium, triggers plasma membrane (PM) ruffling via a pathway that involves beta-arrestin 1, Arf nucleotide binding site opener (ARNO), ADP-ribosylating factor 6 (ARF6) and engulfment and cell motility protein (ELMO). Expression of dominant negative beta-arrestin 1 or its knockdown with siRNA impaired the CaSR-induced PM ruffling response. Expression of a catalytically inactive ARNO also reduced CaSR-induced PM ruffling. Furthermore, beta-arrestin 1 co-immunoprecipitated with the CaSR and ARNO under resting conditions. Agonist treatment did not markedly alter beta-arrestin 1 binding to the CaSR or to ARNO but it did elicit the translocation and colocalisation of the CaSR, beta-arrestin 1 and ARNO to membrane protrusions. Furthermore, ARF6 and ELMO, two proteins known to couple ARNO to the cytoskeleton, were required for CaSR-dependent morphological changes and translocated to the PM ruffles. These data suggest that cells ruffle upon CaSR stimulation via a mechanism that involves translocation of beta-arrestin 1 pre-assembled with the CaSR or ARNO, and that ELMO plays an essential role in this CaSR-signalling-induced cytoskeletal reorganisation.

  11. An unconventional hypothesis of oxidation in Alzheimer's disease: intersections with excitotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Barger, Steven W

    2004-09-01

    There are two major lines of investigation from which a connection has been traditionally drawn between chemical oxidation and Alzheimer's disease. First, a major risk factor for AD is age, and oxidative stress has long been a component of general hypotheses about biological aging. The second line of reasoning is a corollary of the Amyloid Hypothesis, the assumption that the amyloid beta-peptide (A-beta) which comprises AD's pathognomic plaques is a key mediator of the neurodegeneration occurring in this disorder. Under many experimental conditions, A-beta has been shown to evoke oxidative damage to tissues, cells, and biomolecules; even the redox properties of the peptide itself have been hotly debated. These two modalities of conjecture intersect under the Inflammatory Hypothesis of AD, as inflammation produces oxidation, old age is associated with elevation in inflammatory events, and A-beta can further exacerbate such inflammatory reactions in brain cells. This review discusses these arguments about the pathogenesis of AD and how they might be generalized to other neurodegenerative conditions. But, additional speculation is offered in the form of an inclusionary mechanism that may be specific and novel enough to qualify as a third line of theory; namely, the possibility that inflammatory reactions in microglia--activated by A-beta or other factors among the "usual suspects"--initiate programmed oxidation that is converted to the neuron-specific stress of excitotoxicity.

  12. Integrin {alpha}{beta}1, {alpha}{sub v}{beta}, {alpha}{sub 6}{beta} effectors p130Cas, Src and talin regulate carcinoma invasion and chemoresistance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sansing, Hope A.; Sarkeshik, Ali; Yates, John R.

    2011-03-11

    Research highlights: {yields} Proteomics of clustered integrin {alpha}{beta}1, {alpha}{sub v}{beta}, {alpha}{sub 6}{beta} receptors in oral carcinoma. {yields} p130Cas, Dek, Src and talin regulate oral carcinoma invasion. {yields} p130Cas, talin, Src and zyxin regulate oral carcinoma resistance to cisplatin. -- Abstract: Ligand engagement by integrins induces receptor clustering and formation of complexes at the integrin cytoplasmic face that controls cell signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics critical for adhesion-dependent processes. This study searches for a subset of integrin effectors that coordinates both tumor cell invasion and resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin in oral carcinomas. Candidate integrin effectors were identified in a proteomicsmore » screen of proteins recruited to clustered integrin {alpha}{beta}1, {alpha}{sub v}{beta} or {alpha}{sub 6}{beta} receptors in oral carcinomas. Proteins with diverse functions including microtubule and actin binding proteins, and factors involved in trafficking, transcription and translation were identified in oral carcinoma integrin complexes. Knockdown of effectors in the oral carcinoma HN12 cells revealed that p130Cas, Dek, Src and talin were required for invasion through Matrigel. Disruption of talin or p130Cas by RNA interference increased resistance to cisplatin, whereas targeting Dek, Src or zyxin reduced HN12 resistance to cisplatin. Analysis of the spreading of HN12 cells on collagen I and laminin I revealed that a decrease in p130Cas or talin expression inhibited spreading on both matrices. Interestingly, a reduction in zyxin expression enhanced spreading on laminin I and inhibited spreading on collagen I. Reduction of Dek, Src, talin or zyxin expression reduced HN12 proliferation by 30%. Proliferation was not affected by a reduction in p130Cas expression. We conclude that p130Cas, Src and talin function in both oral carcinoma invasion and resistance to cisplatin.« less

  13. Opposite effects of dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingosine 1-phosphate on transforming growth factor-beta/Smad signaling are mediated through the PTEN/PPM1A-dependent pathway.

    PubMed

    Bu, Shizhong; Kapanadze, Bagrat; Hsu, Tien; Trojanowska, Maria

    2008-07-11

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an important regulator of physiological connective tissue biosynthesis and plays a central role in pathological tissue fibrosis. Previous studies have established that a biologically active lipid mediator, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), mimics some of the profibrotic functions of TGF-beta through cross-activation of Smad signaling. Here we report that another product of sphingosine kinase, dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate (dhS1P), has an opposite role in the regulation of TGF-beta signaling. In contrast to S1P, dhS1P inhibits TGF-beta-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and up-regulation of collagen synthesis. The effects of dhS1P require a lipid phosphatase, PTEN, a key modulator of cell growth and survival. dhS1P stimulates phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of PTEN and its subsequent translocation into the nucleus. We demonstrate a novel function of nuclear PTEN as a co-factor of the Smad2/3 phosphatase, PPM1A. Complex formation of PTEN with PPM1A does not require the lipid phosphatase activity but depends on phosphorylation of the serine/threonine residues located in the C-terminal domain of PTEN. Upon complex formation with PTEN, PPM1A is protected from degradation induced by the TGF-beta signaling. Consequently, overexpression of PTEN abrogates TGF-beta-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation. This study establishes a novel role for nuclear PTEN in the stabilization of PPM1A. PTEN-mediated cross-talk between the sphingolipid and TGF-beta signaling pathways may play an important role in physiological and pathological TGF-beta signaling.

  14. Myostatin signals through Pax7 to regulate satellite cell self-renewal

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    McFarlane, Craig; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton; Hennebry, Alex

    2008-01-15

    Myostatin, a Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-{beta}) super-family member, has previously been shown to negatively regulate satellite cell activation and self-renewal. However, to date the mechanism behind Myostatin function in satellite cell biology is not known. Here we show that Myostatin signals via a Pax7-dependent mechanism to regulate satellite cell self-renewal. While excess Myostatin inhibited Pax7 expression via ERK1/2 signaling, an increase in Pax7 expression was observed following both genetic inactivation and functional antagonism of Myostatin. As a result, we show that either blocking or inactivating Myostatin enhances the partitioning of the fusion-incompetent self-renewed satellite cell lineage (high Pax7 expression, lowmore » MyoD expression) from the pool of actively proliferating myogenic precursor cells. Consistent with this result, over-expression of Pax7 in C2C12 myogenic cells resulted in increased self-renewal through a mechanism which slowed both myogenic proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that increased expression of Pax7 promotes satellite cell self-renewal, and furthermore Myostatin may control the process of satellite cell self-renewal through regulation of Pax7. Thus we speculate that, in addition to the intrinsic factors (such as Pax7), extrinsic factors both positive and negative in nature, will play a major role in determining the stemness of skeletal muscle satellite cells.« less

  15. Effect of Irrigation Time of Antiseptic Solutions on Bone Cell Viability and Growth Factor Release.

    PubMed

    Sawada, Kosaku; Nakahara, Ken; Haga-Tsujimura, Maiko; Fujioka-Kobayashi, Masako; Iizuka, Tateyuki; Miron, Richard J

    2018-03-01

    Antiseptic solutions are commonly utilized to treat local infection in the oral and maxillofacial region. However, surrounding vital bone is also exposed to antiseptic agents during irrigation and may have a potential negative impact on bone survival. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of rinsing time with various antiseptic solutions on bone cell viability, as well as their subsequent release of growth factors important for bone regeneration. The bone samples collected from porcine mandible were rinsed in the following commonly utilized antiseptic solutions; povidone-iodine (0.5%), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX, 0.2%), hydrogen peroxide (1%), and sodium hypochlorite (0.25%) for 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes and assessed for cell viability and release of growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta 1, bone morphogenetic protein 2, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, and interleukin-1 beta by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found in all the tested groups that the long exposure of any of the tested antiseptic solutions drastically promoted higher cell death. Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the significantly highest cell death and at all time points. Interestingly, bone cell viability was highest in the CHX group post short-term rinsing of 1, 5, or 10 minutes when compared with the other 4 tested groups. A similar trend was also observed in subsequent growth factor release. The present study demonstrated that of the 4 tested antiseptic solutions, short-term CHX rinsing (ideally within 1 minute) favored bone cell viability and growth factor release. Clinical protocols should be adapted accordingly.

  16. Repression of HNF1α-mediated transcription by amino-terminal enhancer of split (AES)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Han, Eun Hee; Gorman, Amanda A.; Singh, Puja

    2015-12-04

    HNF1α (Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1α) is one of the master regulators in pancreatic beta-cell development and function, and the mutations in Hnf1α are the most common monogenic causes of diabetes mellitus. As a member of the POU transcription factor family, HNF1α exerts its gene regulatory function through various molecular interactions; however, there is a paucity of knowledge in their functional complex formation. In this study, we identified the Groucho protein AES (Amino-terminal Enhancer of Split) as a HNF1α-specific physical binding partner and functional repressor of HNF1α-mediated transcription, which has a direct link to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta-cells that ismore » impaired in the HNF1α mutation-driven diabetes. - Highlights: • We identified AES as a transcriptional repressor for HNF1α in pancreatic beta-cell. • AES's repressive activity was HNF1α-specific and was not observed with HNF1β. • AES interacts with the transactivation domain of HNF1α. • Small molecules can be designed or discovered to disrupt this interaction and improve insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.« less

  17. Chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and stromal cell-derived factor-1{alpha}, suppress amyloid {beta}-induced neurotoxicity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Raman, Dayanidhi; Milatovic, Snjezana-Zaja; Milatovic, Dejan

    2011-11-15

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline and accumulation of neurotoxic oligomeric peptides amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}). Although the molecular events are not entirely known, it has become evident that inflammation, environmental and other risk factors may play a causal, disruptive and/or protective role in the development of AD. The present study investigated the ability of the chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and stromal cell-derived factor-1{alpha} (SDF-1{alpha}), the respective ligands for chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4, to suppress A{beta}-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha} significantly protected neurons from A{beta}-induced dendritic regression and apoptosismore » in vitro through activation of Akt, ERK1/2 and maintenance of metalloproteinase ADAM17 especially with SDF-1{alpha}. Intra-cerebroventricular (ICV) injection of A{beta} led to reduction in dendritic length and spine density of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and increased oxidative damage 24 h following the exposure. The A{beta}-induced morphometric changes of neurons and increase in biomarkers of oxidative damage, F{sub 2}-isoprostanes, were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with the chemokines MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha}. Additionally, MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha} was able to suppress the aberrant mislocalization of p21-activated kinase (PAK), one of the proteins involved in the maintenance of dendritic spines. Furthermore, MIP-2 also protected neurons against A{beta} neurotoxicity in CXCR2-/- mice, potentially through observed up regulation of CXCR1 mRNA. Understanding the neuroprotective potential of chemokines is crucial in defining the role for their employment during the early stages of neurodegeneration. -- Research highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotective ability of the chemokines MIP2 and CXCL12 against A{beta} toxicity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MIP-2 or CXCL12 prevented dendritic regression and apoptosis in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotection through activation of Akt, ERK1/2 and maintenance of ADAM17. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotection of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in vivo by MIP-2 or CXCL12. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MIP-2 or CXCL12 prevent elevation of F2-Isoprostanes against A{beta} treatment.« less

  18. Down-regulation of zinc transporter 8 (SLC30A8) in pancreatic beta-cells promotes cell survival.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The pancreatic islet contains high levels of zinc in granular vesicles of ß-cells where insulin is matured, crystallized, and stored before secretion. Zinc is an essential co-factor for insulin crystallization forming dense cores in secretory granules. In insulin-containing secretory granules, zinc ...

  19. Studies of insulin secretory responses and of arachidonic acid incorporation into phospholipids of stably transfected insulinoma cells that overexpress group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2beta ) indicate a signaling rather than a housekeeping role for iPLA2beta.

    PubMed

    Ma, Z; Ramanadham, S; Wohltmann, M; Bohrer, A; Hsu, F F; Turk, J

    2001-04-20

    A cytosolic 84-kDa group VIA phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)beta) that does not require Ca(2+) for catalysis has been cloned from several sources, including rat and human pancreatic islet beta-cells and murine P388D1 cells. Many potential iPLA(2)beta functions have been proposed, including a signaling role in beta-cell insulin secretion and a role in generating lysophosphatidylcholine acceptors for arachidonic acid incorporation into P388D1 cell phosphatidylcholine (PC). Proposals for iPLA(2)beta function rest in part on effects of inhibiting iPLA(2)beta activity with a bromoenol lactone (BEL) suicide substrate, but BEL also inhibits phosphatidate phosphohydrolase-1 and a group VIB phospholipase A(2). Manipulation of iPLA(2)beta expression by molecular biologic means is an alternative approach to study iPLA(2)beta functions, and we have used a retroviral construct containing iPLA(2)beta cDNA to prepare two INS-1 insulinoma cell clonal lines that stably overexpress iPLA(2)beta. Compared with parental INS-1 cells or cells transfected with empty vector, both iPLA(2)beta-overexpressing lines exhibit amplified insulin secretory responses to glucose and cAMP-elevating agents, and BEL substantially attenuates stimulated secretion. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses of arachidonic acid incorporation into INS-1 cell PC indicate that neither overexpression nor inhibition of iPLA(2)beta affects the rate or extent of this process in INS-1 cells. Immunocytofluorescence studies with antibodies directed against iPLA(2)beta indicate that cAMP-elevating agents increase perinuclear fluorescence in INS-1 cells, suggesting that iPLA(2)beta associates with nuclei. These studies are more consistent with a signaling than with a housekeeping role for iPLA(2)beta in insulin-secreting beta-cells.

  20. A programmable synthetic lineage-control network that differentiates human IPSCs into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells

    PubMed Central

    Saxena, Pratik; Heng, Boon Chin; Bai, Peng; Folcher, Marc; Zulewski, Henryk; Fussenegger, Martin

    2016-01-01

    Synthetic biology has advanced the design of standardized transcription control devices that programme cellular behaviour. By coupling synthetic signalling cascade- and transcription factor-based gene switches with reverse and differential sensitivity to the licensed food additive vanillic acid, we designed a synthetic lineage-control network combining vanillic acid-triggered mutually exclusive expression switches for the transcription factors Ngn3 (neurogenin 3; OFF-ON-OFF) and Pdx1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1; ON-OFF-ON) with the concomitant induction of MafA (V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A; OFF-ON). This designer network consisting of different network topologies orchestrating the timely control of transgenic and genomic Ngn3, Pdx1 and MafA variants is able to programme human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs)-derived pancreatic progenitor cells into glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting beta-like cells, whose glucose-stimulated insulin-release dynamics are comparable to human pancreatic islets. Synthetic lineage-control networks may provide the missing link to genetically programme somatic cells into autologous cell phenotypes for regenerative medicine. PMID:27063289

  1. Urocortin 3 Marks Mature Human Primary and Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Alpha and Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    van der Meulen, Talitha; Xie, Ruiyu; Kelly, Olivia G.; Vale, Wylie W.; Sander, Maike; Huising, Mark O.

    2012-01-01

    The peptide hormone Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) is abundantly and exclusively expressed in mouse pancreatic beta cells where it regulates insulin secretion. Here we demonstrate that Ucn 3 first appears at embryonic day (E) 17.5 and, from approximately postnatal day (p) 7 and onwards throughout adult life, becomes a unifying and exclusive feature of mouse beta cells. These observations identify Ucn 3 as a potential beta cell maturation marker. To determine whether Ucn 3 is similarly restricted to beta cells in humans, we conducted comprehensive immunohistochemistry and gene expression experiments on macaque and human pancreas and sorted primary human islet cells. This revealed that Ucn 3 is not restricted to the beta cell lineage in primates, but is also expressed in alpha cells. To substantiate these findings, we analyzed human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived pancreatic endoderm that differentiates into mature endocrine cells upon engraftment in mice. Ucn 3 expression in hESC-derived grafts increased robustly upon differentiation into mature endocrine cells and localized to both alpha and beta cells. Collectively, these observations confirm that Ucn 3 is expressed in adult beta cells in both mouse and human and appears late in beta cell differentiation. Expression of Pdx1, Nkx6.1 and PC1/3 in hESC-derived Ucn 3+ beta cells supports this. However, the expression of Ucn 3 in primary and hESC-derived alpha cells demonstrates that human Ucn 3 is not exclusive to the beta cell lineage but is a general marker for both the alpha and beta cell lineages. Ucn 3+ hESC-derived alpha cells do not express Nkx6.1, Pdx1 or PC1/3 in agreement with the presence of a separate population of Ucn 3+ alpha cells. Our study highlights important species differences in Ucn 3 expression, which have implications for its utility as a marker to identify mature beta cells in (re)programming strategies. PMID:23251699

  2. Hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor beta regulate 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene expression in rat hepatocyte primary cultures.

    PubMed Central

    Joaquin, M; Rosa, J L; Salvadó, C; López, S; Nakamura, T; Bartrons, R; Gil, J; Tauler, A

    1996-01-01

    Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) are believed to be of major importance for hepatic regeneration after liver damage. We have studied the effect of these growth factors on fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) levels and the expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase) in rat hepatocyte primary cultures. Our results demonstrate that HGF activates the expression of the 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene by increasing the levels of its mRNA. As a consequence of this activation, the amount of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase protein and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase activity increased, which was reflected by a rise in Fru-2,6-P2 levels. In contrast, TGF-beta decreased the levels of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase mRNA, which led to a decrease in the amount of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase protein and Fru-2,6-P2. The different actions of HGF and TGF-beta on 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene expression are concomitant with their effect on cell proliferation. Here we show that, in the absence of hormones, primary cultures of hepatocytes express the F-type isoenzyme. In addition, HGF increases the expression of this isoenzyme, and dexamethasone activates the L-type isoform. HGF and TGF-beta were able to inhibit this activation. PMID:8660288

  3. Oncogenic mechanisms of Evi-1 protein.

    PubMed

    Hirai, H; Izutsu, K; Kurokawa, M; Mitani, K

    2001-08-01

    Although Evi-1 is thought to promote growth or block differentiation in some cell types, its biological functions have not been elucidated. To explore the mechanisms underlying Evi-1-induced oncogenesis, we investigated whether Evi-1 affects the signaling of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which inhibits proliferation of a wide range of cell types and is one of the most studied growth regulatory factors. We demonstrated that Evi-1 represses TGF-beta signaling and antagonizes its growth-inhibitory effects. Two separate regions of Evi-1 are responsible for this repression, one of which is the first zinc-finger domain. Through this domain, Evi-1 physically interacts with Smad3, an intracellular mediator of TGF-beta signaling, thereby suppressing the transcriptional activity of Smad3. These results define a novel function of Evi-1 as a repressor of signaling components of TGF-beta. We also demonstrated that Evi-1 represses Smad-induced transcriptional activation by recruiting CtBP as a corepressor. Evi-1 associates with CtBP1 through one of the CtBP-binding consensus motifs within the region from amino acid 544 to 607, and this association is required for the efficient inhibition of TGF-beta signaling. A specific histone deacetylase (HDAc) inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), alleviates Evi-1-mediated repression of TGF-beta signaling, suggesting that HDAc is involved in transcriptional repression by Evi-1. This identifies a novel function of Evi-1 as a member of corepressor complexes and suggests that aberrant recruitment of corepressors is one of the mechanisms involved in Evi-1-induced leukemogenesis. These results indicate that specific HDAc inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of Evi-1-induced neoplastic tumors, including myeloid leukemias.

  4. Mycophenolate mofetil modulates adhesion receptors of the beta1 integrin family on tumor cells: impact on tumor recurrence and malignancy

    PubMed Central

    Engl, Tobias; Makarević, Jasmina; Relja, Borna; Natsheh, Iyad; Müller, Iris; Beecken, Wolf-Dietrich; Jonas, Dietger; Blaheta, Roman A

    2005-01-01

    Background Tumor development remains one of the major obstacles following organ transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus directly contribute to enhanced malignancy, whereas the influence of the novel compound mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on tumor cell dissemination has not been explored. We therefore investigated the adhesion capacity of colon, pancreas, prostate and kidney carcinoma cell lines to endothelium, as well as their beta1 integrin expression profile before and after MMF treatment. Methods Tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers was evaluated in the presence of 0.1 and 1 μM MMF and compared to unstimulated controls. beta1 integrin analysis included alpha1beta1 (CD49a), alpha2beta1 (CD49b), alpha3beta1 (CD49c), alpha4beta1 (CD49d), alpha5beta1 (CD49e), and alpha6beta1 (CD49f) receptors, and was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results Adhesion of the colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 was strongly reduced in the presence of 0.1 μM MMF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression and of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 coding mRNA. Adhesion of the prostate tumor cell line DU-145 was blocked dose-dependently by MMF. In contrast to MMF's effects on HT-29 cells, MMF dose-dependently up-regulated alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha5beta1 on DU-145 tumor cell membranes. Conclusion We conclude that MMF possesses distinct anti-tumoral properties, particularly in colon and prostate carcinoma cells. Adhesion blockage of HT-29 cells was due to the loss of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression, which might contribute to a reduced invasive behaviour of this tumor entity. The enhancement of integrin beta1 subtypes observed in DU-145 cells possibly causes re-differentiation towards a low-invasive phenotype. PMID:15644133

  5. Inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits in the Ishikawa human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line.

    PubMed

    Kimmich, Tanja; Brüning, Ansgar; Käufl, Stephanie D; Makovitzky, Josef; Kuhn, Christina; Jeschke, Udo; Friese, Klaus; Mylonas, Ioannis

    2010-08-01

    Inhibins and activins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. Recently, two novel inhibin subunits, named betaC and betaE, have been identified and shown to be expressed in several human tissues. However, only limited data on the expression of these novel inhibin subunits in normal human endometrial tissue and endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines exist. Samples of proliferative and secretory human endometrium were obtained from five premenopausal, non-pregnant patients undergoing gynecological surgery for benign diseases. Normal endometrial tissue and Ishikawa endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Expression of the inhibin betaC and betaE subunits could be demonstrated at the protein level by means of immunohistochemical evaluation and at the transcriptional level by establishing a betaC- and betaE-specific RT-PCR analysis in normal human endometrial tissue and the parental Ishikawa cell line. Interestingly, in a highly de-differentiated subclone of the Ishikawa cell line lacking estrogen receptor expression, the expression of the inhibin-betaC subunit appeared strongly reduced. Here, we show for the first time that the novel inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits are expressed in normal human endometrium and the estrogen receptor positive human endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection methods. Interestingly, the Ishikawa minus cell line (lacking estrogen receptor expression) demonstrated no to minimal expression of the betaC subunit as observed with immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, suggesting a possible hormone- dependency of this subunit in human endometrial cancer cells. Moreover, because the Ishikawa cell line minus is thought to be a more malignant endometrial cell line than its estrogen receptor positive counterpart, inhibin-betaC subunit might be substantially involved in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation in human endometrium.

  6. Detrimental effects of discectomy on intervertebral disc biology can be decelerated by growth factor treatment during surgery: a large animal organ culture model.

    PubMed

    Illien-Jünger, Svenja; Lu, Young; Purmessur, Devina; Mayer, Jillian E; Walter, Benjamin A; Roughley, Peter J; Qureshi, Sheeraz A; Hecht, Andrew C; Iatridis, James C

    2014-11-01

    Lumbar discectomies are common surgical interventions that treat radiculopathy by removing herniated and loose intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. However, remaining IVD tissue can continue to degenerate resulting in long-term clinical problems. Little information is available on the effects of discectomy on IVD biology. Currently, no treatments exist that can suspend or reverse the degeneration of the remaining IVD. To improve the knowledge on how discectomy procedures influence IVD physiology and to assess the potential of growth factor treatment as an augmentation during surgery. To determine effects of discectomy on IVDs with and without transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) augmentation using bovine IVD organ culture. This study determined effects of discectomy with and without TGFβ3 injection using 1-, 6-, and 19-day organ culture experiments. Treated IVDs were injected with 0.2 μg TGFβ3 in 20 μL phosphate-buffered saline+bovine serum albumin into several locations of the discectomy site. Cell viability, gene expression, nitric oxide (NO) release, IVD height, aggrecan degradation, and proteoglycan content were determined. Discectomy significantly increased cell death, aggrecan degradation, and NO release in healthy IVDs. Transforming growth factor beta 3 injection treatment prevented or mitigated these effects for the 19-day culture period. Discectomy procedures induced cell death, catabolism, and NO production in healthy IVDs, and we conclude that post-discectomy degeneration is likely to be associated with cell death and matrix degradation. Transforming growth factor beta 3 injection augmented discectomy procedures by acting to protect IVD tissues by maintaining cell viability, limiting matrix degradation, and suppressing NO. We conclude that discectomy procedures can be improved with injectable therapies at the time of surgery although further in vivo and human studies are required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Neurotensin receptor 1 gene activation by the Tcf/beta-catenin pathway is an early event in human colonic adenomas.

    PubMed

    Souazé, Frédérique; Viardot-Foucault, Véronique; Roullet, Nicolas; Toy-Miou-Leong, Mireille; Gompel, Anne; Bruyneel, Erik; Comperat, Eva; Faux, Maree C; Mareel, Marc; Rostène, William; Fléjou, Jean-François; Gespach, Christian; Forgez, Patricia

    2006-04-01

    Alterations in the Wnt/APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) signalling pathway, resulting in beta-catenin/T cell factor (Tcf)-dependent transcriptional gene activation, are frequently detected in familial and sporadic colon cancers. The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract. Its proliferative and survival effects are mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor, the NT1 receptor. NT1 receptor is not expressed in normal colon epithelial cells, but is over expressed in a number of cancer cells and tissues suggesting a link to the outgrowth of human colon cancer. Our results demonstrate that the upregulation of NT1 receptor occurring in colon cancer is the result of Wnt/APC signalling pathway activation. We first established the functionality of the Tcf response element within the NT1 receptor promoter. Consequently, we observed the activation of NT1 receptor gene by agents causing beta-catenin cytosolic accumulation, as well as a strong decline of endogenous receptor when wt-APC was restored. At the cellular level, the re-establishment of wt-APC phenotype resulted in the impaired functionality of NT1 receptor, like the breakdown in NT-induced intracellular calcium mobilization and the loss of NT pro-invasive effect. We corroborated the Wnt/APC signalling pathway on the NT1 receptor promoter activation with human colon carcinogenesis, and showed that NT1 receptor gene activation was perfectly correlated with nuclear or cytoplasmic beta-catenin localization while NT1 receptor was absent when beta-catenin was localized at the cell-cell junction in early adenomas of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and loss of heterozygosity tumours. In this report we establish a novel link in vitro between the Tcf/beta-catenin pathway and NT1 receptor promoter activation.

  8. Neutrophils responsive to endogenous IFN-beta regulate tumor angiogenesis and growth in a mouse tumor model.

    PubMed

    Jablonska, Jadwiga; Leschner, Sara; Westphal, Kathrin; Lienenklaus, Stefan; Weiss, Siegfried

    2010-04-01

    Angiogenesis is a hallmark of malignant neoplasias, as the formation of new blood vessels is required for tumors to acquire oxygen and nutrients essential for their continued growth and metastasis. However, the signaling pathways leading to tumor vascularization are not fully understood. Here, using a transplantable mouse tumor model, we have demonstrated that endogenous IFN-beta inhibits tumor angiogenesis through repression of genes encoding proangiogenic and homing factors in tumor-infiltrating neutrophils. We determined that IFN-beta-deficient mice injected with B16F10 melanoma or MCA205 fibrosarcoma cells developed faster-growing tumors with better-developed blood vessels than did syngeneic control mice. These tumors displayed enhanced infiltration by CD11b+Gr1+ neutrophils expressing elevated levels of the genes encoding the proangiogenic factors VEGF and MMP9 and the homing receptor CXCR4. They also expressed higher levels of the transcription factors c-myc and STAT3, known regulators of VEGF, MMP9, and CXCR4. In vitro, treatment of these tumor-infiltrating neutrophils with low levels of IFN-beta restored expression of proangiogenic factors to control levels. Moreover, depletion of these neutrophils inhibited tumor growth in both control and IFN-beta-deficient mice. We therefore suggest that constitutively produced endogenous IFN-beta is an important mediator of innate tumor surveillance. Further, we believe our data help to explain the therapeutic effect of IFN treatment during the early stages of cancer development.

  9. Distinct modes of gene regulation by a cell-specific transcriptional activator.

    PubMed

    Sengupta, Tanushri; Cohet, Nathalie; Morlé, François; Bieker, James J

    2009-03-17

    The architectural layout of a eukaryotic RNA polymerase II core promoter plays a role in general transcriptional activation. However, its role in tissue-specific expression is not known. For example, differing modes of its recognition by general transcription machinery can provide an additional layer of control within which a single tissue-restricted transcription factor may operate. Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) is a hematopoietic-specific transcription factor that is critical for the activation of subset of erythroid genes. We find that EKLF interacts with TATA binding protein-associated factor 9 (TAF9), which leads to important consequences for expression of adult beta-globin. First, TAF9 functionally supports EKLF activity by enhancing its ability to activate the beta-globin gene. Second, TAF9 interacts with a conserved beta-globin downstream promoter element, and ablation of this interaction by beta-thalassemia-causing mutations decreases its promoter activity and disables superactivation. Third, depletion of EKLF prevents recruitment of TAF9 to the beta-globin promoter, whereas depletion of TAF9 drastically impairs beta-promoter activity. However, a TAF9-independent mode of EKLF transcriptional activation is exhibited by the alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) gene, which does not contain a discernable downstream promoter element. In this case, TAF9 does not enhance EKLF activity and depletion of TAF9 has no effect on AHSP promoter activation. These studies demonstrate that EKLF directs different modes of tissue-specific transcriptional activation depending on the architecture of its target core promoter.

  10. Molecular Cloning and Ethylene Induction of mRNA Encoding a Phytoalexin Elicitor-Releasing Factor, beta-1,3-Endoglucanase, in Soybean.

    PubMed

    Takeuchi, Y; Yoshikawa, M; Takeba, G; Tanaka, K; Shibata, D; Horino, O

    1990-06-01

    Soybean (Glycine max) beta-1,3-endoglucanase (EC 3.2. 1.39) is involved in one of the earliest plant-pathogen interactions that may lead to active disease resistance by releasing elicitor-active carbohydrates from the cell walls of fungal pathogens. Ethylene induced beta-1,3-endoglucanase activity to 2- to 3-fold higher levels in cotyledons of soybean seedlings. A specific polyclonal antiserum raised against purified soybean beta-1,3-endoglucanase was used to immunoprecipitate in vitro translation products, demonstrating that ethylene induction increased translatable beta-1,3-endoglucanase mRNA. Several cDNA clones for the endoglucanase gene were obtained by antibody screening of a lambda-gt11 expression library prepared from soybean cotyledons. Hybrid-select translation experiments indicated that the cloned cDNA encoded a 36-kilodalton precursor protein product that was specifically immunoprecipitated with beta-1,3-endoglucanase antiserum. Escherichia coli cells expressing the cloned cDNA also synthesized an immunologically positive protein. Nucleotide sequence of three independent clones revealed a single uninterrupted open reading frame of 1041 nucleotides, corresponding to a polypeptide of 347 residue long. The primary amino acid sequence of beta-1,3-endoglucanase as deduced from the nucleotide sequence was confirmed by direct amino acid sequencing of trypsin digests of the glucanase. The soybean beta-1,3-endoglucanase exhibited 53% amino acid homology to a beta-1,3-glucanase cloned from cultured tobacco cells and 48% homology to a beta-(1,3-1,4)-glucanase from barley. Utilizing the largest cloned cDNA (pEG488) as a hybridization probe, it was found that the increase in translatable beta-1,3-endoglucanase mRNA seen upon ethylene treatment of soybean seedlings was due to 50- to 100-fold increase in steady state mRNA levels, indicating that ethylene regulates gene expression of this enzyme important in disease resistance at the level of gene transcription.

  11. Three-dimensional culture using a radial flow bioreactor induces matrix metalloprotease 7-mediated EMT-like process in tumor cells via TGFbeta1/Smad pathway.

    PubMed

    Shibata, Shun-Ichi; Marushima, Hideki; Asakura, Tadashi; Matsuura, Tomokazu; Eda, Homare; Aoki, Katsuhiko; Matsudaira, Hiroshi; Ueda, Kazu; Ohkawa, Kiyoshi

    2009-05-01

    To confirm the usefulness of the radial flow type bioreactor (RFB) for a three-dimensional (3D) culture system, which provides a tissue architecture and molecular function mimicking the in vivo environment, molecular expression in the A431 human squamous carcinoma cell line during culture were analyzed under the physically different environments of 3D culture in the RFB, 2D culture in a monolayer as well as in nude mice. Time-dependent accumulation of autocrine transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 was found in spent culture media obtained only from 3D cultured A431 cancer cells, which grew well with a stratified-sheet morphology. Cells in the RFB overexpressed matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) and showed an increased release of soluble 80-kDa fragments of E-cadherin into the media time-dependently, resulting in the reduction of E-cadherin protein at the cell surface without down-regulation of the mRNA. beta-Catenin and its nuclear partner, LEF1, were up-regulated and Wnt protein secretion was also accelerated. Additional up-regulation of the transcriptional factors, HMGA2 and down-stream Slug, was noted. TGFbeta1-dependent, MMP7-mediated up-regulation of beta-catenin/LEF1 signaling and TGFbeta1-activated HMGA2 pathways consequently converged with Slug overexpression, due to disassembly and further repression of E-cadherin expression, which was reproducible in the epithelial mesenchymal transition process without any manipulation. Other transcriptional factors, Notch/HEY1 and NF-kappaB, were also up-regulated in 3D-cultured cells. These signals recruited molecules related to extracellular matrix-cell remodeling and angiogenesis. Expression of several representative molecules in the 3D cultured cells was parallel with that in xenotransplanted A431 tumor tissues in nude mice. 3D culture of tumor cells in the RFB is a useful tool for cancer experimental biology and evaluation of cancer therapeutic-like systems in nude mice.

  12. Mechanical loading prevents the stimulating effect of IL-1{beta} on osteocyte-modulated osteoclastogenesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kulkarni, Rishikesh N.; Bakker, Astrid D.; Everts, Vincent

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Osteocyte incubation with IL-1{beta} stimulated osteocyte-modulated osteoclastogenesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Conditioned medium from IL-1{beta}-treated osteocytes increased osteoclastogenesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer IL-1{beta} upregulated RANKL and downregulated OPG gene expression by osteocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CYR61 is upregulated in mechanically stimulated osteocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mechanical loading of osteocytes may abolish IL-1{beta}-induced osteoclastogenesis. -- Abstract: Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are often accompanied by higher plasma and synovial fluid levels of interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), and by increased bone resorption. Since osteocytes are known to regulate bone resorption in response to changes in mechanical stimuli, we investigated whether IL-1{beta} affects osteocyte-modulated osteoclastogenesis in the presence or absence of mechanicalmore » loading of osteocytes. MLO-Y4 osteocytes were pre-incubated with IL-1{beta} (0.1-1 ng/ml) for 24 h. Cells were either or not subjected to mechanical loading by 1 h pulsating fluid flow (PFF; 0.7 {+-} 0.3 Pa, 5 Hz) in the presence of IL-1{beta} (0.1-1 ng/ml). Conditioned medium was collected after 1 h PFF or static cultures. Subsequently mouse bone marrow cells were seeded on top of the IL-1{beta}-treated osteocytes to determine osteoclastogenesis. Conditioned medium from mechanically loaded or static IL-1{beta}-treated osteocytes was added to co-cultures of untreated osteocytes and mouse bone marrow cells. Gene expression of cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61/CCN1), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) by osteocytes was determined immediately after PFF. Incubation of osteocytes with IL-1{beta}, as well as conditioned medium from static IL-1{beta}-treated osteocytes increased the formation of osteoclasts. However, conditioned medium from mechanically loaded IL-1{beta}-treated osteocytes prevented osteoclast formation. Incubation with IL-1{beta} upregulated RANKL and downregulated OPG gene expression by static osteocytes. PFF upregulated CYR61, RANKL, and OPG gene expression by osteocytes. Our results suggest that IL-1{beta} increases osteocyte-modulated osteoclastogenesis, and that mechanical loading of osteocytes may abolish IL-1{beta}-induced osteoclastogenesis.« less

  13. Effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation depend on treatment dose, treatment duration and meal contents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Arakawa, Masayuki; Ebato, Chie; Mita, Tomoya

    2009-12-18

    Beta-cell proliferation is regulated by various metabolic demands including peripheral insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. In addition to enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion, agonists for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) stimulate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of beta-cells, thereby probably preserve beta-cell mass. To evaluate the beta-cell preserving actions of GLP-1R agonists, we assessed the acute and chronic effects of exendin-4 on beta-cell proliferation, mass and glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J mice under various conditions. Short-term administration of high-dose exendin-4 transiently stimulated beta-cell proliferation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed upregulation of IGF-1 receptor and its downstream effectors in islets. Treatment of mice with exendin-4more » daily for 4 weeks (long-term administration) and feeding high-fat diet resulted in significant inhibition of weight gain and improvement of glucose tolerance with reduced insulin secretion and beta-cell mass. These findings suggest that long-term GLP-1 treatment results in insulin sensitization of peripheral organs, rather than enhancement of beta-cell proliferation and function, particularly when animals are fed high-fat diet. Thus, the effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation largely depend on treatment dose, duration of treatment and meal contents. While GLP-1 enhances proliferation of beta-cells in some diabetic mice models, our results suggest that GLP-1 stimulates beta-cell growth only when expansion of beta-cell mass is required to meet metabolic demands.« less

  14. Opposing actions of Arx and Pax4 in endocrine pancreas development.

    PubMed

    Collombat, Patrick; Mansouri, Ahmed; Hecksher-Sorensen, Jacob; Serup, Palle; Krull, Jens; Gradwohl, Gerard; Gruss, Peter

    2003-10-15

    Genes encoding homeodomain-containing proteins potentially involved in endocrine pancreas development were isolated by combined in silico and nested-PCR approaches. One such transcription factor, Arx, exhibits Ngn3-dependent expression throughout endocrine pancreas development in alpha, beta-precursor, and delta cells. We have used gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate Arx loss-of-function mice. Arx-deficient animals are born at the expected Mendelian frequency, but develop early-onset hypoglycemia, dehydration, and weakness, and die 2 d after birth. Immunohistological analysis of pancreas from Arx mutants reveals an early-onset loss of mature endocrine alpha cells with a concomitant increase in beta-and delta-cell numbers, whereas islet morphology remains intact. Our study indicates a requirement of Arx for alpha-cell fate acquisition and a repressive action on beta-and delta-cell destiny, which is exactly the opposite of the action of Pax4 in endocrine commitment. Using multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), we demonstrate an accumulation of Pax4 and Arx transcripts in Arx and Pax4 mutant mice, respectively. We propose that the antagonistic functions of Arx and Pax4 for proper islet cell specification are related to the pancreatic levels of the respective transcripts.

  15. Expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha and accumulation of fibronectin in coronary artery restenotic lesions retrieved by atherectomy.

    PubMed Central

    Clausell, N.; de Lima, V. C.; Molossi, S.; Liu, P.; Turley, E.; Gotlieb, A. I.; Adelman, A. G.; Rabinovitch, M.

    1995-01-01

    BACKGROUND--The formation of coronary artery neointima experimentally induced in piglets after cardiac transplantation is related to an immune-inflammatory reaction associated with increased expression of T cells and inflammatory mediators (tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta) and upregulation of fibronectin. In vivo blockade of tumour necrosis factor alpha in rabbits after cardiac transplantation results in reduced neointimal formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that coronary restenosis after atherectomy or percutaneous balloon angioplasty is associated with a similar inflammatory cascade initiated by mechanical injury. METHODS--Specimens taken at coronary atherectomy were analysed from 16 patients. Nine had had the procedure performed twice, firstly, to remove a primary lesion, and secondly, to remove a restenotic lesion. Seven had percutaneous balloon angioplasty after removal of restenotic tissue. Coronary atherectomy specimens were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of T cells, macrophages, major histocompatibility complex II, interleukin 1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha, fibronectin, and the receptor for hyaluronan mediated motility. RESULTS--The groups were clinically and angiographically similar with equivalent lumens before and after atherectomy. Restenotic lesions had increased expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha and fibronectin compared with the primary lesions (P < 0.05 for both). There was also a trend towards a greater number of T cells and increased expression of interleukin 1 beta. CONCLUSIONS--Restenosis is associated with increased expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha and fibronectin, suggesting that an immune-inflammatory reaction probably contributes to neointimal formation and may represent a form of wound healing and repair secondary to mechanical injury. Images PMID:7626352

  16. Characterization and inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase in intact myocytes.

    PubMed

    Laugwitz, K L; Kronsbein, K; Schmitt, M; Hoffmann, K; Seyfarth, M; Schömig, A; Ungerer, M

    1997-08-01

    beta-Adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) phosphorylates and thereby inactivates agonist-occupied beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR). beta ARK is thought to play an important role in the regulation of cardiac function. Therefore, we studied beta ARK activation and its inhibition in intact smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts. beta AR agonist-stimulated translocation of beta ARK was monitored by immunofluorescence labelling with specific antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy in DDT-MF 2 hamster smooth muscle cells and in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. In unstimulated cells. beta ARK was mainly located in the cytosol. After beta AR agonist stimulation, the beta ARK signal was partially translocated to the membranes. Liposomal gene transfer of the COOH-terminus of beta ARK ('beta ARKmini') as a beta ARK inhibitor led to functional expression of this protein in both cell lines with high efficiency. Western blots with beta ARK antibodies showed a gene concentration-dependent immunoreactivity of the 'beta ARKmini' protein. 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes demonstrated reduced membrane targeting of the beta ARK immuno-fluorescence signal. Additionally, the effect of 'beta ARKmini' on beta AR-induced desensitization of myocytic cAMP accumulation was investigated. In control cells, desensitization with isoproterenol led to a subsequent reduction of beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation. In 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes, this beta AR-induced desensitization was significantly diminished, whereas normal beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation was unaffected. A gene concentration of 2 micrograms 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 cardiomyoblasts, and of 0.7 microgram 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells led to approximately 5.9- and approximately 5.6-fold overexpressions of 'beta ARKmini' vs. native beta ARK, respectively. These gene doses proved sufficient to attenuate beta-adrenergic desensitization significantly. (1) beta ARK translocation was evidenced in DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts by confocal laser scanning microscopy. (2) Feasibility of 'beta ARKmini' gene transfer to myocytes was demonstrated, and necessary gene doses for beta ARK inhibition were titered. (3) Overexpression of 'beta ARKmini' functionally interacted with endogenous beta-adrenergic signal transduction, leading to sustained cAMP accumulation after prolonged beta-adrenergic stimulation.

  17. Increased mature interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) secretion from THP-1 cells induced by nigericin is a result of activation of p45 IL-1beta-converting enzyme processing.

    PubMed

    Cheneval, D; Ramage, P; Kastelic, T; Szelestenyi, T; Niggli, H; Hemmig, R; Bachmann, M; MacKenzie, A

    1998-07-10

    Perregaux and Gabel (Perregaux, D., and Gabel, C. A. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15195-15203) reported that potassium depletion of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages induced by the potassium ionophore, nigericin, leads to the rapid release of mature interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). We have now shown a similar phenomenon in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells. Rapid secretion of mature, 17-kDa IL-1beta occurred, in the presence of nigericin (4-16 microM). No effects on the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, or proIL-1beta were seen. Addition of the irreversible interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitor, Z-Val-Ala-Asp-dichlorobenzoate, or a radicicol analog, inhibited nigericin-induced mature IL-1beta release and activation of p45 ICE precursor. The radicicol analog itself did not inhibit ICE, but markedly, and very rapidly depleted intracellular levels of 31-kDa proIL-1beta. By contrast, dexamethasone, cycloheximide, and the Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitor, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride, had no effect on nigericin-induced release of IL-1beta. We have therefore shown conclusively, for the first time, that nigericin-induced release of IL-1beta is dependent upon activation of p45 ICE processing. So far, the mechanism by which reduced intracellular potassium ion concentration triggers p45 ICE processing is not known, but further investigation in this area could lead to the discovery of novel molecular targets whereby control of IL-1beta production might be effected.

  18. Chromatographic measurements of hemoglobin A2 in blood samples that contain sickle hemoglobin.

    PubMed

    Shokrani, M; Terrell, F; Turner, E A; Aguinaga, M D

    2000-04-01

    In the sickle cell syndromes, Hb A2 measurements aid in the differential diagnosis of sickle cell anemia from sickle-beta-thalassemia. The purpose of this study is to assess the Hb A2 levels in samples containing sickle hemoglobin (Hb S) by the use of an automated high performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC-Variant beta-thalassemia Short Program). The blood samples analyzed were from individuals of African descent living in the state of Tennessee who had either sickle cell trait (Hb AS), sickle cell disease (Hb SS), or sickle cell-hemoglobin C disease (Hb SC). Interestingly, the Hb A2 levels determined by HPLC were found elevated in samples containing Hb S. The Hb A2 mean in Hb AS samples (n=146) is 4.09% (SD +/- 0.42, range 2.20 to 5.20%); in Hb SS samples (n=33) it is 3.90% (SD +/- 1.08, range 0.60 to 5.90%); and in Hb SC samples (n=27) it is 4.46% (SD +/- 0.70, range 2.30 to 5.91%). The Hb A2 mean by HPLC in normal individuals (Hb AA, n=70) is 2.57% (SD +/- 0.25, range 2.1 to 3.0%), and the Hb A2 range in beta-thalassemia carriers is 4 to 9%. Our results show that the Hb A2 levels in Hb S-containing samples partially overlap with those expected from beta-thalassemia carriers. The hemoglobinopathy laboratory should be aware of this apparent elevation in Hb A2 levels determined by HPLC in individuals carrying Hb S. Other factors, such as family history and clinical symptoms, should be taken into account before a diagnosis of sickle cell trait, sickle-beta-thalassemia, or sickle cell anemia is made.

  19. Characterization of T cell repertoire changes in acute Kawasaki disease

    PubMed Central

    1993-01-01

    Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute multisystem vasculitis of unknown etiology that is associated with marked activation of T cells and monocyte/macrophages. Using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, we recently found that the acute phase of KD is associated with the expansion of T cells expressing the V beta 2 and V beta 8.1 gene segments. In the present work, we used a newly developed anti-V beta 2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and studied a new group of KD patients to extend our previous PCR results. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that V beta 2-bearing T cells are selectively increased in patients with acute KD. The increase occurred primarily in the CD4 T cell subset. The percentages of V beta 2+ T cells as determined by mAb reactivity and flow cytometry correlated linearly with V beta expression as quantitated by PCR. However, T cells from acute KD patients appeared to express proportionately higher levels of V beta 2 transcripts per cell as compared with healthy controls or convalescent KD patients. Sequence analysis of T cell receptor beta chain genes of V beta 2 and V beta 8.1 expressing T cells from acute KD patients showed extensive junctional region diversity. These data showing polyclonal expansion of V beta 2+ and V beta 8+ T cells in acute KD provide additional insight into the immunopathogenesis of this disease. PMID:8094737

  20. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, inhibits pancreatic beta cell apoptosis in association with its effects suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in db/db mice.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yan-ju; Guo, Xin; Li, Chun-jun; Li, Dai-qing; Zhang, Jie; Yang, Yiping; Kong, Yan; Guo, Hang; Liu, De-min; Chen, Li-ming

    2015-02-01

    Vildagliptin promotes beta cell survival by inhibiting cell apoptosis. It has been suggested that chronic ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress triggers beta cell apoptosis. The objective of the study is to explore whether the pro-survival effect of vildagliptin is associated with attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in islets of db/db mice. Vildagliptin was orally administered to db/db mice for 6 weeks, followed by evaluation of beta cell apoptosis by caspase3 activity and TUNEL staining method. Endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were determined with quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. After 6 weeks of treatment, vildagliptin treatment increased plasma active GLP-1 levels (22.63±1.19 vs. 11.69±0.44, P<0.001), inhibited beta cell apoptosis as demonstrated by lower amounts of TUNEL staining nuclei (0.37±0.03 vs. 0.55±0.03, P<0.01) as well as decreased caspase3 activity (1.48±0.11 vs. 2.67±0.13, P<0.01) in islets of diabetic mice compared with untreated diabetic group. Further, vildagliptin treatment down-regulated several genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress including TRIB3 (tribbles homolog 3) (15.9±0.4 vs. 33.3±1.7, ×10⁻³, P<0.001), ATF-4(activating transcription factor 4) (0.83±0.06 vs. 1.42±0.02, P<0.001) and CHOP(C/EBP homologous protein) (0.07±0.01 vs. 0.16±0.01, P<0.001). Vildagliptin promoted beta cell survival in db/db mice in association with down-regulating markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress including TRIB3, ATF-4 as well as CHOP. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Initial Biochemical Characterization of Cells Derived from Human Periodontium and Their In vitro Response to Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, Epidermal Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-05-01

    Periodontal disease is characterized by a loss of connective tissue...obtained for bone cells and fibroblasts. • " S,. O. ipr’ 0 II. LITERATURE REVIEW A . Periodontal Regeneration Periodontal disease is characterized by a ...fracture are felt to involve a similar sequence of cellular events. Since periodontal disease also involves the loss of soft tissue structures, such

  2. Role of bone marrow cells in the development of pancreatic fibrosis in a rat model of pancreatitis induced by a choline-deficient/ethionine-supplemented diet

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Akita, Shingo; Kubota, Koji; Kobayashi, Akira, E-mail: kbys@shinshu-u.ac.jp

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BMC-derived PSCs play a role in a rat CDE diet-induced pancreatitis model. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BMC-derived PSCs contribute mainly to the early stage of pancreatic fibrosis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BMC-derived activated PSCs can produce PDGF and TGF {beta}1. -- Abstract: Bone marrow cell (BMC)-derived myofibroblast-like cells have been reported in various organs, including the pancreas. However, the contribution of these cells to pancreatic fibrosis has not been fully discussed. The present study examined the possible involvement of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) originating from BMCs in the development of pancreatic fibrosis in a clinically relevant rat model of acute pancreatitis induced by amore » choline-deficient/ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. BMCs from female transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were transplanted into lethally irradiated male rats. Once chimerism was established, acute pancreatitis was induced by a CDE diet. Chronological changes in the number of PSCs originating from the donor BMCs were examined using double immunofluorescence for GFP and markers for PSCs, such as desmin and alpha smooth muscle actin ({alpha}SMA), 1, 3 and 8 weeks after the initiation of CDE feeding. We also used immunohistochemical staining to evaluate whether the PSCs from the BMCs produce growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF) {beta}1. The percentage of BMC-derived activated PSCs increased significantly, peaking after 1 week of CDE treatment (accounting for 23.3 {+-} 0.9% of the total population of activated PSCs) and then decreasing. These cells produced both PDGF and TGF{beta}1 during the early stage of pancreatic fibrosis. Our results suggest that PSCs originating from BMCs contribute mainly to the early stage of pancreatic injury, at least in part, by producing growth factors in a rat CDE diet-induced pancreatitis model.« less

  3. Interaction with Smad4 is indispensable for suppression of BMP signaling by c-Ski.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Masafumi; Mizuide, Masafumi; Oka, Masako; Watabe, Tetsuro; Inoue, Hirofumi; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Fujita, Toshiro; Imamura, Takeshi; Miyazono, Kohei; Miyazawa, Keiji

    2004-03-01

    c-Ski is a transcriptional corepressor that interacts strongly with Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 but only weakly with Smad1 and Smad5. Through binding to Smad proteins, c-Ski suppresses signaling of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In the present study, we found that a mutant of c-Ski, termed c-Ski (ARPG) inhibited TGF-beta/activin signaling but not BMP signaling. Selectivity was confirmed in luciferase reporter assays and by determination of cellular responses in mammalian cells (BMP-induced osteoblastic differentiation of C2C12 cells and TGF-beta-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation of NMuMG cells) and Xenopus embryos. The ARPG mutant recruited histone deacetylases 1 (HDAC1) to the Smad3-Smad4 complex but not to the Smad1/5-Smad4 complex. c-Ski (ARPG) was unable to interact with Smad4, and the selective loss of suppression of BMP signaling by c-Ski (ARPG) was attributed to the lack of Smad4 binding. We also found that c-Ski interacted with Smad3 or Smad4 without disrupting Smad3-Smad4 heteromer formation. c-Ski (ARPG) would be useful for selectively suppressing TGF-beta/activin signaling.

  4. A synergistic role for IL-1beta and TNFalpha in monocyte-derived IFNgamma inducing activity.

    PubMed

    Raices, Raquel M; Kannan, Yashaswini; Sarkar, Anasuya; Bellamkonda-Athmaram, Vedavathi; Wewers, Mark D

    2008-11-01

    Although much is known about classic IFNgamma inducers, little is known about the IFNgamma inducing capability of inflammasome-activated monocytes. In this study, supernatants from LPS/ATP-stimulated human monocytes were analyzed for their ability to induce IFNgamma production by KG-1 cells. Unexpectedly, monocyte-derived IFN inducing activity was detected, but it was completely inhibited by IL-1beta, not IL-18 blockade. Moreover, size-fractionation of the monocyte conditioned media dramatically reduced the IFNgamma inducing activity of IL-1beta, suggesting that IL-1beta requires a cofactor to induce IFNgamma production in KG-1 cells. Because TNFalpha is known to synergize with IL-1beta for various gene products, it was studied as the putative IL-1beta synergizing factor. Although recombinant TNFalpha (rTNFalpha) alone had no IFNgamma inducing activity, neutralization of TNFalpha in the monocyte conditioned media inhibited the IFNgamma inducing activity. Furthermore, rTNFalpha restored the IFNgamma inducing activity of the size-fractionated IL-1beta. Finally, rTNFalpha synergized with rIL-1beta, as well as with rIL-1alpha and rIL-18, for KG-1 IFNgamma release. These studies demonstrate a synergistic role between TNFalpha and IL-1 family members in the induction of IFNgamma production and give caution to interpretations of KG-1 functional assays designed to detect functional IL-18.

  5. Existence of a regulatory loop between MCP-1 and TGF-beta in glomerular immune injury.

    PubMed

    Wolf, Gunter; Jocks, Thomas; Zahner, Gunther; Panzer, Ulf; Stahl, Rolf A K

    2002-11-01

    Glomerular upregulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), followed by an influx of monocytes resulting eventually in extracellular matrix deposition is a common sequel of many types of glomerulonephritis. However, it is not entirely clear how early expression of MCP-1 is linked to the later development of glomerulosclerosis. Because transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a key regulator of extracellular matrix proteins, we hypothesized that there might be a regulatory loop between early glomerular MCP-1 induction and subsequent TGF-beta expression. To avoid interference with other cytokines that may be released from infiltrating monocytes, isolated rat kidneys were perfused with a polyclonal anti-thymocyte-1 antiserum (ATS) and rat serum (RS) as a complement source to induce glomerular injury. Renal TGF-beta protein and mRNA expressions were strongly stimulated after perfusion with ATS-RS. This effect was attenuated by coperfusion with a neutralizing anti-MCP-1 but was partly mimicked by perfusion with recombinant MCP-1 protein. On the other hand, renal MCP-1 expression and production were stimulated by administration of ATS-RS. Additional perfusion with an anti-TGF-beta antibody further aggravated this increase, whereas application of recombinant TGF-beta protein reduced MCP-1 formation. Our data demonstrate an intrinsic regulatory loop in which increased MCP-1 levels stimulate TGF-beta formation in resident glomerular cells in the absence of infiltrating immune competent cells.

  6. Biological responses to PDGF-BB versus PDGF-DD in human mesangial cells.

    PubMed

    van Roeyen, C R C; Ostendorf, T; Denecke, B; Bokemeyer, D; Behrmann, I; Strutz, F; Lichenstein, H S; LaRochelle, W J; Pena, C E; Chaudhuri, A; Floege, J

    2006-04-01

    Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and PDGF-DD mediate mesangial cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. While PDGF-BB is a ligand for the PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor chains, PDGF-DD binds more selectively to the beta-chain, suggesting potential differences in the biological activities. Signal transduction and regulation of gene expression induced by PDGF-BB and -DD were compared in primary human mesangial cells (HMCs), which expressed PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor subunits. The growth factor concentrations used were chosen based on their equipotency in inducing HMCs proliferation and binding to the betabeta-receptor. Both growth factors, albeit at different concentrations induced phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2. In addition, PDGFs led to the phosphorylation and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3. HMCs proliferation induced by either PDGF-BB or -DD could be blocked by signal transduction inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-, Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT-, or phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase pathways. Using a gene chip array and subsequent verification by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction, we found that in HMC genes for matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) and MMP-14 and, to a low extent, cytochrome B5 and cathepsin L were exclusively regulated by PDGF-BB, whereas no exclusive gene regulation was detected by PDGF-DD. However, at the protein level, both MMP-13 and -14 were equally induced by PDGF-BB and -DD. PDGF-BB and -DD effect similar biological responses in HMCs albeit at different potencies. Rare apparently differential gene regulation did not result in different protein expression, suggesting that in HMCs both PDGFs exert their biological activity almost exclusively via the PDGF beta-receptor.

  7. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha induce the expression of Synoviolin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in mouse synovial fibroblasts via the Erk1/2-ETS1 pathway.

    PubMed

    Gao, Beixue; Calhoun, Karen; Fang, Deyu

    2006-01-01

    The overgrowth of synovial tissues is critical in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expression of Synoviolin (SYN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is upregulated in arthritic synovial fibroblasts and is involved in the overgrowth of synovial cells during RA. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the elevated SYN expression are not known. Here, we found that SYN expression is elevated in the synovial fibroblasts from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induce SYN expression in mouse synovial fibroblasts. Cultivation of mouse synovial fibroblasts with IL-1beta activates mitogen-activated protein kinases, including extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38, while only Erk-specific inhibitor blocks IL-1beta-induced SYN expression. Expression of transcription factor ETS1 further enhances IL-1beta-induced SYN expression. The dominant negative ETS1 mutant lacking the transcription activation domain inhibits SYN expression in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of both Erk1/2 and ETS1 is increased in the CIA synovial fibroblasts. Inhibition of Erk activation reduces ETS1 phosphorylation and SYN expression. Our data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha induce the overgrowth of synovial cells by upregulating SYN expression via the Erk1/-ETS1 pathway. These molecules or pathways could therefore be potential targets for the treatment of RA.

  8. The Crataegus extract WS 1442 inhibits balloon catheter-induced intimal hyperplasia in the rat carotid artery by directly influencing PDGFR-beta.

    PubMed

    Fürst, Robert; Zirrgiebel, Ute; Totzke, Frank; Zahler, Stefan; Vollmar, Angelika M; Koch, Egon

    2010-08-01

    Effective systemic drugs against restenosis upon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are largely lacking. Polyphenols have been suggested to ameliorate post-angioplasty restenosis. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) extracts, which are among the most frequently used herbal medicinal products against mild forms of congestive heart failure, contain polyphenols, but have not been investigated in this context. We aimed to assess the potential of the hawthorn extract WS 1442 to prevent balloon catheter-induced intimal hyperplasia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We analyzed the effects of WS 1442 on serum-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) growth and migration, growth factor-induced proliferation, growth factor receptor activity, and neointima formation in the rat carotid artery model. WS 1442 (100 microg/ml) decreased VSMC migration by 38% and proliferation by 44%, whereas EC migration and proliferation were unaltered. The extract inhibited VSMC DNA synthesis induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (IC(50): 47 microg/ml), but not that of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Along this line, WS 1442 blocked recombinant human PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-beta kinase activity (IC(50): 1.4 microg/ml) and decreased PDGFR-beta activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in VSMCs. In rats, orally administered WS 1442 significantly reduced neointima formation after balloon catheter dilatation of the carotid artery. WS 1442 inhibits migration and proliferation of VSMCs, but not of ECs, and reduces balloon catheter-evoked neointima formation probably through inhibition of PDGFR-beta. Thus, the present study suggests a novel adjunct pharmacological strategy to prevent angioplasty-related restenosis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. [Exploration of relationship between the expression level of DNA polymerase beta and 60Co gamma-ray radiosensitivity].

    PubMed

    Cui, Jie; Xu, Xin; Yang, Mo; Chen, Chen; Zhao, Wei; Wu, Mei; Zhang, Zun-zhen

    2011-11-01

    To explore the relationship between the expression level of DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) and 60Co gamma-ray radiosensitivity and provide a basis on improving the efficiency of radiotherapy theoretically. pol beta wild-type cells (pol beta +/+), pol beta null cells (pol beta -/-) and pol beta overexpressed cells (polp beta oe) were applied as a model system. The radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-ray on the cell was detected by MTT assay and clone formation assay. The DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to examine the cellular ROS after 60Co gamma-rays radiation. MTT assay showed that after radiation by 60Co gamma-rays followed with 72 h incubation, the cell viabilities in the three kinds of cells decreased significantly with a dose-response relationship (r-/+ = -0.976, r-/- = -0.977, r(oe) = -0.982, P<0.05). In addition, the viability of pol beta -/- cell was lower than those of other two kinds of cells at the same dose (P<0.05). Likewise, the colony number and colony formation rate in all tested cells also decreased after exposure to 60Co gamma-rays. The ROS level in the three kinds of cells was enhanced after treatment with 60Co gamma-ray, and the ROS level in pol beta -/- cells was much higher than that in the other two kinds of cells (P<0.05). Cell death caused by 60Co gamma-ray may associated with the DNA oxidative damage mediated by ROS; Overexpression of pol beta could protect against oxidative DNA damage, thus the cell apoptosis/death, thereby leading to reducing the radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-rays, while null of DNA pol beta could increase radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-rays by compromising the DNA repair.

  10. Impact of transforming growth factor-beta1 on atrioventricular node conduction modification by injected autologous fibroblasts in the canine heart.

    PubMed

    Bunch, T Jared; Mahapatra, Srijoy; Bruce, G Keith; Johnson, Susan B; Miller, Dylan V; Horne, Benjamin D; Wang, Xiao-Li; Lee, Hon-Chi; Caplice, Noel M; Packer, Douglas L

    2006-05-30

    Atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation for management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is irreversible and requires permanent pacemaker implantation. We hypothesized that as an alternative, implantation of autologous fibroblasts in the perinodal region would focally modify AV nodal conduction and that this modulation would be enhanced by pretreatment with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), a stimulant of fibroblasts. Skin biopsies were taken from 12 mongrel dogs, and derived fibroblasts were dissociated and grown in culture for 2 weeks. Multiple injections (0.25 mL) were made through an 8F NOGA catheter along the fast/slow AV nodal pathways as guided by an electroanatomic mapping system. Seven dogs received fibroblasts alone (1x10(6) cells/mL), 7 dogs received TGF-beta1 (5 microg), 4 dogs received fibroblasts and TGF-beta1 (1x10(6) cells/mL+5 microg), and 4 dogs received saline only. AV node function was assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Saline (80 mL) with assigned therapy (0.25 mL per injection) was injected into the peri-AV nodal region in each dog. At baseline, the AH interval (66+/-3 ms) and the average RR interval (331+/-17 ms) in pacing-induced AF were similar in each cohort. The increase in AH interval in normal sinus rhythm was longer after fibroblast (23+/-4 versus 5+/-5 ms; P=0.05) and fibroblast plus TGF-beta1 (50+/-5 versus 5+/-5 ms; P<0.001) injections than with saline alone, with similar findings during high right atrium and distal coronary sinus pacing. The AH interval was not significantly increased after TGF-beta1 injections. The AH interval was significantly longer after fibroblast plus TGF-beta1 injections than with either therapy (TGF-beta1 or fibroblasts) alone. The RR interval during AF was increased in dogs that received fibroblasts alone (110+/-36 versus -41+/-34 ms) and to a greater extent with the addition of TGF-beta1 (294+/-108 versus -41+/-34 ms). No AV block was seen in any cohort at 4 weeks. Labeled fibroblasts that expressed vimentin were identified in all dogs that received cell injections at 4 weeks. AV nodal modification can be achieved with injected fibroblasts without the creation of AV block. The effect on AV node conduction is substantially enhanced by pretreatment of fibroblasts with TGF-beta1. These data have therapeutic potential for the management of rapid ventricular rate during AF without pacemaker implantation.

  11. Uroepithelial cells are part of a mucosal cytokine network.

    PubMed Central

    Hedges, S; Agace, W; Svensson, M; Sjögren, A C; Ceska, M; Svanborg, C

    1994-01-01

    This study compared the cytokine production of uroepithelial cell lines in response to gram-negative bacteria and inflammatory cytokines. Human kidney (A498) and bladder (J82) epithelial cell lines were stimulated with either Escherichia coli Hu734, interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Supernatant samples were removed, and the RNA was extracted from cells at 0, 2, 6, and 24 h. The secreted cytokine levels were determined by bioassay or immunoassay; mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-PCR. The two cell lines secreted IL-6 and IL-8 constitutively. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA were constitutively produced in both cell lines; IL-1 beta mRNA was detected in J82 cells. IL-1 alpha induced significantly higher levels of IL-6 secretion than did E. coli Hu734 or TNF-alpha. IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha induced significantly higher levels of IL-8 secretion than did E. coli Hu734. Secreted IL-1 beta was not detected; IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha were not detected above the levels used for stimulation. IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNAs were detected in both cell lines after exposure to the stimulants. TNF-alpha mRNA was occasionally detected in the J82 cell line after TNF-alpha stimulation. Cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) and control (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase [G3PDH] and beta-actin) mRNA concentrations were quantitated with internal PCR standards. Cytokine mRNA levels relative to beta-actin mRNA levels were the highest in E. coli-stimulated cells. In comparison, the cytokine mRNA levels relative to G3PDH mRNA levels were the highest in IL-1 alpha-stimulated cells. beta-Actin mRNA levels decreased after bacterial stimulation but not after cytokine stimulation, while G3PDH mRNA levels increased in response to all of the stimulants tested. These results suggested that E. coli Hu734 lowered the beta-actin mRNA levels in uroepithelial cells, thus distorting the IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels relative to this control. In summary, E. coli IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha were found to activate the de novo synthesis and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in uroepithelial cells. These results emphasize the role of epithelial cells in cytokine-mediated responses during the early stages of infection. Images PMID:8188354

  12. Paraneoplastic scleroderma-like tissue reactions in the setting of an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia: a report of 10 cases.

    PubMed

    Magro, Cynthia M; Iwenofu, Hans; Nuovo, Gerard J

    2013-07-01

    Systemic plasma cell dyscrasias have diverse manifestations in the skin and include an inflammatory paraneoplastic process. We encountered cases of scleroderma and eosinophilic fasciitis in the setting of an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. Ten cases of scleroderma-like tissue reactions in the setting of an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia were encountered. The biopsies were stained for Transforming growth factor (Transforming growth factor) beta, IgG4, kappa, and lambda. Patients presented with a sclerodermoid reaction represented by eosinophilic fasciitis (5 cases), morphea (3 cases), and systemic scleroderma (2 cases). The mean age of presentation was 70 years with a striking female predominance (4:1). Acral accentuation was noted in 8 cases. In 6 of the cases, the cutaneous sclerosis antedated (4 cases) by weeks to 2 years or occurred concurrently (2 cases) with the initial diagnosis of the plasma cell. The biopsies showed changes typical of eosinophilic fasciitis and/or scleroderma. In 5 cases, light chain-restricted plasma cells were present on the biopsy. There was staining of the plasma cells for Transforming growth factor beta in 3 out of 5 cases tested. In any older patient presenting with a sudden onset of eosinophilic fasciitis or scleroderma especially with acral accentuation, investigations should be conducted in regards to an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia.

  13. Studies on the bioavailability of the provitamin A carotenoid, beta-carotene, using human exfoliated colonic epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Gireesh, T; Nair, P P; Sudhakaran, P R

    2004-08-01

    The possibility of using exfoliated colonic epithelial cells for assessing the bioavailability of beta-carotene was examined. Analysis of exfoliated colonic epithelial cells showed the presence of beta-carotene and vitamin A. The beta-carotene content was significantly lower in cells from stool samples of subjects on a beta-carotene-poor diet than those receiving a single dose of a beta-carotene supplement. Colonic epithelial cells isolated from stool samples collected daily during a wash-out period while the subjects were on a beta-carotene-poor diet showed a steady decrease in beta-carotene content, reaching the lowest value on day 7. Kinetic analysis showed that a single dose of a beta-carotene supplement in the form of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) or agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) after the wash-out period caused an increase in the beta-carotene content after a lag period of 5-7 d, but the vitamin A levels during these periods were not significantly affected. Analysis of plasma beta-carotene concentration also showed similar changes, which correlated with those of exfoliated colonic cells. A relationship between the beta-carotene content of the diet and that of the colonic epithelial cells suggests that analysis of the beta-carotene content in exfoliated human colonic epithelial cells is a useful non-invasive method to assess the bioavailability of provitamin A beta-carotene.

  14. Beneficial Effect of Jojoba Seed Extracts on Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in RINm5f Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    Belhadj, Sahla; Hentati, Olfa; Hamdaoui, Ghaith; Fakhreddine, Khaskhoussi; Maillard, Elisa; Dal, Stéphanie; Sigrist, Séverine

    2018-01-01

    Hyperglycemia occurs during diabetes and insulin resistance. It causes oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to cellular damage. Polyphenols play a central role in defense against oxidative stress. In our study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of simmondsin, a pure molecule present in jojoba seeds, and of the aqueous extract of jojoba seeds on fructose-induced oxidative stress in RINm5f beta cells. The exposure of RINm5f beta cells to fructose triggered the loss of cell viability (−48%, p < 0.001) and disruption of insulin secretion (p < 0.001) associated with of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant signaling pathway. Cell pre-treatments with extracts considerably increased cell viability (+86% p < 0.001) for simmondsin and +74% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract and insulin secretion. The extracts also markedly decreased ROS (−69% (p < 0.001) for simmondsin and −59% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract) and caspase-3 activation and improved antioxidant defense, inhibiting p22phox and increasing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) levels (+70%, p < 0.001) for aqueous extract. Simmondsin had no impact on Nrf2 levels. The richness and diversity of molecules present in jojoba seed extract makes jojoba a powerful agent to prevent the destruction of RINm5f beta cells induced by hyperglycemia. PMID:29558444

  15. Regressive changes in finasteride-treated human hyperplastic prostates correlate with an upregulation of TGF-beta receptor expression.

    PubMed

    Sáez, C; González-Baena, A C; Japón, M A; Giráldez, J; Segura, D I; Miranda, G; Rodríguez-Vallejo, J M; González-Esteban, J; Torrubia, F

    1998-10-01

    Prostatic atrophy has been documented histologically as a consequence of finasteride action on human hyperplastic prostates. An increase in apoptotic rates has also been reported in androgen-deprived hyperplastic prostates. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling is implicated in apoptotic cell death. TGF-betas have been detected in normal and diseased human prostate. In the normal prostate, TGF-beta acts as a predominantly negative growth regulator. TGF-beta signaling receptors TbetaRI and TbetaRII have been shown to be negatively regulated by androgens. We studied the histological changes in 9 selected finasteride-treated patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and analyzed the levels of expression and localization of TGF-beta receptor types TbetaRI and TbetaRII in these patients as compared to selected BPH controls. The prostatic epithelial compartment seemed to be a primary target site for finasteride action, since we observed moderate to severe glandular atrophy after 4-6 months of treatment. TGF-beta receptors were upregulated in treated cases. We assessed a twofold increase in TbetaRII mRNA levels in treated cases as compared to controls. An increase in both TbetaRI and TbetaRII at the protein level by immunostaining was observed, which also provided a helpful means for detecting glands undergoing regression. We conclude that finasteride may modulate the TGF-beta signaling system to promote changes leading to apoptosis of epithelial cells and prostatic glandular atrophy.

  16. Connective tissue growth factor/CCN2-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts retain intact transforming growth factor-{beta} responsiveness

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mori, Yasuji; Hinchcliff, Monique; Wu, Minghua

    2008-03-10

    Background: The matricellular protein connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) has been implicated in pathological fibrosis, but its physiologic role remains elusive. In vitro, transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) induces CCN2 expression in mesenchymal cells. Because CCN2 can enhance profibrotic responses elicited by TGF-{beta}, it has been proposed that CCN2 functions as an essential downstream signaling mediator for TGF-{beta}. To explore this notion, we characterized TGF-{beta}-induced activation of fibroblasts from CCN2-null (CCN2{sup -/-}) mouse embryos. Methods: The regulation of CCN2 expression was examined in vivo in a model of fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Cellular TGF-{beta} signal transduction and regulation of collagen genemore » expression were examined in CCN2{sup -/-} MEFs by immunohistochemistry, Northern, Western and RT-PCR analysis, immunocytochemistry and transient transfection assays. Results: Bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in the mouse was associated with substantial CCN2 up-regulation in lesional fibroblasts. Whereas in vitro proliferation rate of CCN2{sup -/-} MEFs was markedly reduced compared to wild type MEFs, TGF-{beta}-induced activation of the Smad pathways, including Smad2 phosphorylation, Smad2/3 and Smad4 nuclear accumulation and Smad-dependent transcriptional responses, were unaffected by loss of CCN2. The stimulation of COL1A2 and fibronectin mRNA expression and promoter activity, and of corresponding protein levels, showed comparable time and dose-response in wild type and CCN2{sup -/-} MEFs, whereas stimulation of alpha smooth muscle actin and myofibroblast transdifferentiation showed subtle impairment in MEFs lacking CCN2. Conclusion: Whereas endogenous CCN2 plays a role in regulation of proliferation and TGF-{beta}-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation, it appears to be dispensable for Smad-dependent stimulation of collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis in murine embryonic fibroblasts.« less

  17. Anti-Angiogenic Action of Neutral Endopeptidase

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-11-01

    natriuretic factor, substance P , bradykinin, oxytocin, Leu- and Met-enkephalins, neurotensin, bombesin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and beta amyloid. Loss...NOTES 14. ABSTRACT: Please see attached. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Angiogenesis, Cell surface peptidase , Neutral endopeptidase, Basic fibroblast growth...effective therapies for patients with prostate cancer. Cell-surface peptidases are the guardians of the cell against small stimulatory peptides

  18. Butyrate modulates TGF-beta1 generation and function: potential renal benefit for Acacia(sen) SUPERGUM (gum arabic)?

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, N; Riley, S; Fraser, D; Al-Assaf, S; Ishimura, E; Wolever, T; Phillips, G O; Phillips, A O

    2006-01-01

    Anecdotal evidence suggests that high fibre supplementation of dietary intake may have health benefits in renal disease related to alterations in circulating levels of short-chain fatty acids. The aim of the study was to examine the hypothesis that dietary manipulation may increase serum butyrate and thus have potential beneficial effects in renal disease. We examined the effect of dietary supplementation with a gum arabic sample of standardized molecular characteristics, Acacia(sen) SUPERGUM EM2 (SUPERGUM), on systemic levels of butyrate in normal human subjects. In an in vitro study, we also examined the potential role of butyrate in modifying the generation of the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1) by renal epithelial cells. Following 8 weeks of dietary supplementation with 25 g/day of SUPERGUM, there was a two-fold increase in serum butyrate (n=7, P=0.03). In vitro work demonstrated that exposure of renal epithelial cells to elevated concentrations of butyrate suppressed both basal and stimulated TGF-beta1 synthesis. The action of butyrate was mediated by suppression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway. In addition, butyrate exposures reduced the response of renal epithelial cells to TGF-beta1 as assessed by luciferase activity of a TGF-beta-responsive reporter construct. Attenuation of TGF-beta1 signalling was associated with reduced phosphorylation of Smad 3 and decreased trafficking of TGF-beta1 receptors into signalling, non-lipid raft-associated membrane fractions. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that dietary supplementation with SUPERGU increased serum butyrate, which at least in vitro has beneficial effects on renal pro-fibrotic cytokine generation.

  19. Test Result of 650 MHz, Beta 0.61 Single Cell Niobium Cavity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Seth, Sudeshna; Bhattacharyya, Pranab; Dutta Gupta, Anjan

    VECC has been involved in the design, analysis and development of 650 MHz, beta 0.61 (LB650), elliptical Superconducting RF linac cavity, as part of research and development activities on SRF cavities and associated technologies under Indian Institutions Fermilab Collaboration (IIFC). A single-cell niobium cavity has been indigenously designed and developed at VECC, with the help of Electron Beam Welding (EBW) facility at IUAC, New Delhi. Various measurements, processing and testing at 2K in Vertical Test Stand (VTS) of the single-cell cavity was carried out at ANL and Fermilab, USA, with active participation of VECC engineers. It achieved a maximum acceleratingmore » gradient(Eacc) of 34.5 MV/m with Quality Factor of 2·10⁹ and 30 MV/m with Quality Factor of 1.5·10¹⁰. This is probably the highest accelerating gradient achieved so far in the world for LB650 cavities. This paper describes the design, fabrication and measurement of the single cell niobium cavity. Cavity processing and test results of Vertical Test of the single-cell niobium cavity are also presented.« less

  20. MicroRNA-29a is up-regulated in beta-cells by glucose and decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bagge, Annika; Clausen, Trine R.; Larsen, Sylvester

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) levels are increased by glucose in human and rat islets and INS-1E cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-29a increases proliferation of INS-1E beta-cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Forced expression of miR-29a decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Depletion of beta-cell miR-29a improves GSIS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-29a may be a mediator of glucose toxicity in beta-cells. -- Abstract: Chronically elevated levels of glucose impair pancreatic beta-cell function while inducing beta-cell proliferation. MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) levels are increased in several tissues in diabetic animals and mediate decreased insulin-stimulated glucose-transport of adipocytes. The aim was to investigate the impact of glucose on miR-29a levels in INS-1E beta-cellsmore » and in human islets of Langerhans and furthermore to evaluate the impact of miR-29a on beta-cell function and proliferation. Increased glucose levels up-regulated miR-29a in beta-cells and human and rat islets of Langerhans. Glucose-stimulated insulin-secretion (GSIS) of INS-1E beta-cells was decreased by forced expression of miR-29a, while depletion of endogenous miR-29a improved GSIS. Over-expression of miR-29a increased INS-1E proliferation. Thus, miR-29a up-regulation is involved in glucose-induced proliferation of beta-cells. Furthermore, as depletion of miR-29a improves beta-cell function, miR-29a is a mediator of glucose-induced beta-cell dysfunction. Glucose-induced up-regulation of miR-29a in beta-cells could be implicated in progression from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.« less

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