Sample records for factor beta-1 dependent

  1. 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.

  2. 3-Phosphoinositide-dependent PDK1 negatively regulates transforming growth factor-beta-induced signaling in a kinase-dependent manner through physical interaction with Smad proteins.

    PubMed

    Seong, Hyun-A; Jung, Haiyoung; Kim, Kyong-Tai; Ha, Hyunjung

    2007-04-20

    We have reported previously that PDK1 physically interacts with STRAP, a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor-interacting protein, and enhances STRAP-induced inhibition of TGF-beta signaling. In this study we show that PDK1 coimmunoprecipitates with Smad proteins, including Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7, and that this association is mediated by the pleckstrin homology domain of PDK1. The association between PDK1 and Smad proteins is increased by insulin treatment but decreased by TGF-beta treatment. Analysis of the interacting proteins shows that Smad proteins enhance PDK1 kinase activity by removing 14-3-3, a negative regulator of PDK1, from the PDK1-14-3-3 complex. Knockdown of endogenous Smad proteins, including Smad3 and Smad7, by transfection with small interfering RNA produced the opposite trend and decreased PDK1 activity, protein kinase B/Akt phosphorylation, and Bad phosphorylation. Moreover, coexpression of Smad proteins and wild-type PDK1 inhibits TGF-beta-induced transcription, as well as TGF-beta-mediated biological functions, such as apoptosis and cell growth arrest. Inhibition was dose-dependent on PDK1, but no inhibition was observed in the presence of an inactive kinase-dead PDK1 mutant. In addition, confocal microscopy showed that wild-type PDK1 prevents translocation of Smad3 and Smad4 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, as well as the redistribution of Smad7 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to TGF-beta. Taken together, our results suggest that PDK1 negatively regulates TGF-beta-mediated signaling in a PDK1 kinase-dependent manner via a direct physical interaction with Smad proteins and that Smad proteins can act as potential positive regulators of PDK1.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  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. Pin1 down-regulates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling by inducing degradation of Smad proteins.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Ayako; Koinuma, Daizo; Miyazawa, Keiji; Uchida, Takafumi; Saitoh, Masao; Kawabata, Masahiro; Hanai, Jun-ichi; Akiyama, Hirotada; Abe, Masahiro; Miyazono, Kohei; Matsumoto, Toshio; Imamura, Takeshi

    2009-03-06

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is crucial in numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. TGF-beta signaling is transduced by intracellular Smad proteins that are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) prevents TGF-beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling by interacting with Smads and inducing their ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Here we identified Pin1, a peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase, as a novel protein binding Smads. Pin1 interacted with Smad2 and Smad3 but not Smad4; this interaction was enhanced by the phosphorylation of (S/T)P motifs in the Smad linker region. (S/T)P motif phosphorylation also enhanced the interaction of Smad2/3 with Smurf2. Pin1 reduced Smad2/3 protein levels in a manner dependent on its peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity. Knockdown of Pin1 increased the protein levels of endogenous Smad2/3. In addition, Pin1 both enhanced the interaction of Smurf2 with Smads and enhanced Smad ubiquitination. Pin1 inhibited TGF-beta-induced transcription and gene expression, suggesting that Pin1 negatively regulates TGF-beta signaling by down-regulating Smad2/3 protein levels via induction of Smurf2-mediated ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation.

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  10. IGF-1-dependent subunit communication of the IGF-1 holoreceptor: Interactions between. alpha. beta. heterodimeric receptor halves

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

    Wilden, P.A.; Treadway, J.L.; Morrison, B.D.

    1989-12-12

    Examination of {sup 125}I-IGF-1 affinity cross-linking and {beta}-subunit autophosphorylation has indicated that IGF-1 induces a covalent association of isolated {alpha}{beta} heterodimeric IGF-1 receptors into an {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric state, in a similar manner to that observed for the insulin receptor. The formation of the {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric IGF-1 receptor complex from the partially purified {alpha}{beta} heterodimers was time dependent with half-maximal formation in approximately 30 min at saturating IGF-1 concentrations. The IGF-1-dependent association of the partially purified {alpha}{beta} heterodimers into an {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric state was specific for the IGF-1 receptors since IGF-1 was unable to stimulatemore » the protein kinase activity of the purified {alpha}{beta} heterodimeric insulin receptor complex. Incubation of the {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric IGF-1 holoreceptor with the specific sulfhydryl agent iodoacetamide (IAN) did not alter {sup 125}I-IGF-1 binding or IGF-1 stimulation of protein kinase activity. However, IAN treatment of the {alpha}{beta} heterodimeric IGF-1 receptors inhibited the IGF-1 dependent covalent formation of the disulfide-linked {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric complex. These data indicate that IGF-1 induces the covalent association of isolated {alpha}{beta} heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complexes into a disulfide-linked {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric state whereas Mn/MgATP induces a noncovalent association. Therefore, unlike the insulin receptor in which noncovalent association is sufficient for kinase activation, only the covalent assembly of the IGF-1 receptor {alpha}{beta} heterodimers into the {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 2} heterotetrameric holoreceptor complex is associated with ligand-stimulated protein kinase activation.« less

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Functional properties of an isolated. cap alpha beta. heterodimeric human placenta insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor complex

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

    Feltz, S.M.; Swanson, M.L.; Wemmie, J.A.

    1988-05-03

    Treatment of human placenta membranes at pH 8.5 in the presence of 2.0 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) for 5 min, followed by the simultaneous removal of the DTT and pH adjustment of pH 7.6, resulted in the formation of a functional ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor complex from the native ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state. The membrane-bound ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complex displayed similar curvilinear /sup 125/I-IGF-1 equilibrium binding compared to the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric complex. /sup 125/I-IGF-1 binding to both the isolated ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta..more » heterodimeric complexes demonstrated a marked straightening of the Scatchard plots, compared to the placenta membrane-bound IGF-1 receptors, with a 2-fold increase in the high-affinity binding component. IGF-1 stimulation of IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation indicated that the ligand-dependent activation of ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric protein kinase activity occurred concomitant with the reassociation into a covalent ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric state. These data demonstrate that (i) a combination of alkaline pH and DTT treatment of human placenta membranes results in the formation of an ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex, (ii) unlike the insulin receptor, high-affinity homogeneous IGF-1 binding occurs in both the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complexes, and (iii) IGF-1-dependent autophosphorylation of the ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex correlates wit an IGF-1 dependent covalent reassociation into an ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state.« less

  15. Induction of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta1-dependent predominant Th17 differentiation by group A streptococcal infection.

    PubMed

    Wang, Beinan; Dileepan, Thamotharampillai; Briscoe, Sarah; Hyland, Kendra A; Kang, Johnthomas; Khoruts, Alexander; Cleary, P Patrick

    2010-03-30

    Recurrent group A Streptococcus (GAS) tonsillitis and associated autoimmune diseases indicate that the immune response to this organism can be ineffective and pathological. TGF-beta1 is recognized as an essential signal for generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th) 17 cells. Here, the impact of TGF-beta1 induction on the T-cell response in mouse nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) following intranasal (i.n.) infections is investigated. ELISA and TGF-beta1-luciferase reporter assays indicated that persistent infection of mouse NALT with GAS sets the stage for TGF-beta1 and IL-6 production, signals required for promotion of a Th17 immune response. As predicted, IL-17, the Th17 signature cytokine, was induced in a TGF-beta1 signaling-dependent manner in single-cell suspensions of both human tonsils and NALT. Intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry demonstrated that CD4(+) IL-17(+) T cells are the dominant T cells induced in NALT by i.n. infections. Moreover, naive mice acquired the potential to clear GAS by adoptive transfer of CD4(+) T cells from immunized IL-17A(+)/(+) mice but not cells from IL-17A(-)/(-) mice. These experiments link specific induction of TGF-beta1 by a bacterial infection to an in vivo Th17 immune response and show that this cellular response is sufficient for protection against GAS. The association of a Th17 response with GAS infection reveals a potential mechanism for destructive autoimmune responses in humans.

  16. 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-beta

  17. Calmodulin-dependent gating of Ca(v)1.2 calcium channels in the absence of Ca(v)beta subunits.

    PubMed

    Ravindran, Arippa; Lao, Qi Zong; Harry, Jo Beth; Abrahimi, Parwiz; Kobrinsky, Evgeny; Soldatov, Nikolai M

    2008-06-10

    It is generally accepted that to generate calcium currents in response to depolarization, Ca(v)1.2 calcium channels require association of the pore-forming alpha(1C) subunit with accessory Ca(v)beta and alpha(2)delta subunits. A single calmodulin (CaM) molecule is tethered to the C-terminal alpha(1C)-LA/IQ region and mediates Ca2+-dependent inactivation of the channel. Ca(v)beta subunits are stably associated with the alpha(1C)-interaction domain site of the cytoplasmic linker between internal repeats I and II and also interact dynamically, in a Ca2+-dependent manner, with the alpha(1C)-IQ region. Here, we describe a surprising discovery that coexpression of exogenous CaM (CaM(ex)) with alpha(1C)/alpha(2)delta in COS1 cells in the absence of Ca(v)beta subunits stimulates the plasma membrane targeting of alpha(1C), facilitates calcium channel gating, and supports Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Neither real-time PCR with primers complementary to monkey Ca(v)beta subunits nor coimmunoprecipitation analysis with exogenous alpha(1C) revealed an induction of endogenous Ca(v)beta subunits that could be linked to the effect of CaM(ex). Coexpression of a calcium-insensitive CaM mutant CaM(1234) also facilitated gating of Ca(v)beta-free Ca(v)1.2 channels but did not support Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Our results show there is a functional matchup between CaM(ex) and Ca(v)beta subunits that, in the absence of Ca(v)beta, renders Ca2+ channel gating facilitated by CaM molecules other than the one tethered to LA/IQ to support Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Thus, coexpression of CaM(ex) creates conditions when the channel gating, voltage- and Ca2+-dependent inactivation, and plasma-membrane targeting occur in the absence of Ca(v)beta. We suggest that CaM(ex) affects specific Ca(v)beta-free conformations of the channel that are not available to endogenous CaM.

  18. 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.

  19. Role of activator protein-1 on the effect of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid containing peptides on transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Torres, M P; Perez-Rivero, G; Diez-Marques, M L; Griera, M; Ortega, R; Rodriguez-Puyol, M; Rodríguez-Puyol, D

    2007-01-01

    While arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-based peptidomimetics have been employed for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and cancer, their use in other contexts remains to be explored. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine induces Transforming growth factor-beta1 transcription in human mesangial cells, but the molecular mechanisms involved have not been studied extensively. We explored whether this effect could be due to Activator protein-1 activation and studied the potential pathways involved. Addition of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine promoted Activator protein-1 binding to its cognate sequence within the Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter as well as c-jun and c-fos protein abundance. Moreover, this effect was suppressed by curcumin, a c-Jun N terminal kinase inhibitor, and was absent when the Activator protein-1 cis-regulatory element was deleted. Activator protein-1 binding was dependent on the activity of integrin linked kinase, as transfection with a dominant negative mutant suppressed both Activator protein-1 binding and c-jun and c-fos protein increment. Integrin linked kinase was, in turn, dependent on Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine stimulated Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity, and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activation was abrogated by the use of Phosphoinositol-3 kinase specific inhibitors. In summary, we propose that arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine activates Integrin linked kinase via the Phosphoinositol-3 kinase pathway and this leads to activation of c-jun and c-fos and increased Activator protein-1 binding and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity. These data may contribute to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the cellular actions of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-related peptides and enhance their relevance as these products evolve into clinical therapeutic use.

  20. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. GLP-1 mediates antiapoptotic effect by phosphorylating Bad through a beta-arrestin 1-mediated ERK1/2 activation in pancreatic beta-cells.

    PubMed

    Quoyer, Julie; Longuet, Christine; Broca, Christophe; Linck, Nathalie; Costes, Safia; Varin, Elodie; Bockaert, Joël; Bertrand, Gyslaine; Dalle, Stéphane

    2010-01-15

    Strategies based on activating GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are intensively developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The exhaustive knowledge of the signaling pathways linked to activated GLP-1R within the beta-cells is of major importance. In beta-cells, GLP-1 activates the ERK1/2 cascade by diverse pathways dependent on either Galpha(s)/cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or beta-arrestin 1, a scaffold protein. Using pharmacological inhibitors, beta-arrestin 1 small interfering RNA, and islets isolated from beta-arrestin 1 knock-out mice, we demonstrate that GLP-1 stimulates ERK1/2 by two temporally distinct pathways. The PKA-dependent pathway mediates rapid and transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation that leads to nuclear translocation of the activated kinases. In contrast, the beta-arrestin 1-dependent pathway produces a late ERK1/2 activity that is restricted to the beta-cell cytoplasm. We further observe that GLP-1 phosphorylates the cytoplasmic proapoptotic protein Bad at Ser-112 but not at Ser-155. We find that the beta-arrestin 1-dependent ERK1/2 activation engaged by GLP-1 mediates the Ser-112 phosphorylation of Bad, through p90RSK activation, allowing the association of Bad with the scaffold protein 14-3-3, leading to its inactivation. beta-Arrestin 1 is further found to mediate the antiapoptotic effect of GLP-1 in beta-cells through the ERK1/2-p90RSK-phosphorylation of Bad. This new regulatory mechanism engaged by activated GLP-1R involving a beta-arrestin 1-dependent spatiotemporal regulation of the ERK1/2-p90RSK activity is now suspected to participate in the protection of beta-cells against apoptosis. Such signaling mechanism may serve as a prototype to generate new therapeutic GLP-1R ligands.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. A beta1-adrenergic receptor CaM kinase II-dependent pathway mediates cardiac myocyte fetal gene induction.

    PubMed

    Sucharov, Carmen C; Mariner, Peter D; Nunley, Karin R; Long, Carlin; Leinwand, Leslie; Bristow, Michael R

    2006-09-01

    Beta-adrenergic signaling plays an important role in the natural history of dilated cardiomyopathies. Chronic activation of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta1-AR and beta2-AR) during periods of cardiac stress ultimately harms the failing heart by mechanisms that include alterations in gene expression. Here, we show that stimulation of beta-ARs with isoproterenol in neonate rat ventricular myocytes causes a "fetal" response in the relative activities of the human cardiac fetal and/or adult gene promoters that includes repression of the human and rat alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MyHC) promoters with simultaneous activation of the human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and rat beta-MyHC promoters. We also show that the promoter changes correlate with changes in endogenous gene expression as measured by mRNA expression. Furthermore, we show that these changes are specifically mediated by the beta1-AR, but not the beta2-AR, and are independent of alpha1-AR stimulation. We also demonstrate that the fetal gene response is independent of cAMP and protein kinase A, whereas inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) pathway blocks isoproterenol-mediated fetal gene program induction. Finally, we show that induction of the fetal program is dependent on activation of the L-type Ca2+ channel. We conclude that in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, agonist-occupied beta1-AR mobilizes Ca2+ stores to activate fetal gene induction through cAMP independent pathways that involve CaMK.

  9. Stretch and interleukin 1 beta: pro-labour factors with similar mitogen-activated protein kinase effects but differential patterns of transcription factor activation and gene expression.

    PubMed

    Sooranna, S R; Engineer, N; Liang, Z; Bennett, P R; Johnson, M R

    2007-07-01

    IL-1beta and stretch increase uterine smooth muscle cell (USMC) prostaglandin H synthase 2 (PGHS-2) and interleukin (IL)-8 mRNA expression in a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) dependent mechanism. We have tested our hypothesis that stretch and IL-1beta activate different components of the MAPK cascade in USMC and investigated the effects of specific MAPK inhibitors on these components. Further, we have used a Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activator, anisomycin, to compare the effect of differential MAPK activation on the expression of PGHS-2, IL-8 and oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA with that seen in response to stretch and IL-1beta. Stretch, IL-1beta and anisomycin activated similar components of the MAPK cascade and specific inhibitors of MAPK altered phosphorylation of MAPK and downstream cascade components as expected. Expression of OTR mRNA was increased by stretch and anisomycin in a MAPK-independent manner. All three stimuli increased PGHS-2 and IL-8 mRNA expression in a MAPK-dependent manner, but while the MAPK inhibitors reduced the IL-1beta-induced activation of activating transcription factor (ATF)-2, liver activating protein (LAP) and c-jun, the stretch-induced increase in LAP was unaffected by MAPK-inhibition and only JNK inhibition appeared to reduce c-jun activation. These observations show that stretch, IL-1beta and anisomycin activate the same components of the MAPK cascade, but differentially activate LAP and liver inhibitory protein (LIP) perhaps accounting for the increase in OTR by stretch and anisomycin but not IL-1beta observed in this study.

  10. 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

  11. Transforming growth factor-beta1 accelerates resorption of a calcium carbonate biomaterial in periodontal defects.

    PubMed

    Koo, Ki-Tae; Susin, Cristiano; Wikesjö, Ulf M E; Choi, Seong-Ho; Kim, Chong-Kwan

    2007-04-01

    In a previous study, recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-beta(1)) in a calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to study whether rhTGF-beta(1) would enhance or accelerate periodontal regeneration. The results showed minimal benefits of rhTGF-beta(1), and a clear account for this could not be offered. One potential cause may be that the rhTGF-beta(1) formulation was biologically inactive. Several growth or differentiation factors have been suggested to accelerate degradation of biomaterials used as carriers. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible activity of rhTGF-beta(1) on biodegradation of the calcium carbonate carrier. rhTGF-beta(1) in a putty-formulated particulate calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for GTR in five beagle dogs. Contralateral defects received the calcium carbonate carrier combined with GTR without rhTGF-beta(1) (control). The animals were euthanized at week 4 post-surgery and block biopsies of the defect sites were collected for histologic and histometric analysis. Radiographs were obtained at defect creation and weeks 2 and 4 after defect creation. No statistically significant differences were observed in new bone formation (bone height and area) among the treatments. However, total residual carrier was significantly reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-beta(1) compared to control (P = 0.04). Similarly, carrier density was considerably reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-beta(1) compared to control; the difference was borderline statistically significant (P = 0.06). Within the limitations of the study, it may be concluded that rhTGF-beta(1) accelerates biodegradation of a particulate calcium carbonate biomaterial, indicating a biologic activity of the rhTGF-beta(1) formulation apparently not encompassing enhanced or accelerated

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. Role of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in thermal hyperalgesia induced by chronic inflammation in mice.

    PubMed

    Narita, M; Shimamura, M; Imai, S; Kubota, C; Yajima, Y; Takagi, T; Shiokawa, M; Inoue, T; Suzuki, M; Suzuki, T

    2008-03-18

    The present study investigated whether the endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA within the spinal cord could be involved in the development of chronic inflammatory pain-like behaviors in mice. We demonstrated that the expression of COX-2 mRNA on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord was significantly increased 6 h and 3 days after intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), compared with the expression in saline-treated mice. In addition, the chronic pain-like behaviors following CFA injection were markedly suppressed by repeated intrathecal (i.t.) pre-treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor etodolac, but not with the COX-1 inhibitor mofezolac. The cytosolic level of the activated form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is a major contributor to the induction of COX-2, on the ipsilateral side of the mouse spinal cord was also increased compared with that in the saline-treated mice. The key finding in the present study was that a single i.t. injection with either IL-1beta or TNF-alpha induced a marked increase in spinal COX-2 mRNA and persistent thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Furthermore, CFA-induced hypersensitivity to inflammatory pain was significantly reduced by repeated i.t. pre-injection of the recombinant Fc chimera of IL-1 receptor I or soluble TNF receptor I, which sequesters endogenous IL-1beta or TNF-alpha, respectively. In contrast, the expression of spinal COX-2 mRNA in CFA-treated mice was similar to that in saline-treated mice at 7 days after CFA injection. The present findings strongly indicate the early intrathecal use of the COX-2 inhibitor for the relief of chronic inflammatory pain. Furthermore, together with the result in a previous study that pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to stimulation of a NF-kappaB-dependent transcriptional pathway, these findings suggest that a spinal cytokine/NF-kappaB/COX-2

  15. Role for transforming growth factor-beta1 in alport renal disease progression.

    PubMed

    Sayers, R; Kalluri, R; Rodgers, K D; Shield, C F; Meehan, D T; Cosgrove, D

    1999-11-01

    Alport syndrome results from mutations in either the alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV), or alpha5(IV) collagen genes. The disease is characterized by a progressive glomerulonephritis usually associated with a high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. A mouse model for an autosomal form of Alport syndrome [collagen alpha3(IV) knockout] was produced and characterized. In this study, the model was exploited to demonstrate a potential role for transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in Alport renal disease pathogenesis. Kidneys from normal and Alport mice, taken at different stages during the course of renal disease progression, were analyzed by Northern blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistology for expression of TGF-beta1 and components of the extracellular matrix. Normal and Alport human kidney was examined for TGF-beta1 expression using RNase protection. The mRNAs encoding TGF-beta1 (in both mouse and human), entactin, fibronectin, and the collagen alpha1(IV) and alpha2(IV) chains were significantly induced in total kidney as a function of Alport renal disease progression. The induction of these specific mRNAs was observed in the glomerular podocytes of animals with advanced disease. Type IV collagen, laminin-1, and fibronectin were markedly elevated in the tubulointerstitium at 10 weeks, but not at 6 weeks, suggesting that elevated expression of specific mRNAs on Northern blots reflects events associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The concomitant accumulation of mRNAs encoding TGF-beta1 and extracellular matrix components in the podocytes of diseased kidneys may reflect key events in Alport renal disease progression. These data suggest a role for TGF-beta1 in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage associated with Alport syndrome.

  16. TGF-{beta} signals the formation of a unique NF1/Smad4-dependent transcription repressor-complex in human diploid fibroblasts

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

    Luciakova, Katarina, E-mail: katarina.luciakova@savba.sk; Kollarovic, Gabriel; Kretova, Miroslava

    2011-08-05

    Highlights: {yields} TGF-{beta} induces the formation of unique nuclear NF1/Smad4 complexes that repress expression of the ANT-2 gene. {yields} Repression is mediated through an NF1-dependent repressor element in the promoter. {yields} The formation of NF1/Smad4 complexes and the repression of ANT2 are prevented by inhibitors of p38 kinase and TGF-{beta} RI. {yields} NF1/Smad complexes implicate novel role for NF1 and Smad proteins in the regulation of growth. -- Abstract: We earlier reported the formation of a unique nuclear NF1/Smad complex in serum-restricted fibroblasts that acts as an NF1-dependent repressor of the human adenine nucleotide translocase-2 gene (ANT2) [K. Luciakova, G.more » Kollarovic, P. Barath, B.D. Nelson, Growth-dependent repression of human adenine nucleotide translocator-2 (ANT2) transcription: evidence for the participation of Smad and Sp family proteins in the NF1-dependent repressor complex, Biochem. J. 412 (2008) 123-130]. In the present study, we show that TGF-{beta}, like serum-restriction: (a) induces the formation of NF1/Smad repressor complexes, (b) increases binding of the complexes to the repressor elements (Go elements) in the ANT2 promoter, and (c) inhibits ANT2 expression. Repression of ANT2 by TGF-{beta} is eliminated by mutating the NF1 binding sites in the Go repressor elements. All of the above responses to TGF-{beta} are prevented by inhibitors of TGF-{beta} RI and MAPK p38. These inhibitors also prevent NF1/Smad4 repressor complex formation and repression of ANT2 expression in serum-restricted cells, suggesting that similar signaling pathways are initiated by TGF-{beta} and serum-restriction. The present finding that NF1/Smad4 repressor complexes are formed through TGF-{beta} signaling pathways suggests a new, but much broader, role for these complexes in the initiation or maintenance of the growth-inhibited state.« less

  17. Troglitazone stimulates {beta}-arrestin-dependent cardiomyocyte contractility via the angiotensin II type 1{sub A} receptor

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

    Tilley, Douglas G., E-mail: douglas.tilley@jefferson.edu; Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University; Nguyen, Anny D.

    2010-06-11

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonists are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases, and are reported to have several effects on cardiovascular function that may be due to PPAR{gamma}-independent signaling events. Select angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) interact with and modulate PPAR{gamma} activity, thus we hypothesized that a PPAR{gamma} agonist may exert physiologic effects via the angiotensin II type 1{sub A} receptor (AT1{sub A}R). In AT1{sub A}R-overexpressing HEK 293 cells, both angiotensin II (Ang II) and the PPAR{gamma} agonist troglitazone (Trog) enhanced AT1{sub A}R internalization and recruitment of endogenous {beta}-arrestin1/2 ({beta}arr1/2) to the AT1{sub A}R. A fluorescence assay to measure diacylglycerolmore » (DAG) accumulation showed that although Ang II induced AT1{sub A}R-G{sub q} protein-mediated DAG accumulation, Trog had no impact on DAG generation. Trog-mediated recruitment of {beta}arr1/2 was selective to AT1{sub A}R as the response was prevented by an ARB- and Trog-mediated {beta}arr1/2 recruitment to {beta}1-adrenergic receptor ({beta}1AR) was not observed. In isolated mouse cardiomyocytes, Trog increased both % and rate of cell shortening to a similar extent as Ang II, effects which were blocked with an ARB. Additionally, these effects were found to be {beta}arr2-dependent, as cardiomyocytes isolated from {beta}arr2-KO mice showed blunted contractile responses to Trog. These findings show for the first time that the PPAR{gamma} agonist Trog acts at the AT1{sub A}R to simultaneously block G{sub q} protein activation and induce the recruitment of {beta}arr1/2, which leads to an increase in cardiomyocyte contractility.« less

  18. 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.

  19. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 can function through a G alpha q/11-beta-arrestin-1 signaling complex.

    PubMed

    Kawamata, Yuji; Imamura, Takeshi; Babendure, Jennie L; Lu, Juu-Chin; Yoshizaki, Takeshi; Olefsky, Jerrold M

    2007-09-28

    Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted from macrophages and adipocytes. It is well known that chronic TNFalpha exposure can lead to insulin resistance both in vitro and in vivo and that elevated blood levels of TNFalpha are observed in obese and/or diabetic individuals. TNFalpha has many acute biologic effects, mediated by a complex intracellular signaling pathway. In these studies we have identified new G-protein signaling components to this pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that beta-arrestin-1 is associated with TRAF2 (TNF receptor-associated factor 2), an adaptor protein of TNF receptors, and that TNFalpha acutely stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of G alpha(q/11) with an increase in G alpha(q/11) activity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of beta-arrestin-1 inhibits TNFalpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of G alpha(q/11) by interruption of Src kinase activation. TNFalpha stimulates lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and beta-arrestin-1 knockdown blocks the effects of TNFalpha to stimulate ERK activation and glycerol release. TNFalpha also led to activation of JNK with increased expression of the proinflammatory gene, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3, and beta-arrestin-1 knockdown inhibited both of these effects. Taken together these results reveal novel elements of TNFalpha action; 1) the trimeric G-protein component G alpha(q/11) and the adapter protein beta-arrestin-1 can function as signaling molecules in the TNFalpha action cascade; 2) beta-arrestin-1 can couple TNFalpha stimulation to ERK activation and lipolysis; 3) beta-arrestin-1 and G alpha(q/11) can mediate TNFalpha-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation and inflammatory gene expression.

  20. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. Interferon-gamma interferes with transforming growth factor-beta signaling through direct interaction of YB-1 with Smad3.

    PubMed

    Higashi, Kiyoshi; Inagaki, Yutaka; Fujimori, Ko; Nakao, Atsuhito; Kaneko, Hideo; Nakatsuka, Iwao

    2003-10-31

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) exert antagonistic effects on collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. We have recently shown that Y box-binding protein YB-1 mediates the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma on alpha2(I) procollagen gene (COL1A2) transcription through the IFN-gamma response element located between -161 and -150. Here we report that YB-1 counter-represses TGF-beta-stimulated COL1A2 transcription by interfering with Smad3 bound to the upstream sequence around -265 and subsequently by interrupting the Smad3-p300 interaction. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses using inhibitors for Janus kinases or casein kinase II suggested that the casein kinase II-dependent signaling pathway mediates IFN-gamma-induced nuclear translocation of YB-1. Down-regulation of endogenous YB-1 expression by double-stranded YB-1-specific RNA abrogated the transcriptional repression of COL1A2 by IFN-gamma in the absence and presence of TGF-beta. In transient transfection assays, overexpression of YB-1 in human dermal fibroblasts exhibited antagonistic actions against TGF-beta and Smad3. Physical interaction between Smad3 and YB-1 was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation-Western blot analyses, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays using the recombinant Smad3 and YB-1 proteins indicated that YB-1 forms a complex with Smad3 bound to the Smad-binding element. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays showed that YB-1 binds to the MH1 domain of Smad3, whereas the central and carboxyl-terminal regions of YB-1 were required for its interaction with Smad3. YB-1 also interferes with the Smad3-p300 interaction by its preferential binding to p300. Altogether, the results provide a novel insight into the mechanism by which IFN-gamma/YB-1 counteracts TGF-beta/Smad3. They also indicate that IFN-gamma/YB-1 inhibits COL1A2 transcription by dual actions: via the IFN-gamma response element and through a cross-talk with the TGF-beta

  7. 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

  8. Smed-Evi/Wntless is required for beta-catenin-dependent and -independent processes during planarian regeneration.

    PubMed

    Adell, Teresa; Salò, Emili; Boutros, Michael; Bartscherer, Kerstin

    2009-03-01

    Planarians can regenerate a whole animal from only a small piece of their body, and have become an important model for stem cell biology. To identify regenerative processes dependent on Wnt growth factors in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea (Smed), we analyzed RNAi phenotypes of Evi, a transmembrane protein specifically required for the secretion of Wnt ligands. We show that, during regeneration, Smed-evi loss-of-function prevents posterior identity, leading to two-headed planarians that resemble Smed-beta-catenin1 RNAi animals. In addition, we observe regeneration defects of the nervous system that are not found after Smed-beta-catenin1 RNAi. By systematic knockdown of all putative Smed Wnts in regenerating planarians, we identify Smed-WntP-1 and Smed-Wnt11-2 as the putative posterior organizers, and demonstrate that Smed-Wnt5 is a regulator of neuronal organization and growth. Thus, our study provides evidence that planarian Wnts are major regulators of regeneration, and that they signal through beta-catenin-dependent and -independent pathways.

  9. Latent transforming growth factor beta1 activation in situ: quantitative and functional evidence after low-dose gamma-irradiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ehrhart, E. J.; Segarini, P.; Tsang, M. L.; Carroll, A. G.; Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

    1997-01-01

    The biological activity of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta) is controlled by its secretion as a latent complex in which it is noncovalently associated with latency-associated peptide (LAP). Activation is the extracellular process in which TGF-beta is released from LAP, and is considered to be a primary regulatory control. We recently reported rapid and persistent changes in TGF-beta immunoreactivity in conjunction with extracellular matrix remodeling in gamma-irradiated mouse mammary gland. Our hypothesis is that these specific changes in immunoreactivity are indicative of latent TGF-beta activation. In the present study, we determined the radiation dose response and tested whether a functional relationship exists between radiation-induced TGF-beta and collagen type III remodeling. After radiation exposures as low as 0.1 Gy, we detected increased TGF-beta immunoreactivity in the mammary epithelium concomitant with decreased LAP immunostaining, which are events consistent with activation. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated a significant (P=0.0005) response at 0.1 Gy without an apparent threshold and a linear dose response to 5 Gy. However, in the adipose stroma, loss of LAP demonstrated a qualitative threshold at 0.5 Gy. Loss of LAP paralleled induction of collagen III immunoreactivity in this tissue compartment. We tested whether TGF-beta mediates collagen III expression by treating animals with TGF-beta panspecific monoclonal antibody, 1D11.16, administered i.p. shortly before irradiation. Radiation-induced collagen III staining in the adipose stroma was blocked in an antibody dose-dependent manner, which persisted through 7 days postirradiation. RNase protection assay revealed that radiation-induced elevation of total gland collagen III mRNA was also blocked by neutralizing antibody treatment. These data provide functional confirmation of the hypothesis that radiation exposure leads to latent TGF-beta activation, support our interpretation of the

  10. GSK-3Beta-Dependent Activation of GEF-H1/ROCK Signaling Promotes LPS-Induced Lung Vascular Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction and Acute Lung Injury.

    PubMed

    Yi, Lei; Huang, Xiaoqin; Guo, Feng; Zhou, Zengding; Chang, Mengling; Huan, Jingning

    2017-01-01

    The bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to the extensive vascular endothelial cells (EC) injury under septic conditions. Guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1)/ROCK signaling not only involved in LPS-induced overexpression of pro-inflammatory mediator in ECs but also implicated in LPS-induced endothelial hyper-permeability. However, the mechanisms behind LPS-induced GEF-H1/ROCK signaling activation in the progress of EC injury remain incompletely understood. GEF-H1 localized on microtubules (MT) and is suppressed in its MT-bound state. MT disassembly promotes GEF-H1 release from MT and stimulates downstream ROCK-specific GEF activity. Since glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3beta) participates in regulating MT dynamics under pathologic conditions, we examined the pivotal roles for GSK-3beta in modulating LPS-induced activation of GEF-H1/ROCK, increase of vascular endothelial permeability and severity of acute lung injury (ALI). In this study, we found that LPS induced human pulmonary endothelial cell (HPMEC) monolayers disruption accompanied by increase in GSK-3beta activity, activation of GEF-H1/ROCK signaling and decrease in beta-catenin and ZO-1 expression. Inhibition of GSK-3beta reduced HPMEC monolayers hyper-permeability and GEF-H1/ROCK activity in response to LPS. GSK-3beta/GEF-H1/ROCK signaling is implicated in regulating the expression of beta-catenin and ZO-1. In vivo , GSK-3beta inhibition attenuated LPS-induced activation of GEF-H1/ROCK pathway, lung edema and subsequent ALI. These findings present a new mechanism of GSK-3beta-dependent exacerbation of lung micro-vascular hyper-permeability and escalation of ALI via activation of GEF-H1/ROCK signaling and disruption of intracellular junctional proteins under septic condition.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Adenovirus E1A functions as a cofactor for retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR beta) through direct interaction with RAR beta.

    PubMed

    Folkers, G E; van der Saag, P T

    1995-11-01

    Transcription regulation by DNA-bound activators is thought to be mediated by a direct interaction between these proteins and TATA-binding protein (TBP), TFIIB, or TBP-associated factors, although occasionally cofactors or adapters are required. For ligand-induced activation by the retinoic acid receptor-retinoid X receptor (RAR-RXR) heterodimer, the RAR beta 2 promoter is dependent on the presence of E1A or E1A-like activity, since this promoter is activated by retinoic acid only in cells expressing such proteins. The mechanism underlying this E1A requirement is largely unknown. We now show that direct interaction between RAR and E1A is a requirement for retinoic acid-induced RAR beta 2 activation. The activity of the hormone-dependent activation function 2 (AF-2) of RAR beta is upregulated by E1A, and an interaction between this region and E1A was observed, but not with AF-1 or AF-2 of RXR alpha. This interaction is dependent on conserved region III (CRIII), the 13S mRNA-specific region of E1A. Deletion analysis within this region indicated that the complete CRIII is needed for activation. The putative zinc finger region is crucial, probably as a consequence of interaction with TBP. Furthermore, the region surrounding amino acid 178, partially overlapping with the TBP binding region, is involved in both binding to and activation by AF-2. We propose that E1A functions as a cofactor by interacting with both TBP and RAR, thereby stabilizing the preinitiation complex.

  15. 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

  16. 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.

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. A novel NADP(+)-dependent dehydrogenase activity for 7alpha/beta- and 11beta-hydroxysteroids in human liver nuclei: A third 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Robinzon, B; Prough, R A

    2009-06-15

    Human tissue from uninvolved liver of cancer patients was fractionated using differential centrifugation and characterized for 11betaHSD enzyme activity against corticosterone, dehydrocorticosterone, 7alpha- and 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone, and 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone. An enzyme activity was observed in nuclear protein fractions that utilized either NADP(+) or NAD(+), but not NADPH and NADH, as pyridine nucleotide cofactor with K(m) values of 12+/-2 and 390+/-2microM, compared to the K(m) for microsomal 11betaHSD1 of 43+/-8 and 264+/-24microM, respectively. The K(m) for corticosterone in the NADP(+)-dependent nuclear oxidation reaction was 102+/-16nM, compared to 4.3+/-0.8microM for 11betaHSD1. The K(cat) values for nuclear activity with NADP(+) was 1687nmol/min/mg/micromol, compared to 755nmol/min/mg/micromol for microsomal 11betaHSD1 activity. Inhibitors of 11betaHSD1 decreased both nuclear and microsomal enzyme activities, suggesting that the nuclear activity may be due to an enzyme similar to 11betaHSD Type 1 and 2.

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. Relationship between subclinical rejection and genotype, renal messenger RNA, and plasma protein transforming growth factor-beta1 levels.

    PubMed

    Hueso, Miguel; Navarro, Estanis; Moreso, Francesc; Beltrán-Sastre, Violeta; Ventura, Francesc; Grinyó, Josep M; Serón, Daniel

    2006-05-27

    Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) is increased in allograft rejection and its production is associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The contribution of SNPs at codons 10 and 25 of the TGF-beta(1) gene to renal allograft damage was assessed in 6-month protocol biopsies and their association with TGF-beta(1) production. TGF-beta(1) genotypes were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragment length polymorphism. Intragraft TGF-beta(1) messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured by real-time PCR and TGF-beta(1) plasma levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eighty consecutive patients were included. Allele T at codon 10 (risk ratio, 6.7; P = 0.02) and an episode of acute rejection before protocol biopsy (risk ratio, 6.2; P = 0.01) were independent predictors of subclinical rejection (SCR). TGF-beta(1) plasma levels, but not those of TGF-beta(1) mRNA, were increased in patients with SCR (2.59 ng/mL +/- 0.91 [n = 22] vs. 2.05 ng/mL +/- 0.76 [n = 43]; P = 0.01). There was no association between allele T and TGF-beta(1) plasma or intragraft levels. Allele T at codon 10 of the TGF-beta(1) gene is associated with a higher incidence of SCR.

  4. 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.

  5. Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} regulates interleukin-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} mRNA expression

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

    Chung, Eric; Jakinovich, Paul; Bae, Aekyung

    Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} (PLC{delta}{sub 1}) is a widely expressed highly active PLC isoform, modulated by Ca{sup 2+} that appears to operate downstream from receptor signaling and has been linked to regulation of cytokine production. Here we investigated whether PLC{delta}{sub 1} modulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat C6 glioma cells. Expression of PLC{delta}{sub 1} was specifically suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the effects on cytokine mRNA expression, stimulated by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that PLC{delta}{sub 1}more » knockdown enhanced expression IL-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) mRNA by at least 100 fold after 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA treatment. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knock down caused persistently high Nf{kappa}b levels at 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA-treated cells. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown was also associated with elevated nuclear levels of c-Jun after 30 min of LPS stimulation, but did not affect LPS-stimulated p38 or p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, normally associated with TLR activation of cytokine gene expression; rather, enhanced protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of cellular proteins was observed in the absence of LPS stimulation. An inhibitor of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide II (BIM), reversed phosphorylation, prevented elevation of nuclear c-Jun levels, and inhibited LPS-induced increases of IL-1{beta} and TNF-{alpha} mRNA's induced by PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown. Our results show that loss of PLC{delta}{sub 1} enhances PKC/c-Jun signaling and up-modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription in concert with the TLR-stimulated p38MAPK/Nf{kappa}b pathway. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PLC{delta}{sub 1} is

  6. 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.

  7. [Effects of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia on expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in hypercholesterolemic rats].

    PubMed

    Si, Xiao-yun; Jia, Ru-han; Huang, Cong-xin; Ding, Guo-hua; Liu, Hong-yan

    2003-09-01

    To evaluate the effect of Valeriana officinalis var latifolia(VOL) on expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in hypercholesterolemic rats and study its possible mechanisms. Dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by given 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid diet for 16 weeks. Changes of serum lipid, urinary albumin, renal function and Mesangial matrix index were assessed. Moreover, immunohistochemical stain for TGF-beta 1 and type IV collagen were performed. VOL could reduce the serum levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, urinary albumin and serum creatinine. Light microscopy and immunohistochemical stain revealed that in the same time of lowing serum lipid, Mesangial matrix index was significantly reduced, accompanied by decreased expression of TGF-beta 1 and type IV collagen. VOL has the protective effect on lipid-induced nephropathy, and the inhibition of TGF-beta 1 expression might be the mechanism of VOL on renal protection.

  8. 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

  9. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1-induced signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by the Smad-binding peptide aptamer Trx-SARA.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Bryan M; Hoffmann, F Michael

    2006-09-01

    Overexpression of the inhibitory Smad, Smad7, is used frequently to implicate the Smad pathway in cellular responses to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling; however, Smad7 regulates several other proteins, including Cdc42, p38MAPK, and beta-catenin. We report an alternative approach for more specifically disrupting Smad-dependent signaling using a peptide aptamer, Trx-SARA, which comprises a rigid scaffold, the Escherichia coli thioredoxin A protein (Trx), displaying a constrained 56-amino acid Smad-binding motif from the Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) protein. Trx-SARA bound specifically to Smad2 and Smad3 and inhibited both TGF-beta-induced reporter gene expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in NMuMG murine mammary epithelial cells. In contrast to Smad7, Trx-SARA had no effect on the Smad2 or 3 phosphorylation levels induced by TGF-beta1. Trx-SARA was primarily localized to the nucleus and perturbed the normal cytoplasmic localization of Smad2 and 3 to a nuclear localization in the absence of TGF-beta1, consistent with reduced Smad nuclear export. The key mode of action of Trx-SARA was to reduce the level of Smad2 and Smad3 in complex with Smad4 after TGF-beta1 stimulation, a mechanism of action consistent with the preferential binding of SARA to monomeric Smad protein and Trx-SARA-mediated disruption of active Smad complexes.

  10. Polymorphisms of the IL-1beta and IL-1beta-inducible genes in ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Nohara, Hiroaki; Saito, Yuki; Higaki, Singo; Okayama, Naoko; Hamanaka, Yuichiro; Okita, Kiwamu; Hinoda, Yuji

    2002-11-01

    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disorder of undetermined etiology, but a genetic predisposition to UC is well recognized. Among cytokines induced in UC, interleukin 1 (IL-1) appears to have a central role because of its immunological upregulatory and proinflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to assess whether UC is associated with polymorphisms of the IL-1beta gene and three additional genes inducible with IL-1beta in Japanese subjects. A total of 96 patients with UC and 106 ethnically matched controls were genotyped at polymorphic sites in IL-1beta, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. There was no significant difference in genotype distributions of IL-1beta, MMP-1, MMP-3, and iNOS genes between controls and UC patients in a Japanese population. Also, no significant association of those polymorphisms with various clinical parameters of the patients was found. However, concerning association of age at onset with clinical factors in UC, the frequency of pancolitis was significantly higher in UC patients with age at onset being less than 30 years than in those more than 30 years of age (P = 0.049). No association of the IL-1beta and three IL-1beta-inducible gene polymorphisms with UC was observed in a Japanese population.

  11. 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.

  12. Molecular cloning and characterization of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

    PubMed Central

    Denis, F; Archambault, D

    2001-01-01

    Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are cytokines produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages with regulatory effects in inflammation and multiple aspects of the immune response. As yet, no molecular data have been reported for IL-1beta and TNF-alpha of the beluga whale. In this study, we cloned and determined the entire cDNA sequence encoding beluga whale IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. The genetic relationship of the cytokine sequences was then analyzed with those from several mammalian species, including the human and the pig. The homology of beluga whale IL-1beta nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequences with those from these mammalian species ranged from 74.6 to 86.0% and 62.7 to 77.1%, respectively, whereas that of TNF-alpha varied from 79.3 to 90.8% and 75.3 to 87.7%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on deduced amino acid sequences showed that the beluga whale IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were most closely related to those of the ruminant species (cattle, sheep, and deer). The beluga whale IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-encoding sequences were thereafter successfully expressed in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins by using procaryotic expression vectors. The fusion proteins were used to produce beluga whale IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-specific rabbit antisera. Images Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. PMID:11768130

  13. Significance of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist/interleukin-1 beta ratio as a prognostic factor in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

    PubMed

    Mikuniya, T; Nagai, S; Takeuchi, M; Mio, T; Hoshino, Y; Miki, H; Shigematsu, M; Hamada, K; Izumi, T

    2000-01-01

    Various factors such as serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) activity, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid lymphocyte percent, CD4/CD8 ratio, and shadows on chest radiograph have been identified as indexes of disease activity in patients with sarcoidosis. However, it remains to be confirmed whether these factors can predict clinical outcomes. To examine whether the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)/IL-1 beta ratio can predict the clinical course, we prospectively followed the clinical courses of 30 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis 4 years after measurement of immunoreactive amounts of IL-1ra or IL-1 beta in the culture supernatants obtained from BAL fluid macrophages. Immunoreactive amounts of IL-1ra or IL-1 beta were measured using ELISA. Changes in pulmonary function, sACE activity, and shadows on chest radiographs during observation periods were evaluated as markers of changes in disease activity. We found that the patients whose shadows on chest radiographs showed improvement had a higher molar IL-1ra/IL-1 beta ratio than the patients whose shadows persistently remained 4 years after BAL examination (p < 0.05). The molar ratio was found to be positively correlated with improvement of percent vital capacity (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the ratio of sACE activity at the time of the last observation to sACE activity at the time of BAL (sACE(LAST)/sACE(BAL), p < 0.01). The sACE(LAST)/sACE(BAL) ratio was significantly lower in patients whose shadows on chest radiographs decreased than in those whose shadows remained unchanged (p < 0.005). The IL-1ra/IL-1 beta ratio in the BAL fluid macrophage culture supernatants in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis could be a useful marker in predicting the persistence of granulomatous lesions (chronicity). Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

  14. 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

  15. 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.

  16. Production of mice deficient in genes for interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1alpha/beta, and IL-1 receptor antagonist shows that IL-1beta is crucial in turpentine-induced fever development and glucocorticoid secretion.

    PubMed

    Horai, R; Asano, M; Sudo, K; Kanuka, H; Suzuki, M; Nishihara, M; Takahashi, M; Iwakura, Y

    1998-05-04

    Interleukin (IL)-1 is a major mediator of inflammation and exerts pleiotropic effects on the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. To elucidate pathophysiological roles of IL-1, we have first produced IL-1alpha/beta doubly deficient (KO) mice together with mice deficient in either the IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) genes. These mice were born healthy, and their growth was normal except for IL-1ra KO mice, which showed growth retardation after weaning. Fever development upon injection with turpentine was suppressed in IL-1beta as well as IL-1alpha/beta KO mice, but not in IL-1alpha KO mice, whereas IL-1ra KO mice showed an elevated response. At this time, expression of IL-1beta mRNA in the diencephalon decreased 1.5-fold in IL-1alpha KO mice, whereas expression of IL-1alpha mRNA decreased >30-fold in IL-1beta KO mice, suggesting mutual induction between IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. This mutual induction was also suggested in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. In IL-1beta KO mice treated with turpentine, the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (EC 1.14.99.1) in the diencephalon was suppressed, whereas it was enhanced in IL-1ra KO mice. We also found that glucocorticoid induction 8 h after turpentine treatment was suppressed in IL-1beta but not IL-1alpha KO mice. These observations suggest that IL-1beta but not IL-1alpha is crucial in febrile and neuro-immuno-endocrine responses, and that this is because IL-1alpha expression in the brain is dependent on IL-1beta. The importance of IL-1ra both in normal physiology and under stress is also suggested.

  17. Distinct roles of beta1 metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS), adjacent to MIDAS (ADMIDAS), and ligand-associated metal-binding site (LIMBS) cation-binding sites in ligand recognition by integrin alpha2beta1.

    PubMed

    Valdramidou, Dimitra; Humphries, Martin J; Mould, A Paul

    2008-11-21

    Integrin-ligand interactions are regulated in a complex manner by divalent cations, and previous studies have identified ligand-competent, stimulatory, and inhibitory cation-binding sites. In collagen-binding integrins, such as alpha2beta1, ligand recognition takes place exclusively at the alpha subunit I domain. However, activation of the alphaI domain depends on its interaction with a structurally similar domain in the beta subunit known as the I-like or betaI domain. The top face of the betaI domain contains three cation-binding sites: the metal-ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS), the ADMIDAS (adjacent to MIDAS), and LIMBS (ligand-associated metal-binding site). The role of these sites in controlling ligand binding to the alphaI domain has yet to be elucidated. Mutation of the MIDAS or LIMBS completely blocked collagen binding to alpha2beta1; in contrast mutation of the ADMIDAS reduced ligand recognition but this effect could be overcome by the activating monoclonal antibody TS2/16. Hence, the MIDAS and LIMBS appear to be essential for the interaction between alphaI and betaI, whereas occupancy of the ADMIDAS has an allosteric effect on the conformation of betaI. An activating mutation in the alpha2 I domain partially restored ligand binding to the MIDAS and LIMBS mutants. Analysis of the effects of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Mn(2+) on ligand binding to these mutants showed that the MIDAS is a ligand-competent site through which Mn(2+) stimulates ligand binding, whereas the LIMBS is a stimulatory Ca(2+)-binding site, occupancy of which increases the affinity of Mg(2+) for the MIDAS.

  18. 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.

  19. 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

  20. Association between Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1, IL-23 and IL-17 and the Severity of Autism in Egyptian Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hashim, Haitham; Abdelrahman, Hadeel; Mohammed, Doaa; Karam, Rehab

    2013-01-01

    It has been recently shown that dysregulation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), IL-23 and IL-17 has been identified as a major factor involved in autoimmune disorders. Based on the increasing evidence of immune dysfunction in autism the aim of this study was to measure serum levels of TGF-beta1, IL-23 and IL-17 in relation to the…

  1. 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.

  2. SNP analyses of growth factor genes EGF, TGF{beta}-1, and HGF reveal haplotypic association of EGF with autism

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

    Toyoda, Takao; Thanseem, Ismail; Kawai, Masayoshi

    Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in early childhood. Growth factors have been found to play a key role in the cellular differentiation and proliferation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is detected in several regions of the developing and adult brain, where, it enhances the differentiation, maturation, and survival of a variety of neurons. Transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF{beta}) isoforms play an important role in neuronal survival, and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to exhibit neurotrophic activity. We examined the association of EGF, TGF{beta}1, and HGF genes with autism, in amore » trio association study, using DNA samples from families recruited to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange; 252 trios with a male offspring scored for autism were selected for the study. Transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant haplotypic association of EGF with autism. No significant SNP or haplotypic associations were observed for TGF{beta}1 or HGF. Given the role of EGF in brain and neuronal development, we suggest a possible role of EGF in the pathogenesis of autism.« less

  3. 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.

  4. Streptococcal modulation of cellular invasion via TGF-beta1 signaling.

    PubMed

    Wang, Beinan; Li, Shaoying; Southern, Peter J; Cleary, Patrick P

    2006-02-14

    Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and other bacterial pathogens are known to interact with integrins as an initial step in a complex pathway of bacterial ingestion by host cells. Efficient GAS invasion depends on the interaction of bound fibronectin (Fn) with integrins and activation of integrin signaling. TGF-beta1 regulates expression of integrins, Fn, and other extracellular matrix proteins, and positively controls the integrin signaling pathway. Therefore, we postulated that TGF-beta1 levels could influence streptococcal invasion of mammalian cells. Pretreatment of HEp-2 cells with TGF-beta1 increased their capacity to ingest GAS when the bacteria expressed fibronectin-binding proteins (M1 or PrtF1). Western blots revealed significant induction of alpha5 integrin and Fn expression by HEp-2 cells in response to TGF-beta1. Increased ingestion of streptococci by these cells was blocked by a specific inhibitor of the TGF-beta1 receptor I and antibodies directed against alpha5 integrin and Fn, indicating that increased invasion depends on TGF-beta1 up-regulation of both the alpha5 integrin and Fn. The capacity of TGF-beta1 to up-regulate integrin expression and intracellular invasion by GAS was reproduced in primary human tonsil fibroblasts, which could be a source of TGF-beta1 in chronically infected tonsils. The relationship between TGF-beta1 and GAS invasion was strengthened by the observation that TGF-beta1 production was stimulated in GAS-infected primary human tonsil fibroblasts. These findings suggest a mechanism by which GAS induce a cascade of changes in mammalian tissue leading to elevated expression of the alpha5beta1 receptor, enhanced invasion, and increased opportunity for survival and persistence in their human host.

  5. Inhibitory effects of Turkish folk remedies on inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

    PubMed

    Yeşilada, E; Ustün, O; Sezik, E; Takaishi, Y; Ono, Y; Honda, G

    1997-09-01

    In this study, in vitro inhibitory effects of 55 extracts or fractions obtained from 10 plant species on interleukin-1 (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis were studied. The following plant materials from Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases which are thought to be inflammatory in nature e.g. rheumatism, fever, infections, edemas or related inflammatory diseases were selected as the subject of this study: Cistus laurifolius leaves, Clematis flammna flowering herbs, Crataegus orientalis roots, Daphne oleoides ssp. oleoides whole plant, Ecbalium elaterium roots, Rosa canina roots, Rubus discolor roots, Rubus hirtus roots, Sambucus ebulus flowers and leaves, Sambucus nigra flowers and leaves. All plants showed inhibitory activity against at least one of these models in various percentages depending upon the concentration, thus supporting the folkloric utilization. Daphne oleoides was found to be the most active plant against the test models.

  6. 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.

  7. MicroRNA-26a modulates transforming growth factor beta-1-induced proliferation in human fetal lung fibroblasts

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

    Li, Xiaoou; Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan; Liu, Lian

    2014-11-28

    Highlights: • Endogenous miR-26a inhibits TGF-beta 1 induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts. • miR-26a induces G1 arrest through directly targeting 3′-UTR of CCND2. • TGF indispensable receptor, TGF-beta R I, is regulated by miR-26a. • miR-26a acts through inhibiting TGF-beta 2 feedback loop to reduce TGF-beta 1. • Collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor are suppressed by miR-26a. - Abstract: MicroRNA-26a is a newly discovered microRNA that has a strong anti-tumorigenic capacity and is capable of suppressing cell proliferation and activating tumor-specific apoptosis. However, whether miR-26a can inhibit the over-growth of lung fibroblasts remains unclear. The relationship betweenmore » miR-26a and lung fibrosis was explored in the current study. We first investigated the effect of miR-26a on the proliferative activity of human lung fibroblasts with or without TGF-beta1 treatment. We found that the inhibition of endogenous miR-26a promoted proliferation and restoration of mature miR-26a inhibited the proliferation of human lung fibroblasts. We also examined that miR-26a can block the G1/S phase transition via directly targeting 3′-UTR of CCND2, degrading mRNA and decreasing protein expression of Cyclin D2. Furthermore, we showed that miR-26a mediated a TGF-beta 2-TGF-beta 1 feedback loop and inhibited TGF-beta R I activation. In addition, the overexpression of miR-26a also significantly suppressed the TGF-beta 1-interacting-CTGF–collagen fibrotic pathway. In summary, our studies indicated an essential role of miR-26a in the anti-fibrotic mechanism in TGF-beta1-induced proliferation in human lung fibroblasts, by directly targeting Cyclin D2, regulating TGF-beta R I as well as TGF-beta 2, and suggested the therapeutic potential of miR-26a in ameliorating lung fibrosis.« less

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. TGF-beta and HGF transmit the signals through JNK-dependent Smad2/3 phosphorylation at the linker regions.

    PubMed

    Mori, Shigeo; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Yoshida, Katsunori; Furukawa, Fukiko; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Yamagata, Hideo; Sekimoto, Go; Seki, Toshihito; Matsui, Hirofumi; Nishizawa, Mikio; Fujisawa, Jun-ichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2004-09-23

    Although hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can act synergistically or antagonistically with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling, molecular mechanism of their crosstalk remains unknown. Using antibodies which selectively distinguished receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) phosphorylated at linker regions from those at C-terminal regions, we herein showed that either HGF or TGF-beta treatment of normal stomach-origin cells activated the JNK pathway, thereafter inducing endogenous R-Smads phosphorylation at linker regions. However, the phosphorylation at their C-terminal regions was not induced by HGF treatment. The activated JNK could directly phosphorylate R-Smads in vitro at the same sites that were phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta or HGF in vivo. Thus, the linker regions of R-Smads were the common phosphorylation sites for HGF and TGF-beta signaling pathways. The phosphorylation induced by simultaneous treatment with HGF and TGF-beta allowed R-Smads to associate with Smad4 and to translocate into the nucleus. JNK pathway involved HGF and TGF-beta-mediated infiltration potency since a JNK inhibitor SP600125 caused the reduction of invasive capacity induced by HGF and TGF-beta signals. Moreover, a combined treatment with HGF and TGF-beta led to a potent increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 transcriptional activity through Smad3 phosphorylation at the linker region. In contrast, HGF treatment reduced TGF-beta-dependent activation of p15INK4B promoter, in which Smad3 phosphorylation at the C-terminal region was involved. In conclusion, HGF and TGF-beta transmit the signals through JNK-mediated R-Smads phosphorylation at linker regions.

  16. Ca2+-dependent dephosphorylation of kinesin heavy chain on beta-granules in pancreatic beta-cells. Implications for regulated beta-granule transport and insulin exocytosis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Donelan, Matthew J.; Morfini, Gerardo; Julyan, Richard; Sommers, Scott; Hays, Lori; Kajio, Hiroshi; Briaud, Isabelle; Easom, Richard A.; Molkentin, Jeffery D.; Brady, Scott T.; hide

    2002-01-01

    The specific biochemical steps required for glucose-regulated insulin exocytosis from beta-cells are not well defined. Elevation of glucose leads to increases in cytosolic [Ca2+]i and biphasic release of insulin from both a readily releasable and a storage pool of beta-granules. The effect of elevated [Ca2+]i on phosphorylation of isolated beta-granule membrane proteins was evaluated, and the phosphorylation of four proteins was found to be altered by [Ca2+]i. One (a 18/20-kDa doublet) was a Ca2+-dependent increase in phosphorylation, and, surprisingly, three others (138, 42, and 36 kDa) were Ca2+-dependent dephosphorylations. The 138-kDa beta-granule phosphoprotein was found to be kinesin heavy chain (KHC). At low levels of [Ca2+]i KHC was phosphorylated by casein kinase 2, but KHC was rapidly dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2B beta (PP2Bbeta) as [Ca2+]i increased. Inhibitors of PP2B specifically reduced the second, microtubule-dependent, phase of insulin secretion, suggesting that dephosphorylation of KHC was required for transport of beta-granules from the storage pool to replenish the readily releasable pool of beta-granules. This is distinct from synaptic vesicle exocytosis, because neurotransmitter release from synaptosomes did not require a Ca2+-dependent KHC dephosphorylation. These results suggest a novel mechanism for regulating KHC function and beta-granule transport in beta-cells that is mediated by casein kinase 2 and PP2B. They also implicate a novel regulatory role for PP2B/calcineurin in the control of insulin secretion downstream of a rise in [Ca2+]i.

  17. HIV-1 stimulates nuclear entry of amyloid beta via dynamin dependent EEA1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling

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

    András, Ibolya E., E-mail: iandras@med.miami; Toborek, Michal, E-mail: mtoborek@med.miami.edu

    Clinical evidence indicates increased amyloid deposition in HIV-1-infected brains, which contributes to neurocognitive dysfunction in infected patients. Here we show that HIV-1 exposure stimulates amyloid beta (Aβ) nuclear entry in human brain endothelial cells (HBMEC), the main component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Treatment with HIV-1 and/or Aβ resulted in concurrent increase in early endosomal antigen-1 (EEA1), Smad, and phosphorylated Smad (pSmad) in nuclear fraction of HBMEC. A series of inhibition and silencing studies indicated that Smad and EEA1 closely interact by influencing their own nuclear entry; the effect that was attenuated by dynasore, a blocker of GTP-ase activity ofmore » dynamin. Importantly, inhibition of dynamin, EEA1, or TGF-β/Smad effectively attenuated HIV-1-induced Aβ accumulation in the nuclei of HBMEC. The present study indicates that nuclear uptake of Aβ involves the dynamin-dependent EEA1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. These results identify potential novel targets to protect against HIV-1-associated dysregulation of amyloid processes at the BBB level. - Highlights: • HIV-1 induces nuclear accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in brain endothelial cells. • EEA-1 and TGF-Β/Smad act in concert to regulate nuclear entry of Aβ. • Dynamin appropriates the EEA-1 and TGF-Β/Smad signaling. • Dynamin serves as a master regulator of HIV-1-induced nuclear accumulation of Aβ.« less

  18. Sequence swapping does not result in conformation swapping for the beta4/beta5 and beta8/beta9 beta-hairpin turns in human acidic fibroblast growth factor.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jaewon; Lee, Jihun; Brych, Stephen R; Logan, Timothy M; Blaber, Michael

    2005-02-01

    The beta-turn is the most common type of nonrepetitive structure in globular proteins, comprising ~25% of all residues; however, a detailed understanding of effects of specific residues upon beta-turn stability and conformation is lacking. Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) is a member of the beta-trefoil superfold and contains a total of five beta-hairpin structures (antiparallel beta-sheets connected by a reverse turn). beta-Turns related by the characteristic threefold structural symmetry of this superfold exhibit different primary structures, and in some cases, different secondary structures. As such, they represent a useful system with which to study the role that turn sequences play in determining structure, stability, and folding of the protein. Two turns related by the threefold structural symmetry, the beta4/beta5 and beta8/beta9 turns, were subjected to both sequence-swapping and poly-glycine substitution mutations, and the effects upon stability, folding, and structure were investigated. In the wild-type protein these turns are of identical length, but exhibit different conformations. These conformations were observed to be retained during sequence-swapping and glycine substitution mutagenesis. The results indicate that the beta-turn structure at these positions is not determined by the turn sequence. Structural analysis suggests that residues flanking the turn are a primary structural determinant of the conformation within the turn.

  19. The pleiotropic roles of transforming growth factor beta inhomeostasis and carcinogenesis of endocrine organs.

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

    Fleisch, Markus C.; Maxwell, Christopher A.; Barcellos-Hoff,Mary-Helen

    2006-01-13

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a ubiquitous cytokine that plays a critical role in numerous pathways regulating cellular and tissue homeostasis. TGF-beta is regulated by hormones and is a primary mediator of hormone response in uterus, prostate and mammary gland. This review will address the role of TGF-beta in regulating hormone dependent proliferation and morphogenesis. The subversion of TGF-beta regulation during the processes of carcinogenesis, with particular emphasis on its effects on genetic stability and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), will also be examined. An understanding of the multiple and complex mechanisms of TGF-beta regulation of epithelial function, andmore » the ultimate loss of TGF-beta function during carcinogenesis, will be critical in the design of novel therapeutic interventions for endocrine-related cancers.« less

  20. 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.

  1. Rate-dependent inverse-addition beta-selective mannosylation and contiguous sequential glycosylation involving beta-mannosidic bond formation.

    PubMed

    Chang, Shih-Sheng; Shih, Che-Hao; Lai, Kwun-Cheng; Mong, Kwok-Kong Tony

    2010-05-03

    The beta-selectivity of mannosylation has been found to be dependent on the addition rate of the mannosyl trichloroacetimidate donor in an inverse-addition (I-A) procedure. This rate dependent I-A procedure can improve the selectivity of direct beta-mannosylation and is applicable to orthogonal glycosylations of thioglycoside acceptors. Further elaboration of this novel procedure enables the development of the contiguous sequential glycosylation strategy, which streamlines the preparation of oligosaccharides invoking beta-mannosidic bond formation. The synthetic utility of the contiguous glycosylation strategy was demonstrated by the preparation of the trisaccharide core of human N-linked glycoproteins and the trisaccharide repeating unit of the O-specific polysaccharide found in the cellular capsule of Salmonelle bacteria.

  2. 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.

  3. Transforming growth factor beta-independent shuttling of Smad4 between the cytoplasm and nucleus.

    PubMed

    Pierreux, C E; Nicolás, F J; Hill, C S

    2000-12-01

    Smad4 plays a pivotal role in all transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways. Here we describe six widely expressed alternatively spliced variants of human Smad4 with deletions of different exons in the linker, the region of Smad4 that separates the two well-conserved MH1 and MH2 domains. All these Smad4 variants form complexes with activated Smad2 and Smad3 and are incorporated into DNA-binding complexes with the transcription factor Fast-1, regardless of the amount of linker they contain. However, sequences encoded by exons 5 to 7 in the linker are essential for transcriptional activation. Most importantly, our observation that different Smad4 isoforms have different subcellular localizations has led us to the identification of a functional CRM1-dependent nuclear export signal in the Smad4 linker and a constitutively active nuclear localization signal in the N-terminal MH1 domain. In the absence of TGF-beta signaling, we conclude that Smad4 is rapidly and continuously shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, the distribution of Smad4 between the nucleus and the cytoplasm being dictated by the relative strengths of the nuclear import and export signals. We demonstrate that inhibition of CRM1-mediated nuclear export by treatment of cells with leptomycin B results in endogenous Smad4 accumulating very rapidly in the nucleus. Endogenous Smad2 and Smad3 are completely unaffected by leptomycin B treatment, indicating that the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is specific for Smad4. We propose that, upon TGF-beta signaling, complex formation between Smad4 and activated Smad2 or -3 leads to nuclear accumulation of Smad4 through inhibition of its nuclear export. We demonstrate that after prolonged TGF-beta signaling Smad2 becomes dephosphorylated and Smad2 and Smad4 accumulate back in the cytoplasm.

  4. Hydroxyurea for reducing blood transfusion in non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemias.

    PubMed

    Foong, Wai Cheng; Ho, Jacqueline J; Loh, C Khai; Viprakasit, Vip

    2016-10-18

    Non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia is a subset of inherited haemoglobin disorders characterised by reduced production of the beta globin chain of the haemoglobin molecule leading to anaemia of varying severity. Although blood transfusion is not a necessity for survival, it is required when episodes of chronic anaemia occur. This chronic anaemia can impair growth and affect quality of life. People with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia suffer from iron overload due to their body's increased capability of absorbing iron from food sources. Iron overload becomes more pronounced in those requiring blood transfusion. People with a higher foetal haemoglobin level have been found to require fewer blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea has been used to increase foetal haemoglobin level; however, its efficacy in reducing transfusion, chronic anaemia complications and its safety need to be established. To assess the effectiveness, safety and appropriate dose regimen of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia (haemoglobin E combined with beta thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia intermedia). We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals. We also searched ongoing trials registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews.Date of last search: 30 April 2016. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of hydroxyurea in people with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard treatment or comparing different doses of hydroxyurea. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria in order to select trials for inclusion. Both authors assessed the risk of bias of trials and extracted the data. A third author verified these assessments. No trials comparing hydroxyurea with placebo or standard care were found. However, we included

  5. Analysis of common transforming growth factor beta-1 gene polymorphisms in gastric and duodenal ulcer disease: pilot study.

    PubMed

    Polonikov, Alexey V; Ivanov, Vladimir P; Belugin, Dmitry A; Khoroshaya, Irina V; Kolchanova, Inessa O; Solodilova, Mariya A; Tutochkina, Margarita P; Stepchenko, Alexander A

    2007-04-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been shown to be an important cytokine that plays a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue injury repair and ulcer healing. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate if common polymorphisms Leu10Pro, Arg25Pro and C-509T within the TGF-beta1 gene are associated with susceptibility to gastric and duodenal ulcer disease in Russians. Blood samples from 377 unrelated patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer disease and 226 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were used to determine TGF-beta1 gene polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Leu10Pro substitution in the signal peptide of TGF-beta1 has been found to be associated with susceptibility to gastric ulcer (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.77). A genotype combination of 10Leu/Leu x 25Arg/Arg x -509C/C was also associated with susceptibility to gastric ulcer disease (OR 1.81, P = 0.01). In addition, the frequency of a combination of genotypes 10Pro/Pro x 25Arg/Pro x -509C/T was statistically lower in patients with duodenal ulcer than in controls (OR 0.42, P = 0.05). A significant difference (P = 0.04) in the distribution of rare haplotypes of the TGF-beta1 gene between patients with duodenal ulcer and healthy controls has been found. Polymorphism Leu10Pro was in positive linkage disequilibrium with C-509T polymorphism (coefficient D = 0.191; P < 0.0001). These findings indicate that the Leu10Pro and C-509T polymorphisms may be involved in the modulation of expression of the TGF-beta1 gene, and therefore a predisposition to peptic ulcer disease could be linked to particular alleles of this gene. In particular, a possible role of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer disease is discussed.

  6. Beta reduction factors for protective clothing at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

    Franklin, G.L.; Gonzalez, P.L.

    1998-12-31

    Beta reduction factors (f{sub {beta}}) for protective clothing (PC) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have been determined for a variety of protective clothing combinations. Data was collected to determine the experimental f{sub {beta}} for several combinations of PCs under laboratory conditions. Radiation dose rates were measured with an open window Bicron{reg_sign} RSO-5 ion chamber for two distinct beta energy groups (E{sub max} = 1.218 {times} 10{sup {minus}13} J(0.860 MeV) and 3.653 {times} 10{sup {minus}13} J (2.280 MeV)). Data points determined, as the ratio of unattenuated (no PCs) to attenuated (PCs), were used to derive a set of equationsmore » using the Microsoft{reg_sign} Excel Linet function. Field comparison tests were then conducted to determine the validity of these beta reduction factors. The f{sub {beta}} from the field tests were significantly less than the experimental f{sub {beta}}, indicating that these factors will yield conservative results.« less

  7. Effects of concomitant use of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 with beta-tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) on the beagle dog 1-wall periodontal defect model

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

    Anzai, Jun, E-mail: anzai_jun@kaken.co.jp; Department of Periodontology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871; Kitamura, Masahiro, E-mail: kitamura@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp

    Research highlights: {yields} Concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP (an osteo-conductive scaffold) significantly promotes periodontal regeneration in the severe periodontitis model (1-wall defect model) of beagle dog. {yields} FGF-2 enhanced new bone formation via {beta}-TCP at the defects. {yields} In particular, FGF-2 dramatically regenerated new periodontal ligament and cementum formations at the defects, that is one of the most important healing outcomes during the process of periodontal regeneration. {yields} Epithelial downgrowth (undesirable wound healing) was decreased by administration of FGF-2. {yields} This manuscript indicates for the first time that concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP is efficacious in regenerating periodontalmore » tissue following severe destruction of the tissue by progression of periodontitis. -- Abstract: The effects of concomitant use of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and beta-tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) on periodontal regeneration were investigated in the beagle dog 1-wall periodontal defect model. One-wall periodontal defects were created in the mesial portion of both sides of the mandibular first molars, and 0.3% FGF-2 plus {beta}-TCP or {beta}-TCP alone was administered. Radiographic evaluation was performed at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, the periodontium with the defect site was removed and histologically analyzed. Radiographic findings showed that co-administration of FGF-2 significantly increased bone mineral contents of the defect sites compared with {beta}-TCP alone. Histologic analysis revealed that the length of the regenerated periodontal ligament, the cementum, distance to the junctional epithelium, new bone height, and area of newly formed bone were significantly increased in the FGF-2 group. No abnormal inflammatory response or ankylosis was observed in either group. These findings indicate the efficacy of concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP as an osteoconductive material for periodontal

  8. 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.

  9. Glycosaminoglycan and transforming growth factor beta1 changes in human plasma and urine during the menstrual cycle, in vitro fertilization treatment, and pregnancy.

    PubMed

    De Muro, Pierina; Capobianco, Giampiero; Formato, Marilena; Lepedda, Antonio Junior; Cherchi, Gian Mario; Gordini, Laila; Dessole, Salvatore

    2009-07-01

    To evaluate transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) changes in human plasma and urine during the menstrual cycle, IVF-ET, and pregnancy. Prospective clinical study. University hospital. Thirteen women with apparently normal menstrual cycle (group 1); 18 women undergoing IVF-ET (group 2); and 14 low-risk pregnant women (group 3). We assayed plasma and urine concentrations of TGF-beta1, urine content, and distribution of GAG. Blood and urine samples were collected during days 2 to 3, 12 to 13, and 23 to 24 in group 1; in group 2, samples were obtained at menstrual phase, oocyte pick-up day, and 15 days after ET; in group 3, samples were obtained during gestational weeks 10-12, 22-24, and 30-32 and 1 month after delivery. Changes in TGF-beta1 and GAG content. The mean value of total urinary trypsin inhibitor/chondroitin sulfate (UTI/CS) showed a distinct peak at day 12 of the menstrual cycle in the fertile women in whom we monitored the ovulatory period. In the IVF-ET group, GAG distribution and TGF-beta1 levels showed significant differences during the cycle. We observed increased levels of plasma TGF-beta1 15 days after ET. A significant increase of total UTI/CS value with increasing gestation was detected. Transforming growth factor beta1 and GAG levels could represent an additional tool to monitor reproductive events and could be useful, noninvasive markers of ovulation and ongoing pregnancy.

  10. Lack of soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 and 2 and interleukin-1beta compartmentalization in lungs of mice after a single intratracheal inoculation with live Porphyromonas gingivalis.

    PubMed

    Nemec, Ana; Pavlica, Zlatko; Svete, Alenka Nemec; Erzen, Damijan; Crossley, David A; Petelin, Milan

    2009-09-01

    Porphyromonas gingivalis aspiration pneumonia induces local and systemic cytokine responses, but the dynamic of the immune response following lung exposure to live P. gingivalis is poorly understood. Groups of 50 12-week-old male BALB/c mice were inoculated intratracheally with live P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 using low dose (2 x 10(5) colony-forming units [CFU]), high dose (2.9 x 10(9) CFU), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; sham-inoculated), and the 3 groups were sacrificed at 2, 6, 24, 72, 168 hours. Lung and serum samples were collected for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF-alpha receptors (sTNFRs), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 analysis and lung histology. Pneumonia, only observed in the high-dose group, was associated with an early increase in lung TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, whereas no significant changes were observed in lung sTNFRs. Serum sTNFRs were significantly increased in high-dose animals at all times. IL-1beta elevation occurred earlier in serum than in lungs. IL-1beta was also significantly elevated in serum from low-dose animals at 6 hours. Serum IL-6 and sTNFRs remained raised at 7 days, whereas all other measured cytokines returned to basal levels with resolution of pneumonia. Development of pneumonia is dependent on the P. gingivalis dose; however, part of the cytokine response is unique to the systemic compartment, even in animals that do not develop pneumonia.

  11. 17beta-estradiol promotes breast cancer cell proliferation-inducing stromal cell-derived factor-1-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation: reversal by gefitinib pretreatment.

    PubMed

    Pattarozzi, Alessandra; Gatti, Monica; Barbieri, Federica; Würth, Roberto; Porcile, Carola; Lunardi, Gianluigi; Ratto, Alessandra; Favoni, Roberto; Bajetto, Adriana; Ferrari, Angelo; Florio, Tullio

    2008-01-01

    The coordinated activity of estrogens and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family agonists represents the main determinant of breast cancer cell proliferation. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) enhances extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activity via the transactivation of EGFR and 17beta-estradiol (E2) induces SDF-1 production to exert autocrine proliferative effects. On this basis, we evaluated whether the inhibition of the tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of EGFR may control different mitogenic stimuli in breast tumors using the EGFR-TK inhibitor gefitinib to antagonize the proliferation induced by E2 in T47D human breast cancer cells. EGF, E2, and SDF-1 induced a dose-dependent T47D cell proliferation, that being nonadditive suggested the activation of common intracellular pathways. Gefitinib treatment inhibited not only the EGF-dependent proliferation and ERK1/2 activation but also the effects of SDF-1 and E2, suggesting that these activities were mediated by EGFR transactivation. Indeed, both SDF-1 and E2 caused EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation. The molecular link between E2 and SDF-1 proliferative effects was identified because 1,1'-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))-bis-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane octahydrochloride (AMD3100), a CXCR4 antagonist, inhibited SDF-1- and E2-dependent proliferation and EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. EGFR transactivation was dependent on c-Src activation. E2 treatment caused a powerful SDF-1 release from T47D cells. Finally, in SKBR3, E2-resistant cells, EGFR was constitutively activated, and AMD3100 reduced EGFR phosphorylation and cell proliferation, whereas HER2-neu was transactivated by SDF-1 in SKBR3 but not in T47D cells. In conclusion, we show that activation of CXCR4 transduces proliferative signals from the E2 receptor to EGFR, whose inhibition is able to revert breast cancer cell proliferation induced by multiple receptor activation.

  12. 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

  13. Asporin and transforming growth factor-beta gene expression in osteoblasts from subchondral bone and osteophytes in osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Sakao, Kei; Takahashi, Kenji A; Arai, Yuji; Saito, Masazumi; Honjyo, Kuniaki; Hiraoka, Nobuyuki; Kishida, Tsunao; Mazda, Osam; Imanishi, Jiro; Kubo, Toshikazu

    2009-11-01

    To clarify the significance of subchondral bone and osteophytes in the pathology of osteoarthritis (OA), we investigated the expression of asporin (ASPN), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) genes involved in bone metabolism. Osteoblasts were isolated from 19 patients diagnosed with knee OA and from 4 patients diagnosed with femoral neck fracture. Osteoblast expression of mRNA encoding ASPN, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, and Runx2 was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Expression of ASPN, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta3 mRNA in the subchondral bone and osteophytes of OA patients increased compared with that of non-OA patients. The ratio of ASPN to TGF-beta1 mRNA in patients with severe cartilage damage was higher than that in patients with mild cartilage damage. The increased ratio of ASPN mRNA to TGF-beta1 mRNA in patients with severe relative to mild cartilage damage indicates that increased ASPN mRNA expression was significantly associated with the severity of cartilage degeneration. This finding suggests that ASPN may regulate TGF-beta1-mediated factors in the development of OA, which may provide clues as to the underlying pathology of OA.

  14. Interaction with beta-arrestin determines the difference in internalization behavor between beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors.

    PubMed

    Shiina, T; Kawasaki, A; Nagao, T; Kurose, H

    2000-09-15

    The beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) shows the resistance to agonist-induced internalization. As beta-arrestin is important for internalization, we examine the interaction of beta-arrestin with beta(1)AR with three different methods: intracellular trafficking of beta-arrestin, binding of in vitro translated beta-arrestin to intracellular domains of beta(1)- and beta(2)ARs, and inhibition of betaAR-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities by beta-arrestin. The green fluorescent protein-tagged beta-arrestin 2 translocates to and stays at the plasma membrane by beta(2)AR stimulation. Although green fluorescent protein-tagged beta-arrestin 2 also translocates to the plasma membrane, it returns to the cytoplasm 10-30 min after beta(1)AR stimulation. The binding of in vitro translated beta-arrestin 1 and beta-arrestin 2 to the third intracellular loop and the carboxyl tail of beta(1)AR is lower than that of beta(2)AR. The fusion protein of beta-arrestin 1 with glutathione S-transferase inhibits the beta(1)- and beta(2)AR-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities, although inhibition of the beta(1)AR-stimulated activity requires a higher concentration of the fusion protein than that of the beta(2)AR-stimulated activity. These results suggest that weak interaction of beta(1)AR with beta-arrestins explains the resistance to agonist-induced internalization. This is further supported by the finding that beta-arrestin can induce internalization of beta(1)AR when beta-arrestin 1 does not dissociate from beta(1)AR by fusing to the carboxyl tail of beta(1)AR.

  15. Transforming growth factor1 induces expression of human coagulation factor XII via Smad3 and JNK signaling pathways in human lung fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Jablonska, Ewa; Markart, Philipp; Zakrzewicz, Dariusz; Preissner, Klaus T; Wygrecka, Malgorzata

    2010-04-09

    Coagulation factor XII (FXII) is a liver-derived serine protease involved in fibrinolysis, coagulation, and inflammation. The regulation of FXII expression is largely unknown. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been linked to several pathological processes, including tissue fibrosis by modulating procoagulant and fibrinolytic activities. This study investigated whether TGF-beta1 may regulate FXII expression in human lung fibroblasts. Treatment of human lung fibroblasts with TGF-beta1 resulted in a time-dependent increase in FXII production, activation of p44/42, p38, JNK, and Akt, and phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus of Smad3. However, TGF-beta1-induced FXII expression was repressed only by the JNK inhibitor and JNK and Smad3 antisense oligonucleotides but not by MEK, p38, or phosphoinositide 3-kinase blockers. JNK inhibition had no effect on TGF-beta1-induced Smad3 phosphorylation, association with Smad4, and its translocation into the nucleus but strongly suppressed Smad3-DNA complex formation. FXII promoter analysis revealed that the -299/+1 region was sufficient for TGF-beta1 to induce FXII expression. Sequence analysis of this region detected a potential Smad-binding element at position -272/-269 (SBE-(-272/-269)). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and streptavidin pulldown assays demonstrated TGF-beta1-dependent Smad3 binding to SBE-(-272/-269). Mutation or deletion of SBE-(-272/-269) substantially reduced TGF-beta1-mediated activation of the FXII promoter. Clinical relevance was demonstrated by elevated FXII levels and its co-localization with fibroblasts in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our results show that JNK/Smad3 pathway plays a critical role in TGF-beta1-induced FXII expression in human lung fibroblasts and implicate its possible involvement in pathological conditions characterized by elevated TGF-beta1 levels.

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. Gonadal Identity in the Absence of Pro-Testis Factor SOX9 and Pro-Ovary Factor Beta-Catenin in Mice1

    PubMed Central

    Nicol, Barbara; Yao, Humphrey H.-C.

    2015-01-01

    Sex-reversal cases in humans and genetic models in mice have revealed that the fate of the bipotential gonad hinges upon the balance between pro-testis SOX9 and pro-ovary beta-catenin pathways. Our central query was: if SOX9 and beta-catenin define the gonad's identity, then what do the gonads become when both factors are absent? To answer this question, we developed mouse models that lack either Sox9, beta-catenin, or both in the somatic cells of the fetal gonads and examined the morphological outcomes and transcriptome profiles. In the absence of Sox9 and beta-catenin, both XX and XY gonads progressively lean toward the testis fate, indicating that expression of certain pro-testis genes requires the repression of the beta-catenin pathway, rather than a direct activation by SOX9. We also observed that XY double knockout gonads were more masculinized than their XX counterpart. To identify the genes responsible for the initial events of masculinization and to determine how the genetic context (XX vs. XY) affects this process, we compared the transcriptomes of Sox9/beta-catenin mutant gonads and found that early molecular changes underlying the XY-specific masculinization involve the expression of Sry and 21 SRY direct target genes, such as Sox8 and Cyp26b1. These results imply that when both Sox9 and beta-catenin are absent, Sry is capable of activating other pro-testis genes and drive testis differentiation. Our findings not only provide insight into the mechanism of sex determination, but also identify candidate genes that are potentially involved in disorders of sex development. PMID:26108792

  19. 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.

  20. 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

  1. Mediation of wound-related Rous sarcoma virus tumorigenesis by TFG (transforming growth factor)-. beta

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

    Sieweke, M.H.; Bissell, M.J.; Thompson, N.L.

    1990-06-29

    In Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-infected chickens, wounding leads to tumor formation with nearly 100% frequency in tissues that would otherwise remain tumor-free. Identifying molecular mediators of this phenomenon should yield important clues to the mechanisms involved in RSV tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGF-{beta} is present locally shortly after wounding, but not in unwounded controls. In addition, subcutaneous administration of recombinant transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) could substitute completely for wounding in tumor induction. A treatment protocol of four doses of 800 nanograms of TGF-{beta} resulted in v-src-expressing tumors with 100% frequency; four doses of only 10 nanograms still ledmore » to tumor formation in 80% of the animals. This effect was specific, as other growth factors with suggested roles in would healing did not elicit the same response. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) or TGF-{alpha} had no effect, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) yielded only occasional tumors after longer latency. TGF-{beta} release during the would-healing response may thus be a critical event that creates a conducive environment for RSV tumorigenesis and may act as a cofactor for transformation in this system. 31 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  2. Origin of a sensitive dependence of calculated {beta}{beta}-decay amplitudes on the particle-particle residual interaction

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

    Rodin, Vadim; Faessler, Amand

    2011-07-15

    In the present work the sensitivity of calculated {beta}{beta}-decay amplitudes to a realistic residual interaction is analyzed in the framework of the approach of O. A. Rumyantsev and M. H. Urin, Phys. Lett. B 443, 51 (1998). and V. A. Rodin, M. H. Urin, and A. Faessler, Nucl. Phys. A 747, 297 (2005). Both the Gamow-Teller (GT) and Fermi (F) matrix elements M{sup 2}{nu} for two-neutrino {beta}{beta} decay (2{nu}{beta}{beta} decay), along with the monopole transition contributions to the total matrix elements M{sup 0{nu}} of neutrinoless {beta}{beta} decay (0{nu}{beta}{beta} decay), are calculated within the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA). In the aforementionedmore » approach decompositions of M{sup 2{nu}} and M{sup 0{nu}} can be obtained in terms of the corresponding energy-weighted sum rules S. It is shown that in most of the cases almost the whole dependence of M{sup 2{nu}} and M{sup 0{nu}} on the particle-particle (p-p) renormalization parameter g{sub pp} is accounted for by the g{sub pp} dependence of the corresponding sum rules S. General expressions relating S to a realistic residual particle-particle interaction are derived, which show a pronounced sensitivity of S to the singlet-channel interaction in the case of F transitions and to the triplet-channel interaction in the case of GT transitions. Thus, the sensitivity of M{sup 2{nu}} and M{sup 0{nu}} to the SU(4)-symmetry-breaking part of the p-p residual interaction is dictated by the generic structure of the {beta}{beta}-decay amplitudes. Therefore, a choice of this part in a particular calculation needs a special caution. Finally, a better isospin-consistent way of renormalization of a realistic residual p-p interaction to use in QRPA calculations is suggested.« less

  3. HNF1(beta) is required for mesoderm induction in the Xenopus embryo.

    PubMed

    Vignali, R; Poggi, L; Madeddu, F; Barsacchi, G

    2000-04-01

    XHNF1(&bgr;) is a homeobox-containing gene initially expressed at the blastula stage in the vegetal part of the Xenopus embryo. We investigated its early role by functional ablation, through mRNA injection of an XHNF1(beta)/engrailed repressor fusion construct (XHNF1(beta)/EngR). Dorsal injections of XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA abolish dorsal mesoderm formation, leading to axial deficiencies; ventral injections disrupt ventral mesoderm formation without affecting axial development. XHNF1(beta)/EngR phenotypic effects specifically depend on the DNA-binding activity of its homeodomain and are fully rescued by coinjection of XHNF1(beta) mRNA. Vegetal injection of XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA blocks the mesoderm-inducing ability of vegetal explants. Both B-Vg1 and VegT maternal determinants trigger XHNF1(beta) expression in animal caps. XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA blocks B-Vg1-mediated, but not by eFGF-mediated, mesoderm induction in animals caps. However, wild-type XHNF1(beta) mRNA does not trigger Xbra expression in animal caps. We conclude that XHNF1(beta) function is essential, though not sufficient, for mesoderm induction in the Xenopus embryo.

  4. Beta-1,4-glucanase-like protein from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 is a beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase and functions in salt stress tolerance.

    PubMed

    Tamoi, Masahiro; Kurotaki, Hideki; Fukamizo, Tamo

    2007-07-01

    In the present study, we characterized the gene (Cyanobase accession number slr0897) designated Ssglc encoding a beta-1,4-glucanase-like protein (SsGlc) from Synechocystis PCC6803. The deduced amino acid sequence for Ssglc showed a high degree of similarity to sequences of GH (glycoside hydrolase) family 9 beta-1,4-glucanases (cellulases) from various sources. Surprisingly, the recombinant protein obtained from the Escherichia coli expression system was able to hydrolyse barley beta-glucan and lichenan (beta-1,3-1,4-glucan), but not cellulose (beta-1,4-glucan), curdlan (beta-1,3-glucan), or laminarin (beta-1,3-1,6-glucan). A 1H-NMR analysis of the enzymatic products revealed that the enzyme hydrolyses the beta-1,4-glycosidic linkage of barley beta-glucan through an inverting mechanism. The data indicated that SsGlc was a novel type of GH9 glucanase which could specifically hydrolyse the beta-1,3-1,4-linkage of glucan. The growth of mutant Synechocystis cells in which the Ssglc gene was disrupted by a kanamycin-resistance cartridge gene was almost the same as that of the wild-type cells under continuous light (40 micromol of photons/m2 per s), a 12 h light (40 micromol of photons/m2 per s)/12 h dark cycle, cold stress (4 degrees C), and high light stress (200 micromol of photons/m2 per s). However, under salt stress (300-450 mM NaCl), growth of the Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells was significantly inhibited as compared with that of the wild-type cells. The Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells showed a decreased rate of O2 consumption and NaHCO3-dependent O2 evolution as compared with the wild-type cells under salt stress. Under osmotic stress (100-400 mM sorbitol), there was no difference in growth between the wild-type and the Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells. These results suggest that SsGlc functions in salt stress tolerance in Synechocystis PCC6803.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Meprin A and meprin {alpha} generate biologically functional IL-1{beta} from pro-IL-1{beta}

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

    Herzog, Christian; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Little Rock, AR 72205; Haun, Randy S.

    The present study demonstrates that both oligomeric metalloendopeptidase meprin A purified from kidney cortex and recombinant meprin {alpha} are capable of generating biologically active IL-1{beta} from its precursor pro-IL-1{beta}. Amino-acid sequencing analysis reveals that meprin A and meprin {alpha} cleave pro-IL-1{beta} at the His{sup 115}-Asp{sup 116} bond, which is one amino acid N-terminal to the caspase-1 cleavage site and five amino acids C-terminal to the meprin {beta} site. The biological activity of the pro-IL-1{beta} cleaved product produced by meprin A, determined by proliferative response of helper T-cells, was 3-fold higher to that of the IL-1{beta} product produced by meprin {beta}more » or caspase-1. In a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation puncture that results in elevated levels of serum IL-1{beta}, meprin inhibitor actinonin significantly reduces levels of serum IL-1{beta}. Meprin A and meprin {alpha} may therefore play a critical role in the production of active IL-1{beta} during inflammation and tissue injury.« less

  8. 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

  9. [The effect of isoflurane on the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta from LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood monocytes].

    PubMed

    Sato, W; Enzan, K; Masaki, Y; Kayaba, M; Suzuki, M

    1995-07-01

    The cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 secreted from macrophages/monocytes proved to play important roles in the pathogenesis of endotoxemia, severe pancreatitis and other surgical injuries. However, it is still unclear how inhalational anesthetic agents influence the secretion of these cytokines from macrophages/monocytes. We investigated the effects of isoflurane on TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta secretions from human peripheral blood monocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta secretions increased after LPS stimulation and this increase was inhibited by isoflurane in dose-dependent fashion. The inhibitory action of isoflurane disappeared between 1 and 3 hours after stopping isoflurane inhalation. We concluded that isoflurane could inhibit TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta secretions from peripheral blood monocytes stimulated by LPS in a dose-dependent fashion and that the inhibitory action of isoflurane was reversible.

  10. 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

  11. The anti-fibrotic effect of liver growth factor is associated with decreased intrahepatic levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in bile duct-ligated rats.

    PubMed

    Díaz-Gil, Juan J; García-Monzón, Carmelo; Rúa, Carmen; Martín-Sanz, Paloma; Cereceda, Rosa M; Miquilena-Colina, María E; Machín, Celia; Fernández-Martínez, Amalia; García-Cañero, Rarael

    2008-05-01

    Liver growth factor (LGF), a mitogen for liver cells, behaves as an anti-fibrotic agent even in extrahepatic sites, but its mechanistic basis is unknown. We aimed to determine the intrahepatic expression pattern of key modulators of liver fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats (BDL) after injection of LGF. BDL rats received either LGF (4.5 microg/ratXdose, two doses/week, at time 0 or 2 or 5w after operation, depending on the group (BDL+LGF groups, n=20) or saline (BDL+S groups, n=20). Groups were compared in terms of fibrosis (histomorphometry), liver function (aminopyrine breath test), matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) and liver endoglin content (Western blotting), and serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) levels (ELISA). In BDL+LGF rats, the fibrotic index was significantly lower at 5w, p=0.006, and at 8w, p=0.04, than in BDL+S rats. Liver function values in BDL+LGF rats were higher than those obtained in BDL+S rats (80% at 5w and 79% at 8w, versus 38% and 29%, p<0.01, taking healthy controls as 100%). Notably, in BDL+LGF rats the intrahepatic expression levels of both MMPs were lower at 2w (MMP-2, p=0.03; MMP-9, p=0.05) and 5w (MMP-2, p=0.05, MMP-9, p=0.04). In addition, the hepatic TGF-beta1 level in BDL+LGF rats was lower at 2w (36%, p=0.008), 5w (50%) and 8wk (37%), whereas intrahepatic endoglin expression remained constant in all BDL rats studied. LGF ameliorates liver fibrosis and improves liver function in BDL rats. The LGF-induced anti-fibrotic effect is associated with a decreased hepatic level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TGF-beta1 in fibrotic rats.

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. The antifibrotic effects of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA on hepatic fibrosis in rats

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

    Lang, Qing; Liu, Qi; Xu, Ning

    2011-06-10

    Highlights: {yields} We constructed CCL4 induced liver fibrosis model successfully. {yields} We proofed that the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had a definite therapy effect to CCL4 induced liver fibrosis. {yields} The therapy effect of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had dose-dependent. -- Abstract: Background/aims: Hepatic fibrosis results from the excessive secretion of matrix proteins by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which proliferate during fibrotic liver injury. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1 is the dominant stimulus for extracellular matrix (ECM) production by stellate cells. Our study was designed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of using short interference RNA (siRNA) to target TGF-{beta}1 in hepatic fibrosis and its mechanismmore » in rats exposed to a high-fat diet and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Methods: A total of 40 healthy, male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five even groups containing of eight rats each: normal group, model group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group and TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group (0.25 mg/kg). CCL4 and a high-fat diet were used for 8 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. All the rats were then sacrificed to collect liver tissue samples. A portion of the liver samples were soaked in formalin for Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, classifying the degree of liver fibrosis, and detecting the expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1; the remaining liver samples were stored in liquid nitrogen to be used for detecting TGF-{beta}1 by Western blotting and for measuring the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Comparing the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group to the model group, the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group and the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group showed significantly reduced levels of pathological changes, protein expression and the m

  15. Time-dependent Mechanisms in Beta-cell Glucose Sensing

    PubMed Central

    Vagn Korsgaard, Thomas

    2006-01-01

    The relation between plasma glucose and insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells is not stationary in the sense that a given glucose concentration leads to a specific rate of insulin secretion. A number of time-dependent mechanisms appear to exist that modify insulin release both on a short and a longer time scale. Typically, two phases are described. The first phase, lasting up to 10 min, is a pulse of insulin release in response to fast changes in glucose concentration. The second phase is a more steady increase of insulin release over minutes to hours, if the elevated glucose concentration is sustained. The paper describes the glucose sensing mechanism via the complex dynamics of the key enzyme glucokinase, which controls the first step in glucose metabolism: phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. Three time-dependent phenomena (mechanisms) are described. The fastest, corresponding to the first phase, is a delayed negative feedback regulating the glucokinase activity. Due to the delay, a rapid glucose increase will cause a burst of activity in the glucose sensing system, before the glucokinase is down-regulated. The second mechanism corresponds to the translocation of glucokinase from an inactive to an active form. As the translocation is controlled by the product(s) of the glucokinase reaction rather than by the substrate glucose, this mechanism gives a positive, but saturable, feedback. Finally, the release of the insulin granules is assumed to be enhanced by previous glucose exposure, giving a so-called glucose memory to the beta-cells. The effect depends on the insulin release of the cells, and this mechanism constitutes a second positive, saturable feedback system. Taken together, the three phenomena describe most of the glucose sensing behaviour of the beta-cells. The results indicate that the insulin release is not a precise function of the plasma glucose concentration. It rather looks as if the beta-cells just increase the insulin

  16. Potentiating role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-1beta type 1 receptors in the medial hypothalamus in defensive rage behavior in the cat.

    PubMed

    Hassanain, M; Bhatt, S; Zalcman, S; Siegel, A

    2005-06-28

    Recently, this laboratory provided evidence that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), an immune and brain-derived cytokine, microinjected into the medial hypothalamus, potentiates defensive rage behavior in the cat elicited from the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), and that such effects are blocked by a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. Since this finding represents the first time that a brain cytokine has been shown to affect defensive rage behavior, the present study replicated and extended these findings by documenting the specific potentiating role played by IL-1beta Type 1 receptor (IL-1RI), and the anatomical relationship between IL-1beta and 5-HT2 receptors in the medial hypothalamus. IL-1beta (10 ng) microinjected into the medial hypothalamus induced two separate phases of facilitation, one at 60 min and another at 180 min, post-injection. In turn, these effects were blocked with pretreatment of the selective IL-1 Type I receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) (10 ng), demonstrating the selectivity of the effects of IL-1beta on medial hypothalamic neurons upon PAG-elicited defensive rage behavior. The next stage of the study utilized immunohistochemical methods to demonstrate that IL-1beta and 5-HT2 receptors were present on the same neurons within regions of the medial hypothalamus where IL-1beta and the IL-1beta receptor antagonists were administered. This provided anatomical evidence suggesting a relationship between IL-1RI and 5-HT2 receptors in the medial hypothalamus that is consistent with the previous pharmacological observations in our laboratory. The overall findings show that activation of IL-1RI in the medial hypothalamus potentiates defensive rage behavior in the cat and that these effects may also be linked to the presence of 5-HT2 receptors on the same groups of neurons in this region of hypothalamus.

  17. 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.

  18. Interleukin 1 beta inhibits synaptic strength and long-term potentiation in the rat CA1 hippocampus.

    PubMed

    Bellinger, F P; Madamba, S; Siggins, G R

    1993-11-19

    Cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) are released in the nervous system following inflammation or infection. Recently, IL-1 beta was shown to enhance synaptic inhibitory mechanisms. We therefore investigated the effect of IL-1 beta superfusion on long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular model of memory and learning, evoked in the CA1 region by tetanic stimulation of the stratum radiatum in the rat hippocampal slice. IL-1 beta (150 pM-1.5 nM) superfused 10 min before tetanic stimulation significantly reduced LTP of the slope of the population excitatory postsynaptic potential (pEPSP) and the population spike (PS) amplitude in CA1 in a concentration-dependent manner. IL-1 beta (1.5 nM) applied for 10 min 1 h before tetanus significantly inhibited LTP of the PS amplitude and pEPSP slope and reduced pEPSP and PS values before tetanus as well, although the PS returned to control values before tetanus. Heat-inactivated IL-1 beta had no effect on pre-tetanus pEPSP or PS values or the induction of LTP. These data demonstrate that IL-1 beta modulates synaptic potentials and reduces LTP. These findings have important implications for the role of IL-1 beta in neuronal disorders following infection, perhaps best exemplified by HIV-1-associated dementia.

  19. 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.

  20. Involvement of H- and N-Ras isoforms in transforming growth factor-{beta}1-induced proliferation and in collagen and fibronectin synthesis

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

    Martinez-Salgado, Carlos; Fuentes-Calvo, Isabel; Instituto 'Reina Sofia' de Investigacion Nefrologica, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca

    2006-07-01

    Transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) has a relevant role in the origin and maintenance of glomerulosclerosis and tubule-interstitial fibrosis. TGF-{beta} and Ras signaling pathways are closely related: TGF-{beta}1 overcomes Ras mitogenic effects and Ras counteracts TGF-{beta} signaling. Tubule-interstitial fibrosis is associated to increases in Ras, Erk, and Akt activation in a renal fibrosis model. We study the role of N- and H-Ras isoforms, and the involvement of the Ras effectors Erk and Akt, in TGF-{beta}1-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and proliferation, using embrionary fibroblasts from double knockout (KO) mice for H- and N-Ras (H-ras {sup -/-}/N-ras {sup -/-}) isoforms andmore » from heterozygote mice (H-ras {sup +/-}/N-ras {sup +/-}). ECM synthesis is increased in basal conditions in H-ras {sup -/-}/N-ras {sup -/-} fibroblasts, this increase being higher after stimulation with TGF-{beta}1. TGF-{beta}1-induced fibroblast proliferation is smaller in H-ras {sup -/-}/N-ras {sup -/-} than in H-ras {sup +/-}/N-ras {sup +/-} fibroblasts. Erk activation is decreased in H-ras {sup -/-}/N-ras {sup -/-} fibroblasts; inhibition of Erk activation reduces fibroblast proliferation. Akt activation is higher in double KO fibroblasts than in heterozygotes; inhibition of Akt activation also inhibits ECM synthesis. We suggest that H- and N-Ras isoforms downregulate ECM synthesis, and mediate proliferation, in part through MEK/Erk activation. PI3K-Akt pathway activation may be involved in the increase in ECM synthesis observed in the absence of H- and N-Ras.« less

  1. 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.

  2. AMPK activation represses the human gene promoter of the cardiac isoform of acetyl-CoA carboxylase: Role of nuclear respiratory factor-1

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

    Adam, Tasneem; Opie, Lionel H.; Essop, M. Faadiel, E-mail: mfessop@sun.ac.za

    Research highlights: {yields} AMPK inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta gene promoter activity. {yields} Nuclear respiratory factor-1 inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta promoter activity. {yields} AMPK regulates acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta at transcriptional level. -- Abstract: The cardiac-enriched isoform of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC{beta}) produces malonyl-CoA, a potent inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. AMPK inhibits ACC{beta} activity, lowering malonyl-CoA levels and promoting mitochondrial fatty acid {beta}-oxidation. Previously, AMPK increased promoter binding of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), a pivotal transcriptional modulator controlling gene expression of mitochondrial proteins. We therefore hypothesized that NRF-1 inhibits myocardial ACC{beta} promoter activity via AMPK activation. A human ACC{beta} promoter-luciferase construct was transientlymore » transfected into neonatal cardiomyocytes {+-} a NRF-1 expression construct. NRF-1 overexpression decreased ACC{beta} gene promoter activity by 71 {+-} 4.6% (p < 0.001 vs. control). Transfections with 5'-end serial promoter deletions revealed that NRF-1-mediated repression of ACC{beta} was abolished with a pPII{beta}-18/+65-Luc deletion construct. AMPK activation dose-dependently reduced ACC{beta} promoter activity, while NRF-1 addition did not further decrease it. We also investigated NRF-1 inhibition in the presence of upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1), a known transactivator of the human ACC{beta} gene promoter. Here NRF-1 blunted USF1-dependent induction of ACC{beta} promoter activity by 58 {+-} 7.5% (p < 0.001 vs. control), reversed with a dominant negative NRF-1 construct. NRF-1 also suppressed endogenous USF1 transcriptional activity by 55 {+-} 6.2% (p < 0.001 vs. control). This study demonstrates that NRF-1 is a novel transcriptional inhibitor of the human ACC{beta} gene promoter in the mammalian heart. Our data extends AMPK regulation of ACC{beta} to the transcriptional

  3. [Effect of IL-1beta on growth properties of vaginal microsymbionts].

    PubMed

    Kremleva, E A; Bukharin, O V

    2013-01-01

    Study the effect of IL-1beta in concentrations that are characteristic for vaginal normo- and pathocenosis on growth properties of vaginal microsymbionts. Concentration of IL-1beta in vaginal contents of women during bacterial vaginosis and normocenosis was determined by using enzume immunoassay. Changes of growth characteristics and biofilm formation ability of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Lactobacilus spp., Corynebacterium spp. under the effect of various IL-1beta concentrations by method of O'Toole G.A. (1999) were studied. IL-1beta in concentrations characteristic for normocenosis was shown to be able to cause stimulating effect on growth properties of lactobacilli and corynebacteria and suppress growth of S. aureus and E. coli in both plankton and biofilm cultures. IL-1beta concentrations characteristic for vaginal dysbiosis on the contrary result in suppression of growth of lactobacilli biomass against the background of stimulation of growth properties and biofilm formation ability of S. aureus and E. coli. Differential dose-dependent effect of IL-1beta on biomass growth and biofilm formation ability of vaginal microsymbionts is a mechanism of regulation of vaginal microbiocenosis.

  4. Effect of doxycycline on transforming growth factor-beta-1-induced matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression, migration, and collagen contraction in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Shin, Jae-Min; Park, Joo-Hoo; Kang, Byungjin; Lee, Seoung-Ae; Park, Il-Ho; Lee, Heung-Man

    2016-11-01

    It is well known that doxycycline has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of doxycycline on the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 expression, migration, and collagen contraction, and to determine its molecular mechanism on nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDF). NPDFs were isolated from the nasal polyps of six patients. Doxycycline was used to pretreat TGF-beta-1-induced NPDFs and ex vivo organ cultures of nasal polyps. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Smad2/3 is one of the major transcription factors of TGF-beta signaling. The expression levels of MMP2 and Smad2/3 were measured by using Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. The enzymic activity of MMP2 was analyzed by using gelatin zymography. Fibroblast migration was evaluated by using transwell migration assays. Contractile activity was measured by a collagen gel contraction assay. The expression level of MMP2 in nasal polyp tissues increased in comparison with inferior turbinate tissues. TGF-beta-1-induced NPDFs were not affected by doxycycline (0-40 μg/mL). The expression levels of MMP2 and activation of Smad2/3 in TGF-beta-1-induced NPDFs and in organ cultures of nasal polyps were significantly downregulated with doxycycline pretreatment. Doxycycline also reduced TGF-beta-1-induced fibroblast migration and collagen contraction in NPDFs. Doxycycline inhibited TGF-beta-1-induced MMP2 expression, migration, and collagen contraction via the Smad2/3 signal pathways in NPDFs.

  5. 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.

  6. Bacterial superantigens bypass Lck-dependent T cell receptor signaling by activating a Galpha11-dependent, PLC-beta-mediated pathway.

    PubMed

    Bueno, Clara; Lemke, Caitlin D; Criado, Gabriel; Baroja, Miren L; Ferguson, Stephen S G; Rahman, A K M Nur-Ur; Tsoukas, Constantine D; McCormick, John K; Madrenas, Joaquin

    2006-07-01

    The paradigm to explain antigen-dependent T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is based on the activation of the CD4 or CD8 coreceptor-associated kinase Lck. It is widely assumed that this paradigm is also applicable to signaling by bacterial superantigens. However, these bacterial toxins can activate human T cells lacking Lck, suggesting the existence of an additional pathway of TCR signaling. Here we showed that this alternative pathway operates in the absence of Lck-dependent tyrosine-phosphorylation events and was initiated by the TCR-dependent activation of raft-enriched heterotrimeric Galpha11 proteins. This event, in turn, activated a phospholipase C-beta and protein kinase C-mediated cascade that turned on the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK-1 and ERK-2, triggered Ca(2+) influx, and translocated the transcription factors NF-AT and NF-kappaB to the nucleus, ultimately inducing the production of interleukin-2 in Lck-deficient T cells. The triggering of this alternative pathway by superantigens suggests that these toxins use a G protein-coupled receptor as a coreceptor on T cells.

  7. [Changes of interlukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement].

    PubMed

    Tian, Yu-Lou; Xie, Jiang-Chun; Zhao, Zhen-Jin; Zhang, Yang

    2006-06-01

    To investigate the dynamic changes of interlukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic tooth movement, and to discuss the biological significance. Fifteen patients were chosen as subjects. For each patient, upper and lower canines at one side having one treatment for distal movement by elastic chain served as the experimental teeth, whereas the contralateral ones were used as controls. The GCF were taken before activation and at 1, 24, 48, 72, 168 hours respectively after initiation of the experiment. The levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in GCF were determined by radioimmunoassay. The levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in experimental group began to increase at 24 hours and reached to its peak value at 72 hours after initiation of the experiment, but their levels returned to baseline at 168 hours. Both of them, however, remained at the baseline level in control group. The changes of the two cytokines level were found statistically significant at 48 and 72 hours (P<0.05) between experimental and control group. No statistically significant were observed before activation and at 1, 168 hours after application of orthodontic forces (P>0.05) between experimental and control group. The levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in gingival crevicular fluid experience dynamic changes during the early phase of orthodontic treatment, indicate that they might play an important role in the process of alveolar regeneration and tooth movement.

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Monocyte production of transforming growth factor beta in long-term hemodialysis: modulation by hemodialysis membranes.

    PubMed

    Mege, J L; Capo, C; Purgus, R; Olmer, M

    1996-09-01

    Cytokines are likely involved in hemodialysis-associated complications such as immunodeficiency and beta 2 microglobulin amyloidosis. Because transforming growth factors beta (TGF beta) exert immunosuppressive effects on lymphocytes, down-modulate monocyte functions, and promote fibrosis, we hypothesize that they participate in the deleterious effects of hemodialysis. We investigated the production of TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 by monocytes from controls and patients dialyzed with high-flux cellulose triacetate (CT) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes. The detection of both TGF beta s required an acidification step, suggesting that they are secreted as latent complexes. The spontaneous production of TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 was significantly higher in patients dialyzed with CT or PAN than in controls, but the oversecretion of TGF beta 1 was more sustained in CT-treated patients than in PAN-dialyzed patients. The production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was increased in both patient groups as compared with controls. In contrast to TGF beta 1, the increase was greater in PAN-treated patients than in CT-treated patients, and the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) was increased only in PAN-treated patients. Taken together, our results show that hemodialysis is associated with the oversecretion of monocyte cytokines. Moreover, the type of dialysis membrane specifically affects the balance between the secretion of suppressive cytokines such as TGF beta and that of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF alpha.

  11. Phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1) modulates MT1-MMP activity in human microvascular endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Wieghaus, Kristen A; Gianchandani, Erwin P; Neal, Rebekah A; Paige, Mikell A; Brown, Milton L; Papin, Jason A; Botchwey, Edward A

    2009-07-01

    We are creating synthetic pharmaceuticals with angiogenic activity and potential to promote vascular invasion. We previously demonstrated that one of these molecules, phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1), significantly expands microvascular networks in vivo following sustained release from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) films. In addition, to probe PNF1 mode of action, we recently applied a novel pathway-based compendium analysis to a multi-timepoint, controlled microarray data set of PNF1-treated (vs. control) human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), and we identified induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and, subsequently, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling networks by PNF1. Here we validate this microarray data set with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Subsequently, we probe this data set and identify three specific TGF-beta-induced genes with regulation by PNF1 conserved over multiple timepoints-amyloid beta (A4) precursor protein (APP), early growth response 1 (EGR-1), and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14 or MT1-MMP)-that are also implicated in angiogenesis. We further focus on MMP14 given its unique role in angiogenesis, and we validate MT1-MMP modulation by PNF1 with an in vitro fluorescence assay that demonstrates the direct effects that PNF1 exerts on functional metalloproteinase activity. We also utilize endothelial cord formation in collagen gels to show that PNF1-induced stimulation of endothelial cord network formation in vitro is in some way MT1-MMP-dependent. Ultimately, this new network analysis of our transcriptional footprint characterizing PNF1 activity 1-48 h post-supplementation in HMVECs coupled with corresponding validating experiments suggests a key set of a few specific targets that are involved in PNF1 mode of action and important for successful promotion of the neovascularization that we have observed by the drug in vivo.

  12. 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.

  13. Angiotensin II increases CTGF expression via MAPKs/TGF-{beta}1/TRAF6 pathway in atrial fibroblasts

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

    Gu, Jun; Liu, Xu, E-mail: xkliuxu@yahoo.cn; Wang, Quan-xing, E-mail: shmywqx@126.com

    2012-10-01

    The activation of transforming growth factor-{beta}1(TGF-{beta}1)/Smad signaling pathway and increased expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) induced by angiotensin II (AngII) have been proposed as a mechanism for atrial fibrosis. However, whether TGF{beta}1/non-Smad signaling pathways involved in AngII-induced fibrogenetic factor expression remained unknown. Recently tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/TGF{beta}-associated kinase 1 (TAK1) has been shown to be crucial for the activation of TGF-{beta}1/non-Smad signaling pathways. In the present study, we explored the role of TGF-{beta}1/TRAF6 pathway in AngII-induced CTGF expression in cultured adult atrial fibroblasts. AngII (1 {mu}M) provoked the activation of P38 mitogen activated proteinmore » kinase (P38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). AngII (1 {mu}M) also promoted TGF{beta}1, TRAF6, CTGF expression and TAK1 phosphorylation, which were suppressed by angiotensin type I receptor antagonist (Losartan) as well as p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB202190), ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) and JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Meanwhile, both TGF{beta}1 antibody and TRAF6 siRNA decreased the stimulatory effect of AngII on TRAF6, CTGF expression and TAK1 phosphorylation, which also attenuated AngII-induced atrial fibroblasts proliferation. In summary, the MAPKs/TGF{beta}1/TRAF6 pathway is an important signaling pathway in AngII-induced CTGF expression, and inhibition of TRAF6 may therefore represent a new target for reversing Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MAPKs/TGF{beta}1/TRAF6 participates in AngII-induced CTGF expression in atrial fibroblasts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TGF{beta}1/TRAF6 participates in AngII-induced atrial fibroblasts proliferation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TRAF6 may represent a new target for reversing Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis.« less

  14. 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.

  15. Amyloid-beta oligomers impair fear conditioned memory in a calcineurin-dependent fashion in mice.

    PubMed

    Dineley, Kelly T; Kayed, Rakez; Neugebauer, Volker; Fu, Yu; Zhang, Wenru; Reese, Lindsay C; Taglialatela, Giulio

    2010-10-01

    Soluble oligomeric aggregates of the amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide are believed to be the most neurotoxic A beta species affecting the brain in Alzheimer disease (AD), a terminal neurodegenerative disorder involving severe cognitive decline underscored by initial synaptic dysfunction and later extensive neuronal death in the CNS. Recent evidence indicates that A beta oligomers are recruited at the synapse, oppose expression of long-term potentiation (LTP), perturb intracellular calcium balance, disrupt dendritic spines, and induce memory deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these outcomes are only partially understood; achieving such insight is necessary for the comprehension of A beta-mediated neuronal dysfunction. We have investigated the role of the phosphatase calcineurin (CaN) in these pathological processes of AD. CaN is especially abundant in the CNS, where it is involved in synaptic activity, LTP, and memory function. Here, we describe how oligomeric A beta treatment causes memory deficits and depresses LTP expression in a CaN-dependent fashion. Mice given a single intracerebroventricular injection of A beta oligomers exhibited increased CaN activity and decreased pCREB, a transcription factor involved in proper synaptic function, accompanied by decreased memory in a fear conditioning task. These effects were reversed by treatment with the CaN inhibitor FK506. We further found that expression of hippocampal LTP in acutely cultured rodent brain slices was opposed by A beta oligomers and that this effect was also reversed by FK506. Collectively, these results indicate that CaN activation may play a central role in mediating synaptic and memory disruption induced by acute oligomeric A beta treatment in mice. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Neutrophil chemotaxis in response to TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3) is mediated by fibronectin.

    PubMed

    Parekh, T; Saxena, B; Reibman, J; Cronstein, B N; Gold, L I

    1994-03-01

    TGF-beta isoforms regulate numerous cellular functions including cell growth and differentiation, the cellular synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin (Fn), and the immune response. We have previously shown that TGF-beta 1 is the most potent chemoattractant described for human peripheral blood neutrophils (PMNs), suggesting that TGF-beta s may play a role in the recruitment of PMNs during the initial phase of the inflammatory response. In our current studies, we demonstrate that the maximal chemotactic response was attained near 40 fM for all mammalian TGF-beta isoforms. However, there was a statistically significant difference in migratory distance of the PMNs: TGF-beta 2 (556 microM) > TGF-beta 3 (463 microM) > TGF-beta 1 (380 microM) (beta 2: beta 3, p < or = 0.010; beta 3: beta 1, p < or = 0.04; beta 2: beta 1, p < or = 0.0012). A mAb to the cell binding domain (CBD) of Fn inhibited the chemotactic response to TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 by 63% and to TGF-beta 2 by 70%, whereas the response to FMLP, a classic chemoattractant, was only inhibited by 18%. In contrast, a mAb to a C-terminal epitope of Fn did not retard migration (< 1.5%). The Arg-gly-Asp-ser tetrapeptide inhibited chemotaxis by approximately the same extent as the anti-CBD (52 to 83%). Furthermore, a mAb against the VLA-5 integrin (VLA-5; Fn receptor) also inhibited TGF-beta-induced chemotaxis. These results indicate that chemotaxis of PMNs in response to TGF-beta isoforms is mediated by the interaction of the Arg-gly-Asp-ser sequence in the CBD of Fn with an integrin on the PMN cell surface, primarily the VLA-5 integrin. TGF-beta isoforms also elicited the release of cellular Fn from PMNs; we observed a 2.3-fold increase in Fn (389 to 401 ng/ml) in the supernatants of TGF-beta-stimulated PMNs compared with unstimulated cells (173.6 ng/ml). The concentration of TGF-beta required to cause maximal release of Fn from PMNs (4000 fM) is a concentration at which TGF-beta

  17. 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.

  18. 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

  19. 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.

  20. Maternal breast milk transforming growth factor beta and feeding intolerance in preterm infants

    PubMed Central

    Frost, Brandy L.; Jilling, Tamas; Lapin, Brittany; Maheshwari, Akhil; Caplan, Michael S.

    2015-01-01

    Background Feeding intolerance occurs commonly in the NICU. Breast milk contains a large pool of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Few studies describe TGF-beta levels in preterm milk, and the relationship to feeding intolerance (FI) remains unexplored. We measured TGF-beta levels in preterm breast milk to investigate a correlation with FI in preterm infants. Methods Prospective observational trial of 100 mother-infant pairs, enrolling infants born below 32 weeks gestation and less than 1500 grams, and mothers who planned to provide breast milk. TGF-beta levels were measured using ELISA. Infant charts were reviewed for outcomes. Results TGF-beta declined postnatally, most elevated in colostrum (p<0.01). TGF-beta 2 levels were higher than TGF-beta 1 at all time points (p<0.01). Colostrum TGF-beta levels correlated inversely with birth weight (p<0.01) and gestational age (p<0.05). One week TGF-beta 2 levels were reduced in growth-restricted infants with FI (p<0.01). Of infants with NEC, TGF-beta 2 levels appeared low, but small sample size precluded meaningful statistical comparisons. Conclusions TGF-beta levels decline temporally in preterm milk. TGF-beta 1 colostrum levels correlate inversely with birth weight and gestational age. TGF-beta 2 may play a role in FI in growth-restricted infants. The relationship of TGF-beta 2 and NEC merits future investigation. PMID:24995914

  1. 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

  2. Is beta-thalassemia trait a protective factor against ischemic cerebrovascular accidents?

    PubMed

    Karimi, Mehran; Borhani Haghighi, Afshin; Yazdani, Maryam; Raisi, Hamideh; Giti, Rahil; Namazee, Mohammad Reza

    2008-01-01

    In this research, we sought to determine the association between beta-thalassemia trait and ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA). In acase-control study, 148 patients with thromboembolic cerebrovascular events were evaluated for the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and beta-thalassemia trait. A total of 156 age- and sex-matched patients with no cardiac or cerebrovascular diseases, serving as the control group, were also investigated for the above-mentioned risk factors. We found that 6.1% of patients with ischemic CVA and 12.2% of the control group had beta-thalassemia trait (P = .066). In male patients, the negative association between ischemic CVA and presence of beta-thalassemia trait was significant (P = .008). In patients, the prevalence of hypertension was also significantly different between those with and without beta-thalassemia trait (P = .01); those with beta-thalassemia trait had a lower mean blood pressure than those without the trait. beta-Thalassemia trait may have a protective effect against ischemic CVA that might be caused by the lower arterial blood pressure observed in those with this trait.

  3. Selective regulation of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in the human heart by chronic beta-adrenoceptor antagonist treatment.

    PubMed Central

    Michel, M. C.; Pingsmann, A.; Beckeringh, J. J.; Zerkowski, H. R.; Doetsch, N.; Brodde, O. E.

    1988-01-01

    1. In 44 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, the effect of chronic administration of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists sotalol, propranolol, pindolol, metoprolol and atenolol on beta-adrenoceptor density in right atria (containing 70% beta 1- and 30% beta 2-adrenoceptors) and in lymphocytes (having only beta 2-adrenoceptors) was studied. 2. beta-Adrenoceptor density in right atrial membranes and in intact lymphocytes was assessed by (-)-[125I]-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) binding; the relative amount of right atrial beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors was determined by inhibition of ICYP binding by the selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551 and analysis of the resulting competition curves by the iterative curve fitting programme LIGAND. 3. With the exception of pindolol, all beta-adrenoceptor antagonists increased right atrial beta-adrenoceptor density compared to that observed in atria from patients not treated with beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. 4. All beta-adrenoceptor antagonists increased right atrial beta 1-adrenoceptor density; on the other hand, only sotalol and propranolol also increased right atrial beta 2-adrenoceptor density, whereas metoprolol and atenolol did not affect it and pindolol decreased it. 5. Similarly, in corresponding lymphocytes, only sotalol or propranolol increased beta 2-adrenoceptor density, while metoprolol and atenolol did not affect it and pindolol decreased it. 6. It is concluded that beta-adrenoceptor antagonists subtype-selectively regulate cardiac and lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor subtypes. The selective increase in cardiac beta 1-adrenoceptor density evoked by metoprolol and atenolol may be one of the reasons for the beneficial effects observed in patients with end-stage congestive cardiomyopathy following intermittent treatment with low doses of selective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonists. PMID:2902891

  4. 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.

  5. Determination of correction factors in beta radiation beams using Monte Carlo method.

    PubMed

    Polo, Ivón Oramas; Santos, William de Souza; Caldas, Linda V E

    2018-06-15

    The absorbed dose rate is the main characterization quantity for beta radiation. The extrapolation chamber is considered the primary standard instrument. To determine absorbed dose rates in beta radiation beams, it is necessary to establish several correction factors. In this work, the correction factors for the backscatter due to the collecting electrode and to the guard ring, and the correction factor for Bremsstrahlung in beta secondary standard radiation beams are presented. For this purpose, the Monte Carlo method was applied. The results obtained are considered acceptable, and they agree within the uncertainties. The differences between the backscatter factors determined by the Monte Carlo method and those of the ISO standard were 0.6%, 0.9% and 2.04% for 90 Sr/ 90 Y, 85 Kr and 147 Pm sources respectively. The differences between the Bremsstrahlung factors determined by the Monte Carlo method and those of the ISO were 0.25%, 0.6% and 1% for 90 Sr/ 90 Y, 85 Kr and 147 Pm sources respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Tetraspanin CD151 regulates alpha6beta1 integrin adhesion strengthening

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lammerding, Jan; Kazarov, Alexander R.; Huang, Hayden; Lee, Richard T.; Hemler, Martin E.

    2003-01-01

    The tetraspanin CD151 molecule associates specifically with laminin-binding integrins, including alpha6beta1. To probe strength of alpha6beta1-dependent adhesion to laminin-1, defined forces (0-1.5 nN) were applied to magnetic laminin-coated microbeads bound to NIH 3T3 cells. For NIH 3T3 cells bearing wild-type CD151, adhesion strengthening was observed, as bead detachment became more difficult over time. In contrast, mutant CD151 (with the C-terminal region replaced) showed impaired adhesion strengthening. Static cell adhesion to laminin-1, and detachment of beads coated with fibronectin or anti-alpha6 antibody were all unaffected by CD151 mutation. Hence, CD151 plays a key role in selectively strengthening alpha6beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion to laminin-1.

  7. 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

  8. Binding of TEM-1 beta-lactamase to beta-lactam antibiotics by frontal affinity chromatography.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiu; Li, Yuhua; Zhang, Yan; Yang, Jianting; Bian, Liujiao

    2017-04-15

    TEM-1 beta-lactamases can accurately catalyze the hydrolysis of the beta-lactam rings in beta-lactam antibiotics, which make beta-lactam antibiotics lose its activity, and the prerequisite for the hydrolysis procedure in the binding interaction of TEM-1 beta-lactamases with beta-lactam antibiotics is the beta-lactam rings in beta-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, the binding of TEM-1 beta-lactamase to three beta-lactam antibiotics including penicillin G, cefalexin as well as cefoxitin was explored here by frontal affinity chromatography in combination with fluorescence spectra, adsorption and thermodynamic data in the temperature range of 278-288K under simulated physiological conditions. The results showed that all the binding of TEM-1 beta-lactamase to the three antibiotics were spontaneously exothermic processes with the binding constants of 8.718×10 3 , 6.624×10 3 and 2.244×10 3 (mol/L), respectively at 288K. All the TEM-1 beta-lactamases were immobilized on the surface of the stationary phase in the mode of monolayer and there existed only one type of binding sites on them. Each TEM-1 beta-lactamase bound with only one beta-lactam antibiotic and hydrogen bond interaction and Van der Waals force were the main forces between them. This work provided an insight into the binding interactions between TEM-1 beta-lactamases and beta-lactam antibiotics, which may be beneficial for the designing and developing of new substrates resistant to TEM-1 beta-lactamases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. 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.

  10. TGF-beta1 secretion of ROS-17/2.8 cultures on NiTi implant material.

    PubMed

    Kapanen, Anita; Kinnunen, Anne; Ryhänen, Jorma; Tuukkanen, Juha

    2002-08-01

    The biocompatibility of an orthopedic implant depends on the effect of the implant on bone-forming cells, osteoblasts. Changes in osteoblastic proliferation, maturation and differentiation are important events in ossification that enable monitoring the effect of the implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is known to suppress osteoblast proliferation and, on the other hand, to induce the maturation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Moreover, osteoblasts produce TGF-beta, which is embedded in the bone matrix and activated by bone-resorbing osteoclasts. TGF-beta inhibits osteoclastic activity. Here, we show for the first time the effect of nickel titanium shape memory metal (NiTi) on osteoblastic cytokine expression. In this study, we measured the levels of TGF-beta with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from a ROS-17/2.8 osteosarcoma cell line cultured on different metal alloy discs. ELISA results were proportioned to total DNA content of the samples. We compared NiTi, to stainless steel (Stst), pure titanium (Ti) and pure nickel (Ni). The TGF-beta1/DNA value in the NiTi group (0.0007 +/- 0.0003) was comparable with those seen in the Stst (0.0008 +/- 0.0001) and Ti (0.0007 +/- 0.0001) groups. The concentration in the Ni group was lower (0.0006 +/- 0.0003), though not statistically significantly so. In addition, the effect of surface roughness on TGF-beta1 production was studied. We compared three different grades of roughness in three differently hot-rolled alloys: NiTi. hot-rolled at 950 degrees C. Ti alloy hot-rolled at 850 degrees C (TiI) and the same Ti alloy hot-rolled at 1,050 degrees C (TiII). We found that increasing roughness of the NiTi surface increased the TGF-beta1 concentration. On the other hand, all roughness groups of TiII showed low levels of TGF-beta1. while a rough TiI surface induced similar TGF-beta1, expression as rough NiTi. Further, these same measurements made with interleukine 6 (IL-6) were found to be under the

  11. 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.

  12. Pro-tumorigenic effects of transforming growth factor beta 1 in canine osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Portela, R F; Fadl-Alla, B A; Pondenis, H C; Byrum, M L; Garrett, L D; Wycislo, K L; Borst, L B; Fan, T M

    2014-01-01

    Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is a pleiotropic cytokine that contributes to reparative skeletal remodeling by inducing osteoblast proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Organic bone matrix is the largest bodily reservoir for latent TGFβ1, and active osteoblasts express cognate receptors for TGFβ1 (TGFβRI and TGFβRII). During malignant osteolysis, TGFβ1 is liberated from eroded bone matrix and promotes local progression of osteotropic solid tumors by its mitogenic and prosurvival activities. Canine osteosarcoma (OS) cells will possess TGFβ1 signaling machinery. Blockade of TGFβ1 signaling will attenuate pro-tumorigenic activities in OS cells. Naturally occurring primary OS samples will express cognate TGFβ1 receptors; and in dogs with OS, focal malignant osteolysis will contribute to circulating TGFβ1 concentrations. Thirty-three dogs with appendicular OS. Expression of TGFβ1 and its cognate receptors, as well as the biologic effects of TGFβ1 blockade, was characterized in OS cells. Ten spontaneous OS samples were characterized for TGFβRI/II expressions by immunohistochemistry. In 33 dogs with OS, plasma TGFβ1 concentrations were quantified and correlated with bone resorption. Canine OS cells secrete TGFβ1, express cognate receptors, and TGFβ1 signaling blockade decreases proliferation, migration, and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion. Naturally occurring OS samples abundantly and uniformly express TGFβRI/II, and in OS-bearing dogs, circulating TGFβ1 concentrations correlate with urine N-telopeptide excretion. Canine OS cells possess TGFβ1 signaling machinery, potentially allowing for the establishment of an autocrine and paracrine pro-tumorigenic signaling loop. As such, TGFβ1 inhibitors might impede localized OS progression in dogs. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  13. 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.

  14. [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.

  15. Lipopolysaccharide inhibits transforming growth factor-beta1-stimulated Smad6 expression by inducing phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 through a TLR4-IRAK1-ERK1/2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Kim, Eun-Ye; Kim, Byung-Chul

    2011-03-09

    Smad6, one of the inhibitory Smads, plays an important role in transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1)-mediated negative regulation of pro-inflammatory signaling. In this study, we found that bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits TGF-β1-induced expression of Smad6 in RAW264.7 cells. This repression was accompanied by increased Smad3 linker phosphorylation at Thr-179 and Ser-208 and was dependent on ERK1/2 activity via the TLR4-IRAK1-linked signaling cascade. The expression of a mutant Smad3, that lacks the phosphorylation sites in the linker regions, significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of LPS on TGF-β1-induced Smad6 expression and its anti-inflammatory capacity. Collectively, our findings show how LPS pro-inflammatory signal antagonizes the anti-inflammatory activity of TGF-β1. Copyright © 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. 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

  17. Association of transforming growth factor-beta1 gene polymorphism in the development of Epstein-Barr virus-related hematologic diseases.

    PubMed

    Hatta, Kanako; Morimoto, Akira; Ishii, Eiichi; Kimura, Hiroshi; Ueda, Ikuyo; Hibi, Shigeyoshi; Todo, Shinjiro; Sugimoto, Tohru; Imashuku, Shinsaku

    2007-11-01

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with various hematologic disorders, including primary acute infectious mononucleosis (IM), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH), chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and malignant lymphomas. Although cytokines play a central role in EBV-related immune responses, the exact mechanisms causing different clinical responses remain unclear. In this study, the pattern of cytokine gene polymorphisms was comparatively analyzed in EBV-related diseases. Eighty-nine patients with EBV-related disease were analyzed; 30 with IM, 28 with EBV-HLH and 31 with CAEBV. Eighty-one EBV-seropositive healthy adults were also used as controls. Associations with polymorphisms of various cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were evaluated. The gene polymorphisms were typed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. A significant difference of polymorphisms was found for transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1; the frequency of TGF-beta1 codon 10 C allele was significantly higher in patients with EBV-related diseases than in controls (p<0.001). The difference was significant in patients with IM or HLH (p<0.001), but not in those with CAEBV (p=0.127), compared with controls. As regards other cytokines, the frequency of the IL-1 alpha -889 C allele was significantly lower in patients with IM than in controls (p<0.05). Our results suggests that TGF-beta1 codon 10 C allele plays a role in the development of EBV-related diseases and that the IL-1 alpha -889 C allele may be involved in response failure and sequential progression into the development of HLH.

  18. 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

  19. Rab-coupling protein coordinates recycling of alpha5beta1 integrin and EGFR1 to promote cell migration in 3D microenvironments.

    PubMed

    Caswell, Patrick T; Chan, May; Lindsay, Andrew J; McCaffrey, Mary W; Boettiger, David; Norman, Jim C

    2008-10-06

    Here we show that blocking the adhesive function of alphavbeta3 integrin with soluble RGD ligands, such as osteopontin or cilengitide, promoted association of Rab-coupling protein (RCP) with alpha5beta1 integrin and drove RCP-dependent recycling of alpha5beta1 to the plasma membrane and its mobilization to dynamic ruffling protrusions at the cell front. These RCP-driven changes in alpha5beta1 trafficking led to acquisition of rapid/random movement on two-dimensional substrates and to a marked increase in fibronectin-dependent migration of tumor cells into three-dimensional matrices. Recycling of alpha5beta1 integrin did not affect its regulation or ability to form adhesive bonds with substrate fibronectin. Instead, alpha5beta1 controlled the association of EGFR1 with RCP to promote the coordinate recycling of these two receptors. This modified signaling downstream of EGFR1 to increase its autophosphorylation and activation of the proinvasive kinase PKB/Akt. We conclude that RCP provides a scaffold that promotes the physical association and coordinate trafficking of alpha5beta1 and EGFR1 and that this drives migration of tumor cells into three-dimensional matrices.

  20. Treatment with unsaponifiable extracts of avocado and soybean increases TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in canine joint fluid.

    PubMed

    Altinel, Levent; Saritas, Z Kadir; Kose, Kamil Cagri; Pamuk, Kamuran; Aksoy, Yusuf; Serteser, Mustafa

    2007-02-01

    Avocado and soya unsaponifiables (ASU) are plant extracts used as a slow-acting antiarthritic agent. ASU stimulate the synthesis of matrix components by chondrocytes, probably by increasing the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is expressed by chondrocytes and osteoblasts and is present in cartilage matrix. This study investigates the effect of ASU treatment on the levels of two isoforms of TGFbeta, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, in the knee joint fluid using a canine model. Twenty-four outbred dogs were divided into three groups. The control animals were given a normal diet, while the treated animals were given 300 mg ASU every three days or every day. Joint fluid samples were obtained prior to treatment, and at the end of every month (up to three months). TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels were measured using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. ASU treatment caused an increase in TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in the joint fluid when compared to controls. The different doses did not cause a significant difference in joint fluid TGF levels. TGF-beta1 levels in the treated animals reached maximum values at the end of the second month and then decreased after the third month, while TGF-beta2 levels showed a marginal increase during the first two months, followed by a marked increase at the end of the third month. In conclusion, ASU increased both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in knee joint fluid.

  1. Role of caspase-1 and interleukin-1{beta} in acetaminophen-induced hepatic inflammation and liver injury

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

    Williams, C. David; Farhood, Anwar; Jaeschke, Hartmut, E-mail: hjaeschke@kumc.ed

    2010-09-15

    Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can result in serious liver injury and potentially death. Toxicity is dependent on metabolism of APAP to a reactive metabolite initiating a cascade of intracellular events resulting in hepatocellular necrosis. This early injury triggers a sterile inflammatory response with formation of cytokines and innate immune cell infiltration in the liver. Recently, IL-1{beta} signaling has been implicated in the potentiation of APAP-induced liver injury. To test if IL-1{beta} formation through caspase-1 is critical for the pathophysiology, C57Bl/6 mice were treated with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VD-fmk to block the inflammasome-mediated maturation of IL-1{beta} during APAP overdose (300 mg/kg APAP).more » This intervention did not affect IL-1{beta} gene transcription but prevented the increase in IL-1{beta} plasma levels. However, APAP-induced liver injury and neutrophil infiltration were not affected. Similarly, liver injury and the hepatic neutrophilic inflammation were not attenuated in IL-1-receptor-1 deficient mice compared to wild-type animals. To evaluate the potential of IL-1{beta} to increase injury, mice were given pharmacological doses of IL-1{beta} after APAP overdose. Despite increased systemic activation of neutrophils and recruitment into the liver, there was no alteration in injury. We conclude that endogenous IL-1{beta} formation after APAP overdose is insufficient to activate and recruit neutrophils into the liver or cause liver injury. Even high pharmacological doses of IL-1{beta}, which induce hepatic neutrophil accumulation and activation, do not enhance APAP-induced liver injury. Thus, IL-1 signaling is irrelevant for APAP hepatotoxicity. The inflammatory cascade is a less important therapeutic target than intracellular signaling pathways to attenuate APAP-induced liver injury.« less

  2. 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.

  3. The Arg389Gly beta1-adrenoceptor polymorphism does not affect cardiac effects of exercise after parasympathetic inhibition by atropine.

    PubMed

    Leineweber, Kirsten; Bruck, Heike; Temme, Thomas; Heusch, Gerd; Philipp, Thomas; Brodde, Otto-Erich

    2006-01-01

    In vitro, Arg389Gly beta1-adrenoceptor (AR) polymorphism exhibits decreased beta-AR signalling. In vivo, beta1-AR-mediated cardiac effects of exercise showed no genotype-dependent differences in Arg389 vs. Gly389 beta1-AR subjects. We studied in 16 male subjects homozygous Arg389 or Gly389 beta1-AR, whether blockade of parasympathetic activity might unmask genotype-dependence of exercise effects. Subjects were infused with atropine (10 microg/kg i.v. loading dose followed by continuous i.v. infusion of 0.15 microg/kg/min throughout exercise-time); 20 min after start of atropine bicycle-exercise in supine position (25, 50, 75 and 100 W for 5 min each) was performed and heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, plasma noradrenaline and plasma-renin activity were assessed. Exercise-evoked increases in all but one parameters were not different between Arg389 and Gly389 beta1-AR subjects; only plasma noradrenaline increased slightly more in Gly389 vs. Arg389 beta1-AR subjects. It appears to be unlikely that lack of Arg389Gly beta1-AR genotype-dependence of exercise-effects can be explained by influences of parasympathetic activity.

  4. Core-binding factor beta interacts with Runx2 and is required for skeletal development.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Carolina A; Furuichi, Tatsuya; Fujita, Takashi; Fukuyama, Ryo; Kanatani, Naoko; Kobayashi, Shinji; Satake, Masanobu; Takada, Kenji; Komori, Toshihisa

    2002-12-01

    Core-binding factor beta (CBFbeta, also called polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2beta (PEBP2B)) is associated with an inversion of chromosome 16 and is associated with acute myeloid leukemia in humans. CBFbeta forms a heterodimer with RUNX1 (runt-related transcription factor 1), which has a DNA binding domain homologous to the pair-rule protein runt in Drosophila melanogaster. Both RUNX1 and CBFbeta are essential for hematopoiesis. Haploinsufficiency of another runt-related protein, RUNX2 (also called CBFA1), causes cleidocranial dysplasia in humans and is essential in skeletal development by regulating osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. Mice deficient in Cbfb (Cbfb(-/-)) die at midgestation, so the function of Cbfbeta in skeletal development has yet to be ascertained. To investigate this issue, we rescued hematopoiesis of Cbfb(-/-) mice by introducing Cbfb using the Gata1 promoter. The rescued Cbfb(-/-) mice recapitulated fetal liver hematopoiesis in erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages and survived until birth, but showed severely delayed bone formation. Although mesenchymal cells differentiated into immature osteoblasts, intramembranous bones were poorly formed. The maturation of chondrocytes into hypertrophic cells was markedly delayed, and no endochondral bones were formed. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and reporter assays showed that Cbfbeta was necessary for the efficient DNA binding of Runx2 and for Runx2-dependent transcriptional activation. These findings indicate that Cbfbeta is required for the function of Runx2 in skeletal development.

  5. Effect of botulinum toxin type A on transforming growth factor beta1 in fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scar: a preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Zhibo; Zhang, Fengmin; Lin, Weibin; Zhang, Miaobo; Liu, Ying

    2010-08-01

    Hypertrophic scar is a common dermal disease. Numerous treatments are currently available but they do not always yield excellent therapeutic results. Hence, alternatives are needed. Recent basic and clinical research has shown that botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) has antihypertrophic scar properties but the molecular mechanism for this action is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of BTXA on transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scar and further elucidate its actual mechanism. Fibroblasts were isolated from tissue specimens of hypertrophic scar. Fibroblasts were treated with BTXA and the difference in proliferation between treated and nontreated cells was analyzed through the MTT method from the first to the fifth day after treatment. Proteins of TGF-beta1 were checked using ELISA in fibroblasts with BTXA and without BTXA from the first to the fifth day. The growth of the fibroblast treated with BTXA was obviously slower than that of the fibroblast without BTXA treatment (p < 0.01), which showed that BTXA effectively inhibited the growth of fibroblasts. Proteins of TGF-beta1 between fibroblasts with BTXA and fibroblasts without BTXA are statistically significant (p < 0.01). These results suggest that BTXA effectively inhibited the growth of fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scar and in turn caused a decrease in TGF-beta1 protein, indicating that BTXA-based therapies for hypertrophic scar are promising and worth investigating further.

  6. Calcium Co-regulates Oxidative Metabolism and ATP Synthase-dependent Respiration in Pancreatic Beta Cells

    PubMed Central

    De Marchi, Umberto; Thevenet, Jonathan; Hermant, Aurelie; Dioum, Elhadji; Wiederkehr, Andreas

    2014-01-01

    Mitochondrial energy metabolism is essential for glucose-induced calcium signaling and, therefore, insulin granule exocytosis in pancreatic beta cells. Calcium signals are sensed by mitochondria acting in concert with mitochondrial substrates for the full activation of the organelle. Here we have studied glucose-induced calcium signaling and energy metabolism in INS-1E insulinoma cells and human islet beta cells. In insulin secreting cells a surprisingly large fraction of total respiration under resting conditions is ATP synthase-independent. We observe that ATP synthase-dependent respiration is markedly increased after glucose stimulation. Glucose also causes a very rapid elevation of oxidative metabolism as was followed by NAD(P)H autofluorescence. However, neither the rate of the glucose-induced increase nor the new steady-state NAD(P)H levels are significantly affected by calcium. Our findings challenge the current view, which has focused mainly on calcium-sensitive dehydrogenases as the target for the activation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. We propose a model of tight calcium-dependent regulation of oxidative metabolism and ATP synthase-dependent respiration in beta cell mitochondria. Coordinated activation of matrix dehydrogenases and respiratory chain activity by calcium allows the respiratory rate to change severalfold with only small or no alterations of the NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratio. PMID:24554722

  7. Temperature dependence of the Haven ratio in silver beta-alumina

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

    Kim, K. K.; Chandrashekhar, G. V.; Chen, W. K.

    Measurements of Ag diffusivity (D) and ionic conductivity (sigma) have been made on the same single crystals of silver beta-alumina with composition 1.23 Ag/sub 2/0.11 Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/. The D values were obtained from the cation exchange rate of radiotracer /sup 110/Ag in molten AgNO/sub 3/ over 210/sup 0/ C approx. 400/sup 0/C. The sigma measurements were made using an impedance bridge with sputtered silver electrodes at a frequency of 3 x 10/sup 5/ Hz over R.T approx. 450/sup 0/C. Both D and sigma can be expressed in a simple Arrhenius form as: D = 1.47 x 10/sup -4/(cm/sup 2//sec)more » exp (-4.05(Kcal/mol)/RT); sigmaT = 1.58 x 10/sup 3/(ohm/sup -1/cm/sup -1/K) exp (-3.77(Kcal/mol)/RT). The Haven ratio varies from 0.51 at 200/sup 0/C to 0.56 at 400/sup 0/C. The magnitude of these values is very close to the theoretical value of 0.6 for interstitialcy mechanism. The temperature dependence is strikingly similar to the case of sodium beta-alumina.« less

  8. Stimulation of interleukin-1 beta production of human dental pulp cells by Porphyromonas endodontalis lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed

    Hosoya, S; Matsushima, K

    1997-01-01

    IL-1 beta is synthesized as an inactive precursor, which is subsequently processed by IL-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) and found extracellularly as a mature biologically active polypeptide. Also, IL-1 beta has been detected in necrotic and inflamed dental pulp. We examined the IL-1 beta production in human dental pulp (HDP) cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas endodontalis (P. e.) isolated from root canals and radicular cyst fluids. We demonstrated that P. e. LPS stimulated IL-1 beta release from HDP cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, ICE activity was not increased by P. e. LPS. Northern blot hybridization analysis revealed that the IL-1 beta mRNA level in HDP cells was increased by P. e. LPS. These results suggest that stimulation of IL-1 beta release from HDP cells by P. e. LPS may have an important role in the progression of inflammation in pulpal and periapical disease.

  9. 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)

  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. Cell-to-cell contact dependence and junctional protein content are correlated with in vivo maturation of pancreatic beta cells.

    PubMed

    Santos-Silva, Junia Carolina; Carvalho, Carolina Prado de França; de Oliveira, Ricardo Beltrame; Boschero, Antonio Carlos; Collares-Buzato, Carla Beatriz

    2012-07-01

    In this study, we investigated the cellular distribution of junctional proteins and the dependence on cell-cell contacts of pancreatic beta cells during animal development. Fetus and newborn rat islets, which display a relatively poor insulin secretory response to glucose, present an immature morphology and cytoarchitecture when compared with young and adult islets that are responsive to glucose. At the perinatal stage, beta cells display a low junctional content of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), α- and β-catenins, ZO-1, and F-actin, while a differential distribution of N-CAM and Pan-cadherin was seen in beta cells and nonbeta cells only from young and adult islets. In the absence of intercellular contacts, the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was completely blocked in adult beta cells, but after reaggregation they partially reestablished the secretory response to glucose. By contrast, neonatal beta cells were poorly responsive to sugar, regardless of whether they were arranged as intact islets or as isolated cells. Interestingly, after 10 days of culturing, neonatal beta cells, known to display increased junctional protein content in vitro, became responsive to glucose and concomitantly dependent on cell-cell contacts. Therefore, our data suggest that the developmental acquisition of an adult-like insulin secretory pattern is paralleled by a dependence on direct cell-cell interactions.

  12. 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.

  13. Dopamine transporter-dependent and -independent actions of trace amine beta-phenylethylamine.

    PubMed

    Sotnikova, Tatyana D; Budygin, Evgeny A; Jones, Sara R; Dykstra, Linda A; Caron, Marc G; Gainetdinov, Raul R

    2004-10-01

    Beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA) is an endogenous amine that is found in trace amounts in the brain. It is believed that the locomotor-stimulating action of beta-PEA, much like amphetamine, depends on its ability to increase extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations owing to reversal of the direction of dopamine transporter (DAT)-mediated DA transport. beta-PEA can also bind directly to the recently identified G protein-coupled receptors, but the physiological significance of this interaction is unclear. To assess the mechanism by which beta-PEA mediates its effects, we compared the neurochemical and behavioral effects of this amine in wild type (WT), heterozygous and 'null' DAT mutant mice. In microdialysis studies, beta-PEA, administered either systemically or locally via intrastriatal infusion, produced a pronounced outflow of striatal DA in WT mice whereas no increase was detected in mice lacking the DAT (DAT-KO mice). Similarly, in fast-scan voltammetry studies beta-PEA did not alter DA release and clearance rate in striatal slices from DAT-KO mice. In behavioral studies beta-PEA produced a robust but transient increase in locomotor activity in WT and heterozygous mice. In DAT-KO mice, whose locomotor activity and stereotypy are increased in a novel environment, beta-PEA (10-100 mg/kg) exerted a potent inhibitory action. At high doses, beta-PEA induced stereotypies in WT and heterozygous mice; some manifestations of stereotypy were also observed in the DAT-KO mice. These data demonstrate that the DAT is required for the striatal DA-releasing and hyperlocomotor actions of beta-PEA. The inhibitory action on hyperactivity and certain stereotypies induced by beta-PEA in DAT-KO mice indicate that targets other than the DAT are responsible for these effects.

  14. Dexamethasone inhibits high glucose-, TNF-alpha-, and IL-1beta-induced secretion of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators from retinal microvascular pericytes.

    PubMed

    Nehmé, Alissar; Edelman, Jeffrey

    2008-05-01

    To characterize the effects of dexamethasone in human retinal pericytes (HRMPs), monocytes (THP-1), and retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) treated with high glucose, TNF-alpha, or IL-1beta. HRMP and HREC phenotypes were verified by growth factor stimulation of intracellular calcium-ion mobilization. Glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation was assessed with an anti-phospho-Ser(211) glucocorticoid receptor antibody. Secretion of 89 inflammatory and angiogenic proteins were compared in cells incubated with (1) normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) D-glucose and (2) control medium, TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL), or IL-1beta (10 ng/mL), with or without dexamethasone (1 nM to 1 microM). The proteins were compared by using multianalyte profile testing. HRMPs and HRECs expressed functional PDGFB-R and VEGFR-2, respectively. Dexamethasone induction of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation was dose-dependent in all cell types. High glucose increased secretion of inflammatory mediators in HRMPs, but not in HRECs. Dexamethasone dose dependently inhibited secretion of these mediators in HRMPs. For all cells, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induced a fivefold or more increase in inflammatory and angiogenic mediators; HRMPs secreted the greatest number and level of mediators. Dexamethasone dose dependently inhibited the secretion of multiple proteins from HRMPs and THP-1 cells, but not from HRECs (IC(50) 2 nM to 1 microM). High glucose, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta induced an inflammatory phenotype in HRMPs, characterized by hypersecretion of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators. Dexamethasone at various potencies blocked hypersecretion of several proteins. Pericytes may be a key therapeutic target in retinal inflammatory diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. Inhibition of pathologic mediators may depend on delivering high levels ( approximately 1 microM) of glucocorticoid to the retina.

  15. 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.

  16. Cutting edge: spontaneous development of IL-17-producing gamma delta T cells in the thymus occurs via a TGF-beta 1-dependent mechanism.

    PubMed

    Do, Jeong-su; Fink, Pamela J; Li, Lily; Spolski, Rosanne; Robinson, Janet; Leonard, Warren J; Letterio, John J; Min, Booki

    2010-02-15

    In naive animals, gammadelta T cells are innate sources of IL-17, a potent proinflammatory cytokine mediating bacterial clearance as well as autoimmunity. However, mechanisms underlying the generation of these cells in vivo remain unclear. In this study, we show that TGF-beta1 plays a key role in the generation of IL-17(+) gammadelta T cells and that it mainly occurs in the thymus particularly during the postnatal period. Interestingly, IL-17(+) gammadelta TCR(+) thymocytes were mainly CD44(high)CD25(low) cells, which seem to derive from double-negative 4 gammadelta TCR(+) cells that acquired CD44 and IL-17 expression. Our findings identify a novel developmental pathway during which IL-17-competent gammadelta T cells arise in the thymus by a TGF-beta1-dependent mechanism.

  17. Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1) interacts with beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m) and may help initiate beta2-m amyloid fibril formation in connective tissues.

    PubMed

    Morimoto, Hisanori; Wada, Jun; Font, Bernard; Mott, Joni D; Hulmes, David J S; Ookoshi, Tadakazu; Naiki, Hironobu; Yasuhara, Akihiro; Nakatsuka, Atsuko; Fukuoka, Kousuke; Takatori, Yuji; Ichikawa, Haruo; Akagi, Shigeru; Nakao, Kazushi; Makino, Hirofumi

    2008-04-01

    Dialysis related amyloidosis (DRA) is a progressive and serious complication in patients under long-term hemodialysis and mainly leads to osteo-articular diseases. Although beta(2)-microglobulin (beta2-m) is the major structural component of beta2-m amyloid fibrils, the initiation of amyloid formation is not clearly understood. Here, we have identified procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1) as a new interacting protein with beta2-m by screening a human synovium cDNA library. The interaction of beta2-m with full-length PCPE-1 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, solid-phase binding and pull-down assays. By yeast two-hybrid analysis and pull-down assay, beta2-m appeared to interact with PCPE-1 via the NTR (netrin-like) domain and not via the CUB (C1r/C1s, Uegf and BMP-1) domain region. In synovial tissues derived from hemodialysis patients with DRA, beta2-m co-localized and formed a complex with PCPE-1. beta2-m did not alter the basal activity of bone morphogenetic protein-1/procollagen C-proteinase (BMP-1/PCP) nor BMP-1/PCP activity enhanced by PCPE-1. PCPE-1 did not stimulate beta2-m amyloid fibril formation from monomeric beta2-m in vitro under acidic and neutral conditions as revealed by thioflavin T fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Since PCPE-1 is abundantly expressed in connective tissues rich in type I collagen, it may be involved in the initial accumulation of beta2-m in selected tissues such as tendon, synovium and bone. Furthermore, since such preferential deposition of beta2-m may be linked to subsequent beta2-m amyloid fibril formation, the disruption of the interaction between beta2-m and PCPE-1 may prevent beta2-m amyloid fibril formation and therefore PCPE-1 could be a new target for the treatment of DRA.

  18. Time-temperature dependent variations in beta-carotene contents in carrot using different spectrophotometric techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ullah, Rahat; Khan, Saranjam; Shah, Attaullah; Ali, Hina; Bilal, Muhammad

    2018-05-01

    The current study presents time dependent variations in the concentration of beta-carotene in carrot under different storage-temperature conditions using UV–VIS and Raman spectrophotometric techniques. The UV–VIS absorption spectra of beta-carotene extracted from carrot shows three distinct absorption peaks at 442, 467, and 500 nm with maximum absorption at 467 nm. These absorption peaks are very much reproducible and are assigned to β-carotene. Similarly, Raman spectra of carrot samples also confirmed the three main Raman peaks of beta-carotene at shift positions 1003, 1150, and 1515 cm‑1. An overall decrease in beta-carotene content has been observed for time-temperature conditions. These results depict a decrease of about 40% in the content of beta-carotene when carrot samples were stored in a refrigerator (4 °C) for the first 20 d, whereas a decrease of about 25% was observed when carrot samples were stored in a freezer (‑16 °C) for the same period. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of Raman spectroscopy and UV–VIS spectroscopy for quick and detailed analysis of changes (degradation) in beta-carotene content associated with time and temperature in storage (frozen foods) in order to promote quality foods for consumers. Future study with a greater focus on the concentration/content of beta-carotene in other fruits/vegetables is also desirable.

  19. Pregnancy outcome in dairy and beef cattle after artificial insemination and treatment with seminal plasma or transforming growth factor beta-1.

    PubMed

    Odhiambo, J F; Poole, D H; Hughes, L; Dejarnette, J M; Inskeep, E K; Dailey, R A

    2009-09-01

    Reduced capability of the uterus to support pregnancy in the absence of its interaction with secretions from male accessory glands has been demonstrated in rodents and to some extent in pigs. However, in cattle, the role of postmating inflammatory response on pregnancy success has not been studied. The current study examined the influence of uterine presensitization with seminal antigens at breeding on pregnancy outcome in cows. Lactating beef (n=1090) and dairy (n=800) cows received 0.5 mL seminal plasma (SP), 40 ng recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-beta1), or 0.5 mL bovine serum albumin (BSA), or were left untreated before or at insemination. Semen was deposited into the anterior cervix using a second insemination gun. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 35 to 40 d postinsemination by transrectal ultrasonography or from records of calves born the subsequent calving season. Pregnancy rates in beef cows did not differ among treatments but differed among trials (69.8%, 52.5% vs. 40.3%; P<0.05). In trials where average pregnancy rates were below 50%, treatments with TGF-beta1 but not SP tended (P<0.07) to increase pregnancy rates in beef cows. In dairy cows, SP and TGF-beta1 improved pregnancy outcome by 10 percentage points, but these increments did not achieve statistical significance. In conclusion, this study did not find any conclusive evidence for the effect of TGF-beta1 or seminal plasma on pregnancy outcome in lactating dairy or beef cows but realized marginal improvements when pregnancy rates were below 50% (compromised fertility).

  20. Catfish (Clarias batrachus) serum lectin recognizes polyvalent Tn [alpha-D-GalpNAc1-Ser/Thr], Talpha [beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalpNAc1-Ser/Thr], and II [beta-D-Galp(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc1-] mammalian glycotopes.

    PubMed

    Singha, Biswajit; Adhya, Mausumi; Chatterjee, Bishnu P

    2008-09-22

    A new calcium dependent GalNAc/Gal specific lectin was isolated from the serum of Indian catfish, Clarias batrachus and designated as C. batrachus lectin (CBL). It is a disulfide-linked homodecameric lectin of 74.65kDa subunits and the oligomeric form is essential for its activity. Binding specificity of CBL was investigated by enzyme-linked lectin-sorbent assay using a series of simple sugars, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. GalNAc was more potent inhibitor than Gal; and alpha glycosides of both were more inhibitory than their beta counterparts. CBL showed maximum affinity for human tumor-associated Tn-antigens (GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr) at the molecular level and was 3.5 times higher than GalNAc. CBL interacted strongly with polyvalent Tn and Talpha (Galbeta1,3GalNAcalpha1-) as well as multivalent-II (Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1-) antigens containing glycoproteins and intensity of inhibition was 10(3)-10(5) times more than monovalent ones. The overall specificity of CBL lies in the order of polyvalent Tn, Talpha and II>monovalent Tn > or = Me-alphaGalNAc>monovalent Talpha> Me-betaGalNAc>Me-alphaGal>monovalent T>GalNAc>monovalent F>monovalent II>Me-betaGal>Gal.

  1. Astrocyte transforming growth factor beta 1 promotes inhibitory synapse formation via CaM kinase II signaling.

    PubMed

    Diniz, Luan Pereira; Tortelli, Vanessa; Garcia, Matheus Nunes; Araújo, Ana Paula Bérgamo; Melo, Helen M; Silva, Gisele S Seixas da; Felice, Fernanda G De; Alves-Leon, Soniza Vieira; Souza, Jorge Marcondes de; Romão, Luciana Ferreira; Castro, Newton Gonçalves; Gomes, Flávia Carvalho Alcantara

    2014-12-01

    The balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs is critical for the control of brain function. Astrocytes play important role in the development and maintenance of neuronal circuitry. Whereas astrocytes-derived molecules involved in excitatory synapses are recognized, molecules and molecular mechanisms underlying astrocyte-induced inhibitory synapses remain unknown. Here, we identified transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), derived from human and murine astrocytes, as regulator of inhibitory synapse in vitro and in vivo. Conditioned media derived from human and murine astrocytes induce inhibitory synapse formation in cerebral cortex neurons, an event inhibited by pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of the TGF-β pathway. TGF-β1-induction of inhibitory synapse depends on glutamatergic activity and activation of CaM kinase II, which thus induces localization and cluster formation of the synaptic adhesion protein, Neuroligin 2, in inhibitory postsynaptic terminals. Additionally, intraventricular injection of TGF-β1 enhanced inhibitory synapse number in the cerebral cortex. Our results identify TGF-β1/CaMKII pathway as a novel molecular mechanism underlying astrocyte control of inhibitory synapse formation. We propose here that the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs might be provided by astrocyte signals, at least partly achieved via TGF-β1 downstream pathways. Our work contributes to the understanding of the GABAergic synapse formation and may be of relevance to further the current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the development of various neurological disorders, which commonly involve impairment of inhibitory synapse transmission. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  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. Temperature-dependent optical band gap of the metastable zinc-blende structure [beta]-GaN

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

    Ramirez-Flores, G.; Navarro-Contreras, H.; Lastras-Martinez, A.

    1994-09-15

    The temperature-dependent (10--300 K) optical band gap [ital E][sub 0]([ital T]) of the epitaxial metastable zinc-blende-structure [beta]-GaN(001)4[times]1 has been determined by modulated photoreflectance and used to interpret low-temperature photoluminescence spectra. [ital E][sub 0] in [beta]-GaN was found to vary from 3.302[plus minus]0.004 eV at 10 K to 3.231[plus minus]0.008 eV at 300 K with a temperature dependence given by [ital E][sub 0]([ital T]) =3.302--6.697[times]10[sup [minus]4][ital T][sup 2]/([ital T]+600) eV. The spin-orbit splitting [Delta][sub 0] in the valence band was determined to be 17[plus minus]1 meV. The oscillations in the photoreflectance spectra were very sharp with a broadening parameter [Gamma] ofmore » only 10 meV at 10 K. The dominant transition observed in temperature-dependent photoluminescence was attributed to radiative recombination between a shallow donor, at [congruent]11 meV below the conduction-band edge and the valence band.« less

  4. 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

  5. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor accelerates wound healing and upregulates TGF-beta1 mRNA levels through tissue macrophages.

    PubMed

    Wu, L; Yu, Y L; Galiano, R D; Roth, S I; Mustoe, T A

    1997-10-01

    Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is produced by many cell types involved in wound repair, yet it acts specifically on monocytes and macrophages. The monocyte-derived cell is thought to be important in wound healing, but the importance of the role of tissue macrophages in wound healing has not been well defined. Dermal ulcers were created in normal and ischemic ears of young rabbits. Either rhM-CSF (17 microg/wound) or buffer was applied to each wound. Wounds were bisected and analyzed histologically at Days 7 and 10 postwounding. The amounts of epithelial growth and granulation tissue deposition were measured in all wounds. The level of increase of TGF-beta1 mRNA level in M-CSF-treated wounds was examined using competitive RT-PCR. M-CSF increased new granulation tissue formation by 37% (N = 21, P < 0.01) and 50% (P < 0.01) after single and multiple treatments, respectively, in nonischemic wounds. TGF-beta1 mRNA levels in rhM-CSF-treated wounds increased 5.01-fold (N = 8) over vehicle-treated wounds under nonischemic conditions. In contrast, no effect could be detected in ischemic wounds treated with rhM-CSF, and these wounds only showed a 1.66-fold increase in TGF-beta1 mRNA levels when compared to ischemic wounds treated with vehicle alone. GAPDH, a housekeeping gene, showed no change. As mesenchymal cells lack receptors for M-CSF, the improved healing of wounds treated with topical rhM-CSF must reflect a generalized enhancement of activation and function of tissue macrophages, as demonstrated by upregulation of TGF-beta. The lack of effect under ischemic conditions suggests that either macrophage activity and/or response to M-CSF is adversely affected under those conditions; this may suggest the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing at the cellular level. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. Ex-vivo in-vitro inhibition of lipopolysaccharide stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta secretion in human whole blood by extractum urticae dioicae foliorum.

    PubMed

    Obertreis, B; Ruttkowski, T; Teucher, T; Behnke, B; Schmitz, H

    1996-04-01

    An extract of Urtica dioica folium (IDS 23, Rheuma-Hek), monographed positively for adjuvant therapy of rheumatic diseases and with known effects in partial inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis in vitro, was investigated with respect to effects of the extract on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in human whole blood of healthy volunteers. In the assay system used, LPS stimulated human whole blood showed a straight increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) secretion reaching maximum concentrations within 24 h following a plateau and slight decrease up to 65 h, respectively. The concentrations of these cytokines was strongly positively correlated with the number of monocytes/macrophages of each volunteer. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta concentration after LPS stimulation was significantly reduced by simultaneously given IDS 23 in a strictly dose dependent manner. At time 24 h these cytokine concentrations were reduced by 50.8% and 99.7%, respectively, using the highest test IDS 23 assay concentration of 5 mg/ml (p < 0.001). After 65 h the corresponding inhibition was 38.9% and 99.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the other hand IDS 23 showed no inhibition but stimulated IL-6 secretion in absence of LPS alone. Simultaneously given LPS and IDS 23 resulted in no further increase. In contrast to described effects on arachidonic acid cascade in vitro, tested Urtica dioica phenol carbon acid derivates and flavonoides such as caffeic malic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and rutin did not influence LPS stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 secretion in tested concentrations up to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l. These further findings on the pharmacological mechanism of action of Urticae dioica folia may explain the positive effects of this extract in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

  9. Prolonged peritoneal gene expression using a helper-dependent adenovirus.

    PubMed

    Liu, Limin; Shi, Chang-Xin; Ghayur, Ayesha; Zhang, Claire; Su, Je Yen; Hoff, Catherine M; Margetts, Peter J

    2009-01-01

    Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis. The causes of EPS are not well defined and are likely multifactorial. A suitable animal model would facilitate research into the pathophysiology and treatment of EPS. We developed a helper-dependent adenovirus that expresses both green fluorescent protein (GFP) and active transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1; HDAdTGF-beta1). Mice were administered HDAdTGF-beta1 via intraperitoneal injection and the response was compared with mice administered either first-generation adenovirus expressing TGF-beta1 (AdTGF-beta1) or control adenovirus (AdGFP). HDAdTGF-beta1-treated mice continued to express the GFP reporter transgene to day 74, the end of the observation period. Transgene expression lasted less than 28 days in the animals treated with first-generation adenoviruses. Animals treated with first-generation AdTGF-beta1 demonstrated submesothelial thickening and angiogenesis at day 7, with almost complete resolution by day 28. The HDAdTGF-beta1-treated mice demonstrated progressive peritoneal fibrosis with adhesion formation and encapsulation of bowels. Weight gain was significantly reduced in animals treated with HDAdTGF-beta1 compared to both the control-treated animals and the AdTGF-beta1-treated animals. Inflammation was not a major component of the fibroproliferative response. Peritoneal administration of a first-generation AdTGF-beta1 leads to transient gene expression, resulting in a resolving fibrotic response and histology similar to that seen in simple peritoneal sclerosis. Prolonged TGF-beta1 expression induced by the helper-dependent HDAdTGF-beta1 led to changes in peritoneal morphology resembling EPS. This suggests that TGF-beta1 may be a contributing factor in both simple peritoneal sclerosis and EPS. This model will be useful for elucidation of the mechanism of EPS and evaluation of potential treatment.

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. Low dose radiation interactions with the transformation growth factor (TFG)-beta pathway

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maslowski, Amy Jesse

    A major limiting factor for long-term, deep-space missions is the radiation dose to astronauts. Because the dose to the astronauts is a mixed field of low- and high-LET radiation, there is a need to understand the effects of both radiation types on whole tissue; however, there are limited published data on the effects of high-LET (linear-energy-transfer) radiation on tissue. Thus, we designed a perfusion chamber system for rat trachea in order to mimic in vivo respiratory tissue. We successfully maintained the perfused tracheal tissue ex vivo in a healthy and viable condition for up to three days. In addition, this project studied the effects of high-LET Fe particles on the overall transformation growth factor (TGF)-beta response after TGF-beta inactivation and compared the results to the TGF-beta response post x-ray irradiation. It was found that a TGF-beta response could be measured in the perfused tracheal tissue, for x-ray and Fe particle irradiations, despite the high autofluorescent background intrinsic to tissue. However, after comparing the TGF-beta response of x-ray irradiation to High-Z-High-energy (HZE) irradiation, there was not a significant difference in radiation types. The TGF-beta response in x-ray and HZE irradiated perfusion chambers was also measured over time post irradiation. It was found that for 6 hour and 8 hour post irradiation, the TGF-beta response was higher for lower doses of radiation than for higher doses. This is in contrast to the 0 hour fixation which found the TGF-beta response to increase with increased dose. The inverse relationship found for 6 hour and 8 hour fixation times may indicate a threshold response for TGF-beta response; i.e., for low doses, a threshold of dose must be reached for an immediate TGF-beta response, otherwise the tissue responds more slowly to the irradiation damage. This result was unexpected and will require further investigation to determine if the threshold can be determined for the 250 kVp x-rays and

  13. 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

  14. Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B in uterine luminal epithelial cells by interleukin 1 Beta 2: a novel interleukin 1 expressed by the elongating pig conceptus.

    PubMed

    Mathew, Daniel J; Newsom, Emily M; Guyton, Jennifer M; Tuggle, Christopher K; Geisert, Rodney D; Lucy, Matthew C

    2015-04-01

    Conceptus mortality is greatest in mammals during the peri-implantation period, a time when conceptuses appose and attach to the uterine surface epithelium while releasing proinflammatory molecules. Interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), a master proinflammatory cytokine, is released by the primate, rodent, and pig blastocyst during the peri-implantation period and is believed to be essential for establishment of pregnancy. The gene encoding IL1B has duplicated in the pig, resulting in a novel gene. Preliminary observations indicate that the novel IL1B is specifically expressed by pig conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. To verify this, IL1B was cloned from mRNA isolated from Day 12 pig conceptuses and compared with IL1B cloned from mRNA isolated from pig peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). The pig conceptuses, but not the PBLs, expressed a novel IL1B, referred to here as interleukin 1 beta 2 (IL1B2). Porcine endometrium was treated with recombinant porcine interleukin 1 beta 1 (IL1B1), the prototypical cytokine, and IL1B2 proteins. Immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR were used to measure activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NFKB) and NFKB-regulated transcripts, respectively, within the endometrium. Both IL1B1 and IL1B2 activated NFKB in the uterine luminal epithelium within 4 h. The NFKB activation and related gene expression, however, were lower in endometrium treated with IL1B2, suggesting that the conceptus-derived cytokine may have reduced activity within the uterus. In conclusion, the peri-implantation pig conceptus expresses a novel IL1B that can activate NFKB within the uterine surface epithelium, likely creating a proinflammatory microenvironment during establishment of pregnancy in the pig. © 2015 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

  15. The effect of pasteurization on transforming growth factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta 2 concentrations in human milk.

    PubMed

    McPherson, R J; Wagner, C L

    2001-01-01

    Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and beta 2 (TGF-beta2) are present in human milk and are involved in growth differentiation and repair of neonatal intestinal epithelia. Heat treatment at 56 degrees C has been shown effective for providing safe banked donor milk, with good retention of other biologically active factors. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of heat sterilization on TGF-alpha and TGF-beta2 concentrations in human milk. Twenty milk samples were collected from 20 lactating mothers in polypropylene containers and frozen at -20 degrees C for transport or storage. Before heat treatment by holder pasteurization, the frozen milk was thawed and divided into 1-mL aliquots. All samples were heated in an accurately regulated water bath until a holding temperature was achieved, then held for 30 minutes using constant agitation. Holding temperature ranged from 56.5 degrees C to 56.9 degrees C. The milk was then stored at 4 degrees C overnight for analysis the following day. The concentration of TGF-alpha was measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-alpha in raw milk samples was 119+/-50 pg/mL, range 57 to 234. The mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-alpha in heat treated samples was 113+/-50 pg/mL, range 51 to 227. TGF-alpha concentration was minimally affected by pasteurization, with an overall loss of 6.1%. Of 19 samples, 4 had increased and 15 had decreased concentrations after pasteurization (mean percent SEM: 94%+/-7% of raw milk, range 72%+/-107%). The concentration of acid-activated TGF-beta2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-beta2 in raw milk samples was 5624+/-5038 pg/mL, range 195 to 15480. The mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-beta2 in heat-treated samples was 5073+/-4646 pg/mL, range 181 to 15140. TGF-beta2 survived with relatively little loss (0.6%): of 18 samples, 11 had increased and 7 had decreased concentrations after pasteurization (mean percent

  16. Determination of transmission factors in beta radiation beams.

    PubMed

    Polo, Ivón Oramas; Caldas, Linda V E

    2018-06-01

    In beta emitters, in order to evaluate the absorbed dose rate at different tissue depths, it is necessary to determine the transmission factors. In this work, the transmission factors determined in beta secondary standard radiation beams are presented. For this purpose, an extrapolation chamber was used. The results obtained were considered acceptable, and they are within the uncertainties in comparison with the values provided by the source calibration certificate. The maximum differences between the results obtained in this work and those from the calibration certificate were 3.3%, 3.8% and 5.9% for 90 Sr/ 90 Y, 85 Kr and 147 Pm sources respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Target recognition of beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI)-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies: evidence for involvement of the fourth domain of beta2GPI in antibody binding.

    PubMed

    George, J; Gilburd, B; Hojnik, M; Levy, Y; Langevitz, P; Matsuura, E; Koike, T; Shoenfeld, Y

    1998-04-15

    Beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) is an absolute requirement for the binding of autoimmune anticardiolipin Abs (aCL) to cardiolipin (CL). We evaluated the target recognition of human beta2GPI by IgG derived from two patients with primary and two with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. The total IgG serum fractions and beta2GPI affinity-purified IgGs were assessed by using various domain-deleted mutants (DM) of human beta2GPI (DMs: I-III, I-IV, II-V, III-V, IV-V, and V) and mouse mAbs against individual beta2GPI domains. The four IgGs bound slightly to CL in the absence of beta2GPI and showed increased binding in the beta2GPI presence. Following affinity purification of the IgGs on a beta2GPI column, reactivity toward CL was absent. DMs containing domain V inhibited the binding of biotinylated beta2GPI to CL. The addition to CL-coated plates of DM V, but not the other DMs, reduced the binding of all four IgGs. The anti-beta2GPI IgGs bound only to complete beta2GPI and DM I-IV coated on the plates. The binding to plate-adsorbed beta2GPI could be inhibited by complete beta2GPI and DM I-IV, the latter being a more efficient inhibitor. Further, the human anti-beta2GPI IgGs could compete with the binding to beta2GPI of Cof-21 mouse mAb (directed at domain IV), but not with the two other mouse mAbs. The results suggest that some "autoimmune:" beta2GPI-dependent anticardiolipin Abs recognize a beta2GPI target that is distinct from the CL-binding site in domain V. The target site for some antiphospholipid syndrome IgGs appear to reside in domain IV of beta2GPI.

  18. Dexamethasone impairs hypoxia-inducible factor-1 function

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

    Wagner, A.E.; Huck, G.; Stiehl, D.P.

    2008-07-25

    Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription-factor composed of {alpha}- and {beta}-subunits. HIF-1 is not only necessary for the cellular adaptation to hypoxia, but it is also involved in inflammatory processes and wound healing. Glucocorticoids (GC) are therapeutically used to suppress inflammatory responses. Herein, we investigated whether GC modulate HIF-1 function using GC receptor (GR) possessing (HepG2) and GR deficient (Hep3B) human hepatoma cell cultures as model systems. Dexamethasone (DEX) treatment increased HIF-1{alpha} levels in the cytosol of HepG2 cells, while nuclear HIF-1{alpha} levels and HIF-1 DNA-binding was reduced. In addition, DEX dose-dependently lowered the hypoxia-induced luciferase activity in amore » reporter gene system. DEX suppressed the hypoxic stimulation of the expression of the HIF-1 target gene VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in HepG2 cultures. DEX did not reduce hypoxically induced luciferase activity in HRB5 cells, a Hep3B derivative lacking GR. Transient expression of the GR in HRB5 cells restored the susceptibility to DEX. Our study discloses the inhibitory action of GC on HIF-1 dependent gene expression, which may be important with respect to the impaired wound healing in DEX-treated patients.« less

  19. 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

  20. A Polymorphism Within the Promoter of the TGF{beta}1 Gene Is Associated With Radiation Sensitivity Using an Objective Radiologic Endpoint

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

    Kelsey, Chris R., E-mail: kelse003@mc.duke.edu; Jackson, Lauren; Langdon, Scott

    2012-02-01

    Purpose: To evaluate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transforming growth factor-{beta}1 (TGF{beta}1) gene are associated with radiation sensitivity using an objective radiologic endpoint. Methods and Materials: Preradiation therapy and serial postradiation therapy single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) lung perfusion scans were obtained in patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure circulating levels of TGF{beta}1. Changes in regional perfusion were related to regional radiation dose yielding a patient-specific dose-response curve, reflecting the patient's inherent sensitivity to radiation therapy. Six TGF{beta}1 SNPs (-988, -800, -509, 869, 941, and 1655) were assessed using high-resolutionmore » melting assays and DNA sequencing. The association between genotype and slope of the dose-response curve, and genotype and TGF{beta}1 ratio (4-week/preradiation therapy), was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: 39 white patients with preradiation therapy and {>=}6-month postradiation therapy SPECT scans and blood samples were identified. Increasing slope of the dose-response curve was associated with the C(-509)T SNP (p = 0.035), but not the other analyzed SNPs. This SNP was also associated with higher TGF{beta}1 ratios. Conclusions: This study suggests that a polymorphism within the promoter of the TGF{beta}1 gene is associated with increased radiation sensitivity (defined objectively by dose-dependent changes in SPECT lung perfusion).« less

  1. Chronic inflammation associated with hepatitis C virus infection perturbs hepatic transforming growth factor beta signaling, promoting cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Matsuzaki, Koichi; Murata, Miki; Yoshida, Katsunori; Sekimoto, Go; Uemura, Yoshiko; Sakaida, Noriko; Kaibori, Masaki; Kamiyama, Yasuo; Nishizawa, Mikio; Fujisawa, Junichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi; Seki, Toshihito

    2007-07-01

    Many patients with chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection develop liver fibrosis with high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism underling this process is unclear. Conversely, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) activates not only TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI) but also c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which convert the mediator Smad3 into two distinctive phosphoisoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). Whereas the TbetaRI/pSmad3C pathway suppresses epithelial cell growth by upregulating p21(WAF1) transcription, JNK/pSmad3L-mediated signaling promotes extracellular matrix deposition, partly, by upregulating plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). We studied the domain-specific Smad3 phosphorylation in biopsy specimens representing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or HCC from 100 patients chronically infected with HCV, and correlated Smad3 phosphorylation with clinical course. As HCV-infected livers progressed from chronic hepatitis through cirrhosis to HCC, hepatocytic pSmad3L/PAI-1 increased with fibrotic stage and necroinflammatory grade, and pSmad3C/p21(WAF1) decreased. Of 14 patients with chronic hepatitis C with strong hepatocytic pSmad3L positivity, 8 developed HCC within 12 years; only 1 of 12 showing little pSmad3L positivity developed HCC. We further sought molecular mechanisms in vitro. JNK activation by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta stimulated the pSmad3L/PAI-1 pathway in facilitating hepatocytic invasion, in the meantime reducing TGF-beta-dependent tumor-suppressive activity by the pSmad3C/p21(WAF1) pathway. These results indicate that chronic inflammation associated with HCV infection shifts hepatocytic TGF-beta signaling from tumor-suppression to fibrogenesis, accelerating liver fibrosis and increasing risk for HCC.

  2. [Association between Fok I vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and plasmatic concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta1 and interferon gamma in type 1 diabetes mellitus].

    PubMed

    López, Tatiana; García, Diego; Angel, Bárbara; Carrasco, Elena; Codner, Ethel; Ugarte, Francisca; Pérez-Bravo, Francisco

    2008-02-02

    In order to assess whether Fok I vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) polymorphism is involved in the genetic susceptibility of type 1 diabetes, a case-control study was conducted and VDR genotypes were related to serum concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D and cytokines transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interferon gamma (INF-gamma). 151 incident cases of type 1 diabetes and 182 non related healthy controls from Santiago were studied for VDR polymorphisms in peripheral blood DNA. Exon 2 (Fok I) segments were amplified by polimerase chain reaction and analyzed by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine each corresponding genotype. Differences for allele, genotype and serological markers as 25(OH) vitamin D, TGF-beta1 and INF-gamma levels distribution between patients and controls were analyzed. Fok I polymorphism distribution analysis showed no differences between patients and controls. Among diabetics, higher levels of TGF-beta1 (median, 282.6 pg/ml; range, 131.8-3,031.4) were observed compared with healthy children (median, 232.2 pg/ml; range, 135.7-506.5) (p < 0.0038). Similar results were observed for INF-gamma concentrations (median, 121.1 pg/ml, and range, 5.3-228.8, in cases, and median, 89.6 pg/ml, and range, 10.9-117.2 in controls) (p < 0.0004). The diabetic carriers of the ff genotype showed low levels of 25(OH) vitamin D compared with the carriers of the F allele: mean (standard deviation), 23.1 (5.9) versus 27.9 (10.3) ng/ml (p < 0.03). A similar result was observed for TGF-beta1 concentrations in diabetic carriers of ff genotype and patients carriers of the F allele (298.5 versus 276.6; p < 0.05). Fok I polymorphism of VDR could have a marginal role in the immunologic disturbance in type 1 diabetes.

  3. Differential regulation of immature articular cartilage compressive moduli and Poisson's ratios by in vitro stimulation with IGF-1 and TGF-beta1.

    PubMed

    Williams, Gregory M; Dills, Kristin J; Flores, Christian R; Stender, Michael E; Stewart, Kevin M; Nelson, Lauren M; Chen, Albert C; Masuda, Koichi; Hazelwood, Scott J; Klisch, Stephen M; Sah, Robert L

    2010-09-17

    Mechanisms of articular cartilage growth and maturation have been elucidated by studying composition-function dynamics during in vivo development and in vitro culture with stimuli such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). This study tested the hypothesis that IGF-1 and TGF-beta1 regulate immature cartilage compressive moduli and Poisson's ratios in a manner consistent with known effects on tensile properties. Bovine calf articular cartilage from superficial-articular (S) and middle-growth (M) regions were analyzed fresh or following culture in medium with IGF-1 or TGF-beta1. Mechanical properties in confined (CC) and unconfined (UCC) compression, cartilage matrix composition, and explant size were assessed. Culture with IGF-1 resulted in softening in CC and UCC, increased Poisson's ratios, substantially increased tissue volume, and accumulation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (COL). Culture with TGF-beta1 promoted maturational changes in the S layer, including stiffening in CC and UCC and increased concentrations of GAG, COL, and pyridinoline crosslinks (PYR), but little growth. Culture of M layer explants with TGF-beta1 was nearly homeostatic. Across treatment groups, compressive moduli in CC and UCC were positively related to GAG, COL, and PYR concentrations, while Poisson's ratios were negatively related to concentrations of these matrix components. Thus, IGF-1 and TGF-beta1 differentially regulate the compressive mechanical properties and size of immature articular cartilage in vitro. Prescribing tissue growth, maturation, or homeostasis by controlling the in vitro biochemical environment with such growth factors may have applications in cartilage repair and tissue engineering.

  4. Effect of peptide aldehydes with IL-1 beta converting enzyme inhibitory properties on IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta production in vitro.

    PubMed

    Németh, K; Patthy, M; Fauszt, I; Széll, E; Székely, J I; Bajusz, S

    1995-12-01

    Tripeptide and pentapeptide aldehydes as substrate-base inhibitors of cysteine proteases were designed in our laboratory for the inhibition of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE), a recently described cysteine protease responsible for the processing of IL-1 beta. The biological effectivity of the peptide aldehydes was studied in THP-1 cells and human whole blood. The released and cell-associated IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta levels were determined by ELISA from the supernatants and cell lysates, respectively. The total IL-1 like bioactivity was assayed by the D10 G4.1 cell proliferation method. The tripeptide aldehyde (Z-Val-His-Asp-H) and pentapeptide aldehyde (Eoc-Ala-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-H) significantly reduced IL-1 beta levels in the supernatants in relatively high concentrations (10-100 microM), but the IL-1 alpha release was unaffected by these peptides. However, a considerable decrease in the cell-associated IL-1 beta and IL-1 alpha levels was observed. N-terminal extension of the tripeptide aldehyde yielded even more potent inhibitors. Amino acid substitution at the P2 position did not cause considerable changes in the inhibitory activity. The peptide aldehydes suppressed the IL-1 beta production in a reversible manner, whereas dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, had a prolonged inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effect of these peptides and that of dexamethasone appeared to be additive. These findings indicate that these peptide aldehydes might be used as IL-beta inhibitory agents in experimental models in which IL-1 beta is a key mediator or ICE is implicated.

  5. Release of IL-1beta via IL-1beta-converting enzyme in a skin dendritic cell line exposed to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene.

    PubMed

    Matos, Teresa J; Jaleco, Sara P; Gonçalo, Margarida; Duarte, Carlos B; Lopes, M Celeste

    2005-08-14

    We used a mouse fetal skin dendritic cell line (FSDC) to study the effect of the strong allergen 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on interleukin (IL)-1beta release and IL-1beta receptor immunoreactivity. Stimulation with DNFB (30 minutes) increased IL-1 release without changing the mRNA levels of the protein. Furthermore, DNFB increased transiently the interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) activity, as measured with its fluorogenic substrate Z-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-AFC. The ICE inhibitor Z-YVAD-FMK prevented the release of IL-1beta evoked by DNFB. Incubation of the cells with DNFB (30 minutes) strongly increased IL-1beta receptor immunoreactivity. The rapid effect of DNFB on the release of mature IL-1beta, without inducing an increase of IL-1beta mRNA in FSDC, suggests a posttranslational modification of pro-IL-1beta by ICE activity.

  6. Effects of interleukin-1beta and lipopolysaccharide on behavior of mice in the elevated plus-maze and open field tests.

    PubMed

    Swiergiel, Artur H; Dunn, Adrian J

    2007-04-01

    It has been postulated that infections, inflammatory processes and resulting cytokines may be causative factors in emotional disorders, including depression and anxiety. Support for this possibility has been sought in studies of animal behavior following administration of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, such treatments induce a variety of behavioral responses, collectively known as sickness behavior, some of which could affect the performance in tests used to assess anxiety and depression. Thus the effects of peripheral administration of IL-1beta and LPS on the behavior of mice were studied in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and the open field (OF). Mouse IL-1beta (30, 100, 300, and 1000 ng) was injected intraperitoneally 30 or 60 min, and LPS (0.5, 1 and 5 microg) 120 min before the tests. IL-1beta and LPS induced dose-dependent decreases in open arm entries and the time spent on the open arms in the EPM, effects considered to reflect anxiety-like behavior. However, entries to all arms were also reduced in a dose-dependent manner, indicating a decrease in general activity. In the OF, IL-1beta and LPS decreased the number of line crossings in the center of the field, that can also be considered to reflect anxiety-like behavior. However, this effect was accompanied by a similar decrease in line crossings in the periphery, as well as in rears and climbs. Thus the doses of IL-1beta and LPS necessary to induce these effects also decreased locomotor activity in the EPM and OF. Therefore, the behavioral responses induced by IL-1beta and LPS in the EPM and the OF considered to reflect anxiety must be interpreted in the light of this reduction in overall activity. Thus the results do not provide unequivocal support for the suggestion that LPS or IL-1 mediate anxiety. Nevertheless, because infections, endotoxins, and the ensuing cytokines cause alterations in CNS norepinephrine and serotonin, they may contribute to emotionality, and perhaps to

  7. Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Beta-glucans are a heterogeneous group of natural polysaccharides mostly investigated for their immunological effects. Due to the low systemic availability of oral preparations, it has been thought that only parenterally applied beta-glucans can modulate the immune system. However, several in vivo and in vitro investigations have revealed that orally applied beta-glucans also exert such effects. Various receptor interactions, explaining possible mode of actions, have been detected. The effects mainly depend on the source and structure of the beta-glucans. In the meantime, several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed. The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. The results of all studies taken together clearly indicate that oral intake of insoluble yeast beta-glucans is safe and has an immune strengthening effect. PMID:24774968

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Immunogenicity of an interferon-beta1a product.

    PubMed

    Kauffman, M A; Sterin-Prync, A; Papouchado, M; González, E; Vidal, A J; Grossberg, S E; Chuppa, S; Odoriz, B; Vrech, C; Diez, R A; Ferro, H H

    2011-01-01

    In order to determine whether Blastoferon®, a biosimilar interferon (IFN)- beta 1a formulation, shares epitopes with other known IFN-beta products, a series of neutralization bioassays were performed with a set of well-characterized anti-IFN- beta monoclonal antibodies and human sera (World Health Organization Reference Reagents). The bioassay was the interferon-induced inhibition of virus cytopathic effect on human cells in culture (EMC virus and A-549 cells). Computer-calculated results were reported as Tenfold Reduction Units (TRU)/ml. To further assess Blastoferon® immunogenicity, in vivo production of anti-IFN beta antibodies was determined in sera of patients included in the pharmacovigilance plan of Blastoferon® by the level of IFN- beta 1a binding antibodies (by enzyme immunoassay -EIA) and neutralizing antibodies (in the Wish-VSV system). The highly characterized neutralizing monoclonal antibodies A1 and A5 that bind to specific regions of the IFN- beta molecule reacted positively with the three beta 1a IFNs: Blastoferon®, Rebif®, and the IFN- beta WHO Second International Standard 00/572. As expected, the non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies B4 and B7 did not neutralize any of the IFN- beta preparations. The commercially available monoclonal antibody B-02 reacted essentially equally with Rebif® and Blastoferon®. The WHO Reference Reagent human serum anti-IFN- beta polyclonal antibody neutralized all the IFN- beta products, whereas the WHO Reference Reagent human serum anti-IFN-alpha polyclonal antibody G037-501-572 appropriately failed to react with any of the IFN- beta products. On the basis of in vitro reactivity with known, well-characterized monoclonal and polyclonal antibody preparations, Blastoferon® shares immunological determinants with other human interferon- beta products, especially IFN- beta 1a. In vivo antibodies were detected by EIA in 72.9% of 37 chronically treated multiple sclerosis patients, whereas neutralizing antibodies were

  11. Strikingly higher interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta and soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA) but similar IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interferon IFN-gamma urine levels in healthy females compared to healthy males: protection against urinary tract injury?

    PubMed

    Sadeghi, M; Daniel, V; Naujokat, C; Weimer, R; Opelz, G

    2005-11-01

    The aim of this prospective study was to examine gender-related differences of cytokines in the plasma and urine of healthy individuals that might provide a clue concerning the lower rate of chronic renal diseases in females. Soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) and interferon (IFN)-gamma were determined using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine levels were determined in simultaneously obtained plasma and urine samples of 18 male and 28 female healthy members of our laboratory staff. Urine cytokine levels were studied three times at 1-month intervals. All individuals had a negative urine nitrite test and showed no symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Plasma levels of all studied cytokines were similar in males and females (P = n.s.). However, females had significantly higher urine IL-1alpha (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001) and sIL-1RA (P = 0.0001; P = 0.0003; P = 0.0002) than males at three and higher IL-1beta at one of the three investigations (P = 0.098; P = 0.003; P = 0.073). Urine levels of the other cytokines were similar in males and females. Higher urine levels of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and sIL-1RA in females may result from stimulation of cells in the urinary tract. Increased sIL-1RA might block T lymphocyte activation. The elevated cytokines may play a role in the protection of the female urinary tract from certain renal diseases, such as pyelonephritis and other inflammatory and sclerotic kidney diseases.

  12. Experience-dependent modulation of alpha and beta during action observation and motor imagery.

    PubMed

    Di Nota, Paula M; Chartrand, Julie M; Levkov, Gabriella R; Montefusco-Siegmund, Rodrigo; DeSouza, Joseph F X

    2017-03-06

    EEG studies investigating the neural networks that facilitate action observation (AO) and kinaesthetic motor imagery (KMI) have shown reduced, or desynchronized, power in the alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) frequency bands relative to rest, reflecting efficient activation of task-relevant areas. Functional modulation of these networks through expertise in dance has been established using fMRI, with greater activation among experts during AO. While there is evidence for experience-dependent plasticity of alpha power during AO of dance, the influence of familiarity on beta power during AO, and alpha and beta activity during KMI, remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to measure the impact of familiarity on confidence ratings and EEG activity during (1) AO of a brief ballet sequence, (2) KMI of this same sequence, and (3) KMI of non-dance movements among ballet dancers, dancers from other genres, and non-dancers. Ballet dancers highly familiar with the genre of the experimental stimulus demonstrated higher individual alpha peak frequency (iAPF), greater alpha desynchronization, and greater task-related beta power during AO, as well as faster iAPF during KMI of non-dance movements. While no between-group differences in alpha or beta power were observed during KMI of dance or non-dance movements, all participants showed significant desynchronization relative to baseline, and further desynchronization during dance KMI relative to non-dance KMI indicative of greater cognitive load. These findings confirm and extend evidence for experience-dependent plasticity of alpha and beta activity during AO of dance and KMI. We also provide novel evidence for modulation of iAPF that is faster when tuned to the specific motor repertoire of the observer. By considering the multiple functional roles of these frequency bands during the same task (AO), we have disentangled the compounded contribution of familiarity and expertise to alpha desynchronization for mediating

  13. Beta 1D integrin displaces the beta 1A isoform in striated muscles: localization at junctional structures and signaling potential in nonmuscle cells.

    PubMed

    Belkin, A M; Zhidkova, N I; Balzac, F; Altruda, F; Tomatis, D; Maier, A; Tarone, G; Koteliansky, V E; Burridge, K

    1996-01-01

    The cytoplasmic domains of integrins provide attachment of these extracellular matrix receptors to the cytoskeleton and play a critical role in integrin-mediated signal transduction. In this report we describe the identification, expression, localization, and initial functional characterization of a novel form of beta 1 integrin, termed beta 1D. This isoform contains a unique alternatively spliced cytoplasmic domain of 50 amino acids, with the last 24 amino acids encoded by an additional exon. Of these 24 amino acids, 11 are conserved when compared to the beta 1A isoform, but 13 are unique (Zhidkova, N. I., A. M. Belkin, and R. Mayne. 1995. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 214:279-285; van der Flier, A., I. Kuikman, C. Baudoin, R, van der Neuf, and A. Sonnenberg. 1995. FEBS Lett. 369:340-344). Using an anti-peptide antibody against the beta 1D integrin subunit, we demonstrated that the beta 1D isoform is synthesized only in skeletal and cardiac muscles, while very low amounts of beta 1A were detected by immunoblot in striated muscles. Whereas beta 1A could not be detected in adult skeletal muscle fibers and cardiomyocytes by immunofluorescence, beta 1D was localized to the sarcolemma of both cell types. In skeletal muscle, beta 1D was concentrated in costameres, myotendinous, and neuromuscular junctions. In cardiac muscle this beta 1 isoform was found in costamers and intercalated discs. beta 1D was associated with alpha 7A and alpha 7B in adult skeletal muscle. In cardiomyocytes of adult heart, alpha 7B was the major partner for the beta 1D isoform. beta 1D could not be detected in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts, but it appeared immediately after myoblast fusion and its amount continued to rise during myotube growth and maturation. In contrast, expression of the beta 1A isoform was downregulated during myodifferentiation in culture and it was completely displaced by beta 1D in mature differentiated myotubes. We also analyzed some functional properties of the beta 1D

  14. 17beta-estradiol potently suppresses cAMP-induced insulin-like growth factor-I gene activation in primary rat osteoblast cultures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McCarthy, T. L.; Ji, C.; Shu, H.; Casinghino, S.; Crothers, K.; Rotwein, P.; Centrella, M.

    1997-01-01

    Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a key factor in bone remodeling. In osteoblasts, IGF-I synthesis is enhanced by parathyroid hormone and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through cAMP-activated protein kinase. In rats, estrogen loss after ovariectomy leads to a rise in serum IGF-I and an increase in bone remodeling, both of which are reversed by estrogen treatment. To examine estrogen-dependent regulation of IGF-I expression at the molecular level, primary fetal rat osteoblasts were co-transfected with the estrogen receptor (hER, to ensure active ER expression), and luciferase reporter plasmids controlled by promoter 1 of the rat IGF-I gene (IGF-I P1), used exclusively in these cells. As reported, 1 microM PGE2 increased IGF-I P1 activity by 5-fold. 17beta-Estradiol alone had no effect, but dose-dependently suppressed the stimulatory effect of PGE2 by up to 90% (ED50 approximately 0.1 nM). This occurred within 3 h, persisted for at least 16 h, required ER, and appeared specific, since 17alpha-estradiol was 100-300-fold less effective. By contrast, 17beta-estradiol stimulated estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent reporter expression by up to 10-fold. 17beta-Estradiol also suppressed an IGF-I P1 construct retaining only minimal promoter sequence required for cAMP-dependent gene activation, but did not affect the 60-fold increase in cAMP induced by PGE2. There is no consensus ERE in rat IGF-I P1, suggesting novel downstream interactions in the cAMP pathway that normally enhances IGF-I expression in skeletal cells. To explore this, nuclear extract from osteoblasts expressing hER were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using the atypical cAMP response element in IGF-I P1. Estrogen alone did not cause DNA-protein binding, while PGE2 induced a characteristic gel shift complex. Co-treatment with both hormones caused a gel shift greatly diminished in intensity, consistent with their combined effects on IGF-I promoter activity. Nonetheless, hER did not bind

  15. Doubly Nonparametric Sparse Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Based on Dependent Indian Buffet Processes.

    PubMed

    Xuan, Junyu; Lu, Jie; Zhang, Guangquan; Xu, Richard Yi Da; Luo, Xiangfeng

    2018-05-01

    Sparse nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF) aims to factorize a data matrix into two optimized nonnegative sparse factor matrices, which could benefit many tasks, such as document-word co-clustering. However, the traditional SNMF typically assumes the number of latent factors (i.e., dimensionality of the factor matrices) to be fixed. This assumption makes it inflexible in practice. In this paper, we propose a doubly sparse nonparametric NMF framework to mitigate this issue by using dependent Indian buffet processes (dIBP). We apply a correlation function for the generation of two stick weights associated with each column pair of factor matrices while still maintaining their respective marginal distribution specified by IBP. As a consequence, the generation of two factor matrices will be columnwise correlated. Under this framework, two classes of correlation function are proposed: 1) using bivariate Beta distribution and 2) using Copula function. Compared with the single IBP-based NMF, this paper jointly makes two factor matrices nonparametric and sparse, which could be applied to broader scenarios, such as co-clustering. This paper is seen to be much more flexible than Gaussian process-based and hierarchial Beta process-based dIBPs in terms of allowing the two corresponding binary matrix columns to have greater variations in their nonzero entries. Our experiments on synthetic data show the merits of this paper compared with the state-of-the-art models in respect of factorization efficiency, sparsity, and flexibility. Experiments on real-world data sets demonstrate the efficiency of this paper in document-word co-clustering tasks.

  16. Intracellular mediators of transforming growth factor beta superfamily signaling localize to endosomes in chicken embryo and mouse lenses in vivo.

    PubMed

    Rajagopal, Ramya; Ishii, Shunsuke; Beebe, David C

    2007-06-25

    Endocytosis is a key regulator of growth factor signaling pathways. Recent studies showed that the localization to endosomes of intracellular mediators of growth factor signaling may be required for their function. Although there is substantial evidence linking endocytosis and growth factor signaling in cultured cells, there has been little study of the endosomal localization of signaling components in intact tissues or organs. Proteins that are downstream of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily signaling pathway were found on endosomes in chicken embryo and postnatal mouse lenses, which depend on signaling by members of the TGFbeta superfamily for their normal development. Phosphorylated Smad1 (pSmad1), pSmad2, Smad4, Smad7, the transcriptional repressors c-Ski and TGIF and the adapter molecules Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and C184M, localized to EEA-1- and Rab5-positive vesicles in chicken embryo and/or postnatal mouse lenses. pSmad1 and pSmad2 also localized to Rab7-positive late endosomes. Smad7 was found associated with endosomes, but not caveolae. Bmpr1a conditional knock-out lenses showed decreased nuclear and endosomal localization of pSmad1. Many of the effectors in this pathway were distributed differently in vivo from their reported distribution in cultured cells. Based on the findings reported here and data from other signaling systems, we suggest that the localization of activated intracellular mediators of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily to endosomes is important for the regulation of growth factor signaling.

  17. Interdependence of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Estrogen-Signaling Pathways in Inducing Neonatal Rat Testicular Gonocytes Proliferation1

    PubMed Central

    Thuillier, Raphael; Mazer, Monty; Manku, Gurpreet; Boisvert, Annie; Wang, Yan; Culty, Martine

    2010-01-01

    We previously found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and 17beta-estradiol stimulate gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent, nonadditive manner. In the present study, we report that gonocytes express RAF1, MAP2K1, and MAPK1/3. Inhibition of RAF1 and MAP2K1/2, but not phosphoinositide-3-kinase, blocked PDGF-induced proliferation. AG-370, an inhibitor of PDGF receptor kinase activity, suppressed not only PDGF-induced proliferation but also that induced by 17beta-estradiol. In addition, RAF1 and MAP2K1/2 inhibitors blocked 17beta-estradiol-activated proliferation. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780 inhibited both the effects of 17beta-estradiol and PDGF. PDGF lost its stimulatory effect when steroid-depleted serum or no serum was used. Similarly, 17beta-estradiol did not induce gonocyte proliferation in the absence of PDGF. The xenoestrogens genistein, bisphenol A, and DES, but not coumestrol, stimulated gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent and PDGF-dependent manner similarly to 17beta-estradiol. Their effects were blocked by ICI 182780, suggesting that they act via the estrogen receptor. AG-370 blocked genistein and bisphenol A effects, demonstrating their requirement of PDGF receptor activation in a manner similar to 17beta-estradiol. These results demonstrate the interdependence of PDGF and estrogen pathways in stimulating in vitro gonocyte proliferation, suggesting that this critical step in gonocyte development might be regulated in vivo by the coordinated action of PDGF and estrogen. Thus, the inappropriate exposure of gonocytes to xenoestrogens might disrupt the crosstalk between the two pathways and potentially interfere with gonocyte development. PMID:20089883

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  1. Transforming growth factor beta-1 expression in macrophages of human chronic periapical diseases.

    PubMed

    Liang, Z-Z; Li, J; Huang, S-G

    2017-03-30

    The objective of this study was to observe the distribution of macrophages (MPs) expressing transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) in tissue samples from patients with different human chronic periapical diseases. In this study, samples were collected from 75 volunteers, who were divided into three groups according to classified standards, namely, healthy control (N = 25), periapical granuloma (N = 25), and periapical cyst (N = 25). The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for more than 48 h, dehydrated, embedded, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology. Double immunofluorescence was conducted to analyze the expression of TGF-β-CD14 double-positive MPs in periapical tissues. The number of double-positive cells (cells/mm 2 ) were significantly higher in the chronic periapical disease tissues (P < 0.01) compared to that in the control tissue; in addition, the density of TGF-β1-CD14 double positive cells was significantly higher in the periapical cyst group than in the periapical granuloma group (P < 0.01). The number of TGF-β1 expressing macrophages varied with human chronic periapical diseases. The TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive cells might play an important role in the pathology of human chronic periapical diseases.

  2. NF-{kappa}B p65 represses {beta}-catenin-activated transcription of cyclin D1

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

    Hwang, Injoo; Choi, Yong Seok; Jeon, Mi-Ya

    2010-12-03

    Research highlights: {yields} Cyclin D1 transcription is directly activated by {beta}-catenin; however, {beta}-catenin-induced cyclin D1 transcription is reduced by NF-{kappa}B p65. {yields} Protein-protein interaction between NF-{kappa}B p65 and {beta}-catenin might be responsible for p65-mediated repression of cyclin D1. {yields} One of five putative binding sites, located further upstream of other sites, is the major {beta}-catenin binding site in the cyclin D1 promoter. {yields} NF-{kappa}B binding site in cyclin D1 is occupied not only by p65 but also by {beta}-catenin, which is dynamically regulated by the signal. -- Abstract: Signaling crosstalk between the {beta}-catenin and NF-{kappa}B pathways represents a functional network.more » To test whether the crosstalk also occurs on their common target genes, the cyclin D1 promoter was used as a model because it contains binding sites for both proteins. {beta}-catenin activated transcription from the cyclin D1 promoter, while co-expression of NF-{kappa}B p65 reduced {beta}-catenin-induced transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed lithium chloride-induced binding of {beta}-catenin on one of the T-cell activating factor binding sites. More interestingly, {beta}-catenin binding was greatly reduced by NF-{kappa}B p65, possibly by the protein-protein interaction between the two proteins. Such a dynamic and complex binding of {beta}-catenin and NF-{kappa}B on promoters might contribute to the regulated expression of their target genes.« less

  3. Factors that influence the beta-diversity of spider communities in northwestern Argentinean Grasslands

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez-Artigas, Sandra M.; Ballester, Rodrigo

    2016-01-01

    Beta-diversity, defined as spatial replacement in species composition, is crucial to the understanding of how local communities assemble. These changes can be driven by environmental or geographic factors (such as geographic distance), or a combination of the two. Spiders have been shown to be good indicators of environmental quality. Accordingly, spiders are used in this work as model taxa to establish whether there is a decrease in community similarity that corresponds to geographic distance in the grasslands of the Campos & Malezales ecoregion (Corrientes). Furthermore, the influence of climactic factors and local vegetation heterogeneity (environmental factors) on assemblage composition was evaluated. Finally, this study evaluated whether the differential dispersal capacity of spider families is a factor that influences their community structure at a regional scale. Spiders were collected with a G-Vac from vegetation in six grassland sites in the Campos & Malezales ecoregion that were separated by a minimum of 13 km. With this data, the impact of alpha-diversity and different environmental variables on the beta-diversity of spider communities was analysed. Likewise, the importance of species replacement and nesting on beta-diversity and their contribution to the regional diversity of spider families with different dispersion capacities was evaluated. The regional and site-specific inventories obtained were complete. The similarity between spider communities declined as the geographic distance between sites increased. Environmental variables also influenced community composition; stochastic events and abiotic forces were the principal intervening factors in assembly structure. The differential dispersal capacity of spider groups also influenced community structure at a regional scale. The regional beta-diversity, as well as species replacement, was greater in high and intermediate vagility spiders; while nesting was greater in spiders with low dispersion

  4. Ran-binding protein 5 (RanBP5) is related to the nuclear transport factor importin-beta but interacts differently with RanBP1.

    PubMed Central

    Deane, R; Schäfer, W; Zimmermann, H P; Mueller, L; Görlich, D; Prehn, S; Ponstingl, H; Bischoff, F R

    1997-01-01

    We report the identification and characterization of a novel 124-kDa Ran binding protein, RanBP5. This protein is related to importin-beta, the key mediator of nuclear localization signal (NLS)-dependent nuclear transport. RanBP5 was identified by two independent methods: it was isolated from HeLa cells by using its interaction with RanGTP in an overlay assay to monitor enrichment, and it was also found by the yeast two-hybrid selection method with RanBP1 as bait. RanBP5 binds to RanBP1 as part of a trimeric RanBP1-Ran-RanBP5 complex. Like importin-beta, RanBP5 strongly binds the GTP-bound form of Ran, stabilizing it against both intrinsic and RanGAP1-induced GTP hydrolysis and also against nucleotide exchange. The GAP resistance of the RanBP5-RanGTP complex can be relieved by RanBP1, which might reflect an in vivo role for RanBP1. RanBP5 is a predominantly cytoplasmic protein that can bind to nuclear pore complexes. We propose that RanBP5 is a mediator of a nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway that is distinct from the importin-alpha-dependent import of proteins with a classical NLS. PMID:9271386

  5. 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.

  6. Immune Interventions to Preserve Beta Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Ehlers, Mario R.

    2015-01-01

    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to destruction of pancreatic beta cells, lifelong dependence on insulin, and increased morbidity and mortality from diabetes-related complications. Preservation of residual beta cells at diagnosis is a major goal because higher levels of endogenous insulin secretion are associated with better short- and long-term outcomes. Over the past 3 decades, a variety of immune interventions have been evaluated in the setting of new-onset T1D, including nonspecific immunosuppression, pathway-specific immune modulation, antigen-specific therapies, and cellular therapies. To date, no single intervention has produced durable remission off-therapy in the majority of treated patients, but the field has gained valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential immunologic correlates of success. In particular, T cell-directed therapies, including therapies that lead to partial depletion or modulation of effector T (Teff) cells and preservation or augmentation of regulatory T (Treg) cells, have shown the most success and will likely form the backbone of future approaches. The next phase will see evaluation of rational combinations, comprising one or more of the following: a Teff-depleting or modulating drug, a cytokine-based tolerogenic (Treg-promoting) agent, and an antigen-specific component. The long-term goal is to reestablish immunologic tolerance to beta cells, thereby preserving residual beta cells early after diagnosis or enabling restoration of beta cell mass from autologous stem cells or induced neogenesis in patients with established T1D. PMID:26225763

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. Regulation of GM-CSF-induced dendritic cell development by TGF-beta1 and co-developing macrophages.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Y

    1998-01-01

    Using a culture system of bone marrow progenitor cells with GM-CSF and TGF-beta1, a study was performed to analyze the effect of TGF-beta1 on the development of dendritic cells (DC) and to elucidate the regulatory role of macrophages co-developing with dendritic cells. The results demonstrate that DC generated in the presence of TGF-beta1 were immature with respect to the expression of CD86, nonspecific esterase activity and cell shape. Such inhibitory effects of TGF-beta1 were dependent on FcR+ macrophages, which were depleted by panning. TGF-beta1 did not appear to inhibit the commitment of progenitor cells to the DC lineage. In addition, TGF-beta1 also acted directly on the intermediate stage of DC to prevent their over-maturation, which results in a preferential decrease in MHC class II, but not in CD86, in the presence of TNF-alpha. FcR+ suppressive macrophages were also shown to facilitate DC maturation when stimulated via FcR-mediated signals even in the presence of TGF-beta1. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 indirectly and directly regulate the development of DC and that co-developing macrophages have a regulatory role in DC maturation.

  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. Stability of human interferon-beta 1: oligomeric human interferon-beta 1 is inactive but is reactivated by monomerization.

    PubMed

    Utsumi, J; Yamazaki, S; Kawaguchi, K; Kimura, S; Shimizu, H

    1989-10-05

    Human interferon-beta 1 is extremely stable is a low ionic strength solution of pH 2 such as 10 mM HCl at 37 degrees C. However, the presence of 0.15 M NaCl led to a remarkable loss of antiviral activity. The molecular-sieve high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that, whereas completely active human interferon-beta 1 eluted as a 25 kDa species (monomeric form), the inactivated preparation eluted primarily as a 90 kDa species (oligomeric form). The specific activity (units per mg protein) of the oligomeric form was approx. 10% of that of the monomeric form. This observation shows that oligomeric human interferon-beta 1 is apparently in an inactive form. When the oligomeric eluate was resolved by polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), it appeared to be monomeric under non-reducing conditions. Monomerization of the oligomeric human interferon-beta 1 by treatment with 1% SDS, fully regenerated its antiviral activity. These results suggest that the inactivation of the human interferon-beta 1 preparation was caused by its oligomerization via hydrophobic interactions without the formation of intermolecular disulphide bonds. These oligomers can be dissociated by SDS to restore biological activity.

  12. Platelet-derived growth factor-dependent association of the GTPase-activating protein of Ras and Src.

    PubMed Central

    Schlesinger, T K; Demali, K A; Johnson, G L; Kazlauskas, A

    1999-01-01

    Here we report that the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor (betaPDGFR) is not the only tyrosine kinase able to associate with the GTPase-activating protein of Ras (RasGAP). The interaction of non-betaPDGFR kinase(s) with RasGAP was dependent on stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and seemed to require tyrosine phosphorylation of RasGAP. Because the tyrosine phosphorylation site of RasGAP is in a sequence context that is favoured by the Src homology 2 ('SH2') domain of Src family members, we tested the possibility that Src was the kinase that associated with RasGAP. Indeed, Src interacted with phosphorylated RasGAP fusion proteins; immunodepletion of Src markedly decreased the recovery of the RasGAP-associated kinase activity. Thus PDGF-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of RasGAP results in the formation of a complex between RasGAP and Src. To begin to address the relevance of these observations, we focused on the consequences of the interaction of Src and RasGAP. We found that a receptor mutant that did not activate Src was unable to efficiently mediate the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma). Taken together, these observations support the following hypothesis. When RasGAP is recruited to the betaPDGFR, it is phosphorylated and associates with Src. Once bound to RasGAP, Src is no longer able to promote the phosphorylation of PLCgamma. This hypothesis offers a mechanistic explanation for our previously published findings that the recruitment of RasGAP to the betaPDGFR attenuates the tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma. Finally, these findings suggest a novel way in which RasGAP negatively regulates signal relay by the betaPDGFR. PMID:10567236

  13. Dose- and Glucose-Dependent Effects of Amino Acids on Insulin Secretion from Isolated Mouse Islets and Clonal INS-1E Beta-Cells

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Zhenping; Jeppesen, Per B.; Gregersen, Søren; Chen, Xiaoping; Hermansen, Kjeld

    2008-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The influence of glucose and fatty acids on beta-cell function is well established whereas little is known about the role of amino acids (AAs). METHODS: Islets isolated from NMRI mice were incubated overnight. After preincubation, isolated islets as well as clonal INS-1E beta-cells were incubated for 60 min in a modified Krebs Ringer buffer containing glucose and AAs. RESULTS: At 16.7 mmol/l (mM) glucose, L-arginine, L-lysine, L-alanine, L-proline, L-leucine, and L-glutamine potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion dose-dependently, while DL-homocysteine inhibited insulin secretion. Maximal insulin stimulation was obtained at 20 mM L-proline, L-lysine, L-alanine, L-arginine (islets: 2.5 to 6.7 fold increase; INS-1E cells: 1.6 to 2.2 fold increase). L-glutamine and L-leucine only increased glucose-stimulated (16.7 mM) insulin secretion (INS-1E cells: 1.5 and 1.3 fold, respectively) at an AA concentration of 20 mM. Homocysteine inhibited insulin secretion both at 5.6 mM and 16.7 mM glucose. At glucose levels ranging from 1.1 to 25 mM, the equimolar concentration of 10 mM, L-proline, L-lysine, L-arginine increased insulin secretion from mouse islets and INS-1E cells at all glucose levels applied, with a maximal effect obtained at 25 mM glucose. At a concentration of 10 mM, L-arginine and L-lysine had the highest insulinotropic potency among the AAs investigated. CONCLUSION: L-arginine, L-lysine, L-alanine, L-proline, L-leucine and L-glutamine acutely stimulate insulin secretion from mouse islets and INS-1E cells in a dose- and glucose-dependent manner, whereas DL-homocysteine inhibits insulin release. PMID:19290384

  14. Function of Brg1 Chromatin Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog-Dependent Medulloblastoma Initiation and Maintenance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog -Dependent Medulloblastoma Initiation and Maintenance PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Xuanming Shi CONTRACTING...5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-12-1-0527 Function of Brg1 Chromatin Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog -Dependent 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-12-1...drug development and therapy of pediatric brain tumor and other Shh- dependent tumors. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Medulloblastoma, Sonic Hedgehog , Chromatin

  15. A polymorphic region in the human transcription factor AP-2beta gene is associated with specific personality traits.

    PubMed

    Damberg, M; Garpenstrand, H; Alfredsson, J; Ekblom, J; Forslund, K; Rylander, G; Oreland, L

    2000-03-01

    Transcription factor AP-2beta is implicated in playing an important role during embryonic development of different parts of the brain, eg, midbrain, hindbrain, spinal cord, dorsal and cranial root ganglia.1,2 The gene encoding AP-2beta contains a polymorphic region which includes a tetranucleotide repeat of [CAAA] four or five times, located in intron 2 between nucleotides 12593 and 12612.3 Since the midbrain contains structures important for variables such as mood and personality, we have investigated if the AP-2beta genotype is associated with personality traits estimated by the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP). Identification of transcription factor genes as candidate genes in psychiatric disorders is a novel approach to further elucidate the genetic factors that, together with environmental factors, are involved in the expression of specific psychiatric phenotypes. The AP-2beta genotype and KSP scores were determined for 137 Caucasian volunteers (73 females and 64 males). The personality traits muscular tension, guilt, somatic anxiety, psychastenia and indirect aggression were significantly associated with the specific AP-2beta genotype, albeit with significant difference between genders. Based on this result the human AP-2beta gene seems to be an important candidate gene for personality disorders. Moreover, the present results suggest that the structure of the intron 2 region of the AP-2beta gene is one factor that contributes to development of the constitutional component of specific personality traits.

  16. 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

  17. Inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha by dihydroxyphenylethanol, a product from olive oil, blocks microsomal prostaglandin-E synthase-1/vascular endothelial growth factor expression and reduces tumor angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Terzuoli, Erika; Donnini, Sandra; Giachetti, Antonio; Iñiguez, Miguel A; Fresno, Manuel; Melillo, Giovanni; Ziche, Marina

    2010-08-15

    2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenil)-ethanol (DPE), a polyphenol present in olive oil, has been found to attenuate the growth of colon cancer cells, an effect presumably related to its anti-inflammatory activity. To further explore the effects of DPE on angiogenesis and tumor growth we investigated the in vivo efficacy of DPE in a HT-29 xenograft model and in vitro activities in colon cancer cells exposed to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2). DPE (10 mg/kg/day for 14 days) inhibited tumor growth, reducing vessel lumina and blood perfusion to tumor, and diminished expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microsomal prostaglandin-E synthase-1 (mPGEs-1). In vitro, DPE (100 mumol/L) neither affected cell proliferation nor induced apoptosis in HT-29 and WiDr cells. DPE prevented the IL-1beta-mediated increase of mPGEs-1 expression and PGE-2 generation, as it did the silencing of HIF-1alpha. Moreover, DPE blocked mPGEs-1-dependent expression of VEGF and inhibited endothelial sprouting induced by tumor cells in a coculture system. PGE-2 triggers a feed-forward loop involving HIF-1alpha, which impinges on mPGEs-1 and VEGF expression, events prevented by DPE via extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2. The reduction of PGE-2 and VEGF levels, caused by DPE, was invariably associated with a marked decrease in HIF-1alpha expression and activity, independent of proteasome activity, indicating that the DPE effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis are dependent on the inhibition of HIF-1alpha translation. We show that the in vivo DPE antitumor effect is associated with anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities resulting from the downregulation of the HIF-1alpha/mPGEs-1/VEGF axis.

  18. 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

  19. Hepatic nuclear factor 3 and nuclear factor 1 regulate 5-aminolevulinate synthase gene expression and are involved in insulin repression.

    PubMed

    Scassa, María E; Guberman, Alejandra S; Ceruti, Julieta M; Cánepa, Eduardo T

    2004-07-02

    Although the negative regulation of gene expression by insulin has been widely studied, the transcription factors responsible for the insulin effect are still unknown. The purpose of this work was to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the insulin repression of the 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) gene. Deletion analysis of the 5'-regulatory region allowed us to identify an insulin-responsive region located at -459 to -354 bp. This fragment contains a highly homologous insulin-responsive (IRE) sequence. By transient transfection assays, we determined that hepatic nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) and nuclear factor 1 (NF1) are necessary for an appropriate expression of the ALAS gene. Insulin overrides the HNF3beta or HNF3beta plus NF1-mediated stimulation of ALAS transcriptional activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Southwestern blotting indicate that HNF3 binds to the ALAS promoter. Mutational analysis of this region revealed that IRE disruption abrogates insulin action, whereas mutation of the HNF3 element maintains hormone responsiveness. This dissociation between HNF3 binding and insulin action suggests that HNF3beta is not the sole physiologic mediator of insulin-induced transcriptional repression. Furthermore, Southwestern blotting assay shows that at least two polypeptides other than HNF3beta can bind to ALAS promoter and that this binding is dependent on the integrity of the IRE. We propose a model in which insulin exerts its negative effect through the disturbance of HNF3beta binding or transactivation potential, probably due to specific phosphorylation of this transcription factor by Akt. In this regard, results obtained from transfection experiments using kinase inhibitors support this hypothesis. Due to this event, NF1 would lose accessibility to the promoter. The posttranslational modification of HNF3 would allow the binding of a protein complex that recognizes the core IRE. These results provide a potential mechanism for the insulin

  20. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating Rab11-dependent plasma membrane targeting of transforming growth factor beta receptors.

    PubMed

    Tu, Kangsheng; Li, Jiachu; Verma, Vikas K; Liu, Chunsheng; Billadeau, Daniel D; Lamprecht, Georg; Xiang, Xiaoyu; Guo, Luyang; Dhanasekaran, Renumathy; Roberts, Lewis R; Shah, Vijay H; Kang, Ningling

    2015-01-01

    Liver microenvironment is a critical determinant for development and progression of liver metastasis. Under transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulation, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are liver-specific pericytes, transdifferentiate into tumor-associated myofibroblasts that promote tumor implantation (TI) and growth in the liver. However, the regulation of this HSC activation process remains poorly understood. In this study, we tested whether vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) of HSCs regulated the TGF-β-mediated HSC activation process and tumor growth. In both an experimental liver metastasis mouse model and cancer patients, colorectal cancer cells reaching liver sinusoids induced up-regulation of VASP and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in adjacent HSCs. VASP knockdown in HSCs inhibited TGF-β-mediated myofibroblastic activation of HSCs, TI, and growth in mice. Mechanistically, VASP formed protein complexes with TGF-β receptor II (TβRII) and Rab11, a Ras-like small GTPase and key regulator of recycling endosomes. VASP knockdown impaired Rab11 activity and Rab11-dependent targeting of TβRII to the plasma membrane, thereby desensitizing HSCs to TGF-β1 stimulation. Our study demonstrates a requirement of VASP for TGF-β-mediated HSC activation in the tumor microenvironment by regulating Rab11-dependent recycling of TβRII to the plasma membrane. VASP and its effector, Rab11, in the tumor microenvironment thus present therapeutic targets for reducing TI and metastatic growth in the liver. © 2014 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  1. Interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 disturb the antioxidant enzyme system in bovine chondrocytes: a possible explanation for oxidative stress generation.

    PubMed

    Mathy-Hartert, M; Hogge, L; Sanchez, C; Deby-Dupont, G; Crielaard, J M; Henrotin, Y

    2008-07-01

    Beside matrix metalloproteinases, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the main biochemical factors of cartilage degradation. To prevent ROS toxicity, chondrocytes possess a well-coordinated enzymatic antioxidant system formed principally by superoxide dismutases (SODs), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). This work was designed to assess the effects of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 on the enzymatic activity and gene expression of SODs, CAT and GPX in bovine chondrocytes. Bovine chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer for 4-96 h in the absence or in the presence of IL-1beta (0.018-1.8ng/ml) or IL-6 (10-100 ng/ml). To study signal transduction pathway, inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) (PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125) (5-20 microM) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB inhibitors [BAY11-7082 (1-10 microM) and MG132 (0.1-10 microM)] were used. SODs, CAT and GPX enzymatic activities were evaluated in cellular extract by using colorimetric enzymatic assays. Mn SODs, Cu/Zn SOD, extracellular SOD (EC SOD), CAT and GPX gene expressions were quantified by real-time and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mn SOD and GPX activities were dose and time-dependently increased by IL-1beta. In parallel, IL-1beta markedly enhanced Mn SOD and GPX gene expressions, but decreased Cu/Zn SOD, EC SOD and CAT gene expressions. Induction of SOD enzymatic activity and Mn SOD mRNA expression were inhibited by NF-kappaB inhibitors but not by MAPK inhibitors. IL-6 effects were similar but weaker than those of IL-1beta. In conclusion, IL-1beta, and to a lesser extend IL-6, dysregulates enzymatic antioxidant defenses in chondrocyte. These changes could lead to a transient accumulation of H(2)O(2) in mitochondria, and consequently to mitochondria damage. These changes contribute to explain the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in osteoarthritis chondrocytes.

  2. Effect of [6]-gingerol on myofibroblast differentiation in transforming growth factor beta 1-induced nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Park, Sook A; Park, Il-Ho; Cho, Jung-Sun; Moon, You-Mi; Lee, Seung Hoon; Kim, Tae Hoon; Lee, Sang Hag; Lee, Heung-Man

    2012-01-01

    [6]-Gingerol is one of the major pungent principles of ginger and has diverse effects, including anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are released during the phenotypic transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, a process that is involved in the growth of nasal polyps by inducing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of [6]-gingerol on myofibroblast differentiation and collagen production of nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and to determine if the effect of [6]-gingerol is linked to an antioxidant effect. NPDFs were incubated and treated with transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1. The ROS generated by NPDFs were determined using 2″,7″-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate. The fluorescence was captured by a fluorescent microscope and measured using a fluorometer. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen type IV mRNA was determined by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of α-SMA protein and pSmad2/3 was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and or Western blotting. The amount of total soluble collagen production was analyzed by the SirCol collagen dye-binding assay. TGF-beta 1 stimulation increased ROS production by NPDFs. [6]-Gingerol decreased the production of ROS in TGF-beta 1-induced NPDFs. Myofibroblast differentiation, collagen production, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 were prevented by [6]-gingerol and inhibition of ROS generation with antioxidant such as diphenyliodonium, N-acetylcysteine, and ebselen. These results suggest the possibility that [6]-gingerol may play an important role in inhibiting the production of the ECM in the development of nasal polyps through an antioxidant effect.

  3. Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify beta1-subunit-containing GABAA receptors.

    PubMed

    Sergeeva, Olga A; Kletke, Olaf; Kragler, Andrea; Poppek, Anja; Fleischer, Wiebke; Schubring, Stephan R; Görg, Boris; Haas, Helmut L; Zhu, Xin-Ran; Lübbert, Hermann; Gisselmann, Günter; Hatt, Hanns

    2010-07-30

    Nineteen GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) subunits are known in mammals with only a restricted number of functionally identified native combinations. The physiological role of beta1-subunit-containing GABA(A)Rs is unknown. Here we report the discovery of a new structural class of GABA(A)R positive modulators with unique beta1-subunit selectivity: fragrant dioxane derivatives (FDD). At heterologously expressed alpha1betaxgamma2L (x-for 1,2,3) GABA(A)R FDD were 6 times more potent at beta1- versus beta2- and beta3-containing receptors. Serine at position 265 was essential for the high sensitivity of the beta1-subunit to FDD and the beta1N286W mutation nearly abolished modulation; vice versa the mutation beta3N265S shifted FDD sensitivity toward the beta1-type. In posterior hypothalamic neurons controlling wakefulness GABA-mediated whole-cell responses and GABAergic synaptic currents were highly sensitive to FDD, in contrast to beta1-negative cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Immunostaining for the beta1-subunit and the potency of FDD to modulate GABA responses in cultured hypothalamic neurons was drastically diminished by beta1-siRNA treatment. In conclusion, with the help of FDDs we reveal a functional expression of beta1-containing GABA(A)Rs in the hypothalamus, offering a new tool for studies on the functional diversity of native GABA(A)Rs.

  4. Inhibition of GSK-3beta ameliorates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury through GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway in mice.

    PubMed

    Xia, Yong-Xiang; Lu, Ling; Wu, Zheng-Shan; Pu, Li-Yong; Sun, Bei-Cheng; Wang, Xue-Hao

    2012-06-01

    Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta/beta-catenin signaling regulates ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced apoptosis and proliferation, and inhibition of GSK-3beta has beneficial effects on I/R injury in the heart and the central nervous system. However, the role of this signaling in hepatic I/R injury remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling in hepatic I/R injury. Male C57BL/6 mice (weighing 22-25 g) were pretreated with either SB216763, an inhibitor of GSK-3beta, or vehicle. These mice were subjected to partial hepatic I/R. Blood was collected for test of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and liver specimen for assays of phosphorylation at the Ser9 residue of GSK-3beta, GSK-3beta activity, axin 2 and the anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 and survivin, as well as the proliferative factors cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and apoptotic index (TUNEL). Real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used. SB216763 increased phospho-GSK-3beta levels and suppressed GSK-3beta activity (1880+/-229 vs 3280+/-272 cpm, P<0.01). ALT peaked at 6 hours after reperfusion. Compared with control, SB216763 decreased ALT after 6 hours of reperfusion (4451+/-424 vs 7868+/-845 IU/L, P<0.01), and alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and vacuolization. GSK-3beta inhibition led to the accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytosol (0.40+/-0.05 vs 1.31+/-0.11, P<0.05) and nucleus (0.62+/-0.14 vs 1.73+/-0.12, P<0.05), beta-catenin further upregulated the expression of axin 2. Upregulation of GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling increased Bcl-2, survivin and cyclin D1. Serological and histological analyses showed that SB216763 alleviated hepatic I/R-induced injury by reducing apoptosis (1.4+/-0.2% vs 3.6+/-0.4%, P<0.05) and enhanced liver proliferation (56+/-8% vs 19+/-4%, P<0.05). Inhibition of GSK-3beta ameliorates hepatic I/R injury through the GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

  5. Functional characterization of transcription factor binding sites for HNF1-alpha, HNF3-beta (FOXA2), HNF4-alpha, Sp1 and Sp3 in the human prothrombin gene enhancer.

    PubMed

    Ceelie, H; Spaargaren-Van Riel, C C; De Jong, M; Bertina, R M; Vos, H L

    2003-08-01

    Prothrombin is a key component in blood coagulation. Overexpression of prothrombin leads to an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Therefore, the study of the transcriptional regulation of the prothrombin gene may help to identify mechanisms of overexpression. The aim of our study was to localize the regions within the prothrombin enhancer responsible for its activity, to identify the proteins binding to these regions, and to establish their functional importance. We constructed a set of prothrombin promoter 5' deletion constructs containing the firefly luciferase reporter gene, which were transiently transfected in HepG2, HuH7 and HeLa cells. Putative transcription factor (TF) binding sites were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The functional importance of each TF binding site was evaluated by site directed mutagenesis and transient transfection of the mutant constructs. We confirmed the major contribution of the enhancer region to the transcriptional activity of the prothrombin promoter. Analysis of this region revealed putative binding sites for hepatocyte nuclear factor HNF4, HNF3-beta and specificity protein(Sp)1. We identified six different TFs binding to three evolutionary conserved sites in the enhancer: HNF4-alpha (site 1), HNF1-alpha, HNF3-beta and an as yet unidentified TF (site 2) and the ubiquitously expressed TFs Sp1 and Sp3 (site 3). Mutagenesis studies showed that loss of binding of HNF3-beta resulted in a considerable decrease of enhancer activity, whereas loss of HNF4-alpha or Sp1/Sp3 resulted in milder reductions. The prothrombin enhancer plays a major role in regulation of prothrombin expression. Six different TFs are able to bind to this region. At least three of these TFs, HNF4-alpha, HNF3-beta and Sp1/Sp3, are important in regulation of prothrombin expression.

  6. 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.

  7. Synthesis, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase-binding ability, and phytoalexin-elicitor activity of a mixture of 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides.

    PubMed

    Huang, Gang-Liang; Liu, Man-Xi; Mei, Xin-Ya

    2004-06-01

    We describe a approach for the synthesis of a mixture of 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. The particular (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan isolated from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was recovered from the aqueous medium as water-insoluble particles by the spray drying (GS) method, and it was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The acid-solubilized (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides were prepared by partial acid hydrolysis of glucan particles, which were qualitatively analyzed by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The peracetylated 3-butenyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides were synthesized by treating peracetylated (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides with the 3-butenyl alcohols and a Lewis acid (SnCl4) catalyst. Epoxidation of the peracetylated 3-butenyl oligoglucosides took place with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA). NaOMe in dry methanol was used for the deacetylation of the blocked derivatives, to give the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture in an overall yield of 21%. The sample was analyzed by positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS). In a 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside-binding (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase assay, we found that the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase was obviously inactivated by the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. At the same time, we found the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture was more active as compared to the underivatized oligoglucoside mixture in eliciting phytoalexin accumulation in tobacco cotyledon tissue. Furthermore, it could be kept for a longer time than a (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture, which indicated it is much more stable than (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

  8. NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, inhibits proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells by induction of {eta}{omicron}-1

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

    Choi, Hyoung Chul; Kim, Hee Sun; Lee, Kwang Youn

    2008-11-28

    We investigated whether NS-398, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, induces HO-1 in IL-1{beta}-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NS-398 reduced the production of PGE{sub 2} without modulation of expression of COX-2 in IL-1{beta}-stimulated VSMC. NS-398 increased HO-1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner, but inhibited proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulated VSMC. Furthermore, SnPPIX, a HO-1 inhibitor, reversed the effects of NS-398 on PGE{sub 2} production, suggesting that COX-2 activity can be affected by HO-1. Hemin, a HO-1 inducer, also reduced the production of PGE{sub 2} and proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulated VSMC. CORM-2, a CO-releasing molecule, but not bilirubin inhibited proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulatedmore » VSMC. NS-398 inhibited proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulated VSMC in a HbO{sub 2}-sensitive manner. In conclusion, NS-398 inhibits proliferation of IL-1{beta}-stimulated VSMC by HO-1-derived CO. Thus, NS-398 may facilitate the healing process of vessels in vascular inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis.« less

  9. Determination of the efficiency of commercially available dose calibrators for beta-emitters.

    PubMed

    Valley, Jean-François; Bulling, Shelley; Leresche, Michel; Wastiel, Claude

    2003-03-01

    The goals of this investigation are to determine whether commercially available dose calibrators can be used to measure the activity of beta-emitting radionuclides used in pain palliation and to establish whether manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are appropriate for this purpose. Six types of commercially available dose calibrators were studied. Dose calibrator response was controlled for 5 gamma-emitters used for calibration or typically encountered in routine use. For the 4 most commonly used beta-emitters ((32)P, (90)Sr, (90)Y, and (169)Er) dose calibrator efficiency was determined in the syringe geometry used for clinical applications. Efficiency of the calibrators was also measured for (153)Sm and (186)Re, 2 beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions. Source activities were traceable to national standards. All calibrators measured gamma-emitters with a precision of +/-10%, in compliance with Swiss regulatory requirements. For beta-emitters, dose calibrator intrinsic efficiency depends strongly on the maximal energy of the beta-spectrum and is notably low for (169)Er. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors give accurate results for beta-emitters with maximal beta-energy in the middle-energy range (1 MeV) but are not appropriate for use with low-energy ((169)Er) or high-energy ((90)Y) beta-emitters. beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions behave like gamma-emitters. Commercially available dose calibrators have an intrinsic efficiency that is sufficient for the measurement of beta-emitters, including beta-emitters with a low maximum beta-energy. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are reliable for gamma-emitters and beta-emitters in the middle-energy range. For low- and high-energy beta-emitters, the use of manufacturer-supplied calibration factors introduces significant measurement inaccuracy.

  10. Signal transduction by beta1 integrin receptors in human chondrocytes in vitro: collaboration with the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor.

    PubMed

    Shakibaei, M; John, T; De Souza, P; Rahmanzadeh, R; Merker, H J

    1999-09-15

    We have examined the mechanism by which collagen-binding integrins co-operate with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors (IGF-IR) to regulate chondrocyte phenotype and differentiation. Adhesion of chondrocytes to anti-beta1 integrin antibodies or collagen type II leads to phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and signalling proteins localized at focal adhesions, including alpha-actinin, vinculin, paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). These stimulate docking proteins such as Shc (Src-homology collagen). Moreover, exposure of collagen type II-cultured chondrocytes to IGF-I leads to co-immunoprecipitation of Shc protein with the IGF-IR and with beta1, alpha1 and alpha5 integrins, but not with alpha3 integrin. Shc then associates with growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), an adaptor protein and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. The expression of the docking protein Shc occurs only when chondrocytes are bound to collagen type II or integrin antibodies and increases when IGF-I is added, suggesting a collaboration between integrins and growth factors in a common/shared biochemical signalling pathway. Furthermore, these results indicate that focal adhesion assembly may facilitate signalling via Shc, a potential common target for signal integration between integrin and growth-factor signalling regulatory pathways. Thus, the collagen-binding integrins and IGF-IR co-operate to regulate focal adhesion components and these signalling pathways have common targets (Shc-Grb2 complex) in subcellular compartments, thereby linking to the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway. These events may play a role during chondrocyte differentiation.

  11. 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.

  12. Function of Brg1 Chromatin Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog-Dependent Medulloblastoma Initiation and Maintenance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog -Dependent Medulloblastoma Initiation and Maintenance PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Xuanming Shi CONTRACTING...Function of Brg1 Chromatin Remodeling Factor in Sonic Hedgehog -Dependent 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-12-1-0527 Medulloblastoma Initiation and Maintenance...medulloblastoma. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Medulloblastoma, Sonic Hedgehog , Chromatin remodeling, BAF complex, Brg1, mouse model of shh-subtype medulloblastoma

  13. 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

  14. E2F1 transcription factor and its impact on growth factor and cytokine signaling.

    PubMed

    Ertosun, Mustafa Gokhan; Hapil, Fatma Zehra; Osman Nidai, Ozes

    2016-10-01

    E2F1 is a transcription factor involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. The transactivation capacity of E2F1 is regulated by pRb. In its hypophosphorylated form, pRb binds and inactivates DNA binding and transactivating functions of E2F1. The growth factor stimulation of cells leads to activation of CDKs (cyclin dependent kinases), which in turn phosphorylate Rb and hyperphosphorylated Rb is released from E2F1 or E2F1/DP complex, and free E2F1 can induce transcription of several genes involved in cell cycle entry, induction or inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, growth factors and cytokines generally utilize E2F1 to direct cells to either fate. Furthermore, E2F1 regulates expressions of various cytokines and growth factor receptors, establishing positive or negative feedback mechanisms. This review focuses on the relationship between E2F1 transcription factor and cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, TGF-beta, G-CSF, LIF), growth factors (EGF, KGF, VEGF, IGF, FGF, PDGF, HGF, NGF), and interferons (IFN-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Role of IL-1 beta and COX2 in silica-induced IL-6 release and loss of pneumocytes in co-cultures.

    PubMed

    Herseth, Jan I; Refsnes, Magne; Låg, Marit; Schwarze, Per E

    2009-10-01

    The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 are of great importance in the development of silica-induced lung damage and repair. In this study we investigated the role of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and COX2 in silica-induced regulation of IL-6 release and pneumocyte loss in various mono- and co-cultures of monocytes, pneumocytes and endothelial cells. All co-cultures with monocytes, and especially cultures including endothelial cells, showed an increase of silica-induced release of IL-6 compared to the respective monocultures. Treatment with the antagonist IL-1 ra strongly decreased IL-1 beta and IL-6 release in contact co-cultures of monocytes and pneumocytes. COX2 up-regulation by silica and IL-1 beta was eliminated by IL-1 ra. Inhibition of COX2 markedly reduced both IL-1 beta and IL-6 release. IL-1 ra was more effective than COX2-inhibition in reduction of IL-6, but not of IL-1 beta. Silica-induced pneumocyte loss was reduced by IL-1 beta, but this effect was not counteracted by the IL-1 receptor antagonist. Our findings suggest that silica-induced IL-6 release from pneumocytes is mainly mediated via IL-1 beta release from the monocytes, via both COX2-dependent and -independent pathways. Notably, COX2-derived mediators seem crucial for a positive feed-back regulation of IL-1 beta release from the monocytes. In contrast to silica-induced IL-6, the reduction in pneumocyte loss by IL-1 beta does not seem to be regulated through an IL-1R1-dependent mechanism.

  16. Substance P-induced trafficking of beta-arrestins. The role of beta-arrestins in endocytosis of the neurokinin-1 receptor.

    PubMed

    McConalogue, K; Déry, O; Lovett, M; Wong, H; Walsh, J H; Grady, E F; Bunnett, N W

    1999-06-04

    Agonist-induced redistribution of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and beta-arrestins determines the subsequent cellular responsiveness to agonists and is important for signal transduction. We examined substance P (SP)-induced trafficking of beta-arrestin1 and the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in KNRK cells in real time using green fluorescent protein. Green fluorescent protein did not alter function or localization of the NK1R or beta-arrestin1. SP induced (a) striking and rapid (<1 min) translocation of beta-arrestin1 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, which preceded NK1R endocytosis; (b) redistribution of the NK1R and beta-arrestin1 into the same endosomes containing SP and the transferrin receptor (2-10 min); (c) prolonged colocalization of the NK1R and beta-arrestin1 in endosomes (>60 min); (d) gradual resumption of the steady state distribution of the NK1R at the plasma membrane and beta-arrestin1 in the cytosol (4-6 h). SP stimulated a similar redistribution of immunoreactive beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2. In contrast, SP did not affect Galphaq/11 distribution, which remained at the plasma membrane. Expression of the dominant negative beta-arrestin319-418 inhibited SP-induced endocytosis of the NK1R. Thus, SP induces rapid translocation of beta-arrestins to the plasma membrane, where they participate in NK1R endocytosis. beta-Arrestins colocalize with the NK1R in endosomes until the NK1R recycles and beta-arrestins return to the cytosol.

  17. [beta]-Glucan Synthesis in the Cotton Fiber (III. Identification of UDP-Glucose-Binding Subunits of [beta]-Glucan Synthases by Photoaffinity Labeling with [[beta]-32P]5[prime]-N3-UDP-Glucose.

    PubMed Central

    Li, L.; Drake, R. R.; Clement, S.; Brown, R. M.

    1993-01-01

    Using differential product entrapment and photolabeling under specifying conditions, we identifIed a 37-kD polypeptide as the best candidate among the UDP-glucose-binding polypeptides for the catalytic subunit of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cellulose synthase. This polypeptide is enriched by entrapment under conditions favoring [beta]-1,4-glucan synthesis, and it is magnesium dependent and sensitive to unlabeled UDP-glucose. A 52-kD polypeptide was identified as the most likely candidate for the catalytic subunit of [beta]-1,3-glucan synthase because this polypeptide is the most abundant protein in the entrapment fraction obtained under conditions favoring [beta]-1,3-glucan synthesis, is coincident with [beta]-1,3-glucan synthase activity, and is calcium dependent. The possible involvement of other polypeptides in the synthesis of [beta]-1,3-glucan is discussed. PMID:12231766

  18. Beta-glycerophosphate accelerates RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in the presence of ascorbic acid.

    PubMed

    Noh, A Long Sae Mi; Yim, Mijung

    2011-03-01

    Despite numerous reports of the synergistic effects of beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid in inducing the differentiation of osteoblasts, little is known about their roles in osteoclastic differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of beta-glycerophosphate on osteoclastogenesis in the presence of ascorbic acid using primary mouse bone marrow cultures treated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Beta-Glycerophosphate dose-dependently increased RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in the presence of ascorbic acid. This stimulatory effect was apparent when beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid were only added during the late stages of the culture period, indicating that they influence later events in osteoclastic differentiation. While the combination of beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid inhibited RANKL-stimulated activation of ERK and p38, and degradation of IkappaB, it increased the induction of c-Fos and NFATc1. In addition, beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid together enhanced the induction of COX-2 following RANKL stimulation. Taken together, our data suggest that beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid have synergistic effects on osteoclast formation, increasing RANKL-mediated induction of c-Fos, NFATc1 and COX-2 in osteoclast precursors.

  19. 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.

  20. The effects of lower than conventional doses of oral nadolol on relative beta 1/beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade.

    PubMed

    Wheeldon, N M; McDevitt, D G; Lipworth, B J

    1994-08-01

    1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative beta 1/beta 2 antagonist selectivity of the beta-adrenoceptor blocker nadolol, in lower than conventional clinical doses. 2. Eight normal volunteers received single oral doses of either placebo (PL), nadolol 5 mg (N5), 20 mg (N20) or 80 mg (N80) in a single-blind, randomised crossover design. beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonism was assessed by attenuation of exercise tachycardia, and beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade by effects on salbutamol-induced chronotropic, hypokalaemic and finger tremor responses. The relative percentage attenuation of beta 2 and beta 1-mediated responses was calculated and expressed as beta 2:beta 1 selectivity ratios. 3. Nadolol produced dose-related reductions in exercise tachycardia in keeping with increasing beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade; mean % reduction (95% CI) compared with placebo: N5 10.7 (6.6 to 14.8), N20 21.4 (17.3 to 25.4), N80 38.9 (34.8 to 42.9). However, even the lowest dose of nadolol (5 mg) produced almost complete blunting of beta 2-mediated effects and significantly increase exercise hyperkalaemia; peak exercise hyperkalaemia (mmol l-1) (means and 95% CI): PL 4.88 (4.68 to 5.07), N5 5.36 (5.17 to 5.55), N20 5.48 (5.28 to 5.67), N80 5.42 (5.22 to 5.61). beta 2:beta 1 selectivity ratios significantly increased as the dose of nadolol was reduced. 4. These data suggest that whereas in the clinical dose range nadolol behaves as a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, as the dose is reduced this drug demonstrates an increasing degree of selectivity for the beta 2-adrenoceptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  1. Measles virus V protein blocks Jak1-mediated phosphorylation of STAT1 to escape IFN-{alpha}/{beta} signaling

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

    Caignard, Gregory; Guerbois, Mathilde; Labernardiere, Jean-Louis

    2007-11-25

    Viruses have evolved various strategies to escape the antiviral activity of type I interferons (IFN-{alpha}/{beta}). For measles virus, this function is carried by the polycistronic gene P that encodes, by an unusual editing strategy, for the phosphoprotein P and the virulence factor V (MV-V). MV-V prevents STAT1 nuclear translocation by either sequestration or phosphorylation inhibition, thereby blocking IFN-{alpha}/{beta} pathway. We show that both the N- and C-terminal domains of MV-V (PNT and VCT) contribute to the inhibition of IFN-{alpha}/{beta} signaling. Using the two-hybrid system and co-affinity purification experiments, we identified STAT1 and Jak1 as interactors of MV-V and demonstrate thatmore » MV-V can block the direct phosphorylation of STAT1 by Jak1. A deleterious mutation within the PNT domain of MV-V (Y110H) impaired its ability to interact and block STAT1 phosphorylation. Thus, MV-V interacts with at least two components of IFN-{alpha}/{beta} receptor complex to block downstream signaling.« less

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Equine endometrial fibrosis correlates with 11beta-HSD2, TGF-beta1 and ACE activities.

    PubMed

    Ganjam, V K; Evans, T J

    2006-03-27

    Endometrial periglandular fibrosis (EPF) contributes to embryonic and fetal loss in mares. Equine EPF correlates inversely with conception and successful gestation. In the modified Kenney endometrial biopsy classification system, EPF categories I, IIA, IIB, and III correspond to minimal, mild, moderate, and severe fibrosis (+/-inflammation), respectively. Paraffin sections of biopsy specimens were stained with H&E, and picrosirius red (specific for fibrillar collagens types I and III), to determine %EPCVF. Endometrial ACE-binding activity, TGF-beta1 and 11beta-HSD2 activities were also measured. Ultrastructural changes in EPF categories IIB and III endometria strongly suggested myofibroblastic transformation. ACE-binding activity was highest in EPF category IIB; however, endometrial TGF-beta1 and 11beta-HSD2 activities were significantly correlated to the severity of EPF (P<0.05). We conclude that, locally generated angiotensin II initiates the expression of TGF-beta1 resulting in myofibroblastic transformation. 11Beta-HSD2 in concert appears to modulate the severity of endometrial fibrosis.

  5. TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta} are mediated by both TLR4 and Nod1 pathways in the cultured HAPI cells stimulated by LPS

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

    Zheng, Wenwen; Zheng, Xuexing; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136

    2012-04-20

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer LPS induces proinflammatory cytokine release in HAPI cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer JNK pathway is dependent on TLR4 signaling to release cytokines. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer NF-{kappa}B pathway is dependent on Nod1 signaling to release cytokines. -- Abstract: A growing body of evidence recently suggests that glial cell activation plays an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathic pain. Microglia in the central nervous system express toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that is traditionally accepted as the primary receptor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS activates TLR4 signaling pathways to induce the production of proinflammatory molecules. In the present studies, we verified the LPS signaling pathwaysmore » using cultured highly aggressively proliferating immortalized (HAPI) microglial cells. We found that HAPI cells treated with LPS upregulated the expression of TLR4, phospho-JNK (pJNK) and phospho-NF-{kappa}B (pNF-{kappa}B), TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta}. Silencing TLR4 with siRNA reduced the expression of pJNK, TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta}, but not pNF-{kappa}B in the cells. Inhibition of JNK with SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) decreased the expression of TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta}. Unexpectedly, we found that inhibition of Nod1 with ML130 significantly reduced the expression of pNF-{kappa}B. Inhibition of NF-{kappa}B also reduced the expression of TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta}. Nod1 ligand, DAP induced the upregulation of pNF-{kappa}B which was blocked by Nod1 inhibitor. These data indicate that LPS-induced pJNK is TLR4-dependent, and that pNF-{kappa}B is Nod1-dependent in HAPI cells treated with LPS. Either TLR4-JNK or Nod1-NF-{kappa}B pathways is involved in the expression of TNF{alpha} and IL-1{beta}.« less

  6. Insight into multi-site mechanisms of glycosyl transfer in (1-->4)beta-D-glycans provided by the cereal mixed-linkage (1-->3),(1-->4)beta-D-glucan synthase.

    PubMed

    Buckeridge, M S; Vergara, C E; Carpita, N C

    2001-08-01

    Synthases of cellulose, chitin, hyaluronan, and all other polymers containing (1-->4)beta-linked glucosyl, mannosyl and xylosyl units have overcome a substrate orientation problem in catalysis because the (1-->4)beta-linkage requires that each of these sugar units be inverted nearly 180 degrees with respect to its neighbors. We and others have proposed that this problem is solved by two modes of glycosyl transfer within a single catalytic subunit to generate disaccharide units, which, when linked processively, maintain the proper orientation without rotation or re-orientation of the synthetic machinery in 3-dimensional space. A variant of the strict (1-->4)beta-D-linkage structure is the mixed-linkage (1-->3),(1-->4)beta-D-glucan, a growth-specific cell wall polysaccharide found in grasses and cereals. beta-Glucan is composed primarily of cellotriosyl and cellotetraosyl units linked by single (1-->3)beta-D-linkages. In reactions in vitro at high substrate concentration, a polymer composed of almost entirely cellotriosyl and cellopentosyl units is made. These results support a model in which three modes of glycosyl transfer occur within the synthase complex instead of just two. The generation of odd numbered units demands that they are connected by (1-->3)beta-linkages and not (1-->4)beta-. In this short review of beta-glucan synthesis in maize, we show how such a model not only provides simple mechanisms of synthesis for all (1-->4)beta-D-glycans but also explains how the synthesis of callose, or strictly (1-->3)beta-D-glucans, occurs upon loss of the multiple modes of glycosyl transfer to a single one.

  7. 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.

  8. Temperature Dependence of Positron Annihilation in beta-Cyclodextrin and beta-Cyclodextrin Complexes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Y.; Hsu Hadley, F. H., Jr.; Trinh, T.

    1996-11-01

    The effects of temperature on positron annihilation in beta-cyclodextrin and beta-cyclodextrin complexed with benzyl salicylate, benzyl acetate, ethyl salicylate, geraniol, linalool and nerol were studied. Samples were prepared by slurry, air-dried and freeze-dried methods. Lifetime spectra were measured as a function of temperature for each sample. Comparison of the annihilation rate and intensity of the longer-lived component showed that positronium formation was affected by guest molecules, preparation methods and temperature variations. Results can be used to explain beta-cyclodextrin complex formation with different guest molecules.

  9. Assignment of the {beta}-arrestin 1 gene (ARRB1) to human chromosome 11q13

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

    Calabrese, G.; Morizio, E.; Palka, G.

    1994-11-01

    Two types of proteins play a major role in determining homologous desensitization of G-coupled receptors: {beta}-adrenergic receptor kinase ({beta}ARK), which phosphorylates the agonist-occupied receptor, and its functional cofactor, {beta}-arrestin. {beta}ARK is a member of a multigene family, consisting of six known subtypes, which have also been named G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK 1 to 6) due to the apparently unique functional association of such kinases with this receptor family. The gene for {beta}ARK1 has been localized to human chromosome 11q13. The four members of the arrestin/{beta}-arrestin gene family identified so far are arrestin, X-arrestin, {beta}-arrestin 1, and {beta}-arrestin 2. Here themore » authors report the chromosome mapping of the human gene for {beta}-arrestin 1 (ARRB1) to chromosome 11q13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Two-color FISH confirmed that the two genes coding for the functionally related proteins {beta}ARK1 and {beta}arrestin 1 both map to 11q13. 16 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

  10. 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

  11. hnRNP L regulates differences in expression of mouse integrin alpha2beta1.

    PubMed

    Cheli, Yann; Kunicki, Thomas J

    2006-06-01

    There is a 2-fold variation in platelet integrin alpha2beta1 levels among inbred mouse strains. Decreased alpha2beta1 in 4 strains carrying Itga2 haplotype 2 results from decreased affinity of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L) for a 6 CA repeat sequence (CA6) within intron 1. Seven strains bearing haplotype 1 and a 21 CA repeat sequence at this position (CA21) express twice the level of platelet alpha2beta1 and exhibit an equivalent gain of platelet function in vitro. By UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation, hnRNP L binds more avidly to CA21, relative to CA6. By cell-free, in vitro mRNA splicing, decreased binding of hnRNP L results in decreased splicing efficiency and an increased proportion of alternatively spliced product. The splicing enhancer activity of CA21 in vivo is abolished by prior treatment with hnRNP L-specific siRNA. Thus, decreased surface alpha2beta1 results from decreased Itga2 pre-mRNA splicing regulated by hnRNP L and depends on CA repeat length at a specific site in intron 1.

  12. Ligand-Dependent Disorder of Loop Observed in Extended-Spectrum SHV-Type beta-Lactamase

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

    J Sampson; W Ke; C Bethel

    2011-12-31

    Among Gram-negative bacteria, resistance to {beta}-lactams is mediated primarily by {beta}-lactamases (EC 3.2.6.5), periplasmic enzymes that inactivate {beta}-lactam antibiotics. Substitutions at critical amino acid positions in the class A {beta}-lactamase families result in enzymes that can hydrolyze extended-spectrum cephalosporins, thus demonstrating an 'extended-spectrum' {beta}-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype. Using SHV ESBLs with substitutions in the {Omega} loop (R164H and R164S) as target enzymes to understand this enhanced biochemical capability and to serve as a basis for novel {beta}-lactamase inhibitor development, we determined the spectra of activity and crystal structures of these variants. We also studied the inactivation of the R164H and R164Smore » mutants with tazobactam and SA2-13, a unique {beta}-lactamase inhibitor that undergoes a distinctive reaction chemistry in the active site. We noted that the reduced K{sub i} values for the R164H and R164S mutants with SA2-13 are comparable to those with tazobactam (submicromolar). The apo enzyme crystal structures of the R164H and R164S SHV variants revealed an ordered {Omega} loop architecture that became disordered when SA2-13 was bound. Important structural alterations that result from the binding of SA2-13 explain the enhanced susceptibility of these ESBL enzymes to this inhibitor and highlight ligand-dependent {Omega} loop flexibility as a mechanism for accommodating and hydrolyzing {beta}-lactam substrates.« less

  13. 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

  14. Characterization of NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases from Peptostreptococcus productus and Eubacterium aerofaciens.

    PubMed Central

    Hirano, S; Masuda, N

    1982-01-01

    Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52 (a human fecal isolate) and Eubacterium aerofaciens ATCC 25986 were found to contain NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase activity. The enzyme was synthesized constitutively by both organisms, and the enzyme yields were suppressed by the addition of 0.5 mM 7 beta-hydroxy bile acid to the growth medium. Purification of the enzyme by chromatography resulted in preparations with 3.5 (P. productus b-52, on Sephadex G-200) and 1.8 (E. aerofaciens, on Bio-Gel A-1.5 M) times the activity of the crude cell extracts. A pH optimum of 9.8 and a molecular weight of approximately 53,000 were shown for the enzyme of strain b-52, and an optimum pH at 10.5 and a molecular weight of 45,000 was shown for that from strain ATCC 25986. Kinetic studies revealed that both enzyme preparations oxidized the 7 beta-hydroxy group in unconjugated and conjugated bile acids, a lower Km value being demonstrated with free bile acid than with glycine and taurine conjugates. No measureable activity against 3 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 12 alpha-hydroxy groups was detected in either enzyme preparation. When tested with strain ATCC 25986, little 7 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase activity was detected in cells grown in the presence of glucose in excess. The enzyme from strain b-52 was found to be heat labile (90% inactivation at 50 degrees C for 3 min) and highly sensitive to sulfhydryl inhibitors. PMID:6954878

  15. TGF-beta1 modulates matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression in hepatic stellate cells by complex mechanisms involving p38MAPK, PI3-kinase, AKT, and p70S6k.

    PubMed

    Lechuga, Carmen G; Hernández-Nazara, Zamira H; Domínguez Rosales, José-Alfredo; Morris, Elena R; Rincón, Ana Rosa; Rivas-Estilla, Ana María; Esteban-Gamboa, Andrés; Rojkind, Marcos

    2004-11-01

    Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), the main cytokine involved in liver fibrogenesis, induces expression of the type I collagen genes in hepatic stellate cells by a transcriptional mechanism, which is hydrogen peroxide and de novo protein synthesis dependent. Our recent studies have revealed that expression of type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells is reciprocally modulated. Because TGF-beta1 induces a transient elevation of alpha1(I) collagen mRNA, we investigated whether this cytokine was able to induce the expression of MMP-13 mRNA during the downfall of the alpha1(I) collagen mRNA. In the present study, we report that TGF-beta1 induces a rapid decline in steady-state levels of MMP-13 mRNA at the time that it induces the expression of alpha1(I) collagen mRNA. This change in MMP-13 mRNA expression occurs within the first 6 h postcytokine administration and is accompanied by a twofold increase in gene transcription and a fivefold decrease in mRNA half-life. This is followed by increased expression of MMP-13 mRNA, which reaches maximal values by 48 h. Our results also show that this TGF-beta1-mediated effect is de novo protein synthesis-dependent and requires the activity of p38MAPK, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, AKT, and p70(S6k). Altogether, our data suggest that regulation of MMP-13 by TGF-beta1 is a complex process involving transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

  16. In vitro synthesis of a crystalline (1-->3,1-->4)-beta-D-glucan by a mutated (1-->3,1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase from Bacillus.

    PubMed Central

    Faijes, Magda; Imai, Tomoya; Bulone, Vincent; Planas, Antoni

    2004-01-01

    Oligo- and poly-saccharides have a large number of important biological functions, and they occur in natural composite materials, such as plant cell walls, where they self-assemble during biosynthesis in a poorly understood manner. They can also be used for the formation of artificial composite materials with industrial applications. Fundamental and applied research in biology and nanobiotechnology would benefit from the possibility of synthesizing tailor-made oligo-/poly-saccharides. In the present paper, we demonstrate that such syntheses are possible using genetically modified glycoside hydrolases, i.e. glycosynthases. The ability of the endoglycosynthase derived from Bacillus (1-->3,1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase to catalyse self-condensation of sugar donors was exploited for the in vitro synthesis of a regular polysaccharide. The specificity of the enzyme allowed the polymerization of alpha-laminaribiosyl fluoride via the formation of (1-->4)-beta-linkages to yield a new linear crystalline (1-->3,1-->4)-beta-D-glucan with a repeating 4betaG3betaG unit. MS and methylation analyses indicated that the in vitro product consisted of a mixture of oligosaccharides, the one having a degree of polymerization of 12 being the most abundant. Morphological characterization revealed that the (1-->3,1-->4)-beta-D-glucan forms spherulites which are composed of platelet crystals. X-ray and electron diffraction analyses allowed the proposition of a putative crystallographic structure which corresponds to a monoclinic unit cell with a =0.834 nm, b =0.825 nm, c =2.04 nm and gamma=90.5 degrees. The dimensions of the ab plane are similar to those of cellulose I(beta), but the length of the c -axis is nearly twice that of cellulose I. It is proposed that four glucose residues are present in an extended conformation along the c -axis of the unit cell. The data presented show that glycosynthases represent promising enzymic systems for the synthesis of novel polysaccharides with specific and

  17. Transforming growth factor-beta and nitrates in epithelial ovarian cancer.

    PubMed

    Khalifa, A; Kassim, S K; Ahmed, M I; Fayed, S T

    1999-12-01

    The role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and nitric oxide (NO) in ovarian neoplasia is still not clear. We studied the expression of TGF-beta by enzyme immunoassay, and nitrates (as a stable end product of NO) in 127 ovarian tissues (36 normal, 37 benign, and 54 malignant). Ploidy status and synthetic phase fraction (SPF) were also assessed by flow cytometry. Mean ranks of TGF-beta, nitrate, and SPF were significant among different groups (X2 = 12.01, P = 0.0025, X2 = 67.42, P = 0.000, X2 = 9.06, P = 0.011 respectively). Nitrate mean ranks were significant among different FIGO stages of the disease (X2 = 17.6, P = 0.000). A significant correlation was shown between TGF-beta, and nitrate levels in all tissues (r = 0.24, P = 0.01), as well as in malignant tissues (r = 0.3, P = 0.026). Cutoff values were determined for both TGF-beta (290 pg/mg protein), and nitrates (310 nmole/mg non protein nitrogenous substances). At these cut-offs, nitrates showed a sensitivity of 93% and 84% specificity for malignant versus normal cases, while TGF-beta had 76% sensitivity, and 82.4% specificity for poor versus good outcome. Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were followed up for a total of 40 months. Survival analysis showed that patients with TGF-beta above the cut-off had worse prognosis (X2 = 12.69, P = 0.004). The present results suggest that malignant transformation of ovarian tissues is associated with increased TGF-beta and NO production. NO level is related to the development and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer, while high levels of TGF-beta could be of prognostic significance.

  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. Comparative analyses of two thermophilic enzymes exhibiting both beta-1,4 mannosidic and beta-1,4 glucosidic cleavage activities from Caldanaerobius polysaccharolyticus.

    PubMed

    Han, Yejun; Dodd, Dylan; Hespen, Charles W; Ohene-Adjei, Samuel; Schroeder, Charles M; Mackie, Roderick I; Cann, Isaac K O

    2010-08-01

    The hydrolysis of polysaccharides containing mannan requires endo-1,4-beta-mannanase and 1,4-beta-mannosidase activities. In the current report, the biochemical properties of two endo-beta-1,4-mannanases (Man5A and Man5B) from Caldanaerobius polysaccharolyticus were studied. Man5A is composed of an N-terminal signal peptide (SP), a catalytic domain, two carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), and three surface layer homology (SLH) repeats, whereas Man5B lacks the SP, CBMs, and SLH repeats. To gain insights into how the two glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) enzymes may aid the bacterium in energy acquisition and also the potential application of the two enzymes in the biofuel industry, two derivatives of Man5A (Man5A-TM1 [TM1 stands for truncational mutant 1], which lacks the SP and SLH repeats, and Man5A-TM2, which lacks the SP, CBMs, and SLH repeats) and the wild-type Man5B were biochemically analyzed. The Man5A derivatives displayed endo-1,4-beta-mannanase and endo-1,4-beta-glucanase activities and hydrolyzed oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 4 or higher. Man5B exhibited endo-1,4-beta-mannanase activity and little endo-1,4-beta-glucanase activity; however, this enzyme also exhibited 1,4-beta-mannosidase and cellodextrinase activities. Man5A-TM1, compared to either Man5A-TM2 or Man5B, had higher catalytic activity with soluble and insoluble polysaccharides, indicating that the CBMs enhance catalysis of Man5A. Furthermore, Man5A-TM1 acted synergistically with Man5B in the hydrolysis of beta-mannan and carboxymethyl cellulose. The versatility of the two enzymes, therefore, makes them a resource for depolymerization of mannan-containing polysaccharides in the biofuel industry. Furthermore, on the basis of the biochemical and genomic data, a molecular mechanism for utilization of mannan-containing nutrients by C. polysaccharolyticus is proposed.

  20. 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.

  1. 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

  2. Difference between beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies of human and animal origin-Limitations detecting beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies using peptide based ELISA technology.

    PubMed

    Wenzel, Katrin; Schulze-Rothe, Sarah; Müller, Johannes; Wallukat, Gerd; Haberland, Annekathrin

    2018-01-01

    Cell-based analytics for the detection of the beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibody (beta1-AAB) are functional, yet difficult to handle, and should be replaced by easily applicable, routine lab methods. Endeavors to develop solid-phase-based assays such as ELISA to exploit epitope moieties for trapping autoantibodies are ongoing. These solid-phase-based assays, however, are often unreliable when used with human patient material, in contrast to animal derived autoantibodies. We therefore tested an immunogen peptide-based ELISA for the detection of beta1-AAB, and compared commercially available goat antibodies against the 2nd extracellular loop of human beta1-adrenoceptor (ADRB1-AB) to autoantibodies enriched from patient material. The functionality of these autoantibodies was tested in a cell based assay for comparison and their structural appearance was investigated using 2D gel electrophoresis. The ELISA showed a limit of detection for ADRB1-AB of about 1.5 nmol antibody/L when spiked in human control serum and only about 25 nmol/L when spiked in species identical (goat) matrix material. When applied to samples of human origin, the ELISA failed to identify the specific beta1-AABs. A low concentration of beta1-AAB, together with structural inconsistency of the patient originated samples as seen from the 2D Gel appearance, might contribute to the failure of the peptide based ELISA technology to detect human beta1-AABs.

  3. Matching-adjusted comparisons demonstrate better clinical outcomes with SC peginterferon beta-1a every two weeks than with SC interferon beta-1a three times per week.

    PubMed

    Coyle, Patricia K; Shang, Shulian; Xiao, Zhen; Dong, Qunming; Castrillo-Viguera, Carmen

    2018-05-01

    Subcutaneous (SC) peginterferon beta-1a and SC interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a) have demonstrated efficacy in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) but have never been compared in direct head-to-head clinical trials, the gold-standard comparison. A well-balanced matching-adjusted comparison of weighted individual patient data on SC peginterferon beta-1a, and aggregate data from published phase 3 clinical trials of SC IFN beta-1a, was conducted to provide additional information on the comparative efficacy of these two agents. Individual patient data from a study of SC peginterferon beta-1a 125 mcg every two weeks (ADVANCE) and pooled summary data from four published studies of SC IFN beta-1a 44 mcg three times per week (OPERA I and II, CARE-MS I and II) with similar populations were utilized. A comparison was conducted by weighting individual peginterferon beta-1a-treated patients, using estimated propensity of enrolling in SC IFN beta-1a treatment to match multiple key aggregate baseline characteristics of SC IFN beta-1a-treated patients. After matching, weighted annualized relapse rate (ARR), 24-week confirmed disability worsening (CDW), and clinical no evidence of disease activity (clinical-NEDA) were calculated and compared for peginterferon beta-1a and SC IFN beta-1a. After matching, baseline characteristics were well balanced across treatment groups. At 2 years, ARR after matching was 0.256 for patients receiving peginterferon beta-1a (effective n = 376) and 0.335 for those receiving SC IFN beta-1a (n = 1218) (P = 0.0901). The percentage of patients who were relapse free over 2 years was significantly higher with peginterferon beta-1a than with SC IFN beta-1a (75.1% vs. 57.4% [after matching], P < 0.0001). The peginterferon beta-1a treatment group had a significantly lower proportion of patients with 24-week CDW compared with SC IFN beta-1a (after matching 6.5% vs. 13.2%; P = 0.0007). Clinical-NEDA occurred in a

  4. 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.

  5. Assembly of Q{beta} viral RNA polymerase with host translational elongation factors EF-Tu and -Ts.

    PubMed

    Takeshita, Daijiro; Tomita, Kozo

    2010-09-07

    Replication and transcription of viral RNA genomes rely on host-donated proteins. Qbeta virus infects Escherichia coli and replicates and transcribes its own genomic RNA by Qbeta replicase. Qbeta replicase requires the virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (beta-subunit), and the host-donated translational elongation factors EF-Tu and -Ts, as active core subunits for its RNA polymerization activity. Here, we present the crystal structure of the core Qbeta replicase, comprising the beta-subunit, EF-Tu and -Ts. The beta-subunit has a right-handed structure, and the EF-Tu:Ts binary complex maintains the structure of the catalytic core crevasse of the beta-subunit through hydrophobic interactions, between the finger and thumb domains of the beta-subunit and domain-2 of EF-Tu and the coiled-coil motif of EF-Ts, respectively. These hydrophobic interactions are required for the expression and assembly of the Qbeta replicase complex. Thus, EF-Tu and -Ts have chaperone-like functions in the maintenance of the structure of the active Qbeta replicase. Modeling of the template RNA and the growing RNA in the catalytic site of the Qbeta replicase structure also suggests that structural changes of the RNAs and EF-Tu:Ts should accompany processive RNA polymerization and that EF-Tu:Ts in the Qbeta replicase could function to modulate the RNA folding and structure.

  6. Phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1) modulates MT1-MMP activity in human microvascular endothelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Wieghaus, Kristen A.; Gianchandani, Erwin P.; Neal, Rebekah A.; Paige, Mikell A.; Brown, Milton L.; Papin, Jason A.; Botchwey, Edward A.

    2009-01-01

    We are creating synthetic pharmaceuticals with angiogenic activity and potential to promote vascular invasion. We previously demonstrated that one of these molecules, phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1), significantly expands microvascular networks in vivo following sustained release from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) films. In addition, to probe PNF1 mode-of-action, we recently applied a novel pathway-based compendium analysis to a multi-timepoint, controlled microarray dataset of PNF1-treated (versus control) human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), and we identified induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and, subsequently, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling networks by PNF1. Here we validate this microarray data-set with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Subsequently, we probe this dataset and identify three specific TGF-β-induced genes with regulation by PNF1 conserved over multiple timepoints—amyloid beta (A4) precursor protein (APP), early growth response 1 (EGR-1), and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14 or MT1-MMP)—that are also implicated in angiogenesis. We further focus on MMP14 given its unique role in angiogenesis, and we validate MT1-MMP modulation by PNF1 with an in vitro fluorescence assay that demonstrates the direct effects that PNF1 exerts on functional metalloproteinase activity. We also utilize endothelial cord formation in collagen gels to show that PNF1-induced stimulation of endothelial cord network formation in vitro is in some way MT1-MMP-dependent. Ultimately, this new network analysis of our transcriptional footprint characterizing PNF1 activity 1–48 h post-supplementation in HMVECs coupled with corresponding validating experiments suggests a key set of a few specific targets that are involved in PNF1 mode-of-action and important for successful promotion of the neovascularization that we have observed by the drug in vivo. PMID:19326468

  7. Amyloid-beta aggregation: selective inhibition of aggregation in mixtures of amyloid with different chain lengths.

    PubMed Central

    Snyder, S W; Ladror, U S; Wade, W S; Wang, G T; Barrett, L W; Matayoshi, E D; Huffaker, H J; Krafft, G A; Holzman, T F

    1994-01-01

    One of the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease is the deposition of the 39-43 residue amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide in aggregated fibrils in senile plaques. Characterization of the aggregation behavior of A beta is one of the critical issues in understanding the role of A beta in the disease process. Using solution hydrodynamics, A beta was observed to form three types of species in phosphate-buffered saline: insoluble aggregates with sedimentation coefficients of approximately 50,000 S and molecular masses of approximately 10(9) Da, "soluble aggregates" with sedimentation coefficients of approximately 30 S and masses of approximately 10(6) Da, and monomer. When starting from monomer, the aggregation kinetics of A beta 1-40 (A beta 40) and A beta 1-42 (A beta 42), alone and in combination, reveal large differences in the tendency of these peptides to aggregate as a function of pH and other solution conditions. At pH 4.1 and 7.0-7.4, aggregation is significantly slower than at pH 5 and 6. Under all conditions, aggregation of the longer A beta 42 was more rapid than A beta 40. Oxidation of Met-35 to the sulfoxide in A beta 40 enhances the aggregation rate over that of the nonoxidized peptide. Aggregation was found to be dependent upon temperature and to be strongly dependent on peptide concentration and ionic strength, indicating that aggregation is driven by a hydrophobic effect. When A beta 40 and A beta 42 are mixed together, A beta 40 retards the aggregation of A beta 42 in a concentration-dependent manner. Shorter fragments have a decreasing ability to interfere with A beta 42 aggregation. Conversely, the rate of aggregation of A beta 40 can be significantly enhanced by seeding slow aggregating solutions with preformed aggregates of A beta 42. Taken together, the inhibition of A beta 42 aggregation by A beta 40, the seeding of A beta 40 aggregation by A beta 42 aggregates, and the chemical oxidation of A beta 40 suggest that the relative abundance and

  8. 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

  9. The involvement of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1-dependent pathway in nickel carcinogenesis.

    PubMed

    Salnikow, Konstantin; Davidson, Todd; Zhang, Qunwei; Chen, Lung Chi; Su, Weichen; Costa, Max

    2003-07-01

    Nickel is a potent environmental pollutant in industrial countries. Because nickel compounds are carcinogenic, exposure to nickel represents a serious hazard to human health. The understanding of how nickel exerts its toxic and carcinogenic effects at a molecular level may be important in risk assessment, as well as in the treatment and prevention of occupational diseases. Previously, using human and rodent cells in vitro, we showed that hypoxia-inducible signaling pathway was activated by carcinogenic nickel compounds. Acute exposure to nickel resulted in the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-1, which strongly activated hypoxia-inducible genes, including the recently discovered tumor marker NDRG1 (Cap43). To further identify HIF-1-dependent nickel-inducible genes and to understand the role of the HIF-dependent signaling pathway in nickel-induced transformation, we used the Affymetrix GeneChip to compare the gene expression profiles in wild-type cells or in cells from HIF-1 alpha knockout mouse embryos exposed to nickel chloride. As expected, when we examined 12,000 genes for expression changes, we found that genes coding for glycolytic enzymes and glucose transporters, known to be regulated by HIF-1 transcription factor, were induced by nickel only in HIF-1 alpha-proficient cells. In addition, we found a number of other hypoxia-inducible genes up-regulated by nickel in a HIF-dependent manner including BCL-2-binding protein Nip3, EGLN1, hypoxia-inducible gene 1 (HIG1), and prolyl 4-hydroxylase. Additionally, we found a number of genes induced by nickel in a HIF-independent manner, suggesting that Ni activated other signaling pathways besides HIF-1. Finally, we found that in HIF-1 alpha knockout cells, nickel strongly induced the expression of the whole group of genes that were not expressed in the presence of HIF-1. Because the majority of modulated genes were induced or suppressed by nickel in a HIF-1-dependent manner, we elucidated the

  10. Beta-1-Selective Beta-Blockers and Cognitive Functions in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

    PubMed

    Burkauskas, Julius; Noreikaite, Aurelija; Bunevicius, Adomas; Brozaitiene, Julija; Neverauskas, Julius; Mickuviene, Narseta; Bunevicius, Robertas

    2016-01-01

    The association between current beta-1-selective beta-blocker use and cognitive function was evaluated in 722 patients with coronary artery disease without dementia. Beta-1-selective beta-blocker use was associated with worse incidental learning independently of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical coronary artery disease severity, and depression/anxiety.

  11. Increased and correlated expression of connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1 in surgically removed periodontal tissues with chronic periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Mize, T W; Sundararaj, K P; Leite, R S; Huang, Y

    2015-06-01

    Both gingival tissue destruction and regeneration are associated with chronic periodontitis, although the former overwhelms the latter. Studies have shown that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a growth factor largely involved in tissue regeneration and remodeling, is upregulated in chronic periodontitis. However, the gingival expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2), a TGF-β1-upregulated gene, in patients with periodontitis remains undetermined. Although both CTGF/CCN2 and TGF-b1 increase the production of extracellular matrix, they have many different biological functions. Therefore, it is important to delineate the impact of periodontitis on gingival CTGF/CCN2 expression. Periodontal tissue specimens were collected from seven individuals without periodontitis (group 1) and from 14 with periodontitis (group 2). The expression of CTGF and TGFβ1 mRNAs were quantified using real-time PCR. Analysis using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test showed that the levels of expression of both CTGF/CCN2 and TGFβ1 mRNAs were significantly increased in individuals with periodontitis compared with individuals without periodontitis. Furthermore, analysis using a nonparametric correlation (Spearman r) test showed a positive correlation between TGFβ1 and CTGF/CCN2 mRNAs. The gingival expression levels of CTGF/CCN2 and TGFβ1 mRNAs in individuals with periodontitis are upregulated and correlated. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Interleukin-1beta gene polymorphisms in Taiwanese patients with gout.

    PubMed

    Chen, Man-Ling; Huang, Chung-Ming; Tsai, Chang-Hai; Tsai, Fuu-Jen

    2005-04-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine whether interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) promoter and exon 5 gene polymorphisms are markers of susceptibility or clinical manifestations in Taiwanese patients with gout. The study included 196 patients in addition to 103 unrelated healthy control subjects living in central Taiwan. From genomic DNA, polymorphisms of the gene for IL-1beta promoter and IL-1beta exon 5 were typed. Allelic frequencies were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between allelic frequencies and clinical manifestations of gout was evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the allelic frequencies of the IL-1beta promoter between patients with gout and healthy control subjects. Additionally, we did not detect any association of the IL-1beta promoter genotype with the clinical and laboratory profiles of gout patients. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of hypertriglyceridemia (P=0.0004, chi(2)=12.52, OR 7.14, 95%CI 0.012-0.22). There was also a significant difference in the genotype of IL-1beta exon 5 polymorphism between patients with and without hypertriglyceridemia. Results of the present study suggest that polymorphisms of the IL-1beta promoter and IL-1beta exon 5 are not related to gout patients in central Taiwan.

  13. Bucindolol, a nonselective beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, decreases beta-adrenergic receptor density in cultured embryonic chick cardiac myocyte membranes.

    PubMed

    Asano, K; Zisman, L S; Yoshikawa, T; Headley, V; Bristow, M R; Port, J D

    2001-06-01

    Bucindolol and carvedilol, nonselective beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptor antagonists, have been widely used in clinical therapeutic trials of congestive heart failure. The aim of the current study was to investigate long-term effects of bucindolol or carvedilol on beta-adrenergic receptor protein and gene expression in cardiac myocytes. Embryonic chick cardiac myocytes were cultured and incubated with bucindolol (1 microM), carvedilol (1 microM), or norepinephrine (1 microM) for 24 h. 125I-iodocyanopindolol binding assays demonstrated that incubation with norepinephrine or bucindolol, but not carvedilol, significantly decreased beta-adrenergic receptor density in crude membranes prepared from the myocytes. Neither bucindolol nor carvedilol significantly stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes from drug-untreated cells. Unlike by norepinephrine, the receptor density reduction by bucindolol incubation was not accompanied by a change in beta1-adrenergic receptor messenger RNA abundance. A decrease in membrane beta-adrenergic receptor density without a change in cognate messenger RNA abundance was also observed in hamster DDT1 MF2 cell line incubated with bucindolol (1 microM, 24 h). We conclude that incubation with bucindolol, but not carvedilol, results in true reduction of beta-adrenergic receptor density in chick cardiac myocyte membranes by mechanisms that are distinct from those responsible for receptor density reduction by the agonist norepinephrine.

  14. Estrogen promotes megakaryocyte polyploidization via estrogen receptor beta-mediated transcription of GATA1.

    PubMed

    Du, C; Xu, Y; Yang, K; Chen, S; Wang, X; Wang, S; Wang, C; Shen, M; Chen, F; Chen, M; Zeng, D; Li, F; Wang, T; Wang, F; Zhao, J; Ai, G; Cheng, T; Su, Y; Wang, J

    2017-04-01

    Estrogen is reported to be involved in thrombopoiesis and the disruption of its signaling may cause myeloproliferative disease, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. GATA-binding factor 1 (GATA1) is a key regulator of megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and its deficiency will lead to megakaryoblastic leukemia. Here we show that estrogen can dose-dependently promote MK polyploidization and maturation via activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), accompanied by a significant upregulation of GATA1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and a dual luciferase assay demonstrate that ERβ can directly bind the promoter region of GATA1 and activate its transcription. Steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC3) is involved in ERβ-mediated GATA1 transcription. The deficiency of ERβ or SRC3, similar to the inhibition of GATA1, leads to the impediment of estrogen-induced MK polyploidization and platelet production. Further investigations reveal that signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathway downstream of GATA1 has a crucial role in estrogen-induced MK polyploidization, and ERβ-mediated GATA1 upregulation subsequently enhances nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 expression, thereby promoting proplatelet formation and platelet release. Our study provides a deep insight into the molecular mechanisms of estrogen signaling in regulating thrombopoiesis and the pathogenesis of ER deficiency-related leukemia.

  15. Physical association and functional interaction between beta1 integrin and CD98 on human T lymphocytes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miyamoto, Yuko J.; Mitchell, Jason S.; McIntyre, Bradley W.

    2003-01-01

    CD98 is a cell surface protein previously characterized as a cell activation marker, an amino acid transporter, and has recently been implicated in integrin-related functions. Integrins are cell surface proteins, important for homotypic cell aggregation, cell adhesion, and coactivation of T lymphocytes. We have previously shown that the anti-CD98 mAb 80A10, when coimmobilized with anti-CD3 mAb OKT3, is able to mediate human T cell coactivation that is inhibited by anti-beta1 integrin specific mAb 18D3. These results indicated a functional association of CD98 and beta1 integrin signaling but left open the question of a physical association. We now show the induction of homotypic aggregation through CD98 among human T cells and this aggregation was inhibited by anti-beta1 integrin mAb. Therefore, CD98-dependent lymphocyte proliferation and adhesion may involve integrins. Competitive binding assays and fluorescence colocalization analysis suggested that CD98 and beta1 integrin were physically associated. Differential extraction techniques and immunoprecipitations provided the first evidence that the alpha4beta1 integrin and CD98 are specifically associated on human T lymphocytes.

  16. 17-beta estradiol inhibits oxidative stress-induced accumulation of AIF into nucleolus and PARP1-dependent cell death via estrogen receptor alpha.

    PubMed

    Batnasan, Enkhzaya; Wang, Ruoxi; Wen, Jitao; Ke, Yueshuang; Li, Xiaoxue; Bohio, Ameer Ali; Zeng, Xianlu; Huo, Hongliang; Han, Liping; Boldogh, Istvan; Ba, Xueqing

    2015-01-05

    Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage results in over-activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), leading to parthanatos, a newly discovered cell elimination pathway. Inhibition of PARP1-dependent cell death has shown to improve the outcome of diseases, including stroke, heart ischemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study we aimed to detect whether estrogen plays a protective role in inhibiting parthanatos. We utilized human mammary adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) that abundantly express the estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ). Parthanatos was induced by challenging the cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Microscopic imaging and molecular biological techniques, such as Western blot analysis and RNA interference, were performed. The results showed 17β estradiol (E2) protected MCF7 cells from PARP1-dependent cell death by decreasing protein PARylation, and AIF translocation into nuclei/nucleoli. Down-regulation of ERα expression by siRNA before E2 addition resulted in the failure of the E2-mediated inhibition of H2O2-induced protein PARylation and AIF nucleolar translocation. Together these data suggest that estrogen via its alpha-type receptor inhibits oxidative stress-induced, PARP1-dependent cell death. The present study provided us insight into how to apply hormone therapy in intervention of parthanatos-implicated ischemic and degenerative diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Structure function and splice site analysis of the synaptogenic activity of the neurexin-1 beta LNS domain.

    PubMed

    Graf, Ethan R; Kang, Yunhee; Hauner, Anna M; Craig, Ann Marie

    2006-04-19

    Recent findings suggest that the neurexin-neuroligin link promotes both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptogenesis, but the mechanism by which neurexins influence the clustering of appropriate neuroligins and postsynaptic differentiation remains unclear. Previous studies suggested that the presence or absence of alternatively spliced residues at splice site 4 (S4) in the neurexin LNS domain may regulate neurexin function. We demonstrate that addition of the S4 insert selectively reduces the ability of neurexin-1beta to cluster neuroligin-1/3/4 and glutamatergic postsynaptic proteins, although clustering of neuroligin-2 and GABAergic postsynaptic proteins remain strong. Furthermore, addition of the S4 insert decreases the binding affinity of neurexin-1beta to neuroligins-1 and -4 but has little effect on binding to neuroligins-2 and -3. Additional structure-function studies reveal the neurexin binding interface mediating synaptogenic activity to be composed primarily of residues in the beta2beta3, beta6beta7, and beta10beta11 loops on one rim of the LNS domain beta sandwich. Mutation of two predicted Ca(2+)-binding residues disrupts postsynaptic protein clustering and binding to neuroligins, consistent with previous findings that neurexin-neuroligin binding is Ca2+ dependent. Glutamatergic postsynaptic clustering was more readily disrupted by the mutagenesis than GABAergic postsynaptic protein clustering. Perhaps neurexins-neuroligins, or neurexin-1beta at least, is most important for GABA synapse formation or controlling the balance of GABA and glutamate synapses. These results suggest that differential neurexin-neuroligin binding affinities and splice variations may play an instructive role in postsynaptic differentiation.

  18. 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.

  19. Epstein-Barr virus BRLF1 inhibits transcription of IRF3 and IRF7 and suppresses induction of interferon-{beta}

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

    Bentz, Gretchen L.; Liu Renshui; Hahn, Angela M.

    Activation of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) 3 and 7 is essential for the induction of Type I interferons (IFN) and innate antiviral responses, and herpesviruses have evolved mechanisms to evade such responses. We previously reported that Epstein-Barr virus BZLF1, an immediate-early (IE) protein, inhibits the function of IRF7, but the role of BRLF1, the other IE transactivator, in IRF regulation has not been examined. We now show that BRLF1 expression decreased induction of IFN-{beta}, and reduced expression of IRF3 and IRF7; effects were dependent on N- and C-terminal regions of BRLF1 and its nuclear localization signal. Endogenous IRF3 and IRF7more » RNA and protein levels were also decreased during cytolytic EBV infection. Finally, production of IFN-{beta} was decreased during lytic EBV infection and was associated with increased susceptibility to superinfection with Sendai virus. These data suggest a new role for BRLF1 with the ability to evade host innate immune responses.« less

  20. Effects of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 in Cerebellar Development: Role in Synapse Formation

    PubMed Central

    Araujo, Ana P. B.; Diniz, Luan P.; Eller, Cristiane M.; de Matos, Beatriz G.; Martinez, Rodrigo; Gomes, Flávia C. A.

    2016-01-01

    Granule cells (GC) are the most numerous glutamatergic neurons in the cerebellar cortex and represent almost half of the neurons of the central nervous system. Despite recent advances, the mechanisms of how the glutamatergic synapses are formed in the cerebellum remain unclear. Among the TGF-β family, TGF-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been described as a synaptogenic molecule in invertebrates and in the vertebrate peripheral nervous system. A recent paper from our group demonstrated that TGF-β1 increases the excitatory synapse formation in cortical neurons. Here, we investigated the role of TGF-β1 in glutamatergic cerebellar neurons. We showed that the expression profile of TGF-β1 and its receptor, TβRII, in the cerebellum is consistent with a role in synapse formation in vitro and in vivo. It is low in the early postnatal days (P1–P9), increases after postnatal day 12 (P12), and remains high until adulthood (P30). We also found that granule neurons express the TGF-β receptor mRNA and protein, suggesting that they may be responsive to the synaptogenic effect of TGF-β1. Treatment of granular cell cultures with TGF-β1 increased the number of glutamatergic excitatory synapses by 100%, as shown by immunocytochemistry assays for presynaptic (synaptophysin) and post-synaptic (PSD-95) proteins. This effect was dependent on TβRI activation because addition of a pharmacological inhibitor of TGF-β, SB-431542, impaired the formation of synapses between granular neurons. Together, these findings suggest that TGF-β1 has a specific key function in the cerebellum through regulation of excitatory synapse formation between granule neurons. PMID:27199658

  1. Dissecting the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and integrin alpha(v)beta3 in angiogenesis in vitro: absence of hemopexin C domain bioactivity, but membrane-Type 1-MMP and alpha(v)beta3 are critical.

    PubMed

    Nisato, Riccardo E; Hosseini, Ghamartaj; Sirrenberg, Christian; Butler, Georgina S; Crabbe, Thomas; Docherty, Andrew J P; Wiesner, Matthias; Murphy, Gillian; Overall, Christopher M; Goodman, Simon L; Pepper, Michael S

    2005-10-15

    Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and its hemopexin C domain autolytic fragment (also called PEX) have been proposed to be crucial for angiogenesis. Here, we have investigated the dependency of in vitro angiogenesis on MMP-mediated extracellular proteolysis and integrin alpha(v)beta3-mediated cell adhesion in a three-dimensional collagen I model. The hydroxamate-based synthetic inhibitors BB94, CT1399, and CT1847 inhibited endothelial cell invasion, as did neutralizing anti-membrane-type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) antibodies and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-3 but not TIMP-1. This confirmed the pivotal importance of MT1-MMP over other MMPs in this model. Invasion was also inhibited by a nonpeptidic antagonist of integrin alpha(v)beta3, EMD 361276. Although PEX strongly inhibited pro-MMP-2 activation, when contaminating lipopolysaccharide was neutralized, PEX neither affected angiogenesis nor bound integrin alpha(v)beta(3). Moreover, no specific binding of pro-MMP-2 to integrin alpha(v)beta3 was found, whereas only one out of four independently prepared enzymatically active MMP-2 preparations could bind integrin alpha(v)beta3 , and this in a PEX-independent manner. Likewise, integrin alpha(v)beta3 -expressing cells did not bind MMP-2-coated surfaces. Hence, these findings show that endothelial cell invasion of collagen I gels is MT1-MMP and alpha(v)beta3 - dependent but MMP-2 independent and does not support a role for PEX in alpha(v)beta3 integrin binding or in modulating angiogenesis in this system.

  2. Purification and characterization of NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52.

    PubMed

    Masuda, N; Oda, H; Tanaka, H

    1983-01-04

    An NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was purified 11.5-fold over the activity in crude cell extracts prepared from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52, by using Sephadex G-200 and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. 7 beta-Dehydrogenation was the sole transformation of bile acids catalyzed by the partially purified enzyme. The enzyme preparation (spec. act. 2.781 IU per mg protein) had an optimum pH of 9.8. Lineweaver-Burk plots showed a Michaelis constant (Km) value of 0.05 mM for 3 alpha, 7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoic acid whereas higher values were obtained with 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl glycine (0.20 mM), and 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl taurine (0.26 mM). NADP but not NAD could function as an electron acceptor, and had a Km value of 0.30 mM. A molecular weight of 64000 was determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The addition of 0.4 mM of either bile acid to the growth medium suppressed not only cell growth, but also the enzyme yield.

  3. 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.

  4. Structural changes upon excitation of D1-D2-Cyt b559 photosystem II reaction centers depend on the beta-carotene content.

    PubMed

    Losi, Aba; Yruela, Inmaculada; Reus, Michael; Holzwarth, Alfred R; Braslavsky, Silvia E

    2003-07-01

    Different preparations of D1-D2-Cyt b559 complexes from spinach with different beta-carotene (Car) content [on average from <0.5 to 2 per reaction center (RC)] were studied by means of laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy. phiP680(+)Pheo(-) does not depend on the preparation (or on the Car content) inasmuch as the magnitude of the prompt heat (produced within 20 ns) does not vary for the different samples upon excitation at 675 and 620 nm. The energy level of the primary charge-separated state, P680(+)Pheo(-), was determined as EP680(+)Pheo(-) = 1.55 eV. Thus, an enthalpy change accompanying charge separation from excited P680 of deltaH*P680Pheo-->P680(+)Pheo(-) = -0.27 eV is obtained. Calculations using the heat evolved during the time-resolved decay of P680(+)Pheo(-) (< or = 100 ns) affords a triplet (3[P680Pheo]) quantum yield phi3[P680Pheo] = 0.5 +/- 0.14. The structural volume change, deltaV1, corresponding to the formation of P680(+)Pheo(-), strongly depends on the Car content; it is ca. -2.5 A3 molecule(-1) for samples with <0.5 Car on average, decreases (in absolute value) to -0.5 +/- 0.2 A3 for samples with an average of 1 Car, and remains the same for samples with two Cars per RC. This suggests that the Car molecules induce changes in the ground-state RC conformation, an idea which was confirmed by preferential excitation of Car with blue light, which produced different carotene triplet lifetimes in samples with 2 Car compared to those containing less carotene. We conclude that the two beta-carotenes are not structurally equivalent. Upon blue-light excitation (480 nm, preferential carotene absorption) the fraction of energy stored is ca. 60% for the 9Chl-2Car sample, whereas it is 40% for the preparations with one or less Cars on average, indicating different paths of energy distribution after Car excitation in these RCs with remaining chlorophyll antennae.

  5. 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

  6. Transforming properties of the Huntingtin interacting protein 1/ platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor fusion protein.

    PubMed

    Ross, T S; Gilliland, D G

    1999-08-06

    We have previously reported that the Huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) gene is fused to the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFbetaR) gene in a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. We now show that HIP1/PDGFbetaR oligomerizes, is constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated, and transforms the murine hematopoietic cell line, Ba/F3, to interleukin-3-independent growth. A kinase-inactive mutant is neither tyrosine-phosphorylated nor able to transform Ba/F3 cells. Oligomerization and kinase activation required the 55-amino acid carboxyl-terminal TALIN homology region but not the leucine zipper domain. Tyrosine phosphorylation of a 130-kDa protein and STAT5 correlates with transformation in cells expressing HIP1/PDGFbetaR and related mutants. A deletion mutant fusion protein that contains only the TALIN homology region of HIP1 fused to PDGFbetaR is incapable of transforming Ba/F3 cells and does not tyrosine-phosphorylate p130 or STAT5, although it is itself constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated. We have also analyzed cells expressing Tyr --> Phe mutants of HIP1/PDGFbetaR in the known PDGFbetaR SH2 docking sites and report that none of these sites are necessary for STAT5 activation, p130 phosphorylation, or Ba/F3 transformation. The correlation of factor-independent growth of hematopoietic cells with p130 and STAT5 phosphorylation/activation in both the HIP1/PDGFbetaR Tyr --> Phe and deletion mutational variants suggests that both STAT5 and p130 are important for transformation mediated by HIP1/PDGFbetaR.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. The role of transforming growth factor-beta in PEG-rHuMGDF-induced reversible myelofibrosis in rats.

    PubMed

    Yanagida, M; Ide, Y; Imai, A; Toriyama, M; Aoki, T; Harada, K; Izumi, H; Uzumaki, H; Kusaka, M; Tokiwa, T

    1997-12-01

    Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) injected at a suprapharmacologic dose (100 microg/kg) daily for 5 d in normal rats caused marked increases in marrow megakaryocytes and platelet counts at 6-8 d followed by gradual decreases to control levels at 10-20 d. Interestingly, in addition to the expected thrombopoiesis, PEG-rHuMGDF was associated with myelofibrosis with a predominance of reticulin fibres at day 10 followed by complete normalization by day 20. At 6-8 d, the levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the extracellular fluid of the marrow, the platelet poor plasma, and the platelet extract were increased 23-, 7- and 2-fold, respectively. The elevated levels of TGF-beta1 were gradually reduced to baseline levels at 13-20 d in accordance with the normalization of myelofibrosis and thrombopoiesis. An ultrastructural analysis showed that large fragments of megakaryocytes were deposited in the marrow parenchyma of PEG-rHuMGDF-treated rats at day 6. PEG-rHuMGDF administration at pharmacologic doses (1 and 10 microg/kg) did not induce the deposition of reticulin fibres in the marrow. These findings suggest that TGF-beta1 leaked from megakaryocytes is involved in the development of the PEG-rHuMGDF-induced myelofibrosis and that this is a reversible process related to the regulation of the excess production of platelets.

  10. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) regulates cytokine induction by 1,3-beta-D-glucan SCG in DBA/2 mice in vitro.

    PubMed

    Harada, Toshie; Miura, Noriko N; Adachi, Yoshiyuki; Nakajima, Mitsuhiro; Yadomae, Toshiro; Ohno, Naohito

    2004-08-01

    Sparassis crispa Fr. is an edible/medicinal mushroom that recently became cultivable in Japan. SCG is a major 6-branched 1,3-beta-D-glucan in S. crispa showing antitumor activity. We recently found that the splenocytes from naive DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice strongly react with SCG to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In this study, cytokines induced by SCG were screened and found to be IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-12 (IL-12p70). The addition of recombinant murine GM-CSF (rMuGM-CSF) to spleen cell cultures from various strains of mice synergistically enhanced IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-12p70 in the presence of SCG. In contrast, neutralizing GM-CSF using anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly inhibited IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-12p70 elicited by SCG. We conclude that GM-CSF is a key molecule for cytokine induction by beta-glucan, and GM-CSF induction by SCG is the specific step in DBA/2 mice in vitro.

  11. Effect of interleukin-1beta on the behavior of rats during mild stress in the open-field test.

    PubMed

    Pertsov, S S; Koplik, E V; Simbirtsev, A S; Kalinichenko, L S

    2009-11-01

    We studied the effect of interleukin-1beta on the behavior of rats with different individual typological characteristics during mild stress in the open-field test. Intraperitoneal injection of interleukin-1beta (5 microg/kg, 108 U/mg) was followed by a decrease in orientation and exploratory activity of passive and, particularly, of active animals in the open field. As differentiated from rats receiving physiological saline, the initial differences in behavioral characteristics of active and passive animals were not revealed in the repeated test after injection of interleukin-1beta. We conclude that interleukin-1beta abolishes the behavioral differences between active and passive specimens in the open field. These data suggest that administration of interleukin-1beta to rats leads to reorganization of the mechanisms for emotional evaluation of adverse emotiogenic factors under conditions of mild stress in the open-field test.

  12. Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1-dependent Nuclear Factor-E2-related Factor 2 Activation in Relation to Antioxidation Induced by Sevoflurane Preconditioning.

    PubMed

    Cai, Min; Tong, Li; Dong, Beibei; Hou, Wugang; Shi, Likai; Dong, Hailong

    2017-03-01

    The authors have reported that antioxidative effects play a crucial role in the volatile anesthetic-induced neuroprotection. Accumulated evidence shows that endogenous antioxidation could be up-regulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 through multiple pathways. However, whether nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation is modulated by sevoflurane preconditioning and, if so, what is the signaling cascade underlying upstream of this activation are still unknown. Sevoflurane preconditioning in mice was performed with sevoflurane (2.5%) 1 h per day for five consecutive days. Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, manganese superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin-1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinolone oxidoreductase-1 was detected (n = 6). The antioxidant activities and oxidative product expression were also examined. To determine the role of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 inhibition-dependent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation in sevoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection, the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 signal was modulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 knockout, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 overexpression lentivirus, and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 deficiency small interfering RNA (n = 8). The infarct volume, neurologic scores, and cellular apoptosis were assessed. Sevoflurane preconditioning elicited neuroprotection and increased nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation, which in turn up-regulated endogenous antioxidation and reduced oxidative injury. Sevoflurane preconditioning reduced kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 ablation abolished neuroprotection and reversed sevoflurane preconditioning by mediating the up-regulation of antioxidants. Kelch

  13. 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.

  14. New developments and prospective applications for beta (1,3) glucans.

    PubMed

    Laroche, Celine; Michaud, Philippe

    2007-01-01

    Publications and patents relative to newly observed functions of beta-(1,3)-D-glucans have notably increased in the last few years with the exploitation of their biological activities. The term beta-(1,3)-D-glucans includes a very large number of polysaccharides from bacterial, fungal and vegetable sources. Their structures have a common backbone of beta-(1,3) linked glucopyranosyl residues but the polysaccharidic chain can be beta-(1,6) branched with glucose or integrate some beta-(1,4) linked glucopyranosyl residues in the main chain. Except for the curdlan, a bacterial linear beta-(1,3)-D-glucans, and for the scleroglucan produced by Sclerotium rolfsii, the main drawback limiting the development of these polysaccharides is the lack of efficient processes for their extraction and purification and their cost. However new applications in agronomy, foods, cosmetic and therapeutic could in a next future accentuate the effort of research for their development. So this review focuses on these beta-(1,3)-D-glucans with the objective to detail the strategies employed for their extraction and the relation structure-functions identified when they induce biological activities.

  15. Deletion of the human beta-globin LCR 5'HS4 or 5'HS1 differentially affects beta-like globin gene expression in beta-YAC transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Fedosyuk, Halyna; Peterson, Kenneth R

    2007-01-01

    A 213 kb human beta-globin locus yeast artificial chromosome (beta-YAC) was modified by homologous recombination to delete 2.9 kb of cross-species conserved sequence similarity encompassing the LCR 5' hypersensitive site (HS) 4 (Delta5'HS4 beta-YAC). In three transgenic mouse lines, completion of the gamma- to beta-globin switch during definitive erythropoiesis was delayed relative to wild-type beta-YAC mice. In addition, quantitative per-copy human beta-like globin mRNA levels were similar to wild-type beta-YAC transgenic lines, although beta-globin gene expression was slightly decreased in the day 12 fetal liver of Delta5'HS4 beta-YAC mice. A 0.8 kb 5'HS1 fragment was similarly deleted in the YAC. Three Delta5'HS1 beta-YAC transgenic lines were established. epsilon-globin gene expression was markedly reduced, approximately 16 fold, during primitive erythropoiesis compared to wild-type beta-YAC mice, but gamma-globin expression levels were unaffected. However, during the fetal stage of definitive erythropoiesis, gamma-globin gene expression was decreased approximately 4 fold at day 12 and approximately 5 fold at day 14. Temporal developmental expression profiles of the beta-like globin genes were unaffected by deletion of 5'HS1. Decreased expression of the epsilon- and gamma-globin genes is the first phenotype ascribed to a 5'HS1 mutation in the human beta-globin locus, suggesting that this HS does indeed have a role in LCR function beyond simply a combined synergism with the other LCR HSs.

  16. SPECT-evaluation of the monoamine uptake site ligand [123I](1R)-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl)-tropane ([123I]beta-CIT) in untreated patients with suspicion of Parkinson disease.

    PubMed

    Eising, E G; Müller, T T; Zander, C; Kuhn, W; Farahati, J; Reiners, C; Coenen, H H

    1997-10-01

    For a few years, data on SPECT-imaging of dopamine transporters with the cocaine derivate [123I](1R)-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl)-tropane ([123I] beta-CIT) have been reported mostly in healthy subjects or animals. This study reflects our preliminary results with SPECT-imaging of dopamine transporters using the cocaine analogue 123-beta-CIT in patients with untreated (de novo) parkinsonism. In 33 patients with clinical suspicion of Parkinson disease and 5 healthy controls, SPECT-imaging of dopamine transporters was performed 1, 4, and 24 hours after injection of 180 MBq of 123I-beta-CIT, which was generated by iododestannylation. None of the patients or controls had been treated before with neuroleptical drugs or any other pharmaceuticals with known binding to the dopamine transporters. Clinical symptoms were staged by the scales Hoehn-Yahr (HYS), Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the self-rating scale of Beck depression inventory (BDI). For evaluation, striatal/cerebellar ratios were calculated to every time point. Significant correlations of 123I-beta-CIT uptake could be stated compared to UPDRS, HYS, and BDI values (Spearman correlation, p < 0.05). The symptoms of rigor and akinesia showed a significant correlation with the beta-CIT uptake, whereas the symptom of tremor failed, which may be caused by the location of tremor symptoms out of the striatum. Comparing the controls, a significant (p < 0.01) decrease of tracer uptake in parkinsonian patients is stated on the images at 24 hours p.i. In our patients, tracer uptake does not depend significantly on duration of disease and age. 123I-beta-CIT seems to be a promising tool in imaging of untreated parkinsonian patient.

  17. Regulation of insulin exocytosis by calcium-dependent protein kinase C in beta cells.

    PubMed

    Trexler, Adam J; Taraska, Justin W

    2017-11-01

    The control of insulin release from pancreatic beta cells helps ensure proper blood glucose level, which is critical for human health. Protein kinase C has been shown to be one key control mechanism for this process. After glucose stimulation, calcium influx into beta cells triggers exocytosis of insulin-containing dense-core granules and activates protein kinase C via calcium-dependent phospholipase C-mediated generation of diacylglycerol. Activated protein kinase C potentiates insulin release by enhancing the calcium sensitivity of exocytosis, likely by affecting two main pathways that could be linked: (1) the reorganization of the cortical actin network, and (2) the direct phosphorylation of critical exocytotic proteins such as munc18, SNAP25, and synaptotagmin. Here, we review what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms of protein kinase C action on each of these pathways and how these effects relate to the control of insulin release by exocytosis. We identify remaining challenges in the field and suggest how these challenges might be addressed to advance our understanding of the regulation of insulin release in health and disease. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  18. The PDZ protein tax-interacting protein-1 inhibits beta-catenin transcriptional activity and growth of colorectal cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kanamori, Mutsumi; Sandy, Peter; Marzinotto, Stefania; Benetti, Roberta; Kai, Chikatoshi; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide; Schneider, Claudio; Suzuki, Harukazu

    2003-10-03

    Wnt signaling is essential during development while deregulation of this pathway frequently leads to the formation of various tumors including colorectal carcinomas. A key component of the pathway is beta-catenin that, in association with TCF-4, directly regulates the expression of Wnt-responsive genes. To identify novel binding partners of beta-catenin that may control its transcriptional activity, we performed a mammalian two-hybrid screen and isolated the Tax-interacting protein (TIP-1). The in vivo complex formation between beta-catenin and TIP-1 was verified by coimmunoprecipitation, and a direct physical association was revealed by glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments in vitro. By using a panel of deletion mutants of both proteins, we demonstrate that the interaction is mediated by the PDZ (PSD-95/DLG/ZO-1 homology) domain of TIP-1 and requires primarily the last four amino acids of beta-catenin. TIP-1 overexpression resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin when tested on the TOP/FOPFLASH reporter system. Conversely, siRNA-mediated knock-down of endogenous TIP-1 slightly increased endogenous beta-catenin transactivation function. Moreover, we show that overexpression of TIP-1 reduced the proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of colorectal cancer cells. These data suggest that TIP-1 may represent a novel regulatory element in the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

  19. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 mediates trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin to the plasma membrane

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

    Hasan, Nazarul; Hu, Chuan, E-mail: chuan.hu@louisville.edu

    2010-01-01

    Integrins are major receptors for cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). As transmembrane proteins, the levels of integrins at the plasma membrane or the cell surface are ultimately determined by the balance between two vesicle trafficking events: endocytosis of integrins at the plasma membrane and exocytosis of the vesicles that transport integrins. Here, we report that vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), a SNARE protein that mediates vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, is involved in the trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin. VAMP2 was present on vesicles containing endocytosed {beta}1 integrin. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of VAMP2 markedly reduced cellmore » surface {alpha}5{beta}1 and inhibited cell adhesion and chemotactic migration to fibronectin, the ECM ligand of {alpha}5{beta}1, without altering cell surface expression of {alpha}2{beta}1 integrin or {alpha}3{beta}1 integrin. By contrast, silencing of VAMP8, another SNARE protein, had no effect on cell surface expression of the integrins or cell adhesion to fibronectin. In addition, VAMP2-mediated trafficking is involved in cell adhesion to collagen but not to laminin. Consistent with disruption of integrin functions in cell proliferation and survival, VAMP2 silencing diminished proliferation and triggered apoptosis. Collectively, these data indicate that VAMP2 mediates the trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin to the plasma membrane and VAMP2-dependent integrin trafficking is critical in cell adhesion, migration and survival.« less

  20. 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

  1. Cellular demise and inflammatory microglial activation during beta-amyloid toxicity are governed by Wnt1 and canonical signaling pathways.

    PubMed

    Chong, Zhao Zhong; Li, Faqi; Maiese, Kenneth

    2007-06-01

    Initially described as a modulator of embryogenesis for a number of organ systems, Wnt1 has recently been linked to the development of several neurodegenerative disorders, none being of greater significance than Alzheimer's disease. We therefore examined the ability of Wnt1 to oversee vital pathways responsible for cell survival during beta-amyloid (Abeta1-42) exposure. Here we show that Wnt1 is critical for protection in the SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line against genomic DNA degradation, membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and microglial activation, since these neuroprotective attributes of Wnt1 are lost during gene silencing of Wnt1 protein expression. Intimately tied to Wnt1 protection is the presence and activation of Akt1. Pharmacological inhibition of the PI 3-K pathway or gene silencing of Akt1 expression can abrogate the protective capacity of Wnt1. Closely aligned with Wnt1 and Akt1 are the integrated canonical pathways of synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) and beta-catenin. Through Akt1 dependent pathways, Wnt1 phosphorylates GSK-3beta and maintains beta-catenin integrity to insure its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to block apoptosis. Our work outlines a highly novel role for Wnt1 and its integration with Akt1, GSK-3beta, and beta-catenin to foster neuronal cell survival and repress inflammatory microglial activation that can identify new avenues of therapy against neurodegenerative disorders.

  2. Facilitation of Learning by Social-Emotional Feedback in Humans Is Beta-Noradrenergic-Dependent

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mihov, Yoan; Mayer, Simon; Musshoff, Frank; Maier, Wolfgang; Kendrick, Keith M.; Hurlemann, Rene

    2010-01-01

    Adaptive behavior in dynamic environments critically depends on the ability to learn rapidly and flexibly from the outcomes of prior choices. In social environments, facial expressions of emotion often serve as performance feedback and thereby guide declarative learning. Abundant evidence implicates beta-noradrenergic signaling in the modulatory…

  3. Determinants of binding affinity and specificity for the interaction of TEM-1 and SME-1 beta-lactamase with beta-lactamase inhibitory protein.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhen; Palzkill, Timothy

    2003-11-14

    The hydrolysis of beta-lactam antibiotics by class A beta-lactamases is a common cause of bacterial resistance to these agents. The beta-lactamase inhibitory protein (BLIP) is able to bind and inhibit several class A beta-lactamases, including TEM-1 beta-lactamase and SME-1 beta-lactamase. Although the TEM-1 and SME-1 enzymes share 33% amino acid sequence identity and a similar fold, they differ substantially in surface electrostatic properties and the conformation of a loop-helix region that BLIP binds. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis was performed to identify the residues on BLIP that contribute to its binding affinity for each of these enzymes. The results indicate that the sequence requirements for binding are similar for both enzymes with most of the binding free energy provided by two patches of aromatic residues on the surface of BLIP. Polar residues such as several serines in the interface do not make significant contributions to affinity for either enzyme. In addition, the specificity of binding is significantly altered by mutation of two charged residues, Glu73 and Lys74, that are buried in the structure of the TEM-1.BLIP complex as well as by residues located on two loops that insert into the active site pocket. Based on the results, a E73A/Y50A double mutant was constructed that exhibited a 220,000-fold change in binding specificity for the TEM-1 versus SME-1 enzymes.

  4. 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

  5. Role of estrogen receptors alpha, beta and GPER1/GPR30 in pancreatic beta-cells.

    PubMed

    Nadal, Angel; Alonso-Magdalena, Paloma; Soriano, Sergi; Ripoll, Cristina; Fuentes, Esther; Quesada, Ivan; Ropero, Ana Belen

    2011-01-01

    Estrogen receptors (ER) are emerging as important molecules involved in the adaptation of beta-cells to insulin resistance. The onset of type 2 diabetes is marked by insulin secretory dysfunction and decreased beta-cell mass. During pregnancy, puberty and obesity there is increased metabolic demand and insulin resistance is developed. This metabolic state increases the demand on beta-cells to augment insulin biosynthesis and release. In this respect, ERalpha is directly implicated in the E2-regulation of insulin content and secretion, while ERbeta is in the E2-potentiation of glucose-induced insulin release. Both receptors develop their actions within the physiological range of E2. In addition, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1/GPR30) seems to be implicated in the E2-regulation of stimulus-secretion coupling in the three cell types of the islet. The increased demand of insulin production for long time may lead to beta-cell stress and apoptosis. ERalpha, ERbeta and GPER1/GPR30 are involved in preventing beta-cell apoptosis, impeding the loss of critical beta-cell mass. Therefore, estrogen receptors may play an essential role in the adaptation of the pancreas to insulin resistant periods.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. ICU Acquisition Rate, Risk Factors, and Clinical Significance of Digestive Tract Colonization With Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Detsis, Marios; Karanika, Styliani; Mylonakis, Eleftherios

    2017-04-01

    To evaluate the acquisition rate, identify risk factors, and estimate the risk for subsequent infection, associated with the colonization of the digestive tract with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae during ICU-hospitalization. PubMed, EMBASE, and reference lists of all eligible articles. Included studies provided data on ICU-acquired colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in previously noncolonized and noninfected patients and used the double disk synergy test for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae phenotypic confirmation. Studies reporting extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreaks or data on pediatric population were excluded. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and performed data extraction. Thirteen studies (with 15,045 ICUs-patients) were evaluated using a random-effect model and a meta-regression analysis. The acquisition rate of digestive tract colonization during ICU stay was 7% (95% CI, 5-10) and it varies from 3% (95% CI, 2-4) and 4% (95% CI, 2-6) in the Americas and Europe to 21% (95% CI, 9-35) in the Western Pacific region. Previous hospitalization (risk ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.07-2.31]) or antibiotic use (risk ratio, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.15-2.37]) and exposure to beta-lactams/beta-lactamase inhibitors (risk ratio, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.24-2.56]) and carbapenems (risk ratio, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.49-3.06]) during the ICU stay were independent risk factors for ICU-acquired colonization. Importantly, colonized patients were more likely to develop an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection (risk ratio, 49.62 [95% CI, 20.42-120.58]). The sensitivity and specificity of prior colonization to predict subsequent extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection were 95.1% (95% CI, 54.7-99.7) and 89.2% (95% CI, 77.2-95.3), respectively. The ICU acquisition rate of extended-spectrum beta

  10. Nicotine dependence syndrome scale and craving: comparing nicotine-dependent individuals with and without comorbid alcohol dependence.

    PubMed

    Choi, Sam-Wook; Chon, Younghoon; Bhang, Soo-Young; Jang, Yong Lee; Won, Wang-Youn; Choi, Jin Tae; Kim, Dai-Jin

    2014-06-01

    Although several studies have explored craving for certain drugs, there is limited data describing the relationship between alcohol and nicotine craving from a multidimensional perspective among individuals with comorbid nicotine dependence (ND) and alcohol dependence (AD). We compared a group of male patients diagnosed with ND and AD (n = 160) to a group of male patients diagnosed with ND only (n = 235). Smoking- and drinking-related clinical features were measured, including craving levels and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), which is a multidimensional questionnaire measuring ND. Subsequently, we studied factors that influenced smoking and alcohol craving in the ND and AD group. Regarding the NDSS, the sum, priority and tolerance scores were significantly higher in the ND and AD group compared with the ND only group (P < 0.000, P < 0.000 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the comorbid group, regression analyses revealed that alcohol craving and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores contributed to nicotine craving (beta coefficient = 0.37, P = 0.005 and beta coefficient = 0.35, P = 0.026, respectively) and these two factors explained 36% of the variance). Nicotine craving appeared to be the only factor that contributed to alcohol craving (beta coefficient = 0.35, P = 0.002), and nicotine craving explained 16% of the variance. This study may help clarify the clinical relationship between comorbid alcohol and nicotine dependence and help guide the development of effective treatment strategies for ND and AD patients. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  11. Insider Alert 1.0 Beta Version

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

    Abbott, Robert

    2004-02-01

    Insider Alert 1.0 Beta Version supports interactive selection and graphical display of data generated by the Sandia Cognitive Framework, which simulates the examination of security data by experts of various specialties. Insider Alert also encompasses the configuration and data files input to the Cognitive Framework for this application. Insider Alert 1.0 Beta Version is a computer program for analyzing data indicative of possible espionage or improper handling of data by employees at Sandia National Laboratories (or other facilities with comparable policies and procedures for managing sensitive information) It prioritizes and displays information for review by security analysts.

  12. 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

  13. Redox regulation and reaction mechanism of human cystathionine-beta-synthase: a PLP-dependent hemesensor protein.

    PubMed

    Banerjee, Ruma; Zou, Cheng-Gang

    2005-01-01

    Cystathionine beta-synthase in mammals lies at a pivotal crossroad in methionine metabolism directing flux toward cysteine synthesis and catabolism. The enzyme exhibits a modular organization and complex regulation. It catalyzes the beta-replacement of the hydroxyl group of serine with the thiolate of homocysteine and is unique in being the only known pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that also contains heme b as a cofactor. The heme functions as a sensor and modulates enzyme activity in response to redox change and to CO binding. Mutations in this enzyme are the single most common cause of hereditary hyperhomocysteinemia. Elucidation of the crystal structure of a truncated and highly active form of the human enzyme containing the heme- and pyridoxal phosphate binding domains has afforded a structural perspective on mechanistic and mutation analysis studies. The C-terminal regulatory domain containing two CBS motifs exerts intrasteric regulation and binds the allosteric activator, S-adenosylmethionine. Studies with mammalian cells in culture as well as with animal models have unraveled multiple layers of regulation of cystathionine beta-synthase in response to redox perturbations and reveal the important role of this enzyme in glutathione-dependent redox homestasis. This review discusses the recent advances in our understanding of the structure, mechanism, and regulation of cystathionine beta-synthase from the perspective of its physiological function, focusing on the clinically relevant human enzyme.

  14. 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

  15. Phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type II beta is required for vitamin D receptor-dependent E-cadherin expression in SW480 cells

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

    Kouchi, Zen, E-mail: zkouchi@toyaku.ac.jp; Fujiwara, Yuki; Yamaguchi, Hideki

    2011-05-20

    Highlights: {yields} We analyzed Phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate kinase II{beta} (PIPKII{beta}) function in cancer. {yields} PIPKII{beta} is required for vitamin D receptor-mediated E-cadherin upregulation in SW480. {yields} PIPKII{beta} suppresses cellular motility through E-cadherin induction in SW480 cells. {yields} Nuclear PIP{sub 2} but not plasma membrane-localized PIP{sub 2} mediates E-cadherin upregulation. -- Abstract: Numerous epidemiological data indicate that vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling induced by its ligand or active metabolite 1{alpha},25-dihydroxyvitamin D{sub 3} (1{alpha},25(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3}) has anti-cancer activity in several colon cancers. 1{alpha},25(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3} induces the epithelial differentiation of SW480 colon cancer cells expressing VDR (SW480-ADH) by upregulating E-cadherin expression; however,more » its precise mechanism remains unknown. We found that phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type II beta (PIPKII{beta}) but not PIPKII{alpha} is required for VDR-mediated E-cadherin induction in SW480-ADH cells. The syntenin-2 postsynaptic density protein/disc large/zona occludens (PDZ) domain and pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C-delta1 (PLC{delta}1 PHD) possess high affinity for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P{sub 2}) mainly localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane, respectively. The expression of syntenin-2 PDZ but not PLC{delta}1 PHD inhibited 1{alpha},25(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3}-induced E-cadherin upregulation, suggesting that nuclear PI(4,5)P{sub 2} production mediates E-cadherin expression through PIPKII{beta} in a VDR-dependent manner. PIPKII{beta} is also involved in the suppression of the cell motility induced by 1{alpha},25(OH){sub 2}D{sub 3}. These results indicate that PIPKII{beta}-mediated PI(4,5)P{sub 2} signaling is important for E-cadherin upregulation and inhibition of cellular motility induced by VDR activation.« less

  16. Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates the febrile response of mice to interleukin-1beta.

    PubMed

    Li, S; Ballou, L R; Morham, S G; Blatteis, C M

    2001-08-10

    Various lines of evidence have implicated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 as a modulator of the fever induced by the exogenous pyrogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thus, treatment with specific inhibitors of COX-2 suppresses the febrile response without affecting basal body (core) temperature (T(c)). Furthermore, COX-2 gene-ablated mice are unable to develop a febrile response to intraperitoneal (i.p.) LPS, whereas their COX-1-deficient counterparts produce fevers not different from their wild-type (WT) controls. To extend the apparently critical role of COX-2 for LPS-induced fevers to fevers produced by endogenous pyrogens, we studied the thermal responses of COX-1- and COX-2 congenitally deficient mice to i.p. and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of recombinant murine (rm) interleukin (IL)-1beta. We also assessed the effects of one selective COX-1 inhibitor, SC-560, and two selective COX-2 inhibitors, nimesulide (NIM) and dimethylfuranone (DFU), on the febrile responses of WT and COX-1(-/-) mice to LPS and rmIL-1beta, i.p. Finally, we verified the integrity of the animals' responses to PGE2, i.c.v. I.p. and i.c.v. rmIL-1beta induced similar fevers in WT and COX-1 knockout mice, but provoked no rise in the T(c)s of COX-2 null mutants. The fever produced in WT mice by i.p. LPS was not affected by SC-560, but it was attenuated and abolished by NIM and DFU, respectively, while that caused by i.p. rmIL-1beta was converted into a T(c) fall by DFU. There were no differences in the responses to i.c.v. PGE2 among the WT and COX knockout mice. These results, therefore, further support the notion that the production of PGE2 in response to pyrogens is critically dependent on COX-2 expression.

  17. Thrombospondin-1 is a novel negative regulator of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy through transforming growth factor-beta1 activation in mice.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Hiromitsu; Sakai, Keiko; Baba, Hideo; Sakai, Takao

    2012-05-01

    The matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), is prominently expressed during tissue repair. TSP-1 binds to matrix components, proteases, cytokines, and growth factors and activates intracellular signals through its multiple domains. TSP-1 converts latent transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) complexes into their biologically active form. TGF-β plays significant roles in cell-cycle regulation, modulation of differentiation, and induction of apoptosis. Although TGF-β1 is a major inhibitor of proliferation in cultured hepatocytes, the functional requirement of TGF-β1 during liver regeneration remains to be defined in vivo. We generated a TSP-1-deficient mouse model of a partial hepatectomy (PH) and explored TSP-1 induction, progression of liver regeneration, and TGF-β-mediated signaling during the repair process after hepatectomy. We show here that TSP-1-mediated TGF-β1 activation plays an important role in suppressing hepatocyte proliferation. TSP-1 expression was induced in endothelial cells (ECs) as an immediate early gene in response to PH. TSP-1 deficiency resulted in significantly reduced TGF-β/Smad signaling and accelerated hepatocyte proliferation through down-regulation of p21 protein expression. TSP-1 induced in ECs by reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulated TGF-β/Smad signaling and proliferation in hepatocytes in vitro, suggesting that the immediately and transiently produced ROS in the regenerating liver were the responsible factor for TSP-1 induction. We have identified TSP-1 as an inhibitory element in regulating liver regeneration by TGF-β1 activation. Our work defines TSP-1 as a novel immediate early gene that could be a potential therapeutic target to accelerate liver regeneration. Copyright © 2011 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  18. 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

  19. High-Fluence Light-Emitting Diode-Generated Red Light Modulates the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Pathway in Human Skin Fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Mamalis, Andrew; Jagdeo, Jared

    2018-05-24

    Skin fibrosis is a significant medical problem with limited available treatment modalities. The key cellular characteristics include increased fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-B)/SMAD pathway signaling. The authors have previously shown that high-fluence light-emitting diode red light (HF-LED-RL) decreases cellular proliferation and collagen production. Herein, the authors investigate the ability of HF-LED-RL to modulate the TGF-B/SMAD pathway. Normal human dermal fibroblasts were cultured and irradiated with a commercially available hand-held LED array. After irradiation, cell lysates were collected and levels of pSMAD2, TGF-Beta 1, and TGF-Beta I receptor were measured using Western blot. High-fluence light-emitting diode red light decreased TGF-Beta 1 ligand (TGF-B1) levels after irradiation. 320 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 59% TGF-B1 and 640 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 54% TGF-B1, relative to controls. 640 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 62% pSMAD2 0 hours after irradiation, 65% pSMAD2 2 hours after irradiation, and 95% 4 hours after irradiation, compared with matched controls. High-fluence light-emitting diode red light resulted in no significant difference in transforming growth factor-beta receptor I levels compared with matched controls. Skin fibrosis is a significant medical problem with limited available treatment modalities. Light-emitting diode-generated red light is a safe, economic, and noninvasive modality that has a body of in vitro evidence supporting the reduction of key cellular characteristics associated with skin fibrosis.

  20. 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.

  1. Interferon Beta-1b Injection

    MedlinePlus

    ... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... interferon beta-1b injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow ...

  2. Peginterferon Beta-1a Injection

    MedlinePlus

    ... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... peginterferon beta-1a injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow ...

  3. The expression of transforming growth factor beta in pregnant rat myometrium is hormone and stretch dependent.

    PubMed

    Shynlova, Oksana; Tsui, Prudence; Dorogin, Anna; Langille, B Lowell; Lye, Stephen J

    2007-09-01

    From a quiescent state in early pregnancy to a highly contractile state in labor, the myometrium displays tremendous growth and remodeling. We hypothesize that the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) system is involved in the differentiation of pregnant myometrium throughout gestation and labor. Furthermore, we propose that during pregnancy the mechanical and hormonal stimuli play a role in regulating myometrial TGFbetas. The expression of TGFbeta1-3 mRNAs and proteins was examined by real-time PCR, Western immunoblot, and localized with immunohistochemistry in the rat uterus throughout pregnancy and labor. Tgfbeta1-3 genes were expressed differentially in pregnant myometrium. Tgfbeta2 gene was not affected by pregnancy, whereas the Tgfbeta1 gene showed a threefold increase during the second half of gestation. In contrast, we observed a dramatic bimodal change in Tgfbeta3 gene expression throughout pregnancy. Tgfbeta3 mRNA levels first transiently increased at mid-gestation (11-fold on day 14) and later at term (45-fold at labor, day 23). Protein expression levels paralleled the changes in mRNA. Treatment of pregnant rats with the progesterone (P4) receptor antagonist RU486 induced premature labor on day 19 and increased Tgfbeta3 mRNA, whereas artificial maintenance of elevated P4 levels at late gestation (days 20-23) caused a significant decrease in the expression of Tgfbeta3 gene. In addition, Tgfbeta3 was up-regulated specifically in the gravid horn of unilaterally pregnant rats subjected to a passive biological stretch imposed by the growing fetuses, but not in the empty horn. Collectively, these data indicate that the TGFbeta family contributes in the regulation of myometrial activation at term integrating mechanical and endocrine signals for successful labor contraction.

  4. Alterations in the mitochondrial regulatory pathways constituted by the nuclear co-factors PGC-1alpha or PGC-1beta and mitofusin 2 in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Zorzano, Antonio; Hernández-Alvarez, María Isabel; Palacín, Manuel; Mingrone, Geltrude

    2010-01-01

    Muscle mitochondrial metabolism is regulated by a number of factors, many of which are responsible for the transcription of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins such as PPARdelta, PGC-1alpha or PGC-1beta. Recent evidence indicates that proteins participating in mitochondrial dynamics also regulate mitochondrial metabolism. Thus, in cultured cells the mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) stimulates respiration, substrate oxidation and the expression of subunits involved in respiratory complexes. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic patients. Reduced mitochondrial mass and defective activity has been proposed to explain this dysfunction. Alterations in mitochondrial metabolism may be crucial to account for some of the pathophysiological traits that characterize type 2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic patients shows reduced expression of PGC-1alpha, PGC-1beta, and Mfn2. In addition, a differential response to bilio-pancreatic diversion-induced weight loss in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients has been reported. While non-diabetic morbidly obese subjects showed an increased expression of genes encoding Mfn2, PGC-1alpha, PGC-1beta, PPARdelta or SIRT1 in response to bariatric surgery-induced weight loss, no effect was detected in type 2 diabetic patients. These observations suggest the existence of a heritable component responsible for the abnormal control of the expression of genes encoding for modulators of mitochondrial biogenesis/metabolism, and which may participate in the development of the disease. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  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. 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)

  7. Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits the expression of clock genes.

    PubMed

    Gast, Heidemarie; Gordic, Sonja; Petrzilka, Saskia; Lopez, Martin; Müller, Andreas; Gietl, Anton; Hock, Christoph; Birchler, Thomas; Fontana, Adriano

    2012-07-01

    Disturbances of sleep-wake rhythms are an important problem in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Circadian rhythms are regulated by clock genes. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is overexpressed in neurons in AD and is the only cytokine that is increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our data show that TGF-β2 inhibits the expression of the clock genes Period (Per)1, Per2, and Rev-erbα, and of the clock-controlled genes D-site albumin promoter binding protein (Dbp) and thyrotroph embryonic factor (Tef). However, our results showed that TGF-β2 did not alter the expression of brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1). The concentrations of TGF-β2 in the CSF of 2 of 16 AD patients and of 1 of 7 patients with mild cognitive impairment were in the dose range required to suppress the expression of clock genes. TGF-β2-induced dysregulation of clock genes may alter neuronal pathways, which may be causally related to abnormal sleep-wake rhythms in AD patients. © 2012 New York Academy of Sciences.

  8. Impaired expression of importin/karyopherin {beta}1 leads to post-implantation lethality

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

    Miura, Katsutaka; Yoshinobu, Kumiko; Imaizumi, Takashi

    2006-03-03

    Importin {beta}1 (Imp{beta})/karyopherin {beta}1 (Kpnb1) mediates the nuclear import of a large variety of substrates. This study aimed to investigate the requirement for the Kpnb1 gene in mouse development, using a gene trap line, B6-CB-Ayu8108 {sup GtgeoIMEG} (Ayu8108 {sup geo}), in which the trap vector was inserted into the promoter region of the Kpnb1 gene, but in reverse orientation of the Kpnb1 gene. Ayu8108 {sup geo/geo} homozygous embryos could develop to the blastocyst stage, but died before embryonic day 5.5, and expression of the Kpnb1 gene in homozygous blastocysts was undetectable. We also replaced the {beta}geo gene with Imp{beta} cDNAmore » through Cre-mediated recombination to rescue Imp{beta} expression. Homozygous mice for the rescued allele Ayu8108 {sup Imp{beta}}{sup /Imp{beta}} were born and developed normally. These results demonstrated that the cause of post-implantation lethality of Ayu8108 {sup geo/geo} homozygous embryos was impaired expression of the Kpnb1 gene, indicating indispensable roles of Imp{beta}1 in early development of mice.« less

  9. The human chondrosarcoma HCS-2/8 cell line is responsive to BMP-7, but not to IL-1beta.

    PubMed

    Saas, Joachim; Gebauer, Matthias; Jacobi, Carsten; Haag, Jochen; Takigawa, Masaharu; Aigner, Thomas

    2005-05-01

    Cultures of primary chondrocytes as in vitro model systems for studying the cellular behavior of chondrocytes are notoriously difficult to cultivate and propagate. One way to circumvent these problems appears to be the use of immortalized/immortal chondrocytic cell lines. In the present study, we were interested whether the chondrosarcoma derived HCS-2/8 cells are suitable for studying major cellular reaction pattern in response to key anabolic (BMP-7) and catabolic (IL-1beta) factors. Therefore, we used cDNA array and real-time PCR technology in order to evaluate gene expression triggered by stimulation with IL-1beta (0,1-100 ng/ml) and BMP-7 in confluent monolayer cultures. HCS-2/8 cells hardly responded to IL-1beta, but showed good responsiveness to BMP-7. We found 12 genes up- and 17 significantly down-regulated by BMP-7 (out of 340 investigated genes). Besides the expected activation of anabolic genes chondrocytic cells after BMP-stimulation try to neutralize activation of the BMP-signalling cascade by expressing intra- and extracellular BMP-antagonists. Chondrosarcoma derived cell lines are a potential substitute for primary articular chondrocytes promising consistent expression of a differentiated chondrocyte phenotype with sufficient proliferative capacity. However, as shown by this study one needs to carefully select the cell line depending on the effects which one intends to study. In this respect, HCS-2/8 cells are a validated tool for studying BMP-effects on chondrocytes, but not e.g. effects of interleukin-1.

  10. SOCS3 promotes TLR4 response in macrophages by feedback inhibiting TGF-beta1/Smad3 signaling.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xia; Zhang, Yongliang; Yu, Yizhi; Yang, Xiao; Cao, Xuetao

    2008-03-01

    Endogenous transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in the negative regulation of toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in a feedback manner. Suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) has been shown to be induced by TGF-beta1 in osteoclast/macrophage, while the reports on the role of SOCS3 in regulating TLR4 signaling were controversial. The functional relationship between SOCS3 and TGF-beta1/Smad3 pathway in TLR4 response also remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that LPS-induced endogenous TGF-beta1 contributes to the inducible SOCS3 expression in macrophages. SOCS3 silencing could markedly decrease the LPS-induced production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in macrophages. Interestingly, less decrease of LPS-induced TNF-alpha, IL-6 by SOCS3 silencing was observed in Smad3 null macrophages. Furthermore, we found SOCS3 could interact with Smad3, and inhibit Smad3 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Therefore, our data demonstrate that SOCS3 is a positive regulator of TLR4 response by feedback inhibiting endogenous TGF-beta1/Smad3 signaling, thus outlining a new feedback regulatory manner for TLR4 response in macrophages.

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. TGF-beta1 expression in EL4 lymphoma cells overexpressing growth hormone.

    PubMed

    Farmer, John T; Weigent, Douglas A

    2006-03-01

    Our previous studies show that growth hormone overexpression (GHo) upregulates the expression of the IGF-1R and IGF-2R resulting in the protection of the EL4 lymphoma cell line from apoptosis. In this study, we report that GHo also increases TGF-beta1 protein expression measured by luciferase promoter assay, Western analysis, and ELISA. Further, the data show that antibody to TGF-betaR2 decreases TGF-beta1 promoter activity to the level of vector alone control cells. GHo cells treated with (125)I-rh-latent TGF-beta1 showed increased activation of latent TGF-beta1 as measured by an increase in the active 24kDa, TGF-beta1 compared to vector alone control cells. The ability of endogenous GH to increase TGF-beta1 expression is blocked in EL4 cells by antisense but not sense oligodeoxynucleotides or in cells cultured with antibody to growth hormone (GH). The data suggest that endogenous GH may protect from apoptosis through the IGF-1R receptor while limiting cellular growth through increased expression and activation of TGF-beta1.

  14. Integrins (alpha7beta1) in muscle function and survival. Disrupted expression in merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed Central

    Vachon, P H; Xu, H; Liu, L; Loechel, F; Hayashi, Y; Arahata, K; Reed, J C; Wewer, U M; Engvall, E

    1997-01-01

    Mutations in genes coding for dystrophin, for alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-sarcoglycans, or for the alpha2 chain of the basement membrane component merosin (laminin-2/4) cause various forms of muscular dystrophy. Analyses of integrins showed an abnormal expression and localization of alpha7beta1 isoforms in myofibers of merosin-deficient human patients and mice, but not in dystrophin-deficient or sarcoglycan-deficient humans and animals. It was shown previously that skeletal muscle fibers require merosin for survival and function (Vachon, P.H., F. Loechel, H. Xu, U.M. Wewer, and E. Engvall. 1996. J. Cell Biol. 134:1483-1497). Correction of merosin deficiency in vitro through cell transfection with the merosin alpha2 chain restored the normal localization of alpha7beta1D integrins as well as myotube survival. Overexpression of the apoptosis-suppressing molecule Bcl-2 also promoted the survival of merosin-deficient myotubes, but did not restore a normal expression of alpha7beta1D integrins. Blocking of beta1 integrins in normal myotubes induced apoptosis and severely reduced their survival. These findings (a) identify alpha7beta1D integrins as the de facto receptors for merosin in skeletal muscle; (b) indicate a merosin dependence for the accurate expression and membrane localization of alpha7beta1D integrins in myofibers; (c) provide a molecular basis for the critical role of merosin in myofiber survival; and (d) add new insights to the pathogenesis of neuromuscular disorders. PMID:9312189

  15. 18{beta}-Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits adipogenic differentiation and stimulates lipolysis

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

    Moon, Myung-Hee; Jeong, Jae-Kyo; Lee, You-Jin

    2012-04-20

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 18{beta}-GA inhibits adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and stimulates lipolysis in differentiated adipocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Anti-adipogenic effect of 18{beta}-GA is caused by down-regulation of PPAR{gamma} and inactivation of Akt signalling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lipolytic effect of 18{beta}-GA is mediated by up-regulation of HSL, ATGL and perilipin and activation of HSL. -- Abstract: 18{beta}-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18{beta}-GA) obtained from the herb liquorice has various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. However, potential biological anti-obesity activities are unclear. In this study, novel biological activities of 18{beta}-GA in the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in lipolysis of differentiated adipocytes were identified. Mouse 3T3-L1 cellsmore » were used as an in vitro model of adipogenesis and lipolysis, using a mixture of insulin/dexamethasone/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to induce differentiation. The amount of lipid droplet accumulation was determined by an AdipoRed assay. The expression of several adipogenic transcription factors and enzymes was investigated using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. 18{beta}-GA dose-dependently (1-40 {mu}M) significantly decreased lipid accumulation in maturing preadipocytes. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, 10 {mu}M of 18{beta}-GA down-regulated the transcriptional levels of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma}, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein {alpha} and adiponectin, which are markers of adipogenic differentiation via Akt phosphorylation. Also, in differentiated adipocytes, 18{beta}-GA increased the level of glycerol release and up-regulated the mRNA of hormone-sensitive lipase, adipose TG lipase and perilipin, as well as the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase at Serine 563. The results indicate that 18

  16. 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.

  17. Targeting Transforming Growth Factor Beta to Enhance the Fracture Resistance of Bone

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    Transforming Growth Factor Beta to Enhance the Fracture Resistance of Bone is to determine whether the suppression of TGF-β activity improves the fracture...effect primarily occurred in the old rats. Effect of TGF-β suppression on fracture resistance in female mice Since the suppression of TGF-β activity by...treated mice. This suggests that 1D11 treatment depleted the osteoprogenitor pool to some extent as inhibition of TGF-β activity in vivo may favor

  18. The third intracellular loop and carboxyl tail of neurokinin 1 and 3 receptors determine interactions with beta-arrestins.

    PubMed

    Schmidlin, Fabien; Roosterman, Dirk; Bunnett, Nigel W

    2003-10-01

    Tachykinins interact with three neurokinin receptors (NKRs) that are often coexpressed by the same cell. Cellular responses to tachykinins depend on the NKR subtype that is activated. We compared the colocalization of NK1R and NK3R with beta-arrestins 1 and 2, which play major roles in receptor desensitization, endocytosis, and signaling. In cells expressing NK1R, the selective agonist Sar-Met-substance P induced rapid translocation of beta-arrestins 1 and 2 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane and then endosomes, indicative of interaction with both isoforms. In contrast, the NK3R interacted transiently with only beta-arrestin 2 at the plasma membrane. Despite these differences, both NK1R and NK3R similarly desensitized, internalized, and activated MAP kinases. Because interactions with beta-arrestins can explain differences in the rate of receptor resensitization, we compared resensitization of agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization. The NK1R resensitized greater than twofold more slowly than the NK3R. Replacement of intracellular loop 3 and the COOH tail of the NK1R with comparable domains of the NK3R diminished colocalization of the NK1R with beta-arrestin 1 and accelerated resensitization to that of the NK3R. Thus loop 3 and the COOH tail specify colocalization of the NK1R with beta-arrestin 1 and determine the rate of resensitization.

  19. Evidence for a role of TGF-beta1 in the expression and regulation of alpha-SMA in fetal growth restricted placentae.

    PubMed

    Todros, T; Marzioni, D; Lorenzi, T; Piccoli, E; Capparuccia, L; Perugini, V; Cardaropoli, S; Romagnoli, R; Gesuita, R; Rolfo, A; Paulesu, L; Castellucci, M

    2007-01-01

    There is evidence that alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) is a protein that plays a pivotal role in the production of contractile forces and it is induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). We have analysed the expression of alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, its receptor RI and the activator phospho-Smad2 in (a) fetal growth restriction pre-eclamptic placentae characterised by early onset and absence of end diastolic velocities in the umbilical arteries (FGR-AED) and (b) control placentae accurately matched for gestational age. The study was performed by immunohistochemical, quantitative Western blotting, ELISA, RT-PCR and in vitro analyses. We found that TGF-beta1 stimulates alpha-SMA production in chorionic villi cultured in vitro. In addition, we observed that in vivo TGF-beta1 concentration is significantly higher in FGR-AED placental samples than in control placentae and that this growth factor could have a paracrine action on villous stroma myofibroblasts expressing TGF-beta1 receptors and phospho-Smad2. Indeed, we report that alpha-SMA undergoes a redistribution in FGR-AED placental villous tree, i.e. we show that alpha-SMA is enhanced in medium and small stem villi and significantly decreased in the peripheral villi. Our data allow us to consider TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA as key molecules related to FGR-AED placental villous tree phenotypic changes responsible for increased impedance to blood flow observable in this pathology.

  20. Small C-terminal domain phosphatases dephosphorylate the regulatory linker regions of Smad2 and Smad3 to enhance transforming growth factor-beta signaling.

    PubMed

    Wrighton, Katharine H; Willis, Danielle; Long, Jianyin; Liu, Fang; Lin, Xia; Feng, Xin-Hua

    2006-12-15

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) controls a diverse set of cellular processes, and its canonical signaling is mediated via TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of receptor-activated Smads (2 and 3) at the C-terminal SXS motif. We recently discovered that PPM1A can dephosphorylate Smad2/3 at the C-terminal SXS motif, implicating a critical role for phosphatases in regulating TGF-beta signaling. Smad2/3 activity is also regulated by phosphorylation in the linker region (and N terminus) by a variety of intracellular kinases, making it a critical platform for cross-talk between TGF-beta and other signaling pathways. Using a functional genomic approach, we identified the small C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (SCP1) as a specific phosphatase for Smad2/3 dephosphorylation in the linker and N terminus. A catalytically inactive SCP1 mutant (dnSCP1) had no effect on Smad2/3 phosphorylation in vitro or in vivo. Of the other FCP/SCP family members SCP2 and SCP3, but not FCP1, could also dephosphorylate Smad2/3 in the linker/N terminus. Depletion of SCP1/2/3 enhanced Smad2/3 linker phosphorylation. SCP1 increased TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activity in agreement with the idea that phosphorylation in the Smad2/3 linker must be removed for a full transcriptional response. SCP1 overexpression also counteracts the inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor on TGF-beta-induced p15 expression. Taken together, this work identifies the first example of a Smad2/3 linker phosphatase(s) and reveals an important new substrate for SCPs.

  1. Macrophage cell activation with acute apical abscess contents determined by interleukin-1 Beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha production.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Ezilmara L R; Martinho, Frederico C; Leite, Fabio R M; Nascimento, Gustavo G; Gomes, Brenda P F A

    2014-11-01

    This clinical study has investigated the antigenic activity of bacterial contents from exudates of acute apical abscesses (AAAs) and their paired root canal contents regarding the stimulation capacity by levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) throughout the root canal treatment against macrophage cells. Paired samples of infected root canals and exudates of AAAs were collected from 10 subjects. Endodontic contents were sampled before (root canal sample [RCS] 1) and after chemomechanical preparation (RCS2) and after 30 days of intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide + chlorhexidine gel (Ca[OH]2 + CHX gel) (RCS3). Polymerase chain reaction (16S rDNA) was used for detection of the target bacteria, whereas limulus amebocyte lysate was used to measure endotoxin levels. Raw 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with AAA exudates from endodontic contents sampled in different moments of root canal treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-1 beta. Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Dialister pneumosintes, and Prevotella nigrescens were the most frequently detected species. Higher levels of endotoxins were found in samples from periapical exudates at RCS1 (P < .005). In fact, samples collected from periapical exudates showed a higher stimulation capacity at RCS1 (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between endotoxins from exudates with IL-1 beta (r = 0.97) and TNF-α (r = 0.88) production (P < .01). The significant reduction of endotoxins and bacterial species achieved by chemomechanical procedures (RCS2) resulted in a lower capacity of root canal contents to stimulate the cells compared with that at RCS1 (P < .05). The use of Ca(OH)2 + CHX gel as an intracanal medication (RCS3) improved the removal of endotoxins and bacteria from infected root canals (P < .05) whose contents induced a lower stimulation capacity against macrophages cells at RCS1, RCS2, and RCS3 (P

  2. Cost-Effectiveness of Peginterferon Beta-1a and Alemtuzumab in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Dashputre, Ankur A; Kamal, Khalid M; Pawar, Gauri

    2017-06-01

    model inputs and study assumptions. Model 1 results showed that PEG dominated IM IFN and GA, compared with SC IFN; PEG had an ICER of $1,978,000 per relapse avoided. Compared with FIN, NAT, and DMF, PEG was less expensive and less effective. Model 2 showed that ALT had an ICER of $25,276 per relapse avoided relative to IFN beta-1a 44 μg. In patients with RRMS, PEG is a viable alternative when compared with the DMTs in our model. Deciding whether to choose PEG over other DMTs would depend on multiple factors. On the other hand, ALT had an ICER of $25,276 cost per relapse avoided relative to IFN beta-1a 44 μg. The study results will assist payers in evaluating different medication choices for effective therapy. No outside funding supported this study. Kamal has received research funding from Novartis Pharmaceuticals and the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists and also serves as a consultant for the Lynx Group. Dashputre and Pawar report no conflicts of interest. Study concept and design were primarily contributed by Dashputre, along with Kamal and Pawar. Dashputre took the lead in data collection, along with Kamal, and data analysis was performed by Dashputre, Kamal, and Pawar. The manuscript was written and revised primarily by Dashputre, along with Kamal and Pawar.

  3. The first armadillo repeat is involved in the recognition and regulation of beta-catenin phosphorylation by protein kinase CK1.

    PubMed

    Bustos, Victor H; Ferrarese, Anna; Venerando, Andrea; Marin, Oriano; Allende, Jorge E; Pinna, Lorenzo A

    2006-12-26

    Multiple phosphorylation of beta-catenin by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in the Wnt pathway is primed by CK1 through phosphorylation of Ser-45, which lacks a typical CK1 canonical sequence. Synthetic peptides encompassing amino acids 38-64 of beta-catenin are phosphorylated by CK1 on Ser-45 with low affinity (K(m) approximately 1 mM), whereas intact beta-catenin is phosphorylated at Ser-45 with very high affinity (K(m) approximately 200 nM). Peptides extended to include a putative CK1 docking motif (FXXXF) at 70-74 positions or a F74AA mutation in full-length beta-catenin had no significant effect on CK1 phosphorylation efficiency. beta-Catenin C-terminal deletion mutants up to residue 181 maintained their high affinity, whereas removal of the 131-181 fragment, corresponding to the first armadillo repeat, was deleterious, resulting in a 50-fold increase in K(m) value. Implication of the first armadillo repeat in beta-catenin targeting by CK1 is supported in that the Y142E mutation, which mimics phosphorylation of Tyr-142 by tyrosine kinases and promotes dissociation of beta-catenin from alpha-catenin, further improves CK1 phosphorylation efficiency, lowering the K(m) value to <50 nM, approximating the physiological concentration of beta-catenin. In contrast, alpha-catenin, which interacts with the N-terminal region of beta-catenin, prevents Ser-45 phosphorylation of CK1 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data show that the integrity of the N-terminal region and the first armadillo repeat are necessary and sufficient for high-affinity phosphorylation by CK1 of Ser-45. They also suggest that beta-catenin association with alpha-catenin and beta-catenin phosphorylation by CK1 at Ser-45 are mutually exclusive.

  4. Beta Emission and Bremsstrahlung

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

    Karpius, Peter Joseph

    2017-11-13

    Bremsstrahlung is continuous radiation produced by beta particles decelerating in matter; different beta emitters have different endpoint energies; high-energy betas interacting with high-Z materials will more likely produce bremsstrahlung; depending on the data, sometimes all you can say is that a beta emitter is present.

  5. All-transglycolytic synthesis and characterization of sialyl(alpha2-3)galactosyl(beta1-4)xylosyl-p-nitrophenyl(beta1-), an oligosaccharide derivative related to glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    Vetere, A; Ferro, S; Bosco, M; Cescutti, P; Paoletti, S

    1997-08-01

    Beta-D-Xylopyranosides, such as p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-Np) or 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-MeUmb), when added to the culture medium of human skin fibroblasts have previously been shown to produce some Np- or MeUmb-oligosaccharides related to the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Among these oligosaccharide derivatives, we synthesized the trisaccharide derivative NeuAc(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Xyl-Np(beta1- as a potential inhibitor of human skin fibroblast glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. This synthesis was achieved by sequential use of transglycosylating activities of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase. The structure of the oligosaccharide obtained was determined by HPLC, ion-spray mass spectrometry, and NMR.

  6. Beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression as bystander effect of medium from irradiated cells: the pilot study.

    PubMed

    Osterreicher, Jan; Skopek, Jirí; Jahns, Juta; Hildebrandt, Guido; Psutka, Jan; Vilasová, Zdenka; Tanner, Judith Maria; Vogt, Jürgen; Butz, Tilman

    2003-01-01

    Bystander effects have been proposed as a third action pathway of ionising radiation besides direct and indirect effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether expression of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and beta1-integrin is elevated in bystander cells as a marker for bystander effects in comparison with classical markers such as the clonogenic assay, apoptosis and the presence of micronuclei. The hybrid cell line E.A. hy.926 obtained by fusion of HUVEC cells with the epithelial cell line A 459 was irradiated with 0-5 Gy. Bystander effects were established via medium transfer at 45 min and 4 h after irradiation from irradiated to nonirradiated cell populations. In order to exclude effects of the irradiated medium itself, irradiated medium only was also used for transfer to nonirradiated cells. Then, cells were fixed at 1, 2, 6, and 24 h after irradiation or medium transport and IL-1alpha and beta1-integrin were detected and evaluated. A higher number of beta1-integrin-positive cells was observed in both irradiated and bystander cell populations than in the control group at 1 and 24 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer. Significantly higher numbers of IL-1alpha-positive cells were found at 1, 2, and 6 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer as well as at 2 and 6 h after irradiation with 5 Gy or medium transfer. Clonogenic survival decreased dependently on the dose in irradiated cells but did not show any significant difference between the bystander cell populations and sham-irradiated cells. The irradiated medium itself did not have any effect. It is concluded that beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression may serve as more sensitive markers of post-irradiation responses in bystander cell populations than the classical radiobiological markers. Moreover, overexpression of beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha may induce increased susceptibility to inflammation of bystander cells.

  7. Transforming growth factor beta-1 An important biomarker for developing cardiovascular diseases in chronic renal failure.

    PubMed

    Avci, E; Avci, G Alp; Ozcelik, B; Cevher, S Coskun; Suicmez, M

    2017-01-01

    Our study focuses on the determination and evaluation of TGF-β1 levels of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment because of chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure, characterized by irreversible loss of renal function, is a major public health problem in the world. Transforming growth factor-beta is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the cellular growth, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and immune regulation. Among the three TGF-β isoforms, TGF-β1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. We studied 24 patients who were on regular hemodialysis, with non-diabetic nephropathy. 20 healthy people who proved to be in a good state of health and free from any signs of chronic diseases or disorders were enrolled as a control group. Serum samples were collected both before and after hemodialysis treatment from each patient. TGF-β1 levels were determined by Enzyme Immunoassay method. TGF-β1 levels were found significantly higher in the hemodialysis patients than those of the control groups. Also, the TGF-β1 was significantly reduced after hemodialysis treatment but it was still higher than in control groups. This result indicates that hemodialysis is an effective treatment method to decrease the serum TGF-B1 levels. Nevertheless, this decrease is not enough to reduce existing risks (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 28).

  8. Regulation of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes in the rat kidney by estradiol.

    PubMed

    Gomez-Sanchez, Elise P; Ganjam, Venkataseshu; Chen, Yuan Jian; Liu, Ying; Zhou, Ming Yi; Toroslu, Cigdem; Romero, Damian G; Hughson, Michael D; de Rodriguez, Angela; Gomez-Sanchez, Celso E

    2003-08-01

    The 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD) type 1 (11betaHSD1) enzyme is an NADP+-dependent oxidoreductase, usually reductase, of major glucocorticoids. The NAD+-dependent type 2 (11betaHSD2) enzyme is an oxidase that inactivates cortisol and corticosterone, conferring extrinsic specificity of the mineralocorticoid receptor for aldosterone. We reported that addition of a reducing agent to renal homogenates results in the monomerization of 11betaHSD2 dimers and a significant increase in NAD+-dependent corticosterone conversion. Estrogenic effects on expression, dimerization, and activity of the kidney 11betaHSD1 and -2 enzymes are described herein. Renal 11betaHSD1 mRNA and protein expressions were decreased to very low levels by estradiol (E2) treatment of both intact and castrated male rats; testosterone had no effect. NADP+-dependent enzymatic activity of renal homogenates from E2-treated rats measured under nonreducing conditions was less than that of homogenates from intact animals. Addition of 10 mM DTT to aliquots from these same homogenates abrogated the difference in NADP+-dependent activity between E2-treated and control rats. In contrast, 11betaHSD2 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly increased by E2 treatment. There was a marked increase in the number of juxtamedullary proximal tubules stained by the antibody against 11betaHSD2 after the administration of E2. Notwithstanding, neither the total corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone excreted in the urine nor their ratio differed between E2- and vehicle-treated rats. NAD+-dependent enzymatic activity in the absence or presence of a reducing agent demonstrated that the increase in 11betaHSD2 protein was not associated with an increase in in vitro activity unless the dimers were reduced to monomers.

  9. Elevated plasma TGF-beta1 in renal diseases: cause or consequence?

    PubMed

    Junker, U; Haufe, C C; Nuske, K; Rebstock, K; Steiner, T; Wunderlich, H; Junker, K; Reinhold, D

    2000-07-01

    We previously reported elevated levels of TGF-beta1 in patients with renal carcinoma. Certain aspects led us to ask whether they might be caused by chronic damage to the kidney(s). Here we report on an extended set of patients with various renal diseases, lung cancer, humoral immunodeficiency and controls. For latent TGF-beta1 in plasma, we find that the control, immunodeficiency, lung cancer and kidney transplant groups do not differ significantly (means, 7.0-8.8 ng/ml). Also, acute short-term renal stress (extracorporal lithotrypsy) does not lead to an increase of TGF-beta1. However, the pyelonephritis patients present with levels of 19.0 ng/ml, chronic extracorporal dialysis patients with 15.5 ng/ml, and renal cell carcinoma patients with 22.8 ng/ml. For active TGF-beta1 these findings are exactly recovered. For serum levels, only the renal carcinoma group presents with significantly elevated levels of TGF-beta1. Kidney transplantation seems to normalize TGF-beta1 levels, while in the kidney cancer patients surgery has an effect only in part of the group. We conclude that elevated plasma TGF-beta1 levels are common in at least two chronic renal disease conditions, and that it normalizes with restoration of renal function. It is tempting to speculate that chronic elevation of TGF-beta1 in these patients may be critically involved in these conditions predisposing to renal cancer. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  10. 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.

  11. Inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhanced glucose uptake contribute to the development of hypoglycemia in mice bearing interleukin-1beta- secreting tumor.

    PubMed

    Metzger, Shulamit; Nusair, Samir; Planer, David; Barash, Varda; Pappo, Orit; Shilyansky, Joel; Chajek-Shaul, Tova

    2004-11-01

    Mice bearing IL-1beta-secreting tumor were used to study the chronic effect of IL-1beta on glucose metabolism. Mice were injected with syngeneic tumor cells transduced with the human IL-1beta gene. Serum IL-1beta levels increased exponentially with time. Secretion of IL-1beta from the developed tumors was associated with decreased food consumption, reduced body weight, and reduced blood glucose levels. Body composition analysis revealed that IL-1beta caused a significant loss in fat tissue without affecting lean body mass and water content. Hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities and mRNA levels of these enzymes were reduced, and 2-deoxy-glucose uptake by peripheral tissues was enhanced. mRNA levels of glucose transporters (Gluts) in the liver were determined by real-time PCR analysis. Glut-3 mRNA levels were up-regulated by IL-1beta. Glut-1 and Glut-4 mRNA levels in IL-1beta mice were similar to mRNA levels in pair-fed mice bearing nonsecreting tumor. mRNA level of Glut-2, the major Glut of the liver, was down-regulated by IL-1beta. We concluded that both decreased glucose production by the liver and enhanced glucose disposal lead to the development of hypoglycemia in mice bearing IL-1beta-secreting tumor. The observed changes in expression of hepatic Gluts that are not dependent on insulin may contribute to the increased glucose uptake.

  12. TBK1-targeted suppression of TRIF-dependent signaling pathway of Toll-like receptors by 6-shogaol, an active component of ginger.

    PubMed

    Park, Se-Jeong; Lee, Mi-Young; Son, Bu-Soon; Youn, Hyung-Sun

    2009-07-01

    Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are primary sensors that detect a wide variety of microbial components involving induction of innate immune responses. After recognition of microbial components, TLRs trigger the activation of myeloid differential factor 88 (MyD88) and Toll-interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-beta (TRIF)-dependent downstream signaling pathways. 6-Shoagol, an active ingredient of ginger, inhibits the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway by inhibiting inhibitor-kappaB kinase activity. Inhibitor-kappaB kinase is a key kinase in nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. However, it is not known whether 6-shogaol inhibits the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway. Our goal was to identify the molecular target of 6-shogaol in the TRIF-dependent pathway of TLRs. 6-Shogaol inhibited the activation of interferon-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and by polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly[I:C]), overexpression of TRIF, TANK-binding kinase1 (TBK1), and IRF3. Furthermore, 6-shogaol inhibited TBK1 activity in vitro. Together, these results suggest that 6-shogaol inhibits the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway of TLRs by targeting TBK1, and, they imply that 6-shogaol can modulate TLR-derived immune/inflammatory target gene expression induced by microbial infection.

  13. GPER-1 agonist G1 induces vasorelaxation through activation of epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent signalling pathway.

    PubMed

    Jang, Eun Jin; Seok, Young Mi; Arterburn, Jeffrey B; Olatunji, Lawrence A; Kim, In Kyeom

    2013-10-01

    The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) agonist G1 induces endothelium-dependent relaxation. Activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor leads to transduction of signals from the plasma membrane for the release of nitric oxide. We tested the hypothesis that G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through activation of the EGF receptor. Rat aortic rings were mounted in organ baths. After pretreatment with various inhibitors, aortic rings contracted with 11,9-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2α or KCl were subjected to relaxation by G1. G1 induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was attenuated by pretreatment with either L -N(ω) -nitroarginine methyl ester (L -NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or (3aS,4R,9bR)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline HB-EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, a GPER-1 antagonist. Neither a general oestrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182 780, nor a selective oestrogen receptor-α antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP), had an effect on G1-induced vasorelaxation. However, pretreatment with EGF receptor blockers, AG1478 or DAPH, resulted in attenuated G1-induced vasorelaxation. In addition, pretreatment with Src inhibitor 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine or Akt inhibitor VIII also resulted in attenuated vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1. However, neither phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin nor an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(o-aminophenylmercapto) butadiene monoethanolate had effect on vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1. G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through Src-mediated activation of the EGF receptor and the Akt pathway in rat aorta. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  14. NMR study on (1alpha, 2beta, 4beta, 5alpha, 7beta)-7-[(hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl) oxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azoniatricyclo [3.3.1.0(2,4)] nonane bromide monohydrate.

    PubMed

    Lin, Zhenguang; Mu, Yingdi; Liu, Yihui; Ren, Yeming; Lin, Jimao

    2010-03-01

    The structure of (1alpha, 2beta, 4beta, 5alpha, 7beta)-7-[(hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl) oxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azoniatricyclo [3.3.1.0(2,4)] nonane bromide monohydrate was studied using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Complete NMR assignments of the compound were obtained using DEPT, H-H COSY, as well as HMQC and HMBC heteronuclear correlation techniques. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. Hydroxyurea responses in clinically varied beta, HbE-beta thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia patients of Eastern India.

    PubMed

    Chatterjee, Tridip; Chakravarty, Amit; Chakravarty, Sudipa

    2018-05-01

    The haematological and clinical response to hydroxyurea was estimated in HbE-beta, beta thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia patients of Eastern India, with variable clinical severity and transfusion requirement to determine whether hydroxyurea can help these patients to maintain their steady haemoglobin level without blood transfusions. Three hundred patients (189 HbE-beta thalassaemia, 95 beta thalassaemia and 16 other haemoglobinopathies including sickle cell anaemia) were selected for hydroxyurea therapy and were followed up for 48-60 months. Results suggest significant response to hydroxyurea therapy in 19 beta and 99 HbE-beta patients in the transfusion-dependent group (GR-I). All of them became transfusion-independent while on hydroxyurea therapy. The majority of responding patients were IVS1-5(G-C) in one of their alleles in HbE-beta cases (83 out of 119). Though IVS1-5(G-C) was found to be the commonest mutation in our selected patients, the mutational background of the patients does not found to have any significant correlation with the response category towards hydroxyurea as per the results observed in our study. But, the drug works pretty well in most of the transfusion-dependent patients, as these patients were withdrawn from regular blood transfusion. At the same time, partial or no response to the drug hydroxyurea was also recorded in our study.

  18. 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.

  19. Hydrogen bonds between the alpha and beta subunits of the F1-ATPase allow communication between the catalytic site and the interface of the beta catch loop and the gamma subunit.

    PubMed

    Boltz, Kathryn W; Frasch, Wayne D

    2006-09-19

    F(1)-ATPase mutations in Escherichia coli that changed the strength of hydrogen bonds between the alpha and beta subunits in a location that links the catalytic site to the interface between the beta catch loop and the gamma subunit were examined. Loss of the ability to form the hydrogen bonds involving alphaS337, betaD301, and alphaD335 lowered the k(cat) of ATPase and decreased its susceptibility to Mg(2+)-ADP-AlF(n) inhibition, while mutations that maintain or strengthen these bonds increased the susceptibility to Mg(2+)-ADP-AlF(n) inhibition and lowered the k(cat) of ATPase. These data suggest that hydrogen bonds connecting alphaS337 to betaD301 and betaR323 and connecting alphaD335 to alphaS337 are important to transition state stabilization and catalytic function that may result from the proper alignment of catalytic site residues betaR182 and alphaR376 through the VISIT sequence (alpha344-348). Mutations betaD301E, betaR323K, and alphaR282Q changed the rate-limiting step of the reaction as determined by an isokinetic plot. Hydrophobic mutations of betaR323 decreased the susceptibility to Mg(2+)-ADP-AlF(n)() inhibition and lowered the number of interactions required in the rate-limiting step yet did not affect the k(cat) of ATPase, suggesting that betaR323 is important to transition state formation. The decreased rate of ATP synthase-dependent growth and decreased level of lactate-dependent quenching observed with alphaD335, betaD301, and alphaE283 mutations suggest that these residues may be important to the formation of an alternative set of hydrogen bonds at the interface of the alpha and beta subunits that permits the release of intersubunit bonds upon the binding of ATP, allowing gamma rotation in the escapement mechanism.

  20. Photoaffinity labelling of the ATP-binding site of the epidermal growth factor-dependent protein kinase.

    PubMed

    Kudlow, J E; Leung, Y

    1984-06-15

    Epidermal growth factor (EGF), after binding to its receptor, activates a tyrosine-specific protein kinase which phosphorylates several substrates, including the EGF receptor itself. The effects of a photoaffinity analogue of ATP, 3'-O-(3-[N-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino]propionyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (arylazido-beta-alanyl-ATP) on the EGF-dependent protein kinase in A431 human tumour cell plasma membrane vesicles was investigated. This analogue was capable of inactivating the EGF-receptor kinase in a photodependent manner. Partial inactivation occurred at an analogue concentration of 1 microM and complete inactivation occurred at 10 microM when a 2 min light exposure was used. Arylazido-beta-alanine at 100 microM and ATP at 100 microM were incapable of inactivating the enzyme with 2 min of light exposure. The photodependent inactivation of the enzyme by the analogue could be partially blocked by 20 mM-ATP and more effectively blocked by either 20 mM-adenosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate or 20 mM-guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate, indicating nucleotide-binding site specificity. Arylazido-beta-alanyl-[alpha-32P]ATP was capable of labelling membrane proteins in a photodependent manner. Numerous proteins were labelled, the most prominent of which ran with an apparent Mr of 53000 on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. A band of minor intensity was seen of Mr corresponding to the EGF receptor (170000). Immunoprecipitation of affinity-labelled and solubilized membranes with an anti-(EGF receptor) monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the Mr 170000 receptor protein was photoaffinity labelled by the analogue. The Mr 53000 peptide was not specifically bound by the anti-receptor antibody. The affinity labelling of the receptor was not enhanced by EGF, suggesting that EGF stimulation of the kinase activity does not result from changes in the affinity of the kinase for ATP. These studies demonstrate that arylazido-beta-alanyl-ATP interacts with the ATP

  1. 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.

  2. Cloning and expression of a novel UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-D-mannoside beta1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase homologous to UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-3-D-mannoside beta1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Wenli; Betel, Doron; Schachter, Harry

    2002-01-01

    A TBLASTN search with human UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-3-d-mannoside beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnT I; EC 2.4.1.101) as a probe identified human and mouse Unigenes encoding a protein similar to human GnT I (34% identity over 340 amino acids). The recombinant protein converted Man(alpha1-6)[Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl to Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl, the reaction catalysed by GnT I. The enzyme also added GlcNAc to Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl (the substrate for beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II), Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl [with K(m) values of approximately 0.3 and >30 mM for UDP-GlcNAc and Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl respectively] and the glycopeptide CYA[Man(alpha1-)O-T]AV (K(m) approximately 12 mM). The product formed with Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl was identified as GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl by proton NMR spectroscopy. The enzyme was named UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-d-mannoside beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.2 (GnT I.2). The human gene mapped to chromosome 1. Northern-blot analysis showed a 3.3 kb message with a wide tissue distribution. The cDNA has a 1980 bp open reading frame encoding a 660 amino acid protein with a type-2 domain structure typical of glycosyltransferases. Man(beta1-)O-octyl, Man(beta1-)O-p-nitrophenyl and GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-)O-Asn were not acceptors, indicating that GnT I.2 is specific for alpha-linked terminal Man and does not have N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, IV, V, VII or VIII activities. CYA[Man(alpha1-)O-T]AV was between three and seven times more effective as an acceptor than the other substrates, suggesting that GnT I.2 may be responsible for the synthesis of the GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-)O-Ser/Thr moiety on alpha-dystroglycan and other O-mannosylated proteins. PMID:11742540

  3. Uterine leiomyoma is associated with a polymorphism in the interleukin 1-beta gene.

    PubMed

    Pietrowski, Detlef; Thewes, Roberta; Sator, Michael; Denschlag, Dominik; Keck, Christoph; Tempfer, Clemens

    2009-08-01

    To investigate whether polymorphisms in the interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) gene are associated with uterine leiomyoma. Case-control study in a collective of 131 patients and 280 controls. Genotyping of the IL-1beta-511 and IL-1beta-3954 polymorphism was performed by PCR amplification and subsequent RFLP analysis. A significant difference in the allele frequencies of the IL-1beta-511 C1beta-511 C1% in the control group [P < 0.0002; odds ratio (OR) 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32-2.47]. The genotype distributions showed also differences using a dominant genotype model (C/C vs. C/T+T/T; P < 0.0002; OR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.77-4.2). No difference was found in the IL-1beta-3954 polymorphism. The IL-1beta-511 promoter polymorphism is related to an increased susceptibility to uterine leiomyoma, suggesting that this polymorphism does contribute to the development of this disease.

  4. 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

  5. Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3) Null-Mutant Phenotypes in Embryonic Gonadal Development

    PubMed Central

    Memon, Mushtaq A.; Anway, Matthew D.; Covert, Trevor R.; Uzumcu, Mehmet; Skinner, Michael K.

    2008-01-01

    The role transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) isoforms TGFb1, TGFb2 and TGFb3 have in the regulation of embryonic gonadal development was investigated with the use of null-mutant (i.e. knockout) mice for each of the TGFb isoforms. Late embryonic gonadal development was investigated because homozygote TGFb null-mutant mice generally die around birth, with some embryonic loss as well. In the testis, the TGFb1 null-mutant mice had a decrease in the number of germ cells at birth, postnatal day 0 (P0). In the testis, the TGFb2 null-mutant mice had a decrease in the number of seminiferous cords at embryonic day 15 (E15). In the ovary, the TGFb2 null-mutant mice had an increase in the number of germ cells at P0. TGFb isoforms appear to have a role in gonadal development, but interactions between the isoforms is speculated to compensate in the different TGFb isoform null-mutant mice. PMID:18790002

  6. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Regulates the Expression of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

    PubMed

    Lyu, J; Imachi, H; Iwama, H; Zhang, H; Murao, K

    2016-05-01

    ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in pancreatic beta cells influences insulin secretion and cholesterol homeostasis. The present study investigates whether insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates stimulation of ABCA1 gene expression, could also interfere with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) cascade.ABCA1 expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, and a reporter gene assay in rat insulin-secreting INS-1 cells incubated with IGF-1. The binding of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) protein to the ABCA1 promoter was assessed by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. ABCA1 protein levels increased in response to rising concentrations of IGF-1. Real-time PCR analysis showed a significant increase in ABCA1 mRNA expression. However, both effects were suppressed after silencing the IGF-1 receptor. In parallel with its effect on endogenous ABCA1 mRNA levels, IGF-1 induced the activity of a reporter construct containing the ABCA1 promoter, while it was abrogated by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3-K. Constitutively active Akt stimulated activity of the ABCA1 promoter, and a dominant-negative mutant of Akt or mutagenesis of the FoxO1 response element in the ABCA1 promoter abolished the ability of IGF-1 to stimulate promoter activity. A ChIP assay showed that FoxO1 mediated its transcriptional activity by directly binding to the ABCA1 promoter region. The knockdown of FoxO1 disrupted the effect of IGF-1 on ABCA1 expression. Furthermore, IGF-1 promoted cholesterol efflux and reduced the pancreatic lipotoxicity. These results demonstrate that the PI3-K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway contributes to the regulation of ABCA1 expression in response to IGF-1 stimulation. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  7. Integrin alpha 3 beta 1 participates in the phagocytosis of extracellular matrix molecules by human breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Coopman, P J; Thomas, D M; Gehlsen, K R; Mueller, S C

    1996-11-01

    The mechanisms and receptors involved in phagocytosis by nonhematopoietic cells are not well understood. The involvement of the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin in phagocytosis of the extracellular matrix by human breast cancer cells was studied. The possible role of this integrin was suggested since alpha 3 and beta 1 but not alpha 2 subunits are concentrated at membrane sites where local degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin occurs. Strikingly, anti-alpha 3 integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) stimulate the phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled gelatin films, gelatin beads, and Matrigel films in a quantitative phagocytosis assay. Stimulation of the gelatin uptake by the anti-alpha 3 mAb is dose responsive, saturable, and time dependent. Antibodies against other integrin subunits have a lower stimulatory effect (anti-beta 1) or no significant effect (anti-alpha 2, -alpha 5, -alpha 6, and -alpha v) on gelatin phagocytosis. The synthetic HGD-6 human laminin peptide that binds specifically the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, but not the scrambled HSGD-6 control peptide, also markedly stimulates gelatin uptake in a dose-responsive way. Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of the HGD-6 peptide and the anti-alpha 3 mAb are additive, suggesting that they might promote phagocytosis in different ways. Other laminin (YIGSR, IKVAV) and fibronectin (GRGDS) peptides have no effect on gelatin phagocytosis. Immunofluorescence shows that the alpha 3 and the beta 1, but not the alpha 2 integrin subunit, concentrate into patches on the cell surface after treatment with their respective mAbs. And, both gelatin and the alpha 3 beta 1 but not the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin are cointernalized and routed to acidic vesicles such as lysosomes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that human breast cancer cells locally degrade and phagocytose the extracellular matrix and show for the first time that the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin participates in this phagocytosis. We hypothesize that the anti-alpha 3

  8. Evidence for greater cue reactivity among low-dependent vs. high-dependent smokers.

    PubMed

    Watson, Noreen L; Carpenter, Matthew J; Saladin, Michael E; Gray, Kevin M; Upadhyaya, Himanshu P

    2010-07-01

    Cue reactivity paradigms are well-established laboratory procedures used to examine subjective craving in response to substance-related cues. For smokers, the relationship between nicotine dependence and cue reactivity has not been clearly established. The main aim of the present study was to further examine this relationship. Participants (N=90) were between the ages 18-40 and smoked > or =10 cigarettes per day. Average nicotine dependence (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence; FTND) at baseline was 4.9 (SD=2.1). Participants completed four cue reactivity sessions consisting of two in vivo cues (smoking and neutral) and two affective imagery cues (stressful and relaxed), all counterbalanced. Craving in response to cues was assessed following each cue exposure using the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-B). Differential cue reactivity was operationally defined as the difference in QSU scores between the smoking and neutral cues, and between the stressful and relaxed cues. Nicotine dependence was significantly and negatively associated with differential cue reactivity scores in regard to hedonic craving (QSU factor 1) for both in vivo and imagery cues, such that those who had low FTND scores demonstrated greater differential cue reactivity than those with higher FTND scores (beta=-.082; p=.037; beta=-.101; p=.023, respectively). Similar trends were found for the Total QSU and for negative reinforcement craving (QSU factor 2), but did not reach statistical significance. Under partially sated conditions, less dependent smokers may be more differentially cue reactive to smoking cues as compared to heavily dependent smokers. These findings offer methodological and interpretative implications for cue reactivity studies. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. MOON for neutrino-less {beta}{beta} decays and {beta}{beta} nuclear matrix elements

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

    Ejiri, H.

    2009-11-09

    The MOON project aims at spectroscopic 0v{beta}{beta} studies with the v-mass sensitivity of 100-30 meV by measuring two beta rays from {sup 100}Mo and/or {sup 82}Se. The detector is a compact super-module of multi-layer PL scintillator plates. R and D works made by the pro to-type MOON-1 and the small PL plate show the possible energy resolution of around {sigma}{approx}2.2%, as required for the mass sensitivity. Nuclear matrix elements M{sup 2v} for 2v{beta}{beta} are shown to be given by the sum {sigma}{sub L}M{sub k} of the 2v{beta}{beta} matrix elements M{sub k} through intermediate quasi-particle states in the Fermi-surface, where Mimore » is obtained experimentally by using the GT(J{sup {pi}} = 1{sup +}) matrix elements of M{sub i}(k) and M{sub f}(k) for the successive single-{beta} transitions through the k-th intermediate state.« less

  10. The Golgi localization of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta requires the protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of serine 262 and is essential for maintaining plasma membrane sphingomyelin levels.

    PubMed

    van Tiel, Claudia M; Westerman, Jan; Paasman, Marten A; Hoebens, Martha M; Wirtz, Karel W A; Snoek, Gerry T

    2002-06-21

    Recombinant mouse phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PI-TP)beta is a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent phosphorylation in vitro. Based on site-directed mutagenesis and two-dimensional tryptic peptide mapping, Ser(262) was identified as the major site of phosphorylation and Ser(165) as a minor phosphorylation site. The phospholipid transfer activities of wild-type PI-TP beta and PI-TP beta(S262A) were identical, whereas PI-TP beta(S165A) was completely inactive. PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Ser(262) also had no effect on the transfer activity of PI-TP beta. To investigate the role of Ser(262) in the functioning of PI-TP beta, wtPI-TP beta and PI-TP beta(S262A) were overexpressed in NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Two-dimensional PAGE analysis of cell lysates was used to separate PI-TP beta from its phosphorylated form. After Western blotting, wtPI-TP beta was found to be 85% phosphorylated, whereas PI-TP beta(S262A) was not phosphorylated. In the presence of the PKC inhibitor GF 109203X, the phosphorylated form of wtPI-TP beta was strongly reduced. Immunolocalization showed that wtPI-TP beta was predominantly associated with the Golgi membranes. In the presence of the PKC inhibitor, wtPI-TP beta was distributed throughout the cell similar to what was observed for PI-TP beta(S262A). In contrast to wtPI-TP beta overexpressors, cells overexpressing PI-TP beta(S262A) were unable to rapidly replenish sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane upon degradation by sphingomyelinase. This implies that PKC-dependent association with the Golgi complex is a prerequisite for PI-TP beta to express its effect on sphingomyelin metabolism.

  11. MCAT elements and the TEF-1 family of transcription factors in muscle development and disease.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Tadashi

    2008-01-01

    MCAT elements are located in the promoter-enhancer regions of cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle-specific genes including cardiac troponin T, beta-myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and skeletal alpha-actin, and play a key role in the regulation of these genes during muscle development and disease. The binding factors of MCAT elements are members of the transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1) family. However, it has not been fully understood how these transcription factors confer cell-specific expression in muscle, because their expression patterns are relatively broad. Results of recent studies revealed multiple mechanisms whereby TEF-1 family members control MCAT element-dependent muscle-specific gene expression, including posttranslational modifications of TEF-1 family members, the presence of muscle-selective TEF-1 cofactors, and cell-selective control of TEF-1 accessibility to MCAT elements. In addition, of particular interest, recent studies regarding MCAT element-dependent transcription of the myocardin gene and the smooth muscle alpha-actin gene in muscle provide evidence for the transcriptional diversity among distinct cell types and subtypes. This article summarizes the role of MCAT elements and the TEF-1 family of transcription factors in muscle development and disease, and reviews recent progress in our understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in MCAT element-dependent muscle-specific gene expression.

  12. Human MI-ER1 alpha and beta function as transcriptional repressors by recruitment of histone deacetylase 1 to their conserved ELM2 domain.

    PubMed

    Ding, Zhihu; Gillespie, Laura L; Paterno, Gary D

    2003-01-01

    mi-er1 (previously called er1) was first isolated from Xenopus laevis embryonic cells as a novel fibroblast growth factor-regulated immediate-early gene. Xmi-er1 was shown to encode a nuclear protein with an N-terminal acidic transcription activation domain. The human orthologue of mi-er1 (hmi-er1) displays 91% similarity to the Xenopus sequence at the amino acid level and was shown to be upregulated in breast carcinoma cell lines and tumors. Alternative splicing at the 3' end of hmi-er1 produces two major isoforms, hMI-ER1alpha and hMI-ER1beta, which contain distinct C-terminal domains. In this study, we investigated the role of hMI-ER1alpha and hMI-ER1beta in the regulation of transcription. Using fusion proteins of hMI-ER1alpha or hMI-ER1beta tethered to the GAL4 DNA binding domain, we show that both isoforms, when recruited to the G5tkCAT minimal promoter, function to repress transcription. We demonstrate that this repressor activity is due to interaction and recruitment of a trichostatin A-sensitive histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Furthermore, deletion analysis revealed that recruitment of HDAC1 to hMI-ER1alpha and hMI-ER1beta occurs through their common ELM2 domain. The ELM2 domain was first described in the Caenorhabditis elegans Egl-27 protein and is present in a number of SANT domain-containing transcription factors. This is the first report of a function for the ELM2 domain, highlighting its role in the regulation of transcription.

  13. Proliferation of prostate cancer cells and activity of neutral endopeptidase is regulated by bombesin and IL-1beta with IL-1beta acting as a modulator of cellular differentiation.

    PubMed

    Albrecht, Martin; Doroszewicz, Jolanta; Gillen, Sonja; Gomes, Iara; Wilhelm, Beate; Stief, Thomas; Aumüller, Gerhard

    2004-01-01

    Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is a cell-surface bound enzyme that cleaves and inactivates neuropeptides such as bombesin and substance P and is involved in the transition from hormonally regulated androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PC) to androgen-independent PC. Neuropeptides are implicated in growth regulation of different cell types and function as transmitters between the neuroendocrine and the immune system. NEP-expression, enzymatic activity of the membrane bound protein, cell proliferation, procalcitonin (PCT) production, and secretion as well as changes in cell morphology of prostatic cells were evaluated after treatment with the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), neuropeptides (bombesin, substance P), and neuropeptide-conditioned media derived from a human neuroendocrine cell line. Incubation of LNCaP tumor cells with IL-1beta resulted in a diminished proliferative activity, induction of neurite-like outgrowth which was accompanied by the formation of tubular-type mitochondria typical for neuronal/neuroendocrine cells, and an increased production and secretion of PCT. Conversely, proliferation of prostatic stromal cells was enhanced by the cytokine coming along with an increased number of Golgi-apparatuses and ER-cisternae. Bombesin had an antimitotic effect on LNCaP, but not on stromal cells. Substance P did not influence the growth of any of the cell types investigated, whereas neuropeptide-conditioned media exerted a slightly mitogenic effect on both cell types. The activity of LNCaP cell-surface bound NEP was enhanced by bombesin, but was diminished by substance P and neuropeptide-conditioned media. Proliferation and activity of neuropeptide degrading NEP is regulated differently by immunomodulatory substances in PC cells and cells derived from the prostatic stroma with IL-1beta being a potent modulator of cellular differentiation and a potential target for anticancer drug design in PC cells. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  14. 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.

  15. Beta > 1 Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Robert

    2017-10-01

    I have suggested that fusion researchers should put more effort into the study of beta > 1 or wall confined plasmas. Magneto-Inertial Fusion and Magnetized Target Fusion projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory are recent examples of this sort of work. Unfortunately, theoretical studies of such systems may be employing overly optimistic models of the magnetic thermal insulation. One might well expect such systems to have stochastic field lines. If that is the case then we might want to employ turbulent thermal insulation as suggested in my papers: Current Science, pg 991, 1988 and Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., Nov. 4, 2009.

  16. Cross-talk of WNT and FGF signaling pathways at GSK3beta to regulate beta-catenin and SNAIL signaling cascades.

    PubMed

    Katoh, Masuko; Katoh, Masaru

    2006-09-01

    WNT and FGF signaling pathways cross-talk during a variety of cellular processes, such as human colorectal carcinogenesis, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-induced carcinogenesis, E2A-Pbx-induced leukemogenesis, early embryogenesis, body-axis formation, limb-bud formation, and neurogenesis. Canonical WNT signals are transduced through Frizzled receptor and LRP5/6 coreceptor to downregulate GSK3beta (GSK3B) activity not depending on Ser 9 phosphorylation. FGF signals are transduced through FGF receptor to the FRS2-GRB2-GAB1-PI3K-AKT signaling cascade to downregulate GSK3beta activity depending on Ser 9 phosphorylation. Because GSK3beta-dependent phosphorylation of beta-catenin and SNAIL leads to FBXW1 (betaTRCP)-mediated ubiquitination and degradation, GSK3beta downregulation results in the stabilization and the nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and SNAIL. Nuclear beta-catenin is complexed with TCF/LEF, Legless (BCL9 or BCL9L) and PYGO (PYGO1 or PYGO2) to activate transcription of CCND1, MYC, FGF18 and FGF20 genes for the cell-fate determination. Nuclear SNAIL represses transcription of CDH1 gene, encoding E-cadherin, to induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mammary carcinogenesis in MMTV-Wnt1 transgenic mice is accelerated by MMTV infection due to MMTV integration around Fgf3-Fgf4 or Fgf8 loci, and mammary carcinogenesis in MMTV-Fgf3 transgenic mice due to MMTV integration around Wnt1-Wnt10b locus. Coactivation of WNT and FGF signaling pathways in tumors leads to more malignant phenotypes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number polymorphism (CNP) of WNT and FGF signaling molecules could be utilized as screening method of cancer predisposition. cDNA-PCR, microarray or ELISA reflecting aberrant activation of WNT and FGF signaling pathways could be developed as novel cancer-related biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Cocktail therapy using WNT and FGF inhibitors, such as small-molecule compounds and human neutralizing

  17. Application of microalgal fucoxanthin for the reduction of colon cancer risk: inhibitory activity of fucoxanthin against beta-glucuronidase and DLD-1 cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kawee-Ai, Arthitaya; Kim, Sang Moo

    2014-07-01

    Intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidases are capable of retoxifying compounds that have been detoxified by liver glucuronidation and are also known to accelerate colon cancer invasion and metastasis. In this study, fucoxanthin extracted from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum was investigated for its inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase and DLD-1 cancer cells. Fucoxanthin inhibited beta-glucuronidase in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2.32 mM and a mixed inhibition type. Fucoxanthin had more potent inhibitory activity on beta-glucuronidase at 37 degrees C and in alkaline conditions. Fucoxanthin also inhibited the beta-glucuronidase activity of DLD-1 cancer cells at a concentration of 20-50 microM. The presence of beta-glucuronidase and substrate in the medium decreased the inhibitory activity of fucoxanthin against DLD-1 cancer cells. Therefore, microalgal fucoxanthin might prevent colon cancer because of its strong beta-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and could be utilized as a novel functional ingredient of food and pharmaceutical supplements.

  18. Beta-catenin is required for memory consolidation.

    PubMed

    Maguschak, Kimberly A; Ressler, Kerry J

    2008-11-01

    beta-catenin has been implicated in neuronal synapse regulation and remodeling. Here we have examined beta-catenin expression in the adult mouse brain and its role in amygdala-dependent learning and memory. We found alterations in beta-catenin mRNA and protein phosphorylation during fear-memory consolidation. Such alterations correlated with a change in the association of beta-catenin with cadherin. Pharmacologically, this consolidation was enhanced by lithium-mediated facilitation of beta-catenin. Genetically, the role of beta-catenin was confirmed with site-specific deletions of loxP-flanked Ctnnb1 (encoding beta-catenin) in the amygdala. Baseline locomotion, anxiety-related behaviors and acquisition or expression of conditioned fear were normal. However, amygdala-specific deletion of Ctnnb1 prevented the normal transfer of newly formed fear learning into long-term memory. Thus, beta-catenin may be required in the amygdala for the normal consolidation, but not acquisition, of fear memory. This suggests a general role for beta-catenin in the synaptic remodeling and stabilization underlying long-term memory in adults.

  19. Biotin status affects nickel allergy via regulation of interleukin-1beta production in mice.

    PubMed

    Kuroishi, Toshinobu; Kinbara, Masayuki; Sato, Naoki; Tanaka, Yukinori; Nagai, Yasuhiro; Iwakura, Yoichiro; Endo, Yasuo; Sugawara, Shunji

    2009-05-01

    Biotin, a water-soluble B complex vitamin, is possibly involved in chronic inflammatory diseases, although the detailed mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of biotin status on nickel (Ni) allergy in mice. Mice were fed a basal or biotin-deficient (BD) diet for 8 wk and sensitized with an intraperitoneal injection of NiCl(2) and lipopolysaccharide. Ten days after sensitization, NiCl(2) was intradermally injected into pinnas and ear swelling was measured. For in vitro analysis, we cultured a murine macrophage cell line, J774.1, under a biotin-sufficient (C, meaning control) or BD condition for 4 wk and analyzed interleukin (IL)-1 production. Significantly higher ear swelling was induced in BD mice than C mice. Adaptive transfer of splenocytes from both C and BD mice induced Ni allergy in unsensitized mice. Regardless of donor mice, ear swelling was significantly higher in BD recipient mice than C recipient mice. Ni allergy was not induced in either C or BD IL-1(-/-) mice. Splenocytes from BD mice produced a significantly higher amount of IL-1beta than those from C mice. Production and mRNA expression of IL-1beta were significantly higher in BD J774.1 cells than in C cells. Biotin supplementation inhibited the augmentation of IL-1beta production in vitro. In vivo supplementation of biotin in drinking water dose-dependently decreased ear swelling in C and BD mice. These results indicate that biotin status affects Ni allergy in the elicitation phase via the upregulation of IL-1beta production in mice, suggesting that biotin supplementation may have therapeutic effects on human metal allergy.

  20. Evidences that beta1 integrin and Rac1 are involved in the overriding effect of laminin on myelin-associated glycoprotein inhibitory activity on neuronal cells.

    PubMed

    Laforest, Sullivan; Milanini, Julie; Parat, Fabrice; Thimonier, Jean; Lehmann, Maxime

    2005-11-01

    During neurite elongation, migrating growth cones encounter both permissive and inhibitory substrates, such as laminin and MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein), respectively. Here, we demonstrated on two neuronal cell lines (PC12 and N1E-115), that laminin and collagen hampered, in a dose-dependent manner, MAG inhibitory activity on several integrin functions, i.e., neurite growth, cell adhesion and cell spreading. Using a function blocking antibody, in PC12 cells, we showed that alpha1beta1 integrin is required in these phenomena. In parallel, we observed that MAG perturbs actin dynamics and lamellipodia formation during early steps of cell spreading. This seemed to be independent of RhoA activation, but dependent of Rac-1 inhibition by MAG. Laminin overrode MAG activity on actin and prevented MAG inhibition NGF-induced Rac1 activation. In conclusion, we evidenced antagonistic signaling between MAG receptors and beta1 integrins, in which Rac-1 may have a central function.

  1. Intraneuronal Amyloid Beta Accumulation Disrupts Hippocampal CRTC1-Dependent Gene Expression and Cognitive Function in a Rat Model of Alzheimer Disease

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Edward N.; Abela, Andrew R.; Do Carmo, Sonia; Allard, Simon; Marks, Adam R.; Welikovitch, Lindsay A.; Ducatenzeiler, Adriana; Chudasama, Yogita; Cuello, A. Claudio

    2017-01-01

    In Alzheimer disease (AD), the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) begins decades before cognitive symptoms and progresses from intraneuronal material to extracellular plaques. To date, however, the precise mechanism by which the early buildup of Aβ peptides leads to cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. Here, we investigate the impact of the early Aβ accumulation on temporal and frontal lobe dysfunction. We compared the performance of McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic AD rats with wild-type littermate controls on a visual discrimination task using a touchscreen operant platform. Subsequently, we conducted studies to establish the biochemical and molecular basis for the behavioral alterations. It was found that the presence of intraneuronal Aβ caused a severe associative learning deficit in the AD rats. This coincided with reduced nuclear translocation and genomic occupancy of the CREB co-activator, CRTC1, and decreased production of synaptic plasticity-associated transcripts Arc, c-fos, Egr1, and Bdnf. Thus, blockade of CRTC1-dependent gene expression in the early, preplaque phase of AD-like pathology provides a molecular basis for the cognitive deficits that figure so prominently in early AD. PMID:26759481

  2. Evaluation of thrombogenicity of beta-propiolactone/ultraviolet (beta-PL/UV) treated PPSB in chimpanzees

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

    Kotitschke, R.; Stephan, W.; Prince, A.M.

    1983-05-01

    The thrombogenicity of beta-PL/UV-treated PPSB (factor IX concentrate) was evaluated in chimpanzees. PPSB isolated from beta-propiolactone-treated and UV-irradiated plasma was injected into chimpanzees at a dose of approximately 100 units/kg body weight. An FDA licensed PPSB preparation served as the negative control, and a preparation containing activated as well as precursor clotting factors served as the positive control. 15 minutes, 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h after the PPSB application the following parameters were determined in the chimpanzee blood: factors II, VII, IX, X, VIII, fibrinogen, AT III, thrombin coagulase, Quick value, APTT and platelet count. Neither the untreatedmore » control preparation, nor the PPSB isolated from beta-propiolactone-treated and UV-irradiated plasma, showed signs of thrombogenicity in the chimpanzee model. The positive control indicated that the chimpanzee is a suitable model for the thrombogenicity testing of activated clotting factors.« less

  3. Transforming growth factor beta1 gene variation Leu10Pro affects secretion and function in hepatic cells.

    PubMed

    Gu, Xing; Ji, Xin; Shi, Le-Hua; Yi, Chang-Hong; Zhao, Yun-Peng; Wang, Ai-Hua; Lu, Lun-Gen; Yu, Wen-Bo; Gao, Chun-Fang

    2012-11-01

    Our previous work revealed transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. However, no further study of functional substitution in hepatic cells has yet been reported. This study was designed to uncover the functional mechanisms of TGFβ1 gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Two recombinant TGFβ1 expression plasmids containing TGFβ1 codon 10 Leu/Pro variation were constructed with CMV promoter and transfected into human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 and SMMU 7721), hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), and immortalized hepatocytes (L02). The secretion capacities of TGFβ1 protein in the transfected cells were determined by ELISA. Apoptosis, proliferative activity, and expression of CD 105, CD83, and CD80 were also measured by use of flow cytometry. The ELISA results showed that cells transfected with CMV-Pro10 were more capable of TGFβ1 secretion than those transfected with CMV-Leu10. Functionally, CMV-Pro10 was more apoptosis-protective and induced more proliferation than CMV-Leu10 in transfected hepatic cells. Pro10 up-regulated expression of CD105 and down-regulated expression of CD83. TGFβ1 gene Leu10Pro variation in signal peptide has significant effects on TGFβ1 secretion and functions in hepatic cells.

  4. Orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner inhibits transforming growth factor-beta signaling by repressing SMAD3 transactivation.

    PubMed

    Suh, Ji Ho; Huang, Jiansheng; Park, Yun-Yong; Seong, Hyun-A; Kim, Dongwook; Shong, Minho; Ha, Hyunjung; Lee, In-Kyu; Lee, Keesook; Wang, Li; Choi, Hueng-Sik

    2006-12-22

    Orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP) is an atypical member of the nuclear receptor superfamily; SHP regulates the nuclear receptor-mediated transcription of target genes but lacks a conventional DNA binding domain. In this study, we demonstrate that SHP represses transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced gene expression through a direct interaction with Smad, a transducer of TGF-beta signaling. Transient transfection studies demonstrate that SHP represses Smad3-induced transcription. In vivo and in vitro protein interaction assays revealed that SHP directly interacts with Smad2 and Smad3 but not with Smad4. Mapping of domains mediating the interaction between SHP and Smad3 showed that the entire N-terminal domain (1-159 amino acids) of SHP and the linker domain of Smad3 are involved in this interaction. In vitro glutathione S-transferase pulldown competition experiments revealed the SHP-mediated repression of Smad3 transactivation through competition with its co-activator p300. SHP also inhibits the activation of endogenous TGF-beta-responsive gene promoters, the p21, Smad7, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) promoters. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of SHP decreases PAI-1 mRNA levels, and down-regulation of SHP by a small interfering RNA increases both the transactivation of Smad3 and the PAI-1 mRNA levels. Finally, the PAI-1 gene is expressed in SHP(-/-) mouse hepatocytes at a higher level than in normal hepatocytes. Taken together, these data indicate that SHP is a novel co-regulator of Smad3, and this study provides new insights into regulation of TGF-beta signaling.

  5. TGF-beta1 modulates focal adhesion kinase expression in rat intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells via stimulatory and inhibitory Smad binding elements.

    PubMed

    Walsh, Mary F; Ampasala, Dinakar R; Rishi, Arun K; Basson, Marc D

    2009-02-01

    TGF-beta and FAK modulate cell migration, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, and TGF-beta promotes FAK transcription in intestinal epithelial cells via Smad-dependent and independent pathways. We utilized a 1320 bp FAK promoter-luciferase construct to characterize basal and TGF-beta-mediated FAK gene transcription in IEC-6 cells. Inhibiting JNK or Akt negated TGF-beta-stimulated promoter activity; ERK inhibition did not block the TGF-beta effect but increased basal activity. Co-transfection with Co-Smad4 enhanced the TGF-beta response while the inhibitory Smad7 abolished it. Serial deletions sequentially removing the four Smad binding elements (SBE) in the 5' untranslated region of the promoter revealed that the two most distal SBE's are positive regulators while SBE3 exerts a negative influence. Mutational deletion of two upstream p53 sites enhanced basal but did not affect TGF-beta-stimulated increases in promoter activity. TGF-beta increased DNA binding of Smad4, phospho-Smad2/3 and Runx1/AML1a to the most distal 435 bp containing 3 SBE and 2 AML1a sites by ChIP assay. However, although point mutation of SBE1 ablated the TGF-beta-mediated rise in SV40-promoter activity, mutation of AML1a sites did not. TGF-beta regulation of FAK transcription reflects a complex interplay between positive and negative non-Smad signals and SBE's, the last independent of p53 or AML1a.

  6. Over-expression of the gene (bglBC1) from Bacillus circulans encoding an endo-beta-(1-->3),(1-->4)-glucanase useful for the preparation of oligosaccharides from barley beta-glucan.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ki-Hoon; Kim, Yea-Oon; Ko, Bong-Sun; Youn, Hyun-Joo; Lee, Dong-Seok

    2004-11-01

    An endo-beta-(1-->3),(1-->4)-glucanase gene (bglBC1) from Bacillus circulans ATCC21367 was modified by substituting its native promoter with a strong promoter, BJ27X, to increase expression of the gene when cloned into B. subtilis RM125 and B. megaterium ATCC14945. A 771-bp endo-beta-(1-->3),(1-->4)-glucanase open reading frame was inserted into a new shuttle plasmid, pBLC771, by ligating the ORF and pBE1, the latter of which contained the strong promoter, BJ27X. B. subtilis , transformed with the recombinant plasmid pBLC771, produced an extracellular endo-beta-(1-->3),(1-->4)-glucanase that was 130 times (7176 mU ml(-1)) more active than that of the gene donor cells (55 mU ml(-1)), while the enzyme from the transformed B. megaterium was 7 times (378 mU ml(-1)) more active than that of the gene donor cells. M(r) of the enzyme was 28 kDa, with proteolytic processing of the enzyme being observed only in B. subtilis cells. The major products of water-soluble beta-glucan hydrolyzed by over-produced endo-beta-(1-->3),(1-->4)-glucanase were tri- and tetra-oligosaccharides which can be developed as useful products such as anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertriglyceridemic, and anti-hyperglycemic agents.

  7. 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

  8. Reduction of isoprenaline-induced myocardial TGF-{beta}1 expression and fibrosis in osthole-treated mice

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

    Chen Rong; The First Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province; Xue Jie

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) {alpha} and PPAR{gamma} ligands can attenuate myocardial fibrosis. Osthole, an active constituent isolated from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, may be a dual PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonist, but there has been no report on its effect on myocardial fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of osthole on myocardial fibrotic formation in mice and its possible mechanisms. A mouse model with myocardial fibrosis was induced by hypodermic injection of isoprenaline while the mice were simultaneously treated with 40 and 80 mg/kg osthole for 40 days. After the addition of osthole, the cardiac weightmore » index and hydroxyproline content in the myocardial tissues were decreased, the degree of collagen accumulation in the heart was improved, and the downregulation of myocardial PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} mRNA expression induced by isoprenaline was reversed. Moreover, the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1 and the protein levels of nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B and TGF-{beta}1 in the myocardial tissues were decreased. These findings suggest that osthole can prevent isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice, and its mechanisms may be related to the reduction of TGF-{beta}1 expression via the activation of PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} and subsequent inhibition of NF-{kappa}B in myocardial tissues. - Highlights: > Osthole could inhibit the myocardial fibrosis induced by isoprenaline in mice. > The mechanism was related to reduction of TGF-{beta}1 expression in myocardial tissue. > The result of osthole was from the activation of PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} and inhibition of NF-{kappa}B.« less

  9. 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.

  10. Interleukin-1{beta} regulates cell proliferation and activity of extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes in cultured primary pig heart cells

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

    Zitta, Karina; Brandt, Berenice; Wuensch, Annegret

    Research highlights: {yields} Levels of IL-1{beta} are increased in the pig myocardium after infarction. {yields} Cultured pig heart cells possess IL-1 receptors. {yields} IL-1{beta} increases cell proliferation of pig heart cells in-vitro. {yields} IL-1{beta} increases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in pig heart cells in-vitro. {yields} IL-1{beta} may be important for tissue remodelling events after myocardial infarction. -- Abstract: After myocardial infarction, elevated levels of interleukins (ILs) are found within the myocardial tissue and IL-1{beta} is considered to play a major role in tissue remodelling events throughout the body. In the study presented, we have established a cell culture model ofmore » primary pig heart cells to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of IL-1{beta} on cell proliferation as well as expression and activity of enzymes typically involved in tissue remodelling. Primary pig heart cell cultures were derived from three different animals and stimulated with recombinant pig IL-1{beta}. RNA expression was detected by RT-PCR, protein levels were evaluated by Western blotting, activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was quantified by gelatine zymography and cell proliferation was measured using colorimetric MTS assays. Pig heart cells express receptors for IL-1 and application of IL-1{beta} resulted in a dose-dependent increase of cell proliferation (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 24 h). Gene expression of caspase-3 was increased by IL-1{beta} (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 3 h), and pro-caspase-3 but not active caspase was detected in lysates of pig heart cells by Western blotting. MMP-2 gene expression as well as enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased by IL-1{beta} (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 3 h for gene expression, 48 and 72 h for enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively). Our in vitro data suggest that IL-1{beta} plays a major role in the events of tissue remodelling in the heart

  11. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCR2 loop, inducible by TGF-beta, increases podocyte motility and albumin permeability.

    PubMed

    Lee, Eun Young; Chung, Choon Hee; Khoury, Charbel C; Yeo, Tet Kin; Pyagay, Petr E; Wang, Amy; Chen, Sheldon

    2009-07-01

    The role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in diabetic nephropathy is typically viewed through the lens of inflammation, but MCP-1 might exert noninflammatory effects on the kidney cells directly. Glomerular podocytes in culture, verified to express the marker nephrin, were exposed to diabetic mediators such as high glucose or angiotensin II and assayed for MCP-1. Only transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) significantly increased MCP-1 production, which was prevented by SB431542 and LY294002, indicating that signaling proceeded through the TGF-beta type I receptor kinase and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. The TGF-beta-induced MCP-1 was found to activate the podocyte's cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and, as a result, enhance the cellular motility, cause rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, and increase podocyte permeability to albumin in a Transwell assay. The preceding effects of TGF-beta were replicated by treatment with recombinant MCP-1 and blocked by a neutralizing anti-MCP-1 antibody or a specific CCR2 inhibitor, RS102895. In conclusion, this is the first description that TGF-beta signaling through PI3K induces the podocyte expression of MCP-1 that can then operate via CCR2 to increase cellular migration and alter albumin permeability characteristics. The pleiotropic effects of MCP-1 on the resident kidney cells such as the podocyte may exacerbate the disease process of diabetic albuminuria.

  12. Evaluation of partial beta-adrenoceptor agonist activity.

    PubMed

    Lipworth, B J; Grove, A

    1997-01-01

    A partial beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) agonist will exhibit opposite agonist and antagonist activity depending on the prevailing degree of adrenergic tone or the presence of a beta-AR agonist with higher intrinsic activity. In vivo partial beta-AR agonist activity will be evident at rest with low endogenous adrenergic tone, as for example with chronotropicity (beta 1/beta 2), inotropicity (beta 1) or peripheral vasodilatation and finger tremor (beta 2). beta-AR blocking drugs which have partial agonist activity may exhibit a better therapeutic profile when used for hypertension because of maintained cardiac output without increased systemic vascular resistance, along with an improved lipid profile. In the presence of raised endogenous adrenergic tone such as exercise or an exogenous full agonist, beta-AR subtype antagonist activity will become evident in terms of effects on exercise induced heart rate (beta 1) and potassium (beta 2) responses. Reduction of exercise heart rate will occur to a lesser degree in the case of a beta-adrenoceptor blocker with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity compared with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker devoid of partial agonist activity. This may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of angina on effort when using beta-AR blocking drugs with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity. Effects on exercise hyperkalaemia are determined by the balance between beta 2-AR partial agonist activity and endogenous adrenergic activity. For predominantly beta 2-AR agonist such as salmeterol and salbutamol, potentiation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs. For predominantly beta 2-AR antagonists such as carteolol, either potentiation or attenuation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs at low and high doses respectively. beta 2-AR partial agonist activity may also be expressed as antagonism in the presence of an exogenous full agonist, as for example attenuation of fenoterol induced responses by salmeterol. Studies are required to investigate whether

  13. 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.

  14. Interferon Beta-1a Intramuscular Injection

    MedlinePlus

    ... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... interferon beta-1a intramuscular at around the same time of day on your injection days. Follow the ...

  15. Biochemical basis of type IB (E1beta ) mutations in maple syrup urine disease. A prevalent allele in patients from the Druze kindred in Israel.

    PubMed

    Wynn, R M; Chuang, J L; Sansaricq, C; Mandel, H; Chuang, D T

    2001-09-28

    Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolic disorder associated with often-fatal ketoacidosis, neurological derangement, and mental retardation. In this study, we identify and characterize two novel type IB MSUD mutations in Israeli patients, which affect the E1beta subunit in the decarboxylase (E1) component of the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. The recombinant mutant E1 carrying the prevalent S289L-beta (TCG --> TTG) mutation in the Druze kindred exists as a stable inactive alphabeta heterodimer. Based on the human E1 structure, the S289L-beta mutation disrupts the interactions between Ser-289-beta and Glu-290-beta', and between Arg-309-beta and Glu-290-beta', which are essential for native alpha(2)beta(2) heterotetrameric assembly. The R133P-beta (CGG --> CCG) mutation, on the other hand, is inefficiently expressed in Escherichia coli as heterotetramers in a temperature-dependent manner. The R133P-beta mutant E1 exhibits significant residual activity but is markedly less stable than the wild-type, as measured by thermal inactivation and free energy change of denaturation. The R133P-beta substitution abrogates the coordination of Arg-133-beta to Ala-95-beta, Glu-96-beta, and Ile-97-beta, which is important for strand-strand interactions and K(+) ion binding in the beta subunit. These findings provide new insights into folding and assembly of human E1 and will facilitate DNA-based diagnosis for MSUD in the Israeli population.

  16. SGT1 regulates Akt signaling by promoting beta-TrCP-dependent PHLPP1 degradation in gastric cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Gao, Ganglong; Kun, Tao; Sheng, Youhua; Qian, Min; Kong, Fanzhi; Liu, Xiaoguang; Yu, Zhenfeng; Zhang, Haiqin; Zhang, Qiang; Gu, Jianping; Zhang, Xueli

    2013-04-01

    SGT1 (suppressor of G2 allele of Skp1) plays a role in various cellular processes including kinetochore assembly and protein ubiquitination by interacting with Skp1, a component of SCF E3 ligase complex. However, the function of SGT1 in cancer is largely unknown. Here, we showed that SGT1 was over-expressed in gastric cancer tissues and silencing of SGT1 by siRNAs significantly inhibited the growth and colony formation of gastric cancer cells. We further showed that SGT1 could regulate Akt signaling pathway by modulating Akt ser473 phosphorylation status. Moreover, we found that SGT1 was able to regulate the stability of PHLPP1, which is the direct phosphatase for Akt ser473 phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation assay revealed that SGT1 could enhance the binding between PHLPP1 and beta-TrCP which has been documented to be able to target PHLPP1 for destruction. Decreased PHLPP1 in SGT1 over-expressed gastric cancer cells failed to dephosphorylate Akt and resulted in increased Akt ser473 phosphorylation and amplified downstream Akt signaling. Thus, our data revealed a previously uncovered role of SGT1 in gastric cancer development, and suggested that SGT1 could be a promising anti-cancer target to against gastric cancer.

  17. Molecular stress-inducing compounds increase osteoclast formation in a heat shock factor 1 protein-dependent manner.

    PubMed

    Chai, Ryan C; Kouspou, Michelle M; Lang, Benjamin J; Nguyen, Chau H; van der Kraan, A Gabrielle J; Vieusseux, Jessica L; Lim, Reece C; Gillespie, Matthew T; Benjamin, Ivor J; Quinn, Julian M W; Price, John T

    2014-05-09

    Many anticancer therapeutic agents cause bone loss, which increases the risk of fractures that severely reduce quality of life. Thus, in drug development, it is critical to identify and understand such effects. Anticancer therapeutic and HSP90 inhibitor 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) causes bone loss by increasing osteoclast formation, but the mechanism underlying this is not understood. 17-AAG activates heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1), the master transcriptional regulator of heat shock/cell stress responses, which may be involved in this negative action of 17-AAG upon bone. Using mouse bone marrow and RAW264.7 osteoclast differentiation models we found that HSP90 inhibitors that induced a heat shock response also enhanced osteoclast formation, whereas HSP90 inhibitors that did not (including coumermycin A1 and novobiocin) did not affect osteoclast formation. Pharmacological inhibition or shRNAmir knockdown of Hsf1 in RAW264.7 cells as well as the use of Hsf1 null mouse bone marrow cells demonstrated that 17-AAG-enhanced osteoclast formation was Hsf1-dependent. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of Hsf1 enhanced 17-AAG effects upon osteoclast formation. Consistent with these findings, protein levels of the essential osteoclast transcription factor microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were increased by 17-AAG in an Hsf1-dependent manner. In addition to HSP90 inhibitors, we also identified that other agents that induced cellular stress, such as ethanol, doxorubicin, and methotrexate, also directly increased osteoclast formation, potentially in an Hsf1-dependent manner. These results, therefore, indicate that cellular stress can enhance osteoclast differentiation via Hsf1-dependent mechanisms and may significantly contribute to pathological and therapeutic related bone loss.

  18. Beta-and gamma-turns in proteins revisited: a new set of amino acid turn-type dependent positional preferences and potentials.

    PubMed

    Guruprasad, K; Rajkumar, S

    2000-06-01

    The number of beta-turns in a representative set of 426 protein three-dimensional crystal structures selected from the recent Protein Data Bank has nearly doubled and the number of gamma-turns in a representative set of 320 proteins has increased over seven times since the previous analysis. Beta-turns (7153) and gamma-turns (911) extracted from these proteins were used to derive a revised set of type-dependent amino acid positional preferences and potentials. Compared with previous results, the preference for proline, methionine and tryptophan has increased and the preference for glutamine, valine, glutamic acid and alanine has decreased for beta-turns. Certain new amino acid preferences were observed for both turn types and individual amino acids showed turn-type dependent positional preferences. The rationale for new amino acid preferences are discussed in the light of hydrogen bonds and other interactions involving the turns. Where main-chain hydrogen bonds of the type NH(i + 3) --> CO(i) were not observed for some beta-turns, other main-chain hydrogen bonds or solvent interactions were observed that possibly stabilize such beta-turns. A number of unexpected isolated beta-turns with proline at i + 2 position were also observed. The NH(i + 2) --> CO(i) hydrogen bond was observed for almost all gamma-turns. Nearly 20% classic gamma-turns and 43% inverse gamma-turns are isolated turns.

  19. 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.

  20. Inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor beta reduces Ewing's sarcoma growth and metastasis in a novel orthotopic human xenograft model.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yong Xin; Mandal, Deendayal; Wang, Suizhau; Hughes, Dennis; Pollock, Raphael E; Lev, Dina; Kleinerman, Eugenie; Hayes-Jordan, Andrea

    2009-01-01

    Despite aggressive therapy, Ewing's sarcoma (ES) patients have a poor five-year overall survival of only 20-40%. Pulmonary metastasis is the most common form of demise in these patients. The pathogenesis of pulmonary metastasis is poorly understood and few orthotopic models exist that allow study of spontaneous pulmonary metastasis in ES. We have developed a novel orthotopic xenograft model in which spontaneous pulmonary metastases develop. While the underlying biology of ES is incompletely understood, in addition to the EWS-FLI-1 mutation, it is known that platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) is highly expressed in ES. Hypothesizing that PDGFR-beta expression is indicative of a specific role for this receptor protein in ES progression, the effect of PDGFR-beta inhibition on ES growth and metastasis was assessed in this novel orthotopic ES model. Silencing PDGFR-beta reduced spontaneous growth and metastasis in ES. Preclinical therapeutically relevant findings such as these may ultimately lead to new treatment initiatives in ES.

  1. 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

  2. Epstein-Barr virus associated modulation of Wnt pathway is not dependent on latent membrane protein-1.

    PubMed

    Webb, Natasha; Connolly, Geoff; Tellam, Judy; Yap, Alpha S; Khanna, Rajiv

    2008-09-22

    Previous studies have indicated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can modulate the Wnt pathway in virus-infected cells and this effect is mediated by EBV-encoded oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). Here we have reassessed the role of LMP1 in regulating the expression of various mediators of the canonical Wnt cascade. Contradicting the previous finding, we found that the levels of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3ss (GSK3beta), axin and alpha-catenin were not affected by the expression of LMP1 sequences from normal B cells or nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Moreover, we also show that LMP1 expression had no detectable effect on the E-cadherin and beta-catenin interaction and did not induce transcriptional activation of beta-catenin. Taken together these studies demonstrate that EBV-mediated activation of Wnt pathway is not dependent on the expression of LMP1.

  3. Structural and molecular characterization of the prefoldin beta subunit from Thermococcus strain KS-1.

    PubMed

    Kida, Hiroshi; Sugano, Yuri; Iizuka, Ryo; Fujihashi, Masahiro; Yohda, Masafumi; Miki, Kunio

    2008-11-14

    Prefoldin (PFD) is a heterohexameric molecular chaperone that is found in eukaryotic cytosol and archaea. PFD is composed of alpha and beta subunits and forms a "jellyfish-like" structure. PFD binds and stabilizes nascent polypeptide chains and transfers them to group II chaperonins for completion of their folding. Recently, the whole genome of Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1 was reported and shown to contain the genes of two alpha and two beta subunits of PFD. The genome of Thermococcus strain KS-1 also possesses two sets of alpha (alpha1 and alpha2) and beta subunits (beta1 and beta2) of PFD (TsPFD). However, the functions and roles of each of these PFD subunits have not been investigated in detail. Here, we report the crystal structure of the TsPFD beta1 subunit at 1.9 A resolution and its functional analysis. TsPFD beta1 subunits form a tetramer with four coiled-coil tentacles resembling the jellyfish-like structure of heterohexameric PFD. The beta hairpin linkers of beta1 subunits assemble to form a beta barrel "body" around a central fourfold axis. Size-exclusion chromatography and multi-angle light-scattering analyses show that the beta1 subunits form a tetramer at pH 8.0 and a dimer of tetramers at pH 6.8. The tetrameric beta1 subunits can protect against aggregation of relatively small proteins, insulin or lysozyme. The structural and biochemical analyses imply that PFD beta1 subunits act as molecular chaperones in living cells of some archaea.

  4. 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.

  5. Single dosing comparison of the relative cardiac beta 1/beta 2 activity of inhaled fenoterol and salbutamol in normal subjects.

    PubMed Central

    Newnham, D M; Wheeldon, N M; Lipworth, B J; McDevitt, D G

    1993-01-01

    BACKGROUND--The aim of the present study was to compare the dose related effects of fenoterol and salbutamol on cardiac beta 1 and beta 2 receptors using the beta 1 selective antagonist atenolol, in order to dissect out relative beta 1/beta 2 mediated responses. METHODS--Fourteen normal volunteers were randomised to receive pretreatment with either atenolol 25 mg or placebo, followed by inhaled fenoterol or salbutamol in equal doses by weight (cumulative doses of 1 mg and 4 mg). Measurements were made 30 minutes after inhaling each dose of beta 2 agonist. Values (mean and 95% CI) were expressed as a change from baseline. RESULTS--At 4 mg fenoterol produced equivalent falls in serum potassium and increases in tremor to salbutamol. The mean (95% CI) increase in heart rate (beats/min) with fenoterol at 4 mg after placebo was 47 (41-53) and after atenolol was 34 (28-40), with values for salbutamol being 46 (40-52) after placebo and 30 (24-36) after atenolol. The inotropic response (stroke distance) after atenolol at the 4 mg dose was 5.0 (3.9-6.1) cm for fenoterol and 4.7 (3.5-5.9) cm for salbutamol. There were no significant differences in heart rate or stroke distance response between the two drugs after either placebo or atenolol. Furthermore, ECG effects (Q-Tc and T wave) of fenoterol and salbutamol were comparable at both doses. CONCLUSIONS--These results show that there is no difference in the respective chronotropic or inotropic activities of fenoterol and salbutamol on cardiac beta 1 or beta 2 receptors when given at higher than conventional doses. PMID:8102213

  6. Inhibition of HIF-2.alpha. heterodimerization with HIF1.beta. (ARNT)

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

    Bruick, Richard K.; Caldwell, Charles G.; Frantz, Doug E.

    2017-09-12

    Provided is a method of inhibiting heterodimerization of HIF-2.alpha. to HIF1.beta. (ARNT) comprising binding certain small molecules to the HIF-2.alpha. PAS-B domain cavity but not to HIF1.alpha. and inhibiting HIF-2.alpha. heterodimerization to HIF1.beta. (ARNT) but not inhibiting HIF1.alpha. heterodimerization to HIF1.beta. (ARNT). Those certain small molecules are also referenced synonymously as HIF2-HDI and HIF2.alpha. heterodimerization inhibitors and also simply as certain small molecules.

  7. Up-regulation of Bcl-2 through hyperbaric pressure transfection of TGF-beta1 ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat cardiac allografts.

    PubMed

    Grünenfelder, Jürg; Miniati, Douglas N; Murata, Seiichiro; Falk, Volkmar; Hoyt, E Grant; Robbins, Robert C

    2002-02-01

    Oxidative stress after ischemia-reperfusion of cardiac allografts leads to activation of cardiomyocytes and production of cytokines. Bcl-2, an inhibitor of the apoptotic pathway, also has strong antioxidant properties. Ischemia-reperfusion injury after transplantation leads to decreased bcl-2 and increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 is known to attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury and inhibits apoptosis of myofibroblasts. We hypothesize that TGF-beta1, prevents bcl-2 cleavage and increased TNF-alpha production. Rat PVG donor hearts were heterotopically transplanted into ACI recipients. Donor hearts were procured and assigned to groups: (1) intracoronary TGF-beta1 (200 ng/ml) perfusion and pressure at 78 psi for 45 minutes (n = 4); (2) intracoronary TGF-beta1 perfusion and incubation for 45 minutes without pressure (n = 4), (3) saline perfusion and incubation for 45 minutes without pressure (n = 4). Hearts were procured 4 hours after transplantation and analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for bcl-2 mRNA expression, ELISA for TNF-alpha, and for myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). Bcl-2 decreased in untreated animals (bcl-2:G3PDH ratio = 0.85 +/- 0.73 vs 1.16 +/- 0.11, not significant [NS]), whereas TNF-alpha increased to 669.99 +/- 127.09 vs 276.84 +/- 73.65 pg/mg total protein in controls (p < 0.003). In TGF-beta(1) pressure-treated hearts, bcl-2 was up-regulated (2.49 +/- 0.6 vs 1.16 +/- 0.11, controls, p < 0.005), whereas TNF-alpha was unchanged (396.1 +/- 100.38 vs 276.84 +/- 73.65 pg/mg, NS). Hearts treated with TGF-beta1 and pressure showed significant up-regulation of bcl-2 compared with hearts treated with TGF-beta1 without pressure (2.49 +/- 0.6 vs 1.17 +/- 0.6, p < 0.02). MPO showed no differences. Bcl-2 is down-regulated and TNF-alpha up-regulated in this model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 is linked to this process and ameliorates reperfusion injury by up

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. [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

  11. 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.

  12. Determination of transmission factors for beta radiation using Al 2O 3:C commercial OSL dosimeters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pinto, T. N. O.; Caldas, L. V. E.

    2010-07-01

    In recent years, the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technique has been used in personal dosimetry, and aluminum oxide (Al 2O 3:C) has become a very useful material for this technique. The objective of this work was the determination of the transmission factors for beta radiation using Al 2O 3:C commercial dosimeters and the OSL method. The obtained results were similar to the transmission factors reported in the beta source calibration certificates.

  13. Pannus invasion and cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis: involvement of MMP-3 and interleukin-1beta.

    PubMed

    Ainola, M M; Mandelin, J A; Liljeström, M P; Li, T F; Hukkanen, M V J; Konttinen, Y T

    2005-01-01

    Synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to pannus tissue invasion and destruction of cartilage/bone matrix by proteinases. Our intention was to analyze some of the key matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in pannus tissue overlying evolving cartilage erosions in RA. Frozen tissue samples of pannus and synovium from advanced RA and synovium from osteoarthritic patients were used for immunohistochemical, western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of MMP-1, -3, -13 and -14. Synovial fibroblast cultures, stimulated with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and quantitative RT-PCR. MMP-3 was highly expressed in pannus tissue compared with significantly lower expression levels of MMP-1, -13 and -14. In fibroblast cultures IL-1beta was a potent stimulus for MMP-3, whereas TNF-alpha was more potent for MMP-1. This is the first study to demonstrate quantitatively in real time that MMP-3 mRNA expression is clearly higher in advanced RA pannus tissue compared to parallel RA or osteoarthritic synovium. MMP-3 mRNA levels were also clearly overexpressed in RA pannus compared to MMP-1, -13 and -14. Advanced RA has previously been found to overexpress IL-1beta. The high expression of MMP-3 in pannus and IL-1beta, mediated stimulation of MMP-3 suggest that MMP-3 plays a significant role in the progression of erosions through the proteoglycan-rich cartilage matrix.

  14. 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.

  15. Computerized tomography platform using beta rays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paetkau, Owen; Parsons, Zachary; Paetkau, Mark

    2017-12-01

    A computerized tomography (CT) system using a 0.1 μCi Sr-90 beta source, Geiger counter, and low density foam samples was developed. A simple algorithm was used to construct images from the data collected with the beta CT scanner. The beta CT system is analogous to X-ray CT as both types of radiation are sensitive to density variations. This system offers a platform for learning opportunities in an undergraduate laboratory, covering topics such as image reconstruction algorithms, radiation exposure, and the energy dependence of absorption.

  16. Beta-blocking agents in patients with insulin resistance: effects of vasodilating beta-blockers.

    PubMed

    Jacob, S; Balletshofer, B; Henriksen, E J; Volk, A; Mehnert, B; Löblein, K; Häring, H U; Rett, K

    1999-01-01

    Essential hypertension is--at least in many subjects--associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity, while glycaemic control is (still) normal. It seems that in hypertensive patients, two major functions of insulin are impaired: there is insulin resistance of peripheral glucose uptake (primarily skeletal muscle) and insulin resistance of insulin-stimulated vasodilation. In view of some retrospective data and meta-analyses, which showed a less than expected reduction in coronary events (coronary paradox), the metabolic side effects of the antihypertensive treatment have received more attention. Many groups have shown that conventional antihypertensive treatment, both with beta-blockers and/or diuretics, decreases insulin sensitivity by various mechanisms. While low-dose diuretics seem to be free of these metabolic effects, there is no evidence for this in the beta-adrenergic blockers. However, recent metabolic studies evaluated the effects of vasodilating beta-blockers, such as dilevalol, carvedilol and celiprolol, on insulin sensitivity and the atherogenic risk factors. None of them decreased insulin sensitivity, as has been described for the beta-blockers with and without beta1 selectivity. This supports the idea that peripheral vascular resistance and peripheral blood flow play a central role in mediating the metabolic side effects of the beta-blocking agents, as the vasodilating action (either via beta2 stimulation or alpha1-blockade) seems to more than offset the detrimental effects of the blockade of beta (or beta1) receptors. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relevance of the radical scavenging properties of these agents and their connection to their metabolic effects. Therefore, the beneficial characteristics of these newer beta-adrenoreceptor blockers suggest that the vasodilating beta-blocking agents could be advantageous for hypertensive patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

  17. Selective inhibition of sheep kidney 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoform 2 activity by 5 alpha-reduced (but not 5 beta) derivatives of adrenocorticosteroids.

    PubMed

    Latif, S A; Sheff, M F; Ribeiro, C E; Morris, D J

    1997-02-01

    We have previously reported that 5 alpha and 5 beta pathways of steroid metabolism are controlled in vivo by dietary Na+ and glycyrrhetinic acid, see Gorsline et al. 1988; Latif et al. 1990. The present investigations provide evidence supporting the suggestion that endogenous substances may regulate the glucocorticoid inactivating isoenzymes, 11 beta-HSD (hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) 1 (liver) and 11 beta-HSD2 (kidney). The activity of 11 beta-HSD is impaired in essential hypertension, following licorice ingestion, and in patients with apparent mineralocorticoid excess where 11 beta-HSD2 is particularly affected. In all three conditions, excretion of the less common 5 alpha metabolites is elevated in urine. We now report on the differential abilities of a series of Ring A reduced (5 alpha and 5 beta) adrenocorticosteroid and progesterone metabolites to inhibit these isoenzymes. Using liver microsomes with NADP+ as co-factor (11 beta-HSD1), and sheep kidney microsomes with NAD+ as co-factor (11 beta-HSD2), we have systematically investigated the abilities of a number of adrenocorticosteroids and their derivatives to inhibit the individual isoforms of 11 beta-HSD. A striking feature is the differential sensitivity of the two isoenzymes to inhibition by 5 alpha and 5 beta derivatives. 11 beta-HSD1 is inhibited by both 5 alpha and certain 5 beta derivatives. 11 beta-HSD-2 was selectively inhibited only by 5 alpha derivatives: 5 beta derivatives were without inhibitory activity toward this isoform of 11 beta-HSD. These results indicate the importance of the structural conformation of the A and B Rings in conferring specific inhibitory properties on these compounds. In addition, we discuss the effects of additions or substitutions of other functional groups on the inhibitory potency of these steroid molecules against 11 beta-HSD1 and 11 beta-HSD2.

  18. Characterization of the Mouse Beta Defensin 1, Defb1, Mutant Mouse Model

    PubMed Central

    Morrison, Gillian; Kilanowski, Fiona; Davidson, Donald; Dorin, Julia

    2002-01-01

    Beta defensins are small cationic antimicrobial peptides present in the respiratory system which have been proposed to be dysfunctional in the environment of the cystic fibrosis lung. Defb1, a murine homologue to the human beta defensins, has also been found to be expressed in the respiratory system and, in order to examine the function of beta defensins in vivo, gene targeting was used to generate Defb1-deficient (Defb1tm1Hgu/Defb1tm1Hgu [Defb1−/−]) mice. The Defb1 synthetic peptide was shown to have a salt-sensitive antimicrobial activity that was stronger against Staphylococcus aureus than against Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Defb1−/− mice were found, however, to be effective in the clearance of the cystic fibrosis relevant pathogen S. aureus from the airways after nebulization. Although no overt deleterious phenotype was evident in the Defb1−/− mice, the number of mutant mice found to harbor bacteria of the Staphylococcus species in the bladder was significantly higher (P = 0.008) than that of controls, suggesting a role for these peptides in resistance to urinary tract infection. PMID:12010997

  19. Expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrial stromal and decidual cells

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

    Shiokawa, Shigetatsu; Yoshimura, Yasunori; Nakamura, Yukio

    The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry demonstrated the greater expression of the {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, and {alpha}{sub 5} subunits of the {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured stromal cells from the midsecretory phase, than in those of the early proliferative phase. The addition of estradiol (E{sub 2}) and progesterone (P) to cultured stromal cells in the early proliferative phase increased the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in vitro. Flow cytometry also demonstrated the expression of themore » {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, {alpha}{sub 3}, {alpha}{sub 5}, and {alpha}{sub 6} subunits of {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured decidual cells, and the enriched-fraction of prolactin (PRL)-producing decidual cells isolated by Percoll gradients showed high levels of {beta}{sub 1} integrins expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the {beta}{sub 1} integrin cell surface phenotypes in cultured decidual cells observed by flow cytometry. In summary, the present study demonstrated that endometrial stromal and decidual cells expressed {beta}{sub 1} integrin subunits at their surfaces. The expression exhibited a variability throughout the menstrual cycles, being predominantly detected in the secretory phase, and was maintained highly in the decidua. Thus, {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua may be important in mediating the organization of extracellular matrix proteins derived from embryos during the early stage of implantation. 43 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  20. B1-Metallo-beta-Lactamases: Where do we stand?

    PubMed Central

    Mojica, Maria F.; Bonomo, Robert A.; Fast, Walter

    2015-01-01

    Metallo-beta-Lactamases (MBLs) are class B β-lactamases that hydrolyze almost all clinically-available β-lactam antibiotics. MBLs feature the distinctive αβ/βα sandwich fold of the metallo-hydrolase / oxidoreductase superfamily and possess a shallow active-site groove containing one or two divalent zinc ions, flanked by flexible loops. According to sequence identity and zinc ion dependence, MBLs are classified into three subclasses (B1, B2 and B3), of which the B1 subclass enzymes have emerged as the most clinically significant. Differences among the active site architectures, the nature of zinc ligands, and the catalytic mechanisms have limited the development of a common inhibitor. In this review, we will describe the molecular epidemiology and structural studies of the most prominent representatives of class B1 MBLs (NDM-1, IMP-1 and VIM-2) and describe the implications for inhibitor design to counter this growing clinical threat. PMID:26424398

  1. Role of IL-1 beta and 5-HT2 receptors in midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) in potentiating defensive rage behavior in cat.

    PubMed

    Bhatt, Suresh; Bhatt, Rekha; Zalcman, Steven S; Siegel, Allan

    2008-02-01

    Feline defensive rage, a form of aggressive behavior that occurs in response to a threat can be elicited by electrical stimulation of the medial hypothalamus or midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). Our laboratory has recently begun a systematic examination of the role of cytokines in the regulation of rage and aggressive behavior. It was shown that the cytokine, interleukin-2 (IL-2), differentially modulates defensive rage when microinjected into the medial hypothalamus and PAG by acting through separate neurotransmitter systems. The present study sought to determine whether a similar relationship exists with respect to interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta), whose receptor activation in the medial hypothalamus potentiates defensive rage. Thus, the present study identified the effects of administration of IL-1 beta into the PAG upon defensive rage elicited from the medial hypothalamus. Microinjections of IL-1 beta into the dorsal PAG significantly facilitated defensive rage behavior elicited from the medial hypothalamus in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, the facilitative effects of IL-1 beta were blocked by pre-treatment with anti-IL-1 beta receptor antibody, while IL-1 beta administration into the PAG had no effect upon predatory attack elicited from the lateral hypothalamus. The findings further demonstrated that IL-1 beta's effects were mediated through 5-HT(2) receptors since pretreatment with a 5-HT(2C) receptors antagonist blocked the facilitating effects of IL-1 beta. An extensive pattern of labeling of IL-1 beta and 5-HT(2C) receptors in the dorsal PAG supported these findings. The present study demonstrates that IL-beta in the dorsal PAG, similar to the medial hypothalamus, potentiates defensive rage behavior and is mediated through a 5-HT(2C) receptor mechanism.

  2. 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

  3. Wide-range antifungal antagonism of Paenibacillus ehimensis IB-X-b and its dependence on chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase production.

    PubMed

    Aktuganov, G; Melentjev, A; Galimzianova, N; Khalikova, E; Korpela, T; Susi, P

    2008-07-01

    Previously, we isolated a strain of Bacillus that had antifungal activity and produced lytic enzymes with fungicidal potential. In the present study, we identified the bacterium as Paenibacillus ehimensis and further explored its antifungal properties. In liquid co-cultivation assays, P. ehimensis IB-X-b decreased biomass production of several pathogenic fungi by 45%-75%. The inhibition was accompanied by degradation of fungal cell walls and alterations in hyphal morphology. Residual medium from cultures of P. ehimensis IB-X-b inhibited fungal growth, indicating the inhibitors were secreted into the medium. Of the 2 major lytic enzymes, chitinases were only induced by chitin-containing substrates, whereas beta-1,3-glucanase showed steady levels in all carbon sources. Both purified chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase degraded cell walls of macerated fungal mycelia, whereas only the latter also degraded cell walls of intact mycelia. The results indicate synergism between the antifungal action mechanisms of these enzymes in which beta-1,3-glucanase is the initiator of the cell wall hydrolysis, whereas the degradation process is reinforced by chitinases. Paenibacillus ehimensis IB-X-b has pronounced antifungal activity with a wide range of fungi and has potential as a biological control agent against plant pathogenic fungi.

  4. 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.

  5. Neurotensin protects pancreatic beta cells from apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Coppola, Thierry; Béraud-Dufour, Sophie; Antoine, Aurélie; Vincent, Jean-Pierre; Mazella, Jean

    2008-01-01

    The survival of pancreatic beta cells depends on the balance between external cytotoxic and protective molecular systems. The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) has been shown to regulate certain functions of the endocrine pancreas including insulin and glucagon release. However, the mechanism of action of NT as well as the identification of receptors involved in the pancreatic functions of the peptide remained to be studied. We demonstrate here that NT is an efficient protective agent of pancreatic beta cells against cytotoxic agents. Both beta-TC3 and INS-1E cell lines and the mouse pancreatic islet cells express the three known NT receptors. The incubation of beta cells with NT protects cells from apoptosis induced either by staurosporine or by IL-1beta. In beta-TC3 cells, NT activates both MAP and PI-3 kinases pathways and strongly reduces the staurosporine or the Il-1beta-induced caspase-3 activity by a mechanism involving Akt activation. The NTSR2 agonist levocabastine displays the same protective effect than NT whereas the NTSR1 antagonist is unable to block the effect of NT suggesting the predominant involvement of the NTSR2 in the action of NT on beta cells. These results clearly indicate for the first time that NT is able to protect endocrine beta cells from external cytotoxic agents, a role well correlated with its release in the circulation after a meal.

  6. 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.

  7. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 antagonism mitigates beta amyloid pathology and cognitive and synaptic deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Cheng; Kuo, Ching-Chang; Moghadam, Setareh H; Monte, Louise; Campbell, Shannon N; Rice, Kenner C; Sawchenko, Paul E; Masliah, Eliezer; Rissman, Robert A

    2016-05-01

    Stress and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) have been implicated as mechanistically involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but agents that impact CRF signaling have not been carefully tested for therapeutic efficacy or long-term safety in animal models. To test whether antagonism of the type-1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFR1) could be used as a disease-modifying treatment for AD, we used a preclinical prevention paradigm and treated 30-day-old AD transgenic mice with the small-molecule, CRFR1-selective antagonist, R121919, for 5 months, and examined AD pathologic and behavioral end points. R121919 significantly prevented the onset of cognitive impairment in female mice and reduced cellular and synaptic deficits and beta amyloid and C-terminal fragment-β levels in both genders. We observed no tolerability or toxicity issues in mice treated with R121919. CRFR1 antagonism presents a viable disease-modifying therapy for AD, recommending its advancement to early-phase human safety trials. Copyright © 2015 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.

  8. Parallel multireference configuration interaction calculations on mini-beta-carotenes and beta-carotene.

    PubMed

    Kleinschmidt, Martin; Marian, Christel M; Waletzke, Mirko; Grimme, Stefan

    2009-01-28

    We present a parallelized version of a direct selecting multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) code [S. Grimme and M. Waletzke, J. Chem. Phys. 111, 5645 (1999)]. The program can be run either in ab initio mode or as semiempirical procedure combined with density functional theory (DFT/MRCI). We have investigated the efficiency of the parallelization in case studies on carotenoids and porphyrins. The performance is found to depend heavily on the cluster architecture. While the speed-up on the older Intel Netburst technology is close to linear for up to 12-16 processes, our results indicate that it is not favorable to use all cores of modern Intel Dual Core or Quad Core processors simultaneously for memory intensive tasks. Due to saturation of the memory bandwidth, we recommend to run less demanding tasks on the latter architectures in parallel to two (Dual Core) or four (Quad Core) MRCI processes per node. The DFT/MRCI branch has been employed to study the low-lying singlet and triplet states of mini-n-beta-carotenes (n=3, 5, 7, 9) and beta-carotene (n=11) at the geometries of the ground state, the first excited triplet state, and the optically bright singlet state. The order of states depends heavily on the conjugation length and the nuclear geometry. The (1)B(u) (+) state constitutes the S(1) state in the vertical absorption spectrum of mini-3-beta-carotene but switches order with the 2 (1)A(g) (-) state upon excited state relaxation. In the longer carotenes, near degeneracy or even root flipping between the (1)B(u) (+) and (1)B(u) (-) states is observed whereas the 3 (1)A(g) (-) state is found to remain energetically above the optically bright (1)B(u) (+) state at all nuclear geometries investigated here. The DFT/MRCI method is seen to underestimate the absolute excitation energies of the longer mini-beta-carotenes but the energy gaps between the excited states are reproduced well. In addition to singlet data, triplet-triplet absorption energies are

  9. Suppression of IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression by trichostatin A (TSA) in human endometrial stromal cells.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yan; Guo, Sun-Wei

    2007-11-01

    Over-production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the positive feedback loop that leads to proliferation and inflammation in endometriosis. Following our observation that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA) can suppress proliferation of endometrial stromal cells, we sought to determine whether TSA suppresses IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression in endometrial stromal cells. In vitro study using a recently established immortalized endometrial stromal cell line. The stromal cells were pretreated with TSA before stimulation with IL-1beta, and COX-2 gene and protein expression was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. IL-1beta stimulated COX-2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner in endometrial stromal cells. The induced COX-2 gene and protein expression were suppressed by TSA pretreatment. TSA suppresses IL-1beta-induced COX-2 gene and protein expression in endometrial stromal cells. This finding, coupled with the findings that TSA and another HDACI, valproic acid, suppress proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest, suggests that HDACIs are a promising class of compound that has therapeutic potential for endometriosis.

  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. Gly389Arg polymorphism of beta1-adrenergic receptor is associated with the cardiovascular response to metoprolol.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jie; Liu, Zhao-Qian; Tan, Zhi-Rong; Chen, Xiao-Ping; Wang, Lian-Sheng; Zhou, Gan; Zhou, Hong-Hao

    2003-10-01

    Our objectives were to determine whether the Gly389 polymorphism of the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor exhibits reduced responsiveness in vivo and to test the hypothesis that the Gly389Arg polymorphism affects the blood pressure and heart rate response to metoprolol. beta(1)-Adrenergic receptor genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Exercise-induced heart rate increases were compared to determine the functional significance in vivo in 8 healthy Chinese men homozygous for Gly389 and 8 homozygous for Arg389. All of the subjects were given 25, 50, or 75 mg of metoprolol every 8 hours; the dosages were given in a random order, and each dosage was given for 1 day. The degree of beta-blockade was measured as the reduction in resting and exercise heart rates and blood pressures. Plasma metoprolol concentrations were measured by the use of HPLC-fluorescence detection. Exercise led to a workload-dependent increase in heart rate. There were no differences in exercise-induced heart rate increases between Arg389 and Gly389 homozygotes. Oral metoprolol caused significant dose-dependent decreases in both resting and exercise heart rates in both groups. The reductions in the resting heart rate in 3 dosage levels of metoprolol were 6.3% +/- 0.8% versus 4.1% +/- 0.7%, 10.1% +/- 1.0% versus 6.2% +/- 1.1%, and 14.4% +/- 1.4% versus 10.9% +/- 1.3% in homozygous Arg389 subjects and Gly389 subjects, respectively (P =.008). We also found differences with respect to the exercise heart rate (8.9% +/- 0.5%, 14.0% +/- 0.9%, and 20.1% +/- 1.5% in Arg389 subjects and 6.6% +/- 0.7%, 11.7% +/- 1.0%, and 16.4% +/- 1.3% in Gly389 subjects; P =.017) and systolic pressure (5.9% +/- 0.7%, 9.2% +/- 1.0%, and 11.6% +/- 1.2% in Arg389 subjects and 4.6% +/- 0.5%, 6.0% +/- 0.8%, and 9.9% +/- 0.9% in Gly389 subjects; P =.011). However, the difference in the fall in diastolic pressure was not statistically significant (P =.442). The Arg389 variant

  12. Sall1-dependent signals affect Wnt signaling and ureter tip fate to initiate kidney development.

    PubMed

    Kiefer, Susan M; Robbins, Lynn; Stumpff, Kelly M; Lin, Congxing; Ma, Liang; Rauchman, Michael

    2010-09-01

    Development of the metanephric kidney depends on precise control of branching of the ureteric bud. Branching events represent terminal bifurcations that are thought to depend on unique patterns of gene expression in the tip compared with the stalk and are influenced by mesenchymal signals. The metanephric mesenchyme-derived signals that control gene expression at the ureteric bud tip are not well understood. In mouse Sall1 mutants, the ureteric bud grows out and invades the metanephric mesenchyme, but it fails to initiate branching despite tip-specific expression of Ret and Wnt11. The stalk-specific marker Wnt9b and the beta-catenin downstream target Axin2 are ectopically expressed in the mutant ureteric bud tips, suggesting that upregulated canonical Wnt signaling disrupts ureter branching in this mutant. In support of this hypothesis, ureter arrest is rescued by lowering beta-catenin levels in the Sall1 mutant and is phenocopied by ectopic expression of a stabilized beta-catenin in the ureteric bud. Furthermore, transgenic overexpression of Wnt9b in the ureteric bud causes reduced branching in multiple founder lines. These studies indicate that Sall1-dependent signals from the metanephric mesenchyme are required to modulate ureteric bud tip Wnt patterning in order to initiate branching.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Iqgap2-deficient mice is IQGAP1 dependent.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Valentina A; Chiariello, Carmine S; Capilla, Encarnación; Miller, Frederick; Bahou, Wadie F

    2008-03-01

    IQGAPs are multidomain scaffolding proteins that integrate Rho GTPase and Ca2+/calmodulin signals with cell adhesive and cytoskeletal reorganizational events. Targeted disruption of the murine Iqgap2 gene resulted in the age-dependent development of apoptosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by the overexpression of IQGAP1, the loss of membrane E-cadherin expression, the cytoplasmic translocation (and activation) of beta-catenin, and the overexpression of a nuclear target of beta-catenin, cyclin D1. In normal hepatocytes, IQGAP2 was found to exist as one component of a multifunctional scaffolding complex comprising IQGAP1, beta-catenin, and E-cadherin, with no evidence for direct IQGAP1-IQGAP2 interactions. Interbreeding of Iqgap2(-/-) mice into the Iqgap1(-/-) background resulted in the phenotypic correction of the preexisting hepatopathy, decreases in the incidence and sizes of HCC tumors, and the normalization of overall survival rates compared to those of Iqgap2(-/-) mice, suggesting that maximal penetrance of the Iqgap2(-/-) HCC phenotype requires the coordinate expression of IQGAP1. These results identify Iqgap2 as a novel tumor suppressor gene specifically linked to the development of HCC and the activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, while also suggesting that IQGAP1 and IQGAP2 retain functionally divergent roles in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

  16. An elevated serum beta-2-microglobulin level is an adverse prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with early-stage Hodgkin disease.

    PubMed

    Chronowski, Gregory M; Wilder, Richard B; Tucker, Susan L; Ha, Chul S; Sarris, Andreas H; Hagemeister, Fredrick B; Barista, Ibrahim; Hess, Mark A; Cabanillas, Fernando; Cox, James D

    2002-12-15

    The relative importance of prognostic factors in patients with early-stage Hodgkin disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors among patients who received chemotherapy before radiotherapy. From 1987 to 1995, 217 consecutive patients ranging in age from 16 to 88 years (median, 28 years) with Ann Arbor Stage I (n = 55) or II (n = 162) Hodgkin disease underwent chemotherapy before radiotherapy at a single center. Most were treated on prospective studies. Patients received a median of three cycles of induction chemotherapy. Mitoxantrone, vincristine, vinblastine, and prednisone (NOVP), doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP), cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, dacarbazine, and CCNU (CVPP/ABDIC), or other chemotherapeutic regimens were given to 160, 18, 15, 10, and 14 patients, respectively. The median radiotherapy dose was 40 Gy. Serum beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2M) levels ranged from 1.0 to 4.1 mg/L (median, 1.7 mg/L; upper limit of normal, 2.0 mg/L). We studied univariate and multivariate associations between survival and the following clinical features: serum beta-2M level above 1.25 times the upper limit of normal (n = 12), male gender (n = 113), hypoalbuminemia (n = 11), and bulky mediastinal disease (n = 94). Follow-up of surviving patients ranged from 0.9 to 13.4 years (median, 6.6 years) and 92% were observed for 3.0 or more years. Nineteen patients have died. Only elevation of the serum beta-2M level was an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.0009). The prognostic significance of a simple, widely available, and inexpensive blood test, beta-2M, has not been studied routinely in patients with Hodgkin disease and should be tested prospectively in large, cooperative group trials. Copyright 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10998

  17. 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.

  18. Smad signaling pathway is a pivotal component of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 regulation by transforming growth factor beta in human chondrocytes.

    PubMed

    Qureshi, Hamid Yaqoob; Ricci, Gemma; Zafarullah, Muhammad

    2008-09-01

    Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) promotes cartilage matrix synthesis and induces tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3), which inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, aggrecanases and TNF-alpha-converting enzyme implicated in articular cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. TGF-beta1 activates Akt, ERK and Smad2 pathways in chondrocytes. Here we investigated previously unexplored roles of specific Smads in TGF-beta1 induction of TIMP-3 gene by pharmacological and genetic knockdown approaches. TGF-beta1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and TIMP-3 protein expression could be inhibited by the Smad2/3 phosphorylation inhibitors, PD169316 and SB203580 and by Smad2-specific siRNA. Specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) and Smad3 siRNA abolished TGF-beta induction of TIMP-3. Smad2/3 siRNAs also down regulated TIMP-3 promoter-driven luciferase activities, suggesting transcriptional regulation. SiRNA-driven co-Smad4 knockdown abrogated TIMP-3 augmentation by TGF-beta. TIMP-3 promoter deletion analysis revealed that -828 deletion retains the original promoter activity while -333 and -167 deletions display somewhat reduced activity suggesting that most of the TGF-beta-responsive, cis-acting elements are found in the -333 fragment. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed binding of Smad2 and Smad4 with the -940 and -333 promoter sequences. These results suggest that receptor-activated Smad2 and Smad3 and co-Smad4 critically mediate TGF-beta-stimulated TIMP-3 expression in human chondrocytes and TIMP-3 gene is a target of Smad signaling pathway.

  19. 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.

  20. TCL1A, a Novel Transcription Factor and a Coregulator of Nuclear Factor κB p65: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Estrogen Dependence.

    PubMed

    Ho, Ming-Fen; Lummertz da Rocha, Edroaldo; Zhang, Cheng; Ingle, James N; Goss, Paul E; Shepherd, Lois E; Kubo, Michiaki; Wang, Liewei; Li, Hu; Weinshilboum, Richard M

    2018-06-01

    T-cell leukemia 1A ( TCL1A ) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal adverse events. We previously demonstrated that TCL1A is inducible by estradiol (E 2 ) and plays a critical role in the regulation of cytokines, chemokines, and Toll-like receptors in a TCL1A SNP genotype and estrogen-dependent fashion. Furthermore, TCLIA SNP-dependent expression phenotypes can be "reversed" by exposure to selective estrogen receptor modulators such as 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OH-TAM). The present study was designed to comprehensively characterize the role of TCL1A in transcriptional regulation across the genome by performing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) assays with lymphoblastoid cell lines. RNA-seq identified 357 genes that were regulated in a TCL1A SNP- and E 2 -dependent fashion with expression patterns that were 4OH-TAM reversible. ChIP-seq for the same cells identified 57 TCL1A binding sites that could be regulated by E 2 in a SNP-dependent fashion. Even more striking, nuclear factor- κ B (NF- κ B) p65 bound to those same DNA regions. In summary, TCL1A is a novel transcription factor with expression that is regulated in a SNP- and E 2 -dependent fashion-a pattern of expression that can be reversed by 4OH-TAM. Integrated RNA-seq and ChIP-seq results suggest that TCL1A also acts as a transcriptional coregulator with NF- κ B p65, an important immune system transcription factor. Copyright © 2018 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  1. Cytokine-induced (interleukins-3, -6 and -8 and tumour necrosis factor-beta) activation and deactivation of human neutrophils.

    PubMed Central

    Brom, J; König, W

    1992-01-01

    The effect of various cytokines [interleukin-3(IL-3), IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta)] on human neutrophils (PMN) was analysed with regard to the generation of leukotrienes and the involvement of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G proteins). Incubation of cytochalasin B-pretreated PMN with cytokines alone did not lead to a generation of leukotrienes. However, the cytokines affected the formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-(FMLP)-induced formation of leukotrienes in a time-dependent manner. Preincubation of the cells with the different cytokines for short periods (15 seconds at 37 degrees) enhanced the subsequent FMLP-induced leukotriene generation, whereas preincubation for prolonged times resulted in a reduced formation of leukotrienes. These results correlated with the respective G protein-associated guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activities within isolated membrane fractions. The present study indicates a modulation of the FMLP-induced leukotriene formation by diverse cytokines via interaction with the GTP-binding proteins. PMID:1312995

  2. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis and potential therapeutic strategies: review on cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B and transforming growth factor beta.

    PubMed

    Phan, N T; Cabot, P J; Wallwork, B D; Cervin, A U; Panizza, B J

    2015-07-01

    Chronic rhinosinusitis is characterised by persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms are likely to exist. Previous research has focused predominantly on T-helper type cytokines to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms. However, proteins such as nuclear factor kappa B and transforming growth factor beta are increasingly recognised to have important roles in sinonasal inflammation and tissue remodelling. This review article explores the roles of T-helper type cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B and transforming growth factor beta in the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis. An understanding of these mechanisms will allow for better identification and classification of chronic rhinosinusitis endotypes, and, ultimately, improved therapeutic strategies.

  3. TGF{beta}1 polymorphisms and late clinical radiosensitivity in patients treated for gynecologic tumors

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

    Ruyck, Kim de; Van Eijkeren, Marc; Claes, Kathleen

    2006-07-15

    Purpose: To investigate the association between six transforming growth factor {beta}1 gene (TGF{beta}1) polymorphisms (-1.552delAGG, -800G>A, -509C>T, Leu10Pro, Arg25Pro, Thr263Ile) and the occurrence of late normal tissue reactions after gynecologic radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Seventy-eight women with cervical or endometrial cancer and 140 control individuals were included in the study. According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (CTCAEv3.0) scale, 25 patients showed late adverse RT reactions (CTC2+), of whom 11 had severe complications (CTC3+). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), single base extension and genotyping assays were performed to examine the polymorphic sites inmore » TGF{beta}1. Results: Homozygous variant -1.552delAGG, -509TT, and 10Pro genotypes were associated with the risk of developing late severe RT reactions. Triple (variant) homozygous patients had a 3.6 times increased risk to develop severe RT reactions (p = 0.26). Neither the -800A allele, nor the 25Pro allele or the 263Ile allele were associated with clinical radiosensitivity. There was perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the -1.552delAGG and the -509C>T polymorphisms, and tight LD between the -1.552/-509 and the Leu10Pro polymorphisms. Haplotype analysis revealed two major haplotypes but could not distinguish radiosensitive from nonradiosensitive patients. Conclusions: The present study shows that homozygous variant TGF{beta}1 -1.552delAGG, -509TT, and 10Pro genotypes may be associated with severe clinical radiosensitivity after gynecologic RT.« less

  4. Antibody to soluble 1,3/1,6-beta-D-glucan, SCG in sera of naive DBA/2 mice.

    PubMed

    Harada, Toshie; Nagi Miura, Noriko; Adachi, Yoshiyuki; Nakajima, Mitsuhiro; Yadomae, Toshiro; Ohno, Naohito

    2003-08-01

    A branched beta-glucan from Sparassis crispa (SCG) is a major 6-branched 1,3-beta-D-glucan showing antitumor activity. In the present study, we examined the anti-SCG antibody in naive mice by ELISA. Using SCG coated plate, sera of naive DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice contained significantly higher titers of antibody than other strains of mice. Anti-SCG Ab titers of each DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice were significantly varied. Using various polysaccharide-coated plate, sera of DBA/2 mice also reacted with a beta-glucan from Candida spp. (CSBG) having 1,3-beta and 1,6-beta-glucosidic linkages. The SCG specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M but G was detected in sera. The reactivity of sera to coated SCG was neutralized by adding soluble SCG and CSBG as competitor. These results suggested that DBA/1 and DBA/2 strains carry specific and unique immunological characteristics to branched 1,3-/1,6-beta-glucan.

  5. 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.

  6. Hepatitis B virus X protein shifts human hepatic transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling from tumor suppression to oncogenesis in early chronic hepatitis B.

    PubMed

    Murata, Miki; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Yoshida, Katsunori; Sekimoto, Go; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Mori, Shigeo; Uemura, Yoshiko; Sakaida, Noriko; Fujisawa, Junichi; Seki, Toshihito; Kobayashi, Kazuki; Yokote, Koutaro; Koike, Kazuhiko; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2009-04-01

    Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein is suspected to participate in oncogenesis during chronic hepatitis B progression. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling involves both tumor suppression and oncogenesis. TGF-beta activates TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which differentially phosphorylate the mediator Smad3 to become C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). Reversible shifting of Smad3-mediated signaling between tumor suppression and oncogenesis in HBx-expressing hepatocytes indicated that TbetaRI-dependent pSmad3C transmitted a tumor-suppressive TGF-beta signal, while JNK-dependent pSmad3L promoted cell growth. We used immunostaining, immunoblotting, and in vitro kinase assay to compare pSmad3L- and pSmad3C-mediated signaling in biopsy specimens representing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from 90 patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) with signaling in liver specimens from HBx transgenic mice. In proportion to plasma HBV DNA levels, early chronic hepatitis B specimens showed prominence of pSmad3L in hepatocytic nuclei. HBx-activated JNK/pSmad3L/c-Myc oncogenic pathway was enhanced, while the TbetaRI/pSmad3C/p21(WAF1) tumor-suppressive pathway was impaired as human and mouse HBx-associated hepatocarcinogenesis progressed. Of 28 patients with chronic hepatitis B who showed strong oncogenic pSmad3L signaling, six developed HCC within 12 years; only one of 32 patients showing little pSmad3L developed HCC. In contrast, seven of 30 patients with little Smad3C phosphorylation developed HCC, while no patient who retained hepatocytic tumor-suppressive pSmad3C developed HCC within 12 years. HBx shifts hepatocytic TGF-beta signaling from the tumor-suppressive pSmad3C pathway to the oncogenic pSmad3L pathway in early carcinogenic process. Hepatocytic pSmad3L and pSmad3C assessment in HBV-infected liver specimens should prove

  7. 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.

  8. Intraneuronal Amyloid Beta Accumulation Disrupts Hippocampal CRTC1-Dependent Gene Expression and Cognitive Function in a Rat Model of Alzheimer Disease.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Edward N; Abela, Andrew R; Do Carmo, Sonia; Allard, Simon; Marks, Adam R; Welikovitch, Lindsay A; Ducatenzeiler, Adriana; Chudasama, Yogita; Cuello, A Claudio

    2017-02-01

    In Alzheimer disease (AD), the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) begins decades before cognitive symptoms and progresses from intraneuronal material to extracellular plaques. To date, however, the precise mechanism by which the early buildup of Aβ peptides leads to cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. Here, we investigate the impact of the early Aβ accumulation on temporal and frontal lobe dysfunction. We compared the performance of McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic AD rats with wild-type littermate controls on a visual discrimination task using a touchscreen operant platform. Subsequently, we conducted studies to establish the biochemical and molecular basis for the behavioral alterations. It was found that the presence of intraneuronal Aβ caused a severe associative learning deficit in the AD rats. This coincided with reduced nuclear translocation and genomic occupancy of the CREB co-activator, CRTC1, and decreased production of synaptic plasticity-associated transcripts Arc, c-fos, Egr1, and Bdnf. Thus, blockade of CRTC1-dependent gene expression in the early, preplaque phase of AD-like pathology provides a molecular basis for the cognitive deficits that figure so prominently in early AD. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  9. Synergistic effect of vitamin D and low concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1, a potential role in dermal wound healing.

    PubMed

    Ding, Jie; Kwan, Peter; Ma, Zengshuan; Iwashina, Takashi; Wang, Jianfei; Shankowsky, Heather A; Tredget, Edward E

    2016-09-01

    Dermal wound healing, in which transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) plays an important role, is a complex process. Previous studies suggest that vitamin D has a potential regulatory role in TGFβ1 induced activation in bone formation, and there is cross-talk between their signaling pathways, but research on their effects in other types of wound healing is limited. The authors therefore wanted to explore the role of vitamin D and its interaction with low concentration of TGFβ1 in dermal fibroblast-mediated wound healing through an in vitro study. Human dermal fibroblasts were treated with vitamin D, TGFβ1, both, or vehicle, and then the wound healing functions of dermal fibroblasts were measured. To further explore possible mechanisms explaining the synergistic effect of vitamin D and TGFβ1, targeted gene silencing of the vitamin D receptor was performed. Compared to either factor alone, treatment of fibroblasts with both vitamin D and low concentration of TGFβ1 increased gene expression of TGFβ1, connective tissue growth factor, and fibronectin 1, and enhanced fibroblast migration, myofibroblast formation, and collagen production. Vitamin D receptor gene silencing blocked this synergistic effect of vitamin D and TGFβ1 on both collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation. Thus a synergistic effect of vitamin D and low TGFβ1 concentration was found in dermal fibroblast-mediated wound healing in vitro. This study suggests that supplementation of vitamin D may be an important step to improve wound healing and regeneration in patients with a vitamin D deficiency. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 3beta-taraxerol of Mangifera indica, a PI3K dependent dual activator of glucose transport and glycogen synthesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Sangeetha, Kadapakkam Nandabalan; Sujatha, Sundaresan; Muthusamy, Velusamy Shanmuganathan; Anand, Singaravel; Nithya, Nirmal; Velmurugan, Devadasan; Balakrishnan, Arun; Lakshmi, Baddireddi Subhadra

    2010-03-01

    The present study focuses on identifying and developing an anti-diabetic molecule from plant sources that would effectively combat insulin resistance through proper channeling of glucose metabolism involving glucose transport and storage. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake formed the basis for isolation of a bioactive molecule through column chromatography followed by its characterization using NMR and mass spectroscopic analysis. Mechanism of glucose transport and storage was evaluated based on the expression profiling of signaling molecules involved in the process. The study reports (i) the isolation of a bioactive compound 3beta-taraxerol from the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of the leaves of Mangifera indica (ii) the bioactive compound exhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through translocation and activation of the glucose transporter (GLUT4) in an IRTK and PI3K dependent fashion. (iii) the fate of glucose following insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was ascertained through glycogen synthesis assay that involved the activation of PKB and suppression of GSK3beta. This study demonstrates the dual activity of 3beta-taraxerol and the ethyl acetate extract of Mangifera indica as a glucose transport activator and stimulator of glycogen synthesis. 3beta-taraxerol can be validated as a potent candidate for managing the hyperglycemic state. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Ocrelizumab versus Interferon Beta-1a in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Hauser, Stephen L; Bar-Or, Amit; Comi, Giancarlo; Giovannoni, Gavin; Hartung, Hans-Peter; Hemmer, Bernhard; Lublin, Fred; Montalban, Xavier; Rammohan, Kottil W; Selmaj, Krzysztof; Traboulsee, Anthony; Wolinsky, Jerry S; Arnold, Douglas L; Klingelschmitt, Gaelle; Masterman, Donna; Fontoura, Paulo; Belachew, Shibeshih; Chin, Peter; Mairon, Nicole; Garren, Hideki; Kappos, Ludwig

    2017-01-19

    B cells influence the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively depletes CD20+ B cells. In two identical phase 3 trials, we randomly assigned 821 and 835 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis to receive intravenous ocrelizumab at a dose of 600 mg every 24 weeks or subcutaneous interferon beta-1a at a dose of 44 μg three times weekly for 96 weeks. The primary end point was the annualized relapse rate. The annualized relapse rate was lower with ocrelizumab than with interferon beta-1a in trial 1 (0.16 vs. 0.29; 46% lower rate with ocrelizumab; P<0.001) and in trial 2 (0.16 vs. 0.29; 47% lower rate; P<0.001). In prespecified pooled analyses, the percentage of patients with disability progression confirmed at 12 weeks was significantly lower with ocrelizumab than with interferon beta-1a (9.1% vs. 13.6%; hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 0.81; P<0.001), as was the percentage of patients with disability progression confirmed at 24 weeks (6.9% vs. 10.5%; hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.84; P=0.003). The mean number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions per T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance scan was 0.02 with ocrelizumab versus 0.29 with interferon beta-1a in trial 1 (94% lower number of lesions with ocrelizumab, P<0.001) and 0.02 versus 0.42 in trial 2 (95% lower number of lesions, P<0.001). The change in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite score (a composite measure of walking speed, upper-limb movements, and cognition; for this z score, negative values indicate worsening and positive values indicate improvement) significantly favored ocrelizumab over interferon beta-1a in trial 2 (0.28 vs. 0.17, P=0.004) but not in trial 1 (0.21 vs. 0.17, P=0.33). Infusion-related reactions occurred in 34.3% of the patients treated with ocrelizumab. Serious infection occurred in 1.3% of the patients treated with ocrelizumab and in 2.9% of those treated with interferon beta-1a. Neoplasms

  14. 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.

  15. Denaturant-Dependent Conformational Changes in a [beta]-Trefoil Protein: Global and Residue-Specific Aspects of an Equilibrium Denaturation Process

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

    Latypov, Ramil F.; Liu, Dingjiang; Jacob, Jaby

    2010-01-12

    Conformational properties of the folded and unfolded ensembles of human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) are strongly denaturant-dependent as evidenced by high-resolution two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), limited proteolysis, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The folded ensemble was characterized in detail in the presence of different urea concentrations by 1H-15N HSQC NMR. The {beta}-trefoil fold characteristic of native IL-1ra was preserved until the unfolding transition region beginning at 4 M urea. At the same time, a subset of native resonances disappeared gradually starting at low denaturant concentrations, indicating noncooperative changes in the folded state. Additional evidence of structural perturbations came frommore » the chemical shift analysis, nonuniform and bell-shaped peak intensity profiles, and limited proteolysis. In particular, the following nearby regions of the tertiary structure became progressively destabilized with increasing urea concentrations: the {beta}-hairpin interface of trefoils 1 and 2 and the H2a-H2 helical region. These regions underwent small-scale perturbations within the native baseline region in the absence of populated molten globule-like states. Similar regions were affected by elevated temperatures known to induce irreversible aggregation of IL-1ra. Further evidence of structural transitions invoking near-native conformations came from an optical spectroscopy analysis of its single-tryptophan variant W17A. The increase in the radius of gyration was associated with a single equilibrium unfolding transition in the case of two different denaturants, urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). However, the compactness of urea- and GuHCl-unfolded molecules was comparable only at high denaturant concentrations and deviated under less denaturing conditions. Our results identified the role of conformational flexibility in IL-1ra aggregation and shed light on the nature of structural transitions

  16. Role of Rho/ROCK and p38 MAP kinase pathways in transforming growth factor-beta-mediated Smad-dependent growth inhibition of human breast carcinoma cells in vivo.

    PubMed

    Kamaraju, Anil K; Roberts, Anita B

    2005-01-14

    TGF-beta is a multifunctional cytokine known to exert its biological effects through a variety of signaling pathways of which Smad signaling is considered to be the main mediator. At present, the Smad-independent pathways, their interactions with each other, and their roles in TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibitory effects are not well understood. To address these questions, we have utilized a human breast cancer cell line MCF10CA1h and demonstrate that p38 MAP kinase and Rho/ROCK pathways together with Smad2 and Smad3 are necessary for TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition of this cell line. We show that Smad2/3 are indispensable for TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition, and that both p38 and Rho/ROCK pathways affect the linker region phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Further, by using Smad3 mutated at the putative phosphorylation sites in the linker region, we demonstrate that phosphorylation at Ser203 and Ser207 residues is required for the full transactivation potential of Smad3, and that these residues are targets of the p38 and Rho/ROCK pathways. We demonstrate that activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway is necessary for the full transcriptional activation potential of Smad2/Smad3 by TGF-beta, whereas activity of Rho/ROCK is necessary for both down-regulation of c-Myc protein and up-regulation of p21waf1 protein, directly interfering with p21waf1 transcription. Our results not only implicate Rho/ROCK and p38 MAPK pathways as necessary for TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition, but also demonstrate their individual contributions and the basis for their cooperation with each other.

  17. Suitability of macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta production by THP-1 cells in differentiating skin sensitizers from irritant chemicals.

    PubMed

    Lim, Yeon-Mi; Moon, Seong-Joon; An, Su-Sun; Lee, Soo-Jin; Kim, Seo-Young; Chang, Ih-Seop; Park, Kui-Lea; Kim, Hyoung-Ah; Heo, Yong

    2008-04-01

    Worldwide restrictions in animal use for research have driven efforts to develop alternative methods. The study aimed to test the efficacy of the macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta) assay for testing chemicals' skin-sensitizing capacity. The assay was performed using 9 chemicals judged to be sensitizing and 7 non-sensitizing by the standard in vivo assays. THP-1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 4 doses, 0.01x, 0.1x, 0.5x, or 1x IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration for THP-1 cell proliferation) of these chemicals for 24 hr, and the MIP-1beta level in the supernatants was determined. Skin sensitization by the test chemicals was determined by MIP-1beta production rates. The MIP-1beta production rate was expressed as the relative increase in MIP-1beta production in response to chemical treatment compared with vehicle treatment. When the threshold MIP-1beta production rate used was 100% or 105% of dimethyl sulfoxide, all the sensitizing chemicals tested (dinitrochlorobenzene, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, hydroquinone, dinitrofluorobenzene, benzocaine, nickel, chromium, and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) were positive, and all the non-sensitizing chemicals (methyl salicylate, benzalkonium chloride, lactic acid, isopropanol, and salicylic acid), with the exception of sodium lauryl sulfate, were negative for MIP-1beta production. These results indicate that MIP-1beta could be a biomarker for classification of chemicals as sensitizers or non-sensitizers.

  18. Purification and characterization of a thermostable beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus.

    PubMed

    Hong, Mi-Ri; Kim, Yeong-Su; Joo, Ah-Reum; Lee, Jung-Kul; Kim, Yeong-Suk; Oh, Deok-Kun

    2009-08-01

    A beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from the fungus Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus was purified as a single 26 kDa band by ammonium sulfate precipitation, HiTrap Q HP, and UNO Q ion-exchange chromatography, with a specific activity of 29 U/mg. The molecular mass of the native enzyme was 52 kDa as a dimer by gel filtration. beta-1,3-1,4-Glucanase showed optimum activity at pH 4.0 and 75 degrees . The half-lives of the enzyme at 70 degrees and 75 degrees were 152 h and 22 h, respectively. The enzyme showed the highest activity for barley beta- glucan as beta-1,3-1,4-glucan among the tested polysaccharides and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glycosides with a K(m) of 0.67 mg/ml, a k(cat) of 13.5 s(-1) and a k(cat)/K(m) of 20 mg/ml/s.

  19. 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

  20. Zinc-ion-dependent acid phosphatase exhibits magnesium-ion-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity.

    PubMed

    Fujimoto, S; Okano, I; Tanaka, Y; Sumida, Y; Tsuda, J; Kawakami, N; Shimohama, S

    1996-06-01

    We have purified bovine brain Zn(2+)-dependent acid phosphatase (Zn(2+)-APase), which requires Zn2+ ions to hydrolyze the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) in an acidic environment. The substrate specificity and metal requirement of Zn(2+)-APase at a physiological pH was also studied. The enzyme exhibited hydrolytic activity on myo-inositol-1- and -2-monophosphates, 2'-adenosine monophosphate, 2'-guanosine monophosphate, and the alpha- and beta-glycerophosphates, glucose-1-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4) in the presence of Mg2+ ions, but not on pNPP and phosphotyrosine. Zn2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ ions were less effective for activation. Among the above substrates, myo-inositol-1-phosphate was the most susceptible to hydrolysis by the enzyme in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The enzyme exhibited an optimum pH at around 8 for myo-inositol-1-phosphate in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the enzyme was significantly inhibited by Li+ ions. The Zn(2+)-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity and Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the purified enzyme fraction exhibited similar behavior on Sephadex G-100 and Mono Q colomns. These findings suggest that Zn(2+)-APase also exhibits Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity under physiological conditions.