bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements for a Biologically Realistic Cancer Risk Assessment for Inorganic Arsenic
Authors: Clewell Harvey J. , Gentry P. Robinan , Barton Hugh A. , Shipp Annette M. , Yager Janice W. , Andersen Melvin E.
Published: July 2002

A remarkable feature of the carcinogenicity of inorganic arsenic (As,) is the observation that human exposures to Asi have been strongly associated with increases in skin, lung, and internal cancers, but As, does not typically cause tumors in standard laboratory animal test protocols. Considerable controversy has centered on whether there is epidemiological evidence of a “threshold” for the carcinogenic effects of Asi, or at least of a highly nonlinear dose–response. Saturation of metabolism in the dose-range associated with tumors does not appear to be adequate to produce a major impact on the dose-response for carcinogenicity. If there is a strong nonlinearity, it results from the nature of the carcinogenic mechanism(s) of Asi. However, no single hypothesis for the mechanism of Asi carcinogenicity has widespread support. A biologically realistic cancer risk assessment for Asi would requirea quantitative description of the dose of active arsenic species in target tissues, the interactions between active arsenic and tissue constituents, and the manner in which these interactions result in tumor formation in multiple organs in humans, but not in experimental animals. Although Asi has only infrequently been associated with tumors in animal studies, it has repeatedly been shown to act as a comutagen in vitro and as a cocarcinogen in vivo. Asi is clastogenic, producing chromatid aberrations, but does not produce point mutations at single gene loci. Of particular interest, Asi has been shown to inhibit repair of DNA single-strand breaks, a possible mechanism for its observed comutagenicity and cocarcinogenicity. We propose a cocarcinogenic mode of action in which Asi acts primarily on intermediate cells deficient in cell cycle control at a late stage in a preexisting carcinogenic process. This interaction enhances ge-nomic fragility and accelerates conversion of premalignant lesions to more aggressive, clinically observable tumors. An indirect effect of As, on DNA repair is consistent with the expectation of a nonlinear dose-response rather than the linear dose-response traditionally assumed for mutagenic carcinogens. However, defining the exact nature of this tumor dose-response will require further experimental data on the dose-response for the cellular effects of Asi. Because Asi carcinogenicity is unlikely to be observed in normal experimental animals not exposed to other carcinogens, studies in animals and cell lines deficient in cell cycle control should also be considered. Experimental studies specifically designed to address the key mechanistic and dose-response issues for Asi carcinogenicity are critically needed to support public health policy decisions regarding current environmental exposures to Asi.
The feasibility of abrupt methadone‐buprenorphine transfer in British opiate addicts in an outpatient setting
Authors: LAW F. D. , BAILEY J. E. , ALLEN D. S. , MELICHAR J. K. , MYLES J. S. , MITCHESON M. C. , LEWIS J. W. , NUTT D. J.
Published: July 2002

Abstract A study of 13 male opiate addicts was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of transferring abruptly from methadone maintenance treatment to buprenorphine in an outpatient setting. The mean age of subjects was 30 years (range 18‐45) and all fulfilled DSM‐III‐R criteria for opioid dependence. All were maintained on a methadone dose of 20‐30 mg mixture daily and were transferred for 3 days to 4 mg buprenorphine sublingually 24‐26 hours after their last dose of methadone. On day 1 repeated measures of drug effects were performed, including agonist and withdrawal effects, and this was complemented by saccadic eye movements, a potential new measure of central opioid effects. These recordings were repeated once on days 2 and 3 and the subjects returned to their previous dose of methadone on day 4. Buprenorphine caused no detectable agonist effects or drug “high”, but had “good” effects, was “liked” and well tolerated, suggesting that subjects would comply with buprenorphine treatment despite the lack of reinforcing effects. A mild increase in subjective withdrawal symptoms, which was not clinically significant, was seen in association with an increase in saccadic peak velocity on day 2 of the study but no withdrawal occurred on the other days, indicating that the abrupt transfer technique was acceptable.
Identification of a Mid-anaphase Checkpoint in Budding Yeast
Authors: Yang Sam S. , Yeh Elaine , Salmon E.D. , Bloom Kerry
Published: July 2002

Activation of a facultative, dicentric chromosome provides a unique opportunity to introduce a double strand DNA break into a chromosome at mitosis. Time lapse video enhanced-differential interference contrast analysis of the cellular response upon dicentric activation reveals that the majority of cells initiates anaphase B, characterized by pole–pole separation, and pauses in mid-anaphase for 30–120 min with spindles spanning the neck of the bud before completing spindle elongation and cytokinesis. The length of the spindle at the delay point (3–4 μm) is not dependent on the physical distance between the two centromeres, indicating that the arrest represents surveillance of a dicentric induced aberration. No mid-anaphase delay is observed in the absence of the RAD9 checkpoint gene, which prevents cell cycle progression in the presence of damaged DNA. These observations reveal RAD9- dependent events well past the G2/M boundary and have considerable implications in understanding how chromosome integrity and the position and state of the mitotic spindle are monitored before cytokinesis.
Connexin46 Is Retained as Monomers in a trans-Golgi Compartment of Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Koval Michael , Harley James E. , Hick Elizabeth , Steinberg Thomas H.
Published: July 2002

Connexins are gap junction proteins that form aqueous channels to interconnect adjacent cells. Rat osteoblasts express connexin43 (Cx43), which forms functional gap junctions at the cell surface. We have found that ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells, UMR 106-01 osteosarcoma cells, and primary rat calvarial osteoblastic cells also express another gap junction protein, Cx46. Cx46 is a major component of plasma membrane gap junctions in lens. In contrast, Cx46 expressed by osteoblastic cells was predominantly localized to an intracellular perinuclear compartment, which appeared to be an aspect of the TGN as determined by immunofluorescence colocalization. Hela cells transfected with rat Cx46 cDNA (Hela/Cx46) assembled Cx46 into functional gap junction channels at the cell surface. Both rat lens and Hela/Cx46 cells expressed 53-kD (nonphosphorylated) and 68-kD (phosphorylated) forms of Cx46; however, only the 53-kD form was produced by osteoblasts. To examine connexin assembly, monomers were resolved from oligomers by sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation analysis of 1% Triton X-100–solubilized extracts. While Cx43 was assembled into multimeric complexes, ROS cells contained only the monomer form of Cx46. In contrast, Cx46 expressed by rat lens and Hela/Cx46 cells was assembled into multimers. These studies suggest that assembly and cell surface expression of two closely related connexins were differentially regulated in the same cell. Furthermore, oligomerization may be required for connexin transport from the TGN to the cell surface.
Sarcomeric Gene Expression and Contractility in Myofibroblasts
Authors: Mayer D.C. Ghislaine , Leinwand Leslie A.
Published: July 2002

Myofibroblasts are unusual cells that share morphological and functional features of muscle and nonmuscle cells. Such cells are thought to control liver blood flow and kidney glomerular filtration rate by having unique contractile properties. To determine how these cells achieve their contractile properties and their resemblance to muscle cells, we have characterized two myofibroblast cell lines. Here, we demonstrate that myofibroblast cell lines from kidney mesangial cells (BHK) and liver stellate cells activate extensive programs of muscle gene expression including a wide variety of muscle structural proteins. In BHK cells, six different striated myosin heavy chain isoforms and many thin filament proteins, including troponin T and tropomyosin are expressed. Liver stellate cells express a limited subset of the muscle thick filament proteins expressed in BHK cells. Although these cells are mitotically active and do not morphologically differentiate into myotubes, we show that MyoD and myogenin are expressed and functional in both cell types. Finally, these cells contract in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1); and we show that ET-1 treatment increases the expression of sarcomeric myosin.
The α5β1 Integrin Mediates Elimination of Amyloid-β Peptide and Protects Against Apoptosis
Authors: Matter Michelle L. , Zhang Zhuohua , Nordstedt Christer , Ruoslahti Erkki
Published: July 2002

The amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) can mediate cell attachment by binding to β1 integrins through an arg-his-asp sequence. We show here that the α5β1 integrin, a fibronectin receptor, is an efficient binder of Aβ, and mediates cell attachment to nonfibrillar Aβ. Cells engineered to express α5β1 internalized and degraded more added Aβ1-40 than did α5β1-negative control cells. Deposition of an insoluble Aβ1-40 matrix around the α5β1-expressing cells was reduced, and the cells showed less apoptosis than the control cells. Thus, the α5β1 integrin may protect against Aβ deposition and toxicity, which is a course of Alzheimer's disease lesions.
STOP Proteins are Responsible for the High Degree of Microtubule Stabilization Observed in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Guillaud Laurent , Bosc Christophe , Fourest-Lieuvin Anne , Denarier Eric , Pirollet Fabienne , Lafanechère Laurence , Job Didier
Published: July 2002

Neuronal differentiation and function require extensive stabilization of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Neurons contain a large proportion of microtubules that resist the cold and depolymerizing drugs and exhibit slow subunit turnover. The origin of this stabilization is unclear. Here we have examined the role of STOP, a calmodulin-regulated protein previously isolated from cold-stable brain microtubules. We find that neuronal cells express increasing levels of STOP and of STOP variants during differentiation. These STOP proteins are associated with a large proportion of microtubules in neuronal cells, and are concentrated on cold-stable, drug-resistant, and long-lived polymers. STOP inhibition abolishes microtubule cold and drug stability in established neurites and impairs neurite formation. Thus, STOP proteins are responsible for microtubule stabilization in neurons, and are apparently required for normal neurite formation.
Mechanism of Cdc42-induced Actin Polymerization in Neutrophil Extracts
Authors: Zigmond Sally H. , Joyce Michael , Yang Changsong , Brown Kevin , Huang Minzhou , Pring Martin
Published: July 2002

Cdc42, activated with GTPγS, induces actin polymerization in supernatants of lysed neutrophils. This polymerization, like that induced by agonists, requires elongation at filament barbed ends. To determine if creation of free barbed ends was sufficient to induce actin polymerization, free barbed ends in the form of spectrin-actin seeds or sheared F-actin filaments were added to cell supernatants. Neither induced polymerization. Furthermore, the presence of spectrin-actin seeds did not increase the rate of Cdc42-induced polymerization, suggesting that the presence of Cdc42 did not facilitate polymerization from spectrin-actin seeds such as might have been the case if Cdc42 inhibited capping or released G-actin from a sequestered pool.

Electron microscopy revealed that Cdc42-induced filaments elongated rapidly, achieving a mean length greater than 1 μm in 15 s. The mean length of filaments formed from spectrin-actin seeds was <0.4 μm. Had spectrin-actin seeds elongated at comparable rates before they were capped, they would have induced longer filaments. There was little change in mean length of Cdc42-induced filaments between 15 s and 5 min, suggesting that the increase in F-actin over this time was due to an increase in filament number. These data suggest that Cdc42 induction of actin polymerization requires both creation of free barbed ends and facilitated elongation at these ends.
Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (N-CAM) Is Required for Cell Type Segregation and Normal Ultrastructure in Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Esni Farzad , Täljedal Inge-Bert , Perl Anne-Karina , Cremer Harold , Christofori Gerhard , Semb Henrik
Published: July 2002

Classical cell dissociation/reaggregation experiments with embryonic tissue and cultured cells have established that cellular cohesiveness, mediated by cell adhesion molecules, is important in determining the organization of cells within tissue and organs. We have employed N-CAM-deficient mice to determine whether N-CAM plays a functional role in the proper segregation of cells during the development of islets of Langerhans. In N-CAM-deficient mice the normal localization of glucagon-producing α cells in the periphery of pancreatic islets is lost, resulting in a more randomized cell distribution. In contrast to the expected reduction of cell–cell adhesion in N-CAM-deficient mice, a significant increase in the clustering of cadherins, F-actin, and cell–cell junctions is observed suggesting enhanced cadherin-mediated adhesion in the absence of proper N-CAM function. These data together with the polarized distribution of islet cell nuclei and Na+/K+-ATPase indicate that islet cell polarity is also affected. Finally, degranulation of β cells suggests that N-CAM is required for normal turnover of insulin-containing secretory granules. Taken together, our results confirm in vivo the hypothesis that a cell adhesion molecule, in this case N-CAM, is required for cell type segregation during organogenesis. Possible mechanisms underlying this phenomenon may include changes in cadherin-mediated adhesion and cell polarity.
Tumor Dormancy Induced by Downregulation of Urokinase Receptor in Human Carcinoma Involves Integrin and MAPK Signaling
Authors: Ghiso Julio A. Aguirre , Kovalski Katherine , Ossowski Liliana
Published: July 2002

Mechanisms that regulate the transition of metastases from clinically undetectable and dormant to progressively growing are the least understood aspects of cancer biology. Here, we show that a large (∼70%) reduction in the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) level in human carcinoma HEp3 cells, while not affecting their in vitro growth, induced a protracted state of tumor dormancy in vivo, with G0/G1 arrest. We have now identified the mechanism responsible for the induction of dormancy. We found that uPA/uPAR proteins were physically associated with α5β1, and that in cells with low uPAR the frequency of this association was significantly reduced, leading to a reduced avidity of α5β1 and a lower adhesion of cells to the fibronectin (FN). Adhesion to FN resulted in a robust and persistent ERK1/2 activation and serum-independent growth stimulation of only uPAR-rich cells. Compared with uPAR-rich tumorigenic cells, the basal level of active extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) was four to sixfold reduced in uPAR-poor dormant cells and its stimulation by single chain uPA (scuPA) was weak and showed slow kinetics. The high basal level of active ERK in uPAR-rich cells could be strongly and rapidly stimulated by scuPA. Disruption of uPAR–α5β1 complexes in uPAR-rich cells with antibodies or a peptide that disrupts uPAR–β1 interactions, reduced the FN-dependent ERK1/2 activation. These results indicate that dormancy of low uPAR cells may be the consequence of insufficient uPA/uPAR/α5β1 complexes, which cannot induce ERK1/2 activity above a threshold needed to sustain tumor growth in vivo. In support of this conclusion we found that treatment of uPAR-rich cells, which maintain high ERK activity in vivo, with reagents interfering with the uPAR/β1 signal to ERK activation, mimic the in vivo dormancy induced by downregulation of uPAR.
Different Dystrophin-like Complexes Are Expressed in Neurons and Glia
Authors: Blake Derek J. , Hawkes Richard , Benson Matthew A. , Beesley Phillip W.
Published: July 2002

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal muscle disease that is often associated with cognitive impairment. Accordingly, dystrophin is found at the muscle sarcolemma and at postsynaptic sites in neurons. In muscle, dystrophin forms part of a membrane-spanning complex, the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DPC). Whereas the composition of the DPC in muscle is well documented, the existence of a similar complex in brain remains largely unknown. To determine the composition of DPC-like complexes in brain, we have examined the molecular associations and distribution of the dystrobrevins, a widely expressed family of dystrophin-associated proteins, some of which are components of the muscle DPC. β-Dystrobrevin is found in neurons and is highly enriched in postsynaptic densities (PSDs). Furthermore, β-dystrobrevin forms a specific complex with dystrophin and syntrophin. By contrast, α-dystrobrevin-1 is found in perivascular astrocytes and Bergmann glia, and is not PSD-enriched. α-Dystrobrevin-1 is associated with Dp71, utrophin, and syntrophin. In the brains of mice that lack dystrophin and Dp71, the dystrobrevin–syntrophin complexes are still formed, whereas in dystrophin-deficient muscle, the assembly of the DPC is disrupted. Thus, despite the similarity in primary sequence, α- and β-dystrobrevin are differentially distributed in the brain where they form separate DPC-like complexes.
Tor-Mediated Induction of Autophagy via an Apg1 Protein Kinase Complex
Authors: Kamada Yoshiaki , Funakoshi Tomoko , Shintani Takahiro , Nagano Kazuya , Ohsumi Mariko , Ohsumi Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

Autophagy is a membrane trafficking to vacuole/lysosome induced by nutrient starvation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Tor protein, a phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase, is involved in the repression of autophagy induction by a largely unknown mechanism. Here, we show that the protein kinase activity of Apg1 is enhanced by starvation or rapamycin treatment. In addition, we have also found that Apg13, which binds to and activates Apg1, is hyperphosphorylated in a Tor-dependent manner, reducing its affinity to Apg1. This Apg1–Apg13 association is required for autophagy, but not for the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway, another vesicular transport mechanism in which factors essential for autophagy (Apg proteins) are also employed under vegetative growth conditions. Finally, other Apg1-associating proteins, such as Apg17 and Cvt9, are shown to function specifically in autophagy or the Cvt pathway, respectively, suggesting that the Apg1 complex plays an important role in switching between two distinct vesicular transport systems in a nutrient-dependent manner.
Subcellular Distribution of Envoplakin and Periplakin
Authors: DiColandrea Teresa , Karashima Tadashi , Määttä Arto , Watt Fiona M.
Published: July 2002

Envoplakin and periplakin are two plakins that are precursors of the epidermal cornified envelope. We studied their distribution and interactions by transfection of primary human keratinocytes and other cells. Full-length periplakin localized to desmosomes, the interdesmosomal plasma membrane and intermediate filaments. Full length envoplakin also localized to desmosomes, but mainly accumulated in nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates with associated intermediate filaments. The envoplakin rod domain was required for aggregation and the periplakin rod domain was necessary and sufficient to redistribute envoplakin to desmosomes and the cytoskeleton, confirming earlier predictions that the proteins can heterodimerize. The linker domain of each protein was required for intermediate filament association. Like the NH2 terminus of desmoplakin, that of periplakin localized to desmosomes; however, in addition, the periplakin NH2 terminus accumulated at cell surface microvilli in association with cortical actin. Endogenous periplakin was redistributed from microvilli when keratinocytes were treated with the actin disrupting drug Latrunculin B. We propose that whereas envoplakin and periplakin can localize independently to desmosomes, the distribution of envoplakin at the interdesmosomal plasma membrane depends on heterodimerization with periplakin and that the NH2 terminus of periplakin therefore plays a key role in forming the scaffold on which the cornified envelope is assembled.
Necrotic Death Pathway in FAS Receptor Signaling
Authors: Matsumura Hirotaka , Shimizu Yusuke , Ohsawa Yoshiyuki , Kawahara Atsuo , Uchiyama Yasuo , Nagata Shigekazu
Published: July 2002

A caspase 8–deficient subline (JB6) of human Jurkat cells can be killed by the oligomerization of Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD). This cell death process is not accompanied by caspase activation, but by necrotic morphological changes. Here, we show that the death effector domain of FADD is responsible for the FADD-mediated necrotic pathway. This process was accompanied by a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), but not by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a metal chelator and antioxidant, efficiently inhibited the FADD-induced reduction of ΔΨm and necrotic cell death. When human Jurkat, or its transformants, expressing mouse Fas were treated with Fas ligand or anti–mouse Fas antibodies, the cells died, showing characteristics of apoptosis. A broad caspase inhibitor (z-VAD–fmk) blocked the apoptotic morphological changes and the release of cytochrome c. However, the cells still died, and this cell death process was accompanied by a strong reduction in ΔΨm, as well as necrotic morphological changes. The presence of z-VAD–fmk and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate together blocked cell death, suggesting that both apoptotic and necrotic pathways can be activated through the Fas death receptor.
Nxt1 Is Necessary for the Terminal Step of Crm1-Mediated Nuclear Export
Authors: Black Ben E. , Holaska James M. , Lévesque Lyne , Ossareh-Nazari Batool , Gwizdek Carol , Dargemont Catherine , Paschal Bryce M.
Published: July 2002

Soluble factors are required to mediate nuclear export of protein and RNA through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). These soluble factors include receptors that bind directly to the transport substrate and regulators that determine the assembly state of receptor–substrate complexes. We recently reported the identification of NXT1, an NTF2-related export factor that stimulates nuclear protein export in permeabilized cells and undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in vivo (Black, B.E., L. Lévesque, J.M. Holaska, T.C. Wood, and B.M. Paschal. 1999. Mol. Cell. Biol. 19:8616–8624). Here, we describe the molecular characterization of NXT1 in the context of the Crm1-dependent export pathway. We find that NXT1 binds directly to Crm1, and that the interaction is sensitive to the presence of Ran-GTP. Moreover, mutations in NXT1 that reduce binding to Crm1 inhibit the activity of NXT1 in nuclear export assays. We show that recombinant Crm1 and Ran are sufficient to reconstitute nuclear translocation of a Rev reporter protein from the nucleolus to an antibody accessible site on the cytoplasmic side of the NPC. Further progress on the export pathway, including the terminal step of Crm1 and Rev reporter protein release, requires NXT1. We propose that NXT1 engages with the export complex in the nucleoplasm, and that it facilitates delivery of the export complex to a site on the cytoplasmic side of NPC where the receptor and substrate are released into the cytoplasm.
Insights into the Dynamic Properties of Keratin Intermediate Filaments in Living Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yoon Kyeong Han , Yoon Miri , Moir Robert D. , Khuon Satya , Flitney Frederick W. , Goldman Robert D.
Published: July 2002

The properties of keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) have been studied after transfection with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged K18 and/or K8 (type I/II IF proteins). GFP-K8 and -K18 become incorporated into tonofibrils, which are comprised of bundles of keratin IFs. These tonofibrils exhibit a remarkably wide range of motile and dynamic activities. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analyses show that they recover their fluorescence slowly with a recovery t1/2 of ∼100 min. The movements of bleach zones during recovery show that closely spaced tonofibrils (<1 μm apart) often move at different rates and in different directions. Individual tonofibrils frequently change their shapes, and in some cases these changes appear as propagated waveforms along their long axes. In addition, short fibrils, termed keratin squiggles, are seen at the cell periphery where they move mainly towards the cell center. The motile properties of keratin IFs are also compared with those of type III IFs (vimentin) in PtK2 cells. Intriguingly, the dynamic properties of keratin tonofibrils and squiggles are dramatically different from those of vimentin fibrils and squiggles within the same cytoplasmic regions. This suggests that there are different factors regulating the dynamic properties of different types of IFs within the same cytoplasmic regions.
Activation of the Arp2/3 Complex by the Actin Filament Binding Protein Abp1p
Authors: Goode Bruce L. , Rodal Avital A. , Barnes Georjana , Drubin David G.
Published: July 2002

The actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex plays a central role in assembly of actin networks. Because distinct actin-based structures mediate diverse processes, many proteins are likely to make spatially and temporally regulated interactions with the Arp2/3 complex. We have isolated a new activator, Abp1p, which associates tightly with the yeast Arp2/3 complex. Abp1p contains two acidic sequences (DDW) similar to those found in SCAR/WASp proteins. We demonstrate that mutation of these sequences abolishes Arp2/3 complex activation in vitro. Genetic studies indicate that this activity is important for Abp1p functions in vivo. In contrast to SCAR/WASp proteins, Abp1p binds specifically to actin filaments, not monomers. Actin filament binding is mediated by the ADF/cofilin homology (ADF-H) domain of Abp1p and is required for Arp2/3 complex activation in vitro. We demonstrate that Abp1p recruits Arp2/3 complex to the sides of filaments, suggesting a novel mechanism of activation. Studies in yeast and mammalian cells indicate that Abp1p is involved functionally in endocytosis. Based on these results, we speculate that Abp1p may link Arp2/3-mediated actin assembly to a specific step in endocytosis.
Serum response factor is crucial for actin cytoskeletal organization and focal adhesion assembly in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Schratt Gerhard , Philippar Ulrike , Berger Jürgen , Schwarz Heinz , Heidenreich Olaf , Nordheim Alfred
Published: July 2002

The activity of serum response factor (SRF), an essential transcription factor in mouse gastrulation, is regulated by changes in actin dynamics. Using Srf(−/−) embryonic stem (ES) cells, we demonstrate that SRF deficiency causes impairments in ES cell spreading, adhesion, and migration. These defects correlate with defective formation of cytoskeletal structures, namely actin stress fibers and focal adhesion (FA) plaques. The FA proteins FA kinase (FAK), β1-integrin, talin, zyxin, and vinculin were downregulated and/or mislocalized in ES cells lacking SRF, leading to inefficient activation of the FA signaling kinase FAK. Reduced overall actin expression levels in Srf(−/−) ES cells were accompanied by an offset treadmilling equilibrium, resulting in lowered F-actin levels. Expression of active RhoA-V14 rescued F-actin synthesis but not stress fiber formation. Introduction of constitutively active SRF-VP16 into Srf(−/−) ES cells, on the other hand, strongly induced expression of FA components and F-actin synthesis, leading to a dramatic reorganization of actin filaments into stress fibers and lamellipodia. Thus, using ES cell genetics, we demonstrate for the first time the importance of SRF for the formation of actin-directed cytoskeletal structures that determine cell spreading, adhesion, and migration. Our findings suggest an involvement of SRF in cell migratory processes in multicellular organisms.
Mechanisms through which Sos-1 coordinates the activation of Ras and Rac
Authors: Innocenti Metello , Tenca Pierluigi , Frittoli Emanuela , Faretta Mario , Tocchetti Arianna , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Scita Giorgio
Published: July 2002

Signaling from receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)* requires the sequential activation of the small GTPases Ras and Rac. Son of sevenless (Sos-1), a bifunctional guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), activates Ras in vivo and displays Rac-GEF activity in vitro, when engaged in a tricomplex with Eps8 and E3b1–Abi-1, a RTK substrate and an adaptor protein, respectively. A mechanistic understanding of how Sos-1 coordinates Ras and Rac activity is, however, still missing. Here, we demonstrate that (a) Sos-1, E3b1, and Eps8 assemble into a tricomplex in vivo under physiological conditions; (b) Grb2 and E3b1 bind through their SH3 domains to the same binding site on Sos-1, thus determining the formation of either a Sos-1–Grb2 (S/G) or a Sos-1–E3b1–Eps8 (S/E/E8) complex, endowed with Ras- and Rac-specific GEF activities, respectively; (c) the Sos-1–Grb2 complex is disrupted upon RTKs activation, whereas the S/E/E8 complex is not; and (d) in keeping with the previous result, the activation of Ras by growth factors is short-lived, whereas the activation of Rac is sustained. Thus, the involvement of Sos-1 at two distinct and differentially regulated steps of the signaling cascade allows for coordinated activation of Ras and Rac and different duration of their signaling within the cell.
Membrane Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Induced Cooperative Signaling of TNFR60 and TNFR80 Favors Induction of Cell Death Rather Than Virus Production in HIV-infected T Cells
Authors: Lazdins Janis K. , Grell Matthias , Walker Maja R. , Woods-Cook Kathie , Scheurich Peter , Pfizenmaier Klaus
Published: July 2002

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (LT) are highly pleiotropic cytokines that play a central role in regulating HIV-1 replication. These cytokines express their activities through two membrane receptors, TNFR60 (p55-60) and TNFR80 (p75-80). In the present study we have demonstrated by means of antagonistic and agonistic receptor-specific antibodies that in latently infected lymphocytic (ACH-2) cells the TNFR60 plays a dominant role in signaling HIV production, although selective activation of TNFR80 by receptor-specific antibodies can also induce HIV production. Unexpectedly, when both TNFRs were activated simultaneously by agonistic antibodies or coculture with cells expressing a noncleavable membrane form of TNF, HIV production was downregulated and induction of cell death was enhanced in ACH-2 cells. More relevant, in vitro HIV-infected peripheral blood lymphocytes cocultured with cells expressing membrane TNF underwent rapid induction of apoptosis with a subsequent reduced HIV production of these lymphocytes cultures. This was not observed with HIV-infected lymphocytes treated with soluble TNF. These data provide evidence for the differential trigger potential of membrane versus soluble TNF and show that TNFR80 is an important modulator of TNF responsiveness of HIV-infected T cells via cooperative signaling with TNFR60.
Interleukin-5 Expression in the Lung Epithelium of Transgenic Mice Leads to Pulmonary Changes Pathognomonic of Asthma
Authors: Lee James J. , McGarry Michael P. , Farmer Steven C. , Denzler Karen L. , Larson Kirsten A. , Carrigan Patricia E. , Brenneise Ina E. , Horton Margaret A. , Haczku Angela , Gelfand Erwin W. , Leikauf George D. , Lee Nancy A.
Published: July 2002

We have generated transgenic mice that constitutively express murine interleukin (IL)-5 in the lung epithelium. Airway expression of this cytokine resulted in a dramatic accumulation of peribronchial eosinophils and striking pathologic changes including the expansion of bronchusassociated lymphoid tissue (BALT), goblet cell hyperplasia, epithelial hypertrophy, and focal collagen deposition. These changes were also accompanied by eosinophil infiltration of the airway lumen. In addition, transgenic animals displayed airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in the absence of aerosolized antigen challenge. These findings demonstrate that lung-specific IL-5 expression can induce pathologic changes characteristic of asthma and may provide useful models to evaluate the efficacy of potential respiratory disease therapies or pharmaceuticals.
Exogenously Provided Peptides of a Self-antigen Can Be Processed into Forms that Are Recognized by Self–T Cells
Authors: Barlow Avlin K. , He Xin , Janeway Charles
Published: July 2002

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules can present peptides derived from two different sources. The predominant source of peptide in uninfected antigen presenting cells (APCs) is from self-proteins that are synthesized within the cell and traffic through the MHC class II compartment. The other source of antigen is endocytosed proteins, which includes both self- and foreign proteins. Foreign protein antigens generate adaptive immune responses, whereas self-peptides stabilize the MHC class II heterodimer on the cell surface, allowing positive and negative selection of thymocytes. Therefore, self-antigens play an important normal role in shaping the T cell receptor repertoire as well as a pathological role in autoimmunity. To determine whether processing and presentation of self-antigens by MHC class II molecules differs depending on whether the antigen is supplied through synthesis within the cell or by endocytosis, we used a T cell clone against an Eα peptide presented by I-Ab to show that processing through these two routes can differ. We also show that mice can be tolerant to the epitope formed through the endogenous route, but responsive to the epitope that can be formed through endocytosis. This suggests that negative selection occurs primarily against antigens that are synthesized within the APC, and that endocytosed self-antigens could serve as autoantigens. Finally, we also demonstrate that lipopolysaccharide-activated B cells are defective for uptake, processing, and presentation of this self-antigen, and that this correlates with the increased expression of the costimulatory molecules B7.1 and B7.2. This may provide a model for studying the onset of an autoimmune response.
Human Toll-like Receptor 2 Confers Responsiveness to Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kirschning Carsten J. , Wesche Holger , Merrill Ayres T. , Rothe Mike
Published: July 2002

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in host cells upon infection. LPS binds to the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)- anchored membrane protein CD14, which lacks an intracellular signaling domain. Here we investigated the role of mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as signal transducers for LPS. Overexpression of TLR2, but not TLR1, TLR4, or CD14 conferred LPS inducibility of NF-κB activation in mammalian 293 cells. Mutational analysis demonstrated that this LPS response requires the intracellular domain of TLR2. LPS signaling through TLR2 was dependent on serum which contains soluble CD14 (sCD14). Coexpression of CD14 synergistically enhanced LPS signal transmission through TLR2. In addition, purified recombinant sCD14 could substitute for serum to support LPS-induced TLR2 activation. LPS stimulation of TLR2 initiated an interleukin 1 receptor–like NF-κB signaling cascade. These findings suggest that TLR2 may be a signaling component of a cellular receptor for LPS.
A Human Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Condition with Increased Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiations and Impaired V(D)J Rearrangements Defines a New DNA Recombination/Repair Deficiency
Authors: Nicolas Nathalie , Moshous Despina , Cavazzana-Calvo Marina , Papadopoulo Dora , de Chasseval Régina , Le Deist Françoise , Fischer Alain , de Villartay Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2002

The products of recombination activating gene (RAG)1 and RAG2 initiate the lymphoid-specific phase of the V(D)J recombination by creating a DNA double-strand break (dsb), leaving hairpin-sealed coding ends. The next step uses the general DNA repair machinery of the cells to resolve this dsb. Several genes involved in both V(D)J recombination and DNA repair have been identified through the analysis of in vitro mutants (Chinese hamster ovary cells) and in vivo situations of murine and equine severe combined immunodeficiency (scid). These studies lead to the description of the Ku–DNA-dependent protein kinase complex and the XRCC4 factor. A human SCID condition is characterized by an absence of B and T lymphocytes. One subset of these patients also demonstrates an increased sensitivity to the ionizing radiation of their fibroblasts and bone marrow precursor cells. This phenotype is accompanied by a profound defect in V(D)J recombination with a lack of coding joint formation, whereas signal joints are normal. Functional and genetic analyses distinguish these patients from the other recombination/repair mutants, and thus define a new group of mutants whose affected gene(s) is involved in sensitivity to ionizing radiation and V(D)J recombination.
Upregulation of Interleukin 6 and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptors by Transcription Factor CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein α (C/EBPα) Is Critical for Granulopoiesis
Authors: Zhang Pu , Iwama Atsushi , Datta Milton W. , Darlington Gretchen J. , Link Daniel C. , Tenen Daniel G.
Published: July 2002

Cytokines stimulate granulopoiesis through signaling via receptors whose expression is controlled by lineage-specific transcription factors. Previously, we demonstrated that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor mRNA was undetectable and granulocyte maturation blocked in CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα)-deficient mice. This phenotype is distinct from that of G-CSF receptor−/− mice, suggesting that other genes are likely to be adversely affected by loss of C/EBPα. Here we demonstrate loss of interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor and IL-6–responsive colony-forming units (CFU-IL6) in C/EBPα−/− mice. The observed failure of granulopoiesis could be rescued by the addition of soluble IL-6 receptor and IL-6 or by retroviral transduction of G-CSF receptors, demonstrating that loss of both of these receptors contributes to the absolute block in granulocyte maturation observed in C/EBPα-deficient hematopoietic cells. The results of these and other studies suggest that additional C/EBPα target genes, possibly other cytokine receptors, are also important for the block in granulocyte differentiation observed in vivo in C/EBPα-deficient mice.
Identification of a Late Stage of Small Noncycling pTα−  Pre-T Cells as Immediate Precursors of T Cell Receptor α/β+  Thymocytes
Authors: Trigueros César , Ramiro Almudena R. , Carrasco Yolanda R. , de Yebenes Virginia G. , Albar Juan P. , Toribio María L.
Published: July 2002

During thymocyte development, progression from T cell receptor (TCR)β to TCRα rearrangement is mediated by a CD3-associated pre-TCR composed of the TCRβ chain paired with pre-TCRα (pTα). A major issue is how surface expression of the pre-TCR is regulated during normal thymocyte development to control transition through this checkpoint. Here, we show that developmental expression of pTα is time- and stage-specific, and is confined in vivo to a limited subset of large cycling human pre-T cells that coexpress low density CD3. This restricted expression pattern allowed the identification of a novel subset of small CD3− thymocytes lacking surface pTα, but expressing cytoplasmic TCRβ, that represent late noncycling pre-T cells in which recombination activating gene reexpression and downregulation of T early α transcription are coincident events associated with cell cycle arrest, and immediately preceding TCRα gene expression. Importantly, thymocytes at this late pre-T cell stage are shown to be functional intermediates between large pTα+ pre-T cells and TCRα/β+ thymocytes. The results support a developmental model in which pre-TCR–expressing pre-T cells are brought into cycle, rapidly downregulate surface pre-TCR, and finally become small resting pre-T cells, before the onset of TCRα gene expression.
Cytokine-Activated Endothelial Cells Delay Neutrophil Apoptosis in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Coxon Angela , Tang Tao , Mayadas Tanya N.
Published: July 2002

The activation of endothelium is important in recruiting neutrophils to sites of inflammation and in modulating their function. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from cultured, activated endothelial cells acts to significantly delay the constitutive apoptosis of neutrophils, resulting in their enhanced survival and increased phagocytic function. The antiapoptotic activity is, in part, attributable to granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secreted by activated endothelial cells. The in vivo relevance of these findings was investigated in a cytokine-induced model of acute meningitis in mice. Peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) from mice with meningitis exhibited a delay in apoptosis compared with untreated mice. Furthermore, neutrophils recovered from the inflamed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibited enhanced survival compared with neutrophils isolated from the peripheral blood of the same animals. In unchallenged GM-CSF–deficient mice, the apoptosis of circulating PBNs was similar to wild-type animals; however, after cytokine-induced meningitis, the delay in neutrophil apoptosis typically observed in wild-type mice was attenuated. In contrast, the apoptosis of neutrophils recovered from the CSF of mice of both genotypes was comparable. Taken together, these studies suggest that neutrophil apoptosis is regulated during an inflammatory response, in both intravascular and extravascular compartments. GM-CSF released by activated endothelium can act to increase neutrophil survival and function in the peripheral blood, whereas other factor(s) appear to perform this function in the extravascular space.
In Vivo Identification of Glycolipid Antigen–Specific T Cells Using Fluorescent Cd1d Tetramers
Authors: Benlagha Kamel , Weiss Angela , Beavis Andrew , Teyton Luc , Bendelac Albert
Published: July 2002

The CD1 family of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-like molecules specializes in presenting lipid and glycolipid antigens to α/β T lymphocytes, but little is known about the size of the CD1-restricted T cell population or the frequency of T lymphocytes specific for a given glycolipid antigen. Here, we report the generation and use of mouse CD1d1–glycolipid tetramers to visualize CD1d-restricted T cells. In contrast with previous BIAcore-based estimates of very short half-lives for CD1d–glycolipid complexes, we found that the dissociation rate of several different CD1d–glycolipid complexes was very slow. Fluorescent tetramers of mouse CD1d1 complexed with α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer), the antigen recognized by mouse Vα14-Jα281/Vβ8 and human Vα24-JαQ/Vβ11 natural killer T (NKT) cell T cell receptors (TCRs), allowed us for the first time to accurately describe, based on TCR specificity, the entire population of NKT cells in vivo and to identify a previously unrecognized population of NK1.1-negative “NKT” cells, which expressed a different pattern of integrins. In contrast, natural killer (NK) cells failed to bind the tetramers either empty or loaded with αGalCer, suggesting the absence of a CD1d-specific, antigen-nonspecific NK receptor. Mouse CD1d1–αGalCer tetramers also stained human NKT cells, indicating that they will be useful for probing a range of mouse and human conditions such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, tumor rejection, and infectious diseases where NKT cells play an important role.
Staphylococcus aureus Resistance to Human Defensins and Evasion of Neutrophil Killing via the Novel Virulence Factor Mprf Is Based on Modification of Membrane Lipids with l-Lysine
Authors: Peschel Andreas , Jack Ralph W. , Otto Michael , Collins L. Vincent , Staubitz Petra , Nicholson Graeme , Kalbacher Hubert , Nieuwenhuizen Willem F. , Jung Günther , Tarkowski Andrej , van Kessel Kok P.M. , van Strijp Jos A.G.
Published: July 2002

Defensins, antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system, protect human mucosal epithelia and skin against microbial infections and are produced in large amounts by neutrophils. The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is insensitive to defensins by virtue of an unknown resistance mechanism. We describe a novel staphylococcal gene, mprF, which determines resistance to several host defense peptides such as defensins and protegrins. An mprF mutant strain was killed considerably faster by human neutrophils and exhibited attenuated virulence in mice, indicating a key role for defensin resistance in the pathogenicity of S. aureus. Analysis of membrane lipids demonstrated that the mprF mutant no longer modifies phosphatidylglycerol with l-lysine. As this unusual modification leads to a reduced negative charge of the membrane surface, MprF-mediated peptide resistance is most likely based on repulsion of the cationic peptides. Accordingly, inactivation of mprF led to increased binding of antimicrobial peptides by the bacteria. MprF has no similarity with genes of known function, but related genes were identified in the genomes of several pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. MprF thus constitutes a novel virulence factor, which may be of general relevance for bacterial pathogens and represents a new target for attacking multidrug resistant bacteria.
Complement 1 Inhibitor Is a Regulator of the Alternative Complement Pathway
Authors: Jiang Haixiang , Wagner Eric , Zhang Huamei , Frank Michael M.
Published: July 2002

We studied complement 1 inhibitor (C1-INH) as an inhibitor of the alternative complement pathway. C1-INH prevented lysis, induced by the alternative complement pathway, of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) erythrocytes in human serum. It inhibited the binding of both factors B and C3 to PNH and rabbit erythrocytes and blocked the ability of factor B to restore alternative-pathway function in factor B–depleted serum. C1-INH did not bind to factors B or D but did bind to immobilized C3b and cobra venom factor (CVF), a C3b analogue. C1-INH prevented factor B from binding to CVF-coated beads and dissociated bound factor B from such beads. Factor B and C1-INH showed cross competition in binding to CVF-coated beads. Factor D cleaved factor B into Bb and Ba in the presence of C3b. Cleavage was markedly inhibited when C3b was preincubated with C1-INH. C1-INH inhibited the formation of CVFBb and decreased the C3 cleavage. Removal of C1-INH from serum, in the presence of Mg-EGTA with an anti–C1-INH immunoabsorbant, markedly increased alternative-pathway lysis. C1-INH interacts with C3b to inhibit binding of factor B to C3b. At physiologic concentrations, it is a downregulator of the alternative pathway convertase.