bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypercalcemia Caused by Metastatic Adamantinoma: Response to Radiotherapy
Authors: Lyons Janice A. , Budd G. Thomas , Crownover Richard L.
Published: July 2002

Purpose. To describe successful palliation of a patient with
metastatic adamantinoma presenting with lung metastases and hypercalcemia
resulting from a parathormone‐like substance released from the tumor.

Methods and materials. The records of a patient with a history of
a tibial adamantinoma who presented with symptoms of hypercalcemia 20 years after
the original surgery, as well as the literature concerning hypercalcemia and adamantinoma
were reviewed and summarized.

Results. After thorough review of the literature we found no
prior reports of radiation being used for palliation of hypercalcemia associated with
metastatic adamantinoma.We report rapid improvement in symptoms and
normalization of serum calcium levels following a course of radiation therapy.
The patient remains asymptomatic 15 months following radiotherapy despite a
gradual return of elevated serum calcium levels.

Discussion. Radiation therapy should be considered as a palliative option for
patients who are not surgical candidates presenting with medically refractory
hypercalcemia.
Drosophila myoblast city Encodes a Conserved Protein That Is Essential for Myoblast Fusion, Dorsal Closure, and Cytoskeletal Organization
Authors: Erickson Mary Ruth S. , Galletta Brian J. , Abmayr Susan M.
Published: July 2002

The Drosophila myoblast city (mbc) locus was previously identified on the basis of a defect in myoblast fusion (Rushton et al., 1995. Development [Camb.]. 121:1979–1988). We describe herein the isolation and characterization of the mbc gene. The mbc transcript and its encoded protein are expressed in a broad range of tissues, including somatic myoblasts, cardial cells, and visceral mesoderm. It is also expressed in the pole cells and in ectodermally derived tissues, including the epidermis. Consistent with this latter expression, mbc mutant embryos exhibit defects in dorsal closure and cytoskeletal organization in the migrating epidermis. Both the mesodermal and ectodermal defects are reminiscent of those induced by altered forms of Drac1 and suggest that mbc may function in the same pathway. MBC bears striking homology to human DOCK180, which interacts with the SH2-SH3 adapter protein Crk and may play a role in signal transduction from focal adhesions. Taken together, these results suggest the possibility that MBC is an intermediate in a signal transduction pathway from the rho/rac family of GTPases to events in the cytoskeleton and that this pathway may be used during myoblast fusion and dorsal closure.
Domains of Neuronal Microtubule-associated Proteins and Flexural Rigidity of Microtubules
Authors: Felgner Harald , Frank Rainer , Biernat Jacek , Mandelkow Eva-Maria , Mandelkow Eckhard , Ludin Beat , Matus Andrew , Schliwa Manfred
Published: July 2002

Microtubules are flexible polymers whose mechanical properties are an important factor in the determination of cell architecture and function. It has been proposed that the two most prominent neuronal microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), tau and MAP2, whose microtubule binding regions are largely homologous, make an important contribution to the formation and maintenance of neuronal processes, putatively by increasing the rigidity of microtubules. Using optical tweezers to manipulate single microtubules, we have measured their flexural rigidity in the presence of various constructs of tau and MAP2c. The results show a three- or fourfold increase of microtubule rigidity in the presence of wild-type tau or MAP2c, respectively. Unexpectedly, even low concentrations of MAPs promote a substantial increase in microtubule rigidity. Thus at ∼20% saturation with full-length tau, a microtubule exhibits >80% of the rigidity observed at near saturating concentrations. Several different constructs of tau or MAP2 were used to determine the relative contribution of certain subdomains in the microtubule-binding region. All constructs tested increase microtubule rigidity, albeit to different extents. Thus, the repeat domains alone increase microtubule rigidity only marginally, whereas the domains flanking the repeats make a significant contribution. Overall, there is an excellent correlation between the strength of binding of a MAP construct to microtubules (as represented by its dissociation constant Kd) and the increase in microtubule rigidity. These findings demonstrate that neuronal MAPs as well as constructs derived from them increase microtubule rigidity, and that the changes in rigidity observed with different constructs correlate well with other biochemical and physiological parameters.
Targeted Inactivation of a Tobacco Intron–containing Open Reading Frame Reveals a Novel Chloroplast-encoded Photosystem I–related Gene
Authors: Ruf Stephanie , Kössel Hans , Bock Ralph
Published: July 2002

The chloroplast genome of all higher plants encodes, in its large single-copy region, a conserved open reading frame of unknown function (ycf3), which is split by two group II introns and undergoes RNA editing in monocotyledonous plants. To elucidate the function of ycf3 we have deleted the reading frame from the tobacco plastid genome by biolistic transformation. We show here that homoplasmic Δycf3 plants display a photosynthetically incompetent phenotype. Molecular analyses indicate that this phenotype is not due to a defect in any of the general functions of the plastid genetic apparatus. Instead, the mutant plants specifically lack detectable amounts of all photosystem I (PSI) subunits analyzed. In contrast, at least under low light conditions, photosystem II subunits are still present and assemble into a physiologically active complex. Faithful transcription of photosystem I genes as well as correct mRNA processing and efficient transcript loading with ribosomes in the Δycf3 plants suggest a posttranslational cause of the PSI-defective phenotype. We therefore propose that ycf3 encodes an essential protein for the assembly and/or stability of functional PSI units. This study provides a first example for the suitability of reverse genetics approaches to complete our picture of the coding capacity of higher plant chloroplast genomes.
A Presumptive Developmental Role for a Sea Urchin Cyclin B Splice Variant
Authors: Lozano Jean-Claude , Schatt Philippe , Marquès François , Peaucellier Gérard , Fort Philippe , Féral Jean-Pierre , Genevière Anne-Marie , Picard André
Published: July 2002

We show that a splice variant–derived cyclin B is produced in sea urchin oocytes and embryos. This splice variant protein lacks highly conserved sequences in the COOH terminus of the protein. It is found strikingly abundant in growing oocytes and cells committed to differentiation during embryogenesis. Cyclin B splice variant (CBsv) protein associates weakly in the cell with Xenopus cdc2 and with budding yeast CDC28p. In contrast to classical cyclin B, CBsv very poorly complements a triple CLN deletion in budding yeast, and its microinjection prevents an initial step in MPF activation, leading to an important delay in oocyte meiosis reinitiation. CBsv microinjection in fertilized eggs induces cell cycle delay and abnormal development. We assume that CBsv is produced in growing oocytes to keep them in prophase, and during embryogenesis to slow down cell cycle in cells that will be committed to differentiation.
Vinculin Is Part of the Cadherin–Catenin Junctional Complex: Complex Formation between α-Catenin and Vinculin
Authors: Weiss Elisabeth E. , Kroemker Martina , Rüdiger Angelika-H. , Jockusch Brigitte M. , Rüdiger Manfred
Published: July 2002

In epithelial cells, α-, β-, and γ-catenin are involved in linking the peripheral microfilament belt to the transmembrane protein E-cadherin. α-Catenin exhibits sequence homologies over three regions to vinculin, another adherens junction protein. While vinculin is found in cell–matrix and cell–cell contacts, α-catenin is restricted to the latter. To elucidate, whether vinculin is part of the cell–cell junctional complex, we investigated complex formation and intracellular targeting of vinculin and α-catenin. We show that α-catenin colocalizes at cell–cell contacts with endogenous vinculin and also with the transfected vinculin head domain forming immunoprecipitable complexes. In vitro, the vinculin NH2-terminal head binds to α-catenin, as seen by immunoprecipitation, dot overlay, cosedimentation, and surface plasmon resonance measurements. The Kd of the complex was determined to 2–4 × 10−7 M. As seen by overlays and affinity mass spectrometry, the COOH-terminal region of α-catenin is involved in this interaction.

Complex formation of vinculin and α-catenin was challenged in transfected cells. In PtK2 cells, intact α-catenin and α-catenin1-670, harboring the β-catenin– binding site, were directed to cell–cell contacts. In contrast, α-catenin697–906 fragments were recruited to cell–cell contacts, focal adhesions, and stress fibers. Our results imply that in vivo α-catenin, like vinculin, is tightly regulated in its ligand binding activity.
Growth Factor–dependent Activation of αvβ3 Integrin in Normal Epithelial Cells: Implications for Tumor Invasion
Authors: Trusolino Livio , Serini Guido , Cecchini Germana , Besati Cristina , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco Saverio , Marchisio Pier Carlo , De Filippi Rosaria
Published: July 2002

Integrin activation is a multifaceted phenomenon leading to increased affinity and avidity for matrix ligands. To investigate whether cytokines produced during stromal infiltration of carcinoma cells activate nonfunctional epithelial integrins, a cellular system of human thyroid clones derived from normal glands (HTU-5) and papillary carcinomas (HTU-34) was employed. In HTU-5 cells, αvβ3 integrin was diffused all over the membrane, disconnected from the cytoskeleton, and unable to mediate adhesion. Conversely, in HTU-34 cells, αvβ3 was clustered at focal contacts (FCs) and mediated firm attachment and spreading. αvβ3 recruitment at FCs and ligand-binding activity, essentially identical to those of HTU-34, occurred in HTU-5 cells upon treatment with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). The HTU-34 clone secreted HGF/SF and its receptor was constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated suggesting an autocrine loop responsible for αvβ3 activated state. Antibody-mediated inhibition of HGF/SF function in HTU-34 cells disrupted αvβ3 enrichment at FCs and impaired adhesion. Accordingly, activation of αvβ3 in normal cells was produced by HTU-34 conditioned medium on the basis of its content of HGF/SF. These results provide the first example of a growth factor–driven integrin activation mechanism in normal epithelial cells and uncover the importance of cytokine-based autocrine loops for the physiological control of integrin activation.
Differential Membrane Localization and Intermolecular Associations of α-Dystrobrevin Isoforms in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Peters Matthew F. , Sadoulet-Puccio Hélène M. , Mark Grady R. , Kramarcy Neal R. , Kunkel Louis M. , Sanes Joshua R. , Sealock Robert , Froehner Stanley C.
Published: July 2002

α-Dystrobrevin is both a dystrophin homologue and a component of the dystrophin protein complex. Alternative splicing yields five forms, of which two predominate in skeletal muscle: full-length α-dystrobrevin-1 (84 kD), and COOH-terminal truncated α-dystrobrevin-2 (65 kD). Using isoform-specific antibodies, we find that α-dystrobrevin-2 is localized on the sarcolemma and at the neuromuscular synapse, where, like dystrophin, it is most concentrated in the depths of the postjunctional folds. α-Dystrobrevin-2 preferentially copurifies with dystrophin from muscle extracts. In contrast, α-dystrobrevin-1 is more highly restricted to the synapse, like the dystrophin homologue utrophin, and preferentially copurifies with utrophin. In yeast two-hybrid experiments and coimmunoprecipitation of in vitro–translated proteins, α-dystrobrevin-2 binds dystrophin, whereas α-dystrobrevin-1 binds both dystrophin and utrophin. α-Dystrobrevin-2 was lost from the nonsynaptic sarcolemma of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, but was retained on the perisynaptic sarcolemma even in mice lacking both utrophin and dystrophin. In contrast, α-dystrobrevin-1 remained synaptically localized in mdx and utrophin-negative muscle, but was absent in double mutants. Thus, the distinct distributions of α-dystrobrevin-1 and -2 can be partly explained by specific associations with utrophin and dystrophin, but other factors are also involved. These results show that alternative splicing confers distinct properties of association on the α-dystrobrevins.
Cre-loxP–mediated Inactivation of the α6A Integrin Splice Variant In Vivo: Evidence for a Specific Functional Role of α6A in Lymphocyte Migration but Not in Heart Development
Authors: Gimond Clotilde , Baudoin Christian , van der Neut Ronald , Kramer Duco , Calafat Jero , Sonnenberg Arnoud
Published: July 2002

Two splice variants of the α6 integrin subunit, α6A and α6B, with different cytoplasmic domains, have previously been described. While α6B is expressed throughout the development of the mouse, the expression of α6A begins at 8.5 days post coitum and is initially restricted to the myocardium. Later in ontogeny, α6A is found in various epithelia and in certain cells of the immune system. In this study, we have investigated the function of α6A in vivo by generating knockout mice deficient for this splice variant. The Cre- loxP system of the bacteriophage P1 was used to specifically remove the exon encoding the cytoplasmic domain of α6A in embryonic stem cells, and the deletion resulted in the expression of α6B in all tissues that normally express α6A. We show that α6A−/− mice develop normally and are fertile. The substitution of α6A by α6B does not impair the development and function of the heart, hemidesmosome formation in the epidermis, or keratinocyte migration. Furthermore, T cells differentiated normally in α6A−/− mice. However, the substitution of α6A by α6B leads to a decrease in the migration of lymphocytes through laminin-coated Transwell filters and to a reduction of the number of T cells isolated from the peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymphocyte homing to the lymph nodes, which involves various types of integrin–ligand interactions, was not affected in the α6A knockout mice, indicating that the reduced number of lymph node cells could not be directly attributed to defects in lymphocyte trafficking. Nevertheless, the expression of α6A might be necessary for optimal lymphocyte migration on laminin in certain pathological conditions.
In Vivo, Villin Is Required for Ca2+-Dependent F-Actin Disruption in Intestinal Brush Borders
Authors: Ferrary Evelyne , Cohen-Tannoudji Michel , Pehau-Arnaudet Gérard , Lapillonne Alexandre , Athman Rafika , Ruiz Tereza , Boulouha Lilia , El Marjou Fatima , Doye Anne , Fontaine Jean-Jacques , Antony Claude , Babinet Charles , Louvard Daniel , Jaisser Frédéric , Robine Sylvie
Published: July 2002

Villin is an actin-binding protein localized in intestinal and kidney brush borders. In vitro, villin has been demonstrated to bundle and sever F-actin in a Ca2+-dependent manner. We generated knockout mice to study the role of villin in vivo. In villin-null mice, no noticeable changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the microvilli or in the localization and expression of the actin-binding and membrane proteins of the intestine. Interestingly, the response to elevated intracellular Ca2+ differed significantly between mutant and normal mice. In wild-type animals, isolated brush borders were disrupted by the addition of Ca2+, whereas Ca2+ had no effect in villin-null isolates. Moreover, increase in intracellular Ca2+ by serosal carbachol or mucosal Ca2+ ionophore A23187 application abolished the F-actin labeling only in the brush border of wild-type animals. This F-actin disruption was also observed in physiological fasting/refeeding experiments. Oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium, an agent that causes colonic epithelial injury, induced large mucosal lesions resulting in a higher death probability in mice lacking villin, 36 ± 9.6%, compared with wild-type mice, 70 ± 8.8%, at day 13. These results suggest that in vivo, villin is not necessary for the bundling of F-actin microfilaments, whereas it is necessary for the reorganization elicited by various signals. We postulate that this property might be involved in cellular plasticity related to cell injury.
Pro-Apoptotic Apoptosis Protease–Activating Factor 1 (Apaf-1) Has a Cytoplasmic Localization Distinct from Bcl-2 or Bcl-XL
Authors: Hausmann George , O'Reilly Lorraine A. , van Driel Rosemary , Beaumont Jennifer G. , Strasser Andreas , Adams Jerry M. , Huang David C.S.
Published: July 2002

How Bcl-2 and its pro-survival relatives prevent activation of the caspases that mediate apoptosis is unknown, but they appear to act through the caspase activator apoptosis protease–activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). According to the apoptosome model, the Bcl-2–like proteins preclude Apaf-1 activity by sequestering the protein. To explore Apaf-1 function and to test this model, we generated monoclonal antibodies to Apaf-1 and used them to determine its localization within diverse cells by subcellular fractionation and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Whereas Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were prominent on organelle membranes, endogenous Apaf-1 was cytosolic and did not colocalize with them, even when these pro-survival proteins were overexpressed or after apoptosis was induced. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed that Apaf-1 was dispersed in the cytoplasm and not on mitochondria or other organelles. After the death stimuli, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL precluded the release of the Apaf-1 cofactor cytochrome c from mitochondria and the formation of larger Apaf-1 complexes, which are steps that presage apoptosis. However, neither Bcl-2 nor Bcl-xL could prevent the in vitro activation of Apaf-1 induced by the addition of exogenous cytochrome c. Hence, rather than sequestering Apaf-1 as proposed by the apoptosome model, Bcl-2–like proteins probably regulate Apaf-1 indirectly by controlling upstream events critical for its activation.
Spatial Sensing in Fibroblasts Mediated by 3′ Phosphoinositides
Authors: Haugh Jason M. , Codazzi Franca , Teruel Mary , Meyer Tobias
Published: July 2002

The directed movement of fibroblasts towards locally released platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a critical event in wound healing. Although recent studies have implicated polarized activation of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase in G protein-mediated chemotaxis, the role of 3′ PI lipids in tyrosine kinase-triggered chemotaxis is not well understood. Using evanescent wave microscopy and green fluorescent protein–tagged Akt pleckstrin homology domain (GFP–AktPH) as a molecular sensor, we show that application of a shallow PDGF gradient triggers a markedly steeper gradient in 3′ PI lipids in the adhesion zone of fibroblasts. Polar GFP–AktPH gradients, as well as a new type of radial gradient, were measured from front to rear and from the periphery to the center of the adhesion zone, respectively. A strong spatial correlation between polarized 3′ PI production and rapid membrane spreading implicates 3′ PI lipids as a direct mediator of polarized migration. Analysis of the temporal changes of 3′ PI gradients in the adhesion zone revealed a fast diffusion coefficient (0.5 μm2/s) and short lifetime of 3′ PIs of <1 min. Together, this study suggests that the tyrosine kinase-coupled directional movement of fibroblasts and their radial membrane activity are controlled by local generation and rapid degradation of 3′ PI second messengers.
Conversion of Zonulae Occludentes from Tight to Leaky Strand Type by Introducing Claudin-2 into Madin-Darby Canine Kidney I Cells
Authors: Furuse Mikio , Furuse Kyoko , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Tsukita Shoichiro
Published: July 2002

There are two strains of MDCK cells, MDCK I and II. MDCK I cells show much higher transepithelial electric resistance (TER) than MDCK II cells, although they bear similar numbers of tight junction (TJ) strands. We examined the expression pattern of claudins, the major components of TJ strands, in these cells: claudin-1 and -4 were expressed both in MDCK I and II cells, whereas the expression of claudin-2 was restricted to MDCK II cells. The dog claudin-2 cDNA was then introduced into MDCK I cells to mimic the claudin expression pattern of MDCK II cells. Interestingly, the TER values of MDCK I clones stably expressing claudin-2 (dCL2-MDCK I) fell to the levels of MDCK II cells (>20-fold decrease). In contrast, when dog claudin-3 was introduced into MDCK I cells, no change was detected in their TER. Similar results were obtained in mouse epithelial cells, Eph4. Morphometric analyses identified no significant differences in the density of TJs or in the number of TJ strands between dCL2-MDCK I and control MDCK I cells. These findings indicated that the addition of claudin-2 markedly decreased the tightness of individual claudin-1/4–based TJ strands, leading to the speculation that the combination and mixing ratios of claudin species determine the barrier properties of individual TJ strands.
Activation of retinoblastoma protein in mammary gland leads to ductal growth suppression, precocious differentiation, and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Zacksenhaus Eldad
Published: July 2002

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor controls cellular proliferation, survival, and differentiation and is functionally inactivated by mutations or hyperphosphorylation in most human cancers. Although activation of endogenous Rb is thought to provide an effective approach to suppress cell proliferation, long-term inhibition of apoptosis by active Rb may have detrimental consequences in vivo. To directly test these paradigms, we targeted phosphorylation-resistant constitutively active Rb alleles, RbΔKs, to the mouse mammary gland. Pubescent transgenic females displayed reduced ductal elongation and cell proliferation at the endbuds. Postpuberty transgenic mice exhibited precocious cellular differentiation and β-casein expression and extended survival of the mammary epithelium with a moderate but specific effect on the expression of E2F1, IGF1Rα, and phospho–protein kinase B/AKT. Remarkably, ∼30% RbΔK transgenic females developed focal hyperplastic nodules, and ∼7% exhibited full-blown mammary adenocarcinomas within 15 mo. Expression of the RbΔK transgene in these mammary tumors was reduced greatly. Our results suggest that transient activation of Rb induces cancer by extending cell survival and that the dual effects of Rb on cell proliferation and apoptosis impose an inherent caveat to the use of the Rb pathway for long-term cancer therapy.
Direct interaction of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor with leukemia-associated RhoGEF
Authors: Taya Shinichiro , Inagaki Naoyuki , Sengiku Hiroaki , Makino Hiroshi , Iwamatsu Akihiro , Urakawa Itaru , Nagao Kenji , Kataoka Shiro , Kaibuchi Kozo
Published: July 2002

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 plays crucial roles in growth control and rearrangements of the cytoskeleton. IGF-1 binds to the IGF-1 receptor and thereby induces the autophosphorylation of this receptor at its tyrosine residues. The phosphorylation of the IGF-1 receptor is thought to initiate a cascade of events. Although various signaling molecules have been identified, they appear to interact with the tyrosine-phosphorylated IGF-1 receptor. Here, we identified leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) (LARG), which contains the PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ), regulator of G protein signaling (RGS), Dbl homology, and pleckstrin homology domains, as a nonphosphorylated IGF-1 receptor-interacting molecule. LARG formed a complex with the IGF-1 receptor in vivo, and the PDZ domain of LARG interacted directly with the COOH-terminal domain of IGF-1 receptor in vitro. LARG had an exchange activity for Rho in vitro and induced the formation of stress fibers in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. When MDCKII epithelial cells were treated with IGF-1, Rho and its effector Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase) were activated and actin stress fibers were enhanced. Furthermore, the IGF-1–induced Rho-kinase activation and the enhancement of stress fibers were inhibited by ectopic expression of the PDZ and RGS domains of LARG. Taken together, these results indicate that IGF-1 activates the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway via a LARG/IGF-1 receptor complex and thereby regulates cytoskeletal rearrangements.
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I Gene Expression in Single Neurons of the Central Nervous System: Differential Regulation by Interferon (IFN)-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α
Authors: Neumann H. , Schmidt H. , Cavalié A. , Jenne D. , Wekerle H.
Published: July 2002

This study examined the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on the induction of MHC class I–related genes in functionally mature brain neurons derived from cultures of dissociated rat hippocampal tissue. Patch clamp electrophysiology combined with single cell RT-PCR demonstrated that ∼50% of the untreated neurons contained mRNA for MHC class I heavy chains, while, with few exceptions, the cells failed to transcribe β2-microglobulin and TAP1/TAP2 gene transcripts. No constitutive expression of MHC class I protein was detectable by confocal laser microscopy on the surface of neurons.

All neurons transcribed the α-chain of the interferon-type II receptor (binding IFN-γ) along with the p55 receptor for TNF-α. Sustained exposure to IFN-γ resulted in transcription of β2microglobulin and TAP1/TAP2 genes and MHC class I surface expression in a minor part of the neurons, but did not alter their electrophysiological activities as assessed by whole cell electrophysiology. Suppression of neuronal electric activity by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin drastically increased to almost 100% IFN-γ-mediated induction of MHC class I chains, of both TAP transporters, and of membrane expression of MHC class I protein. The effect of tetrodotoxin is at least partly reverted by the neurotransmitter glutamate.

In contrast to IFN-γ, treatment with TNF-α did neither upregulate TAP1/TAP2 nor β2microglobulin gene expression, but induced MHC class I heavy chain gene transcription in all neurons. Consequently, no MHC class I molecules were detectable on the membranes of TNF-α-treated neurons.
Cytokine Response Modifier A (CrmA) Inhibits Ceramide Formation in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α: CrmA and Bcl-2 Target Distinct Components in the Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Dbaibo Ghassan S. , Perry David K. , Gamard Chris J. , Platt Rheanna , Poirier Guy G. , Obeid Lina M. , Hannun Yusuf A.
Published: July 2002

Proteases are now firmly established as major regulators of the “execution” phase of apoptosis. Here, we examine the role of proteases and their relationship to ceramide, a proposed mediator of apoptosis, in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)–induced pathway of cell death. Ceramide induced activation of prICE, the protease that cleaves the death substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Bcl-2 inhibited ceramide-induced death, but not ceramide generation. In contrast, Cytokine response modifier A (CrmA), a potent inhibitor of Interleukin-1β converting enzyme and related proteases, inhibited ceramide generation and prevented TNF-α–induced death. Exogenous ceramide could overcome the CrmA block to cell death, but not the Bcl-2 block. CrmA, however, did not inhibit the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by TNF-α, demonstrating that other signaling functions of TNF-α remain intact and that ceramide does not play a role in the activation of NF-κB. These studies support a distinct role for proteases in the signaling/activation phase of apoptosis acting upstream of ceramide formation.
Local Delivery of Interleukin 4 by Retrovirus-Transduced T Lymphocytes Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Shaw Michael K. , Lorens James B. , Dhawan Archana , DalCanto Richard , Tse Harley Y. , Tran Alyssa B. , Bonpane Colleen , Eswaran Shanti L. , Brocke Stefan , Sarvetnick Nora , Steinman Lawrence , Nolan Garry P. , Fathman C. Garrison
Published: July 2002

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system which serves as a model for the human disease multiple sclerosis. We demonstrate here that encephalitogenic T cells, transduced with a retroviral gene, construct to express interleukin 4, and can delay the onset and reduce the severity of EAE when adoptively transferred to myelin basic protein–immunized mice. Thus, T lymphocytes transduced with retroviral vectors can deliver “regulatory cytokines” in a site-specific manner and may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
In Vitro– and Ex Vivo–derived Cytolytic Leukocytes from Granzyme A × B Double Knockout Mice Are Defective in Granule-mediated Apoptosis but not Lysis of Target Cells
Authors: Simon Markus M. , Hausmann Michael , Tran Thao , Ebnet Klaus , Tschopp Jürg , ThaHla Ron , Müllbacher Arno
Published: July 2002

Granzyme (gzm) A and gzmB have been implicated in Fas-independent nucleolytic and cytolytic processes exerted by cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains unclear. In this study, we compare the potential of Tc and natural killer (NK) cells of mice deficient in both gzmA and B (gzmA×B−/−) with those from single knockout mice deficient in gzmA (−/−), gzmB (−/−), or perforin (−/−) to induce nuclear damage and lysis in target cells. With the exception of perforin−/−, all in vitro– and ex vivo–derived Tc and NK cell populations from the mutant strains induced 51Cr-release in target cells at levels and with kinetics similar to those of normal mice. This contrasts with their capacity to induce apoptotic nuclear damage in target cells. In gzmA×B−/− mice, Tc/NK-mediated target cell DNA fragmentation was not observed, even after extended incubation periods (10 h), but was normal in gzmA-deficient and only impaired in gzmB-deficient mice in short-term (2–4 h), but not long-term (4–10 h), nucleolytic assays. This suggests that gzmA and B are critical for Tc/NK granule– mediated nucleolysis, with gzmB being the main contributor, while target cell lysis is due solely to perforin and independent of both proteases.
Assembly and Regulation of the CD40 Receptor Complex in Human B Cells
Authors: Kuhné Michelle R. , Robbins Michael , Hambor John E. , Mackey Matthew F. , Kosaka Yoko , Nishimura Toshihide , Gigley Jason P. , Noelle Randolph J. , Calderhead David M.
Published: July 2002

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Studies with human B cells show that the binding of CD154 (gp39, CD40L) to CD40 recruits TNF receptor– associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and TRAF3 to the receptor complex, induces the downregulation of the nonreceptor-associated TRAFs in the cell and induces an increased expression of Fas on the cell surface. Combined signaling through the interluekin 4 receptor and CD40 induces an increased expression of Fas with a commensurate increase in the level of TRAF2, but not TRAF3, that is recruited to the receptor complex. In contrast, engagement of the membrane immunoglobulin and CD40 limits Fas upregulation and reduces the recruitment of TRAF2, relative to TRAF3, to the CD40 receptor complex. These studies show that the TRAF composition of the CD40 receptor complex can be altered by signals that influence B cell differentiation.
Quantitative Analysis Reveals Expansion of Human Hematopoietic Repopulating Cells After Short-term Ex Vivo Culture
Authors: Bhatia Mickie , Bonnet Dominique , Kapp Ursula , Wang Jean C.Y. , Murdoch Barbara , Dick John E.
Published: July 2002

Ex vivo culture of human hematopoietic cells is a crucial component of many therapeutic applications. Although current culture conditions have been optimized using quantitative in vitro progenitor assays, knowledge of the conditions that permit maintenance of primitive human repopulating cells is lacking. We report that primitive human cells capable of repopulating nonobese diabetic (NOD)/severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice (SCID-repopulating cells; SRC) can be maintained and/or modestly increased after culture of CD34+CD38− cord blood cells in serum-free conditions. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a 4- and 10-fold increase in the number of CD34+CD38− cells and colony-forming cells, respectively, as well as a 2- to 4-fold increase in SRC after 4 d of culture. However, after 9 d of culture, all SRC were lost, despite further increases in total cells, CFC content, and CD34+ cells. These studies indicate that caution must be exercised in extending the duration of ex vivo cultures used for transplantation, and demonstrate the importance of the SRC assay in the development of culture conditions that support primitive cells.
Identification of Human Neutrophil-derived Cathepsin G and Azurocidin/CAP37 as Chemoattractants for Mononuclear Cells and Neutrophils
Authors: Chertov Oleg , Ueda Hirotsugu , Xu Luo Ling , Tani Kenji , Murphy William J. , Wang Ji Ming , Howard O.M. Zack , Sayers Thomas J. , Oppenheim Joost J.
Published: July 2002

Macrophage infiltration into inflammatory sites is generally preceded by neutrophils. This suggests neutrophils may be the source of chemotactic factors for monocytes. To identify these putative monocyte attractants, we have systematically prepared neutrophil granules, lysed them, and sequentially purified the released proteins by several reverse phase chromatography procedures. Assays for monocyte chemotactic activity of the chromatography fractions yielded a major peak of activity associated with a protein of 30 kD, according to SDS-PAGE analysis. NH2-terminal sequence of the protein revealed this to be identical to cathepsin G. The monocyte chemotactic activity of human cathepsin G was dose dependent with optimal concentration at 0.5–1 μg/ml. Cathepsin G is chemotactic rather than chemokinetic for monocytes, as demonstrated by checkerboard analysis. Cathepsin G–induced monocyte chemotaxis is partially pertussis toxin sensitive implying the involvement of a G protein–coupled receptor. Enzymatic activity of cathepsin G is associated with its monocyte chemotactic activity, since DFP- or PMSF-inactivated cathepsin G no longer induced monocyte migration. The chemotactic activity of cathepsin G can also be completely blocked by α1 antichymotrypsin, a specific inhibitor of chymotrypsin-like proteinases present in human plasma. In addition, cathepsin G is also a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and a chemokinetic stimulant for T cells. In the course of pursuing these in vitro studies, we established that the T cell chemoattractant, azurocidin/CAP37 from human neutrophil granules, at doses of 0.05 to 5 μg/ml, was chemotactic for monocytes and neutrophils. As predicted from the in vitro chemotactic activity, subcutaneous injection of cathepsin G into BALB/c mice led to infiltration of both mononuclear cells and neutrophils. Thus, the transition of inflammatory exudate from neutrophil to mononuclear cells can be mediated, at least in part, by extracellular release of neutrophil granule proteins such as cathepsin G and azurocidin/CAP37.
Factors Secreted by Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I)–infected Cells Can Enhance or Inhibit Replication of HIV-1 in HTLV-I–uninfected Cells: Implications for In Vivo Coinfection with HTLV-I and HIV-1
Authors: Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Moriuchi Masako , Fauci Anthony S.
Published: July 2002

It remains controversial whether human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) coinfection leads to more rapid progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in dually infected individuals. To investigate whether HTLV-I infection of certain cells can modulate HIV-1 infection of surrounding cells, primary CD4+ T cells were treated with cell-free supernatants from HTLV-I–infected MT-2 cell cultures. The primary CD4+ T cells became resistant to macrophage (M)-tropic HIV-1 but highly susceptible to T cell (T)-tropic HIV-1. The CC chemokines RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, and MIP-1β in the MT-2 cell supernatants were identified as the major suppressive factors for M-tropic HIV-1 as well as the enhancers of T-tropic HIV-1 infection, whereas soluble Tax protein increased susceptibility to both M- and T-tropic HIV-1. The effect of Tax or CC chemokines on T-tropic HIV-1 was mediated, at least in part, by increasing HIV Env-mediated fusogenicity. Our data suggest that the net effect of HTLV-I coinfection in HIV-infected individuals favors the transition from M- to T-tropic HIV phenotype, which is generally indicative of progressive HIV disease.
Spontaneous Development of Plasmacytoid Tumors in Mice with Defective Fas–Fas Ligand Interactions
Authors: Davidson Wendy F. , Giese Thomas , Fredrickson Torgny N.
Published: July 2002

B cell malignancies arise with increased frequency in aging individuals and in patients with genetic or acquired immunodeficiency (e.g., AIDS) or autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms of lymphomagenesis in these individuals are poorly understood. In this report we investigated the possibility that mutations at the Fas (lpr) and Fasl (gld) loci, which prevent Fas-mediated apoptosis and cause an early onset benign lymphoid hyperplasia and autoimmunity, also predispose mice to malignant lymphomas later in life. Up to 6 mo of age, hyperplasia in lpr and gld mice results from the predominant accumulation of polyclonal T cell subsets and smaller numbers of polyclonal B cells and plasma cells. Here, we examined C3H-lpr, C3H-gld, and BALB-gld mice 6–15 mo of age for the emergence of clonal T and B cell populations and found that a significant proportion of aging mice exclusively developed B cell malignancies with many of the hallmarks of immunodeficiency-associated B lymphomas. By 1 yr of age, ∼60% of BALB-gld and 30% of C3H-gld mice had monoclonal B cell populations that grew and metastasized in scid recipients but in most cases were rejected by immunocompetent mice. The tumors developed in a milieu greatly enriched for plasma cells, CD23− B cells and immunodeficient memory T cells and variably depleted of B220+ DN T cells. Growth factor–independent cell lines were established from five of the tumors. The majority of the tumors were CD23− and IgH isotype switched and a high proportion was CD5+ and dull Mac-1+. Considering their Ig secretion and morphology in vivo, most tumors were classified as malignant plasmacytoid lymphomas. The delayed development of the gld tumors indicated that genetic defects in addition to the Fas/Fasl mutations were necessary for malignant transformation. Interestingly, none of the tumors showed changes in the genomic organization of c-Myc but many had one or more somatically-acquired MuLV proviral integrations that were transmitted in scid passages and cell lines. Therefore, insertional mutagenesis may be a mechanism for transformation in gld B cells. Our panel of in vivo passaged and in vitro adapted gld lymphomas will be a valuable tool for the future identification of genetic abnormalities associated with B cell transformation in aging and autoimmune mice.
Novel Aspects of Degradation of T Cell Receptor Subunits from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) in T Cells: Importance of Oligosaccharide Processing, Ubiquitination, and Proteasome-dependent Removal from ER Membranes
Authors: Yang Mei , Omura Satoshi , Bonifacino Juan S. , Weissman Allan M.
Published: July 2002

Expression of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) on the surface of thymocytes and mature T cells is dependent on the assembly of receptor subunits into TCRs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their successful traversal of the secretory pathway to the plasma membrane. TCR subunits that fail to exit the ER for the Golgi complex are degraded by nonlysosomal processes that have been referred to as “ER degradation”. The molecular basis for the loss of the TCR CD3-δ and TCR-α subunits from the ER was investigated in lymphocytes. For CD3-δ, we describe a process leading to its degradation that includes trimming of mannose residues from asparagine-linked (N-linked) oligosaccharides, generation of ubiquitinated membrane-bound intermediates, and proteasome-dependent removal from the ER membrane. When either mannosidase activity or the catalytic activity of proteasomes was inhibited, loss of CD3-δ was markedly curtailed and CD3-δ remained membrane bound in a complex with CD3-ε. TCR-α was also found to be degraded in a proteasome-dependent manner with ubiquitinated intermediates. However, no evidence of a role for mannosidases was found for TCR-α, and significant retrograde movement through the ER membrane took place even when proteasome function was inhibited. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms employed to regulate levels of TCRs, and underscore that cells use multiple mechanisms to target proteins from the ER to the cytosol for degradation.
A Critical Role of Natural Immunoglobulin M in Immediate Defense Against Systemic Bacterial Infection
Authors: Boes Marianne , Prodeus Andrey P. , Schmidt Tara , Carroll Michael C. , Chen Jianzhu
Published: July 2002

To evaluate the role of natural immunoglobulin (Ig)M in the immediate response against microbial infection, we tested mutant mice that are deficient in secreted (s)IgM in an acute peritonitis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). 20% of wild-type mice died within 32 h of CLP, whereas 70% of sIgM-deficient mice died within the same time period. The increased susceptibility was associated with a reduced level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a decreased neutrophil recruitment and an increased bacterial load in the peritoneum, and elevated levels of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Resistance to CLP by sIgM-deficient mice was restored by reconstitution with polyclonal IgM from normal mouse serum. Reconstitution with a monoclonal IgM specific to phosphatidylcholine, a conserved cell membrane component, has a modest effect but a monoclonal IgM specific to phosphocholine is not protective. These findings demonstrate a critical role of natural IgM in the immediate defense against severe bacterial infection.
Thioredoxin, a Redox Enzyme Released in Infection and Inflammation, Is a Unique Chemoattractant for Neutrophils, Monocytes, and T Cells
Authors: Bertini Riccardo , Zack Howard O.M. , Dong Hui-Fang , Oppenheim Joost J. , Bizzarri Cinzia , Sergi Rita , Caselli Gianfranco , Pagliei Sabrina , Romines Brie , Wilshire Jennifer A. , Mengozzi Manuela , Nakamura Hajime , Yodoi Junji , Pekkari Klas , Gurunath Ramanathan , Holmgren Arne , Herzenberg Leonore A. , Herzenberg Leonard A. , Ghezzi Pietro
Published: July 2002

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a ubiquitous intracellular protein disulfide oxidoreductase with a CXXC active site that can be released by various cell types upon activation. We show here that Trx is chemotactic for monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and T lymphocytes, both in vitro in the standard micro Boyden chamber migration assay and in vivo in the mouse air pouch model. The potency of the chemotactic action of Trx for all leukocyte populations is in the nanomolar range, comparable with that of known chemokines. However, Trx does not increase intracellular Ca2+ and its activity is not inhibited by pertussis toxin. Thus, the chemotactic action of Trx differs from that of known chemokines in that it is G protein independent. Mutation of the active site cysteines resulted in loss of chemotactic activity, suggesting that the latter is mediated by the enzyme activity of Trx. Trx also accounted for part of the chemotactic activity released by human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1–infected cells, which was inhibited by incubation with anti-Trx antibody. Since Trx production is induced by oxidants, it represents a link between oxidative stress and inflammation that is of particular interest because circulating Trx levels are elevated in inflammatory diseases and HIV infection.
Recruitment and Activation of Natural Killer (Nk) Cells in Vivo Determined by the Target Cell Phenotype
Authors: Glas Rickard , Franksson Lars , Une Clas , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Öhlén Claes , Örn Anders , Kärre Klas
Published: July 2002

Natural killer (NK) cells can spontaneously lyse certain virally infected and transformed cells. However, early in immune responses NK cells are further activated and recruited to tissue sites where they perform effector functions. This process is dependent on cytokines, but it is unclear if it is regulated by NK cell recognition of susceptible target cells. We show here that infiltration of activated NK cells into the peritoneal cavity in response to tumor cells is controlled by the tumor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I phenotype. Tumor cells lacking appropriate MHC class I expression induced NK cell infiltration, cytotoxic activation, and induction of transcription of interferon γ in NK cells. The induction of these responses was inhibited by restoration of tumor cell MHC class I expression. The NK cells responding to MHC class I–deficient tumor cells were ∼10 times as active as endogenous NK cells on a per cell basis. Although these effector cells showed a typical NK specificity in that they preferentially killed MHC class I–deficient cells, this specificity was even more distinct during induction of the intraperitoneal response. Observations are discussed in relation to a possible adaptive component of the NK response, i.e., recruitment/activation in response to challenges that only NK cells are able to neutralize.
Infectious Agents Are Not Necessary for Murine Atherogenesis
Authors: Wright Samuel D. , Burton Charlotte , Hernandez Melba , Hassing Heide , Montenegro Judy , Mundt Steve , Patel Sushma , Card Deborah J. , Hermanowski-Vosatka Anne , Bergstrom James D. , Sparrow Carl P. , Detmers Patricia A. , Chao Yu-Sheng
Published: July 2002

Recent work has revealed correlations between bacterial or viral infections and atherosclerotic disease. One particular bacterium, Chlamydia pneumoniae, has been observed at high frequency in human atherosclerotic lesions, prompting the hypothesis that infectious agents may be necessary for the initiation or progression of atherosclerosis. To determine if responses to gram-negative bacteria are necessary for atherogenesis, we first bred atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein (apo) E−/− (deficient) mice with animals incapable of responding to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Atherogenesis was unaffected in doubly deficient animals. We further tested the role of infectious agents by creating a colony of germ-free apo E−/− mice. These animals are free of all microbial agents (bacterial, viral, and fungal). Atherosclerosis in germ-free animals was not measurably different from that in animals raised with ambient levels of microbial challenge. These studies show that infection is not necessary for murine atherosclerosis and that, unlike peptic ulcer, Koch's postulates cannot be fulfilled for any infectious agent in atherosclerosis.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (Stat)-Induced Stat Inhibitor 1 (Ssi-1)/Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (Socs1) Inhibits Insulin Signal Transduction Pathway through Modulating Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (Irs-1) Phosphorylation
Authors: Kawazoe Yoshinori , Naka Tetsuji , Fujimoto Minoru , Kohzaki Hidetsugu , Morita Yoshiaki , Narazaki Masashi , Okumura Kohichi , Saitoh Hiroshi , Nakagawa Reiko , Uchiyama Yasuo , Akira Shizuo , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: July 2002

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-induced STAT inhibitor 1 (SSI-1) is known to function as a negative feedback regulator of cytokine signaling, but it is unclear whether it is involved in other biological events. Here, we show that SSI-1 participates and plays an important role in the insulin signal transduction pathway. SSI-1–deficient mice showed a significantly low level of blood sugar. While the forced expression of SSI-1 reduced the phosphorylation level of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), SSI-1 deficiency resulted in sustained phosphorylation of IRS-1 in response to insulin. Furthermore, SSI-1 achieves this inhibition both by binding directly to IRS-1 and by suppressing Janus kinases. These findings suggest that SSI-1 acts as a negative feedback factor also in the insulin signal transduction pathway through the suppression of IRS-1 phosphorylation.