bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases on the Agonist-Induced Phosphorylation and Internalization of the Follitropin Receptor
Authors: Lazari Maria de Fatima M. , Liu Xuebo , Nakamura Kazuto , Benovic Jeffrey L. , Ascoli Mario 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe experiments presented herein were designed to identify members of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family that participate in the agonist-induced phosphorylation and internalization of the rat FSH receptor (rFSHR). Western blots of human kidney 293 cells (the cell line used in transfection experiments) and MSC-1 cells (a cell line derived from Sertoli cells that displays many of the differentiated functions of their normal counterparts) reveal the presence of GRK2 and GRK6 in both cell lines as well as GRK4 in MSC-1 cells. Cotransfection of 293 cells with the rFSHR and GRK2, GRK4α, or GRK6 resulted in an increase in the agonist-induced phosphorylation of the rFSHR. Cotransfections of the rFSHR with GRKs or arrestin-3 enhanced the agonist-induced internalization of the rFHSR, and combinations of GRKs and arrestin-3 were more effective than the individual components. To characterize the involvement of endogenous GRKs on phosphorylation and internalization, we inhibited endogenous GRK2 by overexpression of a kinase-deficient mutant of GRK2 or Gαt, a scavenger of Gβγ. We also inhibited endogenous GRK6 by overexpression of a kinase-deficient mutant of GKR6. All three constructs were effective inhibitors of phosphorylation, but only the kinase-deficient mutant of GRK2 and Gαt inhibited internalization. The inhibition of internalization induced by these two constructs was less pronounced than that induced by a dominant-negative mutant of the nonvisual arrrestins, however. The finding that inhibitors of GRK2 and GRK6 impair phosphorylation, but only the inhibitors of GRK2 impair internalization, suggests that different GRKs have differential effects on receptor internalization.
Transcriptional Activation of c-fos Protooncogene by 17β-Estradiol: Mechanism of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Inhibition
Authors: Duan Renqin , Porter Weston , Samudio Ismael , Vyhlidal Carrie , Kladde Michael , Safe Stephen 
Published: January 2014

Abstract17β-Estradiol (E2) induced c-fos protooncogene mRNA levels in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and maximal induction was observed within 1 h after treatment. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibited the E2-induced response within 2 h. The molecular mechanism of this response was further investigated using pFC2-CAT, a construct containing a −1400 to +41 sequence from the human c-fos protooncogene linked to a bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. In MCF-7 cells transiently transfected with pFC2-CAT, 10 nm E2 induced an 8.5-fold increase of CAT activity, and cotreatment with 10 nm TCDD decreased this response by more than 45%. α-Naphthoflavone, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist, blocked the inhibitory effects of TCDD; moreover, the inhibitory response was not observed in variant Ah-nonresponsive MCF-7 cells, suggesting that the AhR complex was required for estrogen receptor cross-talk. The E2-responsive sequence (−1220 to −1155) in the c-fos gene promoter contains two putative core pentanucleotide dioxin-responsive elements (DREs) at− 1206 to −1202 and −1163 to −1159. In transient transfection assays using wild-type and core DRE mutant constructs, the downstream core DRE (at −1163 to −1159) was identified as a functional inhibitory DRE. The results of photo-induced cross-linking, gel mobility shift, and in vitro DNA footprinting assays showed that the AhR complex interacted with the core DRE that also overlapped the E2-responsive GC-rich site (−1168 to −1161), suggesting that the mechanism for AhR-mediated inhibitory effects may be due to quenching or masking at the Sp1-binding site.
The Nematode Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing, G Protein-Coupled Receptor (LGR) Protein Homologous to Vertebrate Gonadotropin and Thyrotropin Receptors is Constitutively Activated in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Kudo Masataka , Chen Thomas , Nakabayashi Koji , Yu Hsu Sheau , Hsueh Aaron J. W. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe receptors for LH, FSH, and TSH belong to the large G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane (TM) protein family and are unique in having a large N-terminal extracellular (ecto-) domain containing leucine-rich repeats important for interactions with the large glycoprotein hormone ligands. Recent studies indicated the evolution of an expanding family of homologous leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs), including the three known glycoprotein hormone receptors; mammalian LGR4 and LGR5; and LGRs in sea anemone, fly, and snail. We isolated nematode LGR cDNA and characterized its gene from the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. This receptor cDNA encodes 929 amino acids consisting of a signal peptide for membrane insertion, an ectodomain with nine leucine-rich repeats, a seven-TM region, and a long C-terminal tail. The nematode LGR has five potential N-linked glycosylation sites in its ectodomain and multiple consensus phosphorylation sites for protein kinase A and C in the cytoplasmic loop and C tail. The nematode receptor gene has 13 exons; its TM region and C tail, unlike mammalian glycoprotein hormone receptors, are encoded by multiple exons. Sequence alignments showed that the TM region of the nematode receptor has 30% identity and 50% similarity to the same region in mammalian glycoprotein hormone receptors. Although human 293T cells expressing the nematode LGR protein do not respond to human glycoprotein hormones, these cells exhibited major increases in basal cAMP production in the absence of ligand stimulation, reaching levels comparable to those in cells expressing a constitutively activated mutant human LH receptor found in patients with familial male-limited precocious puberty. Analysis of cAMP production mediated by chimeric receptors further indicated that the ectodomain and TM region of the nematode LGR and human LH receptor are interchangeable and the TM region of the nematode LGR is responsible for constitutive receptor activation. Thus, the identification and characterization of the nematode receptor provides the basis for understanding the evolutionary relationship of diverse LGRs and for future analysis of mechanisms underlying the activation of glycoprotein hormone receptors and related LGRs.
Regulation of Myosin-Bound Protein Phosphatase by Insulin in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Evaluation of the Role of Rho Kinase and Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase-Dependent Signaling Pathways
Authors: Begum Najma , Duddy Noreen , Sandu Oana , Reinzie Jennifer , Ragolia Louis 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of myosin-bound protein phosphatase (MBP) regulation by insulin and evaluated the role of MBP in insulin-mediated vasorelaxation. Insulin rapidly stimulated MBP in confluent primary vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cultures. In contrast, VSMCs isolated from diabetic and hypertensive rats exhibited impaired MBP activation by insulin. Insulin-mediated MBP activation was accompanied by a rapid time-dependent reduction in the phosphorylation state of the myosin-bound regulatory subunit (MBS) of MBP. The decrease observed in MBS phosphorylation was due to insulin-induced inhibition of Rho kinase activity. Insulin also prevented a thrombin-mediated increase in Rho kinase activation and abolished the thrombin-induced increase in MBS phosphorylation and MBP inactivation. These data are consistent with the notion that insulin inactivates Rho kinase and decreases MBS phosphorylation to activate MBP in VSMCs. Furthermore, treatment with synthetic inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3kinase), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) all blocked insulin’s effect on MBP activation. We conclude that insulin stimulates MBP via its regulatory subunit, MBS partly by inactivating Rho kinase and stimulating NO/cGMP signaling via PI3-kinase as part of a complex signaling network that controls 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation and VSMC contraction.
Persistent Changes in Gene Expression Induced by Estrogen and Progesterone in the Rat Mammary Gland
Authors: Ginger Melanie R. , Gonzalez-Rimbau Maria F. , Gay Jason P. , Rosen Jeffrey M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEpidemiological studies have consistently shown that an early full-term pregnancy is protective against breast cancer. We hypothesize that the hormonal milieu that is present during pregnancy results in persistent changes in the pattern of gene expression in the mammary gland, leading to permanent changes in cell fate that determine the subsequent proliferative response of the gland. To investigate this hypothesis, we have used suppression subtractive hybridization to identify genes that are persistently up-regulated in the glands of E- and progesterone (P)-treated Wistar-Furth rats 28 d after steroid hormone treatment compared with age-matched virgins. Using this approach, a number of genes displaying persistent altered expression in response to previous treatment with E and P were identified. Two markers have been characterized in greater detail: RbAp46 and a novel gene that specifies a noncoding RNA (designated G.B7). Both were persistently up-regulated in the lobules of the regressed gland and required previous treatment with both E and P for maximal persistent expression. RbAp46 has been implicated in a number of complexes involving chromatin remodeling, suggesting a mechanism whereby epigenetic factors responsible for persistent changes in gene expression may be related to the determination of cell fate. These results provide the first support at the molecular level for the hypothesis that hormone-induced persistent changes in gene expression are present in the involuted mammary gland.
TRs Have Common and Isoform-Specific Functions in Regulation of the Cardiac Myosin Heavy Chain Genes
Authors: Mansén Anethe , Yu Fushun , Forrest Douglas , Larsson Lars , Vennström Björn 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTRα1 and TRβ mediate the regulatory effects of T3 and have profound effects on the cardiovascular system. We have analyzed the expression of the cardiac myosin heavy chain (MyHC) genesα and β in mouse strains deficient for one or several TR genes to identify specific regulatory functions of TRα1 and TRβ. The results show that TRα1 deficiency, which slows the heart rate, causes chronic overexpression of MyHCβ. However, MyHCβ was still suppressible by T3 in both TRα1- and TRβ-deficient mice, indicating that either receptor can mediate repression of MyHCβ. T3-dependent induction of the positively regulated MyHCα gene was similar in both TRα1- and TRβ-deficient mice. The data identify a specific role for TRα1 in the negative regulation of MyHCβ, whereas TRα1 and TRβ appear interchangeable for hormone-dependent induction of MyHCα. This suggests that TR isoforms exhibit distinct specificities in the genes that they regulate within a given tissue type. Thus, dysregulation of MyHCβ is likely to contribute to the critical role of TRα1 in cardiac function.
Floppy SOX: Mutual Induced Fit in HMG (High-Mobility Group) Box-DNA Recognition
Authors: Weiss Michael A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe high-mobility group (HMG) box defines a DNA-bending motif of broad interest in relation to human development and disease. Major and minor wings of an L-shaped structure provide a template for DNA bending. As in the TATA-binding protein and a diverse family of factors, insertion of one or more side chains between base pairs induces a DNA kink. The HMG box binds in the DNA minor groove and may be specific for DNA sequence or distorted DNA architecture. Whereas the angular structures of non-sequence-specific domains are well ordered, free SRY and related autosomal SOX domains are in part disordered. Observations suggesting that the minor wing lacks a fixed tertiary structure motivate the hypothesis that DNA bending and stabilization of protein structure define a coupled process. We further propose that mutual induced fit in SOX-DNA recognition underlies the sequence dependence of DNA bending and enables the induction of promoter-specific architectures.
The Serine/Threonine Transmembrane Receptor ALK2 Mediates Müllerian Inhibiting Substance Signaling
Authors: Visser Jenny A. , Olaso Robert , Verhoef-Post Miriam , Kramer Piet , Themmen Axel P. N. , Ingraham Holly A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMüllerian inhibiting substance (MIS or anti-Müllerian hormone) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family and plays a pivotal role in proper male sexual differentiation. Members of this family signal by the assembly of two related serine/threonine kinase receptors, referred to as type I or type II receptors, and downstream cytoplasmic Smad effector proteins. Although the MIS type II receptor (MISRII) has been identified, the identity of the type I receptor is unclear. Here we report that MIS activates a bone morphogenetic protein-like signaling pathway, which is solely dependent on the presence of the MISRII and bioactive MIS ligand. Among the multiple type I candidates tested, only ALK2 resulted in significant enhancement of the MIS signaling response. Furthermore, dominant-negative and antisense strategies showed that ALK2 is essential for MIS-induced signaling in two independent assays, the cellular Tlx-2 reporter gene assay and the Müllerian duct regression organ culture assay. In contrast, ALK6, the other candidate MIS type I receptor, was not required. Expression analyses revealed that ALK2 is present in all MIS target tissues including the mesenchyme surrounding the epithelial Müllerian duct. Collectively, we conclude that MIS employs a bone morphogenetic protein-like signaling pathway and uses ALK2 as its type I receptor. The use of this ubiquitously expressed type I receptor underscores the role of the MIS ligand and the MIS type II receptor in establishing the specificity of the MIS signaling cascade.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Activation of the Rat PRL Promoter is Mediated by PKCδ
Authors: Jackson Twila A. , Schweppe Rebecca E. , Koterwas David M. , Bradford Andrew P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFibroblast growth factors play a critical role in cell growth, development, and differentiation and are also implicated in the formation and progression of tumors in a variety of tissues including pituitary. We have previously shown that fibroblast growth factor activation of the rat PRL promoter in GH4T2 pituitary tumor cells is mediated via MAP kinase in a Ras/Raf-1-independent manner. Herein we show using biochemical, molecular, and pharmacological approaches that PKCδ is a critical component of the fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway. PKC inhibitors, or down-regulation of PKC, rendered the rat PRL promoter refractory to subsequent stimulation by fibroblast growth factors, implying a role for PKC in fibroblast growth factor signal transduction. FGFs caused specific translocation of PKCδ from cytosolic to membrane fractions, consistent with enzyme activation. In contrast, other PKCs expressed in GH4T2 cells (α, βI, βII, andε ) did not translocate in response to fibroblast growth factors. The PKCδ subtype-selective inhibitor, rottlerin, or expression of a dominant negative PKCδ adenoviral construct also blocked fibroblast growth factor induction of rat PRL promoter activity, confirming a role for the novel PKCδ isoform. PKC inhibitors selective for the conventional α and β isoforms or dominant negative PKCα adenoviral expression constructs had no effect. Induction of the endogenous PRL gene was also blocked by adenoviral dominant negative PKCδ expression but not by an analogous dominant negative PKCα construct. Finally, rottlerin significantly attenuated FGF-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation. Together, these results indicate that MAP kinase-dependent fibroblast growth factor stimulation of the rat PRL promoter in pituitary cells is mediated by PKCδ.
Pituitary, Pancreatic and Gut Neuroendocrine Defects in Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase- Sigma-Deficient Mice
Authors: Batt Jane , Asa Sylvia , Fladd Chris , Rotin Daniela 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe expression of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ) is developmentally regulated in neuronal and neuroendocrine tissues. We have previously shown that mice deficient in PTPσ demonstrate nervous system abnormalities, pituitary hypoplasia, increased neonatal mortality (60%), and death from a wasting syndrome at 2–3 wk of age (38%). We have now examined the role of PTPσ on pituitary, pancreas and enteroendocrine cytodifferentiation, hormone production, and development. The adenohypophyses of PTPσ(−/−) mice were small and exhibited reduced GH and PRL immunoreactivity. Cells containing TSH, LH, FSH, ACTH, pituitary-specific POU homeodomain factor (Pit-1), ER, and steroidogenic factor 1 were found in normal proportions and distributions. The diminished expression of GH and PRL was not associated with apoptosis of somatotrophs or lactotrophs. Pit-1-positive TSH-negative cells were detected, suggesting that impaired GH and PRL synthesis was not attributable to Pit-1 deficiency. In the knockout mice, pancreatic islets were hypoplastic with reduced insulin immunoreactivity, and there was also variable expression of gut hormones. Functionally, the GH deficiency was associated with hypoglycemia and death in the PTPσ(−/−) neonate and accordingly, ip administration of GH rescued the PTPσ(−/−) neonate and normalized the blood glucose. These data indicate that PTPσ plays a major role in differentiation and development of the neuroendocrine system.
DNA Binding-Independent Induction of IκBα Gene Transcription by PPARα
Authors: Delerive Philippe , De Bosscher Karolien , Vanden Berghe Wim , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Haegeman Guy , Staels Bart 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
PPARs are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate energy homeostasis. In addition, PPARs furthermore control the inflammatory response by antagonizing the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. We recently demonstrated that PPARα activators increase IκBα mRNA and protein levels in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms by which PPARα controls IκBα expression. Using transient transfection assays, it is demonstrated that PPARα potentiates p65-stimulated IκBα transcription in a ligand-dependent manner. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that PPARα activation of IκBα transcription requires the NF-κB and Sp1 sites within IκBα promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that PPARα activation enhances the occupancy of the NF-κB response element in IκBα promoter in vivo. Overexpression of the oncoprotein E1A failed to inhibit PPARα-mediated IκBα promoter induction, suggesting that cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein/p300 is not involved in this mechanism. By contrast, a dominant-negative form of VDR-interacting protein 205 (DRIP205) comprising its two LXXLL motifs completely abolished PPARα ligand-mediated activation. Furthermore, cotransfection of increasing amounts of DRIP205 relieved this inhibition, suggesting that PPARα requires DRIP205 to regulate IκBα promoter activity. By contrast, DRIP205 is not involved in PPARα-mediated NF-κB transcriptional repression. Taken together, these data provide a molecular basis for PPARα-mediated induction of IκBα and demonstrate, for the first time, that PPARα may positively regulate gene transcription in the absence of functional PPAR response elements.
Identification of Two Novel ACTH-Responsive Genes Encoding Manganese-Dependent Superoxide Dismutase (SOD2) and the Zinc Finger Protein TIS11b [Tetradecanoyl Phorbol Acetate (TPA)-Inducible Sequence 11b]
Authors: Chinn Anna M. , Ciais Delphine , Bailly Sabine , Chambaz Edmond , LaMarre Jonathan , Feige Jean-Jacques 
Published: January 2014

AbstractACTH is the major trophic factor regulating and maintaining adrenocortical function, affecting such diverse processes as steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell survival. We used differential display RT-PCR to identify genes that are rapidly induced by ACTH in the bovine adrenal cortex. Of 42 PCR products differentially amplified from primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical cells treated with 10 nm ACTH, six identified mRNAs that were confirmed by Northern blot analysis to be induced by ACTH. Four of these amplicons encoded noninformative repetitive sequences. Of the other two sequenced amplicons, one encoded a partial sequence for mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD2), an enzyme that is likely to protect adrenocortical cells from the cytotoxic effects of radical oxygen species generated during steroid biosynthesis. The second was identified as TIS11b (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-inducible sequence 11b)/ERF-1/cMG, a member of the CCCH double-zinc finger protein family. SOD2 induction by ACTH was independent of extracellular steroid concentration or oxidative stress. SOD2 and TIS11b mRNA expressions were rapidly induced by ACTH, reaching a maximal level after 8 h and 3 h of treatment, respectively. These ACTH effects were mimicked by forskolin but appeared independent of cortisol secretion. Upon ACTH treatment, induction of TIS11b expression closely followed the previously characterized peak of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Transfection of a TIS11b expression plasmid into 3T3 fibroblasts induced a decrease in the expression of a reporter gene placed upstream of the VEGF 3′-untranslated region, indicating that TIS11b may be an important regulator of VEGF expression through interaction with its 3′-untranslated region.
Evolution of Glycoprotein Hormone Subunit Genes in Bilateral Metazoa: Identification of Two Novel Human Glycoprotein Hormone Subunit Family Genes, GPA2 and GPB5
Authors: Hsu Sheau Yu , Nakabayashi Koji , Bhalla Alka 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe canonical members of the human glycoprotein hormone subunit family of cystine knot-forming polypeptides include the common α-subunit, and four β-subunit genes, FSHβ, LHβ, TSHβ, and hCGβ. Using pairwise sequence analysis of the complete human genome, we have identified two novel glycoprotein hormone subunit-related genes. Based on unique sequence similarity to the α- and β-subunits of glycoprotein hormones, they were named glycoprotein-α2 (GPA2) and glycoprotein-β5 (GPB5), respectively. PCR analysis using a panel of human cDNAs from 14 different tissues demonstrated that GPB5 is similar to other β-subunits showing restricted tissue expression, mainly in pituitary and brain. In contrast, the GPA2 transcript is found in diverse tissues. Furthermore, immunoreactive GPA2 and GPB5 were detected in the anterior pituitary of mouse and frog, whereas the expression of GPA2 and GPB5 in transfected cells resulted in the secretion of recombinant polypeptides in conditioned medium. After GenBank searches in lower organisms, glycoprotein hormone β-subunit-related genes were identified from the genome of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, hookworm Ancylostoma caninum, and Drosophila melanogaster. The evolutionary conservation of these invertebrate homologs can be seen in several key sequence characteristics, and the data suggest that the glycoprotein hormone β-subunit gene ancestor evolved before the emergence of bilateral metazoa, thus providing a better understanding of the evolution of this group of classic polypeptide hormones and their receptors. Studies of the complete inventory of genes homologous to glycoprotein hormone subunits in the human genome and lower organisms will allow future functional characterization and identification of their respective receptors.