bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decrease of Bcl-xL and augmentation of thymocyte apoptosis in GILZ overexpressing transgenic mice
Authors: Delfino Domenico Vittorio , Agostini Massimiliano , Spinicelli Stefania , Vito Pasquale , Riccardi Carlo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractGlucocorticoids promote thymocyte apoptosis and modulate transcription of numerous genes. GILZ (glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper), being one of them, is strongly up-regulated in the thymus. To elucidate its function we generated transgenic mice overexpressing it specifically in the T-cell lineage and characterized its influence on thymus function. In young adult transgenic mice CD4+CD8+ thymocyte number was significantly decreased and ex vivo thymocyte apoptosis was increased. Apoptotic pathway analysis detected reduced antiapoptotic B-cell leukemia XL (Bcl-xL) expression and increased activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. Time-course experiments showed that in wild-type (WT) thymocytes GILZ up-regulation was followed by sequential Bcl-xL decreased expression and activation of caspase-8 and of caspase-3. Moreover, GILZ delivered inside WT thymocytes by a fusion protein with the transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide decreased Bcl-xL and promoted their apoptosis. In aged mice perturbation of thymic subset numbers was amplified over time, as demonstrated by a further decrease in CD4+CD8+ cells and increases in CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8-, and CD8+CD4- cell counts. These results support the hypothesis that GILZ participates in the regulation of thymocyte apoptosis by glucocorticoids. (Blood. 2004;104:4134-4141)
Functional and structural correlations of individual αIIbβ3 molecules
Authors: Litvinov Rustem I. , Nagaswami Chandrasekaran , Vilaire Gaston , Shuman Henry , Bennett Joel S. , Weisel John W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe divalent cation Mn2+ and the reducing agent dithiothreitol directly shift integrins from their inactive to their active states. We used transmission electron microscopy and laser tweezers-based force spectroscopy to determine whether structural rearrangements induced by these agents in the integrin αIIbβ3 correlate with its ability to bind fibrinogen. Mn2+ increased the probability of specific fibrinogen-αIIbβ3 interactions nearly 20-fold in platelets, and both Mn2+ and dithiothreitol increased the probability more than 2-fold using purified proteins. Of 3 αIIbβ3 conformations, closed with stalks touching, open with stalks separated, and globular without visible stalks, Mn2+ and dithiothreitol induced a significant increase in the proportion of open structures, as well as structural changes in the αIIbβ3 headpiece. Mn2+ also increased the number of complexes between fibrinogen and purified αIIbβ3 molecules, all of which were in the open conformation. Finally, Mn2+ induced the formation of αIIbβ3 clusters that resulted from interactions exclusively involving the distal ends of the stalks. These results indicate that there is a direct correlation between αIIbβ3 activation and the overall conformation of the molecule. Further, they are consistent with the presence of a linked equilibrium between single inactive and single active αIIbβ3 molecules and active αIIbβ3 clusters. (Blood. 2004;104:3979-3985)
Heterozygous telomerase RNA mutations found in dyskeratosis congenita and aplastic anemia reduce telomerase activity via haploinsufficiency
Authors: Marrone Anna , Stevens David , Vulliamy Tom , Dokal Inderjeet , Mason Philip J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Mutations in TERC, encoding the RNA component of telomerase, have been found in autosomal dominant dyskeratosis congenita (DC) and aplastic anemia (AA). Several polymorphisms also exist in the TERC gene, making functional testing of potential pathogenic mutations essential. Here, we have tested normal and mutant TERC molecules in 2 telomerase reconstitution assays, 1 in vitro and 1 in transfected telomerase-negative cells. We find that 2 polymorphic mutations G58A and G228A have no effect on telomerase activity in these assays, whereas 6 mutations found in DC and AA cause reduction or abolition of telomerase activity. Mutations in the pseudoknot region of the TERC molecule, C72G, 96-7ΔCT, GC107-8AG and 110-3ΔGACT reduce the catalytic activity of reconstituted telomerase, whereas mutations in the 3′ portion of the molecule C408G and a deletion of the 3′ 74 bases have normal activity in vitro but reduced intracellular activity. By analyzing second site mutations that recreate regions of secondary structure but retain the pathogenic mutations we show that mutations C72G, GC107-8AG, and C408G act by disrupting the secondary structure or folding of TERC. Finally, experiments reconstituting telomerase with both normal and mutant TERC molecules suggest the mutations act via haploinsufficiency rather than by a dominant-negative mechanism. (Blood. 2004;104:3936-3942)
Core 2 branching β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and high endothelial cell N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfotransferase exert differential control over B- and T-lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymph nodes
Authors: Gauguet Jean-Marc , Rosen Steven D. , Marth Jamey D. , von Andrian Ulrich H. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBlood-borne lymphocyte trafficking to peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) depends on the successful initiation of rolling interactions mediated by L-selectin binding to sialomucin ligands in high endothelial venules (HEVs). Biochemical analysis of purified L-selectin ligands has identified posttranslational modifications mediated by Core2GlcNAcT-I and high endothelial cell GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase (HECGlcNAc6ST). Consequently, lymphocyte migration to PLNs of C2GlcNAcT-I-/- and HEC-GlcNAc6ST-/- mice was reduced; however, B-cell homing was more severely compromised than T-cell migration. Accordingly, intravital microscopy (IVM) of PLN HEVs revealed a defect in B-cell tethering and increased rolling velocity (Vroll) in C2GlcNAcT-I-/- mice that was more pronounced than it was for T cells. By contrast, B- and T-cell tethering was normal in HEC-GlcNAc6ST-/- HEVs, but Vroll was accelerated, especially for B cells. The increased sensitivity of B cells to glycan deficiencies was caused by lower expression levels of L-selectin; L-selectin+/- T cells expressing L-selectin levels equivalent to those of B cells exhibited intravascular behavior similar to that of B cells. These results demonstrate distinct functions for C2GlcNAcT-I and HEC-GlcNAc6ST in the differential elaboration of HEV glycoproteins that set a threshold for the amount of L-selectin needed for lymphocyte homing. (Blood. 2004;104:4104-4112)
Plasmodium falciparum likely encodes the principal anion channel on infected human erythrocytes
Authors: Alkhalil Abdulnaser , Cohn Jamieson V. , Wagner Marissa A. , Cabrera Jennifer S. , Rajapandi Thavamani , Desai Sanjay A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractInvasion by the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is associated with marked yet selective increases in red blood cell (RBC) membrane permeability. We previously identified an unusual voltage-dependent ion channel, the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), which may account for these increases. Since then, controversy has arisen about whether there are additional parasite-induced anion channels on the RBC membrane and whether these channels are parasite-encoded proteins or the result of modifications of an endogenous host protein. Here, we used genetically divergent parasite isolates and quantitative transport measurements to examine these questions. Our studies indicate that PSAC alone can adequately account for the increased permeability of infected RBCs to key solutes. Two distinct parasite isolates, grown in RBCs from a single donor, exhibit channel activity with measurably different voltage-dependent gating, a finding difficult to reconcile with simple activation or modification of a host protein. Instead, this difference in channel gating can be conservatively explained by a small number of polymorphisms in a parasite gene that encodes PSAC. The absence of known eukaryotic ion channel homologues in the completed P falciparum genome suggests a novel channel gene, and substantiates PSAC as a target for antimalarial development.
Endogenous adenosine produced during hypoxia attenuates neutrophil accumulation: coordination by extracellular nucleotide metabolism
Authors: Eltzschig Holger K. , Thompson Linda F. , Karhausen Jorn , Cotta Richard J. , Ibla Juan C. , Robson Simon C. , Colgan Sean P. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractHypoxia is a well-documented inflammatory stimulus and results in tissue polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) accumulation. Likewise, increased tissue adenosine levels are commonly associated with hypoxia, and given the anti-inflammatory properties of adenosine, we hypothesized that adenosine production via adenine nucleotide metabolism at the vascular surface triggers an endogenous anti-inflammatory response during hypoxia. Initial in vitro studies indicated that endogenously generated adenosine, through activation of PMN adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, functions as an antiadhesive signal for PMN binding to microvascular endothelia. Intravascular nucleotides released by inflammatory cells undergo phosphohydrolysis via hypoxia-induced CD39 ectoapyrase (CD39 converts adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate [ATP/ADP] to adenosine monophosphate [AMP]) and CD73 ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73 converts AMP to adenosine). Extensions of our in vitro findings using cd39- and cd73-null animals revealed that extracellular adenosine produced through adenine nucleotide metabolism during hypoxia is a potent anti-inflammatory signal for PMNs in vivo. These findings identify CD39 and CD73 as critical control points for endogenous adenosine generation and implicate this pathway as an innate mechanism to attenuate excessive tissue PMN accumulation. (Blood. 2004;104:3986-3992)
FTY720 suppresses humoral immunity by inhibiting germinal center reaction
Authors: Han Shuhua , Zhang Xuejun , Wang Gangdou , Guan Hui , Garcia Gabriela , Li Ping , Feng Lili , Zheng Biao 
Published: August 2004

AbstractFTY720 is a novel immunosuppressant that is highly effective in inhibiting rejection of allografts and autoimmunity in various animal models. It has been shown that the sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptors are the direct molecular targets of FTY720. However, the mechanisms responsible for inhibiting specific immune responses by FTY720 are not well resolved. In particular, there is no available information on whether or how this compound affects humoral immunity. We have investigated the effect of FTY720 treatment on B-cell response during the immune response to a well-defined T-dependent antigen. Our data demonstrated that germinal center reaction was significantly reduced in peripheral lymphoid tissues of mice treated with FTY720. In addition, FTY720 treatment inhibited the production of high-affinity, class-switched antibodies, but not the production of low-affinity, immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody. Consistently, FTY720 did not have a significant effect on antibody response to a T-independent antigen. Our results may have important implications in application of FTY720 in immune regulation. (Blood. 2004; 104:4129-4133)
Combination of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and CC-5013 has synergistic activity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Raje Noopur , Kumar Shaji , Hideshima Teru , Ishitsuka Kenji , Chauhan Dharminder , Mitsiades Constantine , Podar Klaus , Le Gouill Steven , Richardson Paul , Munshi Nikhil C. , Stirling David I. , Antin Joseph H. , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo activity of CC-5013 (Revlimid), an immunomodulatory analog (IMiD) of thalidomide, in multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we have examined the anti-MM activity of rapamycin (Rapamune), a specific mTOR inhibitor, combined with CC-5013. Based on the Chou-Talalay method, combination indices of less than 1 were obtained for all dose ranges of CC-5013 when combined with rapamycin, suggesting strong synergism. Importantly, this combination was able to overcome drug resistance when tested against MM cell lines resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Moreover, the combination, but not rapamycin alone, was able to overcome the growth advantage conferred on MM cells by interleukin-6 (IL-6), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), or adherence to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Combining rapamycin and CC-5013 induced apoptosis of MM cells. Differential signaling cascades, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase/Akt kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathways, were targeted by these drugs individually and in combination, suggesting the molecular mechanism by which they interfere with MM growth and survival. These studies, therefore, provide the framework for clinical evaluation of mTOR inhibitors combined with IMiDs to improve patient outcome in MM.
Diferric transferrin regulates transferrin receptor 2 protein stability
Authors: Johnson Martha B. , Enns Caroline A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTransferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) is a type 2 transmembrane protein expressed in hepatocytes that binds iron-bound transferrin (Tf). Mutations in TfR2 cause one form of hereditary hemochromatosis, a disease in which excessive absorption of dietary iron can lead to liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and heart failure. The function of TfR2 in iron homeostasis is unknown. We have studied the regulation of TfR2 in HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis shows that TfR2 increases in a time- and dose-dependent manner after diferric Tf is added to the culture medium. In cells exposed to diferric Tf, the amount of TfR2 returns to control levels within 8 hours after the removal of diferric Tf from the medium. However, TfR2 does not increase when non–Tf-bound iron (FeNTA) or apo Tf is added to the medium. The response to diferric Tf appears to be hepatocyte specific. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis shows that TfR2 mRNA levels do not change in cells exposed to diferric Tf. Rather, the increase in TfR2 is attributed to an increase in the half-life of TfR2 protein in cells exposed to diferric Tf. Our results support a role for TfR2 in monitoring iron levels by sensing changes in the concentration of diferric Tf.
Periodicity of DNA in exons
Authors: Eskesen Stephen T , Eskesen Frank N , Kinghorn Brian , Ruvinsky Anatoly 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The periodic pattern of DNA in exons is a known phenomenon. It was suggested that one of the initial causes of periodicity could be the universal (RNY)
n
pattern (R = A or G, Y = C or U, N = any base) of ancient RNA. Two major questions were addressed in this paper. Firstly, the cause of DNA periodicity, which was investigated by comparisons between real and simulated coding sequences. Secondly, quantification of DNA periodicity was made using an evolutionary algorithm, which was not previously used for such purposes.

Results
We have shown that simulated coding sequences, which were composed using codon usage frequencies only, demonstrate DNA periodicity very similar to the observed in real exons. It was also found that DNA periodicity disappears in the simulated sequences, when the frequencies of codons become equal.
Frequencies of the nucleotides (and the dinucleotide AG) at each location along phase 0 exons were calculated for C. elegans, D. melanogaster and H. sapiens. Two models were used to fit these data, with the key objective of describing periodicity. Both of the models showed that the best-fit curves closely matched the actual data points. The first dynamic period determination model consistently generated a value, which was very close to the period equal to 3 nucleotides. The second fixed period model, as expected, kept the period exactly equal to 3 and did not detract from its goodness of fit.

Conclusions
Conclusion can be drawn that DNA periodicity in exons is determined by codon usage frequencies. It is essential to differentiate between DNA periodicity itself, and the length of the period equal to 3. Periodicity itself is a result of certain combinations of codons with different frequencies typical for a species. The length of period equal to 3, instead, is caused by the triplet nature of genetic code. The models and evolutionary algorithm used for characterising DNA periodicity are proven to be an effective tool for describing the periodicity pattern in a species, when a number of exons in the same phase are analysed.
Endotoxin leads to rapid subcellular re-localization of hepatic RXRα: A novel mechanism for reduced hepatic gene expression in inflammation
Authors: Ghose Romi , Zimmerman Tracy L , Thevananther Sundararajah , Karpen Saul J 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of animals down-regulates the expression of hepatic genes involved in a broad variety of physiological processes, collectively known as the negative hepatic acute phase response (APR). Retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), the most highly expressed RXR isoform in liver, plays a central role in regulating bile acid, cholesterol, fatty acid, steroid and xenobiotic metabolism and homeostasis. Many of the genes regulated by RXRα are repressed during the negative hepatic APR, although the underlying mechanism is not known. We hypothesized that inflammation-induced alteration of the subcellular location of RXRα was a common mechanism underlying the negative hepatic APR.

Results
Nuclear RXRα protein levels were significantly reduced (~50%) within 1–2 hours after low-dose LPS treatment and remained so for at least 16 hours. RXRα was never detected in cytosolic extracts from saline-treated mice, yet was rapidly and profoundly detectable in the cytosol from 1 hour, to at least 4 hours, after LPS administration. These effects were specific, since the subcellular localization of the RXRα partner, the retinoic acid receptor (RARα), was unaffected by LPS. A potential cell-signaling modulator of RXRα activity, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) was maximally activated at 1–2 hours, coincident with maximal levels of cytoplasmic RXRα. RNA levels of RXRα were unchanged, while expression of 6 sentinel hepatic genes regulated by RXRα were all markedly repressed after LPS treatment. This is likely due to reduced nuclear binding activities of regulatory RXRα-containing heterodimer pairs.

Conclusion
The subcellular localization of native RXRα rapidly changes in response to LPS administration, correlating with induction of cell signaling pathways. This provides a novel and broad-ranging molecular mechanism for the suppression of RXRα-regulated genes in inflammation.
Bistability and hysteresis of the 'Secteur' differentiation are controlled by a two-gene locus in Nectria haematococca
Authors: Graziani Stéphane , Silar Philippe , Daboussi Marie-Josée 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Background

Bistability and hysteresis are increasingly recognized as major properties of regulatory networks governing numerous biological phenomena, such as differentiation and cell cycle progression. The full scope of the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to bistability and hysteresis remains elusive. Nectria haemaotcocca, a saprophytic or pathogenic fungus with sexual reproduction, exhibits a bistable morphological modification characterized by a reduced growth rate and an intense pigmentation. Bistability is triggered by the presence or absence of σ, a cytoplasmic determinant. This determinant spreads in an infectious manner in the hyphae of the growing margin, insuring hysteresis of the differentiation.

Results

Seven mutants specifically affected in the generation of σ were selected through two different screening strategies. The s1 and s2 mutations completely abolish the generation of σ and of its morphological expression, the Secteur. The remaining five mutations promote its constitutive generation, which determines an intense pigmentation but not growth alteration. The seven mutations map at the same locus, Ses (for 'Secteur-specific'). The s2 mutant was obtained by an insertional mutagenesis strategy, which permitted the cloning of the Ses locus. Sequence and transcription analysis reveals that Ses is composed of two closely linked genes, SesA, mutated in the s1 and s2 mutant strains, and SesB, mutated in the s* mutant strains. SesB shares sequence similarity with animal and fungal putative proteins, with potential esterase/lipase/thioesterase activity, whereas SesA is similar to proteins of unknown function present only in the filamentous fungi Fusarium graminearum and Podospora anserina.

Conclusions

The cloning of Ses provides evidence that a system encoded by two linked genes directs a bistable and hysteretic switch in a eukaryote. Atypical regulatory relations between the two proteins may account for the hysteresis of Secteur differentiation.
We still fail to account for Mendel's observations
Authors: Porteous John W 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The present article corrects common textbook accounts of Mendel's experiments by re-establishing what he wrote and how he accounted for his observations. It notes the long-established tests for the validity of any explanations that purport to explain observations obtained by experiment. Application of these tests to Mendel's paper shows that the arguments he used to explain his observations were internally consistent but were, on one crucial issue, implausible. The same tests are applied to the currently accepted explanation for Mendel's observations.

Conclusions
The currently favoured explanation for Mendel's observations is untenable. It misrepresents Mendel, fails to distinguish between the parameters and the variables of any system of interacting components, its arguments are inconsistent, it repeats the implausibility in Mendel's paper, fails to give a rational explanation for his observed 3:1 trait ratio and cannot explain why this ratio is not always observed in experimental practice. A rational explanation for Mendel's observations is initiated. Readers are challenged to complete the process before a further article appears.