bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin regulates endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Bahlmann Ferdinand H. , de Groot Kirsten , Spandau Jens-Michael , Landry Aimee L. , Hertel Barbara , Duckert Thorsten , Boehm Sascha M. , Menne Jan , Haller Hermann , Fliser Danilo 
Published: October 2003

AbstractCirculating bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) promote vascular reparative processes and neoangiogenesis, and their number in peripheral blood correlates with endothelial function and cardiovascular risk. We tested the hypothesis that the cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) stimulates EPCs in humans. We studied 11 patients with renal anemia and 4 healthy subjects who received standard doses of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). Treatment with rhEPO caused a significant mobilization of CD34+/CD45+ circulating progenitor cells in peripheral blood (measured by flow cytometry), and increased the number of functionally active EPCs (measured by in vitro assay) in patients (week 2, 312% ± 31%; week 8, 308% ± 40%; both P &lt; .01 versus baseline) as well as in healthy subjects (week 8, 194% ± 15%; P &lt; .05 versus baseline). The effect on EPCs was already observed with an rhEPO dose of about 30 IU/kg per week. Administration of rhEPO increased the number of functionally active EPCs by differentiation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, assessed in cell culture and by tube formation assay. Furthermore, rhEPO activates the Akt protein kinase pathway in EPCs. Erythropoietin increases the number of functionally active EPCs in humans. Administration of rhEPO or EPO analogs may open new therapeutic strategies in regenerative cardiovascular medicine.
Induction of caspase-dependent programmed cell death in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia by anti-CD22 immunotoxins
Authors: Decker Thomas , Oelsner Madlene , Kreitman Robert J. , Salvatore Giuliana , Wang Qing-cheng , Pastan Ira , Peschel Christian , Licht Thomas 
Published: October 2003

AbstractB cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are long-lived in vivo, possibly because of defects in apoptosis. We investigated BL22, an immunotoxin composed of the Fv portion of an anti-CD22 antibody fused to a 38-kDa Pseudomonas exotoxin-A fragment. B cells from 22 patients with CLL were immunomagnetically enriched (96% purity) and were cultured with BL22 or an immunotoxin that does not recognize hematopoietic cells. The antileukemic activity of BL22 was correlated with CD22 expression, as determined by flow cytometry. BL22 induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and membrane flipping. Cell death was associated with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the down-regulation of Mcl-1 and X-chromosomal inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Furthermore, BL22 induced a proapoptotic 18-kDa Bax protein and conformational changes of Bax. Z-VAD.fmk abrogated apoptosis, confirming that cell death was executed by caspases. Conversely, interleukin-4, a survival factor, inhibited spontaneous death in culture but failed to prevent immunotoxin-induced apoptosis. BL22 cytotoxicity was markedly enhanced when combined with anticancer drugs including vincristine. We also investigated HA22, a newly engineered immunotoxin, in which BL22 residues are mutated to improve target binding. HA22 was more active than BL22. In conclusion, these immunotoxins induce caspase-mediated apoptosis involving mitochondrial damage. Combination with chemotherapy is expected to improve the efficacy of immunotoxin treatment. (Blood. 2004;103:2718-2726)
Presence of functional dendritic cells in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Longman Randy S. , Talal Andrew H. , Jacobson Ira M. , Albert Matthew L. , Rice Charles M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe absence of expanded numbers of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-reactive CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) in patients chronically infected with HCV has led to the investigation of dendritic cell (DC) function in this population as a potential cause for this defect. Several studies have shown evidence for impaired monocyte-derived DCs in chronically infected patients. As it is difficult to reconcile these data with the fact that patients with chronic HCV are immune competent, we re-evaluated this finding, carefully assessing phenotypic markers and functional activity of patient DCs as compared with noninfected controls. In contrast to these prior studies, DCs from 13 of 13 chronic HCV patients expressed typical maturation markers. These mature DCs were capable of priming allogeneic T lymphocytes, as well as stimulating influenza-specific memory T cells. This finding is consistent with clinical and immunologic data that the deficit in the patient's immune repertoire is HCV-specific and suggests that refined models are required for understanding the role of DCs in HCV pathogenesis. (Blood. 2004;103:1026-1029)
Gene expression patterns associated with recurrent chromosomal translocations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Fine Bernard M. , Stanulla Martin , Schrappe Martin , Ho Minh , Viehmann Susanne , Harbott Jochen , Boxer Linda M. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract
We obtained a global view of gene expression in both cell lines and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) samples that harbor one of several selected chromosomal abnormalities. When the cell lines were studied alone, we found that these chromosomal abnormalities were associated with the predominant variation in transcriptional programs across the set of cell lines studied. When cell lines and clinical samples were studied together, we found that each chromosomal abnormality (TEL/AML1, BCR/ABL, or MLL abnormalities) was associated with a characteristic gene expression signature that was shared by both cell lines and clinical samples. However, BCR/ABL was associated with a much more heterogeneous pattern of expression than were TEL/AML1 and MLL abnormalities. This observation has important implications for the study of BCR/ABL ALL. In addition, we systematically identified genes whose expression was associated with TEL/AML1, BCR/ABL, or MLL abnormalities in both clinical samples and cell lines. Although some of these genes have previously been described, many have not previously been reported to be associated with one of these chromosomal abnormalities. Notably, we found that the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) is consistently highly expressed in TEL/AML1 ALL compared with BCR/ABL or MLL. (Blood. 2004;103:1043-1049)
Haploinsufficiency of Runx1 results in the acceleration of mesodermal development and hemangioblast specification upon in vitro differentiation of ES cells
Authors: Lacaud Georges , Kouskoff Valerie , Trumble Anne , Schwantz Staci , Keller Gordon 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe AML1 gene (recently renamed Runx1), which encodes the DNA-binding subunit of a transcription factor of the core binding factor (CBF) family, is required for the establishment of definitive hematopoiesis. We have previously demonstrated that Runx1 is expressed in yolk sac mesodermal cells prior to the establishment of the blood islands and in the embryoid body (EB)–derived blast-colony–forming cells (BL-CFCs), the in vitro equivalent of the hemangioblast. Analysis of Runx1-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrated that this gene is essential for the generation of normal numbers of blast colonies, the progeny of the BL-CFCs. In the present study, we analyzed the potential of Runx1+/– ES cells to determine if heterozygosity at the Runx1 locus impacts early developmental events leading to the commitment of the BL-CFCs. Our results indicate that Runx1 heterozygosity leads to an acceleration of mesodermal commitment and specification to the BL-CFCs and to the hematopoietic lineages in EBs.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces rapid prourokinase (pro-uPA) activation on the surface of endothelial cells
Authors: Prager Gerald W. , Breuss Johannes M. , Steurer Stefan , Mihaly Judit , Binder Bernd R. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the pivotal angiogenic growth factor activating endothelial cells to migrate, proliferate, and form capillary tubes. For an ordered endothelial cell migration, tissue invasion, and degradation of the extracellular matrix, proteolytic machinery is indispensable. Such machinery, suitable for localized proteolysis, is provided by the prourokinase-urokinase-plasmin system. Prourokinase (pro-uPA), the initial component of this system, is, however, synthesized in its inactive precursor form and as such bound to its cellular receptor uPAR. Here we identify a mechanism via which VEGF165 interacting with its receptor VEGFR-2 rapidly induces prourokinase activation that is dependent on a change in integrin affinity, activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and pro-uPA being bound to its surface receptor uPAR. This VEGF-induced pro-uPA activation on endothelial cells is responsible for VEGF-dependent local fibrinolytic activity and might be one of the initial steps in the angiogenic process. (Blood. 2004;103:955-962)
Association of CBFA2 mutation with decreased platelet PKC-θ and impaired receptor-mediated activation of GPIIb-IIIa and pleckstrin phosphorylation: proteins regulated by CBFA2 play a role in GPIIb-IIIa activation
Authors: Sun Liansheng , Mao Guangfen , Rao A. Koneti 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe mechanisms by which agonists activate glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa function remain unclear. We have reported data on a patient with thrombocytopenia and impaired receptor-mediated aggregation, phosphorylation of pleckstrin (a protein kinase C [PKC] substrate), and activation of the GPIIb-IIIa complex. Abnormalities in hematopoietic transcription factors have been associated with thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. To define the molecular mechanisms, we amplified from patient platelet RNA exons 3 to 6 of core-binding factor A2 (CBFA2) cDNA, which encompasses the DNA-binding Runt domain; a 13-nucleotide (nt) deletion was found (796-808 nt). The gDNA revealed a heterozygous mutation (G&gt;T) in intron 3 at the splice acceptor site for exon 4, leading to a frameshift with premature termination in the Runt domain. On immunoblotting, platelet CBFA2, PKC-θ, albumin, and IgG were decreased, but pleckstrin, PKC-α, -βI, -βII, -η, -ϵ, -δ, and -ζ, and fibrinogen were normal. Our conclusions are that (1) CBFA2 mutation is associated with not only thrombocytopenia, but also impaired platelet protein phosphorylation and GPIIb-IIIa activation; (2) proteins regulated by CBFA2 are required for inside-out signal transduction-dependent activation of GPIIb-IIIa; and (3) we have documented the first deficiency of a human PKC isozyme (PKC-θ), suggesting a major role of this isozyme in platelet production and function. (Blood. 2004;103:948-954)
Activated Fps/Fes partially rescues the in vivo developmental potential of Flk1-deficient vascular progenitor cells
Authors: Haigh Jody J. , Ema Masatsugu , Haigh Katharina , Gertsenstein Marina , Greer Peter , Rossant Janet , Nagy Andras , Wagner Erwin F. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractRelatively little is known about the modulators of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)/Flk1 signaling cascade. To functionally characterize this pathway, VEGF-A stimulation of endothelial cells was performed. VEGF-A–mediated Flk1 activation resulted in increased translocation of the endogenous Fps/Fes cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase to the plasma membrane and increased tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting a role for Fps/Fes in VEGF-A/Flk1 signaling events. Addition of a myristoylation consensus sequence to Fps/Fes resulted in VEGF-A–independent membrane localization of Fps/Fes in endothelial cells. Expression of the activated Fps/Fes protein in Flk1-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells rescued their contribution to the developing vascular endothelium in vivo by using ES cell–derived chimeras. Activated Fps/Fes contributed to this rescue event by restoring the migratory potential to Flk1 null progenitors, which is required for movement of hemangioblasts from the primitive streak region into the yolk sac proper. Activated Fps/Fes in the presence of Flk1 increased the number of hemangioblast colonies in vitro and increased the number of mesodermal progenitors in vivo. These results suggest that Fps/Fes may act synergistically with Flk1 to modulate hemangioblast differentiation into the endothelium. We have also demonstrated that activated Fps/Fes causes hemangioma formation in vivo, independently of Flk1, as a result of increasing vascular progenitor density.
Fiber-modified adenoviruses generate subgroup cross-reactive, adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes for therapeutic applications
Authors: Leen Ann M. , Sili Uluhan , Savoldo Barbara , Jewell Alan M. , Piedra Pedro A. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Rooney Cliona M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAdenovirus (Ad) infections are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. To date there is no therapy. The present study was motivated by the potential for using adoptive immunotherapy as either prophylaxis or treatment for Ad infections and associated diseases. The authors have developed a protocol to reactivate Ad-specific memory T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a clinical-grade adenoviral vector. Such lines contain a specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell component and are capable of recognizing and lysing target cells infected with wild-type Ad serotypes from different Ad groups. Furthermore, the frequency of Ad-specific precursors can be determined in PBMCs ex vivo and used as a means to assess changes in Ad-specific T-cell memory responses after infusion. This is the first report of a simple and reproducible method to activate and expand Ad-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which should be protective against the range of different Ad subtypes that affect transplant recipients. (Blood. 2004;103:1011-1019)
The MHC class II transcriptional activator (CIITA) inhibits HTLV-2 viral replication by blocking the function of the viral transactivator Tax-2
Authors: Casoli Claudio , De Lerma Barbaro Andrea , Pilotti Elisabetta , Bertazzoni Umberto , Tosi Giovanna , Accolla Roberto S. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 (HTLV-2), an oncogenic retrovirus closely related to HTLV-1, produces a lifelong infection whose possible association to certain human diseases is still debated. Although some viral products can influence the expression and action of cellular genes, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. Here we show that the AIR-1-encoded human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator (CIITA) strongly inhibits viral replication, but not virus entry, in human B- and T-cell susceptible targets. This effect results from CIITA inhibiting the Tax-mediated transactivation of the HTLV-2 long-term repeat. Further molecular analysis shows that the N-terminal region of CIITA encompassing the first 321 amino acids is responsible for the inhibitory effect on viral replication. This region is crucial for the transactivation of human MHC class II genes and includes the activation domain as well as domains interacting with coactivators that also are used by the viral transactivator Tax to modulate cellular functions. These results represent the first evidence that a cellular transcriptional activator, controlling the coordinate expression of the entire family of MHC class II antigen-presenting molecules, inhibits HTLV-2 viral replication by a distinct mechanism. In this new role CIITA may represent a new tool for therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting HTLV-2 replication and spreading. (Blood. 2004;103:995-1001)
Association of CD26 with CD45RA outside lipid rafts attenuates cord blood T-cell activation
Authors: Kobayashi Seiji , Ohnuma Kei , Uchiyama Masahiko , Iino Kouichi , Iwata Satoshi , Dang Nam H. , Morimoto Chikao 
Published: October 2003

AbstractCD26 is a T-cell activation antigen that contains dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and binds adenosine deaminase. Recent work showed that specialized membrane microdomains, also known as lipid rafts, play a key role in T-cell signaling. In this study, we investigate the role of CD26 in cord blood T-cell activation and signal transduction. We demonstrated that different expression levels of CD26 were observed between cord blood T cells (CBTCs) and peripheral blood T cells (PBTCs) and that CD26+CD45RA+ CBTCs were different compared with CD26+CD45RA+ PBTCs. Moreover, the comitogenic effect of CD26 was not as pronounced in CBTCs as in PBTCs. We also showed that CD26 cross-linking induced less phosphorylation of T-cell receptor-signaling molecules, lymphoid T-cell protein tyrosine kinase (Lck), zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70), T-cell receptor ζ (TCRζ), and linker for activator of T cells (LAT) in CBTCs than in PBTCs. Furthermore, CD26 molecules associated with CD45RA molecules outside lipid rafts in CBTCs. Our results suggest that strong physical linkage of CD26 with CD45RA outside lipid rafts may be responsible for the attenuation of T-cell activation signaling through CD26, which may be responsible for immature immune response and the low incidence of severe graft-versus-host disease in cord blood transplantation. (Blood. 2004;103:1002-1010)
Incomplete restoration of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) function in CSF-1–deficient Csf1op/Csf1op mice by transgenic expression of cell surface CSF-1
Authors: Dai Xu-Ming , Zong Xiao-Hua , Sylvestre Vonetta , Stanley E. Richard 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe primary macrophage growth factor, colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), is expressed as a secreted glycoprotein or proteoglycan found in the circulation or as a biologically active cell surface glycoprotein (csCSF-1). To investigate the in vivo roles of csCSF-1, we created mice that exclusively express csCSF-1, in a normal tissue-specific and developmental manner, by transgenic expression of csCSF-1 in the CSF-1-deficient osteopetrotic (Csf1op/Csf1op) background. The gross defects of Csf1op/Csf1op mice, including growth retardation, failure of tooth eruption, and abnormal male and female reproductive functions were corrected. Macrophage densities in perinatal liver, bladder, sublinguinal salivary gland, kidney cortex, dermis, and synovial membrane were completely restored, whereas only partial or no restoration was achieved in adult liver, adrenal gland, kidney medulla, spleen, peritoneal cavity, and intestine. Residual osteopetrosis, significantly delayed trabecular bone resorption in the subepiphyseal region of the long bone, and incomplete correction of the hematologic abnormalities in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleens of CSF-1-deficient mice were also found in mice exclusively expressing csCSF-1. These data suggest that although csCSF-1 alone is able to normalize several aspects of development in Csf1op/Csf1op mice, it cannot fully restore in vivo CSF-1 function, which requires the presence of the secreted glycoprotein and/or proteoglycan forms. (Blood. 2004;103:1114-1123)
Gene microarray analysis reveals interleukin-5–dependent transcriptional targets in mouse bone marrow
Authors: Byström Jonas , Wynn Thomas A. , Domachowske Joseph B. , Rosenberg Helene F. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractInterleukin-5 (IL-5) is a hematopoietic differentiation factor that promotes the development of mature eosinophils from progenitors in bone marrow. We present a multifactorial microarray study documenting the transcriptional events in bone marrow of wild-type and IL-5–deficient mice at baseline and in response to infection with Schistosoma mansoni. The microarray data were analyzed by a 4-way subtractive algorithm that eliminated confounding non-IL-5–related sequelae of schistosome infection as well as alterations in gene expression among uninfected mice. Among the most prominent findings, we observed 7- to 40-fold increased expression of transcripts encoding the classic eosinophil granule proteins (eosinophil peroxidase, major basic protein, the ribonucleases) together with arachidonate-15-lipoxygenase and protease inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2), in the IL-5–producing, infected wild-type mice only. This was accompanied by increased transcription of genes involved in secretory protein biosynthesis and granule-vesicle formation. Interestingly, we did not detect increased expression of genes encoding eosinophil-related chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR3) or members of the GATA or CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factor families. These data suggest that the IL-5–responsive progenitors in the mouse bone marrow are already significantly committed to the eosinophil lineage and that IL-5 promotes differentiation of these committed progenitors into cells with recognizable and characteristic cytoplasmic granules and granule proteins.
Differential processing of stromal-derived factor-1α and stromal-derived factor-1β explains functional diversity
Authors: De La Luz Sierra Maria , Yang Fuquan , Narazaki Masashi , Salvucci Ombretta , Davis David , Yarchoan Robert , Zhang Hongwei H. , Fales Henry , Tosato Giovanna 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe chemokine stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is constitutively expressed in most tissues as SDF-1α and SDF-1β resulting from alternative gene splicing, regulates hematopoiesis, lymphocyte homing, B-lineage cell growth, and angiogenesis. Because SDF-1α and SDF-1β are constitutively and ubiquitously expressed, their degradation must serve an important regulatory role. Here we show that SDF-1α and SDF-1β are secreted as full-length molecules. When exposed to human serum, full-length SDF-1α (1-68) undergoes processing first at the COOH terminus to produce SDF-1α 1-67 and then at the NH2 terminus to produce SDF-1α 3-67. By contrast, full-length SDF-1β (1-72) is processed only at the NH2 terminus to produce SDF-1β 3-72. CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase is responsible for serum cleavage of SDF-1α and SDF-1β at the NH2 terminus. Serum processing of SDF-1α at the COOH terminus, which has not been previously reported, reduces the ability of the polypeptide to bind to heparin and to cells and to stimulate B-cell proliferation and chemotaxis. The additional processing at the NH2 terminus renders both forms of SDF-1 unable to bind to heparin and to activate cells. The differential processing of SDF-1α and SDF-1β provides biologic significance to the existence of 2 splice forms of the chemokine and adds a tool to precisely regulate SDF-1's biologic activity by changes in specific activity.