gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Identification of Sites in Domain I of Perlecan That Regulate Heparan Sulfate Synthesis (1997)

Perlecan is primarily a heparan sulfate containing proteoglycan found in all basement membranes. Rotary shadowed images of perlecan show it to contain three glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains extending from one end of its core protein. Domain I is at the N terminus of perlecan and contains three closely spaced Ser-Gly-Asp sequences that may serve in GAG attachment. We evaluated the serines in these three sequences for GAG attachment by preparing a cDNA construct encoding for the N-terminal half (domains I, II, and III) of perlecan and then a series of constructs containing deletions and mutations within domain I of the domain I/II/III construct, expressing these constructs in COS-7 cells, and then analyzing the recombinant product for GAG side chains and GAG type. The results showed that all three serine residues in the Ser-Gly-Asp sequences in domain I can accept both chondroitin and heparan sulfate side chains but that a cluster of acidic residues N-terminal to these sequences is the primary determinant responsible for targeting these sites for heparan sulfate. Furthermore, there are two elements that can enhance heparan sulfate synthesis at a targeted site: 1) the presence of a the SEA module in the C-terminal region of domain I and 2) the presence of multiple acceptors in close proximity. These results indicate that the proportion of heparan and chondroitin sulfate at any one site in domain I of perlecan is regulated by multiple factors.
A mannose receptor is involved in retinal phagocytosis. (1991)

A 175-kD mannose-specific receptor has been described in macrophages which appears to mediate pinocytosis and phagocytosis. A mannose-specific receptor has also been found on retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). Its role was examined in the phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (ROS) by the RPE. All testing was done on cultured RPE cells challenged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled ROS for 4 hr at 37 degrees C. Total (internalized and bound) and phagocytized (internalized) ROS were quantified, and the effects of several experimental conditions on ROS phagocytosis were examined. Incubation of RPE cells in the presence of rabbit anti-serum (1:100) raised against the rat alveolar macrophage mannose receptor (anti-Mr) showed a 80% reduction in ROS phagocytosis compared with RPE in the presence of ROS alone. Anti-Mr preabsorbed with purified human mannose receptor protein (4 micrograms) showed no reduction in ROS phagocytosis. Incubation of RPE with preimmune serum showed no reduction in ROS phagocytosis. When FITC-labeled ROS (1.8 X 10(7)) were preincubated with purified mannose receptor, there was a 93% reduction in phagocytosis. Immunoblots of solubilized rat RPE microvillus membranes stained with the anti-Mr showed a single stained band at the 175-kD region, and immunolocalization studies showed specific labeling along RPE microvilli. These results suggest that a mannose-specific receptor is involved in retinal phagocytosis.
Erythropoietin deficiency decreases vascular stability in mice (2008)

Erythropoietin (Epo), a hormone known to stimulate bone marrow erythrocyte production, is widely used to treat anemia in patients at risk for vascular disease. However, the effects of Epo on angiogenesis are not well defined. We studied the role of Epo in a mouse model of retinopathy characterized by oxygen-induced vascular loss followed by hypoxia-induced pathological neovascularization. Without treatment, local retinal Epo levels were suppressed during the vessel loss phase. Administration of exogenous Epo prevented both vessel dropout and subsequent hypoxia-induced neovascularization. Early use of Epo also protected against hypoxia-induced retinal neuron apoptosis. In contrast, retinal Epo mRNA levels were highly elevated during the retinopathy neovascular phase. Exogenous late Epo treatment did not protect the retina, but rather enhanced pathological neovascularization. Epo's early protective effect occurred through both systemic retinal recruitment of proangiogenic bone marrow-derived progenitor cells and activation of prosurvival NF-kappaB via Epo receptor activation on retinal vessels and neurons. Thus early retinal Epo suppression contributed to retinal vascular instability, and elevated Epo levels during the proliferation stage contributed to neovascularization and disease. Understanding the role of Epo in angiogenesis is critical to timing its intervention in patients with retinopathy or other diseases in which pathological angiogenesis plays a significant role.
Characterization of a calmodulin kinase II inhibitor protein in brain (1998)

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-KII) regulates numerous physiological functions, including neuronal synaptic plasticity through the phosphorylation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type glutamate receptors. To identify proteins that may interact with and modulate CaM-KII function, a yeast two-hybrid screen was performed by using a rat brain cDNA library. This screen identified a unique clone of 1.4 kb, which encoded a 79-aa brain-specific protein that bound the catalytic domain of CaM-KII alpha and beta and potently inhibited kinase activity with an IC50 of 50 nM. The inhibitory protein (CaM-KIIN), and a 28-residue peptide derived from it (CaM-KIINtide), was highly selective for inhibition of CaM-KII with little effect on CaM-KI, CaM-KIV, CaM-KK, protein kinase A, or protein kinase C. CaM-KIIN interacted only with activated CaM-KII (i. e., in the presence of Ca2+/CaM or after autophosphorylation) by using glutathione S-transferase/CaM-KIIN precipitations as well as coimmunoprecipitations from rat brain extracts or from HEK293 cells cotransfected with both constructs. Colocalization of CaM-KIIN with activated CaM-KII was demonstrated in COS-7 cells transfected with green fluorescent protein fused to CaM-KIIN. In COS-7 cells phosphorylation of transfected alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type glutamate receptors by CaM-KII, but not by protein kinase C, was blocked upon cotransfection with CaM-KIIN. These results characterize a potent and specific cellular inhibitor of CaM-KII that may have an important role in the physiological regulation of this key protein kinase.
Galactose transport inhibition by cytochalasin E in rat intestine in vitro (1999)

Cytochalasins are cytoskeleton disrupters, and cytochalasin E has been reported to increase intestinal paracellular permeability. In this study, the cytochalasin E effect on galactose transport has been investigated. Ussing-type chamber experiments show an inhibitory effect of 20 µM cytochalasin E on unidirectional mucosal to serosal flux of galactose. On the contrary, the opposite unidirectional flux is not modified by the inhibitor. Results using intestinal everted sacs and rings confirm that galactose uptake by the tissue is diminished by cytochalasin E. The effect appears already after 5 min incubation, depends on cytochalasin E concentration, and does not occur in the absence of Na + . The inhibition is accompanied by an increase in the apparent K m of the active sugar transport (11.5 vs.15.8 mM) without significant change in the V max (10.6 vs. 9.1 µmol·g -1 wet weight·5 min -1 ). Cytochalasin E does not modify either galactose uptake by brush border membrane vesicles or Na + -K + ATPase activity in the enterocytes, indicating that the inhibitory effect on the Na + -dependent sugar transport cannot be explained as a direct effect on SGLT1 activity or as an indirect effect through the Na + -K + ATPase. Thus, our results suggest that cytochalasin E decreases SGLT1 activity indirectly through cytoskeleton disruption.Key words: cytochalasin E, intestinal absorption, cytoskeleton.
Lung macrophage uptake of unopsonized environmental particulates. Role of scavenger-type receptors (1995)

The receptors responsible for avid alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytosis of unopsonized environmental particulates have not been well defined. This study used flow cytometry to quantitate the effects of a panel of soluble ligands for macrophage adhesion receptors on AM binding of unopsonized environmental dusts (titanium dioxide, TiO2; iron oxide, Fe2O3; alpha-quartz, SiO2; diesel engine exhaust dust) or fluorescent latex beads. Polyanionic ligands of the macrophage scavenger receptor (SR) for acetylated-LDL caused marked inhibition of AM binding of the oxide particles and latex beads (e.g., TiO2 binding; polyinosinic acid (polyl), 10 micrograms/ml: 70.2 +/- 1.5% inhibition, mean +/- SE, n = 11). In contrast, no inhibition was seen with the polyanions heparin and chondroitin sulfate (chond-S), or dextran, consistent with the known inhibitor profile of macrophage SRs for acetylated-LDL AM uptake of latex or SiO2 beads instilled into lungs of hamsters was inhibited by administration of polyl but not chondroitin sulfate (AM beads per cell: control, 6.1 +/- 0.7; polyl, 3.5 +/- 0.2; chond-S, 5.1 +/- 0.7, n > or = 4, p < 0.05 for control vs polyl) indicating macrophages SRs operate in vivo as well as in vitro. In contrast, AM binding of the carbonaceous diesel dust particles was not inhibited by any ligand tested. AM uptake of unopsonized TiO2, SR ligands or acetylated LDL caused no significant activation of AM respiratory burst or TNF production, consistent with past observations that opsonin-independent phagocytosis of inert particles by normal AMs is not accompanied by pro-inflammatory activation. These data implicate macrophage-type SRs in AM binding of charged environmental particles and indicate that distinct mechanisms mediate binding of carbonaceous dusts.
Felbamate Relieved Trigeminal Neuralgia (1995)

Objective The analgesic efficacy of the novel anticonvulsant felbamate was evaluated in trigeminal neuralgia. Patients and Setting This trial was offered in a tertiary referral center to three outpatients with severe pain who had exhausted other medical options, yet did not wish to undergo surgery. Interventions Felbamate was prescribed as the sole analgesic for approximately 1 month. Outcome Measures A visual analogue scale was utilized. Results Felbamate potently diminished the severe pain of trigeminal neuralgia and was well tolerated. The drug was withdrawn because of subsequent reports elsewhere of aplastic anemia and hepatic failure associated with it when used for epilepsy. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggested that felbamate was effective in relieving trigeminal neuralgia. Stabilization of neuronal membrane depolarization was the most likely mechanism of action. However, significant potential risks preclude further use of felbamate in the management of nonmalignant pain. Principles that have proven useful in screening for new anticonvulsant drugs might be relevant to the development of methods by which to search for new analgesic drugs.
Microparticles as vaccine adjuvants and delivery systems (2003)

Adjuvants can be broadly divided into two groups, based on their principal mechanisms of action: vaccine delivery systems and immunostimulatory adjuvants. Vaccine delivery systems are generally particulate (e.g., emulsions, microparticles, immunostimulatory complexes and liposomes) and function mainly to target associated antigens into antigen-presenting cells. However, increasingly, more complex formulations are being developed in which delivery systems are exploited both for the delivery of antigens and also for the delivery of coadministered immunostimulatory adjuvants. The rationale for this approach is to ensure that both antigen and adjuvant are delivered into the same population of antigen-presenting cells. In addition, delivery systems can focus the effect of the adjuvants onto the key cells of the immune system and limit the systemic distribution of the adjuvant, to minimize its potential to induce adverse effects. The formulation and delivery of potent adjuvants in microparticles may allow the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against cancers and chronic infectious diseases, which are currently poorly controlled. In addition, microparticle formulations may also allow vaccines to be delivered mucosally.
Prolonged Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Monocytes Modulated by Interleukin 10 After Influenza Vaccination in Older Adults (2014)

We evaluated in vivo innate immune responses in monocyte populations from 67 young (aged 21-30 years) and older (aged ≥65 years) adults before and after influenza vaccination. CD14(+)CD16(+) inflammatory monocytes were induced after vaccination in both young and older adults. In classical CD14(+)CD16(-) and inflammatory monocytes, production of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6, as measured by intracellular staining, was strongly induced after vaccination. Cytokine production was strongly associated with influenza vaccine antibody response; the highest levels were found as late as day 28 after vaccination in young subjects and were substantially diminished in older subjects. Notably, levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) were markedly elevated in monocytes from older subjects before and after vaccination. In purified monocytes, we found age-associated elevation in phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, and decreased serine 359 phosphorylation of the negative IL-10 regulator dual-specificity phosphatase 1. These findings for the first time implicate dysregulated IL-10 production in impaired vaccine responses in older adults.
An Erythroid Enhancer of BCL11A Subject to Genetic Variation Determines Fetal Hemoglobin Level (2013)

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have ascertained numerous trait-associated common genetic variants, frequently localized to regulatory DNA. We found that common genetic variation at BCL11A associated with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level lies in noncoding sequences decorated by an erythroid enhancer chromatin signature. Fine-mapping uncovers a motif-disrupting common variant associated with reduced transcription factor (TF) binding, modestly diminished BCL11A expression, and elevated HbF. The surrounding sequences function in vivo as a developmental stage-specific, lineage-restricted enhancer. Genome engineering reveals the enhancer is required in erythroid but not B-lymphoid cells for BCL11A expression. These findings illustrate how GWASs may expose functional variants of modest impact within causal elements essential for appropriate gene expression. We propose the GWAS-marked BCL11A enhancer represents an attractive target for therapeutic genome engineering for the β-hemoglobinopathies.
Initial evaluation of a human immunoglobulin M monoclonal antibody (HA-1A) in humans. (1990)

A human monoclonal antibody (HA-1A) directed against bacterial endotoxin was administered to 15 patients with incurable malignant disease. No adverse effects were noted following single intravenous infusions of 0.05 to 100 mg. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated in nine patients receiving 10 mg (n = 3), 25 mg (n = 3), and 100 mg (n = 3). Seven of these patients had initial peak serum concentrations greater than 80% of predicted values with plasma disappearance curves fitting a one-compartment system and a plasma half-life of 31.5 h (range of 20.3-44.6 h). The peak serum concentrations and area under the curve values were proportional to the dose of HA-1A administered. One patient had a hypercatabolic state with low levels of serum albumin and IgM. He achieved 65% of the predicted value for peak serum concentration of HA-1A with a plasma half-life of 12.3 h. A second patient had detectable serum HA-1A for only 15 min following infusion without an adequate technical or biologic explanation. We were unable to demonstrate antibody to HA-1A in sera from these nine patients either prior to therapy or during 28 days postinfusion using a "double-antigen" radiometric assay. This study suggests that HA-1A human monoclonal antibody administration is well tolerated by patients. Phase I trials will need to be carried out to characterize further the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of HA-1A in patients with gram-negative sepsis.
Cytokine Suppression of Dopamine-β-hydroxylase by Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase-dependent and -independent Pathways (2003)

Cholinergic differentiation factors (CDFs) suppress noradrenergic properties and induce cholinergic properties in sympathetic neurons. The CDFs leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) bind to a LIFR.gp130 receptor complex to activate Jak/signal transducers and activators of transcription and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways. Little is known about how these differentiation factors suppress noradrenergic properties. We used sympathetic neurons and SK-N-BE(2)M17 neuroblastoma cells to investigate CDF down-regulation of the norepinephrine synthetic enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). LIF and CNTF activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 but not p38 or Jun N-terminal kinases in both cell types. Preventing ERK activation with PD98059 blocked CNTF suppression of DBH protein in sympathetic neurons but did not prevent the loss of DBH mRNA. CNTF decreased transcription of a DBH promoter-luciferase reporter construct in SK-N-BE(2)M17 cells, and this was also ERK-independent. Cytokine inhibition of DBH promoter activity did not require a silencer element but was prevented by overexpression of the transcriptional activator Phox2a. Inhibiting ERK activation increased basal DBH transcription in SK-N-BE(2)M17 cells, and DBH mRNA in sympathetic neurons. Transfection of Phox2a into PD98059-treated M17 cells resulted in a synergistic increase in DBH promoter activity compared with Phox2a or PD98059 alone. These data suggest that CDFs down-regulate DBH protein via an ERK-dependent pathway but inhibit DBH gene expression through an ERK-independent pathway. They further suggest that ERK activity inhibits basal DBH gene expression.
RNA Interference in Vitro and in Vivo Using a Novel Chitosan/siRNA Nanoparticle System (2006)

This work introduces a novel chitosan-based siRNA nanoparticle delivery system for RNA interference in vitro and in vivo. The formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes between siRNA duplexes (21-mers) and chitosan polymer into nanoparticles, ranging from 40 to 600 nm, was shown using atomic force microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. Rapid uptake (1 h) of Cy5-labeled nanoparticles into NIH 3T3 cells, followed by accumulation over a 24 h period, was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Nanoparticle-mediated knockdown of endogenous enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was demonstrated in both H1299 human lung carcinoma cells and murine peritoneal macrophages (77.9% and 89.3% reduction in EGFP fluorescence, respectively). In addition, Western analysis showed approximately 90% reduced expression of BCR/ABL-1 leukemia fusion protein while BCR expression was unaffected in K562 (Ph(+)) cells after transfection using nanoparticles containing siRNA specific to the BCR/ABL-1 junction sequence. Effective in vivo RNA interference was achieved in bronchiole epithelial cells of transgenic EGFP mice after nasal administration of chitosan/siRNA formulations (37% and 43% reduction compared to mismatch and untreated control, respectively). These findings highlight the potential application of this novel chitosan-based system in RNA-mediated therapy of systemic and mucosal disease.
Mechanism of the Anti-Emetic Activity of 5-HT<sub>3</sub> Receptor Antagonists (1992)

Ondansetron, a potent and highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, prevents emesis following chemotherapy by antagonising the action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) at 5-HT3 receptors on vagal afferent neurons that innervate the gastrointestinal tract and 5-HT3 receptors in the central vomiting system. Evidence suggests that chemotherapy induces the release of 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells in the small intestine. This stimulates vagal afferent nerves via 5-HT3 receptors. Information is then relayed, via the vagus nerve, to the central vomiting system. 5-HT3 receptors are also found in the hind-brain vomiting system including the area postrema (the site of the chemoreceptor trigger zone for emesis). Therefore, following chemotherapy, 5-HT activates 5-HT3 receptors at 2 sites to induce emesis. Clinical data showing that a single dose of ondansetron prevents acute emesis suggest that it is important to block the initiation of the emetic reflex. This may prevent the recruitment of central mechanisms involving 5-HT3 receptors.
Regulation of Cyclic AMP Accumulation by Peptide Hormone Receptors in Immunocytochemically: Defined Astroglial Cells (1984)

Primary cultures of neonatal murine brain have been reported to express multiple receptors that regulate adenylate cyclase activity. Since for the most part these results were obtained with mixed cell cultures, it has been difficult to define receptor profiles for specific cell types. With this concern in mind a series of studies has been initiated designed to identify specific receptors present on highly purified, immunocytochemically defined astroglia derived from the cerebral cortices of neonatal rats. In this study the capacity of a variety of peptide hormones to regulate cyclic AMP metabolism in these cells was examined. Fibroblasts derived from the meninges represent a predictable source of contamination in primary CNS culture. Thus, to assign more clearly specific receptors to the astroglial cell population, receptor-mediated regulation of cyclic AMP accumulation was also examined in fibroblasts. Cyclic AMP accumulation in astroglia was stimulated by catecholamines (acting at beta 1-adrenergic receptors), prostaglandin E1, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropin. Bombesin, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, neurotensin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, somatostatin, secretin, and vasopressin did not significantly increase cyclic AMP levels in these cultures. Catecholamines, acting at alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, and somatostatin inhibited agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. In meningeal cell cultures catecholamines (acting at beta 2- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors) and prostaglandin E1 regulated cyclic AMP levels. However, vasoactive intestinal peptide did not stimulate and somatostatin did not inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation in these cells.
Individual exons encode the integral membrane domains of human myelin proteolipid protein. (1986)

The gene encoding human proteolipid protein (PLP) was isolated from a human genomic library by hybridization with labeled DNA of a PLP-specific cDNA clone. The entire PLP gene spans approximately 17 kilobases. Restriction and sequence analysis revealed seven exons and six introns. The entire nucleotide sequences of the exons and of the exon-intron transitions were determined, and the intron lengths were measured. Exon I includes only ATGG of the translated region, the N-terminal methionine codon and G of glycine, the first amino acid of mature PLP. Each hydrophobic trans- and cis-membrane domain of PLP together with its adjacent hydrophilic sequence correlates closely with one exon of the gene except for the C-terminal transmembrane helix that is encoded by two exons. The amino acid sequence of human PLP derived from the nucleic acid sequence is highly conserved. Human and rat PLP are completely homologous, whereas only four amino acid residues are exchanged in bovine PLP sequence derived from protein sequencing and a partial cDNA clone. Homology search on the nucleic acid level among human, bovine, and rat brain PLPs indicates an unusually high homology in the coding regions. Hybridization analysis with DNA of human-rodent hybrid clones revealed that the gene encoding PLP segregates with human X chromosome in the region q13-q22.