Complement factor H: sequence analysis of 221 kb of human genomic DNA containing the entire fH, fHR-1 and fHR-3 genes

Complement factor H (fH) is a member of a family of proteins involved in the regulation of complement activation (RCA). These proteins share a common structural motif, the Short Consensus Repeat (SCR), which is structurally conserved among related genes and between phylogenetically divergent species. fH is composed of 20 such SCRs and a variety of biological functions have been localised to specific SCR domains. The majority of individual SCRs identified are encoded by single exons, and processes such as gene conversion, duplication and exon shuffling have been implicated in the evolution and genomic radiation of SCR-encoding genes. We have analysed two GenBank sequence entries relating to two overlapping PAC clones sequenced at the Sanger Centre which contain the entire human fH gene and two adjacent fH-related (fHR) genes, fHR-1 and fHR-3. Here, we report the detailed analysis of the assembled 221 kb of contiguous, ungapped genomic sequence from human chromosome 1q32, in part employing the RUMMAGE-DP automated annotation tool. Genomic duplications involving fH and fHR exons were identified and Alu/L1 repeat dating established that the duplications occurred after the separation of rodent and primate lineages. The analysis indicates that retrotransposition as well as single and multiple exon duplication events are likely to have been involved in SCR radiation and RCA gene evolution, facilitated by conservation of splice-phasing and the single-exon, single-SCR nature of the encoded domains.

Genomic sequence of human glyoxalase-I: analysis of promoter activity and its regulation

Glyoxalase-I is a glutathione-binding protein involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal, a by-product of glycolysis. Aberrations in the expression of human glyoxalase in cancer and diabetes have been reported. To gain a better understanding of the glyoxalase-I regulation under normal physiological conditions and in disease processes, we have cloned 12kb of genomic sequence, comprising five exons, separated by four introns. A fragment comprising 982bp of 5' flanking region was used in the pSEAP reporter system to identify the minimal promoter and to locate any cis-acting functional elements. This region contained a minimal promoter between -20 and -160bp. Cells transfected with a construct containing the 5' flanking sequence exhibited a 45-fold higher activity over vector transfected cells. A twofold reproducible increase in reporter activity was seen with insulin and ZnCl(2) treatments, indicating a functionally operative insulin response element (IRE) and metal response element (MRE). Knowledge regarding the regulation of glyoxalase-I may provide insights into the importance of this enzyme in human diseases.

Reversion of human glioblastoma malignancy by U1 small nuclear RNA/ribozyme targeting of scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor and c-met expression

BACKGROUND

Expression of scatter factor (SF), also known as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and its receptor, c-met, is often associated with malignant progression of human tumors, including gliomas. Overexpression of SF/HGF in experimental gliomas enhances tumorigenicity and tumor-associated angiogenesis (i.e., growth of new blood vessels). However, the role of endogenous SF/HGF or c-met expression in the malignant progression of gliomas has not been examined directly. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that human glioblastomas can be SF/HGF-c-met dependent and that a reduction in endogenous SF/HGF or c-met expression can lead to inhibition of tumor growth and tumorigenicity.

METHODS

Expression of the SF/HGF and c-met genes was inhibited by transfecting glioblastoma cells with chimeric transgenes consisting of U1 small nuclear RNA, a hammerhead ribozyme, and antisense sequences. The effects of reduced SF/HGF and c-met expression on 1) SF/HGF-dependent induction of immediate early genes (c-fos and c-jun), indicative of signal transduction; 2) anchorage-independent colony formation (clonogenicity), an in vitro correlate of solid tumor malignancy; and 3) intracranial tumor formation in immunodeficient mice were quantified. Statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Introduction of the transgenes into glioblastoma cells reduced expression of the SF/HGF and c-met genes to as little as 2% of control cell levels. Reduction in c-met expression specifically inhibited SF/HGF-dependent signal transduction (P<.01). Inhibition of SF/HGF or c-met expression in glioblastoma cells possessing an SF/HGF-c-met autocrine loop reduced tumor cell clonogenicity (P =.005 for SF/HGF and P=.009 for c-met) and substantially inhibited tumorigenicity (P<.0001) and tumor growth in vivo (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first successful inhibition of SF/HGF and c-met expression in a tumor model directly demonstrating a role for endogenous SF/HGF and c-met in human glioblastoma. Our results suggest that targeting the SF/HGF-c-met signaling pathway may be an important approach in controlling tumor progression.

Functional and structural studies of wild type SOX9 and mutations causing campomelic dysplasia

In humans, mutations in SOX9 result in a skeletal malformation syndrome, campomelic dysplasia (CD). The present study investigated two major classes of CD mutations: 1) point mutations in the high mobility group (HMG) domain and 2) truncations and frameshifts that alter the C terminus of the protein. We analyzed the effect of one novel mutation and three other point mutations in the HMG domain of SOX9 on the DNA binding and DNA bending properties of the protein. The F12L mutant HMG domain shows negligible DNA binding, the H65Y mutant shows minimal DNA binding, whereas the A19V mutant shows near wild type DNA binding and bends DNA normally. Interestingly, the P70R mutant has altered DNA binding specificity, but also bends DNA normally. The effects of the point mutations were interpreted using a molecular model of the SOX9 HMG domain. We analyzed the effects upon transcription of mutations resembling the truncation and frameshift mutations in CD patients, and found that progressive deletion of the C terminus causes progressive loss of transactivation. Maximal transactivation by SOX9 requires both the C-terminal domain rich in proline, glutamine, and serine and the adjacent domain composed entirely of proline, glutamine, and alanine. Thus, CD arises by mutations that interfere with DNA binding by SOX9 or truncate the C-terminal transactivation domain and thereby impede the ability of SOX9 to activate target genes during organ development.

Scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer increases rat blood-glioma barrier permeability

Malignant gliomas are associated with a dysfunctional blood-tumor barrier (BTB) that causes substantial morbidity. Scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (SF/HGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that correlates with glioma malignancy and has several biological properties that suggest a role in enhancing blood-glioma barrier permeability. In this study, we examined the effects of glioma cell SF/HGF expression on BTB permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Fischer 344 rats bearing intrastriatal 9L tumors engineered to secrete SF/HGF (9L-SF) and SF/HGF-negative control tumors (9L-neo) received intracardiac injections of HRP and were rapidly decapitated. Densitometric analysis of brain sections reacted with diaminobenzidine showed significantly greater extravascular HRP surrounding SF/HGF-secreting tumors than 9L-neo tumors of comparable size (p<0.05). HRP enzymatic activity associated with striata containing SF/HGF-expressing tumors was 1. 6-fold greater than that of striata containing control tumors (p<0. 05). Northern analysis showed that expression of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF) did not differ between 9L-neo and 9L-SF tumors. These data demonstrate that SF/HGF expression by intracerebral glial tumors can enhance BTB permeability independent of changes in VEGF/VPF expression.

Effect of vitamin C and E in modulating peripheral vascular response to local cold stimulus in man at high altitude

At high altitude (HA), cold stress is aggravated by hypoxia, perhaps due to the increased formation of free radicals which trigger oxidative stress. This may be one of the contributing factors for adverse effects including disturbances in microcirculation and capillary permeability resulting in decreased peripheral blood flow. This leads to altered cold-induced-vasodilatation (CIVD) response on exposure to HA. The present study was conducted on 40 male volunteers (4 groups of 10 each) to evaluate the utility of supplementation of vitamin C (500 mg/d)and vitamin E (400 mg/d) singly, as well as in combination, in modulating peripheral vascular response by assessing CIVD response under local cold stimulus both at Delhi (200 m) and at HA (3,700 m). On exposure to 3,700 m, decreased CIVD response was observed in all the groups. The responses were better in vitamin supplemented groups, in general, as compared to the placebo group. The best CIVD response was seen in the vitamin C (singly)-treated group. Administration of vitamin C and E together did not result in any additional benefit. Facilitation of CIVD response due to supplementation of vitamin C may be attributed to its (a) antioxidant effect, and (b) major physiological functions of increased metabolism and thermogenic properties, facilitation of collagen synthesis, restoration of intercellular substances and better maintenance of the rheological status of the blood. Hence, vitamin C is effective for improving peripheral blood flow and thereby reduces the incidence of cold injuries during acclimatization or outdoor duties at HA.

The whey acidic protein family: a new signature motif and three-dimensional structure by comparative modeling

Whey acidic proteins (WAP) from the mouse, rat, rabbit, camel, and pig comprise two "four-disulfide core" domains. From a detailed analysis of all sequences containing this domain, we propose a new PROSITE motif ([KRHGVLN]-X-¿PF¿-X-[CF]-[PQSVLI]-X(9,19)-C-¿P¿-X-[DN]-X-¿N¿ -[CE]-X(5)-C-C) to accurately identify new four-disulfide core proteins. A consensus model for the WAP proteins is proposed, based on the human mucous proteinase inhibitor crystal structure. This article presents a detailed atomic model for the two-domain porcine WAP sequence by comparative modeling. Surface electrostatic potential calculations indicate that the second domain of the pig WAP model is similar to the functional human mucous proteinase inhibitor domains, whereas the first domain may be nonfunctional.

Measurement of airway resistance using the interrupter technique in preschool children in the ambulatory setting

This study describes the feasibility, repeatability, and interrater reliability of the measurement of airway resistance by the interrupter technique (Rint) in children 2-5 yrs of age, and examines whether reversibility to bronchodilator can be demonstrated in wheezy children. The mean of six Rint values was taken as a measurement. If subjects could complete one measurement and then a second 15 min after bronchodilator, baseline testing and reversibility testing were considered feasible. To measure repeatability, two measurements 30 s apart and measurements before and 15 min after placebo bronchodilator were compared. Measurements by two testers were compared for interrater reliability. Change in Rint in wheezy children was measured after bronchodilator. Fifty-six per cent of 2-3-yr-olds (n=79), 81% of 3-4-yr-olds (n=104) and 95% of 4-5-yr-olds (n=88) completed baseline testing, and 53%, 71% and 91% completed reversibility testing. Baseline measurements were 0.47-2.56 kPa x L(-1) x s. Repeatabilities (2 SD of the mean differences between measurements) at 30 s in the three age bands were 0.21, 0.17 and 0.15 kPa x L(-1) x s and 0.19 kPa x L(-1) x s after placebo. Using 0.21 kPa x L(-1) x s as the threshold for reversibility, reversibility was demonstrated in most wheezy children. Interrater reliability was 0.15 kPa x L(-1) x s. Preschool children can undertake measurements of airway resistance by the interrupter technique in ambulatory settings and reversibility to bronchodilator in wheezy children can be demonstrated. This technique promises to be a useful clinical and research tool.

Pertussis is increasing in unimmunized infants: is a change in policy needed?

The proportion and trend in absolute number of pertussis notifications in young infants has increased each year in England and Wales since the accelerated immunization schedule was introduced. We report five infants all less than 3 months of age admitted with life threatening pertussis infection to two paediatric intensive care units. Despite aggressive cardiorespiratory support measures, three of the infants died. Pertussis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in unimmunized infants. In this age group presentation is likely to be atypical and infection more severe. Public health measures to prevent the disease could be strengthened. Chemoprophylaxis should be offered to susceptible contacts and booster vaccinations against pertussis considered.

Identification of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2/megalin as an endocytic receptor for seminal vesicle secretory protein II

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2/megalin (LRP-2) is an endocytic receptor that is expressed on the apical surfaces of epithelial cells lining specific regions of the male and female reproductive tracts. In the present study, immunohistochemical staining revealed that LRP-2 is also expressed by epithelial cells lining the ductal region and the ampulla of the rat seminal vesicle. To identify LRP-2 ligands in the seminal vesicle, we probed seminal vesicle fluid with 125I-labeled LRP-2 in a gel-blot overlay assay. A 100-kDa protein (under non-reducing conditions) was found to bind the radiolabeled receptor. The protein was isolated and subjected to protease digestion, and the proteolytic fragments were subjected to mass spectroscopic sequence analysis. As a result, the 100-kDa protein was identified as the seminal vesicle secretory protein II (SVS-II), a major constituent of the seminal coagulum. Using purified preparations of SVS-II and LRP-2, solid-phase binding assays were used to show that the SVS-II bound to the receptor with high affinity (Kd = 5.6 nM). The binding of SVS-II to LRP-2 was inhibited using a known antagonist of LRP-2 function, the 39-kDa receptor-associated protein RAP. Using a series of recombinant subfragments of SVS-II, the LRP-2 binding site was mapped to a stretch of repeated 13-residue modules located in the central portion of the SVS-II polypeptide. To evaluate the ability of LRP-2 to mediate 125I-SVS-II endocytosis and lysosomal degradation, ligand clearance assays were performed using differentiated mouse F9 cells, which express high levels of LRP-2. Radiolabeled SVS-II was internalized and degraded by the cells, and both processes were inhibited by antibodies to LRP-2 or by RAP. The results indicate that LRP-2 binds SVS-II and can mediate its endocytosis leading to lysosomal degradation.

Impact evaluation of iron & iodine fortified salt

As a novel approach to tackle the problems of iron deficiency anaemia and iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), which often coexist, the National Institute of Nutrition has developed iron and iodine fortified common salt (double fortified salt-DFS) as a public health measure. This salt has undergone a battery of laboratory and field tests to evaluate its feasibility for use in a national programme. The DFS is designed to provide 1 mg of iron and 15 micrograms of iodine per gram of common salt. This was made possible by the inclusion of a polyphosphate stabilizer, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) at 1 per cent level. The stability of iron and iodine was found to be good up to 6 months. However, the stability of iodine depended upon the quality of the salt used for fortification. The biological effects of long-term consumption of DFS were evaluated in experimental rats and in field trials. Both iron and iodine from the salt were found to be biologically available in regenerating haemoglobin and in increasing excretion of iodine in urine. When this salt was tested in tribal villages endemic for goitre and iron deficiency anaemia, the bioresponse was good with regard to the iodine status but was not uniform in all segments with regard to iron, probably due to confounding variables. In a study carried out in residential school children where such variables did not exist, DFS was found to have significant impact on haemoglobin status in anaemic children and improved their urinary iodine excretion. The consumption of DFS for 2 yr did not have any adverse effects in school children as well as in the tribal population. Parameters related to calcium homeostasis were not altered in children receiving DFS. Histopathological examination of tissues and radiological examination of bone did not reveal any abnormality in DFS fed rats. Similarly serum and urinary parameters related to calcium and phosphorus were not altered in DFS fed rats. Therefore, DFS is presented as a feasible and effective strategy to control the double deficiency of iron and iodine in our community.

Thiazolidinediones inhibit lipoprotein lipase activity in adipocytes

The thiazolidinediones troglitazone and BRL 49653 improve insulin sensitivity in humans and animals with insulin resistance. Adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase is an insulin-sensitive enzyme. We examined the effects of thiazolidinediones on lipoprotein lipase expression in adipocytes. When added to 3T3-F442A, 3T3-L1, and rat adipocytes in culture, troglitazone and BRL 49653 inhibited lipoprotein lipase activity. This inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 0.1 microM and within 2 h after addition of the drug. Lipoprotein lipase activity was inhibited in differentiated adipocytes as well as the differentiating cells. Despite this decrease in enzyme activity, these drugs increased mRNA levels in undifferentiated 3T3-F442A and 3T3-L1 cells and had no effect on mRNA expression or synthesis of lipoprotein lipase in differentiated cells. Western blot analysis showed that these drugs did not affect the mass of the enzyme protein. Lipoprotein lipase activity in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells was not inhibited by troglitazone. Glucose transport, biosynthesis of lipids from glucose or the biosynthesis of proteins were unaffected by thiazolidinediones in differentiated cells, whereas glucose transport and lipid biosynthesis were increased when these drugs were added during differentiation. These results show that troglitazone and BRL 49653 have a specific, post-translational inhibitory effect on lipoprotein lipase in adipocytes, yet they promote lipid accumulation and differentiation in preadipocytes.

A survey of dermatophytosis in animals in Madras, India

Two hundred and eleven dogs (including strictly house and stray dogs) and 170 cattle in and around the city of Madras, India were screened for the presence of dermatophytosis. 106 strains of dermatophytes (89 strains from dogs and 17 strains from bovines) were isolated. 57/106 strains were Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and 42/106 strains were of the Microsporum gypseum complex. 5 strains of T. rubrum and 2 strains of T. simii were also obtained in culture. A predominance of M. gypseum complex isolates was recorded in stray dogs and cattle and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum in strictly house dogs. The family history of the owners of the most of the dogs had clear records of dermatophytosis. Further, the owners of the 11 dogs that yielded T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes had either tinea corporis or tinea pedis. The etiological agent of all the 11 human cases was T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. Similarly the owners of 4 of the 5 dogs that yielded T. rubrum were known T. rubrum patients. All these patients responded to oral griseofulvin or ketaconozole, but the recurrence of lesions was noted with the cessation of treatment. None of the patients had onychomycosis and the family history of all the patients revealed no reports of T. rubrum infections. The pet dogs were presumed to be the source of re-infection. Reversed transmission of dermatophytes from humans to animals may be the reason for the selective predominance of these organisms in strictly house dogs. They also may act as sources of reinfection. Most of the animals had small, occult, scattered lesions. These lesions may either go unnoticed or are ignored by the owners of the animals. The taxonomic status of T. mentagrophytes and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale was aligned to their teleomorph Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii. Our study suggests that the periodic screening and medication of all live-stock are essential for the prevention and management of the public health problem caused by dermatophytes.

Lack of effect of leptin on glucose transport, lipoprotein lipase, and insulin action in adipose and muscle cells

The effect of leptin on glucose transport, lipogenesis, and lipoprotein lipase activity was studied in cultured rat adipocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Leptin had no effect on basal and insulin stimulated glucose transport in isolated adipocytes from the rat and the genetically obese mouse. The incorporation of glucose into lipids was also unaffected. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity remained unchanged in response to leptin in these cells, as well as in minced adipose tissue. Leptin also had no effect on both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport in cultured rat and human skeletal muscle cells. These studies showed that leptin had no effect on glucose transport, lipoprotein lipase activity, and insulin action in fat and muscle cells in vitro.

Adipose tissue ob mRNA expression in humans: discordance with plasma leptin and relationship with adipose TNFalpha expression

Elevated plasma leptin levels are found in obese humans, suggesting a defect in the function of leptin in regulating body weight and adiposity. In 53 subjects covering a broad range of adiposity, we examined the relationships between plasma leptin, adipose tissue ob mRNA levels, and adipose tissue TNF mRNA. There was a highly significant correlation between plasma leptin levels and every index of adiposity. In contrast, the relationship between ob mRNA levels and adiposity was weak. Adipose tissue from obese subjects demonstrated higher ob mRNA levels than adipose tissue from lean subjects (lean: 0.49+/-0.05; obese 0.87+/-0.09 arbitrary units, P< 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between body fat and ob mRNA level. In addition, there was no significant relationship between ob mRNA levels and plasma leptin levels, which were measured in the same subjects. In addition to the measure of ob mRNA levels, adipose TNF mRNA levels were measured in 18 subjects. TNF mRNA levels varied with ob mRNA levels (r = 0.44, P = 0.06). These data show that plasma leptin levels are not directly related to adipose tissue ob mRNA levels, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of leptin expression, either at the level of the adipocyte, or by alteration of plasma leptin degradation or clearance. In addition, the parallel changes in ob and TNF mRNA in adipose tissue suggest that these two important factors in the defense against obesity may be regulated similarly.

Altered beta-tubulin isotype expression in paclitaxel-resistant human prostate carcinoma cells

To investigate the role of beta-tubulin isotype composition in resistance to paclitaxel, an anti-microtubule agent, human prostate carcinoma (DU-145) cells were intermittently exposed to increasing concentrations of paclitaxel. Cells that were selected and maintained at 10 nM paclitaxel (Pac-10) were fivefold resistant to the drug. Pac-10 cells accumulated radiolabelled paclitaxel to the same extent as DU-145 cells and were negative for MDR-1. Analysis of Pac-10 and DU-145 cells by flow cytometry showed similar cell cycle patterns. Immunofluorescent staining revealed an overall increase of alpha- and beta-tubulin levels in Pac-10 cells compared with DU-145 cells. Examination of beta-tubulin isotype composition revealed a significant increase in betaIII isotype in the resistant cells, both by immunofluorescence and by western blot analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the isotypes confirmed the increase observed for the betaIII by exhibiting ninefold higher betaIII mRNA levels and also showed fivefold increase of the betaIVa transcript. In addition, analysis of paclitaxel-resistant cells that were selected at increasing levels of the drug (Pac 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) exhibited a positive correlation between increasing betaIII levels and increasing resistance to paclitaxel. Increased expression of specific beta-tubulin isotypes and subsequent incorporation into microtubules may alter cellular microtubule dynamics, providing a defence against the anti-microtubule effects of paclitaxel and other tubulin-binding drugs.

Cloning and sequencing of human betaIII-tubulin cDNA: induction of betaIII isotype in human prostate carcinoma cells by acute exposure to antimicrotubule agents

Antimicrotubule drugs are used as chemotherapeutic agents due to their effects on essential cellular functions such as mitosis, organelle transport and maintenance of cell shape. When used in combination, paclitaxel with estramustine or vinblastine has demonstrated activity against hormone refractory prostate cancer. To understand the mechanism of resistance that develops in patients as a result of antimicrotubule drug therapy, we exposed human prostate carcinoma cells to IC20 and IC40 doses of estramustine, paclitaxel or vinblastine for 48 h and examined the beta-tubulin (the cellular target) isotype composition. The results revealed an increase in the betaIII-tubulin isotype as a result of drug treatment both at protein and message levels. In addition, examination of human brain cell lines with different intrinsic levels of betaIII showed that cell lines with higher betaIII levels were more resistant to paclitaxel. These results are in agreement with our previous findings in human prostate carcinoma cell lines that were made resistant to estramustine or paclitaxel and suggest an important function for betaIII in antimicrotubule drug resistance. Also, the complete coding sequence of human betaIII tubulin reported here will provide molecular tools for future investigations.