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Wie MB, Koh JY, Won MH, Lee JC, Shin TK, Moon CJ, Ha HJ, Park SM, Kim HC. BAPTA/AM, an intracellular calcium chelator, induces delayed necrosis by lipoxygenase-mediated free radicals in mouse cortical cultures. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2001; 25:1641-59. [PMID: 11642660 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(01)00202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
1. Disruption of calcium homeostasis during neurodegenerative diseases is known to trigger apoptotic or necrotic death in neuronal cells. Recently, the authors reported that intracellular calcium restriction by NMDA receptor antagonists induces apoptosis in cortical cultures. To evaluate whether further restriction of intracellular free calcium can induce apoptosis or necrosis, we examined the neurotoxic characterization of BAPTA/AM, a permeable free calcium chelator, in mouse cortical cultures. 2. Exposure of mixed (glia and neuron) cortical cultures (DIV 13-16) to 3-10 microM BAPTA/AM (non-toxic concentration for glial cells) for 24-48 hr resulted in delayed and necrotic neuronal death. The necrotic findings included swelling and loss of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with neuronal membrane rupture 24 hr after treatment with BAPTA/AM. Simultaneously, we observed a few TUNEL-positive cells in the neuronal subpopulation of the same cultures. 3. The neurotoxicity evoked by BAPTA/AM (10 microM) was significantly attenuated by the addition of 0.5 microM cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor), 10 microM actinomycin D (an RNA transcription inhibitor), a high extracellular potassium concentration (total 15 mM KCl), 100 microM t-ACPD (a metabotrophic agonist), 100 microM alpha-tocopherol (a free radical scavenger), 100 microM deferoxamine (a ferric ion chelator), 100 microM L-NAME (a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor), 50 microM DNQX (a non-NMDA receptor blocker), and 3-30 microM esculetin (a lipoxygenase inhibitor). However, 0.3-3 mM ASA (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), 100 ng/ml nerve growth factor (NGF), 10 microM MK-801 (a NMDA receptor antagonist), 20 microM zVAD-fmk (caspase inhibitor) and 50 U/ml catalase failed to inhibit the injury. 4. However, NGF and catalase blocked the neurotoxicity induced by BAPTA/AM in young neuronal cells (DIV 6). BAPTA/AM (10 microM) did not alter the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on glial cells. 5. These results suggest that the feature of neuronal death induced by BAPTA/AM exhibits predominantly delayed necrosis mediated by lipoxygenase-dependent free radicals.
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Lovern CS, Swecker WS, Lee JC, Moon ML. Additive effects of a sodium chloride restricted diet and furosemide administration in healthy dogs. Am J Vet Res 2001; 62:1793-6. [PMID: 11703026 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a low or high sodium (Na) diet with or without furosemide administration on plasma electrolyte concentrations and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in healthy dogs. ANIMALS 20 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURE Dogs were randomly allotted to 4 groups of 5 dogs each as follows: dogs fed a low Na diet (0.08% Na and 0.8% chloride [CI] on a dry matter [DM] basis); dogs fed a low Na diet with added NaCl (1.0% Na and 2.2% Cl on a DM basis); dogs fed a low Na diet and treated with furosemide (2 mg/kg of body weight, PO, q 12 h); and dogs fed a low Na diet with added NaCl and treated with furosemide. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were measured on days 0, 21, and 35. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were analyzed by use of radioimmunoassays on days 0, 21, 35, and 53. RESULTS Furosemide treatment significantly decreased plasma Cl concentration and significantly increased plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration. Dogs fed a low Na diet had significantly higher plasma renin activities and plasma aldosterone concentrations. A significant interaction between a low Na diet and furosemide administration resulted in the lowest plasma Cl concentrations, highest plasma renin activities, and highest plasma aldosterone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In healthy dogs, feeding a low Na diet and administering furosemide resulted in an additive effect on plasma Cl concentration, renin activity, and aldosterone concentration, which may be an important consideration for treating dogs with cardiac disease.
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Hsieh HM, Chiang HL, Tsai LC, Lai SY, Huang NE, Linacre A, Lee JC. Cytochrome b gene for species identification of the conservation animals. Forensic Sci Int 2001; 122:7-18. [PMID: 11587860 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A partial DNA sequence of cytochrome b gene was used to identify the remains of endangered animals and species endemic to Taiwan. The conservation of animals species included in this study were: the formosan gem-faced civets, leopard cats, tigers, clouded leopards, lion, formosan muntjacs, formosan sika deers, formosan sambars, formosan serows, water buffalo, formosan pangolins and formosan macaques. The control species used included domestic cats, domestic dogs, domestic sheeps, domestic cattles, domestic pigs and humans. Heteroplasmy was detected in the formosan macaque, domestic pig and domestic cats. The frequencies of heteroplasmy in these animals were about 0.25% (1 in 402bp). Sequences were aligned by Pileup program of GCG computer package, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed by the neighbor-joining method. The results of sequence comparison showed that the percentage range of sequence diversity in the same species was from 0.25 to 2.74%, and that between the different species was from 5.97 to 34.83%. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the genetic distance between the different species was from 6.33 to 40.59. Animals of the same species, both the endangered animal species and domestic animals, were clustered together in the neighbor-joining tree. Three unknown samples of animal remains were identified by this system. The partial sequence of cytochrome b gene adopted in this study proved to be usable for animal identification.
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Kumar S, Connor JR, Dodds RA, Halsey W, Van Horn M, Mao J, Sathe G, Mui P, Agarwal P, Badger AM, Lee JC, Gowen M, Lark MW. Identification and initial characterization of 5000 expressed sequenced tags (ESTs) each from adult human normal and osteoarthritic cartilage cDNA libraries. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2001; 9:641-53. [PMID: 11597177 DOI: 10.1053/joca.2001.0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prepare, sequence and analyse adult human cartilage cDNA libraries to study the gene expression pattern between normal and osteoarthritic cartilage. METHODS Poly A(+)RNA from adult human normal and osteoarthritic articular cartilage was isolated and used to prepare cDNA libraries. Approximately 5000 ESTs from each library were sequenced and analysed using bioinformatic tools. The expression of select genes was confirmed by Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis. RESULTS Multiple gene families including several classical cartilage matrix protein encoding genes were identified. Approximately 28-40% of the genes sequenced from these libraries were novel, while half of the genes encoded known proteins and 4-6% of the genes encoded novel homologs of known proteins. Several known genes, whose expression has not been reported previously in cartilage, were also identified. We have confirmed the cartilage expression of three known (CTGF, CTGF-L and clusterin) and two novel homologs of known genes (PCPE-2 and Gal-Nac transferase) by Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the preparation and sequencing of cDNA libraries from adult human normal and osteoarthritic articular cartilage. Further analysis of genes identified from these libraries may provide molecular targets for diagnosis and/or treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).
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Khoo ML, Soo KC, Gullane PJ, Neligan PC, Hong SW, Lee JC, Siow JK. Resurfacing of the nasopharynx after nasopharyngectomy using a free radial forearm flap. Head Neck 2001; 23:916-22. [PMID: 11592240 DOI: 10.1002/hed.1132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngectomy is emerging as an important treatment option for salvaging locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). After nasopharyngectomy, resurfacing the nasopharynx and covering the internal carotid artery is important to minimize the risk of infection, osteoradionecrosis, and carotid rupture. Previous authors have advocated the use of free grafts of skin and mucosa for this purpose but have also described significant rates of partial and total graft failure. METHODS We believe that the best and most reliable way to resurface the nasopharynx is with vascularized tissue, and our preference is for the use of a free radial forearm flap. To illustrate our approach, we present two patients who underwent nasopharyngectomy by means of a maxillary swing approach and who had resurfacing of the surgical defect with a free radial forearm flap. RESULTS Both patients had complete en bloc resection of tumor followed by the insetting of a free radial forearm flap to reline the surgical defect. Both flaps remained completely viable, and both patients achieved successful resurfacing of the entire nasopharynx. The morbidity of surgery was minimal, and there were no perioperative complications. On assessment 1 year later, the free radial forearm flap continues to reline the entire neonasopharynx, and the long-term functional recovery after surgery is excellent. CONCLUSION Resurfacing the nasopharynx after nasopharyngectomy with a free radial forearm flap aids healing and minimizes the risk of complications. The morbidity of surgery is minimal and the functional recovery is excellent.
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131
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Lee JC, Oh JY, Kim KS, Jeong YW, Park JC, Cho JW. Apoptotic cell death induced by Acinetobacter baumannii in epithelial cells through caspase-3 activation. APMIS 2001; 109:679-84. [PMID: 11890571 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2001.d01-132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell death induced by Acinetobacter baumannii infection was investigated using in vitro assays. Eight hours after live A. baumannii infection, HeLa cells exhibited detachment from the dish, rounding morphologies, high proportions of trypan blue-positive cells and extensive DNA breakdown with faint apoptotic banding, which is indicative of cells undergoing apoptosis. The enzymatic activity of caspase-3 was increased in cells as early as 2 h after infection. In addition, apoptosis of HeLa cells was induced by treatment with bacterial culture filtrates but not with formalin-killed bacteria. These results indicate that A. baumannii infection triggers apoptosis in HeLa cells through caspase-3 activation.
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Wooll JO, Friesen RH, White MA, Watowich SJ, Fox RO, Lee JC, Czerwinski EW. Structural and functional linkages between subunit interfaces in mammalian pyruvate kinase. J Mol Biol 2001; 312:525-40. [PMID: 11563914 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2001.4978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian pyruvate kinase (PK) is a four-domain enzyme that is active as a homo-tetramer. Tissue-specific isozymes of PK exhibit distinct levels of allosteric regulation. PK expressed in muscle tissue (M1-PK) shows hyperbolic steady-state kinetics, whereas PK expressed in kidney tissue (M2-PK) displays sigmoidal kinetics. Rabbit M1 and M2-PK are isozymes whose sequences differ in only 22 out of 530 residues per subunit, and these changes are localized in an inter-subunit interface. Previous studies have shown that a single amino acid mutation to M1-PK at either the Y (S402P) or Z (T340 M) subunit interface can confer a level of allosteric regulation that is intermediate to M1-PK and M2-PK. In an effort to elucidate the roles of the inter-subunit interaction in signal transmission and the functional/structural connectivity between these interfaces, the S402P mutant of M1-PK was crystallized and its structure resolved to 2.8 A. Although the overall S402P M1-PK structure is nearly identical with the wild-type structure within experimental error, significant differences in the conformation of the backbone are found at the site of mutation along the Y interface. In addition, there is a significant change along the Z interface, namely, a loss of an inter-subunit salt-bridge between Asp177 of domain B and Arg341 of domain A of the opposing subunit. Concurrent with the loss of the salt-bridge is an increase in the degree of rotational flexibility of domain B that constitutes the active site. Comparison of previous PK structures shows a correlation between an increase in this domain movement with the loss of the Asp177: Arg341 salt-bridge. These results identify the structural linkages between the Y and Z interfaces in regulating the interconversion of conformational states of rabbit M1-PK.
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Yeh LC, Mikhailov V, Lee JC. Regulation of expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in cultured rat osteoblastic cells by osteogenic protein-1 (BMP-7). JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY. SUPPLEMENT 2001; Suppl 36:46-54. [PMID: 11455569 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family that belongs to the TGF-beta superfamily, induces bone formation in vivo and stimulates the synthesis of biochemical markers characteristic of osteoblast phenotypes in vitro. In the present study, effects of OP-1 on the expression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in fetal rat calvaria (FRC) cells were examined. The PAI-1 protein levels in conditioned media of FRC cells treated with OP-1 or solvent control were determined by quantitative 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The identity of PAI-1 was confirmed by mass spectroscopy. OP-1 increased the PAI-1 protein level by about 5-fold after 48 h. Northern blot analysis showed that the PAI-1 mRNA level was elevated by OP-1 by about 25% compared to the control. The observed increase in the PAI-1 mRNA and protein level was regulated post-transcriptionally as supported by the following observations: (a) OP-1 did not stimulate the cloned PAI-1 promoter-reporter gene activity in transient transfection studies, (b) inhibition of transcription by actinomycin D did not change the PAI-1 mRNA level in the OP-1-treated FRC cells, and (c) the stability of the PAI-1 mRNA in FRC cells treated with OP-1 was increased by about 28% compared to that in the control cells. Hence, the present study shows that primary cultures of rat osteoblastic cells synthesize and secrete PAI-1 protein and that OP-1 elevates the PAI-1 protein level. At least, one of the regulatory mechanism is by stabilizing the PAI-1 mRNA. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 36: 46-54, 2001.
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Behr TM, Nerurkar SS, Nelson AH, Coatney RW, Woods TN, Sulpizio A, Chandra S, Brooks DP, Kumar S, Lee JC, Ohlstein EH, Angermann CE, Adams JL, Sisko J, Sackner-Bernstein JD, Willette RN. Hypertensive end-organ damage and premature mortality are p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent in a rat model of cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. Circulation 2001; 104:1292-8. [PMID: 11551882 DOI: 10.1161/hc3601.094275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous pathological mediators of cardiac hypertrophy (eg, neurohormones, cytokines, and stretch) have been shown to activate p38 MAPK. The purpose of the present study was to examine p38 MAPK activation and the effects of its long-term inhibition in a model of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy/dysfunction and end-organ damage. METHODS AND RESULTS In spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SP) rats receiving a high-salt/high-fat diet (SFD), myocardial p38 MAPK was activated persistently during the development of cardiac hypertrophy and inactivated during decompensation. Long-term oral treatment of SFD-SP rats with a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB239063) significantly enhanced survival over an 18-week period compared with the untreated group (100% versus 50%). Periodic echocardiographic analysis revealed a significant reduction in LV hypertrophy and dysfunction in the SB239063-treatment groups. Little or no difference in blood pressure was noted in the treatment or vehicle groups. Basal and stimulated (lipopolysaccharide) plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were reduced in the SB239063-treatment groups. In vitro vasoreactivity studies demonstrated a significant preservation of endothelium-dependent relaxation in animals treated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor without effects on contraction or NO-mediated vasorelaxation. Proteinuria and the incidence of stroke (53% versus 7%) were also reduced significantly in the SB239063-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a crucial role for p38 MAPK in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy and end-organ damage. Interrupting its function with a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor halts clinical deterioration.
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Jung S, Chung YK, Chang SH, Kim J, Kim HR, Jang HS, Lee JC, Chung GH, Jang YS. DNA-mediated immunization of glycoprotein 350 of Epstein-Barr virus induces the effective humoral and cellular immune responses against the antigen. Mol Cells 2001; 12:41-9. [PMID: 11561729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human pathogen that is involved in numerous diseases and tumors. Since the EBV infection occurs in the early ages of life, and most of the population is subsequently exposed to EBV, the conventional method of vaccination to induce the prophylactic immunity cannot be considered effective in coping with the virus infection. In this study, we tested whether the injection of a plasmid vector that contained the gene for glycoprotein 350 (gp350), which had been identified as a ligand for virus' adsorption and a target for virus neutralizing antibodies, could induce effective immune responses against the antigen. As a result, the injection of the constructed plasmid vector into mice induced the production of gp350-specific antibodies. A major isotype of the gp350-specific antibodies was IgG1. The antibodies efficiently mediated the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against the cells expressing the gp350 antigen. In addition, the injection of the constructed plasmid vector stimulated the precursor T cell population that was specific to the gp350 antigen. In addition, gp350-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were efficiently stimulated by the injection of the constructed plasmid vector. These results suggested that the injection of the plasmid vector, containing the gp350 gene of Epstein-Barr virus, could be one of the most effective ways to induce both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations against the virus infection.
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Dhong HJ, Lee JC, Ryu JS, Cho DY. Rhinosinusitis in transplant patients. CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND ALLIED SCIENCES 2001; 26:329-33. [PMID: 11559348 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2273.2001.00487.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The control of perioperative infection has become more important to increase the success rate of organ transplantation. Thorough examination for occult infection prior to transplantation, careful postoperative monitoring and prompt treatment of infections are required. We reviewed the medical records of 278 patients who received organ transplantation over 4 years and analysed the clinical course of rhinosinusitis during the pre- and post-transplantation period. Thirty-two (11.5%) patients had rhinosinusitis. Nineteen were detected during preoperative examination and 13 were postoperative. Sinus surgery was performed in nine patients before organ transplantation. Ten out of 13 patients who had rhinosinusitis detected after transplantation required sinus surgery and three patients had invasive fungal infections. In the immunocompromised host, the clinical presentation of rhinosinusitis may be subtle, but the subsequent clinical course may be fulminant or even fatal. If the transplant recipient has unexplained fever or any nasal symptom, thorough evaluation with a high index of suspicion and prompt management are required.
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Lee JC, Yang CC, Kromm BG, Berger RE. Neurophysiologic testing in chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a pilot study. Urology 2001; 58:246-50. [PMID: 11489711 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(01)01143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies of male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) have generally centered on the pathologic features of the prostate rather than on the neurology of pain. Electrodiagnostic studies examine the integrity of somatosensory nerve pathways consisting of large, group A fibers. Heat sensation and visceral (autonomic) pain is mediated through small, unmyelinated C fibers, which can be tested cutaneously by thermal sensory analysis. We hypothesized that CPPS pain is mediated by these small C fibers. METHODS All subjects and controls had no history of neurologic disease and had normal neurologic examinations. Phase I: 14 patients with CPPS underwent electrodiagnostic testing using pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials and bulbocavernosus reflex latency measurements. Phase II: 31 patients with CPPS and 14 controls underwent thermal sensory analysis testing on the perineum and anterior thigh using noxious heat stimuli. Subjects used a computer-generated visual analog scale to dynamically report their discomfort. The peak and slope of the computer-generated visual analog scale were analyzed. RESULTS Phase I: two patients had delayed latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials, but additional evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging revealed no definable lesion. Phase II: with thermal sensory analysis, men with CPPS reported higher intensity pain at lower temperatures (P = 0.03). Men with CPPS also had higher peak computer-generated visual analog scale scores on perineal testing. No difference in thermal testing on the anterior thigh was found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Large, myelinated somatic fibers do not play a significant role in the pathophysiology of CPPS. Patients with CPPS have an altered sensation of perineal pain elicited by heat, which may represent a C-fiber-mediated effect.
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Tzianabos AO, Wang JY, Lee JC. Structural rationale for the modulation of abscess formation by Staphylococcus aureus capsular polysaccharides. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:9365-70. [PMID: 11470905 PMCID: PMC55426 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.161175598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a medically important bacterial pathogen that is a common cause of superficial and deep-seated abscesses in humans. Most S. aureus isolates produce either a serotype 5 or 8 capsular polysaccharide (CP) that has been shown to enhance bacterial virulence. We investigated the role of S. aureus CPs in modulating abscess formation in an experimental animal model of intraabdominal infection. Structural studies of CP8 revealed that it has a zwitterionic charge motif conferred by the negatively charged carboxyl group of N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid and free amino groups available on partially N-acetylated fucosamine residues. We report that purified CP5 and CP8 facilitated intraabdominal abscess formation in animals when given i.p. with a sterile cecal contents adjuvant. Chemical modifications that neutralized the positively or negatively charged groups on CP8 abrogated its ability to provoke abscesses. Rats prophylactically treated with CP8 s.c. were protected against abscess formation induced by homologous or heterologous zwitterionic polysaccharides. Likewise, treatment with CP8 protected against challenge with viable S. aureus strains PS80 (a capsule type 8 strain) or COL (a methicillin-resistant capsule type 5 strain). Purified CP8 was a potent activator of rat and human CD4(+) T cells in vitro. When transferred to naive rats, these activated T cells modulated the development of intraabdominal abscess formation. These results provide a structure/function rationale for abscess formation by S. aureus and expand the sphere of encapsulated organisms that interact directly with T cells to regulate this host response to bacterial infection.
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Elgavish T, Cannone JJ, Lee JC, Harvey SC, Gutell RR. AA.AG@helix.ends: A:A and A:G base-pairs at the ends of 16 S and 23 S rRNA helices. J Mol Biol 2001; 310:735-53. [PMID: 11453684 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2001.4807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study reveals that AA and AG oppositions occur frequently at the ends of helices in RNA crystal and NMR structures in the PDB database and in the 16 S and 23 S rRNA comparative structure models, with the G usually 3' to the helix for the AG oppositions. In addition, these oppositions are frequently base-paired and usually in the sheared conformation, although other conformations are present in NMR and crystal structures. These A:A and A:G base-pairs are present in a variety of structural environments, including GNRA tetraloops, E and E-like loops, interfaced between two helices that are coaxially stacked, tandem G:A base-pairs, U-turns, and adenosine platforms. Finally, given structural studies that reveal conformational rearrangements occurring in regions of the RNA with AA and AG oppositions at the ends of helices, we suggest that these conformationally unique helix extensions might be associated with functionally important structural rearrangements.
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MESH Headings
- Base Pairing
- Base Sequence
- Computational Biology
- Conserved Sequence/genetics
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Databases as Topic
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
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Lee JC, Gray HB, Winkler JR. Cytochrome c' folding triggered by electron transfer: fast and slow formation of four-helix bundles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:7760-4. [PMID: 11438728 PMCID: PMC35415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.141235198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced (Fe(II)) Rhodopseudomonas palustris cytochrome c' (Cyt c') is more stable toward unfolding ([GuHCl](1/2) = 2.9(1) M) than the oxidized (Fe(III)) protein ([GuHCl](1/2) = 1.9(1) M). The difference in folding free energies (Delta Delta G(f) degrees = 70 meV) is less than half of the difference in reduction potentials of the folded protein (100 mV vs. NHE) and a free heme in aqueous solution ( approximately -150 mV). The spectroscopic features of unfolded Fe(II)-Cyt c' indicate a low-spin heme that is axially coordinated to methionine sulfur (Met-15 or Met-25). Time-resolved absorption measurements after CO photodissociation from unfolded Fe(II)(CO)-Cyt c' confirm that methionine can bind to the ferroheme on the microsecond time scale [k(obs) = 5(2) x 10(4) s(-1)]. Protein folding was initiated by photoreduction (two-photon laser excitation of NADH) of unfolded Fe(III)-Cyt c' ([GuHCl] = 2.02--2.54 M). Folding kinetics monitored by heme absorption span a wide time range and are highly heterogeneous; there are fast-folding ( approximately 10(3) s(-1)), intermediate-folding (10(2)-10(1) s(-1)), and slow-folding (10(-1) s(-1)) populations, with the last two likely containing methionine-ligated (Met-15 or Met-25) ferrohemes. Kinetics after photoreduction of unfolded Fe(III)-Cyt c' in the presence of CO are attributable to CO binding [1.4(6) x 10(3) s(-1)] and Fe(II)(CO)-Cyt c' folding [2.8(9) s(-1)] processes; stopped-flow triggered folding of Fe(III)-Cyt c' (which does not contain a protein-derived sixth ligand) is adequately described by a single kinetics phase with an estimated folding time constant of approximately 4 ms [Delta G(f) degrees = -33(3) kJ mol(-1)] at zero denaturant.
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Kim MY, Chung HJ, Hong SY, Kim HR, Lee JC, Park SM, Lee JH, Yang MS, Kim DH. Characterization of a novel allele of glucose oxidase from a Korean wild type strain of Aspergillus niger. Mol Cells 2001; 11:281-6. [PMID: 11459216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We have identified a novel allele of the glucose oxidase (GO, EC1.1.3.4) gene (GO) from a Korean wild type strain of Aspergillus niger, ACMO4, with an increased GO activity in culture filtrate. Southern blot analyses of GO from ACMO4 (GO-ACMO4) revealed that the gene was present as a single copy in the genome of A. niger. However, its sequence differs from that of GO from A. niger ATCC 9029 (GO-ATCC9029). GO-ACMO4 appears to be a functional gene based on the fact that it is enzymatically active when heterologously expressed in yeast. Sequence comparisons of the coding region of GO-ACMO4 revealed 16 nucleotide changes that resulted in four amino acid substitutions; T432D, G517D, G530S, and Q542R. The GO proteins from both ATCC 9029 and ACMO4 were heterologously expressed, purified, and compared biochemically. The two enzymes showed no difference in their apparent Km value for glucose (30 mM), but the Vmax of GO-ACMO4 (515.6 unit/mg) was 10% higher than that of GO-ATCC 9029, resulting in a 10% higher specific activity.
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Lee JC, Yen CT. Frequency coding ability of the somatosensory thalamocortical system and its modulation by anesthesia depth. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2001; 44:89-95. [PMID: 11530949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The purposes of the present study were to characterize and compare the mid-tail cortical and thalamic somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and to examine how the depth of the barbiturate anesthesia affected them. After the tail representative locations of sacrococcygeal dorsal root (S2 or S3), thalamus (ventroposterior lateral nucleus, VPL) and primary somatosensory cortex (SI) were set up for recording, the rats were infused serially with diluted sodium pentobarbital solution beginning from light (5 to 10 mg/kg/hr) to deep (30 to 40 mg/kg/hr) and then stop infusion (recovery). The effects of anesthetic depth on SEPs were examined of dorsal root, thalamic and cortical field potentials evoked by mid-tail stimulation of various stimulation intensities (100 microA to 2mA, step 100 pA, at 2 Hz) and frequencies (0.5 to 11 Hz, step 0.5 to 1 Hz, at 3T). The depth of anesthesia did not affect the strength-response curves of the SEPs. In contrast, the depth of anesthesia differentially influenced the frequency following capabilities of different recording sites. Under light anesthesia, thalamic SEP was only significantly affected with stimulation frequencies higher than 8 Hz, whereas cortical SEP was significantly affected with 2 Hz or higher. Under deep anesthesia, thalamic SEP evoked by low frequency tail stimulation was not significantly changed. In contrast, cortical SEP was affected much strongly so that under 1 Hz stimulation, a significant difference could be observed. We concluded, therefore, that thalamus was only partially responsible for the limited frequency following capability of the SI, and that the main effect of pentobarbital was on the cortical level. From the data obtained, an exponentially decaying curve could be observed for the cortical SEP under different stimulation frequencies. The decay constant showed a 50% change with a change in anesthesia depth. We propose that the decay constant could be used as a sensitive index for the monitoring of anesthetic depth.
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Wandersee NJ, Lee JC, Deveau SA, Barker JE. Reduced incidence of thrombosis in mice with hereditary spherocytosis following neonatal treatment with normal hematopoietic cells. Blood 2001; 97:3972-5. [PMID: 11389042 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v97.12.3972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis is a life-threatening complication of hemolytic anemia in humans. Cardiac thrombi are present in all adult alpha-spectrin-deficient (sph/sph) mice with severe hereditary spherocytosis, providing a model for events preceding thrombosis. The current study evaluated (1) the timing of thrombosis initiation and (2) the effect of postnatal transplantation of normal cells on life span and thrombotic incidence in adult mice. Thrombi are detected histologically following necropsy in untreated sph/sph mice of various ages and are not observed until 6 weeks of age. Thrombotic incidence increases from 50% at 6 to 7 weeks of age to 100% at 9 weeks of age. As a potential therapy, nonablated sph/sph neonates were transfused with either genetically marked normal peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), or both and assessed for donor cells and thrombosis. A single transfusion of PB, with or without BM, significantly increases the percentage of sph/sph mice that survive to weaning (4 weeks of age). Replacement in all sph/sph recipients is limited to red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs derived from donor PB are lost within 5 weeks. PB plus BM prolongs high-level donor PB cell production better than BM alone. Thrombotic incidence is significantly reduced in all sph/sph mice treated with PB, BM, or both. Hence, the presence of normal blood cells in the peripheral circulation of neonatal and adult sph/sph mice rescues the former and abrogates the development of thrombosis in the latter. (Blood. 2001;97:3972-3975)
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Saldeen J, Lee JC, Welsh N. Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in cytokine-induced rat islet cell apoptosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2001; 61:1561-9. [PMID: 11377386 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(01)00605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The signaling pathways mediating nitric oxide production and apoptosis in pancreatic beta-cells are not fully understood. We investigated cytokine-induced protein phosphorylation events in insulin-producing cells and evaluated their role in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction and cell death. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), but not interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) in rat insulin-producing RINm5F cells. This was paralleled by an increased phosphorylation of the transcription factors activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). The p38 inhibitor SB203580 prevented cytokine-induced phosphorylation of CREB and MSK1, but not of ATF-2. IFN-gamma induced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. The combination of IL-1beta and IFN-gamma increased both apoptosis and necrosis in rat islet cells. SB203580, but not the extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor PD98059, partially prevented cytokine-induced apoptosis, an effect that was not associated with reduced nitrite production or lowered iNOS expression. In conclusion, cytokine-induced p38 activation participates in beta-cell apoptosis, possibly by a nitric oxide-independent mechanism or by enhancing the sensitivity to nitric oxide.
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145
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Tsai LC, Lin CY, Lee JC, Chang JG, Linacre A, Goodwin W. Sequence polymorphism of mitochondrial D-loop DNA in the Taiwanese Han population. Forensic Sci Int 2001; 119:239-47. [PMID: 11376990 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(00)00439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to demonstrate the sequence diversity of mitochondrial D-loop DNA in the Taiwanese Han population, we established a database of 155 unrelated individuals. For each individual, the complete 980bp DNA region from the 5' end of HVI to 3' end of HVII segment was sequenced. In these 155 sequence data, 149 different haplotypes were observed, amongst these haplotypes, 144 were unique, 4 were found in 2 individuals and 1 was found in 3 individuals. When compare to the Anderson sequence, 144 transitions, 24 transversions, 5 insertions and 5 deletions were found. Eight positions exhibited more than one polymorphic sequence, six exhibited two variants while two exhibited three variants. Over the 1024bp that was analysed, pairwise differences between the sequences were 11.35+/-3.53bp. The sequence and nucleotide diversity were 0.9994 and 0.0116, respectively. The probability of two individuals randomly matching over the entire control region was 0.007. The diversity in the mitochondrial D-loop indicates the value of this locus for casework within Taiwan.
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Kumar S, Votta BJ, Rieman DJ, Badger AM, Gowen M, Lee JC. IL-1- and TNF-induced bone resorption is mediated by p38 mitogen activated protein kinase. J Cell Physiol 2001; 187:294-303. [PMID: 11319753 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, which block the production and action of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), are effective in models of bone and cartilage degradation. To further investigate the role of p38 MAPK, we have studied its activation in osteoblasts and chondrocytes, following treatment with a panel of proinflammatory and osteotropic agents. In osteoblasts, significant activation of p38 MAPK was observed following treatment with IL-1 and TNF, but not parathyroid hormone, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), or IGF-II. Similar results were obtained using primary bovine chondrocytes and an SV40-immortalized human chondrocyte cell line, T/C28A4. SB 203580, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited IL-1 and TNF-induced p38 MAPK activity and IL-6 production (IC(50)s 0.3--0.5 microM) in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In addition, IL-1 and TNF also activated p38 MAPK in fetal rat long bones and p38 MAPK inhibitors inhibited IL-1- and TNF-stimulated bone resorption in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)s 0.3--1 microM). These data support the contention that p38 MAPK plays a central role in regulating the production of, and responsiveness to, proinflammatory cytokines in bone and cartilage. Furthermore, the strong correlation between inhibition of kinase activity and IL-1 and TNF-stimulated biological responses indicates that selective inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway may have therapeutic utility in joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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Kumar R, Lee JC, Bolen DW, Thompson EB. The conformation of the glucocorticoid receptor af1/tau1 domain induced by osmolyte binds co-regulatory proteins. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:18146-52. [PMID: 11279138 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m100825200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation domains of many transcription factors appear to exist naturally in an unfolded or only partially folded state. This seems to be the case for AF1/tau1, the major transactivation domain of the human glucocorticoid receptor. We show here that in buffers containing the natural osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), recombinant AF1 folds into more a compact structure, as evidenced by altered fluorescence emission, circular dichroism spectra, and ultracentrifugal analysis. This conformational transition is cooperative, a characteristic of proteins folding to natural structures. The structure resulting from incubation in TMAO causes the peptide to resist proteolysis by trypsin, chymotrypsin, endoproteinase Arg-C and endoproteinase Gluc-C. Ultracentrifugation studies indicate that AF1/tau1 exists as a monomer in aqueous solution and that the presence of TMAO does not lead to oligomerization or aggregation. It has been suggested that recombinant AF1 binds both the ubiquitous coactivator CBP and the TATA box-binding protein, TBP. Interactions with both of these are greatly enhanced in the presence of TMAO. Co-immunoadsorption experiments indicate that in TMAO each of these and the coactivator SRC-1 are found complexed with AF1. These data indicate that TMAO induces a conformation in AF1/tau1 that is important for its interaction with certain co-regulatory proteins.
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Lee JC, Oh JY, Cho JW, Park JC, Kim JM, Seol SY, Cho DT. The prevalence of trimethoprim-resistance-conferring dihydrofolate reductase genes in urinary isolates of Escherichia coli in Korea. J Antimicrob Chemother 2001; 47:599-604. [PMID: 11328770 DOI: 10.1093/jac/47.5.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One-hundred and twenty-two urinary isolates of Escherichia coli were studied for trimethoprim resistance. Seventy-seven (63.1%) of the 122 isolates were found to be resistant to trimethoprim. Of the 77 trimethoprim-resistant isolates, 75 dfr genes were detected in 72 isolates as follows: the dfrA17 gene was the most prevalent, being found in 27 isolates, followed by dfrA12 in 26, dfrA1 in 15, dfrA5 in four and dfrA7 in three. Southern blot and PCR mapping analysis revealed that all of the dfrA17, dfrA12, dfrA5 and dfrA7 genes were located on class 1 integrons. The dfrA1 gene inserted as a gene cassette in class 1 integrons was found in 10 of 15 isolates, and the intI2 gene of Tn7 was detected in two out of five isolates. In conjugation experiments, the dfr genes inserted in class 1 integrons were transferred to a recipient E. coli in 32 (42.7%) of the 75 dfr genes. In conclusion, the dfrA17 and dfrA12 genes were the most prevalent genes responsible for trimethoprim resistance in urinary tract isolates of E. coli from Korea and the dfr genes inserted in integrons are more widespread than those that are not related to gene cassettes.
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Lee JC, Smith SB, Watada H, Lin J, Scheel D, Wang J, Mirmira RG, German MS. Regulation of the pancreatic pro-endocrine gene neurogenin3. Diabetes 2001; 50:928-36. [PMID: 11334435 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.50.5.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenin3 (ngn3), a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, functions as a pro-endocrine factor in the developing pancreas: by itself, it is sufficient to force undifferentiated pancreatic epithelial cells to become islet cells. Because ngn3 expression determines which precursor cells will differentiate into islet cells, the signals that regulate ngn3 expression control islet cell formation. To investigate the factors that control ngn3 gene expression, we mapped the human and mouse ngn3 promoters and delineated transcriptionally active sequences within the human promoter. Surprisingly, the human ngn3 promoter drives transcription in all cell lines tested, including fibroblast cell lines. In contrast, in transgenic animals the promoter drives expression specifically in regions of ngn3 expression in the developing pancreas and gut; and the addition of distal sequences greatly enhances transgene expression. Within the distal enhancer, binding sites for several pancreatic transcription factors, including hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 and HNF-3, form a tight cluster. HES1, an inhibitory bHLH factor activated by Notch signaling, binds to the proximal promoter and specifically blocks promoter activity. Together with previous genetic data, these results suggest a model in which the ngn3 gene is activated by the coordinated activities of several pancreatic transcription factors and inhibited by Notch signaling through HES1.
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Abstract
Telemedicine has been shown to have a considerable impact in medical education, conferencing and consultation. As a result, the People's Republic of China has been keen to develop telemedicine. In her attempts to further the development of telemedicine, China has looked to the progress of medical services in Western countries such as Europe and North America. The United States of America, however, has exceeded the rest in exchange of health-care information and telemedicine technologies with China. Although China has been enthusiastic about the exchange, telemedicine in China requires development in the technical infrastructure and professional infrastructure.
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