Beta-adrenergic stimulation of c-fos gene expression in the mouse submandibular gland

Induction of Sca-1 in the duct cells of the mouse submandibular gland by obstruction of the main excretory duct

The effect of ligation of the main excretory duct (MED) of the mouse submandibular gland (SMG) on the expression of Sca-1, a stem cell antigen, was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. By Western blotting, the expression of Sca-1 with a molecular weight of 18 kDa was identified in the normal gland. At 1 day post-ligation, the expression level of Sca-1 was strongly increased in the experimental gland and weakly in the contralateral gland, and such expression in both glands decreased at 6 days. By immunohistochemistry, Sca-1 was detected weakly in the apical membrane of excretory duct (ED) cells of the SMG under the normal condition. By duct ligation, Sca-1 became expressed strongly in most cells of the two major duct systems, i.e., the striated duct (SD) and granular convoluted tubules (GCT), but was not detected in the acinar (Ac) cells. By fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, the number of side population (SP) cells in this gland was found to be increased by ligation. These results imply that Sca-1-positive cells may have a role in the duct cell proliferation in the regeneration step elicited by MED ligation-induced injury.

Expression and localization of the transcription factor JunD in the duct system of mouse submandibular gland

We studied the expression and localization of JunD, a component of the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1), in the mouse submandibular gland with immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. In adult mice, all seven Jun and Fos family members constituting the AP-1 complex were expressed more abundantly in the female gland than in the male gland, and JunD was the most abundant of the members. Immunoreactivity for JunD was localized exclusively in the duct system of the gland, in which it was localized to the nuclei of intercalated duct (ID) cells and a subpopulation of striated duct (SD) cells located adjacent to ID. In contrast, granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells, which are much more abundant in the male gland, were devoid of JunD. During postnatal development of the male gland, JunD was lost from the duct cells as they differentiated to GCT cells at 3-5 weeks postpartum. When GCT differentiation was induced in adult female gland by testosterone administration, many JunD-negative SD cells were temporarily induced to express JunD after 6-24 hr, but those cells lost JunD as they completely converted to GCT cells by 48 hr. These results suggested that JunD is involved in the differentiation of the duct system of mouse submandibular gland, in which there is crosstalk between the androgen/androgen receptor system and the AP-1 complex.

Intracellular cAMP increases during the positive inotropism induced by androgens in isolated left atrium of rat

Molecular interactions of androgens with the plasma membrane may produce rapid cardiovascular effects that cannot be explained by the classic genomic mechanisms. In this sense, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone-induced an acute positive inotropic effect in isolated left atrium of rat, an effect which may be due to cAMP-dependent mechanisms. To prove this, intracellular levels of cAMP, after exposure to androgens in the organ bath, and binding to beta(1)-adrenoceptors were evaluated. After a 4-min exposure, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone increased cAMP levels from 3.83+/-0.61 to 6.15+/-1.1 and 11.18+/-2.4 pmol cAMP/mg of protein, respectively. These increases were inhibited by atenolol and not modified by treatment of the rats with reserpine. The androgen-induced cAMP increase seems to be produced via an extracellular interaction, because positive inotropism and raised levels of cAMP were produced by 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). In addition, it is independent of beta(1)-adrenoceptor activation, because neither androgen displaced [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol binding. Therefore, the androgens induced a positive inotropic effect via a postsynaptic effect that increases intracellular levels of cAMP. This effect is modulated by transcriptional mechanisms or by a protein with a short half-life.

Pharmacological modulation of nerve growth factor synthesis: a mechanistic comparison of vitamin D receptor and beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists

Increasing nerve growth factor (NGF) in the PNS is a rational strategy for treating certain neurodegenerative disorders. The present studies were undertaken to compare two compounds, a vitamin D(3) analogue (CB1093) with minimal calcaemic effects, and clenbuterol, a long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, both of which induce NGF synthesis in vivo. Clenbuterol caused significant increases in both NGF mRNA and protein in 3T3 cells; with maxima at 10 nM and at 8-12 h exposure. Effects of clenbuterol on NGF mRNA were antagonized by propranolol. Mobility shift assays on whole cell extracts showed that clenbuterol increased AP1 binding in 3T3 cells prior to increasing NGF synthesis. Clenbuterol was without effect on NGF mRNA levels in L929 cells, whereas CB1093 caused significant increases in both NGF mRNA and protein levels in both 3T3 and L929 cells. Stimulation was almost maximal at 24 h exposure and was sustained for at least 72 h. The magnitude of the increase was much greater in L929 (700% increase) than in 3T3 cells (80%). Binding to the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR), which acts as a transcription factor itself, was increased as early as 30 min after exposure to of CB1093 and maintained up to 24 h. Increased VDR binding preceded increased NGF mRNA. A 150% increase in AP-1 binding was also evident. This study demonstrates that CB1093 and clenbuterol stimulate NGF levels in vitro and that AP-1 binding could be a commonality between the mechanism of NGF induction of these two compounds.

Positive inotropism induced by androgens in isolated left atrium of rat: evidence for a cAMP-dependent transcriptional mechanism

Steroid hormones exert their biological actions via intracellular receptors modulation of transcription. In addition, a number of molecular interactions, and the existence of membrane receptors in several tissues, support the hypothesis of nongenomic action of steroids. The androgens, 5alpha- and 5beta-dihydrotestosterone (0.1 to 100 microM), induce a rapid positive inotropism in the isolated left atrium of male Wistar rats whose time course of response might suggest that it is a non-genomic effect. However, the fact that the facilitation of contractility was inhibited by actinomycin D (5 microg/ml) and cycloheximide (10 microg/ml) indicates that a transcriptional component might play a role. The existence of a rapid functional genomic role would be somewhat surprising. However, rapid transcriptional mechanisms were also observed in certain cAMP-dependent responses. In the left atrium of rat, Rp-cAMPS (10 microM), a cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, antagonized 5alpha- but not 5beta-dihydrotestosterone-induced positive inotropism. The inhibition by Rp-cAMPS of isoproterenol- and forskolin-induced positive inotropism, and the fact that these cAMP-dependent effects were also inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, suggest that a cAMP-dependent transcriptional component may be partly involved in the positive inotropism induced by 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. In addition, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone might increase the basal adenylyl cyclase activity by acting on unoccupied beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylyl cyclase complexes, since the elicited inotropism was inhibited by a beta-blocker, atenolol (1 microM), a G-protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin (2 microg/ml, 3 h), and an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, dideoxy-adenosine (10 microM).

Role of genomic mechanisms on cAMP-dependent positive inotropism in isolated left atrium of rat

It is well known that beta-adrenoceptor stimulation induces positive inotropism by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of cardiac calcium channels. Furthermore, hypertrophy of different tissues including the heart have been related to the stimulation of these adrenoceptors via mechanisms coupled to activation of transcription and protein synthesis. Early effects of isoproterenol mediated via this pathway has also been associated to the stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors. However, the effects on the inotropism through genomic mechanisms have not yet been described. Isoproterenol (3 nM to 3 microM) induced a concentration-dependent positive inotropism, in isolated left atrium of male Wistar rats electrically stimulated (0.5 Hz, 5 ms, 30-50% above the threshold voltage), which was antagonized by atenolol (1 microM) and inhibited by a protein kinase A inhibitor, (R)p-cAMPS (10 microM). The inhibitor of transcription, actinomycin D (4 microM), and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (35.5 microM), significantly decreased the positive inotropism induced by isoproterenol. Forskolin (0.1 to 3 microM), an activator of adenylyl cyclase, induced a concentration-dependent positive inotropism which was also inhibited by (R)p-cAMPS, actinomycin D and cycloheximide. In the left atrium of rat, isoproterenol induced a positive inotropism which seems, at least in part, dependent upon intact transcription and protein synthesis, as suggested by the fact that the response was inhibited by the incubation with actinomycin D and cycloheximide. In addition, this genomic effect seems to be mediated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism. As it was inhibited by a protein kinase A inhibitor ((R)p-cAMPS) and similarly to isoproterenol, the positive inotropism induced by forskolin, which increases cytosolic cAMP, was also inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide.

Inducible and constitutive transcription factors in the mammalian nervous system: control of gene expression by Jun, Fos and Krox, and CREB/ATF proteins

This article reviews findings up to the end of 1997 about the inducible transcription factors (ITFs) c-Jun, JunB, JunD, c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, Krox-20 (Egr-2) and Krox-24 (NGFI-A, Egr-1, Zif268); and the constitutive transcription factors (CTFs) CREB, CREM, ATF-2 and SRF as they pertain to gene expression in the mammalian nervous system. In the first part we consider basic facts about the expression and activity of these transcription factors: the organization of the encoding genes and their promoters, the second messenger cascades converging on their regulatory promoter sites, the control of their transcription, the binding to dimeric partners and to specific DNA sequences, their trans-activation potential, and their posttranslational modifications. In the second part we describe the expression and possible roles of these transcription factors in neural tissue: in the quiescent brain, during pre- and postnatal development, following sensory stimulation, nerve transection (axotomy), neurodegeneration and apoptosis, hypoxia-ischemia, generalized and limbic seizures, long-term potentiation and learning, drug dependence and withdrawal, and following stimulation by neurotransmitters, hormones and neurotrophins. We also describe their expression and possible roles in glial cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of their expression for nervous system functioning under normal and patho-physiological conditions.

Transcriptional regulation of salivary proline-rich protein gene expression

Mechanisms governing gene expression and regulation in eukaryotes are remarkably complex. The results from in vivo transgenic and in vitro transfection studies designed to identify cis-element(s) and trans-factor(s) associated with the salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) gene expression are utilized as a paradigm to discuss the regulation of salivary-specific gene expression. Particular attention is given to the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the salivary PRP R15 gene regulation. In rodents, the PRPs are selectively expressed in the acinar cells of salivary glands, and are inducible by the beta-agonist isoproterenol as well as by dietary tannins. The results from a series of experiments using chimeric reporter constructs containing different lengths of the R15 distal enhancer region, their mutations, and various expressing constructs are analyzed and discussed. These data suggest that the inducible nuclear orphan receptor NGFI-B may participate in the regulation of salivary acinar cell-specific and inducible expression of the rat R15 gene via three distinct distal NGFI-B sites. Taken together, a model for the induction of R15 gene expression by isoproterenol is proposed. However, the exact molecular basis of this NGFI-B-mediated transactivation of cAMP-regulated R15 expression remains to be established.

Effect of sympathectomy on isoproterenol-induced expression of the cysteine proteinase inhibitor gene, cystatin S, in rat submandibular glands

The autonomic nervous system regulates the secretory function of salivary glands. The volume, rate of secretion and composition of saliva are regulated by both sympathetic (alpha 1-, alpha 2 and beta 1-adrenergic) and parasympathetic (muscarinic and cholinergic) receptor systems. The rat cystatin S gene, a member of family 2 of the cysteine proteinase inhibitor superfamily, has a very defined pattern of expression during the postnatal development of the rat submandibular gland. Its expression is not detected in the fetus or in rats up to three weeks of age. After this time, the amount of cystatin S mRNA increases, reaching a conspicuously high concentration at 28 days, and then it declines to a barely detectable level at 32 days of age; cystatin S mRNA is not detectable in the glands of adult animals. However, the beta-adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol (IPR) induces high concentrations of cystatin S mRNA in the submandibular gland in vivo. This paper reports experiments analysing the participation of the sympathetic nervous system in the IPR-induced expression of the cystatin S gene. Sympathetic denervation (unilateral and bilateral) by removing the superior cervical ganglion 14 days before a single injection of IPR reduced the expression of the cystatin S gene. Chemical denervation by reserpine (a drug that depletes neurotransmitters in sympathetic nerve terminals) also reduced IPR-induced expression of the gene. Morphological analyses of sympathectomized and reserpine-treated glands showed that the structure of the gland was similar to that of glands of intact animals and to those not treated with reserpine. The hypertrophic response to IPR was less obvious in the sympathectomized glands, but was similar in reserpine treated animals. Collectively, these data suggest that even in the presence of a functional beta 1-adrenergic receptor pathway, factor(s) from the sympathetic nervous system may be required for IPR-induced expression of the cystatin S gene.

Immunohistochemical analysis of DNA synthesis during chronic stimulation with isoproterenol in mouse submandibular gland

We investigated the numbers of DNA-synthesizing cells in mouse submandibular glands (SMGs) during chronic isoproterenol (IPR) administration, using an immunohistochemical method with anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) antibodies. Adult and immature female mice were injected with IPR daily or every other day up to a total of seven injections. Whereas hypertrophic enlargement of acinar cells continued with repeated IPR injections, induction of DNA synthesis was transient. With one IPR injection, more than 50% of the acinar cells were induced to synthesize DNA, but after five daily injections the numbers of cells in the DNA synthetic phase decreased and returned to control values. This pattern was basically the same for immature mice and for adult mice stimulated by IPR every other day. The responsiveness of the SMGs of immature mice to IPR was somewhat lower than that of adults. Prolongation of the interval between injections of IPR, compared to daily injections, did not cause sustained induction of DNA synthesis. These data suggest that the hypertrophic enlargement and the induction of DNA synthesis by IPR are mediated through different intracellular pathways after the stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, and that the regulatory mechanism for the induction of DNA synthesis is complex.

Differential expression pattern of Rab-GDI isoforms during the parotid gland secretion cycle

Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) plays an important role in regulating the GDP/GTP cycle of small GTP binding proteins of the Rab family. It also regulates their association to membranes. The small family of Rab-GDI consists of several closely related isoforms, the functional differences between which are still unknown. Here we show that multiple GDI isoforms are expressed in rat parotid gland and that the individual GDI isoforms have a characteristic expression both at the RNA and at the protein level, during the parotid secretory cycle. GDIalpha, the major isoform in brain, is expressed throughout the secretory process and is equally distributed between cytoplasmic and membranous fractions. In contrast, an isoform related to, but different from GDIbeta is found predominantly in the cytoplasmic fraction and its expression is detected only after beta-adrenergic stimulation of the gland, at the end of the secretion phase, when exocytosis is already completed. The induction of such a GDI isoform at the beginning of the recovery stage correlates with the expression pattern of Rab1 and Rab5, but not Rab2 and Rab4. Our results suggest different functional roles for multiple GDI isoforms along the secretion and recovery phases in rat parotid gland.

Regulation of salivary-gland-specific gene expression

The results from in vivo transgenic and in vitro transfection studies designed to identify cis-element(s) and transfactor(s) governing the salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs), amylase, and parotid secretory protein (PSP) gene expression are utilized as a paradigm to discuss the regulation of salivary-specific gene expression. Particular attention is given to the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the salivary PRP R15 gene regulation. In rodents, the PRPs are selectively expressed in the acinar cells of salivary glands, and are inducible by the beta-agonist isoproterenol and by dietary tannins. The results from a series of experiments using chimeric reporter constructs containing different lengths of the R15 distal enhancer region, their mutations, and various expressing constructs are analyzed and discussed. These data suggest that the inducible nuclear orphan receptor NGFI-B may participate in the regulation of salivary acinar-cell-specific and inducible expression of the rat R15 gene via three distinct distal NGFI-B sites. Taken together, a model for the induction of R15 gene expression by Ipr is proposed. However, the exact molecular basis of this NGFI-B-mediated transactivation of cAMP-regulated R15 expression remains to be established.

Current status of histogenetic and morphogenetic concepts of salivary gland tumorigenesis

Because of their complexity and relative infrequency, salivary gland tumors commonly result in diagnostic problems. Histogenetic and morphogenetic concepts of tumorigenesis in these glands are reviewed and their relevance to routine diagnosis and classification of salivary gland tumors evaluated. Evidence is presented from animal and human studies that under steady-state and pathophysiological conditions, all cell types present in the normal gland, including acinar cells, are capable of rapidly entering the cell cycle and are, therefore, possible targets for neoplastic transformation.

Induction of immediate early genes by cyclic AMP in primary cultures of neurons from rat cerebral cortex

In this paper, we tested whether physiological activators of the cAMP second messenger pathway in primary cultures of neurons from rat cerebral cortex directly induce c-fos and other immediate early gene (IEG) transcription factors. We have found that brief (30 s to 2 min) stimulation of neurons with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and SKF-38393, a D1-dopaminergic receptor agonist, potently increased mRNA levels for the IEGs c-fos, jun-B, and NGFI-A, with weaker increases for c-jun. This action was mimicked by forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP. IEG induction by VIP and dibutyryl cAMP was not blocked by excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists or by blockers of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. Moreover, calcium-free medium did not modify IEG induction by dibutyryl cAMP, suggesting that cAMP can directly regulate IEG expression in differentiated neurons independently of calcium.

Gonadotropin regulation of c-fos and c-jun messenger ribonucleic acids in cultured rat granulosa cells

c-Fos and c-jun are immediate early proto-oncogenes encoding proteins for the heterodimer AP-1, a DNA binding complex which regulates gene transcription. In order to investigate the presence and potential gonadotropin regulation of mRNAs for these proto-oncogenes in rat granulosa cells, we used Northern blotting of total RNA from cultured cells. Granulosa cells obtained from diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated weanling rats were challenged with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), dibutyryl cAMP ((Bu)2cAMP) or tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate (TPA) either 2.5 h after cell isolation (day 0) or following a 2-day pretreatment with FSH (day 2). Freshly isolated cells treated with FSH exhibited 4-fold and 3-fold increases in c-fos and c-jun mRNAs, respectively, within 30 min. Two hours after FSH treatment, both c-fos and c-jun message levels diminished to near control levels. Granulosa cells pretreated for 2 days with FSH, then re-challenged with FSH, showed similar increases in both c-fos and c-jun messages. These effects were dose- and time-dependent on both day 0 and day 2. Likewise, (Bu)2cAMP also increased c-fos and c-jun mRNAs in a time- and dose-dependent manner on both day 0 and day 2. In contrast, LH or hCG minimally increased c-fos and c-jun mRNAs on day 0, but on day 2, both hormones markedly increased message levels in a manner similar to that seen with FSH. Analogous effects were observed with TPA which minimally stimulated c-fos and c-jun mRNAs on day 0, but markedly increased these messages on day 2. These studies demonstrate that c-fos and c-jun mRNAs can be induced in cultured rat granulosa cells by acute gonadotropin, (Bu)2cAMP or phorbol ester treatment and suggest that these immediate early proto-oncogenes may play a role in granulosa cell function.

Effects of sialagogues on ornithine decarboxylase induction and proto-oncogene expression in murine parotid gland

The mechanism of a sialagogue-induced increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and the expressions of proto-oncogenes in murine parotid gland were investigated by use of isoproterenol (IPR), carbachol (CC), and methoxamine (MTX). The results were as follows: (1) The three sialagogues had similar effects on the parotid in vivo (mouse parotid after a single injection of IPR) and/or in vitro (rat parotid explants cultured on siliconized lens paper floating on 199 medium containing IPR, CC, or MTX), the order of their effectiveness being IPR > CC > MTX. (2) Northern/dot and Western blot analyses revealed that the sialagogues elevated the steady-state levels of ODC mRNA and ODC protein to maxima at two h and six h, respectively, after stimulation. The increases were roughly proportional to those in ODC activity, suggesting that sialagogue-dependent enzyme induction is regulated at the transcriptional level. (3) The mRNAs of four of nine proto-oncogenes examined showed sialagogue-dependent increases to maxima at 30 min (c-fos) or 60 min (c-jun, c-myc, and c-src) after the beginning of stimulation. These increases were all transient, with the levels returning to the control values (without sialagogue) within 60 min. (4) The IPR-dependent elevations of ODC activity and the mRNAs of ODC, c-fos, and c-jun were inhibited by monensin, but not by polymyxin B. On the other hand, the CC-dependent increases in these parameters were inhibited by polymyxin B but not by monensin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of cystatin S in rat submandibular glands by papain

1. Papain (a cysteine proteinase) were administered into the oral cavity of rats twice daily for 5 days. This treatment caused a dramatic increase in the level of cystatin S (a cysteine proteinase inhibitor belonging to family 2 of cystatin superfamily) in enlarged submandibular glands. 2. Immunochemical analysis using antibody against rat cystatin S and electrophoretic analysis confirmed that the protein induced by papain was identical to that induced by isoproterenol. 3. Induction of the cystatin S in the submandibular glands by oral administration of papain suggested a biological response which plays a role in preventing injury exogenous proteinase.

Down-regulation of cellular proto-oncogenes during inhibition of rat parotid acinar cell proliferation

The role of cell surface galactosyltransferase in mediating isoproterenol-induced parotid gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia was examined in rat parotid gland acinar cells. Introduction of the transferase modifier, alpha-lactalbumin, or galactosyltransferase-associated kinase inhibitor trifluoperazine, into beta-agonist-treated rats prevented acinar cell proliferation as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation after 96 h of treatment. However, [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA after 24 h of treatment, with injection of a combination of isoproterenol/alpha-lactalbumin or isoproterenol/trifluoperazine, was similar to injections of isoproterenol alone; suggesting that acinar cells could be stimulated to undergo a single round of DNA synthesis. Northern blot analysis of myc and fos expression followed a similar pattern of down-regulation to control levels after 96 h but not after 24 h. Hybridization with erb B showed little change with proliferation, confirming previous observations on protein levels of the EGF-receptor in acinar cells. Western blot analysis of nuclear protein expression of myc revealed that isoproterenol caused an increase in a 62-kDa protein which was again down-regulated with inhibition of cell proliferation. Analysis of protein levels of Rb110 protein showed no change in protein level in the nucleus with cell proliferation, but did show an associated increase in protein phosphorylation in response to growth stimulation.

Structure, organization and regulation of a rat cysteine proteinase inhibitor-encoding gene

During postnatal development, submandibular glands of rats produce the secretory protein, cystatin S (CysS), which belongs to family 2 of the mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitor superfamily. While the rat CysS gene is not expressed in the salivary glands of adult rats, it can be induced by isoproterenol (IPR), which acts via beta-adrenergic receptor/adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP (cAMP) mechanisms. In addition, IPR-induction of CysS mRNA in submandibular glands is more pronounced in females than in males, at both prepuberal and mature ages. These results suggest that sex hormones may participate in the regulation of the rat CysS gene via estrogen-responsive elements (ERE), and IPR induction of this gene supports the hypothesis that cAMP-responsive elements (CRE) may also play a role in regulating CysS gene expression. We have isolated, sequenced and characterized the complete gene. The CysS gene contains three exons interrupted by two intervening sequences, with consensus splice junctions. The transcription start point is 73 nucleotides upstream from the start codon which is surrounded by a typical Kozak sequence. CCAAT and TATA boxes are present in the 5'-flanking region of the CysS gene. This region also contains several possible regulatory elements that resemble those of other eukaryotic genes, i.e., ERE, CRE, and glucocorticoid-responsive elements. The first intron sequence contains other potential CRE highly homologous to those found in the IPR-inducible mouse and hamster proline-rich-protein-encoding genes.

Beta-adrenergic treatment of C6 glioma cells produces opposite changes in c-fos and c-jun mRNA levels

The AP1 transcriptional complex is a heterodimer composed of proteins encoded by the fos and jun proto-oncogene families. Changes in the concentration and composition of AP1 occur after cells are perturbed in a variety of different ways (Curran, in Reddy et al., eds. "The Oncogene Handbook," Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp 307-325, 1988; Sonnenberg et al., Neuron 3:359-365, 1989). Transient changes in AP1 content presumably result in altered expression of AP1-regulated target genes, that help to mediate the cell's long-term response to changes in its environment. One factor that may be important in determining which target genes are regulated by AP1 in a given context is the identity of the jun family member present in the complex (Chiu et al., Cell 59:979-986, 1989; Schutte et al., Cell 59:987-997, 1989). Fos induction has been demonstrated after binding of beta-adrenergic ligands to their cell surface receptors (Barka et al., Mol Cell Biol 6:2984-2989, 1986; Gubits et al., Mol Brain Res 6: 39-45, 1989; Arenander et al., J Neurosci Res 24: 107-114, 1989; Mocchetti et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86:3891-3895, 1989). However, the response of the jun gene family to this treatment has not been reported. We have therefore examined the effect of beta-adrenergic receptor activation on the expression of c-fos, c-jun, and junB mRNA levels in C6 glioma cells. Our results indicate that c-fos and junB mRNA levels are increased by 52- and 2.7-fold, respectively, after 45 min of isoproterenol (IPR) treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fos-like immunoreactivity in cultured rat pinealocytes

The expression of Fos-like proteins in cultured rat pinealocytes was investigated immunocytochemically. Pineal glands of 2-day-old rats were dissociated and maintained in culture for 13 days, the last 24 h deprived of animal sera. The pinealocytes were identified morphologically and by serotonin-immunostaining. Incubations with phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), 8-bromo-cAMP and isoprenaline were carried out for 2 h to test whether Fos-like protein synthesis is activated via serum response element (SRE), calcium/cyclic AMP response element (Ca/CRE) and beta-receptors, respectively. In untreated serum-deprived control cultures, one third of pinealocytes were Fos-immunoreactive suggesting that Fos protein may have a homeostatic role. In cultures incubated with PDBu, more than 70% of the pinealocytes had Fos-like immunoreactive material in their nuclei. Similarly, in cultures incubated with 8-bromo-cAMP or isoprenaline, more than 70% of the pinealocytes were Fos positive. The c-fos gene could be involved in the regulation of pineal melatonin synthesis and SRE and Ca/CRE probably participate in its activation process in pinealocytes.

The AP-1 site and the cAMP- and serum response elements of the c-fos gene are constitutively occupied in vivo

The c-fos proto-oncogene is inducible by cAMP, phorbol esters, serum, and growth factors. The induction by cAMP is mediated by the conserved cAMP response element (CRE), while induction by phorbol esters, serum, and growth factors requires a distal element called the serum response element (SRE). In addition to these elements, a consensus AP-1 transcription factor binding site is located next to SRE. Upstream regions of the mouse and human c-fos genes were footprinted in vivo by the ligation-mediated polymerase chain (PCR). Our results show that all three elements are constitutively protected in mouse liver and lung and in cultured human A431 cells. No major change in the protection profile was detected in A431 cells following stimulation with epidermal growth factor or in mice at birth, when c-fos is known to be induced. These results suggest that the inducible cis elements of the c-fos gene are poised, ready to respond immediately to external signals.

Genetic regulation of salivary proteins in rodents

The presence of a protein in the cell is the result of a complex pathway that is known by the term gene expression. In this article we review the existing literature on the structure and expression of representative salivary gland genes and their regulated expression during development and upon extracellular stimulation. The expression of one of the "nuclear" protooncogenes, c-fos, in rat parotid glands is also discussed. Finally, we present some suggestions for future studies that will help to understand the mechanisms leading to gene regulation in rat salivary glands.

Regulation of cell-surface galactosyltransferase in isoproterenol-treated mouse parotid glands

Chronic injection of isoproterenol into mice resulted in hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the parotid gland. As previously described for the rat, cell proliferation was accompanied by an increase in total membrane-associated galactosyltransferase. A plasma membrane localization was determined by fluorescence-activated sorting of intact cells. Co-administration of the galactosyltransferase modifier protein, alpha-lactalbumin, or the calmodulin inhibitor, trifluoperazine, blocked acinar cell proliferation by 96 h post-treatment but not at 24 h. While alpha-lactalbumin appeared to interfere with galactosyltransferase-substrate interactions, trifluoperazine prevented the appearance of cell-surface enzyme in isoproterenol-treated animals.

Effects of kainic acid-induced seizures and ischemia on c-fos-like proteins in rat brain

We have analyzed the brain pattern and time-course of c-fos-like proteins expression in kainic acid-induced seizures in the rat. C-fos-like immunoreactivity increased initially in the hippocampus, notably in the dentate gyrus, at the time of the first limbic motor seizure (90 min after kainate). C-fos-like labelling progressively involved different structures of the limbic system when the rats manifested a permanent epileptic state (3-6 h). The labelling was still conspicuous 12 h after kainate treatment and progressively declined to reach control levels 48 h after kainate. This time-course is similar to that produced by kainic acid on 2-deoxyglucose consumption and correlates with the electrographic changes previously described, supporting the idea that c-fos-like immunostaining may provide a useful marker of neuronal activity, with a cellular resolution. Since anoxic-ischemic treatment produces a very slight and transient increase in c-fos-like immunostaining restricted to the fascia dentata, c-fos-like expression is seizure-related and not due to a local hypoxia or ischemia.

Activation of adenosine receptors induces c-fos, but not c-jun, expression in neuron-glia hybrids and fibroblasts

Extracellular adenosine acts through specific cell surface receptors to modulate numerous physiological processes in both the CNS and peripheral tissues (e.g. neurotransmitter release and blood flow). Activation of A1 or A2 adenosine receptors leads to decreased or increased intracellular cAMP levels, respectively. Fos and Jun are nuclear proto-oncogene products, which, like cAMP, appear to act as intermediates in a number of signal transduction pathways. Since increases in both adenosine release and Fos and Jun expression occur in the brain following seizures, we wanted to determine whether Fos and Jun induction might occur as a result of adenosine receptor activation. 3T3 fibroblasts and NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells were chosen for study, since they were known to respond to adenosine agonists with changes in cAMP levels. The membranes of NG108-15 cells were shown to have A2-like binding activity in a competitive binding assay. Cultures of each cell line were treated with the adenosine agonists, CHA (A1-selective) and NECA (non-selective adenosine agonist). Both lines responded with a concentration-dependent transient increase in c-fos, but not c-jun, mRNA content after treatment with either agonist. The kinetics of the response were much more rapid for 3T3 cells (peak between 15 and 30 min) than for NG cells (peak between 60 and 90 min). The slower, more prolonged response in the NG108-15 cells is more similar to the time interval between adenosine release and the peak of c-fos mRNA induction in brains of animals following the administration of seizure-promoting drugs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) enhances Fos expression in the rat adrenal cortex

The effect of ACTH on the expression of Fos in rat adrenal glands was investigated immunocytochemically at both light and electron microscopic levels. An approximately 4-fold increase in the number of Fos-positive cortical cells per unit area of the adrenal cortex was found 45 min following a single injection of ACTH (i.v., 2 IU/kg b.w.), as compared with the control animals. The number of immunoreactive cells reached a maximum 90 min after ACTH injection and remained high 150 min after the injection. However, 5 h following the injection it declined significantly. At the ultrastructural level, the ACTH-induced Fos-like immunoreactivity was localized in the nuclei of cortical cells, exclusively confined to the nuclear regions associated with the euchromatin. The result that ACTH enhances Fos-like immunoreactivity suggests that ACTH is involved in c-fos induction in adrenal cortical cells. The characteristic intracellular localization of Fos-like immunoreactivity implies that Fos, once synthesized, may be rapidly translocated into the nuclei of the cells, where it participates in transcriptional regulation of genetic events.

Induction of the c-fos proto-oncogene during opiate withdrawal in the locus coeruleus and other regions of rat brain

Opiate regulation of the nuclear proto-oncogene c-fos was studied in the locus coeruleus (LC) and other regions of rat brain by immunoblotting, northern blotting, and in situ hybridization procedures. Precipitation of opiate withdrawal in rats, which is known to increase LC firing rates 4-fold, led to a two- to three-fold increase in levels of mRNA and protein for c-fos in the LC 1-2 h after initiation of withdrawal. In contrast, levels of c-fos expression were decreased in LC from rats treated acutely or chronically with morphine but not experiencing withdrawal, conditions under which LC firing rates are depressed. Similar regulation of c-fos expression during opiate withdrawal was found in the amygdala, ventral tegmentum, nucleus accumbens, neostriatum, and cerebral cortex, but not in a number of other brain regions studied, which included the hippocampus, dorsal raphe, periaqueductal gray, and paragigantocellularis. In the LC and some other brain regions, induction of c-fos during opiate withdrawal was associated with a parallel induction of c-jun, another nuclear proto-oncogene, which, like c-fos, is expressed rapidly in brain in response to certain extracellular stimuli. The results demonstrate a novel use of c-fos in neuropharmacology, namely to map neuronal pathways and neuronal cell types activated in response to acute and chronic opiate administration and during opiate withdrawal, as well as in response to other psychotropic drug treatments.

Two novel c-abl mRNAs are expressed in rat parotid salivary glands during in vivo beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation

The c-abl proto-oncogene is transcribed in most cell lines and tissues into two mRNAs of 6.5 and 5.3 kb, which have different 5' ends and encode two 150 kDa proteins that are largely colinear, but have different N-termini. We show here that two unusually short and abundant c-abl-related mRNAs of 1.5 and 1.3 kb appear in rat parotid salivary glands, within 1 day of in vivo administration of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. These transcripts are not found in the submandibular salivary gland or in the heart and they are too short to encode the known c-abl proteins. RNA blot, S1 nuclease protection and primer extension analysis suggest that the isoproterenol inducible parotid gland mRNAs do not contain the kinase domain, but represent part of the C-terminal segment of the abl reading frame.

Induction of c-fos protein-like immunoreactivity in the rat and hamster pineal gland after the onset of darkness

Induction of c-fos protein (FOS) after the onset of darkness was studied immunocytochemically in the rat and hamster pineal gland. The animals were kept on a 12:12 h light-dark cycle. Before the dark period no FOS staining was seen in either rat or hamster pineal cells. Five hours after the onset of darkness 342 +/- 18 pinealocytes/0.2 mm2 (mean +/- SD) displayed FOS-like immunoreactivity in the hamster pineal gland; in the rat pineal gland only 5 +/- 2 pinealocytes/0.2 mm2 showed a faint staining. Two hours later the density of FOS positive cells was decreased to 60 +/- 11/0.2 mm2 in the hamster but increased to 519 +/- 103/0.2 mm2 in the rat pineal gland. Three hours before the beginning of the light period no FOS positive cells were detected in either animal. Both the rat and hamster pineal gland showed a transient and temporally defined expression of c-fos protein in the middle of the dark period. This may be related to a more active functional state of pinealocytes, which is reflected in a peak of melatonin synthesis during the darkness.

Light and electron microscopic evidences of the presence of c-fos-like immunoreactivity in the rat adrenal cortex

The presence and localization of c-fos-like immunoreactivity in the rat adrenal cortex has been demonstrated by immunocytochemical methods at both light and electron microscopic level. C-fos-like immunoreactivity was detected in the zona fasciculata and the zona reticulata, but not in the zona glomerulosa. Ultrastructurally, all products of c-fos-like immunoreaction were localized exclusively in the regions associated with the euchromatin in the nucleus of the immunoreactive cells. Moreover, a higher density of the immunoreactive cells in the adrenal cortex of pregnant rats was found with quantitative immunocytochemistry as compared to the non-pregnant. The characteristic zonation of c-fos-like immunoreactivity in the adrenal cortex suggest that the c-fos protein is involved in the normal function of the glucocorticoid-producing cells of mammalian adrenals. The numerical increase in the immunoreactive cells in pregnant rats implies that basal expression of the c-fos-like protein may vary with the functional state of the cortical cells.

Immediate-early genes, kindling and long-term potentiation

The mechanism(s) by which long-term changes are induced and maintained in the nervous system are poorly understood. Kindling is an example of a permanent change in brain function that results from repeated elicitation of seizures. Recently, a class of genes called "immediate-early genes" that were previously thought to be only involved in cell division, differentiation and perhaps neoplasia have been shown to be rapidly and transiently induced in adult neurons following afterdischarges, ECS and chemically-evoked seizures. The products of these genes (e.g., FOS, JUN) are DNA-binding proteins and it is thought that they alter, perhaps in a coordinate fashion, the transcription of "late-effector genes." These late genes may code for enzymes, neuropeptides, receptors, ion channels, structural proteins, growth factors, etc. that may cause permanent biochemical and/or morphological changes in the brain that give rise to the kindled state. Thus, these early genes may act as molecular switches turning on a plasticity (kindling) program in neurons in a fashion similar to their induction of developmental programs in dividing cells.

Molecular biology of cell activation

This article summarizes common features of activation of different types of cells along different physiological lines such as proliferation, differentiation, and execution of function of terminally differentiated cells. The common basis of many of these phenomena includes (i) first messengers (growth factors, cytokines, neurotransmitters, etc.) acting on membrane receptors, (ii) second messengers (cAMP, IP3, DAG, Ca2+) spreading an activating signal inside the cell, and (iii) elevated expression of some genes (c-fos, c-myc, ornithine decarboxylase). The role of the genetic correlate in cell activation is emphasized, and it is concluded that the aforementioned genes (their protein products) should be called third messengers, whose function is mediation of long-term phenotypic changes.

Adrenergic receptors mediate changes in c-fos mRNA levels in brain

Recent evidence supports a role for transient c-fos expression as one step in signalling pathways by which membrane receptor-ligand interactions are transduced into appropriate intracellular responses. The activity of adrenergic receptors is mediated by second messenger systems which include ion fluxes, changes in cAMP concentration and enhanced phosphoinositide turnover. In order to determine if C-fos induction was also a step in adrenergic signal transduction in the brain, we performed in vivo studies with drugs specific for different adrenergic receptor types. Unexpectedly, we found that the stress associated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of drug vehicle produced a transient increase (averaging 4.0-fold) in c-fos mRNA levels in rat brain. Injection of the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, yohimbine, produced a transient increase which was larger in magnitude (averaging 9.6-fold) and longer in duration than that produced by injection of the drug vehicle alone. In experiments designed to ask whether either of these inductions was mediated by specific types of adrenergic receptors, we found that the alpha 2- and beta-adrenoreceptors were involved in both responses, while the alpha 1-receptor played a role in mediating the yohimbine induction, but no detectable role in the solvent induction. One hypothesis consistent with our results is that the norepinephrine (NE) released due to the stress associated with an i.p. injection interacts with postsynaptic beta-adrenergic receptors, resulting in the observed c-fos mRNA induction. When the negative feedback effect of NE, mediated by presynaptic alpha 2-receptors, is blocked by yohimbine, the postsynaptic response is enhanced and prolonged.

New perspectives on the molecular pharmacology of affective disorders

Research with antidepressants has emphasized the importance of a delayed deamplification of the linked serotonin (5HT)/norepinephrine (NE) receptor coupled adenylate cyclase system in brain. The basic phenomena of regulation of receptor number and function of the beta adrenoceptor linked adenylate cyclase system in brain are well established, with NE regulating beta adrenoceptors in the high agonist affinity conformation (linked to adenylate cyclase and down-regulated by antidepressants), and with 5HT regulating those receptors in the low agonist affinity conformation. The biochemical effector systems of NE and 5HT are discussed and it is concluded that the final common pathway of signal transduction is protein kinase mediated phosphorylation of cellular proteins. Glucocorticoid receptors are located in the perikarya of aminergic cell bodies and may exert their effects by modifying the genomic expression of the diffusely projecting stress-responsive monoamine systems. The molecular neurobiology of beta adrenoceptors, with its implication for genetic and immunologic investigations, is briefly discussed and further research on stimulus-transcription coupling and regulation of gene expression in brain is suggested as an exciting new direction in central receptor research relevant to the psychopharmacology of affective and other disorders.

Induction of protooncogene fos by extracellular signals in primary glial cell cultures

In the present study various extracellular factors, acting through different second messenger systems, were examined for their capacity to increase the level of c-fos mRNA in primary glial cell cultures. In particular EGF, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, and the glutamate agonists, ibotenic and quisqualic acid, were studied. All the extracellular stimuli tested induced a rapid and transient increase in c-fos mRNA level in glial cell cultures regardless of the signal transduction pathway and the final effect on cell proliferation.

Dissociation between c-fos gene expression and DNA synthesis in rat parotid glands

Two experimental approaches were used to examine the relationship between c-fos gene expression and tissue proliferative responses. Beta-Adrenergic and muscarinic receptor stimulation yielded equivalent levels of c-fos expression, although only beta-adrenergic receptor agonists are reported as capable of eliciting DNA synthesis in parotid cells. Similarly, beta-adrenergic stimuli evoked comparable levels of c-fos expression in parotid cells from 2- and 12-month-old rats, whereas DNA synthesis has been shown to be much greater in younger animals. The results indicate that enhanced c-fos expression by itself is incapable of eliciting proliferative responses in rat parotid glands.

Regulation of proto-oncogenes in rat parotid acinar cells in vitro after stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors

Stimulation of beta-adrenoreceptors in rat parotid acinar cells in vitro by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol induces steady-state levels of c-fos mRNA and c-fos protein in these cells. A dramatic increase in the steady-state levels of c-fos mRNA was observed at 60 min, followed by a decrease at 2 h with a second peak at 4 h. c-fos induction in rat parotid acinar cells in vitro seems to be mediated by cAMP. Increased levels of p53 and c-myc mRNA were detected only at 60 min. c-abl and c-sis were also induced by isoproterenol but in a pattern different from that seen with c-fos. c-abl was the only oncogene in rat parotid gland which showed increased expression after chronic isoproterenol treatment of rats. In rat parotid acinar cells we observed no correlation between DNA synthesis and c-fos induction.

High-frequency discharge of dentate granule cells, but not long-term potentiation, induces c-fos protein

Competence genes, such as c-fos, may play key roles in information storage in the nervous system by linking relatively brief extracellular signals to long-term changes in the neuron. In support of this idea we, and others, have shown that the c-fos protein occurs in adult mammalian neurons and that higher levels of the protein are induced in certain brain regions after kindled or metrazol-induced seizures in mice and rats, sensory stimulation and mechanical damage in spinal cord neurons, and after depolarization in PC12 cells. Here we report that a massive induction of c-fos protein is observed in dentate granule cells in four conditions that result in repetitive firing: localized seizure discharges; high frequency antidromic activation; orthodromic activation in the presence of iontophoresed bicuculline; and frequency potentiation. However, stimulation of the perforant path with high frequency trains that produced long-term potentiation at the perforant path-granule cell synapse did not reliably induce c-fos in the dentate gyrus. These findings suggest that c-fos induction can follow repetitive neuronal discharge but is not involved in long-term potentiation.

Brain injury induces c-fos protein(s) in nerve and glial-like cells in adult mammalian brain

Recent studies have shown that the c-fos protein(s) exists in low basal levels in adult mammalian neurons, but not in glial cells. Here we report that c-fos-protein-like immunoreactivity is induced in glial cells following cortical injury. Glial cells in white matter regions around the wound margin express the c-fos protein maximally at 12-24 h post-insult. Injury is also associated with a massive induction of c-fos proteins in nerve cells in the damaged cerebral cortex. Injections of [3H]thymidine into mice and autoradiographic analysis of [3H]thymidine incorporation showed that the increase in c-fos preceded glial cell division following injury. These results show that c-fos protein is induced in glial and nerve cells after injury.

Proto-oncogene c-fos induction in rat hippocampus

The apparently non-specific accumulation of c-fos proto-oncogene mRNA was found in rat hippocampus as a result of injection of either glutamate, noradrenaline, or physiological saline. There was no c-fos gene induction following an electroconvulsive shock.

Variations in c-fos gene expression during rat brain development

Expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene has been associated with mitosis or differentiation in a number of tissue culture model systems. We have studied the expression of this gene during in vivo brain development in the rat. Our results demonstrate that very low levels of c-fos mRNA are detectable during the period of development characterized by rapid mitosis, whereas much higher concentrations of c-fos mRNA are found in the brains of older neonatal animals and adults. Therefore, although c-fos could be participating in the regulation of mitosis during early postnatal development of the brain, it is also likely to play an important role in mature brain tissue.

Control of myogenic differentiation by cellular oncogenes

The establishment of a differentiated phenotype in skeletal muscle cells requires withdrawal from the cell cycle and termination of DNA synthesis. Myogenesis can be inhibited by serum components, purified mitogens, and transforming growth factors, but the intracellular signaling pathways utilized by these molecules are unknown. Recent studies have confirmed a role for proteins encoded by cellular proto-oncogenes in transduction of growth factor effects that lead to cell proliferation. To test the contrasting hypothesis that cellular oncogenes might also regulate tissue-specific gene expression in developing muscle cells, myoblasts have been modified by incorporation of the cognate viral oncogenes, the corresponding normal or oncogenic cellular homologs, and chimeric oncogenes, whose expression can be induced reversibly. Regulation of the endogenous cellular oncogenes also has been examined in detail. Down-regulation of c-myc is not obligatory for myogenesis; rather, inhibitory effects of myc on muscle differentiation are contingent on sustained proliferation. In contrast, activated src and ras genes block myocyte differentiation directly, through a mechanism that is independent of DNA synthesis and is rapidly reversible, resembling the effects of inhibitory growth factors. The coordinate regulation of diverse tissue-specific gene products including muscle creatine kinase, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, sarcomeric proteins, and voltage-gated ion channels, raises the hypothesis that inhibitors such as transforming growth factor-beta and ras proteins might exert their effects through a transacting transcriptional signal shared by multiple muscle-specific genes.