Metabotropic glutamate 7 receptor subtype modulates motor symptoms in rodent models of Parkinson's disease

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors modulate synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and represent promising therapeutic targets for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Among the eight mGlu receptor subtypes, mGlu7 receptor is prominently expressed in the basal ganglia, but its role in restoring motor function in animal models of PD is not known. The effects of N,N'-dibenzhydrylethane-1,2-diamine dihydrochloride (AMN082), the first selective allosteric activator of mGlu7 receptors, were thus tested in different rodent models of PD. Here, we show that oral (5 mg/kg) or intrastriatal administration (0.1 and 0.5 nmol) of AMN082 reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. AMN082 (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) reduces apomorphine-induced rotations in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. In a more complex task commonly used to evaluate major akinetic symptoms of PD patients, 5 mg/kg AMN082 reverses the increased reaction time to respond to a cue of bilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In addition, AMN082 reduces the duration of haloperidol-induced catalepsy in a mGlu7 receptor-dependent manner in wild-type but not mGlu7 receptor knockout mice. Higher doses of AMN082 (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) have no effect on the same models of PD. Overall these findings suggest that mGlu7 receptor activation can reverse motor dysfunction associated with reduced dopamine activity. Selective ligands of mGlu7 receptor subtypes may thus be considered as promising compounds for the development of antiparkinsonian therapeutic strategies.

The effect of mGlu8 deficiency in animal models of psychiatric diseases

The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 8 (mGlu(8)) is presynaptically located and regulates the release of the transmitter. Dysfunctions of this mechanism are involved in the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders. mGlu(8) deficient mice have been previously investigated in a range of studies, but the results are contradictory and there are still many open questions. Therefore, we tested mGlu(8)-deficient animals in different behavioral tasks that are commonly used in neuropsychiatric research. Our results show a robust contextual fear deficit in mGlu(8)-deficient mice. Furthermore, novel object recognition, chlordiazepoxide-facilitated extinction of operant conditioning and the acoustic startle response were attenuated by mGlu(8) deficiency. We found no changes in sensory processing, locomotor activity, prepulse inhibition, phencyclidine-induced changes in locomotion or prepulse inhibition, operant conditioning, conditioned fear to a discrete cue or in animal models of innate fear and post-traumatic stress disorder. We conclude that mGlu(8) might be a potential target for disorders with pathophysiological changes in brain areas where mGlu(8) modulates glutamate and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) transmission. Our data especially point to anxiety disorders involving exaggerated contextual fear, such as generalized anxiety disorders, and to conditions with disturbed declarative memory.

mGluR7 facilitates extinction of aversive memories and controls amygdala plasticity

Formation and extinction of aversive memories in the mammalian brain are insufficiently understood at the cellular and molecular levels. Using the novel metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) agonist AMN082, we demonstrate that mGluR7 activation facilitates the extinction of aversive memories in two different amygdala-dependent tasks. Conversely, mGluR7 knockdown using short interfering RNA attenuated the extinction of learned aversion. mGluR7 activation also blocked the acquisition of Pavlovian fear learning and its electrophysiological correlate long-term potentiation in the amygdala. The finding that mGluR7 critically regulates extinction, in addition to acquisition of aversive memories, demonstrates that this receptor may be relevant for the manifestation and treatment of anxiety disorders.

Functional role of mGluR1 and mGluR4 in pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy

Altered expression and distribution of neurotransmitter receptors, including metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), constitute key aspects in epileptogenesis, impaired hippocampal excitability and neuronal degeneration. mGluR1 mediates predominantly excitatory effects, whereas mGluR4 acts as inhibitory presynaptic receptor. Increased hippocampal expression of mGluR1 and mGluR4 has been observed in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this study, we address whether genetic mGluR1 upregulation and mGluR4 knock-down influence seizure susceptibility and/or vulnerability of hippocampal neurons by analyzing transgenic animals in the pilocarpine TLE model. Therefore, we generated transgenic mice expressing mGluR1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein under control of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter. Status epilepticus (SE) was induced in (a) mice overexpressing mGluR1-EGFP and (b) mice deficient for mGluR4 (mGluR4 KO) as well as littermate controls. In the acute epileptic stage after pilocarpine application, mGluR4 KO mice showed a significant increase of severe seizure activity, in contrast to mGluR1 transgenics. Analysis of both transgenic mouse lines in the chronic epileptic phase, using a telemetric EEG-/video-monitoring system, revealed a significant increase in seizure frequency only in mGluR1-EGFP mice. In contrast, enhanced neuronal cell loss was only present in the hippocampus of epileptic mGluR4 KO mice. Our results suggest a role for mGluR1 in promoting seizure susceptibility as well as for mGluR4 to counteract excitatory activity and seizure-associated vulnerability of hippocampal neurons. Therefore, our data strongly recommend both mGluRs as potential drug targets to interfere with the development of hippocampal damage and seizure activity in TLE.

siRNA-mediated knockdown of the serotonin transporter in the adult mouse brain

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used antidepressant drugs that increase the extracellular levels of serotonin by blocking the reuptake activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Although SSRIs elevate brain serotonergic neurotransmission acutely, their full therapeutic effects involve neurochemical adaptations that emerge following chronic drug administration. The adaptive downregulation of SERT has recently been implicated in the therapeutic response of SSRIs. Interestingly, studies using SERT-knockout mice reveal somewhat paradoxical depression-related effects, probably specific to the downregulation of SERT during early development. However, the behavioral significance of SSRI-mediated downregulation of SERT during adulthood is still unknown. We investigated whether somatic gene manipulation, triggered by infusing short interfering RNA (siRNA) into the ventricular system, would enable the downregulation of SERT in the adult mouse brain. Infusing the SERT-targeting siRNA, for 2 weeks, significantly reduced the mRNA levels of SERT in raphe nuclei. Further, a significant, specific and widespread downregulation of SERT-binding sites was achieved in the brain. In contrast, 2-week infusion of the SSRI, citalopram, produced a widespread downregulation of SERT-binding sites, independent of any alterations at the mRNA level. Irrespective of their mechanisms for downregulating SERT in the brain, infusions of SERT-siRNA or citalopram elicited a similar antidepressant-related behavioral response in the forced swim test. These results signify a role for the downregulation of SERT in mediating the antidepressant action of SSRIs in adults. Further, these data demonstrate that siRNA-induced widespread knockdown of gene expression serves as a powerful tool for assessing the function of endogenous genes in the adult brain.

Epilepsy, hyperalgesia, impaired memory, and loss of pre- and postsynaptic GABA(B) responses in mice lacking GABA(B(1))

GABA(B) (gamma-aminobutyric acid type B) receptors are important for keeping neuronal excitability under control. Cloned GABA(B) receptors do not show the expected pharmacological diversity of native receptors and it is unknown whether they contribute to pre- as well as postsynaptic functions. Here, we demonstrate that Balb/c mice lacking the GABA(B(1)) subunit are viable, exhibit spontaneous seizures, hyperalgesia, hyperlocomotor activity, and memory impairment. Upon GABA(B) agonist application, null mutant mice show neither the typical muscle relaxation, hypothermia, or delta EEG waves. These behavioral findings are paralleled by a loss of all biochemical and electrophysiological GABA(B) responses in null mutant mice. This demonstrates that GABA(B(1)) is an essential component of pre- and postsynaptic GABA(B) receptors and casts doubt on the existence of proposed receptor subtypes.

Selective activation of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors is protective against excitotoxic neuronal death

Activation of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8) has been established to be neuroprotective in vitro and in vivo. To disclose the identity of the receptor subtype(s) that exert(s) the protective effect, we have used group III agonists in combination with mGluR4 subtype-deficient mice (-/-). In cortical cultures prepared from wild-type (+/+) mice and exposed to a toxic pulse of NMDA, the selective group III agonist (+)-4-phosphonophenylglycine [(+)-PPG] reversed excitotoxicity with an EC(50) value of 4.9 microm, whereas its enantiomer (-)-PPG was inactive. This correlated closely with the potency of (+)-PPG in activating recombinant mGluR4a. In cortical neurons from -/- mice, (+)-PPG showed no protection against the NMDA insult up to 300 microm, whereas group I/II mGluR ligands still retained their protective activity. Classical group III agonists (l-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate and l-serine-O-phosphate) were also substantially neuroprotective against NMDA toxicity in +/+ and heterozygous (+/-) cultures but were inactive in -/- cultures. Interestingly, -/- cultures were more vulnerable to low concentrations of NMDA and showed higher extracellular glutamate levels compared with +/+ cultures. We have also examined neurodegeneration induced by intrastriatal infusion of NMDA in wild-type or mGluR4-deficient mice. Low doses of (R,S)-PPG (10 nmol/0.5 microl) substantially reduced NMDA toxicity in +/+ mice but were ineffective in -/- mice. Higher doses of (R,S)-PPG were neuroprotective in both strains of animals. Finally, microdialysis studies showed that intrastriatal infusion of NMDA increased extracellular glutamate levels to a greater extent in -/- than in +/+ mice, supporting the hypothesis that the mGluR4 subtype is necessary for the maintenance of the homeostasis of extracellular glutamate levels.

Neuropathology in mice expressing human alpha-synuclein

The presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein is a prime suspect for contributing to Lewy pathology and clinical aspects of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and a Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease. alpha-Synuclein accumulates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, and two missense mutations (A53T and A30P) in the alpha-synuclein gene are genetically linked to rare familial forms of Parkinson's disease. Under control of mouse Thy1 regulatory sequences, expression of A53T mutant human alpha-synuclein in the nervous system of transgenic mice generated animals with neuronal alpha-synucleinopathy, features strikingly similar to those observed in human brains with Lewy pathology, neuronal degeneration, and motor defects, despite a lack of transgene expression in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Neurons in brainstem and motor neurons appeared particularly vulnerable. Motor neuron pathology included axonal damage and denervation of neuromuscular junctions in several muscles examined, suggesting that alpha-synuclein interfered with a universal mechanism of synapse maintenance. Thy1 transgene expression of wild-type human alpha-synuclein resulted in similar pathological changes, thus supporting a central role for mutant and wild-type alpha-synuclein in familial and idiotypic forms of diseases with neuronal alpha-synucleinopathy and Lewy pathology. These mouse models provide a means to address fundamental aspects of alpha-synucleinopathy and test therapeutic strategies.

Lack of effect of LY314582 (a group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist) on phencyclidine-induced locomotor activity in metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 knockout mice

In metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGlu(2)) knockout mice, the group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY314582 (20 mg/kg, i.p.), a racemate of LY354740, inhibits neither spontaneous nor phencyclidine (PCP)-induced (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) locomotor activity. Since LY314582 attenuated spontaneous and PCP-induced locomotor activity in wild-type control mice, these data indicate that the effects of LY314582 are mediated via the mGlu(2) receptor and not via the mGlu(3) receptor.

Evidence of blood-brain barrier alteration and activation in HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice

OBJECTIVE

To verify whether HIV envelope protein gp120 changes the blood-brain barrier in vivo, as a fundamental mechanism of early central nervous system damage by HIV-1.

DESIGN

Analysis of the functional integrity and immune activation of the blood-brain barrier in brains of HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice secreting circulating gp120 at levels similar to those detected in AIDS patients.

METHODS

Number of vessels/mm2 section area with perivascular albumin and percentage of vessels expressing adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) were determined by immunohistochemistry in frozen brains from autopsied transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The percentage of vessels showing substance P immunoreactivity was also calculated, as this neuropeptide is known to mediate the increase in permeability of the rat brain endothelium in vitro caused by HIV-1 gp120.

RESULTS

The number of vessels with albumin extravasation was significantly higher in transgenic than non-transgenic mice brains (P = 0.0003). A greater percentage of ICAM-1- and VCAM-1-positive brain vessels in transgenic than non-transgenic mice was shown (P = 0.0017 and P = 0.0008 respectively). Significant immunoreactivity for substance P was detected in brain vessels in transgenic mice and a significant correlation was found between the percentage of substance P-positive and ICAM-1-positive brain vessels (P < 0.0001) in transgenic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120 is capable of changing and activating in vivo the vascular component of the blood-brain barrier.

Neuron-specific transgene expression of Bcl-XL but not Bcl-2 genes reduced lesion size after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice

Protective effects after focal cerebral ischemia were assessed in transgenic mice that overexpress in a neuron-specific fashion mouse Bcl-XL or human Bcl-2. Both Bcl genes were under the control of the same mouse Thy-1 regulatory sequences resulting in very similar expression patterns in cortical neurons. Furthermore, these sequences direct lateonset (i.e. around birth) expression in brain, thus minimizing effects of transgene expression during brain development. Effects on infarct volume were measured using MRI after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). When compared to their non-transgenic littermates, Thy1mbcl-XL mice showed a significant 21% reduction in infarct size whereas Thy1hbcl-2 mice did not reveal any reduction. These findings suggest a selective protective advantage of Bcl-XL as compared with Bcl-2 in this mouse model for human stroke.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 ablation causes deficit in fear response and conditioned taste aversion

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) consist of eight different subtypes and exert their effects on second messengers and ion channels via G-proteins. The function of individual mGluR subtypes in the CNS, however, largely remains to be clarified. We examined the fear response of freezing after electric shock in wild-type and mGluR7(-/-) knockout littermates. Wild-type mice displayed freezing immediately after and 1 d after footshock. In comparison, mGluR7(-/-) knockout mice showed significantly reduced levels in both immediate postshock and delayed freezing responses. However, the knockout mice exhibited no abnormalities in pain sensitivity and locomotor activity. To further examine amygdala-dependent behavior, we performed conditioned taste aversion (CTA) experiments. In wild-type mice, the administration of saccharin followed by intraperitoneal injection of the malaise-inducing agent LiCl resulted in an association between saccharin and LiCl. This association caused strong CTA toward saccharin. In contrast, mGluR7(-/-) knockout mice failed to associate between the taste and the negative reinforcer in CTA experiments. Again, the knockout mice showed no abnormalities in taste preference and in the sensitivity to LiCl toxicity. These results indicate that mGluR7 deficiency causes an impairment of two distinct amygdala-dependent behavioral paradigms. Immunohistochemical and immunoelectron-microscopic analyses showed that mGluR7 is highly expressed in amygdala and preferentially localized at the presynaptic axon terminals of glutamatergic neurons. Together, these findings strongly suggest that mGluR7 is involved in neural processes subserving amygdala-dependent averse responses.

Generation of chimeric monoclonal antibodies from mice that carry human immunoglobulin Cgamma1 heavy of Ckappa light chain gene segments

Gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells was used to replace (i) the mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) Cgamma2a gene segment (mCgamma2a) with the human Cgamma1 gene segment (hCgamma1), and (ii) the mouse immunoglobulin light chain (IgL) Ckappa gene segment (mC kappa) with its human counterpart (hC kappa). ES cells carrying these gene conversions were used to generate chimeric mice that transmitted the human alleles through the germ line. Mice homozygous for both gene alterations were generated by breeding. Serum from homozygous mutant mice contained comparable amounts of antibodies with chimeric kappa or mouse lambda light chains but only small fractions of basal serum IgG or antibodies elicited against immunizing agents contained chimeric heavy chains. A relative increase in immunogen-specific hCgamma1 antibodies was seen following immunization in combination with the saponin adjuvant QS-21. The effect of this was to shift the IgG1-dominated response to an IgG subclass profile that included significant amounts of IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 and chimeric IgG. The amounts of antibody secreted by hybridomas derived from mutant and wild-type mice were similar. Sequencing confirmed correct splicing of hCgamma1 and hCkappa gene segments to mouse J gene segments in hybridoma Ig gene transcripts. In conclusion, IgHhCgamma1/IgLhCkappa double mutant mice provide a useful animal model for deriving humanized antibodies with potential applications in immunotherapy and diagnostics in vivo as well as for investigating hCgamma1 associated functions.

Immunohistochemical localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR7a and mGluR7b, in the central nervous system of the adult rat and mouse: a light and electron microscopic study

The distributions of two alternative splicing variants of metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR7, mGluR7a and mGluR7b, were examined immunohistochemically in the rat and mouse by using variant-specific antibodies raised against C-terminal portions of rat mGluR7a and human mGluR7b. Many regions throughout the central nervous system (CNS) showed mGluR7-like immunoreactivities (LI). The distribution patterns of mGluR7-LI in the rat were substantially the same as those in the mouse, although some species differences were observed in a few regions. Intense mGluR7a-LI was seen in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, anterior olfactory nucleus, islands of Calleja, superficial layers of the olfactory tubercle, piriform cortex and entorhinal cortex, periamygdaloid cortex, amygdalohippocampal area, hippocampus, layer I of the neocortical regions, globus pallidus, superficial layers of the superior colliculus, locus coeruleus, and superficial layers of the medullary and spinal dorsal horns. The distribution of mGluR7b was more restricted. It was intense in the islands of Calleja, substantia innominata, hippocampus, ventral pallidum, and globus pallidus. The medial habenular nucleus also showed intense mGluR7a-LI in the rat but not in the mouse. For both mGluR7a- and mGluR7b-LI, localization in the active zones of presynaptic axon terminals was confirmed electron microscopically at synapses of both the asymmetrical and symmetrical types. It is noteworthy that mGluR7a-LI is seen preferentially in relay nuclei of the sensory pathways and that both mGluR7a- and mGluR7b-LI are observed not only in presumed glutamatergic axon terminals, but also in non-glutamatergic axon terminals including presumed inhibitory ones. Thus, mGluR7 may play roles not only as an autoreceptor in glutamatergic axon terminals, but also as a presynaptic heteroreceptor in non-glutamatergic axon terminals in various CNS regions.

Mice transgenic for the human CGM6 gene express its product, the granulocyte marker CD66b, exclusively in granulocytes

The nonspecific cross-reacting antigen-95 (NCA-95/CD66b), is a member of the human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family encoded by the CGM6 gene that is exclusively expressed in neutrophils and eosinophils. No murine counter-part is known to exist. We have analyzed a cosmid containing the complete CGM6 gene. The coding sequence is contained within six exons spanning a 16.5 kb region. The main transcriptional start site was mapped to a tight cluster between nucleotides -95 and -101 relative to the translational start site. As with other members of the CEA gene family, no typical TATA or CAAT-box sequences were found in the CGM6 gene. Transgenic mice were established with the cosmid insert. CD66b expression is first seen in the fetal liver on day 12.5 of mouse embryonic development, and it first appears in the bone marrow at day 17.5. Northern blot analysis showed that CD66b transcripts are confined to the bone marrow of adult mice, whereas immunohistochemistry also showed CD66b-positive granulocytes in the spleen, thymus, and lungs. FACScan analyses of bone marrow and spleen cells showed CD66b expression to be exclusive to granulocytes. Thus, all the elements necessary for regulating granulocyte-specific expression are present within this cosmid clone. These mice could provide a model for transplantation and for inflammation studies using CD66b as a granulocyte-specific marker.

B cell activation and Ig, especially IgE, production is inhibited by high CD23 levels in vivo and in vitro

The capacity of CD23 to regulate IgE production was evaluated in both an in vitro and an in vivo system. The decreased IgE response seen in CD23 transgenic mice was confirmed and observed to occur at all antigen doses used. In addition, purified B cells from the Tg animals in general exhibited lower IgE production when stimulated with CD40L and IL-4. To examine this down-regulating activity of CD23 an in vitro model system was developed. CHO cells were transfected with CD23, ICAM-1, or both CD23 and ICAM-1. ICAM-1 was chosen to enhance B cell-B cell interaction. Purified resting B cells were placed into culture with the mitomycin C-treated transfected or control CHO cells and activated with IL-4, IL-5, and CD40L-CHO. A dose-dependent decrease in IgE production was observed with increasing cell numbers of the CHO transfectants that expressed CD23. The effect lasted up to Day 3 of culture. B cell proliferation was also inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by increasing numbers of CD23-expressing cells suggesting a potential effect of CD23 on B cell apoptosis. In contrast, ICAM-1-transfected or CHO control cells had minimal effects on either Ig production or B cell proliferation. While IgE production was inhibited up to 95% by high numbers of CD23-transfected CHO cells, some inhibition of IgG and IgM production was also seen. Finally, the mechanism of CD23-mediated inhibition of IgE production was compared with the inhibition in IgE production seen when B cell were coactivated with multivalent anti-IgD in conjunction with CD40L plus optimal IL-4. To this end we used RT-PCR to compare the relative levels of epsilon-germline transcripts in control cultures and cultures coactivated by anti-IgD, CD40L, and IL-5 or activated in the presence of high levels of CD23-expressing cells. CD22 was used as an internal standard since levels change little with B cell activation. Coactivation strongly inhibited epsilon-germline transcript levels but the presence of CD23-expressing cells did not. Thus, coactivation potentially operates prior to isotype switching, while high CD23 coculture blocks either recombination or more likely B cell differentiation to high Ig producers stage. Our data support the hypothesis that IL-4 induces both IgE and a controlling agent for IgE, namely, CD23.

Induction of CD4+ T cell depletion in mice doubly transgenic for HIV gp120 and human CD4

It has been suggested that loss of uninfected T cells in HIV infection occurs because of lymphocyte activation resulting in cell death by apoptosis. To address the question of whether cross-linking of CD4/HIV gp120 complexes by antibodies were sufficient to induce T cell depletion in vivo, we developed an animal model of continuous interaction between human CD4 (hCD4), gp120 and anti-gp120 antibodies in the absence of other viral factors. Double-transgenic mice have been generated in which T cells express on their membrane hCD4 and secrete HIV gp120. Although these mice have hCD4/gp120 complexes present on the surface of T cells, they do not show gross immunological abnormalities, and they are able to produce anti-gp120 antibodies following immunization with denaturated gp120. However, double-transgenic mice with antibodies to gp120, when immunized with tetanus toxoid, mount an IgG response that is significantly lower than that of double-transgenic mice without antibodies to gp120. Furthermore, the presence of anti-gp120 antibodies leads to CD4+ T cell depletion and immunodeficiency in the absence of HIV infection. Thus, the antibody response to gp120 can lead to CD4+ T cell attrition in vivo.

Dynamin genes Dnm1 and Dnm2 are located on proximal mouse chromosomes 2 and 9, respectively

Dynamins, microtubule-binding GTPases, are encoded by at least three genes in mammals. Two distinct gene-specific cDNAs were used to analyze the segregation of dynamin genes Dnm1 and Dnm2 in a mouse interspecies backcross. The nervous system-expressed gene Dnm1 was localized to Chr 2 between the genes for vimentin and nebulin, within a chromosomal region of conserved synteny to human chromosome 9q, consistent with the localization of the human dynamin-1 gene by FISH (see accompanying paper by Newman-Smith et al., 1997, Genomics 41:286-289). The ubiquitously expressed Dnm2 gene was found to be closely linked to the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene, Icam1, in a region with homologies to human chromosomes 19p, 8q, and 11q. Potential relations of both loci to disease genes are discussed.

Compartmental localization of a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR7): two different active sites at a retinal synapse

The distribution of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) was studied in the rat retina using a specific antiserum. Punctate immunofluorescence that corresponded to synaptic localization was present exclusively in the inner plexiform layer. Double-labeling experiments suggested that mGluR7 is expressed at the synaptic terminals of certain cone bipolar cells. Electron microscopy showed that mGluR7 was present both presynaptically, as an autoreceptor in cone bipolar cell ribbon synapses, and postsynaptically in amacrine cells. There are usually two postsynaptic processes at a bipolar cell ribbon synapse; however, the presynaptic aggregation of mGluR7 was restricted to one half of the active zone and therefore was opposed to only one of the postsynaptic processes. This selective localization of mGluR7 could differentially regulate the glutamate release from the ribbon synapse, thus leading to a differential activation of the postsynaptic neurons.

Neurite outgrowth on non-permissive substrates in vitro is enhanced by ectopic expression of the neural adhesion molecule L1 by mouse astrocytes

Axonal regrowth in the lesioned central nervous system (CNS) of adult mammals is, in part, prevented by non-permissive properties of glial cells and myelin. To test if ectopic expression of the neurite outgrowth promoting recognition molecule L1 will overcome these non-permissive influences and promote neurite outgrowth, L1 was expressed in astrocytes of transgenic mice using regulatory sequences of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene. Northern blot analysis of different transgenic lines revealed different levels of transgenically expressed L1. Cultured astrocytes derived from transgenic animals displayed L1 immunoreactivity at the cell surface and in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analysis of optic nerves from adult transgenic mice localized L1 expression to astrocytes. Expression of L1 protein by transgenic astrocytes was significantly upregulated in lesioned optic nerves. When mouse small cerebellar neurons or chick dorsal root ganglion neurons were cultured on cryosections of lesioned optic nerves or astrocyte monolayers from transgenic mice, respectively, neurite outgrowth was increased up to 400% on tissue sections and 50% on astrocytes compared with similar preparations from non-transgenic mice. The increase in neurite outgrowth on tissue sections or astrocyte monolayers from different transgenic lines was proportional to the different levels of L1 expression. Moreover, increased neurite outgrowth on these substrates was specifically inhibited by polyclonal L1 antibodies. In vivo, rescue of severed axons was enhanced in transgenic versus wild type animals, while regrowth of axons was slightly, but not significantly, increased. Together, our observations demonstrate that L1 promotes neurite outgrowth when expressed ectopically by astrocytes and that L1 is able to overcome, at least partially, the non-permissive substrate properties of differentiated CNS glial cells in vitro.

Accelerated immune response in transgenic mice expressing rat CD44v4-v7 on T cells

Splice variants of the glycoprotein CD44 (CD44v) that confer metastatic behavior to noninvasively growing rat tumor cells are transiently expressed on lymphocytes during activation. A mAb directed against an epitope encoded by CD44 exon v6 blocks both metastasis formations and lymphocyte activation, implicating CD44v in normal immune function. To explore the nature of this function of CD44v, transgenic mice were generated that constitutively express rat CD44v4-v7 on thymocytes and peripheral T cells. The number of lymphocytes as well as the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations were similar in nontransgenic and rat CD44v4-v7 transgenic mice. T cells of the transgenic mice, however, responded faster to activating stimuli, particularly during primary stimulations with T cell mitogens and T-dependent Ags in vivo and in vitro. This accelerated response depended on the expression of the transgene product, since a rat CD44v6-specific Ab reverted the response profiles of the transgenic mice to those of nontransgenic mice. Since the transgene gained in vivo and in vitro functional activity only upon antigenic stimulation, it is likely that CD44 variant isoforms are involved in the process of signal transduction during lymphocyte activation.

Accelerated immune response in transgenic mice expressing rat CD44v4-v7 on T cells

Splice variants of the glycoprotein CD44 (CD44v) that confer metastatic behavior to noninvasively growing rat tumor cells are transiently expressed on lymphocytes during activation. A mAb directed against an epitope encoded by CD44 exon v6 blocks both metastasis formations and lymphocyte activation, implicating CD44v in normal immune function. To explore the nature of this function of CD44v, transgenic mice were generated that constitutively express rat CD44v4-v7 on thymocytes and peripheral T cells. The number of lymphocytes as well as the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations were similar in nontransgenic and rat CD44v4-v7 transgenic mice. T cells of the transgenic mice, however, responded faster to activating stimuli, particularly during primary stimulations with T cell mitogens and T-dependent Ags in vivo and in vitro. This accelerated response depended on the expression of the transgene product, since a rat CD44v6-specific Ab reverted the response profiles of the transgenic mice to those of nontransgenic mice. Since the transgene gained in vivo and in vitro functional activity only upon antigenic stimulation, it is likely that CD44 variant isoforms are involved in the process of signal transduction during lymphocyte activation.

The pattern of prothymosin alpha gene expression coincides with that of myc proto-oncogenes during mouse embryogenesis

The nuclear protein prothymosin alpha is thought to play a critical role in cellular proliferation. Transcription of the gene encoding prothymosin alpha has been shown to be activated by the proto-oncogene c-myc. Also, prothymosin alpha mRNA expression correlates with that of c-myc in human colon cancer. We compared the previously reported embryonic expression pattern of the proto-oncogene c-myc and the pattern of the prothymosin alpha gene by in situ hybridization. Prothymosin alpha is transcribed in all tissues expressing c-myc, including brown adipose tissue, salivary gland, thymus and liver. In addition, we show that the prothymosin alpha gene is active in tissues expressing specifically N-myc such as the neuronal anlage and hair follicles in skin. Therefore, during mouse foetal development the temporal, spatial and tissue-specific expression patterns of both myc proto-oncogenes coincide with the pattern of prothymosin alpha.

Transgene CD23 expression on lymphoid cells modulates IgE and IgG1 responses

Transmembrane (m) and soluble (s) forms of CD23 perform activities related to various immune functions. Abnormal expression patterns of CD23 on lymphoid cells have been associated with certain pathologic conditions. To explore the effects of CD23 when it is overexpressed, on lymphoid cell development and immune function in vivo, transgenic mice were generated. These mice overexpressed either mCD23 or a 38-kDa molecular form of sCD23. Transgene expression under the control of Thy-1-regulatory sequences and the mouse Ig heavy chain enhancer (E mu) was prominent in thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Cells that expressed the transgenes included most thymocytes, peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, IgM+/highIgD-/low immature B cells, and IgMlowIgDhigh mature B cells. To resolve the expression pattern in the B cell lineage unambiguously, we used mice that carried a transgene and a disrupted endogenous CD23 gene simultaneously. Neither mCD23 nor sCD23 overexpression caused significant alterations in lymphoid cell maturation. In addition, basal serum levels of IgE and IgG1 proved to be normal. In three different experimental immune response paradigms, mCD23 transgenic, but not sCD23 and nontransgenic mice proved to be impaired in increasing serum levels of polyclonal IgE up to expected levels. In addition, mCD23 transgenic mice showed below normal increases of serum IgG1 levels in two of the three immune responses. In the presence of activated T cells and appropriate lymphokines, B cells from mCD23 mice secreted normal amounts of IgE and IgG1 in vitro, which suggests that there was no serious impairment of the T-B cell contact required for Ig production. In addition, there is no evidence for a significant role of mCD23 in IgE clearance. Therefore, we discuss alternative mechanisms by which mCD23+ B and/or T cells influence Ig production.

Transgene CD23 expression on lymphoid cells modulates IgE and IgG1 responses

Transmembrane (m) and soluble (s) forms of CD23 perform activities related to various immune functions. Abnormal expression patterns of CD23 on lymphoid cells have been associated with certain pathologic conditions. To explore the effects of CD23 when it is overexpressed, on lymphoid cell development and immune function in vivo, transgenic mice were generated. These mice overexpressed either mCD23 or a 38-kDa molecular form of sCD23. Transgene expression under the control of Thy-1-regulatory sequences and the mouse Ig heavy chain enhancer (E mu) was prominent in thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Cells that expressed the transgenes included most thymocytes, peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, IgM+/highIgD-/low immature B cells, and IgMlowIgDhigh mature B cells. To resolve the expression pattern in the B cell lineage unambiguously, we used mice that carried a transgene and a disrupted endogenous CD23 gene simultaneously. Neither mCD23 nor sCD23 overexpression caused significant alterations in lymphoid cell maturation. In addition, basal serum levels of IgE and IgG1 proved to be normal. In three different experimental immune response paradigms, mCD23 transgenic, but not sCD23 and nontransgenic mice proved to be impaired in increasing serum levels of polyclonal IgE up to expected levels. In addition, mCD23 transgenic mice showed below normal increases of serum IgG1 levels in two of the three immune responses. In the presence of activated T cells and appropriate lymphokines, B cells from mCD23 mice secreted normal amounts of IgE and IgG1 in vitro, which suggests that there was no serious impairment of the T-B cell contact required for Ig production. In addition, there is no evidence for a significant role of mCD23 in IgE clearance. Therefore, we discuss alternative mechanisms by which mCD23+ B and/or T cells influence Ig production.

Mice transgenic for the human carcinoembryonic antigen gene maintain its spatiotemporal expression pattern

The tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells along the gastrointestinal tract and in a variety of adenocarcinomas. As a basis for investigating its in vivo regulation and for establishing an animal model for tumor immunotherapy, transgenic mice were generated with a 33-kilobase cosmid clone insert containing the complete human CEA gene and flanking sequences. CEA was found in the tongue, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, colon, and trachea and at low levels in the lung, testis, and uterus of adult mice of independent transgenic strains. CEA was first detected at day 10.5 of embryonic development (embryonic day 10.5) in primary trophoblast giant cells and was found in the developing gut, urethra, trachea, lung, and nucleus pulposus of the vertebral column from embryonic day 14.5 onwards. From embryonic day 16.5 CEA was also visible in the nasal mucosa and tongue. Because this spatiotemporal expression pattern correlates well with that known for humans, it follows that the transferred genomic region contains all of the regulatory elements required for the correct expression of CEA. Furthermore, although mice apparently lack an endogenous CEA gene, the entire repertoire of transcription factors necessary for correct expression of the CEA transgene is conserved between mice and humans. After tumor induction, these immunocompetent mice will serve as a model for optimizing various forms of immunotherapy, using CEA as a target antigen.

Expression of TGF-beta s and TGF-beta type II receptor mRNAs in mouse folliculogenesis: stored maternal TGF-beta 2 message in oocytes

The present in situ hybridisation study describes expression of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, and TGF-beta type II receptor mRNA during follicular development, and the temporal pattern and abundance of TGF-beta 2 transcripts in early pre-implantation embryos. TGF-beta 1 hybridisation signals were most prominent in the outer granulosa cell layers of the post-antral follicles and in the corpus luteum, whereas strong expression of TGF-beta type II receptor mRNA was confined to thecal cells. Weak TGF-beta 3 mRNA expression was observed in all major cell types of pre- and post-antral follicles. Most notably, the very strong TGF-beta 2 hybridisation signals which were detected in developing oocytes declined rapidly following fertilization. Although still abundant in two-cell embryos, TGF-beta 2 hybridisation signals were barely detectable in four- and eight-cell embryos. These findings, and the presence of specific sequence motifs in the 3' untranslated region of TGF-beta 2 mRNAs, suggest that TGF-beta 2 transcripts are stored as maternal messages.

Mice deficient in CD23 reveal its modulatory role in IgE production but no role in T and B cell development

To assess roles of CD23 in lymphocyte development and immune function in vivo, CD23-deficient mice (CD23-/-) were generated. Mice heterozygous with respect to the defective allele (CD23+/-) display 50% reduced levels of CD23 expression on CD23+ cell types. This pattern is consistent with a lack of parental or tissue-specific imprinting of the CD23 gene. Neither a 50% reduced level nor a complete lack of CD23 caused profound changes in lymphocyte compartments (thymocytes, peripheral T cells, and B-1 and B-2 B cells). The lack of CD23 also did not significantly alter in vitro the proliferative response of B cells triggered via the Ag receptor in combination with CD40 ligand, IL-2, and/or IL-4. Effects on polyclonal Ig production were tested in a Th2 cell-driven immune response in vivo after infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a parasite that dramatically enhances CD23 expression on B cells. In both primary and secondary immune responses, heterozygous CD23+/- mice developed slightly higher and CD23-/- mice similar serum IgE and IgG1 levels as compared with CD23+/+ (wild-type) mice. The increase in blood eosinophil counts was similar in all three types of mice. These findings show that after N. brasiliensis infection 1) a complete lack of CD23 in vivo neither prohibits nor significantly alters quantitatively polyclonal IgE levels in serum, and 2) a 50% reduction in cell-surface CD23 expression (CD23+/- mice) correlates with slightly increased serum IgE levels.

Mice deficient in CD23 reveal its modulatory role in IgE production but no role in T and B cell development

To assess roles of CD23 in lymphocyte development and immune function in vivo, CD23-deficient mice (CD23-/-) were generated. Mice heterozygous with respect to the defective allele (CD23+/-) display 50% reduced levels of CD23 expression on CD23+ cell types. This pattern is consistent with a lack of parental or tissue-specific imprinting of the CD23 gene. Neither a 50% reduced level nor a complete lack of CD23 caused profound changes in lymphocyte compartments (thymocytes, peripheral T cells, and B-1 and B-2 B cells). The lack of CD23 also did not significantly alter in vitro the proliferative response of B cells triggered via the Ag receptor in combination with CD40 ligand, IL-2, and/or IL-4. Effects on polyclonal Ig production were tested in a Th2 cell-driven immune response in vivo after infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a parasite that dramatically enhances CD23 expression on B cells. In both primary and secondary immune responses, heterozygous CD23+/- mice developed slightly higher and CD23-/- mice similar serum IgE and IgG1 levels as compared with CD23+/+ (wild-type) mice. The increase in blood eosinophil counts was similar in all three types of mice. These findings show that after N. brasiliensis infection 1) a complete lack of CD23 in vivo neither prohibits nor significantly alters quantitatively polyclonal IgE levels in serum, and 2) a 50% reduction in cell-surface CD23 expression (CD23+/- mice) correlates with slightly increased serum IgE levels.

Variable and multiple expression of Protease Nexin-1 during mouse organogenesis and nervous system development

Protease Nexin-1 (PN-1) also known as Glia-Derived Nexin (GDN) inhibits the activity of several serine proteases including thrombin, tissue (tPA)- and urokinase (uPA)-type plasminogen activators. These and other serine proteases seem to play roles in development and tissue homeostasis. To gain insight into where and when PN-1 might counteract serine protease activities in vivo, we examined its mRNA and protein expression in the mouse embryo, postnatal developing nervous system and adult tissues. These analyses revealed distinct temporal and spatial PN-1 expression patterns in developing cartilage, lung, skin, urogenital tract, and central and peripheral nervous system. In the embryonic spinal cord, PN-1 expression occurs in cells lining the neural canal that are different from the cells previously shown to express tPA. In the developing postnatal brain, PN-1 expression appears transiently in many neuronal cell populations. These findings suggest a role for PN-1 in the maturation of the central nervous system, a phase that is accompanied by the appearance of different forms of PN-1. In adults, few distinct neuronal cell populations like pyramidal cells of the layer V in the neocortex retained detectable levels of PN-1 expression. Also, mRNA and protein levels did not correspond in adult spleen and muscle tissues. The widespread and complex regulation of PN-1 expression during embryonic development and, in particular, in the early postnatal nervous system as well as in adult tissues suggests multiple roles for this serine protease inhibitor in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis.

Transgenes encoding mutant simian virus 40 large T antigens unmask phenotypic and functional constraints in thymic epithelial cells

Transgenes encoding simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen (Tag) can cause hyperplastic or tumorigenic lesions of desired but also of unforeseen cellular origin. Unexpectedly the human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) gene promoter directs expression of SV40 Tag specifically in thymic epithelial (TE) cells. Expression starts in the neonate, in which GRF-Tag+ cells display strict numerical and spatial constraints. Tag supersedes mechanisms that constrain these features and GRF-Tag mice develop thymic hyperplasia. To characterize GRF-Tag+ TE cells and their putative normal counterparts we compared phenotypic and functional effects caused by transgenes encoding mutant large T antigens. This strategy is applicable to any situation in which T antigen is used to alter development. One large Tag mutant (K1 + 5080) does not cause thymic hyperplasia. GRF-Tag (K1 + 5080)+ TE cells display strict temporal and spatial constraints throughout life. TE cells expressing other mutant large T antigens that cause thymic hyperplasia do not obey these rules and reveal that phenotypically distinct GRF-Tag+ TE-cell stages exist in vivo. Analysis of conditional immortal GRF-Tag(tsA58)+ TE cells expressing a temperature-sensitive large Tag shows that large Tag blocks differentiation in these cells. Phenotype and functions in these cells are regulated by cellular differentiation and interleukin 4 (IL-4).

The murine rac1 gene: cDNA cloning, tissue distribution and regulated expression of rac1 mRNA by disassembly of actin microfilaments

A 886 bp cDNA encoding the murine rac1 protein has been isolated. The abundance of rac1 mRNA was determined in fourteen tissues from both mouse and pig. The mRNA 5' non-coding sequence is very rich in G + C, and has the potential to form several stable secondary structures. In addition, this region contains a putative open reading frame of 57 amino acids. Disruption of the actin microfilament network by cytochalasin B in LLC-PK1 cells results in down regulation of rac1 mRNA. In agreement with the proposed role of rac1 in exocytosis, these results could explain the inhibitory effect of cytochalasin B on secretory processes.

Activity of the adenosine deaminase promoter in transgenic mice

The promoter of the human gene for adenosine deaminase (ADA) is extremely G/C-rich, contains several G/C-box motifs (GGGCGGG) and lacks any apparent TATA or CAAT boxes. These features are commonly found in promoters of genes that lack a strong tissue specificity, and are referred to as "housekeeping genes". Like other housekeeping genes, the ADA gene is expressed in all tissues. However, there is a considerable variation in the levels of expression of the ADA protein in different tissues. In order to study the activity of the ADA promoter, transgenic mice were generated that harbor a chimeric gene composed of the ADA promoter linked to a reporter gene encoding the bacterial enzyme Chloramphenicol Acetyl Transferase (CAT). These mice reproducibly showed CAT expression in all tissues examined, including the hemopoietic organs (spleen, thymus and bone marrow). However, examination of the actual cell types expressing the CAT gene revealed the ADA promoter to be inactive in the hemopoietic cells. This was substantiated by a transplantation experiment in which bone marrow from ADA-CAT transgenic mice was used to reconstitute the hemopoietic compartment of lethally irradiated mice. The engrafted recipients revealed strongly reduced CAT activity in their hemopoietic organs. The lack of expression in hemopoietic cells was further shown to be correlated with a hypermethylated state of the transgene. Combined, our data suggest that the ADA promoter sequences tested can direct expression in a wide variety of tissues as expected for a regular housekeeping gene promoter. However, the activity of the ADA promoter fragment did not reflect the tissue-specific variations in expression levels of the endogenous ADA gene. Additionally, regulatory elements are needed for expression in the hemopoietic cells.

A lymphoproliferative abnormality associated with inappropriate expression of the Thy-1 antigen in transgenic mice

The Thy-1 antigen is a cell-surface glycoprotein of unknown function expressed on mouse T lymphocytes, neurons, and hematopoietic stem cells. To alter the normal pattern of Thy-1 expression during hematopoietic differentiation, we created transgenic mice using a hybrid Thy-1 gene containing a transcriptional enhancer of the mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (E mu). Strains of mice bearing the Thy-1.2/E mu gene express the Thy-1.2 antigen on mature B lymphocytes and their progenitors, and develop a heritable lymphoid hyperplasia characterized by massive expression of the Thy-1.2 antigen in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. The phenotype associated with inappropriate developmental regulation of the Thy-1 gene suggests that the Thy-1 antigen may play a role in inducing activation or differentiation events on early lymphocyte progenitor cells.

Unexpected thymic hyperplasia in transgenic mice harboring a neuronal promoter fused with simian virus 40 large T antigen

The hypothalamic peptide growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) regulates the secretion and production of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary (M. C. Gelato and G. R. Merriam, Annu. Rev. Physiol. 48:569-591). To study GRF gene regulation, transgenic mice were generated that harbor the human GRF promoter fused to the coding sequences from the simian virus 40 early region. These mice had normal hypothalamic functions but unexpectedly suffered from severe thymic hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that large T antigen was expressed in the thymic epithelial cells. These cells have endocrine properties and are known to produce thymic hormones [corrected]. The thymic hyperplasia was the apparent consequence of inappropriate production of T-cell maturation factors by epithelial cells and could involve increased self renewal of apparently normal T stem cells in the thymus.

Proto-oncogene expression in regenerating liver is simulated in cultures of primary adult rat hepatocytes

Proto-oncogene fos mRNA levels are rapidly and transiently elevated 12-fold in regenerating liver 10-60 min following partial hepatectomy. This response, and the induction of fos protein synthesis, has been simulated qualitatively and quantitatively in long term primary cultures of quiescent adult rat hepatocytes where proliferative transitions can be initiated directly in serum-free medium by known hepatocyte mitogens like epidermal growth factor. Expression of a second proto-oncogene, c-rasH, in proliferatively activated hepatocyte cultures between 6 and 24 h also simulates the delayed hepatic response that occurs in vivo following partial hepatectomy. These results suggest that sequential proto-oncogene expression during liver regeneration is caused directly by hepatocellular interactions with specific mitogens. In addition, a role for monovalent cations in the regulation of hepatocyte gene expression is implicated from findings that Na+ deprivation inhibits induction of fos expression in cultured hepatocytes by epidermal growth factor under chemically defined conditions.

Efficient insertion of genes into the mouse germ line via retroviral vectors

We present a general strategy for the efficient insertion of recombinant retroviral vector DNA into the mouse germ line via infection of preimplantation mouse embryos. Transgenic mice were generated that harbor a replication-competent recombinant retrovirus (delta Mo + Py M-MuLV) that lacks the Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV)-type enhancer sequence in the long terminal repeat (LTR). Instead, the LTR contains an enhancer element that permits polyoma virus F101 to grow in undifferentiated F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. Expression studies in different tissues of animals transgenic for delta Mo + Py M-MuLV indicate possibilities to target and modulate expression of retroviral recombinants in mice via their LTR enhancer sequences. In addition, 16 transgenic mice were generated that harbor proviral DNA of a defective recombinant retrovirus carrying a mutant dihydrofolate reductase gene.

Developmental fate of a human insulin gene in a transgenic mouse

A plasmid containing a genomic human insulin clone was microinjected into a pronucleus of the fertilised mouse egg. Eggs were subsequently transferred into oviducts of pseudopregnant Swiss/Alb females. Embryos developed to term and the DNA was extracted from different organs. Southern blotting analyses revealed 1 transgenic female out of 96 animals born after microinjection of C57BL/6 mouse eggs. A tandem integration was found at one locus within the mouse genome and molecular rearrangement was found within this locus. The structure of the entire locus was identical in DNA from all tissues. Both the human insulin gene sequences and the pBR322 sequences were found to be extensively methylated, although some sites were hypomethylated in the pancreas and liver. The transgenic female produced ten offspring, none of which retained the insulin gene sequences. Seven offspring retained some pBR322 sequences which were stably transmitted to the F2 and F3 generations. Homozygous F3 delta pBR/delta pBR animals were obtained, which showed neither visible defects nor sterility. The loss of the tandem locus in the F1 generation did not seem to be due to mosaicism, but involved excision due to recombination. Sequences close to the ends of the tandem locus were involved in this event. A mechanism implying excision during germ cell formation is discussed.

Mobility of endogenous ecotropic murine leukemia viral genomes within mouse chromosomal DNA and integration of a mink cell focus-forming virus-type recombinant provirus in the germ line

Characterization of endogenous ecotropic Akv proviruses in DNA of low and high leukemic mouse strains revealed the presence of one to six copies of the Akv genome per haploid genome equivalent integrated in the germ line. Low leukemic strains analyzed so far contained only one complete copy of the Akv proviral DNA. The site of integration varied among strains, although genetically related strains often carried the Akv proviral gene in the same chromosomal site. The different substrains of the AKR mouse displayed the presence of variable numbers (two to six) of Akv genomes. In all substrains one Akv genome was present in an identical chromosomal site; this locus probably comprised the progenitor genome. Closely related substrains had several Akv proviral DNAs integrated in common sites. The accumulation of Akv genomes in the germ line of the AKR/FuRdA strain is likely the result of independent integration events, since backcross studies with the Akv-negative 129 strain showed random segregation of all six proviral loci. The AKR/Cnb strain carried a recombinant provirus in the germ line. This provirus resembled in structure the AKR mink cell focus-forming viruses, which are generated by somatic recombination during leukemogenesis. Therefore, the germ-line amplification of Akv proviral DNAs occurs most likely through infection of embryonic cells by circulating virus.

Molecular cloning of murine endogenous viral sequences and expression of a newly constructed recombinant murine leukemia virus DNA in transfected mink cells

In the process of molecularly cloning unintegrated proviral DNA from NIH-3T3 mouse cells infected with Rauscher murine leukemia virus, we observed the occurrence of clones with inserts smaller than the expected Rauscher murine leukemia virus fragments. The insert of one of these clones, lambda.Xe-1, was characterized in more detail. It had a size of 3.5 kilobases. The restriction map was similar but not identical to that of the envelope regions of Moloney and Rauscher murine leukemia viruses. After ligation to previously cloned Moloney murine leukemia viral sequences and transfection of the ligated DNA into mink lung cells a nondefective xenotropic murine leukemia virus, XH-19, was isolated. Restriction mapping of proviral DNA isolated from mink lungs cells chronically infected with XH-19 showed the presence of Moloney murine leukemia virus-derived sequences coupled to xenotropic viral sequences.

Moloney murine leukemia virus-induced tumors: recombinant proviruses in active chromatin regions

The DNase I sensitivity of chromosomal DNA regions carrying integrated proviral genomes of Moloney (M-MuLV) and AKR Murine Leukemia Virus (AKR-MuLV), and the cellular homologue of the mos-gene (c-mos) of Moloney Sarcoma Virus (MSV) were studied in tumor tissues of leukemic mice. The genetically transmitted sequences of M-MuLV, AKR-MuLV, and the c-mos gene are all in DNase I resistant chromatin conformations in M-MuLV-induced tumors. Each M-MuLV-induced tumor contained at least one somatically acquired integrated recombinant MuLV genome that displayed two main characteristic features of active chromatin: a) a configuration hypersensitive to DNase I, and b) extensive hypomethylation. DNase I hypersensitive sites were mapped at the junction of cellular sequences and the 5'-viral large terminal repeat (LTR). Expression of a recombinant MuLV seems therefore to be a necessary feature to maintain the transformed state.

Characterization of AKR murine leukemia virus sequences in AKR mouse substrains and structure of integrated recombinant genomes in tumor tissues

A specific cDNA probe of AKR murine leukemia virus (AKR-MLV) was prepared to detect AKR-MLV sequences in normal and tumor tissues in a variety of AKR mouse substrains. AKR strains contained up to six endogenous AKR-MLV genomes. All substrains tested had one AKR-MLV locus in common, and closely related substrains had several proviruses integrated in an identical site. Virus-induced tumors in the AKR/FuRdA and AKR/JS strains showed a reintegration pattern of AKR-MLV sequences unique for the individual animal, suggesting a monoclonal origin for the outgrown tumors. An analysis of tumor DNAs from the AKR/FuRdA and AKR/JS substrains with restriction enzymes cleaving within the proviral genome revealed a new EcoRI restriction site and BamHI restriction site not present in normal tissues. The positions of these sites corresponded both with cleavage sites of EcoRI and BamHI in integrated Moloney recombinants and with the structure of isolated AKR mink cell focus-forming viruses. All tumors analyzed to data contain nearly identical integrated recombinant genomes, suggesting a causal relationship between the formation of recombinants and the leukemogenic process.

M-MuLV-induced leukemogenesis: integration and structure of recombinant proviruses in tumors

M-MuLV-specific DNA probes were used to establish the state of integration and amplification of recombinant proviral sequences in Moloney virus-induced tumors of Balb/Mo, Balb/c and 129 mice. The somatically acquired viral sequences contain both authentic M-MuLV genomes and recombinants of M-MuLV with endogenous viral sequences. All reintegrated genomes carry long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences at both termini of their genome. In the preleukemic stage a large population of cells exhibiting a random distribution of reintegrated M-MuLV genomes are seen, but during outgrowth of the tumor, selection of cells occurs leaving one or a few clonal descendants in the outgrown tumor. In this latter stage recombinant genomes can be detected. Although these recombinants constitute a heterogeneous group of proviruses, characteristic molecular markers are conserved among many individual proviral recombinants, lending credence to the notion that a certain recombinant structure is a prerequisite for the onset of neoplasia. The structure of these recombinants shows close structural similarities to the previously described mink cell focus-inducing (MCF)-type viruses.

The integration sites of endogenous and exogenous Moloney murine leukemia virus

Specific cDNA probes of Moloney and AKR murine leukemia viruses have been prepared to characterize the proviral integration sites of these viruses in the genomes of Balb/Mo and Balb/c mice. The genetically transmitted Moloney provirus of Balb/Mo mice was detected in a characteristic Eco RI DNA fragment of 16 x 10(6) daltons. No fragment of this size was detected in tissue DNAs from Balb/c mice infected as newborns with Moloney virus. We conclude that a viral integration site, occupied in preimplantation mouse embryos, is not necessarily occupied when virus infects cells in post-natal animals. Balb/Mo and Balb/c mice do carry the AkR structural gene in an Eco RI DNA fragment of 12 x 10(6) daltons. Further restriction analysis of this fragment indicated that both mouse lines carry one AKR-type provirus. Leukemogenesis in Balb/Mo and newborn infected Balb/c mice is accompanied by reintegration of Moloney viral sequences in new chromosomal sites of tumor tissues. Part of the reintegrated Moloney viral sequences are of subgenomic size. The AKR viral sequences, however, are not found in new sites. Further restriction analysis revealed that the development of Moloney virus-induced leukemia in Balb/Mo mice does not lead to detectable structural alteration of the genetically transmitted Moloney and AKR structural genes. Possible mechanisms of the reintegration process are also discussed.