In vitro method to evaluate virus competition between BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains using the PrimeFlow RNA assay

Bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV), segregated in BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 species, lead to substantial economic losses to the cattle industry worldwide. It has been hypothesized that there could be differences in level of replication, pathogenesis and tissue tropism between BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. Thus, this study developed an in vitro method to evaluate virus competition between BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. To this end the competitive dynamics of BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2a strains in cell cultures was evaluated by a PrimeFlow RNA assay. Similar results were observed in this study, as was observed in an earlier in vivo transmission study. Competitive exclusion was observed as the BVDV-2a strains dominated and excluded the BVDV-1a and BVDV-1b strains. The in vitro model developed can be used to identify viral variations that result in differences in frequency of subgenotypes detected in the field, vaccine failure, pathogenesis, and strain dependent variation in immune responses.

Serological survey for antibodies against pestiviruses in Wyoming domestic sheep

Pestiviruses including Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1), BVDV-2 and Border disease virus (BDV) have been reported in both sheep and cattle populations, together with the HoBi-like, an emerging group of pestiviruses. Pestivirus control programs in the United States have focused on the control of BVDV-1 and 2. The incidence of pestivirus infection in sheep in the United States and the risk of transmission between cattle and sheep populations are unknown. The aim of this study was to perform serological surveillance for pestivirus exposure in sheep from an important sheep producing state in the Unites States, Wyoming. For this, sera from 500 sheep, collected across the state of Wyoming (US) in 2015-2016, were examined by comparative virus neutralization assay against four species/proposed species of pestiviruses: BVDV-1, BVDV-2, BDV and HoBi-like virus. Rates of exposure varied between geographic regions within the state. The overall pestivirus prevalence of antibodies was 5.6%. Antibodies were most frequently detected against BVDV-1 (4%), and the highest antibody titers were also against BVDV-1. Data from this study highlights understanding of the dynamics of sheep pestivirus exposure, consideration of reference strains used for VN assays, transmission patterns, and potential vaccination history should be taken into account in implementation of control measures against pestiviruses in sheep and for successful BVDV control programs in cattle.

iPTF16geu: A multiply imaged, gravitationally lensed type Ia supernova

We report the discovery of a multiply imaged, gravitationally lensed type Ia supernova, iPTF16geu (SN 2016geu), at redshift z = 0.409. This phenomenon was identified because the light from the stellar explosion was magnified more than 50 times by the curvature of space around matter in an intervening galaxy. We used high-spatial-resolution observations to resolve four images of the lensed supernova, approximately 0.3 arc seconds from the center of the foreground galaxy. The observations probe a physical scale of ~1 kiloparsec, smaller than is typical in other studies of extragalactic gravitational lensing. The large magnification and symmetric image configuration imply close alignment between the lines of sight to the supernova and to the lens. The relative magnifications of the four images provide evidence for substructures in the lensing galaxy.

Genomic and antigenic characterization of bovine parainfluenza-3 viruses in the United States including modified live virus vaccine (MLV) strains and field strains from cattle

This study investigated the genetic and antigenic characterization of parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V) of cattle. Using molecular tests including real time PCR and viral genome sequencing, PI3V strains could be separated into PI3V types, including PI3V A, PI3V B, and PI3V C. Isolates from cattle with bovine respiratory disease clinical signs and commercial vaccines in the U.S. with MLV PI3V were typed using these molecular tests. All the MLV vaccine strains tested were PI3V A. In most cases PI3V field strains from calves receiving MLV vaccines were types heterologous to the vaccine type A. Also antigenic differences were noted as PI3V C strains had lower antibody levels than PI3V A in serums from cattle receiving MLV PI3V A vaccines. This study further demonstrates there is genetic variability of U.S. PI3V strains and also antigenic variability. In addition, isolates from cattle with BRD signs and receiving MLV vaccines may have heterologous types to the vaccines, and molecular tests should be performed to differentiate field from vaccine strains. Potentially the efficacy of current PI3V A vaccines should be evaluated with other types such a PI3V B and PI3V C.

Detection and characterization of viruses as field and vaccine strains in feedlot cattle with bovine respiratory disease

This study investigated viruses in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) cases in feedlots, including bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronaviruses (BoCV) and parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V). Nasal swabs were collected from 114 cattle on initial BRD treatment. Processing included modified live virus (MLV) vaccination. Seven BRD necropsy cases were included for 121 total cases. Mean number of days on feed before first sample was 14.9 days. Swabs and tissue homogenates were tested by gel based PCR (G-PCR), quantitative-PCR (qPCR) and quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and viral culture. There were 87/114 (76.3%) swabs positive for at least one virus by at least one test. All necropsy cases were positive for at least one virus. Of 121 cases, positives included 18/121 (14.9%) BoHV-1; 19/121 (15.7%) BVDV; 76/121 (62.8%) BoCV; 11/121 (9.1%) BRSV; and 10/121 (8.3%) PI3V. For nasal swabs, G-PCR (5 viruses) detected 44/114 (38.6%); q-PCR and qRT-PCR (4 viruses) detected 81/114 (71.6%); and virus isolation detected 40/114 (35.1%). Most were positive for only one or two tests, but not all three tests. Necropsy cases had positives: 5/7 G-PCR, 5/7 q-PCR and qRT-PCR, and all were positive by cell culture. In some cases, G-PCR and both real time PCR were negative for BoHV-1, BVDV, and PI3V in samples positive by culture. PCR did not differentiate field from vaccines strains of BoHV-1, BVDV, and PI3V. However based on sequencing and analysis, field and vaccine strains of culture positive BoHV-1, BoCV, BVDV, and PI3V, 11/18 (61.1%) of BoHV-1 isolates, 6/17 (35.3%) BVDV isolates, and 1/10 (10.0%) PI3V identified as vaccine. BRSV was only identified by PCR testing. Interpretation of laboratory tests is appropriate as molecular based tests and virus isolation cannot separate field from vaccine strains. Additional testing using sequencing appears appropriate for identifying vaccine strains.

Comparison of 'HoBi'-like viral populations among persistent infected calves generated under experimental conditions and to inoculum virus

Like other members from the Pestivirus genus, 'HoBi'-like pestiviruses cause economic losses for cattle producers due to both acute and persistent infections. The present study analyzed for the first time PI animals derived from a controlled infection with two different 'HoBi'-like strains where the animals were maintained under conditions where superinfection by other pestiviruses could be excluded. The sequence of the region coding for viral glycoproteins E1/E2 of variants within the swarms of viruses present in the PI calves and two viral inoculums used to generate them were compared. Differences in genetic composition of the viral swarms were observed suggesting that host factors can play a role in genetic variations among PIs. Moreover, PIs generated with the same inoculum showed amino acid substitutions in similar sites of the polyprotein, even in serum from PIs with different quasispecies composition, reinforcing that some specific sites in E2 are important for host adaptation.

Comparison of the breadth and complexity of bovine viral diarrhea (BVDV) populations circulating in 34 persistently infected cattle generated in one outbreak

Exposure to bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) results in acute and persistent infections. Persistent infections result from in utero exposure during the first trimester of gestation. Clinical presentation, in persistently infected cattle (PI), is highly variable. The reasons for this variation is largely unknown. The BVDV circulating in PI exist as quasispecies (swarms of individual viruses). An outbreak resulting in 34 PI cattle presented an opportunity to compare a large number of PI׳s. Methods were developed to compare the circulating viral populations within PI animals. It was found that PI animals generated in the same outbreak carry circulating viral populations that differ widely in size and diversity. Further, it was demonstrated that variation in PI viral populations could be used as a quantifiable phenotype. This observation makes it possible to test the correlation of this phenotype to other phenotypes such as growth rate, congenital defects, viral shed and cytokine expression.

Activation of cell signaling pathways is dependant on the biotype of bovine viral diarrhea viruses type 2

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a pestivirus of the Flaviviridae family, is an economically important cattle pathogen with a worldwide distribution. Besides the segregation into two distinct species (BVDV1/BVDV2) two different biotypes, a cytopathic (cp) and a noncytopathic (ncp) biotype, are distinguished based on their behavior in epithelial cell cultures. One of the most serious forms of BVDV infection affecting immunocompetent animals of all ages is severe acute BVD (sa BVD) which is caused by highly virulent ncp BVDV2 strains. Previous studies revealed that these highly virulent ncp viruses cause cell death in a lymphoid cell line (BL3) which is not clearly associated with typical apoptotic changes (e.g. PARP cleavage) observed after infection with cp BVDV. To further characterize the underlying molecular mechanisms, we first analyzed the role of the mitochondria and caspases as key mediators of apoptosis. Compared to infection with cp BVDV2, infection with highly virulent ncp BVDV2 resulted in a delayed and less pronounced disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and a weaker activation of the caspase cascade. In contrast, infection with low virulence ncp BVDV2 showed no significant differences from the uninfected control cells. Since different pro- and anti-apoptotic cellular signaling pathways may become activated upon virus infection, we compared the effect of different BVDV2 strains on cellular signaling pathways in BL3 cells. Stress-mediated p38 MAPK phosphorylation was detected only in cells infected with cp BVDV2. Interestingly, infection with highly virulent ncp BVDV2 was found to influence the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. This indicates that BL3 cells respond differently to infection with BVDV depending on virulence and biotype.

Detection of viruses: atomic force microscopy and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

This paper demonstrates the capability of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to function effectively as ultra-sensitive readout tools for chip-scale platforms designed for pathogen detection in complex biological media. AFM allows direct (i.e., label-free) visualization and quantification of nanometer-sized viruses captured on a smooth, selective surface. AFM readout led to optimization of a capture substrate for feline calicivirus (FCV), and yielded a limit of detection of 3 x 10(6) FCV/mL. SERS-based detection of FCV, carried out in a sandwich-type assay, requires labelling of the substrate-bound FCV with a selective extrinsic Raman label (ERL). These studies yielded a limit of detection of 1 x 10(6) FCV/mL. The prospects of these two readout methods as additions to the arsenal of tools in bioterrorism prevention are briefly discussed.

Lesions and tissue distribution of viral antigen in severe acute versus subclinical acute infection with BVDV2

Differences in the distribution and spread of viral antigen, development of lesions and correlation between presence of viral antigen and lesions were compared between a low and highly virulent strain of BVDV2. Two groups of two-week- to two-month-old colostrum-deprived calves were inoculated intranasally with the naturally occurring low virulent BVDV2 strain 28508-5 or the highly virulent strain 1373. To study the sequence of virus spread and lesion development, calves were necropsied at days three, six, eight-nine and 12 to 14 post inoculation (pi). Viral antigen was detected by the indirect immunoperoxidase method in cryostat sections and lesions were evaluated in H&E-stained paraffin sections. Clinical signs and changes in lymphocyte and thrombocyte numbers confirmed the difference in virulence between the two strains. Both strains showed comparable initial infection and spread at day three pi. At day six pi, they were found widespread in lymphoid tissues and multifocally in intestinal mucosa. Lesions were very mild despite the large amount of antigen in the lymphoid tissues. After day six pi, differences between the low and highly virulent strains became more prominent. The strain of low virulence was cleared from the tissues, but there was a transient phase of depletion. The highly virulent strain continued to spread to different organs and there was severe depletion of lymphoid tissues without recovery.

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor subtypes

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH I) is a hypothalamic decapeptide that governs gonadotropin secretion through interaction with its seven transmembrane (7TM), G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed by anterior pituitary cells. A second decapeptide, GnRH II, originally discovered in the chicken hypothalamus was recently reported to be expressed in the mammalian hypothalamus as well. A search of the recently-sequenced human genome identified a 7TM/GPCR on chromosome 1 that exhibited a higher identity with non-mammalian vertebrate GnRH II receptors (55%) than with the human GnRH I receptor (39%). Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequencing of this putative GnRH II receptor cDNA from monkey pituitary gland revealed a 379 amino acid receptor that, unlike the GnRH I receptor, possessed a C-terminal tail. Heterologous expression and functional testing of the receptor in COS-1 cells confirmed its identity as a GnRH II receptor: measurement of 3H-inositol phosphate accumulation revealed EC(50)s for GnRH II of 0.86 nM and for GnRH I of 337 nM. Ubiquitous tissue expression of GnRH II receptor mRNA was observed using a human tissue RNA expression array and a 32P-labeled antisense riboprobe representing the 7TM region of human GnRH II receptor cDNA. As predicted by the presence of its C-terminal tail, the GnRH II receptor was desensitized by GnRH II treatment whereas the naturally tail-less GnRH I receptor was not desensitized by GnRH I. Pharmacological analysis of the GnRH II receptor revealed that GnRH I 'superagonists' were more potent than GnRH I but less potent than GnRH II. Numerous GnRH I antagonists showed neither antagonistic nor agonistic activity with the GnRH II receptor. The functions of the GnRH II receptor are unknown but may include regulation of gonadotropin secretion, female sexual behavior, or tumor cell growth.

Recombination with a cellular mRNA encoding a novel DnaJ protein results in biotype conversion in genotype 2 bovine viral diarrhea viruses

Bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) exist as two biotypes, cytopathic and noncytopathic, based on their ability to produce cytopathology in cultured cells. Cytopathic viruses arise from noncytopathic viruses following genetic alteration (insertions, duplications, rearrangements) within the region encoding the NS2/3 protein. In BVDV genotype 2, the majority of biotype conversions result from the integration of a cellular mRNA into the genomic RNA of a noncytopathic virus within the NS2/3 coding region. The translation of the cellular sequences during viral replication results in the proteolytic cleavage of the nonstructural protein NS2/3 to the NS2 and NS3 proteins with the appearance of the cytopathic phenotype. Here, these cellular sequences were identified as a portion of a cellular mRNA encoding a novel DnaJ protein (bDnaJ1). The 60 amino acid J-domain was identified near the C-terminus of the protein. Potential nuclear localization, farnesylation and hydrophobic transmembrane domains were also identified. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of the expression of bDnaJ1 in bovine tissues showed that it was expressed in all tissues examined, and additionally, there may be alternate splicing of the transcript, yielding a second form of the bDnaJ1 protein. Northern blot analysis of mock and BVDV2 infected cells indicated that infection by noncytopathic BVDV2 altered the expression level of a bDnaJ1-hybridizing transcript. The increase in expression may represent a stress response to the infection by noncytopathic BVDV.

A Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Specific for GnRH II in Primates

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH I) is a hypothalamic decapeptide that stimulates gonadotropic hormone secretion upon interaction with its membrane receptors (type I) on pituitary cells, thereby governing reproductive processes. A second releasing hormone (GnRH II) expressed in mammals was shown earlier to be expressed in nonmammals and to have its own receptor. Here we demonstrate that a second receptor (type II) gene is present in the human genome, and report the cloning and characterization of its cDNA from monkeys. The cDNA encodes a G-protein-coupled/7 transmembrane receptor having a C-terminal cytoplasmic tail; it resembles more closely the type II receptors of amphibians and fish (approximately 55% identity) than it does the type I receptor of humans (approximately 39%). The GnRH type II receptor proved to be experimentally functional with, and specific for, GnRH II. GnRH receptor type II RNA is expressed ubiquitously in human tissues. This is the first report of a GnRH type II receptor in mammals. Its identification will permit exploration of its role in regulating gonadotropin secretion, female sexual behavior, and tumor cell growth.

Phylogenetic, antigenic and clinical characterization of type 2 BVDV from North America

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection continues to have a significant impact upon US cattle producers despite the availability of more than 140 federally licensed vaccines. Detection and control is hampered by viral heterogeneity that results in differences in neutralizing epitopes, cytopathology and virulence. Recently it was found that there are two different genotypes, BVDV1 and BVDV2, among BVDV. BVDV2 isolates make up a significant proportion of the BVDV isolated in North America. Serologically BVDV2 viruses can be distinguished from BVDV1 and border disease viruses. Mab binding also distinguishes between BVDV1, BVDV2 and BDV. Like the BVDV1 viruses, BVDV2 viruses may exist as one of two biotypes, cytopathic or noncytopathic, based on their activity in cultured cells. Cytopathogenic effects on cultured cells does not correlate with virulence in vivo, as BVDV2 associated with hemorrhagic syndrome (HS) are noncytopathic. Variation among BVDV1 and BVDV2 in the 5' UTR is similar. Phylogenetic analysis and differences in virulence suggest that BVDV2 are heterogeneous. Symptoms resulting from BVDV2 infections may range from clinically inapparent to clinically severe. Recently, disease outbreaks associated with acute uncomplicated BVDV infection have been reported in the US and Canada. These outbreaks of clinically severe disease, termed HS, were all associated with viruses from the BVDV2 genotype. Not all BVDV2 isolates cause clinically severe disease. Avirulent BVDV2 isolates do exist and may predominate over virulent BVDV2 in nature. When virulent BVDV2 viruses are inoculated into calves they induce a disease characterized by fever, diarrhea, leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and death. Infection with avirulent BVDV2 results in a reduction of luekocytes that may be accompanied by a low-grade fever. These viruses do not cause clinical disease or a clinical leukopenia.

Detection and characterization of genetic recombination in cytopathic type 2 bovine viral diarrhea viruses

In cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus genotype 1 (BVDV1) isolates, insertions are reported at position A (amino acid [aa] 1535) and position B (aa 1589). Insertions at position B predominate. In this survey it was found that in BVDV2, insertions at position A predominate. Possible reasons for this difference in relative frequency are discussed.

Taxonomy of the caliciviruses

The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has recently approved several proposals submitted by the present Caliciviridae Study Group. These proposals include the division of the family into 4 new genera designated Lagovirus, Vesivirus, "Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs), and "Sapporo-like viruses (SLVs); the latter 2 genera were assigned temporary names until acceptable names can be determined by the scientific community. The genera have been further divided into the following species: Feline calicivirus and Vesicular exanthema of swine virus (genus Vesivirus), Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and European brown hare syndrome virus (genus Lagovirus), Norwalk virus (genus NLV), and Sapporo virus (genus SLV). In addition, the ICTV approved a proposal to remove the hepatitis E virus from the Caliciviridae into an "unassigned classification status.

Recovery and altered neutralization specificities of chimeric viruses containing capsid protein domain exchanges from antigenically distinct strains of feline calicivirus

Feline calicivirus (FCV) strains can show significant antigenic variation when tested for cross-reactivity with antisera produced against other FCV strains. Previous work has demonstrated the presence of hypervariable amino acid sequences in the capsid protein of FCV (designated regions C and E) that were postulated to constitute the major antigenic determinants of the virus. To examine the involvement of hypervariable sequences in determining the antigenic phenotype, the nucleotide sequences encoding the E regions from three antigenically distinct parental FCV strains (CFI, KCD, and NADC) were exchanged for the equivalent sequences in an FCV Urbana strain infectious cDNA clone. Two of the three constructs were recovered as viable, chimeric viruses. In six additional constructs, of which three were recovered as viable virus, the E region from the parental viruses was divided into left (N-terminal) and right (C-terminal) halves and engineered into the infectious clone. A final viable construct contained the C, D, and E regions of the NADC parental strain. Recovered chimeric viruses showed considerable antigenic variation from the parental viruses when tested against parental hyperimmune serum. No domain exchange was able to confer complete recognition by parental antiserum with the exception of the KCD E region exchange, which was neutralized at a near-homologous titer with KCD antiserum. These data demonstrate that it is possible to recover engineered chimeric FCV strains that possess altered antigenic characteristics. Furthermore, the E hypervariable region of the capsid protein appears to play a major role in the formation of the antigenic structure of the virion where conformational epitopes may be more important than linear in viral neutralization.

Dual intracellular pathways in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GNRH) induced desensitization of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion

The mechanisms of GnRH-induced desensitization of LH secretion are poorly understood. Protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) desensitize some receptors of the 7-membrane type, and the GnRH receptor has consensus phosphorylation sites for PKC in the first and third intracellular loops, and a site for PKA in the first intracellular loop. In the first set of experiments we determined whether synthetic peptides representing the three intracellular loops of the receptor could be phosphorylated in vitro by purified PKC and PKA. As compared with a model substrate peptide for PKC, the third intracellular loop was phosphorylated 74% and the first intracellular loop 21%; PKA-phosphorylated the first intracellular loop peptide 17% as well as a model peptide substrate. In the second set of experiments, we used phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA), an established PKC stimulator, and cholera toxin (CTX), established to activate the Gs protein and presumed to activate PKA, to treat cultured rat pituitary cells followed by LH measurements. Treatment with both drugs severely impaired GnRH-stimulated LH secretion whereas neither drug alone reduced LH secretion. Dibutyryl cAMP did not duplicate the effects of cholera toxin suggesting that the CTX action could not be explained by an increase in cAMP. These results suggest that more than one intracellular signaling pathway requires activation in order to induce desensitization; one pathway involves PKC and the other involves a pathway stimulated by cholera toxin, presumably Gs protein, which does not involve PKA.

High efficiency method for gene transfer in normal pituitary gonadotropes: adenoviral-mediated expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 suppresses luteinizing hormone secretion

The level of LH secretion is determined by both alterations in gonadotrope responsiveness and alterations in GnRH secretion. The molecular mechanisms underlying gonadotrope responsiveness are unknown, but may include G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). Typically, GRKs phosphorylate the intracellular regions of seven-transmembrane receptors permitting beta-arrestin to bind, which prevents receptor activation of its G protein. Previously, we reported that heterologous expression of GRK2, -3, and -6 in GnRH receptor-expressing COS cells by complementary DNA transfection suppressed GnRH-stimulated inositol trisphosphate production, and that coexpression of GRK2 and beta-arrestin-2 was more inhibitory than either expressed alone. Here, we have investigated the effect of GRK2 on GnRH-stimulated LH secretion using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in normal pituitary gonadotropes. Pituitary cells were infected with adeno-GRK2 or adeno-beta-galactosidase constructs at a multiplicity of infection of 60 (number of viral particles per cell). Seventy-two hours later, GRK2 expression was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and GnRH-stimulated LH secretion (10(-7) M GnRH-A for 90 min) was assayed by RIA. Adeno-beta-galactosidase infected 96-99% of the cells based on X-Gal staining. Uninfected and adeno-beta-galactosidase-infected cells exhibited endogenous GRK immunoreactivity of about 0.5 (OD405), and LH secretion of 14.8-17.7 ng/ml. Adeno-GRK2-infected cells showed a GRK2 immunoreactivity of about 2.5 (OD405) and LH secretion of 2.5 ng/ml. Therefore, adeno-GRK2 infection resulted in a 5-fold increase in the GRK2 OD405 value, which was accompanied by an 80-85% decrease in GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. GnRH-stimulated inositol trisphosphate production by gonadotropes also was inhibited, suggesting a site of action for GRK2 at phospholipase Cbeta or earlier in the signal transduction pathway. The significance of these findings is 2-fold: 1) adenoviral-mediated gene transfer permits investigation of the regulatory role of gene products in the cell of interest, the gonadotrope, rather than in heterologous cell systems; and 2) additional, stronger evidence is provided that supports a role for GRKs in setting the responsiveness of GnRH receptor signaling.

A molecular recognition hypothesis for nonpeptides: Na+ K+ ATPase and endogenous digitalis-like peptides

The molecular recognition hypothesis for peptides is that binding sites of ligands and their receptors are encoded by short, complementary segments of DNA. A corollary hypothesis for nonpeptide ligands posited here is that peptide replicas may be encoded by the DNA segment complementary to the receptor binding sites for nonpeptides. This corollary was tested for digitalis. a family of cardiotonic and natriuretic steroids including ouabain. A hexapeptide (ouabain-like peptide, OLP) complementary to a ouabain binding site on sodium potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ K+ ATPase) exhibited activity in a digitalis bioassay. Antisera to the complementary peptide (OLP) stained the neurohypophysis in an immunocytochemical procedure. The complementary peptide was found to share an identical 4-amino acid region with the 39-amino acid glycopeptide moiety of the vasopressin-neurophysin precursor. This glycopeptide was isolated from pituitary extracts; it exhibited digitalis-like activity in the submicromolar range and cross-reacted with complementary peptide antibodies. Another digitalis-like substance with high activity also was detected in the extracts. These results demonstrate that the vasopressin-neurophysin glycopeptide has digitalis-like activity. Moreover, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that peptide mimetics of nonpeptides are encoded in the genome.

Potential regulatory roles for G protein-coupled receptor kinases and beta-arrestins in gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor signaling

GnRH stimulates gonadotropin secretion, which desensitizes unless the releasing hormone is secreted or administered in a pulsatile fashion. The mechanism of desensitization is unknown, but as the GnRH receptor is G protein coupled, it might involve G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). Such kinases phosphorylate the intracellular regions of seven-transmembrane receptors, permitting beta-arrestin to bind, which prevents the receptor from activating G proteins. Here, we tested the effect of GRKs and beta-arrestins on GnRH-induced inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production in COS cells transfected with the GnRH receptor complementary DNA. GRK2, -3, and -6 overexpression inhibited IP3 production by 50-75% during the 30 sec of GnRH treatment. Coexpression of GRK2 and beta-arrestin-2 suppressed GnRH-induced IP3 production more than that of either alone. Immunocytochemical staining of rat anterior pituitary revealed that all cells expressed GRK2, -3, and -6; all cells also expressed the beta-arrestins. Western blots on cytosolic extracts of rat pituitaries revealed the presence of GRK2/3 and beta-arrestin-1 and -2. The expression of GRKs and beta-arrestins by gonadotropes and their inhibition of GnRH-stimulated IP3 production in COS-1 cells expressing the GnRH receptor suggest a potential regulatory role for the GRK/beta arrestin paradigm in GnRH receptor signaling.

Components of the neuronal exocytotic machinery in the anterior pituitary of the ovariectomised ewe and the effects of oestrogen in gonadotropes as studied with confocal microscopy

We have investigated exocytotic proteins in ovine pituitary cells and sought to identify changes in expression of these proteins related to the effects of estrogen on luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in the ovariectomised ewe. Sheep were treated with either oestradiol benzoate, or oil (i.m.) and blood samples collected for LH assay. Pituitaries were perfusion-fixed and dual-label immunohistochemistry was performed to identify hormone-secreting cells, and colocalise synaptic proteins within different cell types. Synaptophysin, SNAP-25, VAMP-2, rab3A, Munc-18-1, alpha/beta-SNAP, csp, and secretogranin II were detected in gonadotropes and somatotropes. Lactotropes were positive for SNAP-25 and synaptophysin (other synaptic proteins not investigated). Synaptotagmin I was detected in gonadotropes and lactotropes, but not somatotropes. Synaptophysin, SNAP-25, synaptotagmins I, II and III, VAMP-2, rab3A, Munc-18-1, alpha/beta-SNAP, csp, and secretogranin II were detected in nerve fibres of the posterior lobe. Membrane staining for SNAP-25 and weak cytoplasmic labelling for both synaptotagmin I and secretogranin II were detected in the intermediate lobe. Syntaxin and complexin II antibodies did not label any region of the ovine pituitary. Oestrogen treatment, to induce a pre-ovulatory-like LH surge, caused migration of LH-containing secretory granules toward the plasma membrane of gonadotropes, but did not alter the percentage of gonadotropes expressing each exocytotic protein. Oestrogen treatment caused a similar redistribution of csp and secretogranin II staining in gonadotropes. We conclude that synaptic protein expression is not altered in the anterior pituitary at the time when LH secretion is maximal. The ubiquitous distribution of many exocytotic proteins suggests that all hormone-secreting cells of the pituitary gland contain the same, or similar exocytotic machinery, but distinct 'activating factors' are required to selectively trigger the secretion of individual hormones.

The capsid protein of vesicular exanthema of swine virus serotype A48: relationship to the capsid protein of other animal caliciviruses

Vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV), the prototype calicivirus, is the etiologic agent of the porcine disease vesicular exanthema of swine (VES). VES is characterized by vesicle formation on the extremities, mouth and snout and causes abortions and stillbirths if infection occurs during pregnancy. VESV is considered an exotic agent in the US, following its eradication in 1956. The single capsid protein gene of VESV serotype A48 was cloned and sequenced. The capsid amino acid sequence was 69% similar to the San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 1 (SMSV 1) and 89% similar to the SMSV serotype 4 (SMSV 4) capsid proteins. The six functional regions (A-F) previously identified in SMSV 1, SMSV 4, feline calicivirus and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid proteins were present in VESV A48. Two sets of PCR primers were designed which directed amplification of the 5' end (A region) and the hypervariable (E region) sequences of the capsid protein precursor gene of these viruses, as well as seven additional SMSV serotypes. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the N-terminal sequences demonstrated the close relationship of these viruses. Alignment of the hypervariable region amino acid sequences of the ten viruses confirmed that a great variety of sequence exists in this region; however, a consensus sequence (NxT(N/H)F(K/R)GxYI(C/M)GxLx(T/R)) was derived which is also present in the feline calicivirus capsid protein. Comparison of the E region sequences provides further evidence that this area of animal calicivirus capsid protein may contain the major antigenic determinants.

A temporally intermediate mode of gonadotropin releasing hormone-induced desensitization of luteinizing hormone secretion

The classical mode of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretory desensitization in the rat appears after 3-6 h of continuous in vitro administration of gonadotropin (GnRH). A second mode has been reported to occur very rapidly (< 2 min) after the onset of GnRH administration, and to reverse within 3 min after its withdrawal. Here, the existence of a third mode of desensitization is reported. occurring at 40-50 min after initiation of continuous GnRH administration. Rat pituitary cells were perifused with 10(-8) M GnRH for 6 h: 10 min samples were collected for LH measurements by radioimmunoassay. As expected, the pattern of LH release was biphasic: LH levels peaked in the first phase at 30 min, decreased at 40-50 min, increased in the second phase to maximal levels at 90-110 min, and then decreased in the classical desensitization mode to near-baseline values by 300-360 min. Static incubations of pituitary cells in Petri dishes in the presence of high (10(-8) M) or submaximal (10(-9) M) GnRH concentrations confirmed the decrease in LH secretion at 40-50 min. Measurement of LH by reverse hemolytic plaque assay (RHPA) confirmed the existence of this new mode of desensitization; since 93% of all gonadotropes had become secretory at 40-50 min, the possibility of two subpopulations of gonadotropes accounting for the two phases of LH secretion appears to be ruled-out. GnRH receptor binding studies demonstrated a approximately 50% decrease in cell-surface binding in association with the desensitization at 40-50 min. These studies suggest the existence of a third mode of GnRH-induced LH secretory desensitization that is not due to gonadotrope subpopulations but may be causally associated with decreased GnRH receptor binding.

Epitope-tagged gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors heterologously-expressed in mammalian (COS-1) and insect (Sf9) cells

The molecular cloning and nucleotide sequencing of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor represented an enhanced step in the experimental effort to understand this key molecule in the reproductive process at a cell and molecular level. A subsequent step in this broad effort is heterologous expression of the receptor in model cell systems for studies of signal transduction and desensitization, processes that may require immunologic detection of the receptor. Therefore, the GnRH receptor was tagged at its N-terminus using recombinant DNA procedures with the HA-1 epitope that is bound by a monoclonal antibody (12CA5). COS-1 cells expressing this receptor bound [(125)I]D-Ala6-desGly10-GnRH ethylamide (GnRH-A) with the expected high affinity (IC(50) = 0.47 nM), and were immunocytochemically stained by the 12CA5 antibody. Signal transduction was demonstrated by GnRH-induced [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation in receptor-expressing COS-1 cells. Western blotting of COS-1 cell membranes expressing the receptor revealed protein bands at 67, 57, and 32 kDa. Immunoprecipitation occurred when the solubilized receptor from COS-1 cell membranes was reacted with 12CA5 antibody and anti-mouse IgG Sepharose, and the presence of the receptor demonstrated either by its binding of [(125)I]GnRH-A or by its detection on Western blots. Desensitization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) production by N-epitope-tagged GnRH receptor expressing COS-1 cells was evoked by a five min GnRH pretreatment; [(32)P]i labeling of such cells during desensitization followed by immunoprecipitation of the N-epitope-tagged receptor was not associated with receptor phosphorylation. Finally, the epitope tagged receptor was expressed in the high-yield baculovirus/insect Sf9 cell system: the membrane receptor bound [(125)I]GnRH-A with slightly lowered affinity (IC(50) = 1.4 nM), and in Western blots yielded protein bands of 32, 56/57, 69, and 120/140 kDa. The development and validation of these heterologous systems will permit the study of several GnRH receptor-mediated processes that are poorly understood.

Potential role for a regulator of G protein signaling (RGS3) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulated desensitization

The cellular and molecular mechanisms of gonadotrope desensitization are unknown but transduction of the GnRH signal is known to involve sequentially the GnRH receptor, Gq alpha protein, phospholipase C beta-1, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), and intracellular Ca+2 release. Here, we report the results of studies of a new family of proteins known as regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) that recently have been implicated in desensitization of several ligand induced processes. Using DNA-mediated transfection, we co-expressed the GnRH receptor and RGS1,2,3, or 4 in COS-1 cells. Control cells and those expressing RGS1,2, and 4 produced five fold increases in IP3 levels during the 30 sec after treatment with GnRH. In contrast, RGS3 expression suppressed by 75% the GnRH-induced IP3 responses. RGS3 was shown to bind Gq alpha protein in a model in vitro system: recombinant RGS3-glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein bound five-fold more 35S-met labeled Gq alpha protein than did with GST alone, suggesting that the mechanism of RGS3 action is attenuation of Gq alpha protein activation of phospholipase C. RGS3 mRNA and protein were observed to be expressed endogenously in the gonadotropic alpha T3-1 cell line. These results suggest a potential role for RGS3 in modulating the LH secretory responsiveness of the pituitary gonadotrope to GnRH.

Identification by polymerase chain reaction of the G protein-coupled receptor kinases expressed in the mouse gonadotropic alpha T3-1 cell line

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK 1-6) stimulate short-term desensitization (< 5 min) by phosphorylating G-protein coupled receptors, and also participate in receptor sequestration, which may relate to intermediate-term desensitization (30-60 min). The existence of such kinases and hence a potential role for them in gonadotrope/GnRH receptor desensitization was investigated using the PCR to identify GRKs in messenger RNA (mRNA) from the mouse alpha T3-1 gonadotrope cell line. The 150-bp complementary DNAs amplified by PCR from the kinase catalytic domain were cloned and sequenced. Seventeen of 42 clones were receptor kinases based on high nucleotide identities of 85-100% and amino acid identities of 97-100% with rat GRK2 and 3, and with human GRK6. Among the eight GRK3 clones was one differing from rat GRK3 by a single nucleotide and seven differing by six; no amino acid difference resulted from the nucleotide differences. Of the five GRK2 clones, one sequence was identical with rat GRK2, but four sequences differed by three nucleotides and one amino acid. Among four GRK6 sequences, one showed 15 nucleotide differences from human GRK6 (with no amino acid differences), and three had 16 nucleotide and one amino acid differences. For each of the three GRKs found, the most closely related isoform is assumed to be the mouse homolog of rat GRK2 and GRK3, and human GRK6, whereas the others are assumed to be previously undescribed isoforms or subtypes of GRK2, 3, and 6. Immunocytochemical staining using antibodies to GRK2, 3, and 6 confirmed their presence in alpha T3-1 cells. The function of these GRKs in alpha T3-1 cells is unknown, but they may be involved in short-term desensitization of the gonadotrope/GnRH receptor or perhaps, more likely, the sequestration of this receptor during intermediate-term desensitization.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced desensitization may account for the decrease in pituitary responsiveness after the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge

The LH secretory response of gonadotropes to GnRH varies during the estrous cycle of the rat. The increased secretion of estrogens during the 24-48 h before the preovulatory surge of LH secretion and the enhanced quantities of progesterone secreted acutely during the surge elevate the responsiveness of hypophysial gonadotropes to GnRH. However, the cause of the massive decline in GnRH responsiveness that occurs during or after the surge remains unknown. In the present studies, we investigated the possibility that it is due to GnRH-induced desensitization of gonadotropes. Dispersed pituitary cells from proestrous and estrous rats were preincubated with GnRH (3 or 6 h, 10(- 10) or 10(-9) M), progesterone (13 h, 100 or 200 nM), GnRH plus progesterone, or medium alone. Then, the cells were retrypsinized to permit performance of the reverse hemolytic plaque assay for measurement of LH secretin, during which they were treated with GnRH(0,10(-11),10(-10), and 10(-8)M) for 2 h. The cells from estrous animals showed the large decline in GnRH responsiveness typical of that day of the cycle compared to those from proestrous animals (the total amount of LH secreted decreased by 50-70%). Preincubation of cells from proestrous rat pituitary glands with GnRH in concentrations and for durations that were designed to mimic the physiological situation induced a decline in GnRH responsiveness similar to that observed at estrus. Preincubation with progesterone also reduced the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH in a dose-dependent manner, but did not show additive effects with GnRH. Our results suggest that the major increase in GnRH secretion that induces the preovulatory surge of LH secretion may also participate in inducing the major decrease in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH that occurs from proestrus to estrus.

Effect of cAMP on GnRH stimulated LH secretion from individual pituitary gonadotropes

Enhanced responsiveness of the pituitary gland to GnRH is a fundamental step required for secretion of the proestrous LH surge, and is achieved primarily by the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on the gonadotropes. The mechanisms involved are still unclear but the cAMP second messenger pathway can mediate some of these activities. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of in vitro cholera toxin (CTX; increases cAMP) pretreatment of pituitary cells from proestrous and diestrous 1 rats relative to their LH secretory response to GnRH using a reverse hemolytic plaque assay. The number of gonadotropes that secrete LH in the group treated with CTX increased at low doses of GnRH and also in the absence of the peptide, but decreased at high doses, showing a dual effect: stimulation of some gonadotropes and inhibition of others. The inhibition was achieved within 3 h of pretreatment in proestrous cells but it was not seen until 20 h in diestrous 1 cells. This suggests the existence of at least two subpopulations of gonadotropes, one of which is stimulated by cAMP and another which is inhibited.

Genetic relatedness of the caliciviruses: San Miguel sea lion and vesicular exanthema of swine viruses constitute a single genotype within the Caliciviridae

The San Miguel sea lion viruses (SMSV) and vesicular exanthema of swine viruses (VESV) are related morphologically and antigenically, but little has been done to determine their genotypic relationship to each other and to other caliciviruses. To examine this relationship, reverse transcriptase PCRs were performed by using oligonucleotide primer sets designed to amplify portions of the 2C RNA helicase-like and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase regions with total cellular RNA purified from virus-infected cell cultures as a template. The 2C RNA helicase primers directed the amplification of this region from eight SMSV serotypes, five VESV serotypes, and four related viruses. The RNA polymerase primer sets amplified products from all these viruses except one. Phylogenetic comparison of the caliciviruses demonstrated that SMSV, VESV, and four related viruses are closely related while being distinct from feline calicivirus, the human caliciviruses (small, round-structured viruses), and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and that they should be classified as a single genotype within the Caliciviridae.

Isolation of caliciviruses from skunks that are antigenically and genotypically related to San Miguel sea lion virus

Caliciviruses were isolated from feces of skunks imported from the north central United States to Canada. Virus isolation was accomplished using adenovirus-transformed human kidney (293) cells, swine testes and Vero cells. Plaque size variants were presented, but there was no apparent difference in virus morphology by negative stain or immune electron microscopy. Pigs infected with skunk calicivirus had a slightly elevated body temperature at 3 days postinfection. Although the infected animals seroconverted, no overt clinical signs were observed. Purified infectious genomic skunk calicivirus RNA behaved exactly as San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) 1 and 4 genomic RNA in cell culture transfection studies. Of the cell types examined, only primary porcine kidney, 293 and Vero cells supported viral replication. No viral replication was detected in cells of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine or feline origin. The skunk caliciviruses contained a single capsid protein with a relative mobility similar to SMSV virus 1 and 4 capsid proteins. The capsid protein was positive by Western blot analysis with SMSV and vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV) antisera. Purified RNA from skunk calicivirus infected cells was subjected to reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences were identified that had greater than 85% similarity to the 2C and RNA polymerase gene regions of SMSV 1 and 4 and VESV A48. Predicted amino acid sequences of these regions were greater than 95% similar and the partial coding sequence of the polymerase gene contained the YGDD sequence common to positive-strand RNA virus polymerases.

Analysis of the serologic relationship among San Miguel sea lion virus and vesicular exanthema of swine virus isolates. Application of the western blot assay for detection of antibodies in swine sera to these virus types

Caliciviruses are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a single capsid protein. The serotypes of the marine mammal calicivirus, San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV), are antigenically related to vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV) and are potentially hazardous to swine. Western blot assays using purified SMSV serotypes 1 and 4 were used to further examine the serologic relationship among SMSV and VESV isolates. With the exception of SMSV 8 and SMSV 12, rabbit polyclonal antisera generated against all the available SMSV and VESV isolates reacted positively, as assessed by western blot, with purified capsid protein from SMSV 1 and SMSV 4. Consequently, the SMSV 8 and SMSV 12 virus isolates may not be members of the SMSV/VESV calicivirus group. Using antisera from pigs experimentally inoculated with SMSV and VESV as positive controls, a western blot assay for these virus types was utilized to check for the presence of antibodies to calciviruses in swine sera. Sera from colostrum-deprived gnotobiotic pigs were used as a negative control in all experiments. Examination of sera from domestic and feral swine collected in Iowa, California, and Florida was completed using this technique. The presence of antibodies to these virus types was not detected in any of the porcine sera tested.

Expression of the messenger RNAs for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and its receptor in human ovarian epithelial carcinoma

Recently we reported the presence of specific high affinity binding sites for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and its analogues (Kd = 1.5 or 1.7 nM) in the human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines EFO-21 and EFO-27. The proliferation of these cell lines was inhibited by nM concentrations of a LHRH agonist. This study was performed to ascertain whether these ovarian cancer cell lines produce LHRH and whether the high affinity LHRH binding site found previously was identical to the pituitary LHRH receptor. Significant amounts of immunoreactive LHRH were found in the extracts of both the EFO-21 cell line (449 +/- 56 fmol/10(6) cells) and the EFO-27 line (409 +/- 76 fmol/10(6) cells). LHRH bioactivity of these extracts, assessed in terms of release of luteinizing hormone by rat pituitary cells, was comparable to that of authentic LHRH. EFO-21 and EFO-27 cells expressed the mRNAs for both human LHRH and human LHRH receptor as assessed by reverse transcriptase-PCR using oligonucleotide primers according to published sequences. In addition, in eight of eight biopsy samples of human epithelial ovarian cancers we detected mRNA for LHRH, six of these specimens expressed the mRNA representing the LHRH receptor. These data support the concept that human epithelial ovarian cancers might have a local system based on LHRH to regulate cell proliferation. It is still obscure at present whether LHRH produced locally has a stimulatory, inhibitory, or no impact on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. However, exogenous LHRH agonists seem to have clear antiproliferative activity, probably mediated through LHRH receptors. This finding might provide the base for novel approaches in the therapy of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Development of PCR primers for specific amplification of two distinct regions of the genomes of San Miguel sea-lion and vesicular exanthema of swine viruses

The San Miguel sea-lion viruses (SMSV) and vesicular exanthema of swine viruses (VESV) are members of the calicivirus family and aetiologic agents of vesicular disease in susceptible hosts. These two virus groups have been shown by several serological methods to be closely related antigenically. To further examine their relatedness, two sets of non-degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed for the specific amplification of two distinct regions of the SMSV and VESV genomes using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol. The sequence of the primers were based on the nucleotide sequence of SMSV serotypes 1 and 4. The RNAs from a number of SMSV serotypes and a single VESV isolate were used as template in this study. These included SMSV serotypes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 and VESV serotype A48. Also included in this study were Tillamook calicivirus (Bos-1 calicivirus, BCV) and a recently isolated skunk calicivirus (SCV). The first primer set amplified a 357-bp fragment from the 2C-like or RNA-helicase-encoding region (11 of 11 viruses) and the second set amplified a fragment from the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region (520 bp, 9 of 11 viruses). These primer sets did not amplify product from either feline calicivirus or mink calicivirus. The results of this study demonstrate the genetic relatedness of SMSV and VESV and the potential usefulness of RT-PCR to detect and identify these viruses in diagnostic and routine screening applications.

Measurement of secretogranin II release from individual adenohypophysial gonadotropes

Secretogranin II (SG-II) is an acidic 86-kDa protein found in high abundance in the anterior pituitary gland. In the present studies, we investigated the secretion and the localization of SG-II using pituitary cells from female rats at all stages of the estrous cycle. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that SG-II immunoreactivity was localized in low abundance in about half of all pituitary cells and in high abundance in all of the luteinizing hormone (LH)-immunoreactive cells (which represent approximately 5% of all pituitary cells). Using a reverse hemolytic plaque assay for measurement of SG-II release from individual pituitary cells in culture, we found that SG-II secretion was strongly stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a dose-related fashion, and the amount of SG-II secretion was also related to the stage of the estrous cycle: it was highest at proestrus and lowest at estrus. SG-II plaque assay followed by LH immunofluorescence staining further revealed that all the SG-II-secreting cells contained LH immunoreactivity. At proestrus all the LH-immunoreactive cells secreted SG-II, whereas another days of the estrous cycle only a fraction of them did so. Thus our findings demonstrate a striking resemblance between SG-II and LH with regard to cell localization and secretory regulation.

The human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene (GNRHR) maps to chromosome band 4q13

A cDNA representing the high-affinity gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor has been molecularly cloned from the human pituitary gland, a breast tumor cell line (MCF 7), and an ovarian tumor. The nucleotide sequence of this cDNA was determined, and its expression in various human tumors and tumor cell lines was demonstrated. In this study, we localized the gene encoding the GnRH receptor to human chromosome 4, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of genomic DNA from human x hamster somatic cell hybrids. The gene was sublocalized to chromosome band 4q13 using fluorescence in situ hybridization with the GnRH receptor gene (GNRHR).

Capsid protein gene sequence of feline calicivirus isolates 255 and LLK: further evidence for capsid protein configuration among feline caliciviruses

The capsid protein gene sequences are reported for two feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates, one a highly virulent isolate associated with respiratory disease, designated 255, and an isolate associated with neuromuscular disorders, designated LLK. Both capsid protein sequences conform to a previously described hypothesis wherein FCV capsid proteins may be divided into six regions based on sequence similarity among isolates. Region A corresponds to the amino-terminal area of the protein that is theoretically cleaved to produce the functional species. With a large area of sequence identity among isolates, region B contains a potential myristilated glycine and a putative ATP/GTP binding site. Region C is a short hypervariable sequence of unknown function followed by another conserved area designated region D. The E region is an area of extensive amino acid sequence hypervariability that presumably contains the antigenic determinants of the capsid protein. Region F contains the highly conserved carboxy-terminal portion of the protein.

The nucleotide sequences of human GnRH receptors in breast and ovarian tumors are identical with that found in pituitary

Inhibition of the growth of hormone related human tumor cells in vitro by GnRH agonists and antagonists suggests a direct effect on cell growth and proliferation, and this effect may be achieved through its receptors present in tumor cells. However, the nature of the GnRH receptors present in these tumors is controversial. To determine the molecular characteristics of GnRH receptors in such tumors, we used the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique to clone these receptors. Primers were selected from the human pituitary GnRH receptor cDNA sequence to amplify the open reading frame and parts of its 5' and 3'-untranslated sequences. Nucleotide sequencing of the GnRH receptor cDNAs from a breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) and from an ovarian tumor showed identity with that of the human pituitary GnRH receptor which binds GnRH with high affinity. GnRH receptor mRNA was found to be expressed in human pituitary, breast, breast tumor, ovary, ovarian tumor, prostate, prostate tumor and in breast tumor cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 468) and prostate tumor cell lines (PC-3 and LNCaP). These findings demonstrate that a mRNA representing the pituitary form of the GnRH receptor (which shows high affinity binding with GnRH) is also expressed in certain normal tissues and in hormone related human tumors and tumor cell lines derived from them.

Predicted stem-loop structures and variation in nucleotide sequence of 3' noncoding regions among animal calicivirus genomes

Caliciviruses are nonenveloped with a polyadenylated genome of approximately 7.6 kb and a single capsid protein. The "RNA Fold" computer program was used to analyze 3'-terminal noncoding sequences of five feline calicivirus (FCV), rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), and two San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) isolates. The FCV 3'-terminal sequences are 40-46 nucleotides in length and 72-91% similar. The FCV sequences were predicted to contain two possible duplex structures and one stem-loop structure with free energies of -2.1 to -18.2 kcal/mole. The RHDV genomic 3'-terminal RNA sequences are 54 nucleotides in length and share 49% sequence similarity to homologous regions of the FCV genome. The RHDV sequence was predicted to form two duplex structures in the 3'-terminal noncoding region with a single stem-loop structure, resembling that of FCV. In contrast, the SMSV 1 and 4 genomic 3'-terminal noncoding sequences were 185 and 182 nucleotides in length, respectively. Ten possible duplex structures were predicted with an average structural free energy of -35 kcal/mole. Sequence similarity between the two SMSV isolates was 75%. Furthermore, extensive cloverleaflike structures are predicted in the 3' noncoding region of the SMSV genome, in contrast to the predicted single stem-loop structures of FCV or RHDV.

Extreme evolutionary conservation of QM, a novel c-Jun associated transcription factor

QM is a 214 amino acid polypeptide, encoded by a gene (DXS648) in Xq28, that contains a high percentage of charged amino acids and has been found to bind c-Jun and DNA. Searches of the GenBank database revealed no matches between QM and any other known transcription factors. However, we and others have isolated QM homologs from a diverse array of eukaryotes. Alignment of these sequences indicated a high degree of conservation throughout the first 175 residues of the protein and revealed several interesting features. Most notable is the considerable conservation of charged amino acids within specific regions of the protein. Secondary structure analysis suggests that two of these regions form amphipathic alpha-helices, one basic and one acidic. A third conserved charged domain, comprising the N-terminal 30 amino acids, is both basic and proline rich. The rate of sequence divergence of the various homologs was found to be slow (of the order of 1% change every 22 million years), consistent with a critical role for QM in eukaryotic cells. A role for QM as a novel class of transcription regulatory protein is suggested.

Rat gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor: tissue expression and hormonal regulation of its mRNA

The binding of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to its receptor in the anterior pituitary gland is the key molecular interaction regulating the reproductive process of mammals. Here, we report the isolation of a cDNA representing this receptor from rat anterior pituitary and the regulation of expression of its mRNA. The rat GnRH receptor cDNA was composed of 2909 nucleotides and encoded a protein containing 327 amino acids having a seven transmembrane topology. Northern blot analysis on RNA from rat pituitary, ovary and testis showed four different transcripts (5.0, 4.5, 2.5 and 1.3 kb) of which the 5.0 kb form was most abundant. The levels of expression of the transcripts were found to be highest in the pituitary followed by the ovary and the testis (about 40% and 5% compared to pituitary, respectively). Using the more sensitive reverse transcriptase/PCR technique, we also detected GnRH receptor mRNA in the adrenal and the hypothalamus. Measurement of pituitary GnRH receptor mRNA levels (the 5.0 kb form) during the estrous cycle showed the lowest levels at estrus (1.0-fold), a 2.2 +/- 0.57 (mean +/- SEM) -fold increase at diestrus I, a 3.5 +/- 0.41-fold increase at diestrus II, a 2.6 +/- 0.34-fold increase on the morning of proestrus, and a 1.9 +/- 0.25-fold on the afternoon of proestrus. Removal of the ovaries led to a 2.7 +/- 0.29-fold increase in GnRH receptor mRNA levels in the pituitary gland; treatment of ovariectomized rats with estrogen resulted in a significant decrease in GnRH receptor mRNA levels. Our studies demonstrate ovarian regulation of GnRH receptor mRNA expression in the anterior pituitary gland.

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and characterizing the bovine receptor for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Receptors for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), located in the cell membranes of adeno-hypophysial gonadotropes, mediate the action of GnRH to stimulate the secretion of the gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH). In the present studies, we have isolated a GnRH receptor cDNA from bovine pituitary, determined its primary structure, and studied the regulation of its gene expression. The cDNA is composed of 1326 nucleotides and encodes a protein containing 328 amino acids. The GnRH receptor of cattle, like that in humans and mice, is a seven transmembrane receptor and has structural characteristics homologous with the family of G protein-coupled receptors. It exhibits 91% identity at the amino acid level with the human and 86% identity with mouse and rat receptors. Northern blot analysis of the RNA from bovine pituitary, probed with 32P-labeled bovine GnRH receptor cDNA, revealed the presence of four different transcripts (5.0, 3.5, 2.5 and 1.5 kb) in the pituitary of which the 5.0 kb form was most abundant. Using the reverse transcriptase/PCR technique, we detected expression of GnRH receptor mRNA in the pituitary but not in any other extrapituitary tissues such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, testis, corpus luteum, ovary (containing follicles), myoendometrium, adrenal, kidney, liver and spleen. Higher levels of GnRH receptor mRNA were found in the pituitaries of steers than in cohort bulls, suggesting regulation of GnRH receptor gene expression by testicular steroids.

Regulation of expression of secretogranin II mRNA in female rat pituitary and hypothalamus

Secretogranin II (SgII) is an acidic 86-kD protein which is synthesized by most neuroendocrine cells but occurs in greatest abundance in the anterior pituitary gland where it is localized primarily in gonadotrophs. In the present studies, we investigated the regulation of SgII mRNA expression in the anterior pituitary gland by estrogens and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and compared the results to luteinizing hormone beta-subunit (LH beta) mRNA expression. Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of a rat pituitary SgII cDNA revealed a derived amino acid sequence identical with that previously reported for the rat adrenal. Not previously reported were five putative nuclear localization signals, four of which coincided with dibasic residues previously thought to serve as proteolytic cleavage sites. In Northern blots, SgII mRNA was found in high abundance in the anterior pituitary gland, in moderate abundance in the brain and adrenal, and in low abundance in the ovary and testis. Measurements of pituitary SgII mRNA during the rat 4-day estrous cycle revealed an inverse relationship with LH beta mRNA: SgII mRNA decreased, whereas LH beta mRNA increased as the cycle progressed. Increases in pituitary SgII mRNA and LH beta mRNA levels occurred after ovariectomy, and decreases occurred after estrogen treatment of such animals. Likewise, pituitary SgII mRNA and LH beta mRNA levels decreased after treatment of ovariectomized animals with a GnRH antagonist. In contrast, ovariectomy significantly decreased SgII mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, and estrogen treatment increased its levels. Our studies reveal that ovarian estrogens and hypothalamic GnRH exert similar effects on SgII mRNA and LH beta mRNA expression in the pituitary. However, since their expression is inverse during the rat estrous cycle, other unidentified regulatory factors with differential effects on their expression may intervene in the regulation of SgII and LH beta mRNA levels.