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Siette J, Adam PJ, Harris CB. Acceptability of virtual reality to screen for dementia in older adults. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:493. [PMID: 38840041 PMCID: PMC11151481 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05115-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of dementia and cognitive decline is crucial for effective interventions and overall wellbeing. Although virtual reality (VR) tools offer potential advantages to traditional dementia screening tools, there is a lack of knowledge regarding older adults' acceptance of VR tools, as well as the predictors and features influencing their adoption. This study aims to (i) explore older adults' perceptions of the acceptability and usefulness of VR diagnostic tools for dementia, and (ii) identify demographic predictors of adoption and features of VR applications that contribute to future adoption among older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving community-dwelling older adults who completed online questionnaires covering demographics, medical history, technology acceptance, previous usage, and perceived usefulness and barriers to VR adoption. Multiple linear regression was employed to assess relationships between sociodemographic factors, prior technology use, perceived ease, usefulness, and intention to adopt VR-based diagnostic tools. RESULTS Older adults (N = 77, Mage = 73.74, SD = 6.4) were predominantly female and born in English-speaking countries. Perceived usefulness of VR applications and educational attainment emerged as significant predictors of the likelihood to use VR applications for dementia screening. Generally, older adults showed acceptance of VR applications for healthcare and dementia screening. Fully immersive applications were preferred, and older adults were mostly willing to share electronic information from screening with their healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS The field of research on VR applications in healthcare is expanding. Understanding the demographic characteristics of populations that stand to benefit from healthcare innovations is critical for promoting adoption of digital health technologies and mitigating its barriers to access.
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Siette J, Campbell C, Adam PJ, Harris CB. Exploring the usability of the virtual reality module LEAF CAFÉ: a qualitative think-aloud study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:162. [PMID: 38365613 PMCID: PMC10870684 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global healthcare system faces increasing strain from our ageing population, primarily due to the growing prevalence of age-related health conditions such as dementia. While modern healthcare technology offers potential solutions, it frequently lacks user-friendliness for older adults. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for diagnosing cognitive impairment, offering innovative solutions where traditional methods may fall short. This study explores older adults' perspectives on the usability of a newly designed VR module for cognitive assessment. METHODS During a 100-min session, participants were asked to engage and complete recall and recognition tasks within the VR module (think-aloud approach) and provide feedback upon completion (semi-structured interviews). Audio materials were transcribed for analysis and recordings of the users' interactions with the module were annotated to provide additional context. These combined textual data were analysed using content coding and thematic analysis to identify themes that reflect how participants used the module's features and what features are desirable to support that process better. RESULTS Participants (N = 10; Mean age = 73.3, SD = 7.53, range = 65-83 years) perceived the VR module as user-friendly and endorsed its potential as a cognitive screener due to its engaging and immersive nature. Older adults highlighted three key aspects of the module: the usefulness of the platform's ability to offer a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of an individual's cognitive abilities; the need to present concise and relevant content to optimise engagement and use; and the importance of overcoming barriers to support implementation. Suggested game improvements centred on food recognition and adjusting difficulty levels. Barriers to implementation included technology challenges for older adults and concerns about the game's suitability for everyday scenarios. Participants stressed the need for reliable implementation strategies, proposing locations such as libraries and advocating for home-based screening. CONCLUSION Continued improvements in accessibility suggest that VR tools could help with diagnosing cognitive impairment in older adults. Using a simulated environment to assess cognitive status might fill the gap between current diagnostic methods, aiding treatment planning and early intervention. However, these findings should be approached cautiously, as more research is needed to fully grasp the potential impact of VR tools in this context.
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Siette J, Adam PJ. Building digital solutions to support brain health prescribing in primary care: Where to begin? ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2024; 10:e12447. [PMID: 38356479 PMCID: PMC10865480 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
National and international policy goals on healthy ageing and dementia risk reduction are yet to be fully realised in community healthcare settings. Disease modification strategies through lifestyle and social interventions are viable, evidence-based solutions to reduce age-related disease burden. However, prescribing lifestyle interventions targeting dementia risk in primary care remains deficient. Using digital technologies to support older individuals and healthcare professionals through formal health checks and lifestyle management is likely to enable shared understanding and consequences of personalized care and treatment options. These tailored solutions may bridge the translation gap and support healthy ageing.
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Hipp S, Tai YT, Blanset D, Deegen P, Wahl J, Thomas O, Rattel B, Adam PJ, Anderson KC, Friedrich M. A novel BCMA/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager for the treatment of multiple myeloma induces selective lysis in vitro and in vivo. Leukemia 2017; 31:2278. [PMID: 28751764 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.388.
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Adam PJ, Terrett JA, Steers G, Stockwin L, Loader JA, Fletcher GC, Lu LS, Leach BI, Mason S, Stamps AC, Boyd RS, Pezzella F, Gatter KC, Harris AL. CD70 (TNFSF7) is expressed at high prevalence in renal cell carcinomas and is rapidly internalised on antibody binding. Br J Cancer 2006; 95:298-306. [PMID: 16892042 PMCID: PMC2360640 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to identify potential markers of renal cancer, the plasma membrane protein content of renal cell carcinoma (RCC)-derived cell lines was annotated using a proteomics process. One unusual protein identified at high levels in A498 and 786-O cells was CD70 (TNFSF7), a type II transmembrane receptor normally expressed on a subset of B, T and NK cells, where it plays a costimulatory role in immune cell activation. Immunohistochemical analysis of CD70 expression in multiple carcinoma types demonstrated strong CD70 staining in RCC tissues. Metastatic tissues from eight of 11 patients with clear cell RCC were positive for CD70 expression. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that binding of an anti-CD70 antibody to CD70 endogenously expressed on the surface of A498 and 786-O cell lines resulted in the rapid internalisation of the antibody-receptor complex. Coincubation of the internalising anti-CD70 antibody with a saporin-conjugated secondary antibody before addition to A498 cells resulted in 50% cell killing. These data indicate that CD70 represents a potential target antigen for toxin-conjugated therapeutic antibody treatment of RCC.
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Wenger M, Adam PJ, Alarcón F, Markwalder TM. Traumatic cervical instability associated with cord oedema and temporary quadriparesis. Spinal Cord 2003; 41:521-6. [PMID: 12934094 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A case report of blunt cervical spine trauma associated with cord oedema at the C3/C4 level with temporary Frankel/American Spinal Injury Association Grade A quadriparesis and motion segment instability without evidence of associated bony lesions (spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality, SCIWORA lesion). OBJECTIVES By means of a rare and illustrative case, the reader's attention is focused on eventual marked cervical motion segment instability in SCIWORA patients. SETTING A department of Neurology in Quito, Ecuador and a department of Neurosurgery in Bern, Switzerland. METHOD A 73-year-old man sustained blunt cervical spine trauma. After resolution of paraparesis, dynamic studies of the cervical spine revealed translational instability of C3 over C4. The patient underwent segment fusion by intervertebral cage insertion and plate fixation. RESULTS The patient had recovered almost completely from tetraparesis under conservative treatment. The postoperative course was uneventful. Solid bony fusion of the C3/C4 motion segment was obtained. CONCLUSION Despite normal cervical alignment, the lack of bony lesions and neurological recovery, magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic studies may reveal marked translational cervical motion segment instability requiring segment fusion in order to prevent ongoing damage of the spinal cord.
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Boyd RS, Adam PJ, Patel S, Loader JA, Berry J, Redpath NT, Poyser HR, Fletcher GC, Burgess NA, Stamps AC, Hudson L, Smith P, Griffiths M, Willis TG, Karran EL, Oscier DG, Catovsky D, Terrett JA, Dyer MJS. Proteomic analysis of the cell-surface membrane in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: identification of two novel proteins, BCNP1 and MIG2B. Leukemia 2003; 17:1605-12. [PMID: 12886250 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
B-cell-specific plasma-membrane proteins are potential targets for either small molecule or antibody-based therapies. We have sought to annotate proteins expressed at the cell surface membrane in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using plasma-membrane-based proteomic analysis to identify previously uncharacterized and potentially B-cell-specific proteins. Proteins from plasma-membrane fractions were separated on one-dimensional gels and trypsinized fractions subjected to high-throughput MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Using this method, many known B-cell surface antigens were detected, but also known proteins not previously described in this disease or in this cellular compartment, including cell surface receptors, membrane-associated enzymes and secreted proteins, and completely unknown proteins. To validate the method, we show that BLK, a B-cell-specific kinase, is located in the CLL-plasma-membrane fraction. We also describe two novel proteins (MIG2B and B-cell novel protein #1, BCNP1), which are expressed preferentially in B cells. MIG2B is in a highly conserved and defined gene family containing two plasma-membrane-binding ezrin/radixin/moesin domains and a pleckstrin homology domain; the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog (UNC-112) is a membrane-associated protein that colocalizes with integrin at cell-matrix adhesion complexes. BCNP1 is a completely unknown protein with three predicted transmembrane domains, with three alternatively spliced final exons. Proteomic analysis may thus define new potential therapeutic targets.
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Fletcher GC, Patel S, Tyson K, Adam PJ, Schenker M, Loader JA, Daviet L, Legrain P, Parekh R, Harris AL, Terrett JA. hAG-2 and hAG-3, human homologues of genes involved in differentiation, are associated with oestrogen receptor-positive breast tumours and interact with metastasis gene C4.4a and dystroglycan. Br J Cancer 2003; 88:579-85. [PMID: 12592373 PMCID: PMC2377166 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
hAG-2 and hAG-3 are recently discovered human homologues of the secreted Xenopus laevis proteins XAG-1/2 (AGR-1/2) that are expressed in the cement gland, an ectodermal organ in the head associated with anteroposterior fate determination during early development. Although the roles of hAG-2 and hAG-3 in mammalian cells are unknown, both proteins share a high degree of protein sequence homology and lie adjacent to one another on chromosome 7p21. hAG-2 mRNA expression has previously been demonstrated in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive cell lines. In this study, we have used real-time quantitative RT - PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays to demonstrate concordant expression of hAG-2 and hAG-3 mRNA and protein in breast tumour tissues. Tumour expression of both genes correlated with OR (hAG2, P=0.0002; hAG-3, P=0.0012), and inversely correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (P=0.003). Yeast two-hybrid cloning identified metastasis-associated GPI-anchored C4.4a protein and extracellular alpha-dystroglycan (DAG-1) as binding partners for both hAG-2 and hAG-3, which if replicated in clinical oncology would demonstrate a potential role in tumour metastasis through the regulation of receptor adhesion and functioning. hAG-2 and hAG-3 may therefore serve as useful molecular markers and/or potential therapeutic targets for hormone-responsive breast tumours.
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Adam PJ, Regan CP, Hautmann MB, Owens GK. Positive- and negative-acting Kruppel-like transcription factors bind a transforming growth factor beta control element required for expression of the smooth muscle cell differentiation marker SM22alpha in vivo. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:37798-806. [PMID: 10954723 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m006323200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is implicated in the regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. We previously identified a novel TGF-beta control element (TCE) in the promoters of SMC differentiation marker genes, including alpha-smooth muscle actin and SM22alpha. In this study, the importance of the TCE in regulation of SM22alpha gene expression in vivo was investigated by mutating it within the context of a mouse SM22alpha promoter-lacZ transgenic construct. Mutation of the TCE completely abolished SM22alpha promoter activity in arterial SMCs as well as in developing heart and skeletal muscle. To identify the transcription factor(s) binding to the TCE, we performed yeast one-hybrid cloning analysis and identified gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor (GKLF). However, cotransfection studies in cultured cells showed that GKLF repressed the TGF-beta-dependent increases in SM22alpha and alpha-smooth muscle actin promoter activities. Furthermore, GKLF was not highly expressed in differentiated SMCs in vivo, and TGF-beta down-regulated GKLF expression in dedifferentiated cultured SMCs. In contrast, overexpression of a related factor (BTEB2) transactivated SM22alpha promoter activity. Thus, our findings suggest a reciprocal role for related Krüppel-like transcription factors in the regulation of SMC differentiation through a TCE-dependent mechanism.
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Regan CP, Adam PJ, Madsen CS, Owens GK. Molecular mechanisms of decreased smooth muscle differentiation marker expression after vascular injury. J Clin Invest 2000; 106:1139-47. [PMID: 11067866 PMCID: PMC301419 DOI: 10.1172/jci10522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well established that phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the development and progression of vascular lesions, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic modulation in vivo. Here we show that vascular injury reduces transcription of VSMC differentiation marker genes, and we identify cis regulatory elements that may mediate this decrease. Using a carotid wire-injury model in mice carrying transgenes for smooth muscle alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, or a SM22alpha promoter-beta-gal reporter, we collected arteries 7 and 14 days after injury and assessed changes in endogenous protein and mRNA levels and in beta-gal activity. Endogenous levels for all markers were decreased 7 days after injury and returned to nearly control levels by 14 days. beta-gal staining in all lines followed a similar pattern, suggesting that transcriptional downregulation contributed to the injury-induced decreases. To begin to dissect this response, we mutated a putative G/C-rich repressor in the SM22alpha promoter transgene and found that this mutation significantly attenuated injury-induced downregulation. Hence, transcriptional downregulation contributes to injury-induced decreases in VSMC differentiation markers, an effect that may be partially mediated through a G/C-rich repressor element.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Actins/metabolism
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Biomarkers
- Cell Differentiation
- DNA Primers/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Genes, Reporter
- In Situ Hybridization
- Lac Operon
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microfilament Proteins/genetics
- Microfilament Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle Proteins/genetics
- Muscle Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/injuries
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Myosin Heavy Chains/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- beta-Galactosidase/genetics
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Adam PJ, Clesham GJ, Flynn PD, Weissberg PL. Identification and characterisation of transforming growth factor beta-regulated vascular smooth muscle cell genes. Cytokine 2000; 12:348-54. [PMID: 10805215 DOI: 10.1006/cyto.1999.0559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is thought to play an important role in the development and/or progression of a number of vascular disorders through its numerous effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study we sought to identify and characterize TGFbeta-regulated VSMC genes using differential mRNA display (DD-RT-PCR) analysis of RNA isolated from TGFbeta-stimulated cultured rat aortic VSMCs. Northern blot analysis was used to demonstrate that five of 19 differentially displayed bands identified represented VSMC transcripts differentially expressed by TGFbeta. DNA sequencing revealed that three of these TGFbeta regulated genes were novel whilst the remaining two were identified through homologies to known genes. One TGFbeta upregulated transcript represented the protease cathepsin B. Since cathepsins may play a role in TGFbeta activation, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for active TGFbeta1 was used to demonstrate an effect of cathepsin B on TGFbeta1 activation in vitro using both recombinant and human serum platelet-derived latent TGFbeta1 as substrate. These results suggest that induction of cathepsin B by TGFbeta, and its ability to activate TGFbeta1, may represent a mechanism whereby the autocrine action of TGFbeta is facilitated through expression of a protein which can process its latent form.
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Hautmann MB, Adam PJ, Owens GK. Similarities and differences in smooth muscle alpha-actin induction by TGF-beta in smooth muscle versus non-smooth muscle cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1999; 19:2049-58. [PMID: 10479645 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.19.9.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to stimulate smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin expression in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and non-SMCs. We previously demonstrated that the 2 CArG boxes A and B and a novel TGF-beta control element (TCE) located within the first 125 bp of the SM alpha-actin promoter were required for TGF-beta inducibility of SM alpha-actin in SMCs. The aims of the present study were (1) to determine whether the TCE exhibits SMC specificity or contributes to TGF-beta induction of SM alpha-actin expression in non-SMCs (ie, endothelial cells and fibroblasts) and (2) to determine whether TGF-beta can induce expression of multiple TCE-containing SMC differentiation marker genes, such as SM22alpha, h(1) calponin, and SM myosin heavy chain (SM MHC) in non-SMCs. Results of transient transfection assays demonstrated that mutation of CArG A, CArG B, or the TCE within a 125-bp promoter context completely abolished TGF-beta inducibility of SM alpha-actin in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. However, in contrast to observations in SMCs, inclusion of regions upstream from (-155) completely repressed TGF-beta responsiveness in non-SMCs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that TGF-beta enhanced binding of a serum response factor to the CArG elements and the binding of an as-yet-unidentified factor to the TCE in endothelial cells and fibroblasts, but to a much lesser extent compared with SMCs. TGF-beta also stimulated expression of the SMC differentiation marker SM22alpha in non-SMCs. However, in contrast to SMCs, TGF-beta did not induce expression of h(1) calponin and SM MHC in non-SMCs. In summary, these results suggest a conserved role for CArG A, CArG B, and the TCE in TGF-beta-induced expression of SM alpha-actin in SMCs and non-SMCs that is modified by a complex interplay of positive- and negative-acting cis elements in a cell-specific manner. Furthermore, observations that TGF-beta stimulated expression of several early but not late differentiation markers in non-SMCs indicate that TGF-beta alone is not sufficient to induce transdifferentiation of non-SMCs into SMCs.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Actins/metabolism
- Amino Acid Sequence/genetics
- Animals
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Cattle
- Cells, Cultured
- Conserved Sequence
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Microfilament Proteins/genetics
- Muscle Proteins/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Serum Response Factor
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology
- Calponins
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Adam PJ, Clesham GJ, Weissberg PL. Expression of endoglin mRNA and protein in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 247:33-7. [PMID: 9636649 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.8734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endoglin, the gene linked to the autosomal dominant vascular disorder hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1), encodes a 95-kDa membrane-bound proteoglycan which binds TGF beta 1 and regulates signaling via the type I and II TGF beta receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis we have shown that endoglin mRNA is expressed in both cultured human VSMCs and VSMCs freshly isolated from human aortas. Northern blot analysis was also used to demonstrate that endoglin expression decreased in serum-stimulated cultured human VSMCs but could be maintained by exogenous TGF beta 1. Endoglin protein expression in human VSMCs was shown by immunocytochemistry. These data, the first describing the existence of endoglin in VSMCs, suggest that through regulating TGF beta 1 signaling endoglin may mediate the effects of TGF beta 1 on VSMC behavior in vitro and in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD
- Aorta, Thoracic
- Base Sequence
- Cells, Cultured
- Endoglin
- Female
- Humans
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/chemistry
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Proteoglycans/biosynthesis
- Proteoglycans/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/isolation & purification
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/biosynthesis
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/drug effects
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/isolation & purification
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Clesham GJ, Adam PJ, Proudfoot D, Flynn PD, Efstathiou S, Weissberg PL. High adenoviral loads stimulate NF kappaB-dependent gene expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Gene Ther 1998; 5:174-80. [PMID: 9578836 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3300576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Replication-deficient adenoviral vectors have been widely used for gene transfer with the aim of delivering genes of interest to investigate their function and potentially to treat human disease. The ability to critically evaluate the biological role of a gene of interest, using adenovirus-based vectors, has been hampered by the development of local inflammation at the site of delivery. We have demonstrated that high multiplicity infection of human VSMCs with a replication-deficient adenoviral vector expressing no transgene leads to activation of the transcription factor NF kappa B. Activation of NF kappa B by this mechanism was able to augment gene expression from the human cytomegalo-virus immediate-early promoter (CMV-IEP) and induce expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in human VSMCs. These effects were inhibited by pretreatment with N alpha-p-tosyl1-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), a serine protease inhibitor known to inhibit the activation of NF kappa B. This important effect of the vector itself may have profound implications when replication-deficient adenoviral vectors are used for experimental gene transfer at a high multiplicity of infection.
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Adam PJ, Weissberg PL, Cary NR, Shanahan CM. Polyubiquitin is a new phenotypic marker of contractile vascular smooth muscle cells. Cardiovasc Res 1997; 33:416-21. [PMID: 9074707 DOI: 10.1016/s0008-6363(96)00220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in healthy vessels are phenotypically distinct from their intimal counterparts in vascular disease. To compare the genes expressed in these phenotypes we have previously performed a differential cDNA library screen on cultured rat VSMCs. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise a 2.8 kb transcript, 2E10, which was highly expressed in freshly dispersed rat aortic VSMCs and downregulated in multiply passaged cultured VSMCs. METHODS Sequence analysis was used to identify the 2.8 kb rat cDNA. After trypsinisation of proliferating cultured rat and human VSMCs, or enzymatic digestion of aortic tunica media, total cytoplasmic RNA was isolated from VSMCs by lysis in Nonidet P-40 and extraction in phenol; 15 micrograms of total cytoplasmic RNA was used in Northern blot analysis with a 32P-[dCTP]-labelled 2E10 cDNA probe. 35S-[dATP]-labelled 2E10 riboprobe was hybridised in situ to frozen sections of normal and diseased human coronary arteries. RESULTS DNA sequencing identified 2E10 as a rat polyubiquitin which is homologous to the human polyubiquitin, UbC. Northern blot analysis showed that this polyubiquitin was more highly expressed in differentiated, freshly dispersed rat and human aortic VSMCs compared with their dedifferentiated proliferating counterparts. This also identified a 3.2 kb transcript cross-reacting with the polyubiquitin probe which is specific to differentiated rat VSMCs only. However, expression in growth arrested and proliferating VSMCs was identical, suggesting that UbC does not have a role in VSMC growth arrest. In situ hybridisation of the polyubiquitin riboprobe to sections of diseased human coronary arteries indicated much higher expression in medial than in intimal VSMCs. Northern blot analysis of RNA from the developing rat aorta showed that polyubiquitin expression increased substantially after week 2 of neonatal life, coincident with expression of VSMC-specific contractile proteins. CONCLUSIONS The greater expression of a UbC polyubiquitin transcript in contractile, differentiated VSMCs compared with proliferating, synthetic VSMCs provides a new gene marker for the phenotypic characterisation of VSMCs in vivo. This, and the finding that the developmental induction of expression of polyubiquitin (UbC) mirrors that of VSMC contractile proteins, suggests that ubiquitin, a protein known to associate with and degrade contractile proteins in skeletal muscle, is involved in the function or maintenance of the contractile phenotype of VSMCs.
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von Fischer B, Dreher E, Adam PJ, Maurer HP. Measurement of the transmission factor and stress factor at four points in the urethra in patients with stress incontinence. ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY 1980; 229:67-75. [PMID: 7189108 DOI: 10.1007/bf02109829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The transmission factor and the stress factor (a new parameter introduced by us) were determined at points corresponding to 10%, 40%, 70%, and 90% of the functional length of the urethra in 25 women with stress-incontinence and were used to construct urethral closure pressure profiles. The measurements were made with the patients supine after infusion of 200 ml into the urinary bladder, and in the standing and supine positions following infusion of 300--400 ml. There was an almost linear decrease in the value of the transmission factor along the functional length of the urethra. In the distal third of the urethra we found significant differences in vesico-urethral pressure transmission between patients with differing degrees of stress incontinence. The significance of the transmission factor in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of urethral closure pressure profiles is discussed.
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Adam PJ, von Fischer B, Dreher E. [Drug effect on motoric and sensory urge incontinence]. ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY 1979; 228:321-2. [PMID: 485357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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