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  • 1995-1999  (285)
  • 1905-1909
  • 1890-1899
  • 1999  (285)
  • apoptosis  (112)
  • Life and Medical Sciences  (96)
  • gene expression  (79)
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Years
  • 1995-1999  (285)
  • 1905-1909
  • 1890-1899
Year
Keywords
  • 1
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: thyroid tumor ; apoptosis ; TUNEL ; MIB-1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To clarify the growth mechanisms of thyroid tumors, we examined apoptotic cells in 61 thyroid tumors, consiting of 14 adenomas, 35 papillary carcinomas, 4 follicular carcinomas, and 8 undifferentiated carcinomas, using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate digoxigenin-nick end labeling (TUNEL). The proliferative activity was also evaluated immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody to Ki-67 antigen (MIB-1) in the same tumors. The apoptotic index (AI) was expressed as a percentage of the TUNEL-positive cells in the tumor cells, and a proliferation index (PI), being the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells, was calculated for each tumor. The overall level of AI was very low in all histotypes of the thyroid tumors analyzed, the mean AI being 0.5±0.4 in adenoma, 0.4±0.3 in differentiated carcinoma, and 1.8±1.5 in undifferentiated carcinoma. The PI in the thyroid tumor subtypes was significantly lower in adenoma and differentiated carcinoma, at 0.5 ±0.7 and 1.1±0.7, respectively, than that in undifferentiated carcinoma at 14.5±3.7 (P〈0.05). There was no correlation between clinicopathological factors and AI or PI in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Our findings suggest that apoptosis occurs infrequently in thyroid tumors, and that proliferative activity markedly differs according to the thyroid tumor subtypes. Moreover, the ratio between proliferating cells and apoptotic cells may reflect thyroid tumor progression.
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: thyroid tumor ; apoptosis ; TUNEL ; MIB-1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: P 〈 0.05). There was no correlation between clinicopathological factors and AI or PI in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Our findings suggest that apoptosis occurs infrequently in thyroid tumors, and that proliferative activity markedly differs according to the thyroid tumor subtypes. Moreover, the ratio between proliferating cells and apoptotic cells may reflect thyroid tumor progression.
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  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neural transmission 106 (1999), S. 1-21 
    ISSN: 1435-1463
    Keywords: Keywords: Paraquat ; Parkinson's disease ; transcription factor ; AP-1 ; apoptosis ; cycloheximide ; genistein ; SOD ; catalase ; oxidative stress.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary. Drugs and certain environmental toxins may be responsible for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. We have used paraquat as a model toxin for this study since paraquat has been shown to make its way to the nerve terminals and cause cell death of dopamine neurons by oxidative injury. We have shown by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay that paraquat, together with low concentrations of chelated iron (Fe++/DETAPAC), induced the activation of transcription factor AP-1 binding activity to DNA. Under similar conditions we also found by both a DNA laddering assay procedure and by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay (TUNEL assay) that paraquat also induces apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, both apoptotic cell death and AP-1/DNA binding activity induced by paraquat were blocked by cyclohexamide and genistein, indicating that both the AP-1/DNA binding activation and apoptosis induced by paraquat are closely related. Moreover, cells were also protected from paraquat toxicity in the presence of antioxidant defense enzymes SOD and catalase. The results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress may be contributing to the apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic neurons, leading to the manifestation of Parkinson's disease. Since paraquat was an important herbicide in the mid 20th Century, our results have the important implication that exposure to environmental toxins such as paraquat may induce Parkinson's disease.
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1572-8773
    Keywords: cadmium ; apoptosis ; RT-PCR ; p53 gene expression ; testes ; rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Reverse transcription (RT) PCR technique was used to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis induced by Cd and the change of its related genes in testes and prostate of rats. Adult male rats were given a single (s.c.) injection of CdC l2 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10 μmol/kg. 48 h and 72 h after administration of Cd, animals were sacrificed. The results indicated that Cd can induce apoptosis in testes via p53-independent pathway. No apoptosis occurred in prostate in any of the Cd-exposed groups. There was a clearly negative relationship in testes between p53 gene expression and Cd exposure and this dose-response relationship was observed both at 48 h and 72 h. There was a very small increase of this gene expression in the dorsolateral lobe of the prostate in Cd exposed groups. The other apoptosis related gene, bcl-x, was not detectable in either control or Cd-exposed group in testes and dorsal prostate. Although the MT-I gene was expressed in testes or dorsal prostate both in control and exposed groups, no overexpression of MT-I gene was found after administration of Cd . The expression of MT-I in the ventral prostate was not detected in the control group, but a weak expression was found after Cd exposure. Since p53 is a tumo r suppressor gene which can inhibit tumorigenesis, the consequence of a Cd-induced decrease of p53 in testes may have a relation to the known risk of Cd tumorigenesis in this tissue.
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: AML ; apoptosis ; etoposide ; γ-GCS ; glutathione ; oxidative stress
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Etoposide mediates its cytotoxicity by inducing apoptosis. Thus, mechanisms which regulate apoptosis should also affect drug resistance. Oxidants and antioxidants have been shown to participate in the regulation of apoptosis. We were interested in studying whether responsiveness of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells to etoposide is mediated by oxidative stress and glutathione levels. Patients and methods: Two subclones of the OCI/AML-2 cell line which are etoposide-sensitive (ES), and etoposide-resistant (ER), were established by the authors at the University of Oulu, and used as models. Assays for apoptosis included externalization of phosphatidylserine (as evidenced by annexin V binding), and caspase activation as indicated by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (Western blotting). Peroxide formation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Glutathione and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) levels were determined spectrophotometrically and by Western blotting, respectively. Results: Etoposide-induced apoptosis was evident 12 hours after treatment in the ES subclone, but was apparent in the ER subclone only after 24 hours. The basal glutathione and γ-GCS levels were higher in the ER than the ES subclone. Etoposide increased peroxide formation in both subclones after 12-hour exposure. Significant depletion of glutathione was observed in the ES subclone during etoposide exposure, while glutathione levels were maintained in the ER subclone. In neither of the subclones was induction of γ-GCS observed during 24-hour exposure to etoposide. Furthermore, the catalytic subunit of γ-GCS was cleaved during apoptosis, concurrent with depletion of intracellular glutathione. When glutathione was depleted by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine, a direct inhibitor of γ-GCS, the sensitivity to etoposide was increased, particularly in the ER subclone. Conclusions: The results underline the significance of glutathione biosynthesis in the responsiveness of AML cells to etoposide. The molecular mechanisms mediating glutathione depletion during etoposide exposure might include the cleavage of the catalytic subunit of γ-GCS.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 495-503 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: antisense ; apoptosis ; bcl-2 ; lymphoma ; leukaemia ; phase I
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 1011-1021 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemosensitivity ; cytotoxicity ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Although hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors such as germ cell tumors and pediatric malignancies can be cured by cytotoxic treatment, the most prevalent solid tumors are relatively resistant to these interventions. Apoptosis is involved in the cell kill of anticancer drugs and p53 is believed to be of principal importance in this process. However p53 also plays a role in cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, cellular processes that can decrease the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Therefore, p53 may play a dual role after exposure to cytotoxic treatment, activating either mechanisms that lead to apoptosis or launching processes directing to DNA repair and survival of the cell. Design: In this article, we review in details the p53functions involved in the mediation of chemosensitivity. The preclinical and clinical data published in the recent years about the relation between p53 and chemosensitivity are discussed and the potential pitfalls associated to most of these studies, and that may account for the contradictory results produced so far are also mentioned.
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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 31-38 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; lanreotide treatment ; neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumors ; octreotide ; somatostatin analogs
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumors express somatostatin receptors (ssts) in 80%–90% of cases and somatostatin analogs have become increasingly important in the management of these patients. Most of the presently available somatostatin analogs (octreotide, RC-160, and lanreotide) bind to the sst2 and sst5, and in higher doses to sst3 of the ssts 1–5 described. Clinical improvement during somatostatin analog therapy is mainly mediated via a direct inhibitory effect on hormone production from the tumors, seen in 30%–70% of the patients. Also indirect non-tumor mediated effects on peripheral target organs contribute to the subjective improvement, achieved in 30%–70% of patients. Recently, significant improvement of quality of life has been demonstrated with long-acting depot formulations. There is little or no effect on tumor growth during octreotide therapy; tumor shrinkage has been reported in 10%–20% of patients, but stabilization of tumor growth can be achieved in about half of the patients with a duration of 8–16 months. Recently, induction of apoptosis has been described with high doses of lanreotide (12 mg/d). Eventually, however, all patients escape from somatostatin analog therapy with regard both to hormonal production and tumor growth, and the mechanism behind the tachyphylaxis is not yet known. Studies of optimal dosage and modes of administration, development of new slow release formulations, the potential value of high-dose somatostatin analog therapy and novel somatostatin receptor subtype specific analogs are important directions for the use of somatostatin analogs in the future. In addition, assessment of somatostatin receptor status for each patient and studies of tumor biology, e.g., inhibition of exocytosis, antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis during treatment will help to optimize treatment and provide new insights into mechanisms of action of somatostatin analogs.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: nitric oxide ; DNA damage ; apoptosis ; tumor necrosis factor-α ; mitochondrial respiration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: S -nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine protected cul-tured L929 cells from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plus actinomycin D, as determined by the detection of DNA fragmentation and morphological changes. NO also prevented an enhancement of the production of reactive oxygen intermediates by TNF-α plus actinomycin D, as assessed by the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 and hydroethidine. Because the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by rotenone or antimycin A suppressed the increased oxidation of both dihydrorhodamine 123 and hydroethidine, it was suggested that TNF-α accelerated the leakage of reactive oxygen intermediates from the mitochondrial electron transport system. Polarography showed that NO reversibly inhibited mitochondrial respiration at either complexes I–III, II–III, or IV, thus suggesting the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase. Taken together, these findings indicate that the decreased mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen intermediates in the presence of NO might have a protective effect against TNF-α plus actinomycin D-induced apoptosis.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: angiogenesis ; p53 ; apoptosis ; lung adenocarcinoma ; hematogenous metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify which factors are important as predictors not only of patient survival but also of hematogenic metastasis in 15 patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent curative operation. The relationship between tumor angiogenesis, apoptosis, and p53 oncogene was also studied. A total of 15 patients were divided into two groups: surviving group (n=7) and nonsurviving (metastasis) group (n=8). We studied the medical charts, operative records, pathologic reports, and tumor specimens taken at surgical resection. We measured the apoptotic index using the ApopTag kit and the intratumoral microvessel count using an anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the expression of p53 was conducted simultaneously. The clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, tumor size (pT), and histological differentiation, were not significantly different between the surviving and the nonsurviving group. The microvessel count was significantly higher in nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. The apoptotic index and the expression of p53 was not significantly different between the two groups. An inverse correlation between the apoptotic index and microvessel count, and a positive correlation between the expression of p53 and microvessel count, were observed. Angiogenesis may be an important prognostic factor in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: angiogenesis ; p53 ; apoptosis ; lung adenocarcinoma ; hematogenous metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: n = 7) and nonsurviving (metastasis) group (n = 8). We studied the medical charts, operative records, pathologic reports, and tumor specimens taken at surgical resection. We measured the apoptotic index using the ApopTag kit and the intratumoral microvessel count using an anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the expression of p53 was conducted simultaneously. The clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, tumor size (pT), and histological differentiation, were not significantly different between the surviving and the nonsurviving group. The microvessel count was significantly higher in nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. The apoptotic index and the expression of p53 was not significantly different between the two groups. An inverse correlation between the apoptotic index and microvessel count, and a positive correlation between the expression of p53 and microvessel count, were observed. Angiogenesis may be an important prognostic factor in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.
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  • 12
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Plant molecular biology reporter 17 (1999), S. 371-383 
    ISSN: 1572-9818
    Keywords: epidermal peel ; extraction ; gene expression ; stomata ; tree tobacco
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Stomatal guard cells are critical for maintenance of plant homeostasis and represent an interesting cell type for studies of leaf cell differentiation and patterning. Here we describe techniques for the isolation of guard cell RNA and protein from blended epidermal peels of Nicotiana glauca. The RNA isolation procedure is a modification of the hot borate method, which is particularly well-suited for recalcitrant tissues. Protein was extracted by disrupting guard cell-enriched epidermis with a French® press. This system offers the following advantages: relatively high yield, low or no contamination by other cell types, fresh tissue as a source of RNA and protein rather than protoplasts, and a plant species that is readily transformable. These techniques will allow for cloning and analysis of genes expressed in guard cells, application of traditional biochemical techniques to guard cell proteins, as well as characterization of genetic manipulation of guard cell function in transgenic plants.
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  • 13
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diabetologia 42 (1999), S. 1033-1049 
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Adipogenesis ; adipose tissue ; cofactors ; gene expression ; fatty acids ; insulin resistance ; nuclear receptors ; prostaglandin ; thiazolidinediones ; Type II diabetes ; transcription.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) quickly evolved over the last decade from a new orphan receptor to one of the best characterized nuclear receptors. This fast pace in PPARγ research was triggered by two main discoveries. Firstly, that PPARγ was shown to have a key role in adipogenesis and be a master controller of the “thrifty gene response” leading to efficient energy storage. Secondly, the discovery that its synthetic ligands, the thiazolidinediones, are promising insulin sensitizing drugs, which are currently being developed for the treatment of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. More recently this nuclear receptor emerged from a role limited to metabolism (diabetes and obesity) to a power player in general transcriptional control of numerous cellular processes, with implications in cell cycle control, carcinogenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and immunomodulation. This widened role of PPARγ will certainly initiate a new flurry of research, which will not only refine our current often partial knowledge of PPARγ but more importantly also establish that this receptor has a definite role as a primary link adapting cellular, tissue and whole body homeostasis to energy stores. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 1033–1049]
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  • 14
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diabetologia 42 (1999), S. 711-718 
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Malnutrition ; ageing ; beta-cell mass ; apoptosis ; glucose tolerance.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. In a recently developed rat model, maternal food restriction from day 15 of pregnancy until weaning induced low birth weight and a 70 % reduction of beta-cell mass in the offspring at day 21 after birth. Subsequent renutrition from weaning was insufficient to fully restore beta-cell mass in young adult rats. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term consequences of early malnutrition on beta-cell mass and function. Methods. Oral glucose tolerance tests were done in 3- and 12-month-old animals and beta-cell mass and apoptosis were determined by morphometrical measurements on pancreatic sections. The specific impact of postnatal malnutrition was studied by comparing control animals (C group) with animals malnourished during their fetal life only (R/C group), and animals malnourished during fetal life and until weaning (R group). Results. In 3-month-old R/C animals beta-cell mass reached 8.0 ± 1.5 mg with no further increase until 12 months (8.1 ± 1.5 mg), compared with 9.3 ± 1.9 mg in control rats. Twelve-month-old R/C animals showed normal plasma insulin responses and borderline glucose tolerance. In R animals, apoptosis reached 1.9 ± 0.4 % of the beta cells at 3 months, compared with 0.7 ± 0.5 % in control rats, and beta-cell mass did not increase between 3 and 12 months (4.7 ± 0.8 mg at 12 months). In aged control and R animals, apoptosis affected 8 % of the beta cells. At 12 months only, R animals showed profound insulinopenia and marked glucose intolerance. Conclusion/interpretation. In conclusion, perinatal malnutrition profoundly impairs the programming of beta-cell development. In animals with decreased beta-cell mass the additional demand placed by ageing on the beta cells entails glucose intolerance since beta-cell mass does not expand and apoptosis is increased. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 711–718]
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Type I diabetes ; interferon-γ ; transgenic mice ; apoptosis ; insulin secretion ; tumour necrosis factor.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. To examine whether interferon-γ destroys islet beta cells directly or indirectly through lymphocyte activation, or whether direct action of interferon-γ on beta cells by itself induces diabetes without insulitis. Methods. To avoid possible nonspecific breakdown of beta cells by transgenic overexpression of interferon-γ by the insulin promoter, we generated transgenic mice expressing interferon-γ under the control of rat glucagon promoter (RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice). Results. The absence of insulitis in RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice enabled us to investigate the direct effects of paracrine interferon-γ. In RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice, serum concentrations of interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were 50 and 6 times higher than those in their littermates, respectively, and glucose-responsive insulin secretion decreased to one-half the level of that in the littermates. Transgenic interferon-γ induced remodelling of beta cells where apoptosis of many beta cells was compensated by their vigorous regeneration and diabetes did not occur in most of the RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice. Conclusion/interpretation. Interferon-γ alone is insufficient for the complete destruction of beta cells in vivo, and factors other than interferon-γ including activated lymphocytes or other cytokines, are necessary in addition to interferon-γ for the development of Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 566–573]
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Nicotinamide ; cytokine ; islet ; insulin ; apoptosis ; diabetes.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Nicotinamide intervention trials are presently undertaken to prevent Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes in high risk subjects. They are based on studies in rodents reporting nicotinamide protection against beta-cell injury in vitro and in vivo. This study examines whether nicotinamide can protect human beta cells in vitro. At concentrations (2 and 5 mmol/l) to protect rat beta cells against necrosis by streptozotocin or hydrogen peroxide, nicotinamide prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced necrosis of human beta cells. As with rat beta cells, nicotinamide fails to protect human beta cells against apoptosis induced by a combination of the cytokines interleukin-1β , interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α. In rat beta cells, nicotinamide (2 to 20 mmol/l) was also found to induce apoptosis, in particular during the days following its protection against necrosis; this cytotoxic effect was not observed with human beta cells. These data demonstrate that nicotinamide can protect human beta cells against radical-induced necrosis, but not against cytokine-induced apoptosis. This effect is not associated with a delayed apoptosis as in rat beta cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 55–59]
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  • 17
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Obesity ; genetics ; uncoupling protein-3 ; gene expression ; skeletal muscle.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims: Uncoupling protein-3 is a member of a protein family that serves to dissipate energy in the form of heat thereby modulating energy expenditure. Alternative processing of uncoupling protein-3 transcripts results in two mRNA species that encode a large and small protein, perhaps differing in functional activity. Since obesity is associated with disrupted energy homeostasis, we measured muscle mRNA expression in morbidly obese and lean subjects. Methods: The two uncoupling protein-3 mRNA species were quantified in muscle tissue using an RNase protection assay. Gene locus effects on mRNA expression were studied by quantitative allele-specific primer extension. Results: In both obese and lean subjects, the mRNA species encoding the small protein isoform was twice as abundant as the mRNA species encoding the large protein isoform. Neither the total uncoupling protein-3 mRNA expression nor the molar abundance ratios of the two mRNA species differed between obese and lean male or female subjects. Women who had lost 37 ± 22 kg of weight in response to dietary restriction and continued a hypocaloric diet displayed lower mRNA than obese (p 〈 0.005) or lean women (p 〈 0.05). Primer extension assays in lean and obese subjects showed similar allelic mRNA abundance in all but one subject studied. Conclusion: Muscle expression of the two uncoupling protein-3 mRNA species is similar in obese and lean people. In obese patients, prolonged hypocaloric diet downregulates uncoupling protein-3 mRNA expression in muscle and can thereby enhance its energy efficiency. Sequence substitutions at the gene locus may only be minor determinants of mRNA expression in muscle tissue. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 302–309]
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  • 18
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Uncoupling proteins ; exercise ; tetraplegia ; skeletal muscle ; mRNA ; gene expression ; polymerase chain reaction.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. The regulation of uncoupling protein 2 and uncoupling protein 3 gene expression in skeletal muscle has recently been the focus of intense interest. Our aim was to determine expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects, a condition representing profound muscle inactivity. Thereafter we determined whether exercise training would modify expression of these genes in skeletal muscle. Methods. mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain-reaction. Results. Expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 mRNA was increased in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic compared with able-bodied subjects (3.7-fold p 〈 0.01 and 4.1-fold, p 〈 0.05, respectively). A subgroup of four tetraplegic subjects underwent an 8-week exercise programme consisting of electrically-stimulated leg cycling (ESLC, 7 ESLC sessions/week). This training protocol leads to increases in whole body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects. After ESLC training, uncoupling protein 2 expression was reduced by 62 % and was similar to that in able-bodied people. Similarly, ESLC training was associated with a reduction of uncoupling protein 3 expression in skeletal muscle from three of four tetraplegic subjects, however, post-exercise levels remained increased compared with able-bodied subjects. Conclusion/interpretation. Tetraplegia is associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle. Exercise training leads to normalisation of uncoupling protein 2 expression in tetraplegic subjects. Muscle disuse and physical activity appear to be powerful regulators of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 expression in human skeletal muscle. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 826–830]
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  • 19
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 139-150 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy ; clinical trials ; gene therapy ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Nearly twenty years after the initial discovery of p53, we are now in an ideal position to exploit our vast knowledge of p53 biology in the creation of novel cancer therapies. Disruption of p53 function through mutation, or other means, occurs very frequently in human cancer. Loss of p53 function has been linked with unfavourable prognosis in a large number of tumour types, as indicated by more aggressive tumours, early metastasis and decreased survival rates. Many different avenues of research have converged upon p53 to highlight this protein as being one of the foremost cellular responders to stress, in particular to DNA damage. Huge advances have been made in understanding the complex role p53 plays in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This review is not meant to be a comprehensive description of p53 biology, but rather serves to highlight current progress in the development of p53- oriented cancer therapies. These may be categorised into three basic strategies: gene replacement therapy using wild-type p53, restoration of p53 function by other means and, finally, targeting of the p53 dysfunction itself. Rapid progress is expected to be made regarding the identification of conventional pharmaceutical agents which either work in a p53-independent manner or act preferentially in p53 defective cells. Gene replacement therapy with wild-type p53 also holds considerable potential for obtaining clinically relevant results quickly. The other forms of cancer therapies based around p53 are much further behind in the developmental process, but may prove to more efficacious in the long run, especially in terms of specificity. As with many other fields, the innovation of successful p53-oriented cancer therapies is only limited by our understanding of p53 biology and the creative use of such knowledge.
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  • 20
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 122-126 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; biliary carcinogenesis ; cholangiocarcinoma ; genotoxicity ; risk factors ; therapeutic strategies
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Carcinomas of the biliary tract are rare cancers developing from the epithelial or blast-like cells lining the bile ducts. A variety of known predisposing factors and recent experimental models of biliary carcinogenesis (e.g., infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, models of chemically induced carcinogenesis and experimental models of pancreaticobiliary maljunction) have elucidated different stages of this complex system of biliary tumorigenesis. Chronic inflammatory processes, generation of active oxygen radicals, altered cellular detoxification mechanisms, activation of oncogenes, functional loss of tumor-suppressor genes and dysregulation of cell proliferation and cell apoptotic mechanisms have been identified as important contributors in the development of cholangiocarcinomas. In this review, the known mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of biliary epithelium are addressed. We will divide the topic into four stages: 1) Predisposition and risk factors of biliary cancer, 2) Genotoxic events and alterations leading to specific DNA damage and mutation patterns. 3) Dysregulation of DNA repair mechanisms and apoptosis, permitting survival of mutated cells and 4) Morphological evolution from premalignant biliary lesions to cholangiocarcinoma. Finally, established and hypothetical future therapeutic strategies directed towards specific pathogenetic events during biliary carcinogenesis will be addressed.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: acute myelogenous leukemia ; apoptosis ; ara-CTP ; cytosine arabinoside ; HL-60 ; retinoic acid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Accumulation of the cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) metabolite ara-C-triphosphate (ara-CTP) in leukemic blast cells is considered to be the main determinant of ara-C cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Retinoids such as all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) have been shown to increase the sensitivity of acute myelogenous leukemic (AML) blast cells to ara-C. To investigate the mechanism of this sensitisation, the hypothesis was tested that ATRA augments cellular ara-CTP levels in human-derived myelogenous leukemia HL-60 cells. Materials and methods: The effect of ATRA and 13-cis-retinoic acid on ara-CTP accumulation and ara-C-induced apoptosis was studied. Ara-CTP levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), cytotoxicity by the tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and apoptosis by occurrence of DNA fragmentation (gel electrophoresis), cell shrinkage and DNA loss (flow cytometry). Results: Pretreatment of HL-60 cells with ATRA (0.01–1 µM) caused a significant decrease in intracellular ara-CTP levels; e.g., incubation for 72 hours with ATRA 1 µM prior to one hour ara-C 10 µM reduced ara-CTP levels to 41% ± 4% of control. Similar results were obtained after preincubation with 13-cis-retinoic acid. In spite of decreased ara-CTP levels, the cytotoxicity of the combination was supraadditive and ATRA augmented ara-C-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: At therapeutically relevant concentrations ATRA increased ara-C cytotoxicity and ara-C induced apoptosis but this augmentation is not the corollary of elevated ara-CTP levels. The feasibility of ara-C treatment optimisation via strategies other than those involving elevation of ara-CTP levels should be investigated further.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: chromosomal aberrations ; gene expression ; oncogenes ; pancreatic cancer ; tumor suppressor genes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aim: The present review summarizes our strategies aimed at identifying and characterizing genetic alterations occuring at the transcriptional and chromosomal level in pancreatic cancer. Methods: To study transcriptional alterations we have used a number of techniques including modified versions of differential hybridizations and cDNA-RDA (representational difference analysis). Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to study chromosomal aberrations occuring in pancreatic cancer tissues. Results: The study of transcriptional alterations led to the identification of more than 500 genes with differential expression in pancreatic cancer. The sum of these alterations represented the first expression profile characteristic for pancreatic tumors. The CGH analysis allowed the identification of a number of chromosomal regions containing putative tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. These regions are presently being characterized at the molecular level. In a first approach the myb-oncogene was identified as the relevant oncogene of an amplification on 6q occurring in up to 10% of pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusions: Genes isolated in both approaches represent potential new disease genes for pancreatic cancer and are at present being characterized by individual or serial analysis.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: microbodies ; diabetes mellitus ; steroid hormone receptor ; β-oxidation ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To determine whether the increased fatty acid β-oxidation in the peroxisomes of diabetic rat liver is mediated by a common peroxisome proliferation mechanism, we measured the activation of long-chain (LC) and very long chain (VLC) fatty acids catalyzed by palmitoyl CoA ligase (PAL) and lignoceryl CoA ligase and oxidation of LC (palmitic acid) and VLC (lignoceric acid) fatty acids by isotopic methods. Immunoblot analysis of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), and Northern blot analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α), ACO, and PAL were also performed. The PAL activity increased in peroxisomes and mitochondria from the liver of diabetic rats by 2.6-fold and 2.1-fold, respectively. The lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity increased by 2.6-fold in diabetic peroxisomes. Palmitic acid oxidation increased in the diabetic peroxisomes and mitochondria by 2.5-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, while lignoceric acid oxidation increased by 2.0-fold in the peroxisomes. Immunoreactive ACO protein increased by 2-fold in the diabetic group. The mRNA levels for PPAR-α, ACO and PAL increased 2.9-, 2.8- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in the diabetic group. These results suggest that the increased supply of fatty acids to liver in diabetic state stimulates the expression of PPAR-α and its target genes responsible for the metabolism of fatty acids.
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  • 24
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 196 (1999), S. 13-21 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: apoptosis ; DNA fragmentation ; GSHPx-1 knockout mice ; GSHPx-1 transgenic mice ; ischemia/repurfusion
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis, a genetically controlled programmed cell death, has been found to play a role in ischemic reperfusion injury in several animal species including rats and rabbits. To examine whether this is also true for other animals, an isolated perfused mouse heart was subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Experiments were terminated before ischemia (baseline), after ischemia, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of reperfusion. At the end of each experiment, hearts were processed for the evaluation of apoptosis and DNA laddering. The in situ end labeling (ISEL) technique was used to detect apoptotic cardiomyocyte nuclei while DNA laddering was evaluated by subjecting the DNA obtained from the cardiomyocytes to 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis followed by photographing under UV illumination. The results of our study revealed that apoptotic cells appear only after 60 min of reperfusion as demonstrated by the intense fluorescence of the immunostained genomic DNA when observed under fluorescence microscopy. None of the ischemic hearts showed any evidence of apoptosis. These results were corroborated with the findings of DNA fragmentation showing increased ladders of DNA bands in the same reperfused hearts representing integer multiples of the internucleosomal DNA length (about 180 bp). Since our previous studies showed a role of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in apoptotic cell death, we performed identical experiments using isolated hearts from GSHPx-l knockout mice and transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx-l. GSHPx-l knockout mice showed evidence of apoptotic cell death even after 30 min of reperfusion. Significant number of apoptotic cells were found in the cardiomyocytes as compared to non-transgenic control animals. To the contrary, very few apoptotic cells were found in the hearts of the transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx-l. Hearts of GSHPx-l knockout mice were more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury while transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx- 1 were less susceptible to ischemia reperfusion injury compared to non-transgenic control animals. The results of this study clearly demonstrate a role of GSHPx in ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis in mouse heart.
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: regucalcin ; Ca2+-binding protein ; protein kinase C ; Ca2+signaling ; gene expression ; H4-II-E hepatoma cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of hepatic Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin in the cloned rat hepatoma cells (H4-II-E) was investigated. The change in regucalcin mRNA levels was analyzed by Northern blotting using rat liver regucalcin complementary DNA (0.9 kb of open reading frame). Regucalcin mRNA was expressed in H4-II-E hepatoma cells. This expression was clearly stimulated in the presence of serum (10% fetal bovine serum). Bay K 8644 (2. 5 × 10-6 M), a Ca2+ channel agonist, significantly stimulated regucalcin mRNA expression in the absence or presence of 10% serum. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10-3 M) did not have a stimulatory effect on the regucalcin mRNA expression. The presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10-6 M) or estrogen (10-8 M) caused a significant increase in regucalcin mRNA levels in the hepatoma cells cultured in serum-free medium, while insulin (5 × 10-9 M) or dexamethasone (10-6 M) had no effect. Bay K 8644-stimulated regucalcin mRNA expression in the hepatoma cells was completely blocked in the presence of trifluoperazine (10-5 M), an antagonist of calmodulin, or staurosporine (10-7 M), an inhibitor of protein kinase C. The stimulatory effect of PMA was clearly inhibited in the presence of stauroporine. The present study demonstrates that regucalcin mRNA is expressed in the transformed H4-II-E hepatoma cells, and that the expression is stimulated through Ca2+-dependent signaling factors.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: MKP-1 ; Fas ligand ; Fas ; apoptosis ; prostate cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Recent studies have suggested that MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) is overexpressed in prostate cancer. To evaluate the role of MKP-1 in regulating cell death and tumor growth in prostate cancer, MKP-1 was conditionally overexpressed in the human prostate cancer cell line DU145. Overexpression of MKP-1 in DU145 cells blocked activation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK). MKP-1 overexpression in DU-145 cells was also found to inhibit Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptosis, as well as block the activation of caspases by Fas engagement. In addition, MKP-1 blocked the activation of apoptosis by transfected MEKK-1 and ASK-1, presumably through its inhibition of the SAPK/JNK family of enzymes. MKP-1 blocked the ability of FasL to induce loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δγm), suggesting that MKP-1 acts upstream of mitochondrial pro-apoptotic events induced by FasL and that the SAPK/JNK pathway may form the signaling link between Fas receptor and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, MKP-1 overexpression in prostate cancer may play a role in promoting prostate carcinogenesis by inhibiting FasL-induced cell death.
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  • 27
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 199 (1999), S. 125-137 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: apoptosis ; ADP-ribosylation ; caspases ; PARP ; PARG
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Poly(ADP-ribosylation) is a post-translational modification playing a relevant role in DNA damage recovery, DNA replication and viral integration. Several reports also suggest a modulation of this process during cell death by apoptosis. The aim of this review is to discuss the possible involvement of poly(ADP-ribosylation) during apoptosis, by dealing with general considerations on apoptosis, and further examining the correlation between NAD consumption and cell death, the regulation of poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism in apoptotic cells, the effect of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition on cell death occurrence and the use of enzyme cleavage as a marker of apoptosis. Finally, the future prospects of the research in this area will be addressed.
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  • 28
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 199 (1999), S. 189-200 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: lung ; cancer ; urokinase ; receptor ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) interacts with its receptor (uPAR) to promote proteolysis as well as cell proliferation and migration. These functions contribute to the pathogenesis of neoplastic growth and invasiveness. Expression of uPAR in tumor extracts also inversely correlates with prognosis in many forms of cancer. In this study, we sought to determine if differences in uPAR expression were distinguishable between cultured human lung carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma subtypes. We also sought to determine if, as in malignant mesothelioma cells, uPAR expression is regulated at the posttranscriptional level in cultured malignant lung carcinoma cells. Using 125I-uPA binding and ligand blotting techniques, uPAR was expressed by phenotypically diverse lung carcinoma cell lines, including the H460, H157 and H1395 non-small cell lines and the H146 small cell lung carcinoma line. Increased uPAR expression was also detected in spindle-shaped (M33K) and epithelioid (M9K and MS-1) malignant mesothelioma cells. Selected mediators, including TGF-β, TNF-α, LPS and PMA, uniformly enhanced uPAR expression in each of the tumor cell lines. Steady state uPAR mRNA expression was determined by RNase protection assay and correlated directly with the changes in cell surface uPAR expression. By gel mobility shift and UV-cross linking assays, a uPAR mRNA binding protein (uPAR mRNABp) implicated in the posttranscriptional control of message stability, was identified in each of the cell lines. Expression of uPAR and its message in cultured lung carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma cells is similarly influenced by effectors present in the tumor microenvironment. Regulation of the uPAR message occurs at the posttranscriptional level in cultured small and non-small cell lung carcinoma cells as well as spindle-shaped and fibrous malignant mesothelioma cell lines. Posttranscriptional regulation of uPAR in all these cells involves the interaction of the uPAR mRNABp with uPAR mRNA, which promotes uPAR mRNA destabilization.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: DNA binding protein ; NAD metabolism ; cellular response to DNA damage ; γ-rays ; alkylating agents ; genomic instability ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A dual approach to the study of poly (ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) in terms of its structure and function has been developed in our laboratory. Random mutagenesis of the DNA binding domain and catalytic domain of the human PARP, has allowed us to identify residues that are crucial for its enzymatic activity. In parallel PARP knock-out mice were generated by inactivation of both alleles by gene targeting. We showed that: (i) they are exquisitely sensitive to γ-irradiation, (ii) they died rapidly from acute radiation toxicity to the small intestine, (iii) they displayed a high genomic instability to γ-irradiation and MNU injection and, (iv) bone marrow cells rapidly underwent apoptosis following MNU treatment, demonstrating that PARP is a survival factor playing an essential and positive role during DNA damage recovery and survival.
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  • 30
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: PARP ; poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation ; apoptosis ; DNA replication
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have focused on the roles of PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation early in apoptosis, as well as during the early stages of differentiation-linked DNA replication. In both nuclear processes, a transient burst of PAR synthesis and PARP expression occurs early, prior to internucleosomal DNA cleavage before commitment to apoptosis as well as at the round of DNA replication prior to the onset of terminal differentiation. In intact human osteosarcoma cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis, both PARP and PAR decreased after this early peak, concomitant with the inactivation and cleavage of PARP by caspase-3 and the onset of substantial DNA and nuclear fragmentation. Whereas 3T3-L1, osteosarcoma cells, and immortalized PARP +/+ fibroblasts exhibited this early burst of PAR synthesis during Fas-mediated apoptosis, neither PARP-depleted 3T3-L1 PARP-antisense cells nor PARP -/- fibroblasts showed this response. Consequently, whereas control cells progressed into apoptosis, as indicated by induction of caspase-3-like PARP-cleavage activity, PARP-antisense cells and PARP -/- fibroblasts did not, indicating a requirement for PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins at an early reversible stage of apoptosis. In parallel experiments, a transient increase in PARP expression and activity were also noted in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes 24 h after induction of differentiation, a stage at which ~95% of the cells were in S-phase, but not in PARP-depleted antisense cells, which were consequently unable to complete the round of DNA replication required for differentiation. PARP, a component of the multiprotein DNA replication complex (MRC) that catalyzes viral DNA replication in vitro, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ates 15 of ~40 MRC proteins, including DNA pol α, DNA topo I, and PCNA. Depletion of endogenous PARP by antisense RNA expression in 3T3-L1 cells results in MRCs devoid of any DNA pol α and DNA pol δ activities. Surprisingly, there was no new expression of PCNA and DNA pol α, as well as the transcription factor E2F-1 in PARP-antisense cells during entry into S-phase, suggesting that PARP may play a role in the expression of these proteins, perhaps by interacting with a site in the promoters for these genes.
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  • 31
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: breast cancer cells ; anti-apoptotic genes ; apoptosis ; progesterone
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Progesterone inhibits the proliferation of normal breast epithelial cells in vivo, as well as breast cancer cells in vitro. But the biologic mechanism of this inhibition remains to be determined. We explored the possibility that an antiproliferative activity of progesterone in breast cancer cell lines is due to its ability to induce apoptosis. Since p53, bcl-2 and survivin genetically control the apoptotic process, we investigated whether or not these genes could be involved in the progesterone-induced apoptosis. We found a maximal 90% inhibition of cell proliferation with T47-D breast cancer cells after exposure to 10 μM progesterone for 72 h. Control progesterone receptor negative MDA-231 cancer cells were unresponsive to 10 μM progesterone. The earliest sign of apoptosis is translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and can be monitored by the calcium-dependent binding of annexin V in conjunction with flow cytometry. After 24 h of exposure to 10 μM progesterone, cytofluorometric analysis of T47-D breast cancer cells indicated 43% were annexin V-positive and had undergone apoptosis and no cells showed signs of cellular necrosis (propidium iodide negative). After 72 h of exposure to 10 μM progesterone, 48% of the cells had undergone apoptosis and 40% were annexin V positive/propidium iodide positive indicating signs of necrosis. Control untreated cancer cells did not undergo apoptosis. Evidence proving apoptosis was also demonstrated by fragmentation of nuclear DNA into multiples of oligonucleosomal fragments. After 24 h of exposure of T47-D cells to either 1 or 10 μM progesterone, we observed a marked down-regulation of protooncogene bcl-2 protein and mRNA levels. mRNA levels of survivin and the metastatic variant CD44 v7-v10 were also downregulated. Progesterone increased p53 mRNA levels. These results demonstrate that progesterone at relative high physiological concentrations, but comparable to those seen in plasma during the third trimester of human pregnancy, exhibited a strong antiproliferative effect on breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis.
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  • 32
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 201 (1999), S. 111-123 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: complement factor I ; TPA ; protein kinase C ; gene expression ; Hep G2 cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study examined the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) signalling pathway in the regulation of expression of human complement factor I (CFI) gene. The production of CFI by Hep G2 cells was enhanced in a dose- and time-dependent fashion by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-1,2-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a potent PKC activator. 4α-phorbol didecanoate, an inactive phorbol ester, had no effect on CFI synthesis. The TPA-dependent increase in CFI secretion was correlated with an increase in CFI mRNA levels. Forskolin, a cAMP-inducing agent, augmented the TPA response. W7, an inhibitor of protein kinase A and genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase(s) both did not prevent the increase in CFI expression mediated by TPA. However, calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC, abolished the TPA-induced increase in CFI mRNA levels. Down regulation of intracellular PKC levels by prior exposure of Hep G2 cells to a high concentration of TPA also blocked the increase in CFI mRNA levels induced by TPA suggesting that the TPA effects were mediated via activation of PKC. mRNA decay studies indicated that the half-life of CFI mRNA in TPA-induced cells was not significantly different from control. Nuclear run-on transcriptional assays on the other hand demonstrated that whereas the CFI gene is transcribed under basal conditions in Hep G2 cells, TPA induced a 3-4 fold increase in the transcription rate of CFI gene in 24 h. The transcription rate of GAPDH gene did not change, indicating that the effects were not general on gene transcription. Transient transfections of Hep G2 cells with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene (CAT) constructs containing a series of sequential 5′ deletions of the CFI promoter and CAT assays showed that the sequence between -136 and -130, containing an AP-1 consensus sequence (TGAGTCA) was required for the TPA response. This observation was substantiated by the finding that mutation of this AP-1 site to TttaTCA or TtAtcCA abolished the TPA responsiveness. The enhancement of the activity of transfected chimeric CAT constructs by TPA was abrogated by calphostin C and by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (an inhibitor of NF-κB and AP-1 transactivation). These results indicate that TPA regulation of CFI gene requires PKC signalling and is mediated by via a TPA response element (TRE) in the CFI promoter region located at -136/-130 and involves the transactivation of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors. We suggest that PKC may be one of the intracellular pathways that control CFI gene expression and that cellular processes (involving growth factors, hormones, cytokines etc.) that activate PKC may upregulate the expression of the CFI gene.
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  • 33
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 200 (1999), S. 51-57 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: smokeless tobacco ; apoptosis ; nitric oxide
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Smokeless tobacco usage is, a growing public health concern in the United States. Lesions of the oral cavity have been clearly linked to smokeless tobacco use. The objective of this study was to determine the biochemical effects of smokeless tobacco extract (STE) exposure upon hamster cheek pouch cell (HCPC-1) cultures. HCPC-1 cells were exposed to a 5 -fold dose-range of STE (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5%) over a time-course of 24-96 h. Following each exposure we measured various biochemical parameters of cell proliferation and cell death. Cell viability, cell cycle progression and S-phase DNA synthesis were measured as markers of cell proliferation. We measured lactate dehydrogenase leakage as a marker of cell membrane damage and cell death due to necrosis. No significant alterations were observed in cell cycle progression and cell proliferation as a result of exposure to STE. LDH measured colorimetrically indicated no significant effect with the lower doses (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% STE). Apoptosis measured as the A0 peak and by the TUNEL procedure revealed that STE caused significant rates of apoptosis. Maximal apoptosis was noted between 48-96 h. In order to probe the mechanism further we measured the levels of nitrites as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) in the media. NO levels were significantly elevated at the doses that caused an induction of apoptosis. The results from this study indicate that STE causes a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and that this is mediated by nitric oxide.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: regucalcin ; calcium-binding protein ; gene expression ; Ca2+-ATPase ; brain microsomes ; aging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of calcium-binding protein regucalcin and its effect on the microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat brain tissues was investigated. The expression of regucalcin mRNA was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in brain tissues using rat regucalcin-specific primers. Regucalcin concentration in the brain tissues was about 5 × 10-9 M as measured using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), and this level was lowered with increasing age (50 weeks old). The presence of regucalcin (10-9 to 10-7 M) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in Ca2+-ATPase activity in the brain microsomes of young rats (5 weeks old). Meanwhile, the enzyme activity was not significantly altered by the addition of calmodulin (1 or 50 μg/ml), calbindin (1 or 10 μg/ml), and S-100 A protein (5 or 25 μg/ml), which are other Ca2+-binding proteins in rat brain. The effect of regucalcin to inhibit microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity was weakened in the brain of rats with increasing age (50 weeks old). The present study demonstrates that regucalcin is expressed in the brain, and that it can uniquely inhibit Ca2+-ATPase activity in the brain microsomes of rats. The findings suggest that regucalcin plays a role in the regulation of microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat brain tissues.
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  • 35
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 37-42 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: Rho ; GTPase ; toxins ; Clostridium ; signal transduction ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The Rho family small GTPases are members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. Rho proteins were first determined to act as key regulators of many types of actin cytoskeletal-dependent cellular functions. Recent work by several investigators indicates that Rho GTPases are also critical modulators of several important intracellular and nuclear signal transduction pathways. Certain clostridial toxins and exoenzymes covalently modify, and thereby inactivate, specific types of Rho family GTPases. As such, these microbial enzymes have proven invaluable in helping to identify structural and functional attributes of Rho GTPases.
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  • 36
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 103-108 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase ; Drosophila melanogaster ; alternative splicing ; apoptosis ; DNA repair ; development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is conserved in eukaryotes. To analyze the function of PARP, we isolated and characterized the gene for PARP in Drosophila melanogaster. The PARP gene consisted of six translatable exons and spanned more than 50 kb. The DNA binding domain is encoded by exons 1-4. Although the consensus cleavage site of CED-3 like protease during apoptosis is conserved from human to Xenopus laevis PARPs, it is neither conserved in the corresponding region of Drosophila nor Sarcophaga peregrina. There are two cDNAs species in Drosophila. One cDNA could encode the full length PARP protein (PARP I), while the other is a truncated cDNA which could encode a partial-length PARP protein (PARP II), which lacks the automodification domain and is possibly produced by alternative splicing. The expression of these two forms of PARP in E. coli demonstrated that while PARP II has the catalytic NAD-binding domain and DNA-binding domain it is enzymatically inactive. On the other hand PARP I is active. A deletion mutant of PARP gene could grow to the end of embryogenesis but did not grow to the adult fly. These results suggest that the PARP gene plays an important function during the development of Drosophila.
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  • 37
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 119-125 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: benzamides ; nicotinamides ; apoptosis ; inflammation ; NF-kB ; DNA repair
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Our laboratory has concentrated on the possible regulation the benzamides and nicotinamides may have on the processes of DNA repair and apoptosis. Recent reports [14-16] have suggested that both apoptosis and inflammation are regulated by the transcription factor NF-kB. We have initiated studies regarding the hypothesis that the benzamides and nicotinamides could inhibit the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and the inflammatory response as well as induce apoptosis via inhibition of NF-kB. Our data have shown that nicotinamide and two N-substituted benzamides, metoclopramide (MCA) and 3-chloroprocainamide (3-CPA), gave dose dependent inhibition of lipopolysacharide induced TNFalpha in the mouse within the dose range of 10-500 mg/kg. Moreover, lung edema was prevented in the rat by 3 ï 50 mg/kg doses of 3-CPA or MCA, and 100-200 μM doses of MCA could also inhibit NF-kB in Hela cells. Taken together these data strongly support the notion that benzamides and nicotinamides have potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, because their primary mechanism of action is regulated by inhibition at the gene transcription level of NF-kB, which in turn inhibits TNFalpha and induces apoptosis.
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  • 38
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: antisense oligonucleotide ; apoptosis ; cAMP-dependent protein kinase ; cancer cells ; growth inhibition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The enhanced expression of the RIα subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type 1 (PKA-I) has been correlated with cancer cell growth. We have investigated the effects of sequence-specific inhibition of RIα gene expression on the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We report that RIα antisense treatment results in a reduction in RIα expression at both mRNA and protein levels and inhibition of cell growth. The growth inhibition was accompanied by changes in cell morphology, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and appearance of apoptotic nuclei. In addition, bcl-2 protein level was reduced and p53 expression increased in growth arrested cells. Interestingly, RIα antisense inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in the absence of p53, suggesting that these actions of RIα antisense are exerted independent of p53. In contrast, two- and four-base mismatched control oligonucleotides had no effect on either cell growth or morphology. These results demonstrate that the RIα antisense, which efficiently depletes the growth stimulatory molecule RIα, induces cell differentiation and apoptosis, providing a new approach to combat breast cancer cell growth.
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  • 39
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 197 (1999), S. 97-108 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: neutrophil ; PKC ; TNF-α ; apoptosis ; DNA fragmentation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the present study we investigated the TNF-α induced signal transduction mechanism in human neutrophil. Exogenously added TNF-α affects both PKC activity and its translocation from cytosol to the membrane. Endogenous protein phosphorylation pattern is inhibited in TNF-α induced neutrophil in Ca-dependent and Ca-independent manner, including a major 47 and 66 kDa cytosolic proteins, which may be implicated in superoxide anion generation. However TNF-α dose dependently enhances the expression of ζ-PKC isotype but not the β-PKC. Morphology and cell cytotoxicity are studied in TNF-α treated neutrophil to understand the TNF-α induced cell death or apoptosis and these experiment is further confirmed by DNA fragmentation analysis. These results clearly demonstrate that TNF-α induces cellular death of human neutrophil at least in part by enhanced expression of Ca-independent ζ-PKC. These observations provide an insight towards understanding the function of ζ-PKC in apoptotic pathway.
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  • 40
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: mechanical stretch ; smooth muscle cells ; differential display ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Physical forces induce profound changes in cell phenotype, shape and behavior. These changes can occur in vascular structures as a result of pressure overload and their effects can be seen in atherosclerotic vessels in which smooth muscle cells have undergone hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes. At the molecular level, mechanical stimuli are converted into chemical ones and lead to modulation of gene expression and/or the activation of a new repertoire of genes whose encoded proteins help the cells to adapt to their microenvironment. In this study, we have used a two primer-based mRNA differential display technique to identify candidate mechano-responsive genes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. As compared to the original method described by Liang and Pardee, this technique uses two arbitrary primers instead of an anchored oligo(dt) plus an arbitrary primer in the polymerase chain reaction. The chief advantages of these modifications are an increase in the efficiency of the amplification and in the identification of differentially expressed clones. Using this approach, we compared the pattern of expressed genes in cells cultured under static conditions with those in cells that were mechanically stretched (1 Hz) for 24 h in a well-defined in vitro mechanical system. Three candidate genes that showed reproducible differences were chosen for further characterization and cloning. One clone was under expressed in stretched cells and had a DNA sequence with 90% homology to the human fibronectin gene. Two other clones were highly expressed in stretched cells and had a 92% and a 83% sequence homology with human platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor and rat insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) genes respectively. Northern blot analysis confirmed low levels of fibronectin mRNA transcripts in stretched cells. In contrast, accumulation of PAF receptor mRNA occurred 30 min after mechanical stretch was initiated whereas IGF-I mRNA levels peaked at 8 h. Both mRNA levels were sustained for up to 24 h of mechanical stretching. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the two primer-based mRNA differential display that enabled us to identify and characterize alterations at the level of gene expression among matrix proteins, G-protein coupled receptors and growth factors, each of whose response to mechanical strain is different. A more complete understanding of these responses will provide further insight into the pathologic processes associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: rotenone ; apoptosis ; oncogenes ; liver cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Rotenone decreases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and lowers rates of hepatocellular proliferation. In an effort to delineate mechanisms involved, the in vivo effect of rotenone on liver mitochondrial metabolism, apoptotic machinery as well as elements of the hepatic signal transduction pathways were investigated. Mitochondria from livers of male B6C3F1 mice fed a standard diet containing 600 ppm rotenone for 7 days were uncoupled or inhibited when succinate or glutamate plus malate were used as the substrate, respectively. These livers also showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with control livers. Furthermore, rotenone increased the expression of c-myc mRNA to 5-fold of control values within 3 days, an effect which was still observed (3-fold) after 7 days. Levels of p53 mRNA were also increased 3-fold after 1 day, but declined to control levels by 7 days. Rotenone also caused a transient, yet marked increase in liver particulate glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein expression, while it did not alter the expression of the cytosolic form of the enzyme. Conversely, mRNA of the proto-oncogene H-ras showed a decline of 35% after 3 days of rotenone treatment, and remained diminished for the duration of the experiment. These data suggest that rotenone may act as an anticancer agent by diminishing mitochondrial bioenergetics which prevents basal hepatocyte proliferation and lowers the threshold for liver cells with DNA damage to undergo apoptosis.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1573-4943
    Keywords: Two-dimensional electrophoresis ; MALDI-MS ; apoptosis ; RNA polymerase B transcription factor 3
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis or programmed cell death is essential in the process of controlling lymphocyte growth and selection. We identified RNA polymerase B transcription factor 3 (BTF3), which is associated with anti-IgM antibody-mediated apoptosis, using a subclone of the human Burkitt lymphoma cell line BL60. To identify the transcription factor BTF3, which is expressed only in minor amounts, we used preparative high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) employing carrier ampholytes for isoelectric focusing. Comparison of the 2DE protein patterns from apoptotic and nonapoptotic cells showed BTF3 as a predominantly altered protein spot. The characterization of the differentially expressed transcription factor and 13 marker proteins described in this study were performed by internal Edman microsequencing and/or by peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The proteome analysis was significantly improved by performing the newly developed preparative high-resolution two-dimensional gels employing high protein concentrations.
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1871-4528
    Keywords: Solanum tuberosum L. ; tuberisation ; extensin ; acyl carrier protein thioesterase ; high mobility group protein ; gene expression ; plant development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Summary In screening to isolate a full-length copy of a previously isolated cDNA clone, a further three cDNAs were also isolated from a library prepared from sub-apical swelling-stolon tissue of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Sequence analysis showed these clones to be similar to extensin-like protein genes, acyl carrier protein thioesterase genes and high mobility group protein genes, respectively. A further cDNA, isolated by subtractive hybridisation, was similar to a tomato cDNA previously isolated on the basis of its down-regulation following nematode infection. While all the newly isolated genes were expressed in swelling stolons, for most, maximal expression was seen to be in stem tissue. Possible roles for these genes in the development of potato plants are discussed, as is the significance of gene expression in stems and stolons to the process of tuberisation.
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  • 44
    ISSN: 1573-9368
    Keywords: transgenic mice ; prolactin ; mammary gland ; gene expression ; Stat5 ; β-globin insulator
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In order to establish a possible correlation between in vitro prolactin induction and the transcriptional activity of mammary gene promoters in transgenic mice, a functional Stat5-binding site was created by means of site-directed mutagenesis at position −70 on a 560 bp murine α-lactalbumin promotor linked to a CAT reporter gene. Surprisingly, the wild-type promoter was constitutively active in vitro and could not be induced by prolactin. Introducing the proximal Stat5 site abolished this constitutive activity and resulted in prolactin dependence in both CHO-K1- and HC11-transfected cells. In transgenic mice, both the frequency of lines expressing the transgene and the prevalence of mid to late pregnancy expression were increased.
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  • 45
    Electronic Resource
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    Investigational new drugs 17 (1999), S. 227-240 
    ISSN: 1573-0646
    Keywords: apoptosis ; protein kinase C ; sphingoid bases ; safingol ; diglyceride ; bryostatin 1 ; staurosporine ; 7-hydroxy staurosporine (UCN-01) ; 4′-N-benzoyl staurosporine (CGP-41251) ; calphostin C (UCN-1028c)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neoplastic cell survival is governed by a balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. Noteworthy among several anti-apoptotic signaling elements is the protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzyme family, which mediates a central cytoprotective effect in the regulation of cell survival. Activation of PKC, and subsequent recruitment of numerous downstream elements such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, opposes initiation of the apoptotic cell death program by diverse cytotoxic stimuli. The understanding that the lethal actions of numerous antineoplastic agents are, in many instances, antagonized by cytoprotective signaling systems has been an important stimulus for the development of novel antineoplastic strategies. In this regard, inhibition of PKC, which has been shown to initiate apoptosis in a variety of malignant cell types, has recently been the focus of intense interest. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that selective targeting of PKC may prove useful in improving the therapeutic efficacy of established antineoplastic agents. Such chemosensitizing strategies can involve either (a) direct inhibition of PKC (e.g., following acute treatment with relatively specific inhibitors such as the synthetic sphingoid base analog safingol, or the novel staurosporine derivatives UCN-01 and CGP-41251) or (b) down-regulation (e.g., following chronic treatment with the non-tumor-promoting PKC activator bryostatin 1). In preclinical model systems, suppression of the cytoprotective function(s) of PKC potentiates the activity of cytotoxic agents (e.g., cytarabine) as well as ionizing radiation, and efforts to translate these findings into the clinical arena in humans are currently underway. Although the PKC-driven cytoprotective signaling systems affected by these treatments have not been definitively characterized, interference with PKC activity has been associated with loss of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) response. Accordingly, recent pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that pharmacological disruption of the primary MEK-ERK module can mimic the chemopotentiating and radiopotentiating actions of PKC inhibition and/or down-regulation.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1573-0646
    Keywords: UCN-01 ; IL-2 receptor ; Fas ; Fas-ligand ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) is a new anticancer agentwhich exerts an inhibitory effect on cell cycle check points andis currently under phase I clinical trials in US and Japan.Preliminary clinical data indicated that UCN-01 remained inplasma at high concentrations for long periods of time. Thisunavoidable high plasma drug exposure is likely to lead tohematological toxicities in patients. In the present study,cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were used toevaluate the possible hematological toxicities of UCN-01treatment. UCN-01 induces apoptosis, and the induction ofapoptosis-related surface markers were also examined toinvestigate the involvement of these molecules in UCN-01-inducedapoptosis in PBLs. in vitroviability of PBLs wasdecreased by high dose of UCN-01 (25 μM, 3-day exposure). Thiseffect of UCN-01 was significantly suppressed by the presence ofhuman serum, suggesting that some specific inhibitory factor(s)in human serum may antagonize the lympholytic effect of UCN-01.The percentage of annexin V-positive PI-negative cells increasedwith exposure to UCN-01 in a time- and dose-dependent manner; byup to 30.3% after exposure to 25 μM UCN-01 for 3 days.At the same time, the expression of both interleukin-2 receptor(IL-2R, CD25) and Fas (CD95), analyzed by flow cytometry, wasinduced. Con A-stimulated PBLs were more sensitive toUCN-01-induced apoptosis than non-stimulated lymphocytes andUCN-01 increased the sFas-L released into culture medium from conA-stimulated PBLs. Therefore, lymphocyte depletion mediated byactivation-induced apoptosis is likely to occur in patientstreated with UCN-01 at high doses.
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  • 47
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: CHO cells ; gene expression ; kinetic model ; protein secretion ; transcription ; translation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract The elevation of expression levels for secreted glycoproteins by gene amplification in mammalian cells shows a saturation behavior at high levels of gene amplification. At high expression levels a drop in the secretion efficiency for the recombinant protein occurs (Schröder and Friedl, 1997), coinciding with the appearance of misfolded protein in the cell. In this communication we investigated whether additional limitations exist at the levels of transcription and translation. Four Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines expressing different amounts of human antithrombin III (ATIII) were used as a model system. A tenfold increase in the ATIII cDNA copy number from the lowest to the highest producing cell line coincided with a 38-fold increase in ATIII mRNA levels, and an 80-fold increase in the amount of intracellular ATIII levels. The data was analyzed using a simple kinetic model. The following conclusions were derived: I. The transcriptional activity for the recombinant protein is not saturated. II. Translation itself is not saturated either, but may be downregulated as secretion efficiency drops. III. Two explanations for the previously reported drop in secretion efficiency for the recombinant protein with increasing expression level are possible: A. Protein degradation is an alternative fate for translated ATIII and the fraction of ATIII degraded after translation increases as expression level is increased. B. Translation is downregulated as the secretory apparatus becomes exhausted to maintain cell viability.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: cardiogenesis ; cell differentiation ; gene expression ; mouse embryonic stem cells ; myogenesis ; neurogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Embryonic stem cells, totipotent cells of the early mouse embryo, were established as permanent cell lines of undifferentiated cells. ES cells provide an important cellular system in developmental biology for the manipulation of preselected genes in mice by using the gene targeting technology. Embryonic stem cells, when cultivated as embryo-like aggregates, so-called ‘embryoid bodies’, are able to differentiate in vitro into derivatives of all three primary germ layers, the endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm. We established differentiation protocols for the in vitro development of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells into differentiated cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle, neuronal, epithelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. During differentiation, tissue-specific genes, proteins, ion channels, receptors and action potentials were expressed in a developmentally controlled pattern. This pattern closely recapitulates the developmental pattern during embryogenesis in the living organism. In vitro, the controlled developmental pattern was found to be influenced by differentiation and growth factor molecules or by xenobiotics. Furthermore, the differentiation system has been used for genetic analyses by ‘gain of function’ and ‘loss of function’ approaches in vitro.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; fixed-bed ; hollow fibre ; hybridoma ; perfusion ; protein-free medium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis is an active, genetically determined death mechanism which can be induced by a wide range of physiological factors and by mild stress. It is the predominant form of cell death during the production of antibodies from murine hybridoma cell lines. A number of studies have now demonstrated that the suppression of this death pathway, by means of over-expression of survival genes such as bcl-2, results in improved cellular robustness and antibody productivity during batch culture. In the present study, the influence of bcl-2 expression on hybridoma productivity in two high density perfusion bioreactor systems was investigated. In the first system, a fixed-bed reactor, the DNA content in the spent medium was 25% higher in the control (TB/C3-pEF) culture than that found in the bcl-2 transfected (TB/C3-bcl2) cultures at all perfusion rates. This is indicative of a higher level of cell death in the control cell line. The average antibody concentration for the TB/C3-pEF cell line was 14.9 mg L-1 at perfusion rates of 2.6 and 5.2 d-1. However, for the TB/C3-bcl2 cell line it was 33 mg L-1 at dilution rates of 2 and 4 d-1. A substantial increase in antibody concentration was also found in the Integra Tecnomouse hollow fibre reactor. The antibody titre in the TB/C3-bcl2 cassette was nearly 100% higher than that in the TB/C3-pEF cassette during the cultivation period which lasted 6 weeks. Clearly, these results demonstrate the positive impact of bcl-2 over-expression on production of antibody in hybridoma perfusion cultures.
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  • 50
    Electronic Resource
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    Springer
    Cytotechnology 30 (1999), S. 71-83 
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: gene expression ; HEK293(EBNA) cells ; serum-free ; transient transfection
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract In order to establish a simple and scaleable transfection system we have used the cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) to study transient transfection in HEK293 and 293(EBNA) cells grown in serum-free suspension culture. The transfection complexes were made directly within the cell culture by consecutively adding plasmid and PEI (direct method). Alternatively, the DNA-PEI transfection complexes were prepared in fresh medium (1/10 culture volume) and then added to the cells (indirect method). The results of this study clearly show that the ratio of PEI nitrogen to DNA phosphate is very important for high expression levels. The precise ratio is dependent on the DNA concentration. For example, using 1 μg/ml DNA by the indirect method, the ratio of optimal PEI:DNA was about 10–13:1. However, the ratio increases to 33:1 for 0.1–0.2 μg/ml DNA. By testing several different molecular weights of the polycationic polymer we could show that the highest transfection efficiency was obtained with the PEI 25 kDa. Using PEI 25 kDa the indirect method is superior to the direct addition because significantly lower DNA concentrations are needed. The expression levels of the soluble human TNF receptor p55 are even higher at low DNA compared to 1 μg/ml plasmid. The EBV-based pREP vectors gave better transient gene expression when used in 293(EBNA) cells compared to HEK293 cells in suspension culture. No differences in expression levels in the two cell lines were observed when the pC1 (CMV)-TNFR was used. In conclusion, PEI is a low-toxic transfection agent which provides high levels of transient gene expression in 293(EBNA) cells grown in serum-free suspension culture. This system allows highly reproducible, cost-effective production of milligram amounts of recombinant proteins in 2–5 l spinner culture scale within 3–5 days. Fermentor scale experiments, however, are less efficient because the PEI-mediated transient tranfection is inhibited by conditioned medium.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: cell cycle ; CHO ; flow cytometry ; gene expression ; synchronisation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Understanding the relationships between cell cycle and protein expression is critical to the optimisation of media and environmental conditions for successful commercial operation of animal cell culture processes. Using flow cytometry for the analysis of the early phases of synchronised batch cultures, the dependency of product expression on cell cycle related events has been evaluated in a recombinant CHO cell line. Although the production of recombinant protein is initially found to be cell cycle related, the maximum specific protein productivity is only achieved at a later stage of the exponential phase which also sees a maximum in the intracellular protein concentration. Subsequent work suggests that it is the batch phase/medium composition of cultures which is the major determinant of maximum specific productivity in this cell line. Furthermore the effect of the positive association between S phase and specific productivity is subordinate to the effect of batch phase/medium composition on the specific productivity of batch cultures.
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  • 52
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: antibody productivity ; apoptosis ; BAG-1 ; Bcl-2 ; cell survival ; hybridoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Human bcl-2 and bag-1 DNA were introduced into mouse hybridoma 2E3- O cells and expressed. The expression of bcl-2 in BCMGneo-bcl2 transfectants was confirmed by ELISA and that of bag-1 in pZeo-bag1 was confirmed by western blotting. In batch cultures, the over-expression of bcl-2 prolonged the culture period by 2 days and co-expression of bcl-2 and bag-1 prolonged the culture period by 3 days. The delayed increase in the dead cell number in culture of the bcl-2 and bag-1 cotransfectant indicated the additional antiapoptosis effect of bcl-2 and bag-1 cotransfection in comparison with the bcl-2 only transfection. The bcl-2 transfectants (2E3O-Bcl2) produced antibody twofold per batch culture in comparison with 2E3-O cells transfected with BCMGSneo (2E3O-Mock). Enhancement of this MoAb production was due to the improved survival of the cells and was not due to stimulation of antibody production rate per cell by Bcl-2 expression. And the bcl-2 and bag-1 co-transfectant (2E3O-Bcl2-BAG1) produced antibody approximately fourfold of 2E3O-Mock per batch culture. Enhancement of this MoAb production was due to the improved survival of the cells and was partly due to stimulation of MoAb production rate per cell in the non-growing phase by the cotransfection. The method to engineer hybridoma cells genetically with bcl-2 and bag-1 for increasing viability and productivity would be widely applied for improving antibody productivity of hybridoma cultures.
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  • 53
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: annexin V ; Apo-2 ligand ; apoptosis ; Cytostar-T® scintillating microplates ; flow cytometry ; lymphotoxin (LT)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract The translocation of phospholipids across the plasma membrane has been widely documented as one of the earliest measurable biochemical events of apoptosis. Using fluorescently labelled annexin V, which preferentially binds phosphatidylserine (PS) in the presence of Ca2+, the externalization of PS can be measured and apoptosis quantified using flow cytometry. Conventional detection methods utilizing annexin V, while faster than in situ DNA end-labelling or DNA laddering, require extensive sample preparation which may compromise samples and makes rapid, high volume screening prohibitive. This paper describes a novel assay for the measurement of apoptosis based upon binding of radiolabelled annexin V to apoptotic cells attached to the growth surface of a 96-well scintillating microplate (Cytostar-T®). We compared measurements of apoptosis made by flow cytometry to those obtained with the scintillating microplate in three model systems, treatment of: mouse connective tissue (L-M) cells with lymphotoxin (LT), human lung carcinoma (H460) cells with Apo-2 ligand and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells with staurosporine. In this assay, we compare both direct and indirect labelling methods by utilizing either iodinated annexin V or biotinylated annexin V/[35S] streptavidin to radiolabel apoptotic cells. The signal detected is a direct consequence of the binding of annexin V to externalized PS on apoptotic cells and the proximity of the label to the base of the plate. Using this method, separation of bound and unbound radiolabel signal occurs directly within the well resulting in a sensitive assay that requires minimal manipulation and can accomodate a large number of samples.
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  • 54
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    Cardiovascular drugs and therapy 13 (1999), S. 289-294 
    ISSN: 1573-7241
    Keywords: heart failure ; apoptosis ; protein kinases ; caspases ; DNA damage ; cardiomyocytes ; β-blocks
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis as defined by contemporary science describes a form of cell death that involves discrete genetic and molecular programs, de novo protein expression and unique cellular phenotype. Evidence for the existence of apoptosis in the human heart has been reported in various cardiac diseases, including ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure, myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Among the most potent stimuli that elicit cardiomyocyte apoptosis are: oxygen radicals (including NO), cytokines, (FAS/TNFα family of cytokines) and growth factors/energy deprivation. Several complex signal transduction pathways have been implicated in execution of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, including: Fas/TNFα receptors signaling, stress or mitogen activated protein kinases (SAPK/MAPK), sphingolipids metabolites (ceramide), G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling (Gαi, Gαq) and NFkB activation. Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes may contribute to progressive pump-failure, arrhythmias and cardiac remodeling. The recognition of numerous molecular targets associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis that are amenable for pharmacologic manipulation, may provide novel therapeutic strategies for diverse cardiac ailments, as recently suggested by pharmacologic studies in experimental animals.
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: gene expression ; immunohistochemistry ; mRNA DD ; neoplasia metastasis ; RAB5A
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract For the sake of better understanding the molecular mechanism of neoplasia, we have used the mRNA differential display technique to analyze two human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, AGZY83-a and Anip973. Anip973 was isolated from AGZY83-a, but manifested much higher metastatic potential than the parent line. We found that a significant differential cDNA fragment in Anip973 was over-expressed, then over-expressed cDNA fragment was cloned and sequenced. It showed that the over-expressed cDNA in Anip973 was RAB5A cDNA. And the RAB5A cDNA sequence was corresponding between the two cells. To determine whether RAB5A may be differentially expressed in the two human lung adenocarcinoma cells at protein level, we further detected RAB5A protein in the two cells by using immunofluorescent method. RAB5A protein was upregulated in highly metastatic Anip973. We also detected the difference in RAB5A gene expression at RNA level in human non-small cell lung carcinoma by RT-PCR. Using immunohistochemical staining, we also examined RAB5A change at protein level in 45 cases human non-small cell lung carcinoma paraffin sections. The results proved the evidence of upregulation of RAB5A in malignant tumor, indicated over-expression of RAB5A gene was correlated with the malignant degree and metastatic potential of lung cancer(χ2 test, p 〈0.01). The RAB5A gene is a member of RAS superfamily, which can transcribe GTP-binding protein that plays an important role in signal transduction of protein trafficking at the cell surface and GDP/GTP cycle in the regulation of endocytotic membrane traffic. Thus our results indicated that over-expression of the RAB5A gene was involved in the process of transformation from AGZY83-a to the higher metastatic cell line Anip973. The result may be a powerful experimental evidence that over-expression of RAB5A gene associated with neoplasia metastasis.
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  • 56
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cell death ; C6 glioma ; nerve growth factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays an important physiological role in differentiation and survival of various types of neurons. Glial cells and glial tumor cells synthesize multiple neurotrophic factors including NGF and secrete them into the surrounding environment; however, the mechanisms of NGF and the significance of NGF receptors have not been studied in detail. The C6 glioma cell line can synthesize NGF, respond to exogenous application of NGF and stimulate the expression of NGF receptor in an autocrine manner. In order to determine the significance of such an NGF autocrine system, the effects of exposure to exogenous NGF and deprivation of endogenous NGF were examined in a C6 glioma cell line in vitro. Exogenous NGF significantly inhibited maintenance of the cell number and thymidine incorporation. Morphological changes, including the formation of growth cones, outgrowth of processes and cellular hypertrophy, were observed, concurrently, indicating that exogenous NGF stimulated differentiation and thereby inhibited proliferation of the cells. Deprivation of endogenous NGF with anti-NGF antibody elicited a rapid decrease in cell number and thymidine incorporation, and led almost all of the cells to death within 8 days. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, strongly inhibited the death of NGF-deprived cells, suggesting the involvement of an active process requiring synthesis of suicide proteins. These findings imply that the NGF autocrine system plays a significant role in regulating the differentiation and survival of C6 glioma cells, similarly to neuronal cells.
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  • 57
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: glutamate ; glioblastoma ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Glutamate has been shown to function as a toxic agent in neuronal and glial cells, as well as an excitatory neurotransmitter throughout the central nervous system. In the present study, we examined the effect of increasing glutamate concentration on the induction of apoptosis in the two human glioblastoma cell lines GB-4 and GB-12. Glutamate exposure caused cell death of GB-4 and GB-12 in a dose-dependent manner. The cells were found to die via apoptosis in response to glutamate based on the following criteria: propidium iodide (PI) staining, H–E staining, electron microscopic analysis, and the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The glutamate-induced apoptosis appears to involve the modulation of Bcl-2 family gene products such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax-α. Both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were down-regulated by glutamate at 24 h and further at 48 h. The apoptosis-promoting product p21 Bax-α was also down-regulated in GB-12 but slightly up-regulated in GB-4, accompanied by generation of variant form of p18 Bax-α in both cell lines. These findings suggest that glutamate toxicity results in cellular death via an apoptotic mechanism which appears to involve the Bcl-2/Bax-α molecular complex.
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  • 58
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: Cerebral ischemia ; focal ischemia ; mutant mice ; bcl-2 ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuronal death after brain ischemia is mainly due to necrosis but there is also evidence for involvement of apoptosis. To test the importance of apoptosis, we investigated the effect of targeted disruption of the apoptosis-suppressive gene bcl-2 on the severity of ischemic brain injury. Transient focal ischemia for 1 hour was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in homozygous (n=7) and heterozygous (n = 6) bcl-2 knockout mice as well as in their wildtype littermates (n=5). Bcl-2 ablation did not influence cerebral blood flow but it significantly increased infarct size and neurological deficit score at 1 day after reperfusion in a gene-dose dependent manner. The exacerbation of tissue damage in the absence of Bcl-2 underscores the importance of apoptotic pathways for the manifestation of ischemic injury after transient vascular occlusion.
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  • 59
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: glutamine synthetase ; gene expression ; portacaval anastomosis ; hepatic encephalopathy ; liver ; skeletal muscle ; ammonia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of chronic liver insufficiency resulting from end-to-side portacaval anastomosis (PCA) on glutamine synthetase (GS) activities, protein and gene expression were studied in brain, liver and skeletal muscle of male adult rats. Four weeks following PCA, activities of GS in cerebral cortex and cerebellum were reduced by 32% and 37% (p〈0.05) respectively whereas GS activities in muscle were increased by 52% (p〈0.05). GS activities in liver were decreased by up to 90% (p〈0.01), a finding which undoubtedly reflects the loss of GS-rich perivenous hepatocytes following portal-systemic shunting. Immunoblotting techniques revealed no change in GS protein content of brain regions or muscle but a significant loss in liver of PCA rats. GS mRNA determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR was also significantly decreased in the livers of PCA rats compared to sham-operated controls. These findings demonstrate that PCA results in a loss of GS gene expression in the liver and that brain does not show a compensatory induction of enzyme activity, rendering it particularly sensitive to increases in ammonia in chronic liver failure. The finding of a post-translational increase of GS in muscle following portacaval shunting suggests that, in chronic liver failure, muscle becomes the major organ responsible for the removal of excess blood-borne ammonia.
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  • 60
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: glioma ; immunohistochemistry ; MIB-1 ; apoptosis ; TUNEL
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract With the introduction of new (immuno-)histochemical techniques it is now possible to assess rates of proliferation and apoptosis in brain gliomas using archival paraffin embedded material. As proliferation and apoptosis are related to tumour growth rate quantification of these processes has prognostic value and is related to tumour grading. In this study we assessed the proliferation rate by measuring the Ki-67 labelling index using the MIB-1 antibody (MIB-LI) and the apoptotic rate using the in situ labelling of DNA strand breaks with TUNEL (TUNEL-LI) in 315 supratentorial gliomas. MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI in astrocytomas (A) where significantly lower compared to anaplastic astrocytomas (AA), glioblastomas (GBM) and oligodendroglial tumours [oligodendrogliomas (O) and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AO)]. MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI were significantly lower in AA compared to GBM. In astrocytic tumours MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI appeared to be correlated. As the distinction between A and AA is of clinical value but can be difficult histomorphologically we analysed the prognostic value of MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI in gliomas with particular emphasis on A and AA. MIB-LI below 10% was of prognostic value in A and AA, O and AO but not in GBM on univariate survival analysis. TUNEL-LI was of no prognostic value. With multivariate survival analysis MIB-LI lost prognostic significance in O and AO. Astrocytomas with a gemistocytic component (AG) are similar to A with respect to survival and MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI. MIB-LI is of independent prognostic value in A and AA. Assessment of MIB-LI in A and AA can be used as an aid in distinguishing A and AA.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: Oligodendrocyte cultures ; glucose ; gene expression ; malic enzyme ; membrane synthesis ; myelination ; undernutrition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have previously demonstrated that the developmental upregulation of myelin-specific genes in mixed glial cultures is strongly attenuated by hypoglycemia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of hypoglycemia on differentiation-dependent upregulation of myelin genes in purified oligodendrocyte cultures. The expression of major myelin protein genes, i.e., proteolipid protein (PLP), basic protein (BP) and myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) were monitored by Northern blot analysis. In control cultures maintained at 6 mg/ml of glucose, the expression of all the genes upregulated rapidly, and plateaued at approximately day 4. A similar pattern of differentiation-dependent upregulation was observed for the gene encoding a lipogenic enzyme, i.e., malic enzyme (ME). In contrast to mixed glial cultures, however, this developmental gene upregulation was not significantly affected by severe hypoglycemia (approximately 0.02 mg/ml). The results indicate that the effect of glucose deprivation on oligodendrocyte genes observed in mixed glial cultures is mediated by other cells. The upregulation of the genes in differentiating oligodendrocytes was accompanied by the production of myelin-related membrane that was isolated by density gradient fractionation. In contrast to the effect on gene expression, this anabolic activity was highly dependent on glucose, as seen from a profound suppression by severe hypoglycemia.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; astrocytoma ; glioma ; growth inhibition ; protein kinase C ; signal transduction ; UCN-01
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), which is a derivative of the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine that exhibits relative selectivity for protein kinase C (PKC), is a potent inhibitor of glioma growth in in vitro and in vivo models. This agent exhibits both cytotoxic and cytostatic effects, depending on the time period of drug exposure. In the present study, we examined whether UCN-01-induced cytotoxicity correlated with the induction of apoptosis, and characterized further the time course of this process as a prelude to application of UCN-01 in clinical trials. We first demonstrated that the cytotoxic effects of UCN-01 were associated with the induction of morphological features of apoptosis. Secondly. we identified electrophoretic features of apoptosis semiquantitatively at a series of time points using field inversion gel electrophoresis. These studies showed a peak in the induction of high-molecular-weight DNA fragmentation after 3–6 days of drug treatment. Thirdly, we measured the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis at various time points using a terminal transferase-catalyzed in situ end-labeling technique, which confirmed a time- and concentration-dependent increase in apoptotic cell numbers. This correlated with a progressive decrease in the percentage of cells that were viable as assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Cell killing peaked within 2–4 days after beginning UCN-01 treatment, but continued at a lower level in the ensuing days. Taken together, these studies demonstrated that extended periods of exposure to UCN-01 are needed for optimal manifestation of cytotoxic effects against glioma cells, a factor that must be taken into consideration in the design of future clinical trials with this agent for malignant gliomas.
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  • 63
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: germinoma ; spontaneous regression ; multiple intracranial ; germ cell tumor ; immunological mechanism ; apoptosis ; MIB-1 index
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A case of multiple intracranial germ cell tumor in which a pineal tumor regressed spontaneously after resection of the cerebellar mass is reported. Immunohistochemical staining of the cerebellar mass showed that most of the infiltrating lymphocytes were positive for CD3 and CD8. The anti-Ki-67 monoclonal antibody MIB-1 staining of the resected tumor revealed a high MIB-1 positivity ratio (36.1%) among the large tumor cells, and TUNEL staining demonstrated that positivity in up to 6% of the tumor cells. Possible mechanisms responsible for this spontaneous regression including immunological responses and apoptosis induced by T lymphocytes are discussed.
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  • 64
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cell cycle ; cell death ; medulloblastoma ; T cells ; tumour necrosis factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We studied the effect of the treatment of a medulloblastoma cell line by human T cells derived soluble factors. Medulloblastoma is one of the more common aggressive solid neoplasms in children for which there is no adequate therapy. Cell lines established from such tumours may be helpful to test the effect of various molecules on cell proliferation. Previous studies have suggested that T cell-derived factors may be toxic for the medulloblastoma cell line Dev. Cytokines were thought to mediate this effect. In this paper, we described changes in morphology, survival and cell cycle induced in Dev cells cocultured with human T cell lines chronically infected with a retrovirus (HTLV-I) and known to secrete high level of cytokines TNFα, IL1α and IL6. Such cocultures resulted in the death of a part of Dev cells and in decreased proliferation of surviving cells, associated with morphological changes and increase in vimentin expression. Treatment with conditioned medium from infected Dev cells, containing virus induced cytokines, triggered the same effect. Reduction of these effects by TNFα deprivation of conditioned medium suggested that this cytokine may be implicated. Direct treatment of Dev cells with recombinant cytokines indicated that TNFα, but not IL1 or IL6, is associated with Dev cell alterations. TNFα was shown to induce the death of Dev cells by an apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, TNFα had a bimodal effect on the cell cycle of surviving Dev cells. These differential effects of such cytokines on medulloblastoma cells could be therefore of interest for immunotherapy of these tumours.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: adenoviral gene transfer ; p53 ; apoptosis ; experimental malignant gliomas
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer for the treatment of experimental intrinsic malignant brain neoplasms holds promise. The role, however, of intracellular, adenoviral-mediated p53 expression to inhibit growth of experimental human intracranial malignant gliomas remains largely unexplored. Using the AdCMV.p53 vector we measured the in vitro expression of p53 and the resultant effect upon U251 human malignant glioma cellular proliferation. We further measured the survival of nude mice after intracranial injection of the infected vs. control U251 cells. The growth of the infected U251 cells was inhibited when compared to both the uninfected cells and cells infected with the control vector (AdCMV.Null). Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the AdCMV.p53-dependent cellular apoptosis. Nude mice having intracranial injections of the U251 cells infected with the control (AdCMV.Null) vector showed diminished survival. In contrast, mice having intracranial injections of the cells infected with the AdCMV.p53 vector showed 100% survivorship measured 100 days after treatment. Gene therapy via the AdCMV.p53 viral vector holds promise for the clinical treatment of human malignant gliomas.
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  • 66
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    Journal of neuro-oncology 41 (1999), S. 159-166 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: neuroblastoma ; chemotherapy ; apoptosis ; dopamine receptors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract While neuroscientists are often involved in the assessment and care of patients with central nervous system tumors, they are only rarely involved in the case of peripheral nervous system neoplasia. Neuroblastoma is a childhood tumor of the primitive sympathetic nervous system. It is at once one of the most common and one of the most deadly tumors of childhood. The prognosis for children with this tumor has not changed in the past two decades. Clearly, a fresh approach to neuroblastoma is needed. The neuroscientist has much to add to our understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma and its sequelae. Conversely, neuroblastoma has much to teach us regarding the normal development of the neural crest and the aberrant loss of neurons in this lineage. A neuroscientist's approach to neuroblastoma, its biology and clinical features, is presented herein.
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  • 67
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy ; human cell lines ; lovastatin ; medulloblastoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Medulloblastoma is a malignant paediatric central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis, stimulating the evaluation of improved treatment strategies. Lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, is currently used to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia. This compound also inhibits the production of non-steroidal mevalonate derivatives that are implicated in the control of cellular proliferation, and can induce cell-cycle arrest in vitro. We recently showed that lovastatin inhibited growth and promoted apoptosis of neuroblastoma, the peripheral nervous system ‘cousin’ of medulloblastoma. Therefore the potential of lovastatin as a possible anticancer drug against medulloblastoma was evaluated in vitro. Four medulloblastoma cell lines, Daoy, UW228, D341 Med and D283 Med, were treated with 1–40 µM of lovastatin in vitro. Analysis of cell morphologic changes, cell viability, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry in all four cell lines showed growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis with lovastatin treatment. As little as 10 µM of lovastatin was sufficient to cause a marked reduction in cell numbers, and more than 20 µM of lovastatin induced 〉90% cells to undergo apoptosis, after intervals ranging between 36 and 96 h, depending on the cell line. Lovastatin induced apoptosis in these cell lines was concomitant with cell cycle arrest in G1. The attached cell lines UW228 and Daoy were more sensitive to lovastatin than D283 Med and D341 Med. Daoy cells which survived several cycles of lovastatin treatment could still be induced to undergo apoptosis after longer treatment times. The efficient induction of apoptosis by lovastatin favours this drug as a potential new avenue of therapeutic intervention for medulloablastoma.
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  • 68
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    Journal of neuro-oncology 43 (1999), S. 237-239 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: primary CNS lymphoma ; glucocorticoids ; cerebral edema ; apoptosis ; bcl-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Glucocorticoid therapy may result in the rapid resolution of cerebral mass lesions in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. Since glucocorticoids will obscure the histological diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma upon biopsy, steroids should be withheld if primary CNS lymphoma is a likely diagnosis by neuroradiological criteria. The lympholytic effect of glucocorticoids is mediated by cytoplasmic steroid receptors which are translocated to the nucleus and signal apoptosis. Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of lymphoid cells does not require wild-type p53 activity, seems not to depend on caspase activation, but is attenuated by the bcl-2 protooncogene product. Long-term glucocorticoid therapy of primary CNS lymphoma is not recommended because relapse is probably inevitable and because of the prominent side effects of long-term glucocorticoid treatment. Further, long-term glucocorticoid treatment is contraindicated in immunocompromised patients with primary CNS lymphoma.
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  • 69
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    Journal of neurocytology 28 (1999), S. 149-159 
    ISSN: 1573-7381
    Keywords: prion disease ; transmissible spongiform encephalopathy ; cell culture ; toxicity ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aetiological agent of prion disease is proposed to be an aberrant isoform of the cell surface glycoprotein known as the prion protein (PrPc). This pathological isoform (PrPSc) is abnormally deposited in the extracellular space of diseased CNS. Neurodegeneration in these disease has been shown to be associated with accumulation of PrPSc in affected tissue. To investigate the possible uptake mechanisms that may be required for PrPSc-induced neurodegeneration we studied the cellular trafficking of the neurotoxic fragment, PrP106-126. We were able to detect, by fluorescence microscopy, PrP106-126 inclusions in murine neurones, astrocytes and microglia in vitro. These inclusions were abundant after 24 hour exposure and still present 48h post-exposure. Shorter exposure times yielded only occasional cells with inclusions. Large extracellular aggregates of PrP106-126 could also be detected, which appeared in a time dependent manner. The appearance of inclusions or aggregates was not dependent on PrPc expression as determined by exposure of peptides from PrP-null mice. Using transmission electron microscopy and gold particle detection, positively labelled osmiophilic inclusions of peptide could be detected in the cytoplasm of exposed cells. These results demonstrate that cultured cells are capable of sequestering PrP106-126 and may indicate uptake pathways for PrPSc in various cell types. Toxicity of PrP106-126 may thus be mediated via a sequestration pathway that is not effective for this peptide in PrP-null cells.
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  • 70
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    European journal of plant pathology 105 (1999), S. 519-533 
    ISSN: 1573-8469
    Keywords: genome ; gene expression ; mollicute ; recombination ; transposition ; virus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Spiroplasmas are members of the Class Mollicutes, wall-less prokaryotes having a high adenosine–thymidine content in their small genomes. Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogen that inhabits phloem. Like other phytopathogenic spiroplasmas and the related phytoplasmas, it is transmitted from plant to plant by phloem-feeding leafhoppers that serve as alternate hosts for the spiroplasma as well as vectors. Genetic information in spiroplasmas is carried on a circular chromosome, on plasmids and/or in virus genomes. A picture emerging from recent research on the S. citri genome is one of frequent and often extensive variation, resulting from a number of different mechanisms. Expansion and contraction events must continually be occurring in about equal proportions so that the net genome size varies within defined boundaries. Particularly impressive are large changes in genome size that can occur in only a few generations. As with most organisms, genetic variation in S. citri results from variation in extrachromosomal DNA content, changes due to DNA replication and repair processes and changes due to recombination. The implied flux of genetic information into and out of the S. citri genome should be beneficial to the bacterium, allowing it, with its small genome size, to adapt to new environments.
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  • 71
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    Bioscience reports 19 (1999), S. 345-354 
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: Glycolipid ; apoptosis ; intracellular traffic ; multidrug resistance ; ovarian carcinoma ; astrocytoma ; post transplant lymphoproliferative disease ; bone marrow purging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Verotoxin (VT) is involved in the etiology of both hemorrhagic colitis and the hemolytic uremic syndrome which are microvasculopathies of the colon and pediatric renal glomerulus respectively. Thus, VT can be considered a vasotoxin. Cell sensitivity in vitro varies according to the receptor glycolipid (globotriaosyl ceramide-Gb3) expression and also to intracellular trafficking of the receptor/toxin complex, such that in highly sensitive cells, the toxin is targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope. Such cells include tumor cells which have become drug resistant. Thus Gb3 is upregulated in certain tumors and when such tumor cells become drug resistant, their sensitivity to verotoxin increases. This may be due to a direct role of the MDR1 drug efflux pump in glycolipid biosynthesis. In addition to the tumor tissue, the toxin receptor may also be expressed in the tumor neovasculature suggesting that activated endothelial cells may be verotoxin sensitive. Thus VT may have both a direct and indirect antineoplastic potential. VT has proved highly effective in a xenograft cancer model and the possible therapeutic use of VT is discussed.
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  • 72
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: ceramide glycanase ; cancer cells ; glycosphingolipid ; sphingosine ; ceramide ; apoptosis ; PPMP ; PDMP
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Ceramide glycanase (CGase) activities have been detected in different human tumor cells (colon, carcinoma Colo-205; neuroblastoma, IMR-32; breast cancer lines, SKBr3 and MCF7). However, the level of enzymatic activity is lower in these cells compared to that present in other mammalian tissues reported before (Basu, M., Kelly, P., Girzadas, M. A., Li, Z., and Basu, S. Methods Enzymol. (in press)). The majority of CGase activity was found in the 100,000g soluble supernatant fraction isolated from all these cell lines and tissues. Using the soluble enzyme, the requirement for optimum CGase activity was found to be consistent with previous observations found for rat and rabbit tissues (Basu, M., Dastgheib, S., Girzadas, M. A., O'Donnell, P. H., Westervelt, C. W., Li, Z., Inokuchi, J. I., and Basu, S. (1998) Acta Pol. Biochim. 42:327). The CGase activities from both Colo-205 and IMR-32 cells are optimum at a protein to detergent ratio of one. All the mammalian CGases, including human cancer cells, show an optimum pH between 5.5 and 5.8 in sodium acetate buffer. The CGase activities from cancer cells are found to be cation-independent; however, mercury, zinc, and copper ions seem to inhibit the enzyme activity substantially in both tumor cells lines. The mercury ion inhibition of CGase activities from all different sources indicates a possible structural homology in the CGase proteins. Radiolabeled substrates, labeled at the sphingosine double bond or at the 3-position of sphingosine without modifying double bond of sphingosine were used in this investigation. Both were active substrates with all enzyme preparations isolated from different cancer cells (apparent Km, 500 μM for nLcOse5[3H-DT]Cer and 350 μM for GgOse4[sph-3-3H]Cer with Colo-205 enzyme). Structural analogues of ceramide and sphingosine (L-PPMP, L-PDMP, alkylamines, and Tamoxifen) inhibited cancer cell CGase activities in vitro.
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  • 73
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: Mucin ; lung cancer ; gene expression ; secretion ; lung adenocarcinoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Mucins comprise an important class of tumor-associated antigens. The objectives of the present study were (a) to establish an in vitro model system using human non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma cell lines NCIH650 and NCIH2077 (b) provide evidence that these cell lines secrete mucin in culture conditions and (c) investigate the effects of select secretagogues on mucin secretion. The cell lines were established in ACL-4 medium containing several growth factors and retinoic acid and 5% fetal calf serum. The high molecular weight glycoconjugates secreted in the culture medium were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Superose 6 and Superose 12 FPLC chromatography. The purified high molecular weight glycoconjugate fraction and the carcinoma cells were shown to have mucin by dot blot, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively, using specific antibodies to purified major mucin, HTM-1. Also, incorporation experiments with mucin precursor 3H-glucosamine demonstrated that the cells indeed synthesize high molecular weight mucins. The effects of secretagogues such as, 8-bromocyclic AMP, ionomycin, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and neutrophil elastase on mucin secretion were also investigated. Only 8-bromocyclic AMP and neutrophil elastase influenced mucin secretion. These studies provided strong evidence that the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines secrete high molecular weight mucins in culture conditions and only two of the four tested secretagogues significantly increased mucin secretion. Thus, this in vitro model system may be useful in determining alterations in mucin structure, if any, in lung adenocarcinomas as well as in studying the regulation of mucin gene expression.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1573-7403
    Keywords: apoptosis ; corticotroph adenomas ; heat shock proteins ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The pathogenesis of corticotroph adenomas is unknown. In a recent study accumulation of p53 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in a substantial proportion of pituitary corticotroph adenomas, and it has been suggested that it may be causally related to their development. However, other immunohistochemical studies have not confirmed the high incidence of p53 accumulation in this tumor type. Therefore, in the present study, p53 protein accumulation was re-examined in a series of 31 cases of corticotroph adenomas, using different sets of well validated anti-p53 antibodies. Furthermore, in view of the known association of p53 protein with apoptosis, and the known property of p53 to form complexes with heat shock proteins (HSPs), the relationship of p53 accumulation in corticotroph adenomas with apoptosis and HSP-70 was also investigated. Tumor samples staining positively for ACTH from patients with Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome were studied. Accumulation of p53 protein was tested by the standard ABC method using two different sets of clone Pab1801 and DO-7 monoclonal antibodies, applied after incubation of sections in a microwave oven. Using the DO-7 antibody, nuclear accumulation of p53 protein was detected in a total of 15 cases, with cytoplasmic staining observed in only 3 tumors. In contrast, using the Pab1801 antibody nuclear staining was observed in only 5 adenomas, with 11 adenomas demonstrating focal cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Parallel sections of all corticotroph tumors demonstrating cytoplasmic accumulation of p53 protein were tested for the immunohistochemical presence of heat shock protein HSP-70. A striking similar distribution pattern of these two proteins was observed. Apoptosis, identified by the in situ end labeling technique, was detected in a total of 15 out of 28 corticotroph adenomas tested. Calculation of the apoptotic labeling index (ALI) by image analysis showed a significantly lower ALI in those corticotroph adenomas demonstrating nuclear p53 accumulation compared to those with no nuclear p53 immunostaining (p〈0.05). There was no significant difference in the ALI between cytoplasmic p53 positive and negative tumors. It is concluded that depending on the antibody used there is a significant variation of p53 protein detection in corticotroph adenomas. Overall, a significant proportion of corticotroph adenomas studied expressed the p53 protein, which depending on the antibody used, was located either in the nucleus and/or the cytoplasm of tumorous corticotroph cells. Cytoplasmic accumulation of p53, as shown by our colocalization studies with HSP-70, may be due to p53/HSP-70 complex formation. Although such a complex-mediated cytoplasmic exclusion of p53 has no significant effect on apoptosis, nuclear accumulation of p53 protein is associated with a significantly lower apoptotic index indicating a failure of p53 protein to exert its apoptotic action in at least a subset of this tumor type.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Adenosine ; apoptosis ; necrosis ; physiopathological implications.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Adenosine modulates the proliferation, survival and apoptosis of many different cell types, ranging from epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, to cells of the immune and neural lineages. In this review, we critically discuss the available in vitro and in vivo data which support a role for adenosine in both development-associated apoptosis, and in diseases characterized by either pathologically increased cell death (e.g., ischemia, trauma and aging-associated neurodegeneration) or abnormally reduced spontaneous apoptosis (e.g., cancer). Particular emphasis is given to the possible role of extracellular adenosine receptors, since these may represent novel and attractive molecular targets for the pharmacological modulation of apoptosis. In some instances, adenosine-induced cell death has been demonstrated to require entry of the nucleoside inside cells; however, in many other cases, activation of specific adenosine extracellular receptors has been demonstrated. Of the four G protein-coupled adenosine receptors so far identified, the A2A and the A3 receptors have been specifically implicated in modulation of cell death. For the A3 receptor, results obtained by exposing both cardiomyocytes and brain astrocytes to graded concentrations of selective agonists suggest induction of both cell protection and cell death. Such opposite effects, which likely depend on the degree of receptor activation, may have important therapeutic implications in the pharmacological modulation of cardiac and brain ischemia. For the A2A receptor, recent intriguing data suggest a specific role in immune cell death and immunosuppression, which may be relevant to both adenosine-deaminase-immunodeficiency syndrome (a pathology characterized by accumulation of adenosine to toxic levels) and in tumors where induction of apoptosis via activation of specific extracellular receptors may be desirable. Finally, preliminary data suggest that, in a similar way to the adenosine-deaminase-immunodeficiency syndrome, the abnormal accumulation of adenosine in degenerative muscular diseases may contribute to muscle cell death. Although the role of adenosine receptors in this effect still remains to be determined, these data suggest that adenosine-induced apoptosis may also represent a novel pathogenic pathway in muscular dystrophies.
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  • 76
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 317-319 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-tumor therapy ; Apoptin® ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; p53.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptin, a protein encoded by an avian virus, induces apoptosis in various cultured human tumorigenic and/ or transformed cell lines, e.g. derived from breast and lung tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma melanoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatoma. In such cells, Apoptin induces p53-independent apoptosis, and the proto-oncogene Bcl-2 can accelerate this effect. The latter is surprising for, in general, Bcl-2 is known to inhibit e.g., p53-induced apoptosis. On the other hand, in normal non-transformed human cells, Apoptin is unable to induce apoptosis, even when Bcl-2 is over-expressed. In animal models Apoptin-induced apoptosis appears to be a safe and efficient anti-tumor agent. These data, in continuation with the observations that Apoptin is specifically stimulated by Bcl-2 in tumor cells, does not need p53, and is not inhibited by Bcr-Abl in these cells, imply that Apoptin is a potential anti-tumor therapy.
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  • 77
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 229-234 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Adenovirus ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; p53 ; Rb ; ventricular myocytes.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an important physiologic event crucial for the selective removal of damaged or unwanted cells from body tissues. In the cardiovascular system, apoptosis has been observed in the vasculature and myocardium. Untimely or inappropriate myocardial cell loss through an apoptotic process may contribute to ventricular remodeling and the ultimate demise of ventricular function following injury. Therapeutic interventions designed to modulate or prevent myocardial apoptotic cell loss may therefore prove beneficial in maintaining cardiac function. Incite into the molecular mechanisms that govern apoptosis in mammalian cells has led to the identification of several key factors that promote or prevent the apoptotic process. In this report, we discuss putative regulators of cardiac cell apoptosis with specific reference to the tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and Rb. The interplay between these factors, as well as the anti-apoptotic molecules related to the Bcl-2 the family are discussed in the context of the heart under normal and disease conditions.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-microtubule agents ; apoptosis ; doxorubicin ; neuroblastoma ; tau ; taxoid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Paclitaxel and docetaxel are potent anti-microtubule and antimitotic agents that induce apoptosis in bone marrow-derived cells and epithelial cells. This study examined apoptosis induced by anti-microtubule agents in the neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line with a special focus on tau protein which is one of the main Microtubule-Associated- Proteins (MAPs) in neuronal cells. In time, treatment with 1 μM paclitaxel successively induced formation of bundles, then pseudo-asters concomitantly with mitotic block and phosphorylation of bcl-2 (48 h), then phosphorylation of tau and externalization of phosphatidylserine at the early phase of apoptosis (72 h) and finally DNA fragmentation (96 h). Similar results were obtained with 0.5 μM vinorelbine. Paclitaxel induced a lower increase in tau phosphorylation in differentiated SK-N-SH/RA+ cells which are less sensitive to apoptosis. Moreover, doxorubicin whose mechanism of action is independent of microtubules also induced immunostaining of tau at 72 h treatment. In conclusion, our results on neuroblastoma cells show that overexpression of hyperphosphorylated tau is involved in the apoptotic process induced by anti-microtubule agents and may be extended to others cytostatic drugs. Thus, tau protein may play a role in the cellular events observed in neuroblastoma cells undergoing apoptosis.
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  • 79
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 71-80 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: abl ; apoptosis ; interleukin-3 ; oncogenes ; ras.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Growth factors promote cell survival and proliferation. Homeostasis is maintained by programmed cell death which occurs when the growth stimulus is withdrawn, in response to negative growth regulators such as interferons, TNF-α and CD95 ligand, or following differentiation. Although acutely-transforming oncogenes often overcome the need for growth factors, growth regulatory cytokines can influence proliferative responses of transformed cells. In this study we investigated the effects of IL-3 on the proliferative responses of parental bone marrow-derived 32D cells and cells transformed with ras and abl oncogenes. We show that treatment of ras-transformed 32D cells with IL-3 reduced proliferative responses and decreased colony-forming ability. These effects were exacerbated in the absence of serum and associated with inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity, down-regulation of RAS and MYC expression, and induction of apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation. In contrast, treatment of parental 32D cells with IL-3, which is obligatory for cell survival and proliferation, increased tyrosine kinase activity, upregulated MYC and RAS expression and maintained DNA integrity. With abl-transformed cells, proliferation and colony-forming ability were also inhibited by IL-3. Tyrosine kinase activity and MYC expression were reduced, but early apoptosis was not evident. Calcium uptake however, was stimulated by IL-3 in both parental and oncogene-transformed cells. These results suggest that threshold levels of tyrosine kinase activity are necessary for cell survival and proliferation and that with ras-transformed cells, IL-3 treatment may result in this threshold being breached. We conclude that in some situations, growth-promoting cytokines can inhibit proliferation of transformed cells and induce cell death by apoptosis.
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  • 80
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: ameloblasts ; amelogenesis ; apoptosis ; insulin-like growth factor.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Enamel-producing cells (ameloblasts) pass through several phenotypic and functional stages during enamel formation. In the transition between secretory and maturation stages, about one quarter of the ameloblasts suddenly undergo apoptosis. We have studied this phenomenon using the continuously erupting rat incisor model. A special feature of this model is that all stages of ameloblast differentiation are presented within a single longitudinal section of the developing tooth. This permits investigation of the temporal sequence of gene and growth factor receptor expression during ameloblast differentiation and apoptosis. We describe the light and electron microscopic morphology of ameloblast apoptosis and the pattern of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression by ameloblasts in the continuously erupting rat incisor model. In the developing rat incisor, ameloblast apoptosis is associated with downregulated expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ameloblasts are “hard wired” for apoptosis and that insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression is required to block the default apoptotic pathway. Possible mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor-1 inhibition of ameloblast apoptosis are presented. The rat incisor model may be useful in studies of physiological apoptosis as it presents apoptosis in a predictable pattern in adult tissues.
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  • 81
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: AKR lymphoma malignancy variants ; apoptosis ; apoptosis-related gene expression ; tumor progression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Resistance to apoptosis may be related to tumor progression, due to the implications it might have on both tumor mass and genetic instability. We compared the tendency to spontaneous apoptosis and the proliferative capacity of metastatic growths of several AKR lymphoma variants (TAU-45, TAU-47, TAU-44, TAU-33, TAU-42 and TAU-46, in the order of increasing metastatic potential). We further compared the expression of several apoptosis-related genes. Cell proliferative capacity did not appear to determine malignant behavior since, on the whole, a decrease in S + G2M fraction was observed with increasing malignancy. Sensitivity to apoptotic cell death decreased with increasing malignancy when comparing the TAU-45, TAU-47, TAU-44 and TAU-33 variants, suggesting a role of reduced apoptosis in this T-cell lymphoma. An increase in Bcl-2 content with increasing aggressiveness among these variants, implicates this protein in this tumor progression-related resistance to apoptosis. However, the two variants of highest malignancy, TAU-42 and TAU-46, did not follow the same trend, since they displayed a relatively high content in apoptotic cells and a low Bcl-2 content. Fas receptor expression did not correlate with tendency to apoptosis, indicating that malignant behavior in the AKR lymphoma does not depend on CD95/Fas/APO1 downregulation. Overexpression of p53 was observed only in one of the variants of lowest malignancy.
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  • 82
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 419-427 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-oxidant defence ; apoptosis ; ether lipids ; glutathione ; ionising radiation ; stress.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have investigated the mechanisms of induction of apoptosis by the antineoplastic ether lipid ET-18-OCH3 (ALP) in sensitive S49wt mouse lymphoma cells and ALP-resistant S49ar variants, both with wild-type p53, and in related L1210 cells with mutated p53. Ether lipid-resistant S49ar cells were cross-resistant to extracellular stress factors (cold shock, heat shock, H2O2, dimethylsulfoxide) and to radiation-induced apoptosis but not to physiological apoptotic signals (dexamethasone, growth factor deprivation, thapsigargin, C2-ceramide) and expressed similar levels of the apoptosis-regulating proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X, Bax, Bad and Bak as did the parent S49wt cells. The uptake of [3H]-ALP was strongly reduced in the stress-resistant cells but this was not associated with significant differences in membrane cholesterol:phospholipid content nor in membrane microviscosity. In S49ar cells the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was increased 4-fold and depletion of glutathione with the drug L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine (L-BSO) lowered the resistance of S49ar cells to ALP, stress factors and ionising radiation. The results indicate that ether lipids induce apoptosis by imposing a special form of physico-chemical stress, mediated by reactive oxygen species but independent of p53 status. The capacity of glutathione-dependent anti-oxidant defence appeared an important and shared determinant of the sensitivity to ether lipids, several types of extracellular stress and ionising radiation.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Annexin V ; apoptosis ; flow cytometry ; intracellular Ca2+ ; intracellular pH ; mitochondrial membrane potential.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The sequential occurrence of plasma and mitochondrial membrane alterations, intra-cellular pH shifts and changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration after induction of cell death was monitored by flow cytometry in Jurkat and HSB2-cells. Cell death was induced by treatment with anti-Fas antibodies or by irradiation. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and plasma membrane integrity were measured with FITC-Annexin V adhesion and by Propidium Iodide exclusion. Transition of the mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored by the occurrence of decay of DiOC6 fluorescence. Intracellular pH shifts were monitored by changes in the ratio of fluorescence at 575 nm and at 635 nm of SNARF-1-AM. Fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration were established by changes in Fura red quenching. The Jurkat cells were sensitive to anti-Fas treatment, while HSB-2 cells were not. HSB-2 cells appeared more sensitive to radiation damage than Jurkat cells. In all experiments the transition of mitochondrial membrane potential occurred first, almost immediately followed by PS exposure. Fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurred later and were less outspoken. A decrease in intracellular pH occurred not earlier than 24 hours after anti-Fas treatment. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration with BAPTA-AM had no effect on the time sequence of cell death related events.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: adriamycin ; doxorubicin ; HPMA copolymer ; apoptosis, multidrug resistance ; gene expression ; signal transduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. To study peculiarities and the mechanism of the anticancer effect of free and HPMA copolymer-bound ADR in sensitive and resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods. Sensitive A2780 and ADR resistant A2780/AD cells were exposed to different doses of drugs during 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. Cell viability, drug accumulation, apoptosis, cellular metabolism, lipid peroxidation, DNA content and gene expression were studied. Results. HPMA copolymer-bound ADR (P(GFLG)-ADR) possessed a comparable cytotoxicity to free ADR when comparison was based on intracellular concentrations. While free ADR up-regulated genes encoding ATP driven efflux pumps (MDR1, MRP), P(GFLG)-ADR overcame existing pumps and down regulated the MRP gene. Free ADR also activated cell metabolism and expression of genes responsible for detoxification and DNA repair. P(GFLG)-ADR down-regulated HSP-70, GSr-π, BUDP, Topo-IIα, β, and TK-1 genes. Apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were significantly higher after exposure to P(GFLG)-ADR, as reflected by simultaneous activation of p53, c-fos in A2780 cells) or c-jun (A2780/AD) signaling pathways and inhibition of the bcl-2 gene. Differences between free ADR and P(GFLG)-ADR increased with the time of incubation and drug concentration. Conclusions. P(GFLG)-ADR overcame drug efflux pumps, more significantly induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, inhibited DNA repair, replication, and biosynthesis when compared to free ADR.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: MAPK ; caspases ; chemopreventive agents ; phase II drug metabolizing enzymes ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract In therapeutic response to drugs, the plasma concentration range leads to the establishment of a safe and effective dosage regimen. Our hypothesis is that by studying drug concentration-dependent effect on signal transduction mechanisms, a better understanding of the beneficial pharmacodynamic and adverse toxicodynamic responses elicited by the drug may be achieved. Using two classes of chemopreventive compounds (phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates), we illustrate the potential utility of two signal transduction pathways elicited by these agents to predict the pharmacodynamic effect (induction of Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes) and the potential toxicodynamic response (stimulation of caspase activity and cytotoxic cell death). At lower concentration, phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 2, ERK2; and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, JNK1) in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The activation of MAPK by these compounds may lead to the induction of cell survival/protection genes such as c-jun, c-fos, or Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes. However, at higher concentrations, these agents activate another signaling molecule, ICE/Ced3 cysteine protease enzymes (caspases) leading to apoptotic cell death. The activation of these pathways may dictate the fate of the cells/tissues upon exposure to drugs or chemicals. At lower concentrations, these compounds activate MAPK leading to the induction of Phase II genes, which may protect the cells/tissues against toxic insults and therefore may enhance cell survival. On the other hand, at higher concentrations, these agents may activate the caspases, which may lead to apoptotic cell death, and have toxicity. Understanding the activation of these and other signal transduction events elicited by various drugs and chemicals may yield insights into the regulation of gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and cytotoxicity. Thus, the study of signaling events in cell survival (hemeostasis) and cell death (cytotoxicity) may have practical application during pharmaceutical drug development.
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  • 86
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: UV-B ; soybean ; chalcone synthase ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract By developing gene-specific RT-PCR and using filters to allow transmission down to 290 nm (UV-B+) or blocking all radiation below 320 nm (UV-B−), the effect of UV-B+ and UV-B− light on expression of each of the presently known seven members of soybean chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family in dark-grown seedlings was analyzed. Dark expression was detectable already in 18 h dark-germinating embryos, with progressive increases on successive days, suggesting that chs belongs to a class of genes expressed very early during germination, and that the expression at this stage is either constitutive or induced by non-light-dependent factors present in the seed or made available following imbibition. Exposure of 18 h dark-germinating embryos to UV-B− or to UV-B+ light did not lead to an increase in chs signal. However, the 24 h dark-germinating embryos showed a distinct effect of UV-B+, interestingly coinciding with the stage when the head of seedlings was in the process of being pushed up above ground by stem elongation, suggesting the possibility of a developmental switch modulating the appearance of UV-B response. The response to UV-B− was most prominent in chs1 and almost silent in chs2, while the up-regulation by UV-B+ was most prominent in chs5 and chs6 and much less so in chs2. Interestingly, chs2 was noted to be the only member of the Gmchs gene family devoid of H-box, raising the possibility that the H-box may be a good indicator of the photo-inducibility of a chs gene.
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  • 87
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: amphidiploid genome structure ; gene expression ; glutamine synthetase ; multigene family ; nitrogen assimilation ; oilseed rape
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In the amphidiploid genome of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) the diploid ancestral genomes of B. campestris and B. oleracea have been merged. As a result of this crossing event, all gene loci, gene families, or multigene families of the A and C genome types encoding a certain protein are now combined in one plant genome. In the case of the multigene family for glutamine synthetase, the key enzyme of nitrogen assimilation, six different cDNA sequences were isolated from leaf and root specific libraries. One sequence pair (BnGSL1/BnGSL2) was characterized by the presence of amino- terminal transit peptides, a typical feature of all nuclear encoded chloroplast proteins. Two other cDNA pairs (BnGSR1-1/BnGSR1-2 and BnGSR2-1/BnGSR2-2) with very high homology between each other were found in a root specific cDNA library and represent protein subunits for cytosolic glutamine synthetase isoforms. Comparative PCR amplifications of genomic DNA isolated from B. napus, B. campestris and B. oleracea followed by sequence–specific restriction analyses of the PCR products permitted the assignment of the cDNA sequences to either the A genome type (BnGSL1/BnGSR1- 1/BnGSR2-1) or the C genome type (BnGSL2/BnGSR1-2/BnGSR2-2). Consequently, the ancestral GS genes of B. campestris and B. oleracea are expressed simultaneously in oilseed rape. This result was also confirmed by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis of RT-PCR products. In addition, the different GS genes showed tissue specific expression patterns which are correlated with the state of development of the plant material. Especially for the GS genes encoding the cytosolic GS isoform BnGSR2, a marked increase of expression could be observed after the onset of leaf senescence.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: defense ; gene expression ; leaf senescence ; nitrilase ; pathogen-free ; salicylic acid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract To determine the range of gene activities associated with leaf senescence, we have identified genes that show preferential transcript accumulation during this developmental stage. The mRNA levels of a diverse array of gene products increases during leaf senescence, including a protease, a ribosomal protein, two cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases, a nitrilase and glyoxalase II. Two of the genes identified are known to be pathogen-induced. The senescence specificity of each gene was determined by characterization of transcript accumulation during leaf development and in different tissues. The increased expression of nitrilase in senescent leaves is paralleled by an increase in free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels. Additionally, we have demonstrated that the induction of defense-related genes during leaf senescence is pathogen-independent and that salicylic acid accumulation is not essential for this induction. Our data indicate that the induction of certain genes involved in plant defense responses is a component of the leaf senescence program.
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  • 89
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: gene expression ; gibberellin ; H1 histone ; H2B histones ; leaf ; Lycopersicon esculentum
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract After differential screening we isolated cDNA clones encoding a histone H1 (leH1) and three variants of histone H2B (leH2B-1, -2 and -3) from the gibberellin (GA)-deficient mutant of tomato (gib-1). The deduced polypeptide of leH1 is 271 amino acids long and exhibits the typical tripartite structure of histones H1. The full-length cDNA clone leH2B-1 encodes for a protein of 142 amino residues and shows the tripartite organization of histones H2B. The histones leH1 and leH2B, which show no tissue specificity, are developmentally expressed in the leaf. The mRNA accumulation was higher in organs which contain meristematic tissue and/or which have a high proportion of actively cycling cells. In the leaf of the gib-1 mutant we demonstrated GA-enhanced histone leH1 and leH2B expression which was not observed in the wild type. GAs of the early-13-hydroxylated pathway (GA1 and GA3) caused most enhanced transcription compared to GAs of the early-non-hydroxylation pathway (GA4 and GA9). Application of GA to the mutant increased histone expression that could correlate with enhanced DNA replication in leaf tissue. Increased chromosome replication may indicate that there is a higher rate of cell division and/or increase of endopolyploidy which both may be dependent on cell elongation induced by GAs.
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  • 90
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    Plant molecular biology 39 (1999), S. 933-943 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cloning ; fruit development ; gene expression ; pea ; polyamine ; spermidine synthase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Two cDNAs from young pea fruits coding for functional spermidine synthases (EC 2.5.1.16) were isolated. The corresponding genes were named psSPDSYN1 and psSPDSYN2. Both cDNAs complemented spe3Δ gene when introduced into the Y480 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a null mutant for the spermidine synthase gene. psSPDSYN1 and psSPDSYN2 are regulated differentially. psSPDSYN1 is up-regulated early after fruit set whereas psSPDSYN2 is expressed later. Spermidine synthase activity was detected in pea ovaries, and correlates with the pattern of expression of psSPDSYN1. In the pea plant, psSPDSYN1 is highly expressed in actively growing tissues, whereas the highest level of psSPDSYN2 mRNA was detected in fully elongated stem.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: chitin oligomer ; chitinase ; elicitor ; gene expression ; rice ; signal transduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Expression patterns of chitinase transcripts induced by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor were analyzed by northern blot hybridization in order to reveal a signal transduction pathway leading to the activation of class I chitinase genes (Cht-1 and Cht-3), which may play an important role in producing N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor. The transcription level of both genes was enhanced in response to N-acetylchitooligosaccharides larger than pentaose at subnanomolar concentrations. These structure and dose dependencies were consistent not only with those for a 75 kDa high-affinity binding protein for N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor in the plasma membrane, but also with other series of cellular responses including phytoalexin production and the expression of elicitor-responsive genes (EL2, EL3). Therefore, the elicitor signal to evoke these cellular responses including the activation of the chitinase genes could be common and transmitted into cells through the 75 kDa protein. However, the signal transduction pathway for the activation of the chitinase gene appeared to diverge from those for the other elicitor-responsive genes shortly after the signal perception. It was shown that the induction of chitinase expression by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide would require protein phosphorylation, but not de novo protein synthesis. The oxidative burst was demonstrated not to be necessary for transcriptional induction of the all four elicitor-responsive genes (Cht, PAL, EL2, EL3) by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide.
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  • 92
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cytochrome b5 ; fruit and flower development ; gene expression ; in situ hybridisation ; olive
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We report the characterisation of two cytochrome b5 genes and their spatial and temporal patterns of expression during development in olive, Olea europaea. A PCR-generated probe, based on a tobacco cytochrome b5 sequence, was used to isolate two full-length cDNA clones (cytochrome b5-15 and cytochrome b5-38) from a library derived from 13 WAF olive fruits. The cDNAs encoded proteins of 17.0 and 17.7 kDa, which contained all the characteristic motifs of cytochromes b5 from other organisms and exhibited 63% identity and 85% similarity with each other. The olive cytochrome b5-15 cDNA was then used as a probe for more detailed analysis. Southern blotting revealed a gene family of at least 4–6 members while northern blotting and in situ hybridisation showed a highly specific pattern of gene expression. Very low levels of cytochrome b5 mRNA were detected in tissues characterised by high rates of lipid accumulation, such as young expanding leaves, maturing seeds and ripening mesocarp. The cytochrome b5 genes were not induced at 6 °C and their response to ABA was relatively slow compared with fatty acid desaturase genes. In contrast, high levels of cytochrome b5 gene expression were found in young fruits at the pattern formation (globular/heart) stage of embryogenesis and in vascular and transmitting tissues of male and female reproductive organs. The data are consistent with a major role for cytochrome b5 in developmental processes related to plant reproduction in addition to being an electron donor to microsomal desaturases.
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  • 93
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: Amaranthus hypochondriacus) ; gene expression ; trypsin inhibitor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We previously isolated and sequenced the major trypsin inhibitor from Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds. This amaranth trypsin inhibitor (AmTI) is a 69 amino acid protein with high homology to members of the potato-1 inhibitor family. This paper describes the cloning and expression of a cDNA encoding this trypsin inhibitor in various vegetative tissues of the amaranth plant during seed development and imbibition, and investigates the possible induction of AmTI expression by wounding. We obtained a 393 bp cDNA sequence with an open reading frame corresponding to a polypeptide with 76 amino acid residues. With the exception of one residue (Ser-41), the polypeptide agrees with the amino acid sequence previously reported, plus 7 more residues at the N-terminus. These N-terminal residues are thought to be part of the signal used for intracellular sorting. The organ specificity of AmTI gene expression was investigated by northern analysis, showing that mRNA corresponding to AmTI genes was present in stems of plants growing under normal conditions. The kinetics of accumulation of the AmTI-mRNA, protein, and inhibitory activity during seed development and imbibition was determined. AmTI-mRNA accumulation reached a maximum at 14 days after anthesis (daa) and then gradually decreased, being barely detectable 36 daa. The AmTI protein accumulation followed the same profile as the inhibitory activity, both were delayed with respect to the mRNA. The maximum level was observed 22 daa, and then gradually decreased until a steady state was reached as seed maturation proceeded. Upon imbibition, a gradual decrease in AmTI protein and inhibitory activity was shown; however, an AmTI transcript was detected 24 h after imbibition. In contrast to representative members of the potato I family, this inhibitor was not inducible by wounding of leaves.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: embryo ; gene expression ; Glycine max ; oxidoreductase ; seed coat ; testa
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The soybean Ep gene encodes an anionic peroxidase enzyme that accumulates in large amounts in seed coat tissues. We have isolated a second peroxidase gene, Prx2, that is also highly expressed in developing seed coat tissues. Sequence analysis of Prx2 cDNA indicates that this transcript encodes a cationic peroxidase isozyme that is far removed from Ep in peroxidase phylogeny. To determine the expression patterns for these two peroxidases in developing seeds, the abundance and localization of the Ep and Prx2 transcripts were compared by in situ hybridization. Results show the expression of Ep begins in a small number of cells flanking the vascular bundle in the seed coat, spreads to encircle the seed, and then migrates to the hourglass cells as they develop. Expression of Prx2 occurs throughout development in all cell layers of the seed coat, and is also evident in the pericarp and embryo. Nonetheless, the Ep-encoded enzyme accounts for virtually all of the peroxidase activity detected in mature seed coats. The Prx2 enzyme is either insoluble in a catalytically inactive form, or is subject to degradation during seed maturation.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: ABRE ; embryogenesis ; G-box ; gene expression ; maize ; protein-DNA interaction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Transcription of the rab28 gene from maize is induced in late embryo development and in response to abscisic acid. We have studied the regulation of the activity of the rab28 promoter in embryos. Two abscisic acid-responsive elements (ABREs) were necessary for expression in embryos of transgenic Arabidopsis and in transient transformation in maize embryos. In vivo footprinting showed that there was protein binding to the ABREs and to other cis elements in the promoter in young embryos before expression of rab28. This shows that the rab28 promoter is in an open chromatin structure before developmental activation. The ABREs are important for the induction and have protein binding in young embryos. Nuclear proteins extracted from embryos before activation of rab28 bound to the ABREs in band shift assays. A complex with different mobility was formed between nuclear proteins and the ABREs after induction of rab28 suggesting a modification of the ABRE-binding factor or an exchange of proteins. The footprints on the ABREs were unaltered by induction with abscisic acid or during developmental activation of rab28. These results indicate that constitutive binding of transcription factor(s) on the ABRE is central in embryonic regulation of the rab28 gene.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: alanine aminotransferase ; gene expression ; GUS expression ; promoter
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract A cDNA clone encoding alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) has isolated from randomly sequenced clones derived from a cDNA library of maturing rice seeds by comparison to previously identified genes. The deduced amino acid sequence was 88% and 91% homologous to those of the enzymes from barley and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), respectively. Using this cDNA as a probe, we isolated and sequenced the corresponding genomic clone. Comparison of the sequences of the cDNA and the genomic gene revealed that the coding region of the gene was interrupted by 14 introns 66 to 1547 bp long. Northern and western blotting analyses showed that the gene was expressed at high levels in developing seeds. When the 5′-flanking region between −930 and +85 from the site of initiation of transcription was fused to a reporter gene for β-glucuronidase (GUS) and then introduced into the rice genome, histochemical staining revealed strong GUS activity in the inner endosperm tissue of developing seeds and weak activity in root tips. Similar tissue-specific expression was also detected by in situ hybridization. These results suggest that AlaAT is involved in nitrogen metabolism during the maturation of rice seed.
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  • 97
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    Plant molecular biology 39 (1999), S. 161-169 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: expansin ; fruit growth ; fruit softening ; gene expression ; Lycopersicon esculentum
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract cDNA clones encoding homologues of expansins, a class of cell wall proteins involved in cell wall modification, were isolated from various stages of growing and ripening fruit of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). cDNAs derived from five unique expansin genes were obtained, termed tomato Exp3 to Exp7, in addition to the previously described ripening-specific tomato Exp1 (Rose et al. (1997) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94: 5955–5960). Deduced amino acid sequences of tomato Exp1, Exp4 and Exp6 were highly related, whereas Exp3, Exp5 and Exp7 were more divergent. Each of the five expansin genes showed a different and characteristic pattern of mRNA expression. mRNA of Exp3 was present throughout fruit growth and ripening, with highest accumulation in green expanding and maturing fruit, and lower, declining levels during ripening. Exp4 mRNA was present only in green expanding fruit, whereas Exp5 mRNA was present in expanding fruit but had highest levels in full-size maturing green fruit and declined during the early stages of ripening. mRNAs from each of these genes were also detected in leaves, stems and flowers but not in roots. Exp6 and Exp7 mRNAs were present at much lower levels than mRNAs of the other expansin genes, and were detected only in expanding or mature green fruit. The results indicate the presence of a large and complex expansin gene family in tomato, and suggest that while the expression of several expansin genes may contribute to green fruit development, only Exp1 mRNA is present at high levels during fruit ripening.
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  • 98
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cDNA cloning ; fruit ripening ; gene expression ; non-climacteric fruit ; wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) is an attactive model system for studying ripening in non-climacteric fruit, because of its small diploid genome, its short reproductive cycle, and its capacity for transformation. We have isolated eight ripening-induced cDNAs from this species after differential screening of a cDNA library. The predicted polypeptides of seven of the clones exhibit similarity to database protein sequences, including acyl carrier protein, caffeoyl- CoA 3-O-methyltransferase, sesquiterpene cyclase, major latex protein, cystathionine γ-synthase, dehydrin and an auxin- induced gene. A ninth cDNA clone that was constitutively expressed is predicted to encode a metallothionein-like protein. None of these proteins appear to be directly related to events generally associated with ripening such as cell wall metabolism or the accumulation of sugars and pigments, rather, their putative functions are indicative of the wide range of processes upregulated during fruit ripening.
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  • 99
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) ; drought ; gene expression ; lipid degradation ; phospholipase D
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Phospholipase D, a major lipid-degrading enzyme in plants, was studied in two cultivars of Vigna unguiculata L.Walp, differing in their tolerance to drought (cv. EPACE-1, drought-tolerant, and cv. 1183, drought-susceptible). Enzymatic activities, measured with 14C-PC as substrate, increased when plants were submitted to water stress, the increase being much higher in the drought-sensitive cultivar. A 2911 bp cDNA encoding a putative phospholipase D (VuPLD1) was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from V. unguiculata leaves. The deduced amino acid sequence (809 residues) shows 85.5% identity and 91.3% similarity to that of PLD from Ricinus communis. The expression of the VuPLD1 gene in the leaves is differently modulated by water deficit, depending on the intensity of stress and the tolerance or sensitivity of the plants. In the drought-susceptible V. unguiculata cv. 1183, it readily increased under water stress, reaching maximum values at mild water deficit (−1.5 MPa). In the drought-tolerant cv. EPACE-1, VuPLD1 mRNA remained low throughout the whole drought treatment. Dehydration of leaves led to a dramatic increase in transcript level in both cultivars. Changes in protein amounts semi-quantified by immunoblotting correlated well with variations in transcript steady-state level. Taken together, these results showed that phospholipase D in cowpea plants is essentially regulated at the transcriptional level, and that gene expression is strongly stimulated even by moderate water deficit in the drought-sensitive plant. On the contrary, the drought-tolerant plant presents a remarkable stability of PLD gene expression in conditions of water stress.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 100
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: reproductive development ; gene expression ; subtractive hybridization ; cauliflower
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Using the meristems of the cauliflower curd as a source of tissue and a series of subtractive hybridizations and amplification reactions, we have constructed a cDNA library highly enriched in cDNAs expressed in reproductive meristems. The analysis of a sample of 250 clones from this library identified 22 cDNA clones corresponding to genes specifically expressed in these cauliflower meristems. Apart from two clones that corresponded to APETALA1, and two other ones showing similarity to different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the remaining clones showed no similarity to any sequence in the databases and may correspond to novel genes. One of these clones, BoREM1, was further characterized and found to correspond to a gene encoding a protein with features of regulatory proteins that follows a expression pattern very similar to the LEAFY transcripts.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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