Browsing by Subject "Medical Molecular Biology"
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Item 17 Beta-Estradiol, Integrins, and Synaptic Proteins(2009-05-01) Chandra, Manjari; Simpkins, James W.Item Adenosine Receptor Blockade Increases Lactate and Purine Release But Does Not Affect Functional Recovery in Isolated Rabbit Myocardium(1995-12-01) Wang, Sheng; Downey, H. Fred; He, Miao-Xiang; Mallet, Robert T.Wang, Sheng, Adenosine Receptor Blockade Increases Lactate and Purine Release but does not Affect Functional Recovery in Isolated Rabbit Myocardium Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), December 1995; 67 pp; 3 tables; 8 figures; bibliography, 121 titles. This study tests the hypothesis that endogenous adenosine mediates recovery of cardiac function in ischemia/reperfused rabbit hearts. Isolated isovolumic rabbit hearts perfused at constant pressure was subjected to mild ischemia (perfusion pressure 50 cm H2) or moderate ischemia (perfusion pressure 30 cm H2O) for 90 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In treated hearts, infusion of 100 μM 8-p-sulfophenyl theophylline (SPT) was initiated 20 min before ischemia and maintained throughout the experiment. Adenosine receptor blockade did not affect left ventricular function assessed from pressure-heart rate product (PRP). Lactate release increased to 152 ± 24% of baseline during mild ischemia and 259 ± 26% of baseline during moderate ischemia in untreated hearts. Lactate release was markedly elevated at baseline, ischemia and reperfusion by SPT treatment (p [less than] 0.05 compared to untreated). Purine nucleoside release was 4.1 ±0.7 nmol · min-1 · g-1 in SPT treated group and 1.8 ± 0.24 nmol · min-1 · g-1 in untreated group during moderate ischemia (P [less than] 0.05). Myocardial efficiency was significantly lower in the SPT treated hearts (240 ± 11 mmHg · g=1 · μl-1 O2) compared to untreated hearts (300 ± 22 mmHg · g-1 · μl-1 O2) during reperfusion after moderate ischemia. In conclusion, adenosine receptor blockade stimulates glycolysis in normoxic and ischemic myocardium, but does not affect post-ischemic functional recovery.Item Characterization of Recombinant Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase, Secreted by a Human Lung Cell Line (1069-111) and by Pichia Pastoris Yeast Cells(2004-05-01) Tchedre, Kissaou T.; Caffrey, James L.; Harris, Ben G.; Wu, Ming-ChiTchedre, Kissaou T., Characterization of Recombinant Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase, Secreted by a Human Lung Cell Line (1069-111) and by Pichia pastoris Yeast Cells (Biomedical Sciences), May, 2004, Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a key enzyme in mammalian lipoprotein metabolism. Associated with the surface of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), LCAT contributes to the homeostasis of circulating free and esterified cholesterol via the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. The purpose of these studies was to characterize a recombinant form of LCAT, secreted by a human lung cell line (Beta gene 1069/111) and to evaluate a new expression system for LCAT using transformed Pichia pastoris cells. A human lung cell line (Beta gene 1069/111), transfected with pBIISK (Stratagene)+ vector was used as the source of recombinant (rLCAT) for the first stage of characterization studies. Human lung cells were expanded in Dulbecco’s minimal essential medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum for the expression of the recombinant LCAT. At 80 – 90% confluency, the medium was changed to a serum free preparation and the flasks were incubated for 48 hrs at 37°C to facilitate the secretion of the enzyme. Beta gene (1069/111) LCAT was purified from the conditioned medium using phenyl sepharose chromatography. The purified enzyme was characterized according to: carbohydrate composition, and enzyme kinetic parameters. The enzymatic characteristics, of the human lung cell line LCAT had similar Km and Vmax values to other LCAT preparations, isolated from other expression systems and human plasma. Deglycosylation reduced the molecular weight of the enzyme from about 67,000 to about 43,000 suggesting a carbohydrate component of 25-32% of the enzyme’s total mass. Detailed analysis of the carbohydrate structures revealed N-glycan structures in a complex pattern of sialylated and fucosylated tri and tetra-antennary glycosides (8). In addition to the Beta gene expression, a Pichia pastoris yeast expression system was also developed consisting of human LCAT cDNA cloned into pPICZαA vector along with a removable amino-terminal polyhistidine tag. The Pichia pastoris cells were transformed with a vector containing the LCAT gene cDNA and transformants were selected on agar plates containing zeocine (100μg/ml). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to confirm the correct integration of the LCAT gene cDNA into the pPICZαA vector. The recombinant LCAT produced by the yeast cultures was purified by Talon affinity chromatography, taking advantage of the removable histidine tag. The enzymatic activity was determined using proteoliposome vesicles. The Yeast expression system yielded ~18 mg of enzyme protein/500 ml and thus may provide an appropriate enzyme source for characterization studies via NMR analysis and x-ray crystallography.Item Characterization of the Myo-inositol Efflux Pathway in Cultured Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells(1997-12-01) Reeves, Rustin E.; Victoria Rudick; Robert Easom; Thomas YorioReeves, Rustin E., Characterization of the Myo-inositol Efflux Pathway in Cultured Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), December, 1997, 173 pp., 1 table, 28 figures, bibliography, 94 titles. The basic cellular requirement of volume regulation utilizes many different channel and transport pathways working on concord to maintain a constant cell volume. Among these are distinct pathways spontaneously activated by changes in cell volume that modulate the gain or loss of certain organic osmolytes, such as myo-inositol (MI). The major goal of this dissertation is to characterize and identify the mechanism involved in the MI effux pathway and explore its relationship with intracellular polyol accumulation in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs). Hypertonic exposure of BLECs causes an increase in MI uptake and aldose reductase enzymatic activity, two events which ultimately influence osmolyte efflux. A biphasic efflux pathway induced by rapid cell swelling (hypotonic-induction) was demonstrated in BLECS switched from hypertonice to physiologic medium. Also, intracellular polyol accumulation from galactose exposure resulted in enhanced activation of the MI efflux pathway (polyol-induction). Chloride channel inhibitors effectively blocked MI efflux suggesting a relationship between anion (chloride) movement and intracellular MI loss from cell to medium. Expression of a chloride channel regulatory protein, pICln, was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis in cultured BLECs. Hypertonic exposure upregulates the expression of pICln mRNA while hypotonicity downregulates expression. The volume-sensitivity for transcription of PICln mRNA in BLECs lends strong support for its role in both anion and osmolyte loss associated with the MI efflux pathway. The MI efflux pathway functions as a “relief value” in cell volume regulation by providing a conduit to alleviate intracellular osmotic stress. The mechanism which evolved to function under normal cellular circumstances in relief of excessive accumulation of intracellular osmolytes (i.e. polyols), may, by design, inadvertently promote the loss of essential intracellular volume and nonvolume regulatory organic solutes. Ironically, under certain pathological conditions, this mechanism, designed to protect the cell from intracellular osmotic stress, may instead be detrimental to the cell by promoting the excessive loss of osmolytes essential for normal cell function.Item Distribution of Poly(ADP-ribose) Glycohydrolase in Different Functional Domains of the Cell Nucleus(1996-08-01) Pacheco-Rodriguez, Gustavo; Rafael Alvarez; Robert Easom; Ming-Chi WuPacheco-Rodriguez, Gustavo, Distribution of Poly(ADP-ribose) Glycohydrolase in Different Functional Domains of the Cell Nucleus. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), August, 1996, 147 pp, 3 tables, 44 illustrations, bibliography, 138 titles. In this study, the distributor poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) in different subdomains of the cell nucleus and the role of non-covalent interactions of poly(ADP-ribose) with nuclear proteins have been characterized. An assay that allows the simultaneous determination of specific non-covalent interactions of poly (ADP-ribose) with nuclear proteins as well as PARG activity by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was developed. This method was made possible by the enzymatic synthesis of (ADP-ribose)2-70 at 10 μM NAD+ with purified poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). Either purified or nuclear-associated PARG degraded poly(ADP-ribose) biphasically. Nuclei were fractioned into functional domains namely, chromatin, nuclear matrix and nuclear envelope. These domains were characterized biochemically by their protein composition and by electron microscopy. PARG activity was identified mainly with chromatin and the nuclear matrix. Interestingly, PARG activity was also associated with the nuclear envelope. Thus, the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation pathway is regulated topologically. It was further determined that poly(ADP-ribose) interacts non-covalently with purified histone proteins or proteins in the nuclear environment. In addition, the nuclear matrix proteins also interacted non-covalently with poly(ADP-ribose). These non-covalent interactions appear to regulate the catabolism of poly(ADP-ribose) via a catabolite intermediate constituted of a [protein][poly(ADP-ribose)] complex. The affinity of the nuclear associated protein responsible for triggering the degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) correlates with the affinity of histone H4 for ADP-ribose chains of 20 residues or more. The findings of this research stresses that : a) poly (ADP-ribose) is catabolized by PARG in vivo; b) PARG is associated with chromatin, nuclear matrix and the nuclear envelope; c) the degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) is dependent on its non-covalent interactions with nuclear proteins; and d) histone H4 appears to be responsible for triggering the catabolism of poly(ADP-ribose).Item Diverse Immune Responses Mediated by Beta-Adrenergic and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors in a Model of Pneumococcal sepsis(2010-08-01) Kim, Byung-Jin; Harlan JonesNeuroendocrine stimulation can impact disease states by regulating immune function. The purpose of our studies was to define the functional role of stress-induced neuroendocrine factors, catecholamines and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on immune responses involved in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) infection implementing both in vitro and in vivo methodology. Dendritic cells play a pivotal role in antigen presentation and cytokine production, influencing both innate and adaptive immunity. Initial studies examined the potential immunomodulatory effect of epinephrine and CRH on DC cytokine production in response to the bacterial pathogenic ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, the ability of DC to dictate CD4+ T cell activation as a consequence of CRH or epinephrine pre-treatment was examined using an in vitro co-culture system. Epinephrine and CRH pre-treatment resulted in a preferential increase in IL-23 and IL-10 cytokine production. In contrast, IL-12p70 was significantly attenuated in response to epinephrine and CRH pre-treatment. Preferences in IL-23 and IL-10 cytokine production by DC pre-treated with epinephrine and CRH corresponded with an increase in IL-4 and IL-17A, but not IFN-y cytokine production by CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that exposure to stress-derived epinephrine/CRH dictates dendritic cells to generate a dominant Th2/Th17 phenotype in the context of subsequent exposure to a pathogen. Our second study examined the functional properties of IL-23 during pulmonary S. pneumoniae infection. IL-23 plays a crucial role in establishing host defenses against extracellular pathogens. Further investigation is still required to define the impact of IL-23 on acute pulmonary S. pneumoniae infection. Utilizing IL-23p19 genetic deficient mice, we determined bacterial load, cytokine production and the contribution of neutrophils against S. pneumoniae infection using monoclonal antibody-mediated systemic neutrophil depletion. The absence of IL-23 induced a higher bacterial load in lung and blood as compared to IL-23 competent counterparts. In the absence of IL-23, production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12p70 as well as IL-17A and IFN- were dampened as compared to wild type mice. In addition, neutrophil distribution was also altered in IL-23-deficient mice, suggesting impaired neutrophil recruitment into lung. Interestingly, neutrophil depletion did not impact bacterial load in lung and blood in both IL-23 competent and deficient mice. These findings, suggest a novel role of IL-23 in pulmonary S. pneumoniae infection, potentially independent of neutrophil function. We next examined the possible impact of CRH and catecholamines as regulators of immune function against acute bacterial infection in response to stress. Utilizing a murine model of acute pulmonary S. pneumoniae infection and restraint stress, we selectively blocked CRH receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2) as well as the 2 adrenergic receptor prior to restraint stress followed by intranasal pulmonary S. pneumoniae infection. Antagonist administration did not impact restraint stress-induced physiological responses as compared to restraint stressed mice, which did not receive receptor antagonists. However, following S. pneumoniae infection, physiological changes including weight and temperature were altered in response to administration of selective CRH receptor and β2 adrenergic receptor antagonists. Survival rate, bacterial load and cytokine production corresponded with physiological differences observed in response to selective CRH receptor and 2 adrenergic receptor antagonists. Importantly, preferential differences in bacterial colonization and survival corresponded with distinct differences in inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell distribution along pulmonary airways. In particular, opposing effects in IL-17A and neutrophil accumulation was found among mice administered the CRHR1 versus the CRHR2 antagonists. Together, these findings indicate that activation of each receptor can influence immune responses against S. pneumoniae infection. Thus, our findings provide further understanding of how stress-derived neuroendocrine factors directly impact immune responses related to immunopathology and immunoprotection.Item Hypertrophic Versus Apoptotic Response of Vascular Smooth Muscle to β1 Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation(2004-05-01) Hannon, Sherry Beth; Stephen Grant; Glenn Dillon; Robert MalletHannon, Sherry Beth., Hypertrophic vs. Apoptotic Response of Vascular Smooth Muscle to β1 Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation. Master of Science (Biotechnology), May, 2004, 64 pp., 3 tables, 16 illustrations, references, 41 titles. This project explores how β1 adrenoceptor (β1-AR) stimulation affects cellular hypertrophy and apoptosis in PAC-1, a cultured rat pulmonary artery cell line. Insights into these responses may further the current understanding of vascular remodeling. Promoter-reporter activity for the hypertrophy-specific gene smooth muscle myosin heavy chain decreased as measured by a luciferase assay when PAC-1 cells were treated with the selective β1-AR agonist dobutamine (DOB) in 0.4% fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented media. However, activity of a β1-gal control vector also decreased, and neither response was attenuated by pre-treatment with a β1-AR selective antagonist metoprolol. A MTS [3-(4,5-dimethlythiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenly)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt] viability assay shows that while there is a loss of cells with decreasing amounts of serum, this effect is not exacerbated by DOB in 0.4% FBS. DNA fragmentation assays were inconclusive as to the mode of cell death occurring. However, an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio suggest that apoptosis is induced with DOB treatment in 10% FBS, but that this DOB treatment in 0.4% and serum-free media does not increase this apoptotic index compared to control. Both similar and conflicting cellular responses have been documented in rat neonate cardiomyocytes as well as in murine transgenic models selectively over-expressing adrenergic receptors in the heart. Comparison of the vascular smooth muscle cell response to the cardiomyoctye response may lead to a more tailored use of adrenergic agents for treatment during different stages of cardiovascular disease.Item Identification and Characterization of Caveolins in Mouse Macrophages(2002-12-01) Gargalovic, Peter; Dory, Lad; Basu, Alakananda; McConathy, WalterPeter Gargalovic, Identification and Characterization of Caveolins in Mouse Macrophages. Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), December 2002, 206 pp., 3 tables, 41 illustrations, references, 296 titles. The understanding of the mechanisms which control macrophage-lipid management, and their accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, is of significant importance. Caveolins are proteins associated with cholesterol-rich membrane domains and are intimately linked to the regulation of lipid metabolism and transport. The expression and function of caveolin proteins in three macrophage cell types: thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages, resident mouse peritoneal macrophages and the J774 macrophage cell line. Data in this work establish that the primary macrophages express caveolin-1 and -2, while J774 cells express only caveolin-2. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies indicate that caveolins in primary macrophages do not colocalize, with caveolin-1 being present on the cell surface and cavelon-2 in the Golgi compartment. Analysis of macrophages also showed that caveolin-1, but not caveolin-2, is present in detergent insoluble lipid raft membranes. While caveolin expression in macrophages is not regulated by sterols, both caveolin isoforms can be secreted from cholesterol-loaded macrophages in the presence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Secreted caveolins are part of the complex that has a density similar to HDL, which suggests their association with HDL and potentially a role in HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport. The examination of caveolin expression in macrophages shows that caveolin-1, but not caveolin-2 expression is highly upregulated by agents that induce apoptosis in these cells. Induction of caveolin-1 expression precedes DNA fragmentation, is independent of caspase activation, and correlates with the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. Importantly, immunofluorescence analysis determined that caveolin-1 in lipid rafts colocalizes extensively with phosphatidylserine present on the surface of apoptotic cells. This study thus identifies caveolin-1 as a specific and early marker of the macrophage apoptotic phenotype. Findings here strongly implicate the involvement of caveolin-1 and lipid rafts in the changes of plasma membrane lipid composition as well as involvement in efficient clearance of apoptotic cells by a phosphatidylserine-mediated mechanism.Item Isotope Partitioning and Initial Velocity Studies with 6-Phosphofructo-1-kinase from Ascaris suum(1996-05-01) Gibson, Grant E.; Robert EasomGibson, Grant E., Isotope Partitioning and Initial Velocity Studies with 6-Phosphofructo-1-kinase from Ascaris suum. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), May, 1996, 91 pages, 2 tables, 18 figures, 2 schemes, 1 reaction, 2 mechanisms, 1 diagram, bibliography, 61 titles. The natives Ascaris suum 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (nPFK) and a chemically modified form (dPFK) which is desensitized to allosteric behavior have been studied using isotope partitioning and initial velocity techniques to determine the kinetic mechanism as well as the effects of fructose 2,6-biphosphate (F26P2) and Mg2+ on the mechanism. At 8 mM Mg2+, complete trapping (P*max≈100%) of E:MgATP* complex as fructose 1-(32P), 6-biphosphate for both enzyme forms is consistent with the previously proposed steady-state ordered mechanism ((Rao, G.S.J., Harris, B.G., and Cook, P.F. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14074-14079) with MgATP binding before fructose 6-phosphate (F6P). A saturating amount of F26P2 causes no change in the trapping parameters for nPFK but causes a decrease in both P*max and K’F6P for dPFK. The partial trapping of E:MgATP* in the presence of F26P2 for dPFK at high MG2+ suggests that the activator changes the kinetic mechanism from an ordered to a random binding of substrates. Initiial velocity studies at 8 mM Mg2+ confirm the change in mechanism. Uncompetitive inhibition by arabinose 5-phosphate (Ara5P), a dead-end inhibitory analog of F6P, versus MgATP for nPFK in the absence and presence of F26P2 is consistent with an ordered mechanism with MgATP adding to enzyme prior to F6P. An uncompetitive pattern is also obtained with dPFK for Ara5P versus MgATP in the absence of F26P2, but the pattern becomes noncompetitive in the presence of F26P2, consistent with a change to a random mechanism. No trapping of the dPFK: (14C)F6P complex could be detected 8mM Mg2+, indicating either that dPFK:14C-F6P complex does not form or that the off-rate for F6P from enzyme is much faster than the net rate constant for formation of the first product, FBP. Initial velocity data indicate that a second Mg2+ ion in addition to the one bound in MgATP is an essential activator of Ascaris suum PFK which decreases the off-rate for MgATP. Kact for Mg2+ is estimated to be 0.47±0.08mM. Isotope partitioning data at 0.1 mM Mg2+ indicate that dPFK is able to trap only 20% of the E:MgATP* both in the presence and absence of F26P2, consistent with a faster off-rate for MgATP at low Mg2+ than at high Mg2+. Partial trapping of MgATP* at low Mg2+ again suggests a random binding of substrates. Noncompetitive Ara5P inhibition versus MgATP at low Mg2+ confirms the random mechanism. An active site role both in binding MgATP and in facilitating catalysis is proposed for the second Mg2+. Furthermore, calculations from the isotope partitioning and initial velocity data as well as changes that are seen in the circular dichroic spectra for both nPFK and dPFK indicate that an enzyme structural isomerization occurs upon binding mgATP.Item Local Enkephalins Modulate Vagal Control of Heart Rate(2001-05-01) Jackson, Keith E.; James L. Caffrey; H. Fred Downey; Michael W. MartinJackson, Keith E., Local Enkephalins Modulate Vagal Control of Heart Rate. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), May 2001; 112pp; 7 tables; 22 figures; bibliography, 99 titles. Endogenous opioids, such as enkephalins, were first investigated for their ability to modulate pain. A body of evidence now supports opioid actions in many facets of regulation, including the cardiovascular system. Our laboratory is particularly interested in the ability of opioids to modulate autonomic function. Specifically, the role of the endogenous encephalin, methionine-enkephalin-arginine-phenylalanine (MEAP) was investigated to determine its ability to modulate parasympathetic function in the canine. To investigate MEAP’s response in the sinoatrial (SA) node a novel application of microdialysis was employed, whereby microdialysis was employed, whereby microdialysis probes were fabricated as described by Dr. David Van Wylen (38), and implanted in the SA node. After implantation of the probe, there was a significant attenuation of vagal function during the nodal application of MEAP. Specifically, vagally mediated bradcardia was reduced as compared to control, during the nodal application of MEAP. This inhibition of the vagus by MEAP was blocked by naltrindole, a selective delta antagonist. These data suggested that the vagolytic effects of MEAP were elicited via a delta opioid receptor. To test the hypothesis that MEAP’s effects were elicited through a delta opioid receptor mechanism, selective agonists and antagonists for the opioid receptors were utilized. An attenuation of vagal bradycardia was only observed during the infusion of a very selective delta opioid receptor agonist, deltorphin. A mu and kappa agonist showed no significant differences from control. Deltorphin was observed to elicit vagolytic effects in a similar concentration range as MEAP. However, deltorphin was more efficacious that MEAP. There was a significant attenuation of the deltorphin and MEAP’s vagolytic effects, during the co-infusion of the selective delta antagonist, naltrindole. The mu and kappa antagonists were both ineffective. These data further demonstrate that the observed vagolytic effect is linked to a delta opioid receptor. Endogenous MEAP. A series of experiments were undertaken to determine if endogenous MEAP could be demonstrated in the SA node and is so, was it similarly vagolytic. A preconditioning-like protocol was performed to produce intermittent local nodal ischemia to increase the local concentration of endogenous MEAP. The resulting MEAP was measured and was observed to be elevated during the periods of local nodal ischemia and return to control during reperfusion. Contrary to expectations an augmentation of vagal function was observed, during vagal stimulation. The augmented vagal bradycardia was only observed during ischemia, when MEAP was elevated and returned to control during each subsequent reperfusion. Therefore, there was a correlation between elevated MEAP concentrations and augmented vagal bradycardia. The delta antagonist, naltrindole, prevented the augmented vagal response, during nodal ischemia Glibenclamide, a selective KATP channel blocker, partially reversed the augmented vagal response. These data confirm that delta opiate receptors are involved in the augmented vagal bradycardia and that the mechanism may involve the activation of a KATP channel.Item Molecular Basis for 2B4-CD48 Interactions(2001-08-01) Huynh, Van T.; Mathew, Porunelloor A.; Goldfarb, Ronald; Das, HridayHuynh, Van T., Molecular Basis for 2B4-CD48 Interactions. Master of Science, Molecular Biology and Immunology, August 2001, 93 pp., 3 tables, 19 illustrations, bibliography, 51 titles. Natural killer cells are lymphocytes that play a role against cancer and viral infections. 2B4 is a membrane glycoprotein expressed on natural killer cells. In the present study we characterized 2B4 from mice strains BALB/c, 129/svj and A.CA. Nucleotide and peptide analysis revealed that polymorphyic residues in 2B4 are located in the variable domain. My second project was to determine the amino acids involved in the binding between 2B4 and CD48. Twelve mutations were made in human 2B4 to disrupt their interaction. In the last part of the study, an attempt has been made to elucidate the role of tyrosine and threonine amino acids found in the novel tyrosine motifs (TxYxxI/V) that reside in the cytoplasmic domain.Item Molecular Regulation of Interferon Gamma in 2B4-Activated Natural Killer Cells: Functional Role in Tumor Rejection(2001-11-01) Johnson, Lori Ann; Mathew, Porunellor A.; Goldfarb, Ronald H.; Dimitrijevich, S. DanNatural killer cells are a third population of lymphocytes, distinct from T and B cells. NK cells are non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic effector cells which are effective against intracellular pathogens, virally-infected cells and tumor cells. 2B4 is a natural killer cell receptor originally identified in the mouse as a surface molecule involved in non-MHC-restricted killing and enhancement of IFN-γ secretion. The human and rat homologues of 2B4 have recently been cloned in our laboratory. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine with potent anti-viral and anti-proliferative effects. In addition, this cytokine acts as a global immune regulator by regulating gene expression and serving to attract other immune cells. In this work, we establish the function of human 2B4 in a NK cell line, YT. We have shown that human 2B4 activation induces cytolytic function and enhances IFN-γ release in YT cells. Additionally we show that 2B4’s regulation of IFN-γ occurs at the transcriptional level, both through mRNA stability and increased promoter activity. We also demonstrate that several regions in the IFN-γ promoter respond to 2B4 activation and IFN-γ both separately and together in the rejection of metastatictumor cells in C57B7/6 mice. Our results confirm that both 2B4 and IFN-γ are critical in the rejection of metastatic tumor cells. Through the use of activating monoclonal antibodies, our studies indicate that 2B4’s anti-tumor activity is through IFN-γ as well as through cytolytic function of NK cells.Item Mutation in myocilin affect it's processing and secretion in the trabedular meshwork cell(2003-05-01) Jacobson, Nasreen; Robert Wordinger; Richard Easom; Neeraj AgarwalJacobson, Nasreen, Mutations in myocilin affect it secretion and processing in the cell. Doctor of Philosophy (Cell Biology and Ginetics), May 2003, 157 pp., 6 tables, 46 illustrations, 17 movies. Introduction. Myocilin is the protein product of the glaucoma gene MYOC whose function is unknown. Structural predictions of the protein indicate myocilin is secreted. This study uses several techniques to determine whether myocilin is synthesized and processed through the secretory pathway. Methods. Agents known to disrupt the secretory pathway at specific organelles will be used to examine the effect on myocilin secretion. Also, constructs for chimeric myocilin and fluorescent proteins (myoc.504DsRED and myoc.504EGFP) will be used in conjunction with EGFP directed to specific organelles to determine colocalization of myocilin in the cell. The disruption of wild type and disease-causing mutants (myocQ368X.DsRED, myocG364V.504DsRED and myocY437H.504DsRED) of myocilin will be compared. Then in vivo studies will be used to try to determine if myocilin is associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Results. Myocilin appears as a doublet on SDS-PAGE western blots when probed with anti-myocilin antibody (AB129). Treatment of cells with tunicamycin prevents secretion of the upper band of the myocilin doublet, but not secretion of the lower band. Brefelden A prevents secretion of both bands of the myocilin doublet indicating that both bands are processed in the Golgi. Monensin treatment indicates there is no post-Golgi processing of myocilin prior to secretion. Colocalization of fluorescent myocilin with cellular organelles tagged with EGFP indicated that myocilin travels through the ER, Golgi and is secreted from the cell. Disease-causing mutations in myocilin are not secreted. The Q368X associates with wild type myocilin and appears to be degraded. The G364V and Y437H mutants can apparently be retained in the ER and also are closely associated with peroxisomes. Experiments designed to determine if myocilin can be correlated with increased IOP suggest an association of myocilin with increased IOP in an ex vivo human anterior segment perfusion system, but in vivo experiments gave inconclusive results. Conclusions. Myocilin is a secreted glycoprotein in the TM. Glaucomatous mutations in myocilin cause non-secretion. TM cells handle different myocilin mutations differently.Item Pyruvate-Enriched Ringer's Solution Protects Hindlimb and Myocardial Tissue During Hemorrhagic Shock and Hindlimb Ischemia(2011-07-22) Gurji, Hunaid Adam; Mallet, Robert T.; Olivencia-Yurvati, Albert; Raven, Peter B.Gurji, HA. Pyruvate-Enriched Ringer’s Solution Protects Hindlimb and Myocardial Tissue During Hemorrhagic Shock and Hindlimb Ischemia. Doctor of Philosophy (Integrative Physiology), July 22, 2011, 111 pp, 1 table, 23 figures, 209 references, 142 titles. Copious blood loss is the leading cause of death in military combat. Extreme exsanguination following traumatic injury causes hypotension which may culminate in hemorrhagic shock, multiple open organ failure, and death. Currently, the only available strategy to treat hemorrhage is to apply tourniquets and administer resuscitative fluids. Although necessary to limit blood loss, protracted tourniquet application imposes ischemia on distal tissues. Revascularization of the injured limb reintroduces oxygenated blood into the ischemic zone, forming toxic reactive oxygen species. These highly reactive compounds can inactivate key metabolic enzymes, hamper ATP production, and cause end organ dysfunction. Fluid resuscitation provides crucial hemodynamic support, and affords an opportunity to treat the deleterious effects of hemorrhagic shock and ischemia-reperfusion. In order to mitigate the harmful effects of hemorrhagic shock and ischemia-reperfusion of tourniqueted extremities, a fluid resuscitant should contain agents capable of suppressing the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thus protecting cellular metabolic function; stabilizing tissue energetics; and safeguarding end organic function. Pyruvate, an endogenous energy substrate, possesses strong antioxidative properties. This study tested whether substituting pyruvate for lactate in a Ringer’s solution would be effective at mitigating reactive oxygen species formation, protect key ATP-generating and ATP-shuttling enzymes from inactivation, bolster skeletal and cardiac muscle phosphorylation potentials, and stabilize cardiac electrical function in goats subjected to hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion. Isoflurane-anesthetize goats were subjected to a controlled hemorrhaged to reduce the mean arterial pressure to c. 50 mmHg. After reaching this target pressure, hindlimb ischemia (HLI) was imposed for a total of 90 min by femoral artery crossclamp and tourniquet application around the hindlimb. After 30 min of hindlimb ischemia, pyruvate- (PR) or lactate- enriched (LR) Ringer’s solution was infused intravenously (10mL/min) for 90 min. Time control (TC) goats were neither hemorrhaged nor subjected to hindlimb ischemia. At the conclusion of- and 3.5 h after- fluid resuscitation, the left ventricle and the right gastrocnemius were biopsied and flash-frozen for biochemical analysis of metabolites, enzymes, and markers of oxidative stress. In addition, custom-written software was developed to analyze QT interval variability- a marker of electrical instability- from the lead II electrocardiogram. The first phase of this project tested the hypothesis that resuscitation with PR vs. LR effectively protects cardiac metabolism and preserves cardiac electrical performance during hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia. Resuscitation with PR effectively suppressed the formation of myocardial tissue 8-isoprostane vs. goats resuscitated with LR during the acute and subacute phases of the protocol. In addition, myocardial creatine kinase (CK) activity fell after LR administration vs. TC; however, PR preserved CK activity better than LR during fluid resuscitation and 4 h after hindlimb ischemia reperfusion. PR administration augmented myocardial phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential during fluid administration and 3.5 h later to values significantly higher than those in LR-resuscitated goats. Pro-arrhythmic QTc variability was markedly increased in LR vs. PR and TC during both phases of the protocol. The second phase of this project tested the hypothesis that resuscitation with PR preserves tissue energetics in the reperfused gastrocnemius during hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia. Resuscitation with PR vs. LR effectively protected the gastrocnemius from oxidative stress in both protocols, as evidenced by the suppression of 8-isoprostane formation. PR prevented CK and aconitase inactivation vs. LR during the acute phase of reperfusion, and this enzyme protection persisted at least 3.5 h after completing fluid resuscitation. Additionally, PR augmented muscle phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential vs. TC and LR during the acute phase of reperfusion, and, like CK and aconitase activities, this augmented energy state persisted 3.5 h after the end of fluid resuscitation. We conclude that 1) Pyruvate Ringer’s resuscitation during hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia provides antioxidative protection in skeletal and cardiac muscle during fluid resuscitation; 2) Pyruvate-fortified fluid resuscitation prevents inactivation of enzymes involved in production and shuttling of ATP; 3) PR augments cardiac and muscle phosphorylation potentials during fluid resuscitation; and 4) Resuscitation with PR effectively protects cardiac electrical rhythm in the face of hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia. These investigations demonstrate the powerful antioxidative protection imposed by pyruvate, its positive effects on muscle and cardiac metabolism and energy state and its role in stabilizing cardiac electrical function during hemorrhagic shock and hindlimb ischemia.Item Regulation of Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Transcription(2001-05-01) Kamthong, Pisate John; Lad Dory; Richard Easom; Stephen R. GrantThe role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in hematopoiesis has been firmly established mainly by using bone marrow cell cultures. Semi-solid culture of bone marrow cells that were independently developed by Bradley and Metcalf in 1966 and Pluznik and Sachs in 1965, has been the standard method to study proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells since the mid-1960s. It supports the clonal expansion of the hematopoietic colonies in vitro. Thus provides the means to functionally assay the hematopoietic colonies in vitro. Thus provides the means to functionally assay the hematopoietic progenitor cells and aides the discovery of growth factors regulating the progenitor cell differentiation. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) was initially identified as a hematopoietic growth factor that stimulates the proliferation, differentiation and survival of monocytes, macrophages, and their progenitors (Robinson et al. 1969; Stanly et al. 1971). M-CSF is produced by a large variety of cells throughout the body. It can be purified from various body fluids as well as the conditioned media of several cell lines and tissues, such as leukocytes, placenta, lung, pancreatic cancer cells and spleen (Metcalf 1984; Stanley and Guilbert 1981; Yunis 1983). The sources of M-CSF recently have been extended to include liver parenchymal cells (Ezure et al. 1997) and thyrocytes (Kasai et al. 1997). It was also previously called colony-stimulating factor from human urine (CSF-HU) attributing the source of human urine growth factor that stimulated the formation of small aggregates consisting of granulocyte clusters in a soft agar culture system of human bone marrow cells (Metcalf 1974). At first without the knowledge about biochemical structures of CSFs, several colony-stimulating factors, later proven to be M-CSF, were recognized by their sources, i.e. mouse L-cell CSF, mouse uterus CSF, human lung-conditioned-medium CSF. Later, researchers in the field adopted the reclassification of CSF subtypes using the predominant colony types stimulated by the factor in semi-solid bone marrow cell cultures. M-CSF is for CSF that predominantly stimulates macrophage colony formation. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) refers to a granulocyte-active material, such as peritoneal cell-conditioned medium CSF (Horiuchi and Ichikawa 1977). CSF stimulating both types of colonies is called granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF. M-CSF was also termed colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), described as the first CSF to be purified (Stanley 1977). G-CSF was later called CSF-2. The existence of these two biochemically distinct CSFs was first identified in this lab (Wu et al. 1981). By the same virtue, GM-CSF sometimes was referred to as CSF-3. All of the three CSFs were later identified as distinct peptides encoded by different genes. Sachs and Pluznick group at Rehovot introduced alternative nomenclature for CSFs. The term macrophage granulocyte inducer-1M, MGI-1M, refers to M-CSF, MGI-1G is equivalent to G-CSF, and MGI-GM is used for GM-CSF. M-CSF stimulates differentiation of progenitor cells (colony-forming unit macrophage, CFU-M) to mature monocytes, and prolongs the survival of monocytes (Motoyoshi et al. 1997). It enhances expression of differentiation antigens (Hashimoto et al. 1997) and stimulates chemotactic, phagocytic and the killing activities of monocytes (Wang et al. 1988.) It also stimulates production of several cytokines such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-6 by priming monocytes, and directly stimulates production and secretion of IL-8 and reactive nitrogen intermediates (Motoyoshi and Takaku 1991).Item Setting Us Up to Fail: Pulmonary Dendritic Cells Promote Immunopathology during Mycoplasma Respiratory Disease(2010-08-01) Dobbs, Nicole A.; Jerry SimeckaThe purpose of these studies was to define the contributions of T helper 2 cells and dendritic cells toward the development of immunopathology during mycoplasma respiratory disease. IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ+ Th1 cells and IL-13+ Th2 cells developed over the course of mycoplasma infection. By day 14 post-infection, the results demonstrated a significant and preferential increase of an IL-13+ Th2 cell sub-population in the LRNs. Additional studies using STAT4-/- animals, which have a Th2 polarized environment, demonstrated no difference in disease compared to the wild-type animals. Absence of STAT6, which strongly contributes to a Th1 polarized environment, conveyed significantly more protection from mycoplasma disease in immunized mice compared to STAT4-/- and WT mice. By day 14 post-infection, all mice had significantly more IL-13+ Th2 cells than IFN-γ+ Th1 in the LRN compared to STAT6-/- immunized mice, thus suggesting that the reduction in the IL-13+ Th2 population leads to protection, while an increase in Th2 is pathogenic. Additional studies demonstrated that pulmonary dendritic cells support the mycoplasma-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation when stimulated with mycoplasma antigen. Knowing that T cells and DCs have an intimate relationship during mycoplasma disease, sub-classes of cytokine differentiated BMDCs were created to attempt to skew to the protective arm of immunity against mycoplasma disease. However, in vivo adoptive transfer studies demonstrated antigen pulsed DCs accelerated and exacerbated the pathological effects of mycoplasma disease. The exacerbation was antigen-specific and lymphocyte dependent. Mice that received antigen pulsed DCs demonstrated a significant increase in IL-13+ Th2 cell sub-population in the LRNs with a similar trend found in the lungs prior to infection. The same exacerbation was seen when antigen pulsed pulmonary DCs were adoptively transferred into mice, but not with antigen pulsed splenic DCs. Prior to infection, mice that received antigen-pulsed pulmonary DC, not splenic DC, had a significant increase in a IL-13+ Th2 population in the LRNs. Taken collectively, these studies demonstrate two key players in the development of the detrimental response against mycoplasma disease. This knowledge will assist in the development of targeted vaccines that will promote protection over pathology.Item STAT6 and Its Relationship with PSA and Annexin A2 in Human Prostate Cancer(2008-05-01) Roth, Cherice P.; Singh, Meharvan; Jones, Harlan P.; Sharma, RajendraRoth, Cherice, STAT6 and its relationship with PSA and Annexin A2 in Human Prostate Cancer. Master of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), May 2008, 49 pages, 13 illustrations, reference list, 54 titles. The increase of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT6) has been correlated with increased prostate tumor size as well as Gleason score. This molecule’s exact role in prostate cancer is still unknown. This research focused on the relationships of STAT6 in prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression as well as its novel interaction with annexin A2. These data show that STAT6 is involved in an alternate PSA expression pathway. It is also concluded that the interaction of STAT6 and annexin A2 increased the activated STAT6 (p-STAT) but not total STAT6. Chromatin immunoprecipitation also confirmed the novel protein-protein interaction between STAT6 and annexin A2 is nuclear.Item Studies of Protein F1 (GAP-43) Expression and Function in Spinal Neuronal Cultures(1994-08-01) El-Badawy, Hassan M.E. Azzazy; Ming-Chi Wu; Guenter W. Gross; Scott NortonEl-Badawy, Hassan M. E. Azzazy, Studies of Protein F1 (GAP-43) Expression and Function in Spinal Neuronal Cultures. Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), August 1994, 167 pp., 32 illustrations, References, 194 titles. Protein F1 (GAP-43, B-50, neuromodulin) is a membrane-bound phosphoprotein that has been studied mainly in neurons and is implicated in synaptic plasticity, axonal growth and regeneration, and neurotransmitter release. In this study, a 21 amino acid polypeptide that corresponds to the C-terminus sequence of protein F1 and contains a potential PKC phosphorylation sequence (SXR) was synthesized. The synthetic peptide was phosphorylated by rat PKC in a concentration-dependent manner suggesting that this site in the intact protein may be phosphorylated by PKC in vivo. Polyclonal antibodies against the peptide were produced in a rabbit and used to: (i) recognize native non-phosphorylated protein F1 purified from rat brain, (ii) immunoprecipitate phosphorylated protein F1, and (iii) stain the cell bodies and neuritis of cultured neurons. Electron microscopic studies revealed intracellular protein F1 immunoreactivity but no specific subcellular association of the gold label could be demonstrated. The antibodies were also used to compare protein F1 levels during the development of spinal neurons in culture and in vivo. The highest levels of protein F1 were detected by ELISA, at 2 days in culture. These results are in accordance with previous reports that correlate high expression of protein F1 to neurite outgrowth. In vivo, however, protein F1 reached maximal level at one day after parturition. Two approaches were utilized to investigate the potential physiological functions of protein F1 in spinal neurons networks. First, interaction of positively charged, rhodamine-labeled liposomes with spinal neurons was characterized by fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiological recording. Uniform, non-toxic, and preferential interaction of liposomes with spinal neurons over glia was established. These liposomes were used to deliver anti-protein F1 antibodies into spinal neurons but did not affect neurite formation by these cells. Second, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides internalized into spinal neurons in order to interfere with protein F1 expression had no effect on the development of these cells in culture. Data from this study suggest that Ser-210 at the C-terminus of protein F1 may be a substrate for PKC phosphorylation in vivo. Antibodies raised against F1 peptide revealed protein F1 immunoreactivity that outlined cell bodies and neuritis of cultured spinal neurons. Positively charged liposomes were characterized as a potential delivery system for macromolecules into spinal neurons. Protein F1 levels were shown to be developmentally regulated in mouse spinal neurons in culture and in vivo. Finally, the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against protein F1 mRNA revealed that protein F1 may not be essential for neurite outgrowth of mouse spinal neurons in culture.Item The 6' and 7' Residue of the Second Transmembrane Domain of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels Influence Gating and Picrotoxin Sensitivity(2005-07-01) Gonzales, Eric B.; Dillon, Glenn; Luedtke, Robert R.; Martin, MichaelGonzales, Eric B., The 6’ and 7’ residue of the second transmembrane domain of ligand-gated ion channels influence gating and picrotoxin sensitivity. Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology and Neuroscience), July 2005, pp213, 4 tables, 33 illustrations, 89 titles. The GABAA and glycine receptor are members of the Cys-loop family of ion channels. These receptors mediate rapid neurotransmission in the nervous system. Picrotoxin (PTX) interacts within the channel near the TM2 2’-6’ position, with the most critical interaction at the 6’ position. The present studied addressed the stoichiometric dependence and molecular requirements of the TM2 6’ position on PTX sensitivity. I hypothesized that there is not a stoichiometric dependence and that residues with a hydroxyl group remain sensitive to PTX. Further, work previously completed in the laboratory demonstrated that the TM2 7’ position influences channel kinetics in the serotonin type-3 receptor. However, similar work has not been performed in other members of the Cys-loop family of receptors. I hypothesize that the TM2 7’ position influences both gating in the glycine α1 receptor similarly to that in the serotonin type-3 receptor. Additionally, the TM2 7’ position could influence the PTX in the glycine α1 receptor. Picrotoxin sensitivity was determined to not be stoichiometrically dependent on the subunit location of the T6’F mutation in α1β2 or α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors, a single T6’F mutation was sufficient to eliminate PTX sensitivity. The α1(T6’F) β2 receptor showed PTX concentration-dependent stimulation. Picrotoxin sensitivity had a rank order of potency in α1β2(mutant) as follows: Serine [greater than] Threonine = Alanine [greater than] Cysteine [greater than] Tryptophan. In several cases, the kinetics of the T6’F mutant receptors exhibited rapid desensitization during prolonged application of agonist. In combinations of subunits with the T6’F mutation, two or fewer mutant receptors appeared to have normal phenotypes. Three or four T6’F mutations exhibited rapid desensitization, and strongly suggests that the stoichiometery of the α1β2 GABAA receptor is two α subunits and three β subunits in the receptor. The Gly α1(T7’L) mutation exhibited enhanced glycine sensitivity with slower gating kinetics than the wild type (approximately 3-fold slower); the T7’A mutation had significantly reduced glycine affinity. The glycine EC50 kinetics of the α1(T7’A) mutant receptor was more complex than the wild type. There appears to be a complex interaction between agonist binding and gating of the channel that is disrupted by the 7’ position mutations. Picrotoxin sensitivity in the mutation were enhanced with either a T7’A or T7’L substitution. The data suggest that the 7’ residue may play an accessory role in shaping the PTX site. Finally, these residues are also critical in gating of the receptor. Residues critical for gating and PTX sensitivity may be coupled in the normal function of the Cys-loop family of receptors.Item The Effects of Two Staphylococcal Global Regulators (agr and sar) on Acid Phosphatase production in Staphylococcus aureus(2003-05-01) Agouna-Deciat, Bahrka Olivier; Jerry Simecka; Michael SmithAgouna-Deciat, B. Olivier, The Effect of Two Staphylococcal Global Regulators (agr and sar) on Acid Phosphatase Production in Staphylococcus aureus. Master of Science (Molecular Biology and Immunology), May 2003, 75 pp., 3 tables, 14 illustrations, 16 titles. Staphylococcus aureus produces an extensive number of cell-surface associated proteins, extracellular proteins and enzymes that contribute to its virulence. The key to better preventative or curative approaches resides in identifying and targeting the very genes and their products that play major roles in the survival of the bacteria within the host and the establishment of diseases. Two well known regulatory loci, the accessory gene regulatory (agr) and the staphylococcal accessory regulator (sar), control the expression of most S. aureus genes that encode for its virulence factors. Other virulence gene regulators have recently been isolated. Over 40 proteins and enzymes produced by S. aureus have been identified and several of them have been linked to staphylococcal pathogenesis. In this study, we attempt to determine the role of agr and sar in the regulation of the production of a secreted staphylococcal acid phosphatase (Sap) suspected to contribute to virulence.