Structure and evolution of the D17LeH80-like locus in the murine t-complex]

The t complex in the proximal part of chromosome 17 is one of the most thoroughly studied regions of the mouse genome. We determined the sequence of Tu80, a molecular clone derived from microdissected fragments of chromosome 17. The sequence data demonstrated that the total length being 324 bp, Tu80 contains an open-reading frame (ORF) of 204 bp. Two fragments were detected within the ORF, one homologous to the LINE1-element, the other to the first intron of the C epsilon gene of mouse immunoglobin. A sequence designated NOV1 was isolated from the genomic library of mouse chromosome 17. NOV1 was found to contain a B2 insert, making in structurally different from Tu80. The sequences of Tu80 and NOV1 were compared with those of LINE1 and the first intron of the C epsilon gene. The results suggested that the ancestor of the Tu80-like sequence might have arisen through illegitimate recombination between the fragments of LINE1 and the C epsilon gene. It is concluded that Tu80 and NOV1 might have resulted from duplication of the ancestral sequence and following divergence. The comparative analysis also demonstrated high degree of conservation of the LINE1 fragments in Tu80 and NOV1, as well as in the LINE1 in a number of mammalian species. Based on the structure of human, rat, rabbit and mouse LINE1 fragments, and also on that of NOV1 and Tu80, phylogenetic tree has been constructed. Its topology is consistent with the accepted phylogenetic relationships among the species studied. The data available tend to support the assumption that the ancestor for the Tu80-like sequence might have arisen not later than 27-33 million years ago.     

Genetic mapping of three human homologues of murine t-complex genes localizes TCP10 to 6q27, 15 cM distal to TCP1 and PLG

Human homologues of mouse t-complex genes have been cloned and localized physically to chromosome 6p or 6q. TCP1, TCP10, and PLG are human homologues of genes located in the proximal portion of the t-complex on mouse chromosome 17. We present here results of genetic mapping of these human t-complex homologues previously localized to 6q25-q27, 6q21-q27, and 6q26-q27, respectively, by physical techniques. TCP1 and PLG do not recombine with each other and are separated from TCP10 by about 15 cM, while the corresponding mouse genes are no more than 4 cM apart. Genetic mapping with markers well localized cytogenetically places TCP1 and PLG proximal to TCP10 and localizes the latter to the cytogenetic band 6q27. It is likely that the organization of human t-complex homologues on 6q is similar to that of t haplotypes rather than that of wildtype murine chromosome 17.     

Molecular organization and evolution of the D17Leh80-like loci in the mouse t complex

We determined the sequence of Tu80, one of the molecular clones derived from microdissected fragments of Chromosome (Chr) 17. The sequence data demonstrated that Tu80 contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 204 bp. Two sequences within the ORF, one homologous to the LINE1 element and the other to the first intron of the C gene of mouse immunoglobulin, were observed. A separate sequence, homologous to Tu80, designated as NOV1, was isolated from a genomic library of mouse Chr 17. NOV1 was found to contain an inserted B2 repeat, making it structurally different from Tu80. The sequences of Tu80 and NOV1 were compared with those of LINE1 and the first intron of the C gene. The results suggest that the ancestor of the Tu80-like sequence might have arisen through recombination between a LINE1 element and the C gene. It is concluded that Tu80 and NOV1 might have resulted from duplication of an ancestral sequence followed by divergence. The comparative analysis also demonstrated a high degree of conservation of the LINE1-like sequence in Tu80 and NOV1. Based on the structure of human, rat, rabbit, and mouse LINE1 fragments, as well as those of NOV1 and Tu80, a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The available data tend to support the assumption that the ancestor for the Tu80-like sequence might have arisen not later than 27–33 million years ago.     

Expression pattern of the Rsk2, Rsk4 and Pdk1 genes during murine embryogenesis

The ribosomal S6 kinase family members RSK2 (RPS6KA3) and RSK4 (RPS6KA6) belong to the group of X chromosomal genes, in which defects cause unspecific mental retardation (MRX) in humans. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression pattern of these genes during mouse development with emphasis to midgestation stages. Additionally, we analyzed the expression of the phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 gene, Pdk1 (Pspk1), which is essential for the activation of Rsk family members and thus regulates their function. During midgestation we observed specifically enhanced expression of Rsk2 first in somites, later restricted to the dermatomyotome of the somites, then in the sensory ganglia of cranial nerves and in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal nerves. High Rsk2 expression in the cranial nerve ganglia persists throughout development and is correlated with Pdk1 expression. In the brain of 2-day-old mice, Pdk1 is expressed in the cortical plate of the cerebral cortex and in the stratum pyramidale of the hippocampus, whereas Rsk2 expression is lower in these structures. For Rsk4 ubiquitous expression at lower levels was observed throughout development.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases type 1 interleukin-1 receptor expression in a murine T cell line

The biologically active metabolite of vitamin D₃, 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃, exerts important immunoregulatory effects in addition to being a central mediator of calcium/phosphate metabolism. Utilizing an interleukin 1 responsive murine T cell line and ¹²⁵I-interleukin 1α, we show that 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ (5,50 nM) enhanced ¹²⁵I-interleukin 1α binding up to almost 2-fold over control. This 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner and was detectable after 24 h but not before 7 h of culture. Scatchard analysis of ¹²⁵I-interleukin 1α binding data demonstrated that 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ enhanced interleukin 1 receptor number without a significant change in affinity. The biologically less potent metabolite of vitamin D₃, 25 (OH) D₃, also augmented ¹²⁵I-interleukin 1α binding but at steroid levels 2–3 log orders greater than 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃. This observation, combined with the presence of high-affinity ³H-1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ receptors (88 sites/cell, K = 0.45 nM) in cytosolic extracts, strongly suggests that the nuclear vitamin D receptor mediates this steroid's effect on interleukin 1 receptor expression. Based on the capacity of an anti-type 1 interleukin 1 receptor monoclonal antibody (35F5) to block 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃-enhanced ¹²⁵I-interleukin 1α binding, we conclude that this steroid augments type 1 interleukin 1 receptor expression. When combined with interleukin 1, a cytokine that also impacts MD10 interleukin 1 receptor expression, 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ enhanced interleukin 1 receptor expression. Northern blots hybridized with a ³²P-type 1 interleukin 1 receptor cDNA probe show that 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ enhanced type 1 interleukin 1 receptor steady state mRNA levels. Functionally, 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃ pretreatment augmented the MD10 proliferative response to suboptimal levels of interleukin 1 (< 100 fM interleukin 1α). These findings further support 1,25 (OH)₂ D₃'s role as an immunoregulatory molecule and provides a possible mechanism by which this steroid could potentiate certain immune activities.     

Expression and regulation of genes associated with cell death during murine preimplantation embryo development

The newly fertilized preimplantation embryo depends entirely on maternal mRNAs and proteins deposited and stored in the oocyte prior to its ovulation. If the oocyte is not sufficiently equipped with maternally stored products, or if zygotic gene expression does not commence at the correct time, the embryo will die. One of the major abnormalities observed during early development is cellular fragmentation. We showed previously that cellular fragmentation in human embryos can be attributed to programmed cell death (PCD). Here, we demonstrate that the PCD that occurs during the 1-cell stage of mouse embryogenesis is likely to be regulated by many cell death genes either maternally inherited or transcribed from the embryonic genome. We have demonstrated for the first time the temporal expression patterns of nine cell death regulatory genes, and our preliminary experiments show that the expression of these genes is altered in embryos undergoing fragmentation. The expression of genes involved in cell death (MA-3, p53, Bad, and Bcl-xS) seems to be elevated, whereas the expression of genes involved in cell survival (Bcl-2) is reduced. We propose that PCD may occur by default in embryos that fail to execute essential developmental events during the first cell cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 51:243–253, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Diversity, rearrangement, and expression of murine T cell gamma genes

Although the T cell gamma genes are similar in many respects to T cell receptor alpha and beta genes, earlier studies suggested that only a single gamma variable (V gamma) gene is expressed in mature T cells. We report the isolation and characterization of three new rearranged V gamma genes from murine fetal thymocytes. Although each of the new V gamma gene rearrangements is present in fetal thymocytes, two of them are undetectable in mature T cells. The levels of mRNA corresponding to each type of V gamma gene rearrangement in mature T cells are dramatically diminished compared with those in fetal thymocytes, although the abundance of two of the rearranged genes is increased in mature T cells. Our results demonstrate that there is significant expressed variability of gamma genes in immature T cells. Furthermore, the dynamics of gamma gene rearrangement and expression support the idea that gamma genes function in immature T cells.     

Expression and regulation of two steps of steroidogenesis in human Leydig cells × murine cell line Clone 1D hybrids

In an attempt to analyse the possible interactions between differentiated and undifferentiated genomes and also, in order to study the role of polypeptidic hormones in cell differentiation, we prepared hybrids between human Leydig cells and the murine cell line Clone 1D. Fifteen independent hybrid clones were analysed for steroid metabolism: 10 positive hybrids converted significantly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) to testosterone following stimulation with dibutyryl cAMP but only 8 of them were shown to produce significant amounts of testosterone under basal conditions. The activity of Clone 1D was negligible in both cases. Therefore, the expression in basal conditions and the control by dibutyryl cAMP of the two enzymes involved (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isomerase and 17-ketoreductase) were not linked in the hybrids, suggesting that they are under the control of independent genes.     

CD117、CD34、DOG-1、WT-1 在胃肠道间质瘤中的表达及意义

目的:探讨DOG-1、CD117、CD34、WT-1在胃肠道间质瘤(GIST)中的表达及临床意义。方法:应用免疫组织化学SP法检测DOG-1、CD117、CD34、WT-1在39例GIST患者肿瘤组织中的表达。结果:GIST光镜下主要由梭形细胞和(或)上皮样细胞或多形性细胞混合或单一性组成。DOG-1、CD117、CD34和WT-1在GIST肿瘤组织中阳性表达率分别为92.3%(36/39)、71.7%(28/39)、64.1%(25/39)、23.1%(9/39),四者的阳性表达率在各风险程度组(极低及低度危险性GIST、中度危险性GIST、高度危险性GIST)两两比较中差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。DOG-1与CD117相比,在极低及低度危险组中表达有显著差异(P<0.05),DOG-1与CD34相比,在极低及低度危险组、高度危险组中表达有显著差异(P<0.05);WT-1与CD117相比,在中度及高度危险组中表达有显著差异(P<0.05),WT-1与CD34相比,在中度危险组中表达有显著差异(P<0.05)。对照组平滑肌瘤、纤维瘤、神经鞘瘤中CD117、DOG-1在GIST中的表达明显高于其他多种梭形细胞的表达(P<0.05)。结论:DOG1是GIST较为敏感和特异的标记物,WT-1在极低及低度危险性GIST中有一定的诊断价值,在GIST的诊断中加入两者将使患者更加受益。     

Expression of defective virus and cytokine genes in murine AIDS.

A syndrome characterized by severe immunodeficiency and lymphoproliferation develops in susceptible strains of mice infected with a mixture of murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) designated LP-BM5 MuLV. The etiologic agent in this mixture has been shown to be a replication-defective virus (BM5d) with a 4.8-kb genome that required replication-competent helper viruses, primarily ecotropic (BM5e), for cell-to-cell spread in the host. In the present study, we studied the expression of BM5d and BM5e in tissues of infected mice at various times after inoculation in relation to the expression of cytokine genes that may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder. Northern (RNA) analysis of total RNA showed that BM5d was expressed at significant levels in lymphoid tissues within 1 week of infection and that the levels of expression increased with time after inoculation. By 16 weeks postinfection, BM5d was expressed in all tissues examined. Expression of BM5e was relatively more restricted to lymphoid tissues and was detected at lower levels than expression of BM5d at early times after infection, but this virus was expressed in all tissues by 16 weeks. Infection with the virus mixture was associated with constitutive expression of tumor necrosis factor in all tissues examined and of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in lymphoid tissues within 1 week of infection, and at later times with widespread expression of these cytokines and gamma interferon. Also, the levels of interferon regulatory factor 1 mRNA were significantly increased in all infected tissues during the infection. In contrast, expression of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 was not detectable by Northern analysis of the respective mRNAs in any infected tissue at early or late times postinfection.     

Interleukin-1 binding, internalization, and processing in a murine osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3.E1.

We have investigated the interaction of IL-1 and its receptor on a murine osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3.E1, with regard to binding, internalization, and the fate of the receptor-ligand complex following internalization. Binding experiments indicated that this cell line possesses a high affinity receptor (Kd 1.02 x 10(-10) M) that binds both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and has approximately 6500 receptors per cell. Cross-linking experiments indicated that the receptor has a molecular weight of 100,000 daltons. Binding of IL-1 to the receptor is inhibited by the Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP). These characteristics suggest that the murine osteoblastic receptor resembles that found on T lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Internalization experiments showed that this process is fairly rapid and results in degradation of the ligand and subsequent loss of degraded IL-1 from the cell. In this respect, processing of the receptor-ligand complex mimics that observed with IL-1 receptors on murine bone marrow cells, pre-B cells, and macrophages. Although the reasons for these differences are unclear, it may be that, unlike fibroblasts, osteoblasts may function as an effector cell which rapidly removes IL-1 from the immediate environment via ligand degradation while at the same time initiating bone resorption via stimulation of osteopontin biosynthesis.     

Expression, purification and characterization of murine Dkk1 protein

Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) protein is a secreted inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling and modulates that pathway during embryonic development. It is also implicated in several diseases and hence Dkk1 is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In the present study 6His-tagged Dkk1 expression and secretion was assessed in five mammalian cell types. Only FreeStyle 293-F cells showed significant Dkk1 protein expression in culture medium. High and stable expression of the Dkk1 protein was obtained from a selected stable FreeStyle 293-F clone 3F8, that grows in suspension in serum-free medium. The 3F8 clone showed a high Dkk1 production level (10 mg/L) for up to 2 months of culture. A one step purification procedure resulting in large amounts of highly pure and active Dkk1 protein was developed. Purified Dkk1 binds its receptors LRP5 and LRP6, and is able to dose dependently inhibit canonical Wnt signaling. Recombinant Dkk1 is glycosylated, but this modification is not essential for its biological activity. In summary, an abundant source of pure and functionally active Dkk1 protein is developed that will support the identification of inhibitors such as neutralizing antibodies that could find therapeutic use.