Binding of single-chain prourokinase to the urokinase receptor of human U937 cells

The single-chain form of human urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is the major form of the enzyme found in cells, tissues, and extracellular fluids. The protein, called pro-uPA, has high (Kd = 0.5 nM) affinity for the specific uPA receptor of U937 human monocyte-like cells. Its conversion to two-chain uPA by plasmin does not appreciably change the binding parameters. In addition, conversion of pro-uPA to uPA occurs with receptor-bound pro-uPA and does not lead to dissociation from the membrane. These data show that secreted pro-uPA can find its way to the specific surface receptor without previous conversion to the two-chain form and that, once bound, can be activated by plasmin.     

U937细胞中GATA1调控c-myb基因表达

c-myb是血细胞生成过程中的一个重要转录因子,与造血干细胞的增殖、分化、凋亡有关.在白血病、结肠癌、乳腺癌和黑色素瘤等恶性肿瘤中,c-myb异常表达,但是在白血病细胞中c-myb调控的机制尚不清楚.本研究探究了U937细胞中GATA1与c-myb的调控关系,可能对白血病研究和治疗提供帮助.用12-氧-十四烷酰佛波醇-13-乙酸酯(TPA)诱导U937细胞分化,并检测分化前后GATA1与c-myb蛋白的变化.Western blot结果显示U937细胞经TPA诱导分化后c-myb与GATA1蛋白均明显下降.利用慢病毒包装GATAl shRNA质粒和GATA1过表达质粒并感染到U937细胞中实现转录因子GATA1的敲降及过表达后,检测c-myb的mRNA和蛋白的表达水平.结果 显示:敲降GATA1后,c-myb的mRNA和蛋白质水平明显下降;过表达GATA1后,c-myb的mRNA和蛋白质水平明显上调.本研究揭示了U937细胞中GATA1对c-myb的正向调控关系,为白血病研究和治疗方案提供了新的思路.     

Binding of platelet activating factor by isolated membranes from U937 cells

Platelet activating factor (PAF), 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-GPC) has been known to have biological effect on cells. The mechanisms of the effect of the potent phospholipid on cells has not been established. We have used 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-acetyl-GPC [( 3H]PAF) to study the interaction on the isolated membranes of U937 cells. The binding process was time, protein concentration, temperature dependent and reversible. The binding of [3H]PAF to the U937 cell membranes was slightly inhibited by the addition of PAF analogue, 3-O-Hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-1-phosphorylcholine. U937 cell membranes showed high affinity binding sites for PAF with equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 5 x 10(-9) M. The displacement of bound [3H]PAF with 500-fold excess of nonlabeled PAF was not altered suggesting that the bound [3H]PAF was not degraded during the binding. Binding of [3H]PAF on U937 cell membranes was inhibited by PAF antagonist, 59227RP. The kinetic of the inhibition by PAF antagonist is competitive suggesting that PAF and PAF antagonist bind at the same site.     

Gene Silencing of MK2 in Hard-to-Transfect Human U937 Cells

Genetic modifications used to answer biological questions in cultured cells are widely used in basic research. Common transfection methods are based on viral components causing cell activation or chemical modifications of small interfering RNA and cytotoxic reagents. Here, we report a rapid and efficient approach to transfect hard-to-transfect human U937 cells via the HVJ Envelope vector system, independent from special transfection media or immobilization of cells. This protocol provides a convenient means of knocking down MAPK-activated kinase 2 in hard-to-transfect cells to study inflammation, cell adhesion, and migration characteristics.     

Malaria Antigens Stimulate Neopterin Secretion by PBMC and U937 Cells

Lysates of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized human erythrocytes stimulate U937 cells to secrete neopterin during a 48 hr co-culture period. Neopterin secretion by U937 cells was enhanced by the addition of human interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Several P. falciparum antigens, ‘FC27’ (a synthetic ‘S’ antigen), Ag16 (a recombinant ‘S’ antigen) and Ag44/RHOP3 (a recombinant merozoite rhoptry protein), also activated U937 cells to neopterin secretion and produced a similar effect on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 2 of 3 normal healthy donors cultured with the antigens for 7 days. Plasma from six Nigerian malaria patients contained high neopterin concentrations ranging from 5.06 to 14.17 ng/ml. This preliminary pilot study lends support for further investigation incorporating a larger number of malaria patients and further culture experiments with U937 cells and PBMC with the aim of defining the cause and source of the large quantities of plasma neopterin produced in this infection.     

Binding of model immune complexes to erythrocyte CR1 facilitates immune complex uptake by U937 cells

The E C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) has been shown to rapidly bind large complement-fixing immune complexes (IC) both in vivo and in vitro. It has been proposed that E (RBC) CR1 act as a shuttle mechanism, binding circulating IC and transporting them to tissue macrophages, thereby preventing their deposition in target tissues. In this study we have established an in vitro model system with which to study the transfer of model IC from CR1 on the RBC surface to phagocytic cells. Aggregated IgG (AHG) was opsonized with C3b, bound to RBC CR1, and the binding of these RBC-bound IC by a human monocyte cell line (U937 cells) was examined. U937 binding of AHG from the RBC surface was complete within 2 min, whereas binding of the same AHG from solution required 30 to 60 min. Despite the difference in kinetics of binding, the total amount of IC bound by U937 cells at equilibrium was the same for RBC-bound AHG and for AHG in solution. The transfer of AHG from the RBC to the U937 cell did not require exogenous factor I and was not accompanied by binding of RBC to U937 cells or by erythrophagocytosis. Our data lend support to the hypothesis that binding of IC to RBC CR1 may facilitate the clearance of IC from the circulation by enhancing their uptake by phagocytic cells.     

Augmentation of Interferon Production after Cell-Differentiation of U937 Cells by TPA

Persistent infections with mumps virus were established in several human lymphoid cells of T-cell origin (Molt-4, TALL-1, and CCRF-CEM) and human monocyte cells (U937 and THP-1). 2′,5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase (2–5AS) activity was demonstrated to be only slightly induced by interferon (IFN) or TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate) treatment in these cells. Treatment of the persistently infected cells with IFN or TPA did not stimulate an increase in the amount of synthetase mRNA. Induction of cell differentiation and augmentation of IFN production by TPA were demonstrated in U937 cells persistently infected with mumps virus (U937-MP). Similar results for IFN production were obtained from differentiated U937 cells. It is suggested that cell differentiation of U937 cells might be associated with the development of IFN inducibility.     

Binding and catabolism of aggregated immunoglobulins containing C3b by U937 cells

We studied Fc receptor and C3b receptor (CR1) function on U937 cells, a human monocyte cell line. C3b was incorporated into stable soluble heat aggregates of 125I-IgM (A-IgM) and 125I-IgG (A-IgG) by using functionally pure classical pathway components. C3b incorporation was verified by the ability of aggregates to bind to human red cells and by cosedimentation of 125I and 131I during ultracentrifugation. Cell uptake and degradation of A-IgG X C3b was increased up to twofold compared with A-IgG not containing C3b molecules. However, A-IgG X C3b bound to CR1 after Fc receptors were blocked with nonradiolabeled A-IgG were also not endocytosed and catabolized. Moreover, A-IgM X C3b was bound but not degraded by U937 cells. As expected, uptake of A-IgM without C3b was negligible. CR1-mediated binding of A-IgM X C3b was specifically inhibited both by a murine monoclonal antibody against the human CR1 that blocks C3b binding and by C3b oligomers generated by trypsin activation of C3, but not by monoclonal antibodies against the iC3b receptor (CR3). We conclude that CR1 on U937 cells cause increased binding of A-IgG, and this increased binding leads to increased Fc-mediated endocytosis and catabolism of model immune complexes. However, binding of soluble ligands by CR1 alone, even when binding is multivalent, does not lead to endocytosis and degradation of soluble ligands bearing C3b.     

Staurosporine Induces Necroptotic Cell Death under Caspase-Compromised Conditions in U937 Cells

For a long time necrosis was thought to be an uncontrolled process but evidences recently have revealed that necrosis can also occur in a regulated manner. Necroptosis, a type of programmed necrosis is defined as a death receptor-initiated process under caspase-compromised conditions. The process requires the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIPK1 and RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), as a substrate of RIPK3. The further downstream events remain elusive. We applied known inhibitors to characterize the contributing enzymes in necroptosis and their effect on cell viability and different cellular functions were detected mainly by flow cytometry. Here we report that staurosporine, the classical inducer of intrinsic apoptotic pathway can induce necroptosis under caspase-compromised conditions in U937 cell line. This process could be hampered at least partially by the RIPK1 inhibitor necrotstin-1 and by the heat shock protein 90 kDa inhibitor geldanamycin. Moreover both the staurosporine-triggered and the classical death ligand-induced necroptotic pathway can be effectively arrested by a lysosomal enzyme inhibitor CA-074-OMe and the recently discovered MLKL inhibitor necrosulfonamide. We also confirmed that the enzymatic role of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) is dispensable in necroptosis but it contributes to membrane disruption in secondary necrosis. In conclusion, we identified a novel way of necroptosis induction that can facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of necroptosis. Our results shed light on alternative application of staurosporine, as a possible anticancer therapeutic agent. Furthermore, we showed that the CA-074-OMe has a target in the signaling pathway leading to necroptosis. Finally, we could differentiate necroptotic and secondary necrotic processes based on participation of PARP enzyme.     

Pradimicin,a Mannose-binding Antibiotic,Induced Carbohydrate-mediated Apoptosis in U937 Cells

Pradimicin (PRM), a mannose-binding antifungal antibiotic, recognizes a D-mannoside in the presence of calcium. We demonstrated that BMY-28864, a semi-synthetic analog of PRM, induced apoptosis in U937 cells which had been incubated with 1-deoxymannojirimycin (DMJ). Characteristic morphological changes such as formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation were observed in apoptotic cells.     

CD147对白血病细胞U937生长和肿瘤形成的影响

目的：研究CD147对白血病细胞U937生长和肿瘤形成的影响。方法：分别采用脂多糖（LPS）或CD147单克隆抗体处理U937细胞;用RT-PCR和流式细胞术分别在mRNA和蛋白水平检测各组中CD147的表达情况;用流式细胞术检测在LtX3和CD147单克隆抗体作用下U937细胞周期的变化;用MTT法对各组细胞的生长状况进行分析;将细胞经皮下接种于裸鼠体内,对各组间肿瘤生长速度、肿瘤体积及裸鼠存活时间进行统计分析。结果：LPS在体外能够诱导自血病细胞U937表面CD147的表达,同时细胞增殖旺盛,但细胞凋亡数增加;使用CD147抗体阻断CD147后,能够将细胞周期阻断在G0／G1期,细胞活力下降,并诱导细胞凋亡;CD147抗体体外预处理能够抑制U937细胞在裸鼠体内的生长,使小鼠存活时间延长。结论：LPS可诱导U937细胞表面CD147分子表达增加,从而促进U937细胞的生长和肿瘤形成。     

Developmental Expression of Transferrin Binding Protein in Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells of the Embryonic Chick Spinal Cord

Oligodendrocytes develop from precursor cells in the neuroepithelium of the ventral ventricular zone. Oligodendrocytes in the different stages of development are characterized by expression of a number of different marker molecules such as myelin genes, growth factors, and specific antigens. We have previously identified that transferrin binding protein (TfBP), a member of heat shock protein 90 families, is a novel avian ER-associated membrane protein that is specifically localized in oligodendrocytes in adult chicken CNS. In this study we describe the developmental expression of TfBP in the embryonic chick spinal cord. A few, distinct, TfBP+ cells appeared at the lateral margin of the subventricular neuroepithelium of the spinal cord at E7. Thereafter, some TfBP+ cells, exhibited a migrative form of unipolar or bipolar shape occurred around E8 in the mantle layer, midway between the neuroepithelium and the marginal layer of the primitive spinal cord. Thereafter, the TfBP+ cells rapidly increased in number as well as their staining intensity, and overall distribution of TfBP+ cells at E15 was comparable to that of a mature spinal cord. Our observations suggest that TfBP is expressed in the subpopulation of oligodednrcyte lineage in the development and a putative role of TfBP in relation to transferrin and iron trafficking is considered. SW Park and HS Lim contributed equally to this work.     

三七总皂甙对人急性髓系白血病细胞株U937 的抑制增殖及诱导凋亡作用

目的:观察三七总皂甙(panax notoginsenosides,PNS)对人急性髓系白血病细胞株U937凋亡的影响,并探讨PNS对Bax和Bcl-2蛋白表达的影响。方法:将处于对数生长期的U937细胞分为5组:正常对照组及PNS组(5 mg/L、10 mg/L、20 mg/L、40mg/L),药物作用12 h、24 h、48 h后,CCK-8比色法检测PNS对肿瘤细胞的相对细胞活力的影响;流式细胞术检测PNS促进细胞凋亡的能力;RT-PCR和Western blot法分别检测不同浓度的PNS对Bax和Bcl-2蛋白表达的影响。结果:CCK-8分析显示,PNS在低浓度(≤40 mg/L)能明显抑制肿瘤细胞的活力,40 mg/L处理组较正常对照组细胞活力在3个时间点分别下降47%、72%、85%;与对照组相比,处理组的凋亡率显著增加,10 mg/L、20 mg/L、40 mg/L实验组凋亡率分别上升7%、10%、43%;PNS能明显增加细胞内Bax mRNA及蛋白的表达,抑制Bcl-2 mRNA及蛋白的表达。结论:PNS具有抑制人急性髓系白血病细胞株U937的增殖抑制及凋亡诱导作用,并能影响Bax和Bcl-2蛋白的表达。文章探讨了PNS抑制肿瘤发展可能存在的作用机制,为将来进一步研发PNS作为白血病治疗药物奠定基础。     

氧化修饰LDL诱导U937细胞凋亡及其机制探讨

用氧化修饰低密度脂蛋白（ox-LDL）诱导人髓系白血病细胞株U937细胞凋亡,并研究其作用机制.用脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP切口末端标记技术(TUNEL法)、流式细胞仪和DNA断裂分析检测细胞凋亡;用免疫组化检测c-fos、c-jun和c-myc蛋白表达,RT-PCR显示c-fos、c-jun和c-myc mRNA表达水平.结果表明ox-LDL可致U937细胞凋亡,其作用具有浓度效应;ox-LDL可以上调c-fos、c-jun和c-myc基因表达,使c-fos、c-jun和c-myc蛋白合成增多,最终诱导U937细胞凋亡.     

Transferrin Receptor on Chick Fibroblast Cell Surface and the Binding Affinity in Relevance to the Growth Promoting Activity of Transferrin

We examined the transferrin (Tf) receptor of chick skin fibroblasts using chick ¹²⁵I-Tf. When the cells were incubated with ¹²⁵I-Tf on ice, most of the cell-associated ¹²⁵I-Tf was found on the cell surface; on the other hand, a large part of it was located inside the cells when incubated at 37°C. By equilibrium binding assay, the number of Tf receptors per cell was determined as 6.7 × 10³. Dissociation constant was estimated to be 2.6 × 10⁻⁸ M.
The binding of ¹²⁵I-Tf was competitively inhibited by the addition of chick unlabeled Tf. Weaker inhibition was observed when bovine Tf was used as a competitor. Horse Tf had no effect on the binding of chick Tf. This agrees well qualitatively with chick cell growth-promoting activites of these Tfs.
Removal of Fe from Tf affected the affinity for its receptors. About 5- to 10-fold higher concentrations of chick apo–Tf was needed to achieve the same degree of inhibition of ¹²⁵I-Tf binding as that made by chick Fe-Tf.     

蛋白激酶C抑制剂对U937细胞清道夫受体功能的影响

为了解细胞内蛋白质磷酸化水平对清道夫受体功能的影响,用蛋白激酶Ｃ抑掉剂形孢菌素（ｓｔａｕｒｏｓｐｏｒｉｎｅ,ＳＴＡ）处理人Ｕ９３７细胞,分别测定对照组和处理组细胞对碘标记的氧化低密度脂蛋白（＾１２５Ｉ）ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ的降解,结合,细胞表面受体复合物的内移以及细胞内脂质蓄积的程度,并利用放射自显影方法观察药物对细胞表面受体表达的影响,结果发现ＳＴＡ可以促进细胞结合（＾１２５Ｉ）ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ增加细胞表面     

HFCL细胞对U937细胞的诱导分化作用

为了观察正常人骨髓成纤维样细胞系HFCL对急性单核细胞白血病U937细胞促分化作用,及其对经典诱导分化剂TPA诱导分化作用的影响,先建立U937细胞和HFCL细胞共培养体系,以细胞形态学改变、硝基四氦唑蓝(NBT)、流式细胞仪检测细胞周期和CD11b、CD13、CD14、CD33细胞表面抗原作为诱导分化指标;Western印迹检测P38蛋白的表达变化。结果发现,与HFCL细胞共培养后,U937细胞出现分化成熟的形态学改变,且与HFCL细胞直接接触组的诱导分化作用大于用transwell组。同时发现U937细胞与HFCL细胞共培养后,G1期细胞增高,S期细胞减少;CD11b、CD13、CD14和CD33表达增高;且NBT阳性细胞增高至46、3％。Western印迹检测结果显示,直接接触组总P38蛋白表达增加。而且HFCL细胞还能增强TPA对U937的诱导分化作用。     

利用噬菌体表面展示技术筛选转铁蛋白黏附肽的研究

为了筛选转铁蛋白黏附肽,应用噬菌体表面展示技术经过三轮生物淘选,成功地从随机七肽库中得到黏附转铁蛋白的重组噬菌体克隆,经过相对亲和力常数测定和DNA测序得到4个转铁蛋白黏附肽的序列。实验中以回收率和选择比为操作参数,对淘选进行了优化,并发展了一种基于噬菌体滴度的相对亲和力常数测定方法。转铁蛋白受体是一种有效的肿瘤标记物,利用转铁蛋白为载体可以实现药物靶向运输,因此转铁蛋白黏附肽将是重组蛋白质药物连接转铁蛋白的有用标签。     

Binding of Germanium to Pseudomonas putida Cells

The binding of germanium to Pseudomonas putida ATCC 33015 was investigated by using whole intact cells grown in a medium supplemented with GeO₂ and catechol or acetate. Electron-microscopic examination of the control and metal-loaded samples revealed that germanium was bound within the cell envelope. A certain number of small electron-dense deposits of the bound element were found in the cytoplasm when the cells were grown in the presence of GeO₂ and catechol. The study of germanium distribution in cellular fractions revealed that catechol facilitated the intracellular accumulation of this element.