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Biomedical subjects

B L Davidson

Publications and source records attributed to B L Davidson.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. The molecular defect in a patient with gout (HPRTAshville).

The genetic basis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency has been identified by nucleotide sequence analysis of HPRT cDNAs cloned from a patient with gout. A single nucleotide change was identified in two independent clones: an A to G transition at nucleotide 602. Confirmation of a mutation at this site was provided by RNase mapping analysis. The predicted consequence of this transition is an aspartic acid to glycine substitution at amino acid 201. We have designated this variant HPRTAshville. Prior to this report, enzyme activity in HPRTAshville had not been detected by routine assay. Using more sensitive techniques, including an in situ gel assay for HPRT activity, we were able to demonstrate electrophoretic, kinetic, and structural differences between HPRTAshville and normal HPRT. Electrophoretic migration of HPRTAshville has elevated Michaelis constants for 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and hypoxanthine. Predicted secondary structural alterations may result from the aspartic acid to glycine substitution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome due to a single nucleotide change in the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (HPRTYale).

We have cloned and sequenced a full length cDNA for HPRT cDNA for HPRTYale isolated from Lesch-Nyhan subject and identified a single nucleotide substitution which results in amino acid substitution of glycine to arginine. Since most HPRT mutants have normal levels of specific HPRT messenger RNA, mutant cDNA analysis is the method of choice to define the mutation in HPRT deficient subjects.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a single nucleotide change in the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (HPRTYale) responsible for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Complete deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) causes the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Previous characterization of a mutant form of HPRT, HPRTYale, from a subject with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome revealed normal mRNA and protein concentrations, no residual catalytic activity, and cathodal migration upon PAGE. We have cloned and sequenced HPRTYale cDNA. The nucleotide sequence of full-length HPRTYale cDNA revealed a single nucleotide substitution compared with normal HPRT cDNA: G----C at nucleotide position 211. This transversion predicts substitution of arginine for glycine at amino acid position 71, explaining the cathodal migration of HPRTYale. Chou-Fasman secondary structure analysis predicts a change in the probability of beta-turn formation in the region containing the mutation. Inclusion of the bulky arginine side chain in place of glycine probably disrupts protein folding as well. Cloning mutant forms of cDNA allows identification of specific mutations, provides insight into mutational mechanisms, and facilitates structure-function analysis of mutant proteins.

DNA↗

Molecular basis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency in ten subjects determined by direct sequencing of amplified transcripts.

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency is an inborn error of purine metabolism. Mutant HPRT gene sequences from patients deficient in enzyme activity have previously been characterized by cDNA cloning or amino acid sequencing techniques. The presence of HPRT-specific mRNA in nearly all deficient subjects, as well as the small size of the HPRT mRNA (1,400 bp), make the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) an alternative for the identification of mutations at this locus. In this report we use the PCR to identify previously undetermined mutations in HPRT mRNA from B lymphoblasts derived from 10 deficient individuals. Six of these variants contain single point mutations, three contain deletions, and one contains a single nucleotide insertion. Several of these mutations map near previously identified HPRT variants, and are located in evolutionarily conserved regions of the molecule.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase: a single nucleotide substitution in cDNA clones isolated from a patient with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (HPRTMidland).

We have determined the molecular basis for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency in a patient, J.H., with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Radioimmunoassay of lysates of erythrocytes or cultured B-lymphoblasts showed that this patient had no detectable HPRT enzyme activity or HPRT protein. HPRT-specific mRNA levels were normal by Northern analysis. We created a cDNA library from mRNA isolated from cultured lymphoblasts derived from this patient. Nucleotide sequencing of full-length HPRT cDNA clones revealed a single nucleotide (nt) substitution: a T-to-A transversion at nt 389. We have designated this variant HPRTMidland. The predicted amino acid (aa) substitution in HPRTMidland is a valine to aspartic acid at aa 130. This substitution is within 2 aa of the amino acid substitution in a previously defined HPRT variant, HPRTAnn Arbor. Both mutations are within a highly conserved sequence in the putative 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate-binding domain. The amino acid substitution in HPRTMidland causes a significant perturbation in the predicted secondary structure of this region. The HPRTMidland mutation affects a different domain of HPRT than the HPRTFlint mutation located at 167 nt away.

Adenine↗

Genetic basis of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency in a patient with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (HPRTFlint).

The molecular basis for complete hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency has been determined in a patient with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. A B-lymphoblastoid cell line derived from this patient expresses normal amounts of HPRT mRNA yet no detectable immunoreactive protein as determined by radioimmunoassay. These findings suggest either a decreased rate of translation or accelerated degradation due to enhanced proteolytic susceptibility. cDNAs synthesized from this patient's RNA have a single nucleotide (nt) substitution, a C----A transversion at nt 222. RNase A cleavage analysis confirms the presence of a mutation at this position within mRNA isolated from lymphoblasts from patient A.C. This transversion predicts a phenylalanine to leucine replacement at amino acid position 73 in the translated protein. We have designated this mutant HPRTFlint. The mutation in HPRTFlint disrupts a strongly conserved region among PRTases from Escherichia coli, rodents and man, suggesting an important role for this region for the normal function of HPRT. Since it is unlikely that this amino acid substitution alters the translational rate, we hypothesize that disruption of the secondary structure within this region renders HPRTFlint more susceptible to proteolysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a single nucleotide change in a mutant gene for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT Ann Arbor).

HPRT Ann Arbor is a variant of hypoxanthine (guanine) phosphoribosyl-transferase (HPRT: EC 2.4.2.8), which was identified in wo brothers with hyperuricemia and nephrolithiasis. In previous studies, this mutant enzyme was characterized by an increased Km for both substrates, a normal Vmax, a decreased intracellular concentration of enzyme protein, a normal subunit molecular weight and an acidic isoelectric point under native isoelectric focusing conditions. We have cloned a full-length cDNA for HPRT Ann Arbor and determined its complete nucleotide sequence. A single nucleotide change (T----G) at nucleotide position 396 has been identified. This transversion predicts an amino acid substitution from isoleucine (ATT) to methionine (ATG) in codon 132, which is located within the putative 5'-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP)-binding site of HPRT.

Base Sequence↗

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. Genetic evidence for identical mutations in two partially deficient subjects.

In past reports of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency a marked degree of molecular heterogeneity has been noted. We have previously described two apparently unrelated subjects with partial HPRT deficiency, G.S. and D.B., who have a mutant form of HPRT with remarkably similar alterations in physical and kinetic properties. The mutation in G.S. is a serine to leucine substitution at amino acid 110 as determined by amino acid sequence analysis. This mutant enzyme has been designated HPRTLondon. We have examined HPRT cDNA from D.B. using two different methods to determine if the similar properties of mutant HPRT from these two subjects are the result of a common mutation. HPRT cDNA clones were obtained by routine cloning techniques and by polymerase chain reaction amplification of single-stranded cDNA reverse transcribed from mRNA derived from subject D.B. Dideoxynucleotide sequencing revealed a single mutation, a C to T transition at bp 329 in clones generated by both methods. This mutation in D.B. predicts the identical amino acid substitution described in HPRTLondon. A C to T nucleotide transition at 329 in D.B. creates an Hpa I site in exon 4 of the HPRT gene. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA isolated from lymphoblasts derived from G.S. and D.B. revealed that both have this additional Hpa I site, indicating that the similarly altered protein sequence is due to the identical transition in the HPRT gene.

Base Sequence↗

A molecular survey of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency in man.

We characterized 24 unrelated patients with a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) in an attempt to better understand the nature and spectrum of mutations that underlie this prototype-inherited disease. Lymphoblast cell lines derived from each patient were analyzed at multiple molecular levels including the structure and function of the residual HPRT enzyme, messenger RNA (mRNA), and gene. Our studies demonstrate the following: (a) at least 16 of the 24 patients represent unique and independent mutations at the HPRT structural gene; (b) the majority of cell lines have normal quantities of mRNA but undetectable quantities of enzyme; (c) 33% of patients retain significant quantities of structurally altered, functionally abnormal, HPRT enzyme variants; and (d) a minority of patients are void of both enzyme and mRNA, possibly representing examples of aberrations in gene expression. Our studies provide direct evidence for marked genetic heterogeneity in this disorder and illustrate the kinds of mutations and mutational consequences that underlie inherited disease in humans.

Cell Line↗

The "lung shift" in treated schistosomiasis. Bronchoalveolar lavage evidence of eosinophilic pneumonia.

There is conflicting and incomplete information in the literature on the pulmonary reaction which can occur following treatment of schistosomiasis. We examined the pulmonary function, bronchoalveolar lavage profile, and lung histopathology of a patient with pneumonia and peripheral eosinophilia following oxaminquine chemotherapy for intestinal Schistosoma mansoni infection. Spirometry revealed restrictive rather than obstructive impairment, and lavage showed eosinophil prominence which was also seen in the interstitial and alveolar-filling process in transbronchial biopsies.

Adult↗

Genetic expression in partial adenosine deaminase deficiency. mRNA levels and protein turnover for the enzyme variants in human B-lymphoblast cell lines.

A severe genetic deficiency of adenosine deaminase is causally associated with an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency disease, while subjects with absent erythrocyte but partial lymphocyte enzyme activity remain immunocompetent. The genetic expression of adenosine deaminase in B-lymphoblast cell lines derived from four unrelated subjects with the "partial" enzyme deficiency was examined. Enzymatic activity among these cell lines ranged from 5 to 50% of normal with the level of immunoreactive adenosine deaminase protein either proportional to enzyme activity or elevated in two of the cases. Northern blot analysis using a cDNA probe showed that adenosine deaminase mRNA in each of these cell lines was of normal expected size (1.6-1.8 kilobases) and was present in normal to above normal amounts. Rates of enzyme synthesis varied from 165 to 15% of normal. Adenosine deaminase protein degradation rates in these cell lines were 1.5 to almost 3 times faster than normal, consistent with the observed absence of the enzyme in erythrocytes. From these analyses apparent abnormalities in mRNA regulation, translation, and protein degradation can be identified among the partially adenosine deaminase-deficient cell lines studied. Ultimately, it will be essential to determine the nature of the protein mutation and the gene defect to define the structural alterations and functional abnormalities of enzyme variants isolated from subjects with partial adenosine deaminase deficiency.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Differentiation and activation phenotypes of lung T lymphocytes differ from those of circulating T lymphocytes.

We used dual laser two-color flow cytometry to compare the expression of surface markers associated with activation and with differentiation in lung and peripheral blood T lymphocytes from normal subjects. T cell subsets, defined based on their reactivity with monoclonal antibodies (MAb) OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8, were analyzed for expression of activation antigens as detected by MAbs to the interleukin-2 receptor, the transferrin receptor, and HLA-DR determinants. Whereas circulating T lymphocytes expressed the three activation antigens at low levels, and the total of T4+ and T8+ cells always approximated the number of T3+ cells, lung T lymphocytes of the T3+, T4+, and T8+ populations expressed the activation antigens at variable levels in combinations not seen in circulating lymphocytes, and the sum of T4+ and T8+ cells always exceeded the T3+ total. A proportion of T4+T8+ cells was detected in lung lymphocytes.

Adult↗

Adenosine deaminase deficiency with normal immune function. An acidic enzyme mutation.

In most instances, marked deficiency of the purine catabolic enzyme adenosine deaminase results in lymphopenia and severe combined immunodeficiency disease. Over a 2-yr period, we studied a white male child with markedly deficient erythrocyte and lymphocyte adenosine deaminase activity and normal immune function. We have documented that (a) adenosine deaminase activity and immunoreactive protein are undetectable in erythrocytes, 0.9% of normal in lymphocytes, 4% in cultured lymphoblasts, and 14% in skin fibroblasts; (b) plasma adenosine and deoxyadenosine levels are undetectable and deoxy ATP levels are only slightly elevated in lymphocytes and in erythrocytes; (c) no defect in deoxyadenosine metabolism is present in the proband's cultured lymphoblasts; (d) lymphoblast adenosine deaminase has normal enzyme kinetics, absolute specific activity, S20,w, pH optimum, and heat stability; and (e) the proband's adenosine deaminase exhibits a normal apparent subunit molecular weight but an abnormal isoelectric pH. In contrast to the three other adenosine deaminase-deficient healthy subjects who have been described, the proband is unique in demonstrating an acidic, heat-stable protein mutation of the enzyme that is associated with less than 1% lymphocyte adenosine deaminase activity. Residual adenosine deaminase activity in tissues other than lymphocytes may suffice to metabolize the otherwise lymphotoxic enzyme substrate(s) and account for the preservation of normal immune function.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Cimetidine-associated exacerbation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had new LE skin lesions develop following the initiation of cimetidine, a drug that is known to influence a variety of cellular functions. The temporal relationship between the onset of cutaneous LE with the ingestion of cimetidine is reported to alert others to the possibility that this H2 receptor antagonist may exacerbate cutaneous disease activity in patients with LE.

Cimetidine↗

Keratinocyte growth factor induced epithelial proliferation facilitates retroviral-mediated gene transfer to distal lung epithelia in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Cell proliferation, vector titer and accessibility of target cells represent hurdles for efficient gene transfer to lung epithelia in vivo using recombinant murine leukemia (MuLV)-based retroviruses. We tested the hypothesis that the pulmonary epithelium is susceptible to retroviral-mediated gene transfer when stimulated to proliferate by a mitogen, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). METHODS: Rats received keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, 2.5 micrograms/g x 4 doses, two consecutive days) intratracheally followed by high titer amphotropic retrovirus expressing beta-galactosidase. Gene transfer was assessed five days later. RESULTS: KGF stimulated transient proliferation in the bronchiolar and alveolar epithelia (30-40% PCNA positive cells at peak) which decreased to background levels seven days after administration. Gene transfer to epithelia (X-Gal positive cells) occurred more frequently in KGF treated rats, but proliferation exceeded the level of gene transfer. X-gal positive cells were noted in the alveolar epithelium and occasionally in the bronchiolar epithelium. In order to understand the discrepancy between the number of proliferating and transduced cells, primary rat tracheal epithelium cultured at the air-liquid interface was infected from either the apical or basolateral side. Gene transfer was achieved only through basolateral application of vector, suggesting that epithelial polarity represents a barrier to MuLV-based lung gene transfer in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: KGF transiently stimulates epithelial proliferation in vivo, facilitating MuLV-based gene transfer. Retroviral vectors may encounter multiple barriers which have evolved to defend the lung from infections.

Animals↗