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Biomedical subjects

B L Hogan

Publications and source records attributed to B L Hogan.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of a new mouse insertional mutation that causes a defect in the distal vertebrae of the spine.

We have identified and characterized the phenotype of a new insertional mutation in one line of transgenic mice. Mice carrying this mutation, which we have designated TgN(Imusd)370Rpw, display undulations of the vertebrae giving rise to a novel kinky-tail phenotype. Molecular characterization of the insertion site indicates that the transgene integration has occurred without any substantial alterations in the structure of the host sequences. Using probes that flank the insertion site, we have mapped the mutation to chromosome 5 near the semidominant mutation, thick tail (Tht). Thick tail does not complement the TgN(Imusd)370Rpw mutation; compound mutants containing one copy of each mutation display a more severe phenotype than either mutation individually.

Actins↗

Nodal-related signals induce axial mesoderm and dorsalize mesoderm during gastrulation.

Mouse embryos homozygous for a null mutation in nodal arrest development at early gastrulation and contain little or no embryonic mesoderm. Here, two Xenopus nodal-related genes (Xnr-1 and Xnr-2) are identified and shown to be expressed transiently during embryogenesis, first within the vegetal region of late blastulae and later in the marginal zone during gastrulation, with enrichment in the dorsal lip. Xnrs and mouse nodal function as dose-dependent dorsoanterior and ventral mesoderm inducers in whole embryos and explanted animal caps. Using a plasmid vector to produce Xnr proteins during gastrulation, we show that, in contrast to activin and other TGF beta-like molecules, Xnr-1 and Xnr-2 can dorsalize ventral marginal zone explants and induce muscle differentiation. Xnr signalling also rescues a complete embryonic axis in UV-ventralized embryos. The patterns of Xnr expression, the activities of the proteins and the phenotype of mouse nodal mutants, all argue strongly that a signaling pathway involving nodal, or nodal-related peptides, is an essential conserved element in mesoderm differentiation associated with vertebrate gastrulation and axial patterning.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Developmental signalling. Sorting out the signals.

New insights into the developmental roles played by the TGF-beta family of signalling molecules come from the identification in Drosophila of two transmembrane receptors encoded by the thick veins and saxophone genes.

Animals↗

Acceleration of mammary neoplasia in transforming growth factor alpha transgenic mice by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene.

A mouse mammary tumor virus enhancer/promoter-transforming growth factor alpha transgenic mouse model has been described in which mammary tumors develop (Y. Matsui et al., Cell, 61: 1147-1155, 1990). In Line 29, spontaneous mammary tumors do not develop before 300 days of age in virgin females. Herein, Line 29 virgin females and their nontransgenic littermates have been treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) at varying dosages and times. Orogastric instillation of a single dose of DMBA (0.5 mg) dramatically accelerates mammary tumor formation when administered to 21- and 56-day-old virgin transgenic females compared to their nontransgenic littermates. The latency period for tumor formation is significantly shorter in transgenic mice treated with DMBA at 56 days compared to transgenic mice treated with DMBA at 21 days when results are analyzed by time from DMBA administration. To determine whether differences in the proliferative state of the mammary gland may contribute to these findings, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was examined in the mammary glands of untreated 21- and 56-day-old mice. No differences in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation were detected between 21-day-old transgenic and nontransgenic mice. However, there was a marked increase in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in the epithelial cells comprising the smaller ducts of 56-day-old transgenic mice compared to their nontransgenic littermates. These data indicate an enhancing interaction between a growth factor and a genotoxic carcinogen in mammary tumorigenesis and provide evidence that the transforming growth factor alpha transgene acts as a tumor promoter in this experimental model.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

On-line coupling of in vivo microdialysis sampling with capillary electrophoresis.

Microdialysis sampling has become an important means of continuously monitoring reactions in vivo. This sampling technique places a constraint on the analysis method because of the very small sample volume provided. On the other hand, microdialysis provides the advantage of clean samples that do not require cleanup prior to analysis. An on-line coupling of microdialysis sampling to capillary electrophoretic (CE) analysis is described that uses the advantages of microcolumn separations to overcome the small volume limitation. An interface was designed which converts the continuous microdialysis sample stream into discrete 60-nL sample plugs and then injects a portion of this plug into the CE system. The on-line interface provided precision of 2.6% with minimal band broadening or peak height loss relative to off-line sampling. Using a high-speed micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) separation, resolution of the investigational antineoplastic SR 4233 from its main metabolite SR 4317 was achieved in less than 60 s. This allowed the on-line system to achieve a 90-s temporal resolution for determining the pharmacokinetics of SR 4233 in vivo.

Animals↗

HNF-3 beta as a regulator of floor plate development.

The transcription factor gene HNF-3 beta is expressed in the ventral midline of the mouse embryonic neural tube, including the floor plate, a structure important for dorsoventral patterning and axonal guidance. To assess HNF-3 beta function, the gene has been ectopically expressed in the midbrain/hindbrain of transgenic embryos using an En-2 promoter/enhancer. By 18.5 days postcoitum, transgenic brains show a range of abnormalities, including absent inferior colliculus and reduced cerebellum. Earlier, several genes normally expressed in the floor plate (BMP-1, Steel factor, and HNF-3 alpha) are induced within the same ectopic dorsal domain as HNF-3 beta, and autoactivation of the endogenous HNF-3 beta is observed. Conversely, expression of the dorsal gene Pax-3 is suppressed. Ectopic dorsal neuronal differentiation and abnormal dorsal axonal projections are also seen. These results suggest that HNF-3 beta is an important regulator of floor plate development in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Embryonic germ cell lines and their derivation from mouse primordial germ cells.

When primordial germ cells of the mouse are cultured on feeder layers with the addition of the polypeptide signalling molecules leukaemia inhibitory factor, Steel factor and basic fibroblast growth factor they give rise to cells that resemble undifferentiated blastocyst-derived embryonic stem cells. These primordial germ cell-derived embryonic germ cells (EG cells) can be induced to differentiate extensively in culture and also form teratocarcinomas when injected into nude mice. Additionally, they contribute to chimeras when injected into host blastocysts. We have derived multiple EG cell lines from 8.5 days post coitum (dpc) embryos of C57BL/6 inbred mice. Four independent EG cell lines with normal male karyotypes have formed chimeras (up to 70% coat colour chimerism) when injected into BALB/c host blastocysts. Chimeric mice from all four cell lines are fertile, but only those from one line have transmitted coat colour markers through the germline. Studies have also been carried out to determine whether gonadal primordial germ cells can give rise to pluripotent EG cells. Germ cells from gonads of 15.5 dpc C57BL/6 embryos and newborn mice failed to produce EG cell lines. EG cell lines capable of forming teratocarcinomas and coat colour chimeras have been established from primordial germ cells of 12.5 dpc genital ridges. We are currently testing the genomic imprinting status of the insulin-like growth factor type 2 receptor gene (Igf2r) in our different EG cell lines.

Animals↗

Embryonic expression of Lim-1, the mouse homolog of Xenopus Xlim-1, suggests a role in lateral mesoderm differentiation and neurogenesis.

cDNAs encoded by the mouse homolog (Lim-1) of the Xenopus LIM-class homeobox gene Xlim-1 have been isolated from an 8.5-day mouse embryo cDNA library. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences show a high degree of identity with Xlim-1 in the LIM and homeodomains, and 85% identity over the whole protein. An interspecific back-cross has been used to show close linkage of Lim-1 to the endogenous proviral marker Mpmv-4 on mouse chromosome 11. Whole mount in situ hybridization studies have been carried out on mouse embryos between 6.5 and 10.5 days. In mid- to late-streak stage embryos, Lim-1 is expressed in a restricted region of mesoderm in the primitive streak, with the highest level of signal at the anterior. At 7.5 days, transcripts can be seen in a horseshoe-shaped pattern in the periphery of the node, as well as along both sides of the immediately adjacent notochord. In addition, transcripts are present in presumptive lateral and intermediate mesoderm. Later, expression becomes progressively restricted to intermediate mesoderm, the nephrogenic cords, and eventually mesonephric ducts and tubules. By 10.5 days Lim-1 transcripts also appear in restricted regions of the central nervous system (CNS) that are associated with sensory function. The lateral diencephalon, hindbrain, and presumed commissural neurons in the dorsal spinal cord all show Lim-1 expression. In the adult, Lim-1 is expressed in the cerebellum/medulla and kidney, and at very low levels in the cerebrum. These data suggest that in the mouse embryo Lim-1 plays a role in early mesoderm formation and later specification of a differentiated phenotype in subsets of cells of the mesonephros and sensory neurons of the CNS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Embryonic expression of mouse bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1), which is related to the Drosophila dorsoventral gene tolloid and encodes a putative astacin metalloendopeptidase.

cDNAs encoding a mouse gene closely related to human bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1) have been isolated from an 8.5-day p.c. embryo cDNA library. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence shows that the protein contains a putative zinc-binding astacin metalloendopeptidase domain, five Clr/s domains, and two potential Ca(2+)-binding EGF-like repeats. In overall domain organization it more closely resembles the Drosophila tolloid gene product than human BMP-1. By RNase protection, transcripts can be detected in the embryo at 6.5 days p.c. and persist at least until 16.5 days p.c. By in situ hybridization, transcripts are seen at high levels in the maternal deciduum and in the late-gastrulation stage embryo at low levels throughout the mesoderm. This low level of mesodermal expression continues through development but somewhat higher levels are seen in developing membranous and endochondral bone, in the submucosa of the intestine, the dermis of the skin, and the mesenchyme of the spleen and lung. High levels of BMP-1 transcripts are also seen from 9.5 days p.c. in the floorplate region of the developing neural tube. Potential therefore exists for the interaction of BMP-1 protein with products of TGF-beta-related genes expressed during embryogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

TGF-beta related genes in development.

Embryonic induction is the process by which signals from one cell population change the developmental fate of another. Polypeptides related to growth factors are one group of molecules mediating many inductive events. Recent data on the embryonic expression and function of signaling proteins related to transforming growth factor beta, in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems, have shown that these molecules play important roles in both pattern formation and tissue specification during embryogenesis.

3T3 Cells↗

Mouse embryonic germ (EG) cell lines: transmission through the germline and differences in the methylation imprint of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (Igf2r) gene compared with embryonic stem (ES) cell lines.

Primordial germ cells of the mouse cultured on feeder layers with leukemia inhibitory factor, Steel factor and basic fibroblast growth factor give rise to cells that resemble undifferentiated blastocyst-derived embryonic stem cells. These primordial germ cell-derived embryonic germ cells can be induced to differentiate extensively in culture, form teratocarcinomas when injected into nude mice and contribute to chimeras when injected into host blastocysts. Here, we report the derivation of multiple embryonic germ cell lines from 8.5 days post coitum embryos of C57BL/6 inbred mice. Four independent embryonic germ cell lines with normal male karyotypes have formed chimeras when injected into BALB/c host blastocysts and two of these lines have transmitted coat color markers through the germline. We also show that pluripotent cell lines capable of forming teratocarcinomas and coat color chimeras can be established from primordial germ cells of 8.0 days p.c. embryos and 12.5 days p.c. genital ridges. We have examined the methylation status of the putative imprinting box of the insulin-like growth factor type 2 receptor gene (Igf2r) in these embryonic germ cell lines. No correlation was found between methylation pattern and germline competence. A significant difference was observed between embryonic stem cell and embryonic germ cell lines in their ability to maintain the methylation imprint of the Igf2r gene in culture. This may illustrate a fundamental difference between these two cell types.

Animals↗

Growth factors in development: the role of TGF-beta related polypeptide signalling molecules in embryogenesis.

Embryonic induction, the process by which signals from one cell population influence the fate of another, plays an essential role in the development of all organisms so far studied. In many cases, the signalling molecules belong to large families of highly conserved proteins, originally identified as mammalian growth factors. The largest known family is related to Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) and currently consists of at least 24 different members. Genetic studies in Drosophila on the TGF-beta related gene, decapentaplegic (dpp), reveal the existence of conserved mechanisms regulating both the expression of the protein during development and the way in which it interacts with other signalling molecules to generate pattern within embryonic tissues. Comparative studies on another TGF-beta related gene, known as Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP-4), in Xenopus and mouse point to a conserved role in specifying posteroventral mesoderm during gastrulation. Analysis of other polypeptide signalling molecules during gastrulation suggests that their interaction in the generation of the overall body plan has also been conserved during vertebrate evolution.

Animals↗

Nodal is a novel TGF-beta-like gene expressed in the mouse node during gastrulation.

During gastrulation, the three germ layers of the embryo are formed and organized along the anterior-posterior body axis. In the mouse, gastrulation involves the delamination of ectodermal cells through the primitive streak and their differentiation into mesoderm. These processes do not occur in embryos homozygous for a retrovirally induced recessive prenatal lethal mutation, the strain 413-d insertional mutation. Instead of giving rise to mesoderm, embryonic ectoderm in 413-d mutants overproliferates and then rapidly degenerates, although extraembryonic lineages remain viable. Here we isolate a candidate for the mutated gene which encodes a new member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Expression is first detected in primitive streak-stage embryos at about the time of mesoderm formation. It then becomes highly localized in the node at the anterior of the primitive streak. This region is analogous to chick Hensen's node and Xenopus dorsal lip (Spemann's organizer), which can induce secondary body axes when grafted into host embryos (reviewed in refs 5 and 6). Our findings suggest that this gene, named nodal, encodes a signalling molecule essential for mesoderm formation and subsequent organization of axial structures in early mouse development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biosynthesis and in vivo localization of the decapentaplegic-Vg-related protein, DVR-6 (bone morphogenetic protein-6).

DVR-6 (BMP-6 or Vgr-1) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of polypeptide signaling molecules. In situ hybridization studies have previously shown that DVR-6 RNA is expressed in a variety of cell types in the mouse embryo, but no information has been available on protein localization and biosynthesis. We have produced a polyclonal antibody to the proregion of DVR-6 and used it to localize the protein in whole mount and sectioned embryonic, newborn, and adult mouse tissues. DVR-6 protein is expressed in the mouse nervous system beginning at 9.5 days postcoitum (d.p.c.) and continues through adulthood. A variety of epithelial tissues also produce DVR-6 protein, including the suprabasal layer of the skin, bronchiolar epithelium, and the cornea. Additionally, a stably transfected cell line, BMGE+H/D6c4, is used to study the biosynthesis of DVR-6 protein and evidence is presented for translational regulation of DVR-6 expression.

Animals↗

Inhibition of mammary duct development but not alveolar outgrowth during pregnancy in transgenic mice expressing active TGF-beta 1.

The transforming growth factors beta (TGFs-beta) are potent inhibitors of cell proliferation and are usually secreted in a latent form. TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 are expressed in distinct but overlapping patterns in the developing mouse mammary gland. To study the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in normal mammary development and in mammary neoplasia, we have constructed three transgenic mouse lines that express a simian TGF-beta 1 s223/225 mutated to produce a constitutively active product under the control of the MMTV enhancer/promoter. Expression of the transgene, as confirmed by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Northern blot analysis, was associated with marked suppression of the normal pattern of mammary ductal tree development in female transgenics. Reduction in total ductal tree volume was observed at 7 weeks, soon after estrous begins, and was most apparent at 13 weeks, as ductal growth in the normal mammary gland declines. This effect was seen in all three lines. However, during pregnancy, alveolar outgrowths developed from the hypoplastic ductal tree, and lactation occurred, therefore, all transgenic females could feed full litters. Unlike many other transgenic mouse models in which expression of growth factors or oncogenes under control of the MMTV promoter leads to mammary epithelial hyperplasia and increased tumor formation, the MMTV-TGF-beta 1S223/225 transgene causes conditional hypoplasia of the mammary ductal tree and no spontaneous tumors have been detected in the MMTV-TGF-beta 1S223/225 transgenic animals.

Animals↗

Transgenic mice as a model to study the role of TGF-beta-related molecules in hair follicles.

There is increasing evidence that members of the TGF-beta superfamily are important regulators of epithelial growth and differentiation in vivo. Here, transgenic mice have been used to study the role of the TGF-beta-related growth factors BMP-2 and BMP-4 in hair and whisker development. In the mature hair follicle, BMP-2 transcripts are normally seen only in precortex cells at the base of the hair shaft. In the transgenic mice reported here, BMP-4, a closely related molecule, has been ectopically expressed in the outer root sheath of hair and whisker follicles using an expression vector based on the bovine cytokeratin IV* promoter. In response to transgene expression, both outer root sheath cells below the stem cell compartment and hair matrix cells around the dermal papilla cease proliferation. In addition, the expression pattern of cytokeratin markers is disturbed in some transgenic hair follicles. These results support a model in which members of the TGF-beta superfamily play an active role in the inhibiton of cell proliferation and the onset of expression of trichocyte-specific genes that take place when cells leave the matrix of the follicle and differentiate into shaft cells.

Animals↗

Differential expression of multiple fork head related genes during gastrulation and axial pattern formation in the mouse embryo.

Four genes encoding fork-head-domain-containing proteins (FD genes) have been isolated from a mouse 8.5 days post coitum (p.c.) embryo cDNA library. Two are mouse homologues of rat HNF-3 beta and HNF-3 alpha. The other two are novel and have been named MF-1 and MF-2 (for mesoderm/mesenchyme fork head). Wholemount in situ hybridization of embryos between 6.5 and 9.5 days p. c. shows that each gene has a unique expression pattern. HNF-3 beta is expressed in the node, notochord, floor plate and gut, while HNF-3 alpha is mainly in the definitive endoderm and gut, but also in the floor plate of the midbrain. These results suggest that HNF-3 beta and HNF-3 alpha, in addition to their known functions as transcriptional activators in adult liver, play a role in body axis formation, neural tube patterning and definitive endoderm formation during gastrulation. MF-1 RNA is present in non-notochordal mesoderm, and in neural-crest-derived head mesenchyme, while MF-2 transcripts are found in the sclerotomes of the somites and in head mesenchyme, including that from neural crest. Studies on gastrulation stage embryos suggest that the early temporal and spatial patterns of HNF-3 beta, MF-1 and HNF-3 alpha correlate with populations of cells undergoing commitment to different developmental fates. A model is proposed linking FD gene expression with gastrulation events in the mouse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗