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Biomedical subjects

B L Hogan

Publications and source records attributed to B L Hogan.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Determination of intracellular species at the level of a single erythrocyte via capillary electrophoresis with direct and indirect fluorescence detection.

Intracellular contents reflect the specific history of a cell including innate physiological heterogeneity as well as differing levels of exposure to environmental influences. A method capable of analyzing a variety of species from within a single human erythrocyte is demonstrated. Guided by a microscope, individual cells can be drawn into open capillaries of 10-microns i.d. On contact with a low ionic strength buffer solution, the cell lyses and releases its intracellular fluid. The ionic components are then separated by capillary electrophoresis. For glutathione, microderivatization with a fluorescent reagent can be accomplished in vitro with monobromobimane. The effects of extracellular oxidizing and reducing agents on the glutathione levels can thus be followed. For sodium and potassium, or any other ionic species, charge displacement of a fluorescent cation results in indirect fluorescence detection. The two detection modes are suitable for intracellular components present at low-attomole and sub-femtomole levels, respectively.

Electrophoresis↗

Evidence that Hensen's node is a site of retinoic acid synthesis.

Hensen's node of amniotes, like the Spemann organizer of amphibians, can induce a second body axis when grafted into a host embryo. The avian node, as well as several midline structures originating from it (notochord, floor plate), can also induce digit pattern duplications when grafted into the chick wing bud. We report here that the equivalent of Hensen's node from mouse is an effective inducer of digits in the chick wing bud. Tissues anterior and posterior to the node also evoke pattern duplications, but with a significantly lower efficiency. The finding that the murine node operates in an avian wing bud suggests that the same inducing agent(s) function in both primary and secondary embryonic fields and have been conserved during vertebrate evolution. Digit pattern duplications are also evoked by local administration of all-trans-retinoic acid. This similarity raises the possibility that Hensen's node is a source of retinoic acid. The mouse node is capable of synthesizing retinoic acid from its biosynthetic precursor all-trans-retinol at a substantially higher rate than either anterior or posterior tissues.

Animals↗

Derivation of pluripotential embryonic stem cells from murine primordial germ cells in culture.

Steel factor (SF) and LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) synergistically promote the proliferation and survival of mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs), but only for a limited time period in culture. We show here that addition of bFGF to cultures in the presence of membrane-associated SF and LIF enhances the growth of PGCs and allows their continued proliferation beyond the time when they normally stop dividing in vivo. They form colonies of densely packed, alkaline phosphatase-positive, SSEA-1-positive cells resembling undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells in morphology. These cultures can be maintained on feeder layers for at least 20 passages, and under appropriate conditions give rise to embryoid bodies and to multiple differentiated cell phenotypes in monolayer culture and in tumors in nude mice. PGC-derived ES cells can also contribute to chimeras when injected into host blastocysts. The long-term culture of PGCs and their reprogramming to pluripotential ES cells has important implications for germ cell biology and the induction of teratocarcinomas.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The TGF-beta-related DVR gene family in mammalian development.

The genes that encode the bone morphogenetic proteins and the Vg-related proteins are mammalian members of a group of TGF-beta-related genes, designated the DVR family, that includes the decapentaplegic gene of Drosophila and the Vg1 gene of Xenopus. Members of the DVR (decapentaplegic-Vg-related) family have been implicated in diverse processes during development, particularly in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. The results of our in situ hybridization studies with postimplantation mouse embryos provide evidence for the involvement of DVR family members, particularly DVR-2, DVR-4 and DVR-6, in specific inductive interactions during the development of many organs, including the limb, the whisker follicle and the heart.

Animals↗

Expression and modification of Hox 2.1 protein in mouse embryos.

A polyclonal antibody, alpha Hox 2.1a, has been generated and used to immunolocalize Hox 2.1 protein in mouse embryos. Protein is present in nuclei of all tissues previously shown to express Hox 2.1 RNA. In addition, protein is seen in somites and proximal regions of the limb buds, tissues in which Hox 2.1 RNA expression was not clearly detected previously by in situ hybridization. At the 7 somite stage, protein is detectable in the neural tube up to the level of somite 1, but later retracts to a more posterior position. Immunoblot, in vitro translation, and immunoprecipitation experiments were carried out to characterize the Hox 2.1 protein. The results show that the Hox 2.1 gene produces at least two related phosphorylated proteins present in different proportions in different tissues.

Animals↗

Isolation of Vgr-2, a novel member of the transforming growth factor-beta-related gene family.

A cDNA clone, Vgr-2, with homology to certain members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily has been isolated from a mouse embryo cDNA library. The encoded protein shows significant similarity to members of the Vg-1/decapentaplegic/bone morphogenetic protein subgroup of the transforming growth factor-beta family. Within this group, Vgr-2 is more similar to Xenopus Vg-1 than to any other member so far isolated. The gene is expressed at highest levels during midgestation mouse development, and transcripts are localized by in situ hybridization to the osteogenic zone of developing bone. Vgr-2 is expressed in F9 teratocarcinoma cells, and its RNA levels are down-regulated within 24 h after differentiation with retinoic acid. The genomic organization of Vgr-2 and its location on mouse chromosome 6 are reported.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DVR-4 (bone morphogenetic protein-4) as a posterior-ventralizing factor in Xenopus mesoderm induction.

Establishment of mesodermal tissues in the amphibian body involves a series of inductive interactions probably elicited by a variety of peptide growth factors. Results reported here suggest that mesodermal patterning involves an array of signalling molecules including DVR-4, a TGF-beta-like molecule. We show that ectopic expression of DVR-4 causes embryos to develop with an overall posterior and/or ventral character, and that DVR-4 induces ventral types of mesoderm in animal cap explants. Moreover, DVR-4 overrides the dorsalizing effects of activin. DVR-4 is therefore the first molecule reported both to induce posteroventral mesoderm and to counteract dorsalizing signals such as activin. Possible interactions between these molecules resulting in establishment of the embryonic body plan are discussed.

Activins↗

Distinctive patterns of hyperplasia in transgenic mice with mouse mammary tumor virus transforming growth factor-alpha. Characterization of mammary gland and skin proliferations.

Eight lines of transgenic mice expressing a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) fusion gene were established. Three lines with distinctive phenotypes are presented. All have proliferative changes of the mammary gland. One line has sebaceous gland hyperplasia of the skin. Five histologic patterns of mammary gland hyperplasia based on two of these lines were identified: cystic hyperplasia, solid hyperplasia, dysplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma. Human TGF alpha mRNA and protein were produced in all patterns but appeared reduced in solid hyperplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. TGF alpha immunoreactivity in the mammary tissue, cystic fluid, and serum did not show significant differences; hyperplasia developed in 65% of multiparous mice and 45% of virgin mice by 12 months of age. Adenocarcinoma developed in 40% of multiparous mice and 30% of virgin mice by 16 months of age. These transgenic lines may provide useful models of mammary and sebaceous gland hyperplasia analogous to human disease.

Animals↗

Expression of TIMP in fetal and adult mouse tissues studied by in situ hybridization.

We have studied the expression of TIMP mRNA during mouse embryogenesis and in adult tissues using ribonuclease protection assays and in situ hybridization. Low levels of transcripts were found in many tissues, including embryonic kidney, amnion, lung and maternal deciduum and in these cases expression was not restricted to a phenotypically distinct sub-population of cells. In situ hybridization revealed high levels of TIMP transcripts in the corpus luteum of the adult ovary. Also, we observed significant expression in areas of membrane and endochondral bone formation in the embryo, commencing at about 15.5 d p.c. and increasing until birth. The pattern of TIMP expression in developing bone overlaps significantly with the localization of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) implying a role for this factor in the control of TIMP production in vivo.

Animals↗

The isolation and characterization of a novel cDNA demonstrating an altered mRNA level in nontumorigenic Wilms' microcell hybrid cells.

Wilms' tumor, a pediatric nephroblastoma, has been associated with genetic alterations of the 11p13 and 11p15 regions. The introduction of a der(11) chromosome into the G401 Wilms' tumor cell line has been shown previously to revert the tumorigenic phenotype. A subtractive cDNA/RNA hybridization performed between the tumorigenic parent (G401) and a nontumorigenic microcell hybrid of G401 (110.1/G401.1) containing the der(11) chromosome resulted in the identification of a single novel cDNA clone, designated QM. The cDNA is 745 nucleotides in length and encodes a predicted hydrophilic 25 kd basic protein, primarily consisting of alpha helices. The QM transcript is expressed in a wide variety of embryonic and adult tissues and demonstrates a down regulation of expression in adult kidney and heart. QM is also a member of a multigene family members of which map to chromosomes 6 and 14. The QM mRNA level is modulated between the tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cell lines and therefore may be involved in the maintenance of the nontumorigenic phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of Steel factor and leukaemia inhibitory factor on murine primordial germ cells in culture.

Despite the importance of germ cells to the survival of species, surprisingly little is known about their embryological origin, proliferation, migration and entry into mitotic arrest or meiosis. Mutations in the murine Dominant White Spotting (W) and Steel genes, which respectively encode the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor and the c-kit ligand (or Steel factor), impair the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vivo, as well as haematopoietic stem cells and neural crest-derived melanoblasts. Here we use a monoclonal antibody against c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor and recombinant Steel factor to study the c-kit receptor-ligand system in cultured PGCs. In addition, we show that leukaemia inhibitory factor (also known as differentiation inhibitory activity), a factor secreted by STO fibroblasts, can stimulate proliferation of primordial germ cells in vitro.

Animals↗

Involvement of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP-4) and Vgr-1 in morphogenesis and neurogenesis in the mouse.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP-4) and Vgr-1 are members of the TGF-beta gene family most closely related to the Drosophila Decapentaplegic and Xenopus Vg-1 genes. Members of this gene family have been implicated in diverse processes during embryogenesis including epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Here, we use in situ hybridization to localize BMP-4 and Vgr-1 transcripts during murine development. BMP-4 mRNA is found in a variety of tissues. In the 8.5 days p.c. embryo, transcripts are localized to the mesoderm posterior to the last somite. Later gestation embryos show expression in developing limbs, the embryonic heart, the facial processes and condensed mesenchymal cells associated with early whisker follicle formation. In the developing central nervous system (CNS), BMP-4 expression is restricted to the floor of the diencephalon associated with pituitary development. In contrast, Vgr-1 transcripts are found along the anteroposterior axis of the CNS, in cells immediately adjacent to the floor plate and in the roof plate extending to the forebrain. Together, the data support the hypothesis that polypeptide growth factors of the TGF-beta superfamily play key roles in the initial stages of neurogenesis and organogenesis during murine development.

Animals↗

Embryonic expression of a haematopoietic growth factor encoded by the Sl locus and the ligand for c-kit.

Mice carrying mutations at the W (Dominant white spotting) and Sl (Steel) loci develop abnormalities in three independent systems: neural crest-derived melanocytes, primordial germ cells and haematopoietic stem cells. Consequently, homozygotes of viable mutant alleles have white coats and are sterile and severely anaemic. Tissue recombination studies predict that the W gene is expressed cell autonomously, whereas the product of the Sl locus affects the microenvironment in which the stem cells migrate, proliferate and differentiate. The W locus encodes the protoncogene c-kit, a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family. The haematopoietic growth factor SCF (stem cell factor) has been identified as the product of the Sl locus and a ligand for c-kit. Here, we report that SCF is expressed during embryogenesis in cells associated with both the migratory pathways and homing sites of melanoblasts, germ cells and haematopoietic stem cells. Both SCF and c-kit are also expressed in a variety of other tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, suggesting that the receptor-ligand system has additional roles in embryogenesis.

Animals↗

Development of mammary hyperplasia and neoplasia in MMTV-TGF alpha transgenic mice.

To study the role of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) in normal mammary development and mammary neoplasia in vivo, we have generated transgenic mice in which a human TGF alpha cDNA is expressed under the control of the MMTV enhancer/promoter. Overexpression of TGF alpha in the mammary epithelium, as confirmed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, is associated with hyperplasia of alveoli and terminal ducts in virgin female and pregnant transgenic mice. A range of morphologic abnormalities including lobular hyperplasia, cystic hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma is seen in mammary tissue of transgenic females. In contrast, no morphologic abnormalities are seen in transgenic males in spite of TGF alpha overexpression in salivary glands and reproductive organs. TGF alpha can therefore act as an oncogene in vivo and appears to predispose mammary epithelium to neoplasia and carcinoma.

Animals↗

Differential expression of genes encoding TGFs beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 during murine palate formation.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been shown to have multiple effects on primary cultures of palate-derived cell types. We report the analysis, by in situ hybridization, of RNA expression for three different TGF beta isoforms (TGF beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3) during murine embryonic palate development. Differential expression of the three TGF beta genes is seen in the palatal shelves in mesenchymal and epithelial cells known to be involved in the morphogenesis of this organ. Taken together, these results suggest that the TGF beta s act as endogenous factors involved in the formation of the mammalian palate.

Animals↗