Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C A Stein

Publications and source records attributed to C A Stein.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Binding of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides to basic fibroblast growth factor, recombinant soluble CD4, laminin and fibronectin is P-chirality independent.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides can selectively inhibit the expression of individual genes and thus have potential applications in anticancer and antiviral therapy. A critical prerequisite to their use as therapeutic agents is the understanding of their non-specific interactions with biological structures, e.g. proteins. In this study we examined the interactions of P-chiral phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides with several proteins. The Rp- and Sp- diastereomers, and racemic machine-made mixtures, or M-oligodeoxynucleotides were used independently as competitors of the binding of a probe, phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotide bearing a 5' alkylating moiety, to rsCD4, bFGF and laminin. These oligodeoxynucleotides were also used as competitors of the binding of a non-alkylating probe M-phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide, 5'-32P-SdT18 to fibronectin. The average values of and quantitative estimates for the IC50 of competition and the constant of competition (Kc) of Rp-, Sp- and M-stereoisomers of several homo- and heteropolymer oligodeoxynucleotides were determined and compared. Surprisingly, in the proteins we studied, the values of IC50 and Kc for the Rp-, Sp- and M-oligodeoxynucleotides were essentially identical. Thus, the ability of the phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides we employed, to bind to the proteins studied in this work, is virtually independent of P-chirality. Our results also imply that the role of the purine and pyrimidine bases in oligodeoxynucleotide-protein interactions, as well as the nature of the contact points (sulfur versus oxygen) between the oligomer and the protein, may be relatively unimportant.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

5'-Cholesteryl-phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides: potent inhibition of methotrexate transport and antagonism of methotrexate toxicity in cells containing the reduced-folate carrier.

Polyanionic 5'-cholesteryl-phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides of varying polymer length and nucleobase composition were examined for an effect on methotrexate transport via the reduced-folate carrier of L1210 mouse cells. Methotrexate transport was inhibited by each of the oligodeoxynucleotide analogs tested. Inhibition was most pronounced (IC50 = 0.21 microM, standard assay) for a 5'-cholesteryl heteropolymer consisting of 15 phosphorothioate deoxynucleotides with alternating deoxycytosine and deoxyadenosine (Chol-PS-d(CA)7C). Homopolymers with 15 deoxycytosine (Chol-PS-dC15) or deoxythymidine (Chol-PS-dT15) residues were approximately 2-fold less inhibitory than Chol-PS-d(CA)7C. The relative potency of transport inhibition by deoxycytosine oligomers of varying length was: Chol-PS-dC5 > Chol-PS-dC15 > Chol-PS-dC28 > Chol-PS-dC3. Substantial inhibition was retained in cells preincubated with inhibitors and washed prior to transport determinations and the inhibitor sensitivity could be increased substantially by reducing the concentration of cells. Mixed competitive and non-competitive inhibition was observed for each analog. In standard high-folate medium, Chol-PS-oligodeoxynucleotides (5.0 microM) had minimal effects on the growth of L1210 cells, but antagonized the cytotoxicity of methotrexate. The response to methotrexate (IC50 = 12 nM) decreased to the greatest extent (20.8-fold) in the presence of Chol-PS-d(CA)7C (IC50 = 250 nM). Under limiting folate conditions, Chol-PS-d(CA)7C alone inhibited cells growth by a process which could be reversed by folic acid. The results show that Chol-PS-oligodeoxynucleotides are among the most potent known inhibitors of the reduced-folate carrier. Direct growth inhibition of folate-deficient cells and antagonism of methotrexate cytotoxicity indicate that Chol-PS-oligodeoxynucleotides retain the ability to inhibit the reduced-folate carrier for several days in cultured cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

c-fos is a positive regulator of carcinogen enhancement of adenovirus transformation.

The early gene expression changes mediating carcinogen enhancement of viral transformation (CET) remain to be elucidated. A model cell culture system has been developed that is now permitting a molecular analysis of CET. Pretreatment of cloned rat embryo fibroblast (CREF) cells with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) prior to infection with the cold-sensitive host-range type 5 adenovirus mutant, H5hr1, results in a dose-dependent increase in viral transformation. The present study investigates the role of immediate-early response genes, specifically c-fos, in the CET process. MMS pretreatment, alone or in combination with infection with H5hr1 temporally and differentially increases c-fos, c-jun, jun-B, jun-D and c-myc steady-state mRNA levels. Maximum induction occurs with c-fos and c-jun 8 to 12 h posttreatment and the magnitude of response is generally greatest in CREF cells pretreated with MMS and then infected with H5hr1. Enhancement in RNA levels is observed in the presence of cycloheximide indicating that ongoing protein synthesis is not required for induction of c-fos, c-jun, jun-B or c-myc expression. Nuclear run-on analysis indicates an enhancement in transcriptional rates for c-fos, c-jun, jun-B and c-myc in CREF cells treated with MMS or MMS plus infection with H5hr1. A requirement for elevated c-fos in the early stages of CET is indicated by the ability of c-fos antisense oligonucleotides to prevent the CET process. Direct evidence implicating early increases in c-fos as a mediator of the CET process is demonstrated by stably expressing mouse mammary tumor virus promoter-regulated human sense and antisense c-fos genes in CREF cells. Induction of c-fos sense expression by dexamethasone (DEX) in the absence of MMS treatment results in enhanced c-fos mRNA, Fos protein, AP-1 DNA-binding activity and H5hr1-induced transformation and CET. Induction of c-fos expression by DEX in stable c-fos-sense CREF constructs also results in elevated levels of c-jun, jun-B and c-myc mRNA and protein. Conversely, induction of c-fos antisense expression prevents the increase in c-fos mRNA, Fos protein and AP-1 DNA-binding activity and eliminates CET. In the antisense-c-fos constructs, increases in c-jun, jun-B and c-myc mRNA and protein normally induced by MMS also are not apparent. Thus, induction or inhibition in c-fos expression affects the level of expression of additional immediate-early response genes, including c-jun, jun-B and c-myc.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1995

Phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides bind to basic fibroblast growth factor, inhibit its binding to cell surface receptors, and remove it from low affinity binding sites on extracellular matrix.

We studied the interactions of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides and heparin-binding growth factors. By means of a gel mobility shift assay, we demonstrated that phosphodiester and phosphorothioate homopolymers bound to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Binding of a probe phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotide could also be shown for other proteins of the FGF family, including acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), Kaposi's growth factor (FGF-4) as well as for the bFGF-related vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF. No binding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) was observed. In addition, using a radioreceptor assay, we have shown that phosphorothioate homopolymers of cytidine and thymidine blocked binding of not only 125I-bFGF, but also of 125I-PDGF to NIH 3T3 cells, whereas phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides were ineffective. The extent of blockade of binding was dependent on the chain length of the phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide. Furthermore, we have examined the effects of 18-mer phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides of different sequences on 125I-bFGF binding to low and high affinity sites on both NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Despite the fact that we have observed inhibition of bFGF binding by the 18-mer phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides for both the high and low affinity classes of bFGF receptor, the inhibition was sequence-selective only for the high affinity receptors. We have also demonstrated that phosphorothioate homopolymers of cytidine and thymidine release bFGF bound to low affinity receptors in extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, the most potent phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides used in these experiments (e.g. SdC28) were inhibitors of bFGF-induced DNA synthesis in NIH 3T3 cells.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Interruption of a transforming growth factor alpha autocrine loop in Caco-2 cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We have previously shown that Caco-2 cell proliferation is driven by basolateral membrane epidermal growth factor receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether autocrine production of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) activates these receptors and stimulates proliferation using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. METHODS: Caco-2 cells grown on microporous membranes or Jurkat cells were exposed to conventional or 5' cholesterol-modified oligodeoxynucleotides synthesized with random, antisense, or missense base sequences. Indices of proliferation were measured, including [3H]thymidine or [3H]uridine uptake for studies of short-term stimulation and the methylthiotetrazole assay as an index of cell number increase over longer periods. Secretion of TGF-alpha by cells was detected using a soft agar bioassay. RESULTS: Incubation with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibited TGF-alpha secretion compared with controls. Random and missense oligodeoxynucleotides had no effect on proliferation. The TGF-alpha antisense oligodeoxynucleotides markedly inhibited proliferation, an effect that was abolished by adding TGF-alpha to the medium. Oligonucleotides had no effect on Jurkat cells, a lymphocytic cell line lacking epidermal growth factor receptors. Cholesterol-modified oligodeoxynucleotides were more effective and specific than unmodified oligodeoxynucleotides. CONCLUSIONS: Caco-2 cell proliferation is driven by autocrine stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptors by TGF-alpha. This mechanism may be effectively inhibited by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, particularly those modified by the 5' attachment of cholesterol.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Patterns of intracellular compartmentalization, trafficking and acidification of 5'-fluorescein labeled phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides in HL60 cells.

We have examined the intracellular compartmentalization and trafficking of fluorescein labeled (F) phosphodiester (PO) and phosphorothioate (PS) oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) in HL60 cells. A series of F-oligos (PO and PS) were incubated for 6 hrs. with HL60 cells and the mean intracellular fluorescence determined by flow cytometry. The F signal was normalized by the addition of the ionophore monensin. An increase in signal intensity following addition of monensin indicated that the oligo was resident in an acidic intracellular environment. F-PS, but not F-PO oligos were found to reside in an acidic environment. An exception was a PO homopolymer of 15 cytidine bases (FOdC15) which was acidified. Using two different methods, the average resident intracellular pH of F-PS oligos and F-OdC15 was shown to be approximately 1 pH unit lower than that of F-PO oligos. Acidification of F-PS oligos could be blocked by the antibiotic bafilomycin, indicating that acidification was occurring in endosomes or vacuoles. F-PO and F-PS oligos were effluxed from HL60 cells from two intracellular compartments. However, approximately 60% of internalized F-PO oligo resided in a 'shallow' compartment that was turned over rapidly (t1/2 = 5-10 min.) whereas only 20% of F-PS oligo resided in this compartment. Conversely, approximately 80% of the internalized F-PS oligo but only 40% of F-PO oligo resided in a 'deep' compartment that turned over with t1/2 = 2-5 hrs. This report is the first quantitative demonstration that PO and PS oligos, and PO oligos of different sequences are trafficked differently by HL60 cells.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1994

Sequence analysis of proviral HIV RT amplified directly by a semi-quantitative technique from AZT treated patients.

To minimise possible arbitrary selective effects of culturing HIV, proviral RT DNA was isolated directly from PBMCs of four patients treated for 6-14 months with AZT. RT DNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced directly without further in vitro manipulation. Eighteen changes additional to those 4 or 5 changes previously shown by genetic reconstruction experiments [Kellam et al.: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 89:1934-1938, 1992] were found in the 14 different sequences analysed. Substitutions clustered in two defined areas of the RT, from amino acids 60 to 70 and from 180 to 220. Mutations were observed at each of the two areas independently or at both sites simultaneously. Amino acid changes in RT from patients harbouring resistant strains of HIV-1 were found in positions 60 (Val), 62 (Ala), 93 (Gly), 100 (Phe), 161 (Pro), 173 (Asn), 177 (Glu), 180 (Ile), 181 (Tyr), 182 (Leu), 186 (Asp), 194 (Gln), 196 (Glu), 200 (Ile), 209 (Val), 210 (Trp), 211 (Lys), and 214 (Phe) in addition to those described previously. It was anticipated that multiple proviral DNAs would be present in a single clinical sample. Therefore end point dilution PCR methodology was used, which allowed sequence analysis of separate proviral DNA molecules from the patients' proviral DNA. Even in patients who had received AZT for more than 10 months wild-type "AZT-sensitive" RTs co-existed with mutated "AZT-resistant" RTs in the same patient sample.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides inhibit the replication of lentiviruses and type D retroviruses, but not that of type C retroviruses.

Phosphorothioate analogs of oligodeoxynucleotides at a concentration of 2 microM protected Himalayan tahr cells from infection by caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) and equine dermis cells from infection by equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). The characteristics of this inhibition against these lentiviruses are similar to those previously described for the inhibition of HIV-1 in ATH8 cells [17]. Thus, the 28-mer homo-oligomer of cytidine [S-(dC)28] was at least as effective as three anti-sense sequences targeted to the LTR, gag, and env regions of CAEV. The effectiveness of homo-oligomers of equal length was in the order C >> A > T, and a random 28-copolymer with a composition of 2C:1G was as effective as S-(dC)28. Shorter oligonucleotides were less effective (28 > 14 > 5 mers) for all base compositions tested. While replication of a simian type D retrovirus was inhibited by S-(dC)28, this compound did not inhibit the cytopathogenicity of two type C retroviruses, amphotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV), and baboon endogenous virus, when they were tested in the same cell lines used to support the replication of lentiviruses. Southern blot analysis of the high molecular weight DNA of drug-treated CAEV-infected cells showed that S-(dC)28 was acting at or before the reverse transcription step. Our present data and the earlier finding that S-(dC)28 is a potent in vitro inhibitor of the MuLV reverse transcriptase [15] suggest that S-(dC)28 is acting very early in the replication cycle of these lentiviruses. Since MuLV reverse transcriptase is inhibited in vitro, but its replication is not blocked in permissive cells, our data suggest that the phosphorothioate oligonucleotides are preventing virus attachment.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Cellular pharmacology and protein binding of phosphoromonothioate and phosphorodithioate oligodeoxynucleotides: a comparative study.

Phosphorodithioate (PS2) oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) represent a relatively new class of backbone-modified oligo that have potential use as antisense agents. PS2 oligos are isoelectronic with phosphodiester (PO) and phosphoromonothioate (PS) oligos, and are nuclease resistant. However, unlike their PS congeners, PS2 oligos do not contain chiral centers. Little is known about the manner in which PS2 oligos interact with biological systems. In this study, we compare the cellular pharmacology of PS and PS2 oligos in HL60 cells. Cell surface binding, internalization, and compartmentalization are examined. Furthermore, the ability of PS and PS2 oligos to bind to rsCD4 and bFGF and to inhibit the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) is examined. Although the behavior of PS2 oligos closely parallels that of PS oligos, PS2 oligos appear to interact with some biological systems in a slightly different manner than PS oligos. These results indicate that PS2 oligos may have therapeutic potential other than as antisense agents.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1994

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

Oligodeoxynucleotides have been proposed as both in vitro and in vivo inhibitors of gene expression because of the specificity of Watson-Crick base pair hybridization. Phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides (normal DNA) cannot be used as drugs because they are nuclease sensitive. Significant efforts have been made to study phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides, which have a sulfur atom substituted for one of the phosphate oxygen atoms at a nonbridging position. These oligodeoxynucleotides are nuclease resistant, and over the past year they have entered clinical trials. They have also been extensively examined in vitro and have been targeted to the bcr-abl and bcl2 messenger RNAs among others. Methods to maximize the intracellular oligodeoxynucleotide concentration have also been devised. However, significant problems remain, including the significant nonsequence specificity of phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides as well as questions of oligodeoxynucleotide uptake into and compartmentalization within cells. An improvement of our understanding of these phenomena is critical to the elaboration of this technology into a clinical therapeutic modality.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Oligodeoxynucleotides interact with recombinant CD4 at multiple sites.

Phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides bearing the 5'-alkylating moiety 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl)aminobenzylamine specifically modify recombinant soluble CD4 (rsCD4) in solution. This reaction is saturable with respect to the alkylating oligonucleotide reagent. The existence of at least two binding sites, with different affinities, on the rsCD4 molecule, were demonstrated. The values of apparent Kd for the sites are approximately 0.1 and 1 microM. The existence of two sites was confirmed by electrophoretic analysis of the modified protein, in which two distinct gel bands were seen. The modification is inhibited by excess non-alkylating oligonucleotide, as well as by phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. Quantitative estimates of the competition constants (Kc), for the binding of these competitors of the binding of the alkylating oligonucleotide reagent with rsCD4, have been made. By use of this method, several anionic dyes as well as potential anti-HIV therapeutic agents were also demonstrated to interact with rsCD4. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides also inhibit binding of rsCD4 with the monoclonal antibody L71.1.1 This monoclonal antibody recognizes the CDR3-like loop (D1 domain) of the rsCD4 molecule. Thus, oligonucleotide binding sites exist on two remote regions (i.e. both the CDR2- and CDR3-like loops) of the D1 domain of CD4.

Alkylating Agents↗
PubMed1992

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus activity by phosphorodithioate oligodeoxycytidine.

Phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides exert a sequence-independent cytoprotective effect against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). We now report that phosphorodithioate-containing oligodeoxycytidines are very potent inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in vitro, as they exhibit an increasing inhibitory effect with length and number of phosphorodithioate internucleotide linkages. This inhibitory effect can be at least 30-fold greater with phosphorodithioate oligodeoxycytidine than for the corresponding phosphorothioate analog of similar length. In cell culture, phosphorodithioate oligodeoxycytidines are active inhibitors of syncytia formation and effectively inhibit de novo infection of target cells by HIV-1. Moreover, comparative experiments show that a deoxycytidine phosphorodithioate 14-mer is as effective an inhibitor of de novo infection as a phosphorothioate-containing 28-mer. Such potent inhibition by oligomers of relatively short length makes dithioate analogs an additional class of potential therapeutic agents against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1992

Suramin interference with transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of human renal cell carcinoma in culture.

Suramin is a polyanionic compound used clinically for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, which is known to inhibit the action of many protein factors in vitro. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional regulatory protein which inhibits the growth of renal cell carcinoma in culture. While suramin at 50-500 micrograms/ml had no significant effect on the growth of renal cell carcinoma in culture in our experiments, it did partially reverse the growth inhibition induced by TGF-beta in the two cell lines tested. This effect apparently is caused by suramin's direct interference with 125I-labeled TGF-beta's ability to bind to the cell, and not by any effect of suramin on the TGF-beta receptor. Furthermore, suramin dissociates TGF-beta bound to the cell with a t1/2 of less than 30 min. These results are consistent with those previously reported regarding suramin's interaction with other protein growth factors, and suggest that suramin may interact with the TGF-beta protein itself to inactivate it.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
PubMed1992

Stimulation of calcium influx in HL60 cells by cholesteryl-modified homopolymer oligodeoxynucleotides.

Cholesteryl-modified 15-mer homopolymers of cytidine and thymidine phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides (chol-OdC15 and chol-OdT15), but not chol-modified heteropolymeric oligos or chol-modified phosphorothioate oligos, were found to increase cytosolic free Ca2+ in HL60 cells. A flow cytometer and the calcium-sensitive dye indo-1 were used to make multiparameter measurements on the HL60 cells. Chol-OdC15 (5-10 microM) triggered a rapid increase (within 1 min) in [Ca2+]i, with a subsequent slow decline to baseline over 15 min in the continuous presence of agonist. The effect was preserved after unloading the intracellular Ca2+ stores with caffeine and ryanodine. The effect was not sensitive to membrane depolarization by KCl (60 mM) or nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist. An increase in [Ca2+]i was absent in a Ca(2+)-free solution and was inhibited by the inorganic Ca2+ channel blocker Cd2+. The results suggest that Ca2+ influx activated by the chol-oligomer is probably mediated by receptor-operated Ca2+ channels. This effect may be due to direct binding of the chol-oligo to the channel or to induced conformational changes due to modification of the local microenvironment.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides--promises and pitfalls.

The high specificity of binding of oligodeoxynucleotides to their target mRNA has resulted in suggestions that these compounds may be useful as therapeutic agents against human cancer. While many successful anti-sense experiments have been reported in the literature, significant obstacles to widespread therapeutic use remain. These include nuclease sensitivity, non-sequence specificity, and uncertainties regarding optimum choice of mRNA target. Other significant problems include lack of information concerning cellular pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, and relatively little data concerning optimum dosing schedules. This review attempts to provide current information about these issues, which have such a strong impact on this exciting and rapidly growing field.

Biological Transport↗