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C D Stiles

Publications and source records attributed to C D Stiles.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Detection of activated platelet-derived growth factor receptors in human meningioma.

The beta receptor subunit of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its corresponding ligand (PDGF-BB) are coordinately expressed in fresh surgical isolates of human meningioma. These observations imply that PDGF autocrine loops are engaged in human meningioma and suggest that activated PDGF-beta receptors might contribute to the pathology of this common brain neoplasm. The study of PDGF autocrine loops and human meningioma has been slowed by the scarcity of meningioma cell culture model systems. Furthermore, in meningioma tumor tissue, the activation state of PDGF receptors is difficult to assess with conventional reagents, because the tumor is intermixed with normal stroma. In fact, there is no evidence that PDGF receptors within the tumor are activated by ligand. We used a synthetic tyrosine phosphopeptide to raise an antibody that reports the phosphorylation state of tyrosine 751 in the human PDGF-beta receptor. Phosphorylated tyrosine 751 is a recognition site for phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, a cytoplasmic effector of PDGF-induced mitogenesis, chemotaxis, and membrane ruffling. Immunoblotting and immunostaining analyses with this antibody show that the PDGF-beta receptor is constitutively phosphorylated at tyrosine 751 within multiple fresh surgical isolates of human meningioma. These findings are consistent with a role for activated PDGF receptors in the proliferation of human meningiomas.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1997

A PDGF-regulated immediate early gene response initiates neuronal differentiation in ventricular zone progenitor cells.

When exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), uncommitted neuroepithelial cells from the developing cortex of embryonic day 14 (E14) rats develop into neurons. Outward signs of the neuronal phenotype are not observed for 4 days following exposure to PDGF. However, only a brief (2-3 hr) period of PDGF receptor activation is required to initiate neuronal development. During the window of receptor activation, RNA synthesis is essential, but protein synthesis is not. These observations indicate that specification of neuronal fate is mediated by an immediate early gene response.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Phosphorylation-directed antibodies in high-flux screens for compounds that modulate signal transduction.

Synthetic tyrosine phosphopeptides were used to generate antibodies that recognize phosphotyrosine in the context of a defined sequence of flanking amino acids. Using phosphopeptide immunogens derived from regulatory or signal-generating motifs, "phosphorylation-directed antibodies" can be targeted to specific growth factor receptors or signal-generating proteins. In his paper, we show how phosphorylation-directed antibodies can be used in a colorimetric, high-throughput screen for drugs that modulate the function of specific growth factor receptors or signal-generating proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Temporal and spatial specificity of PDGF alpha receptor promoter in transgenic mice.

Aberrant expression of the platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGF alpha R) has been linked to developmental abnormalities in vertebrate models, and has been implicated in multiple disease states in humans. To identify cis-acting regulatory elements that dictate expression of this receptor, we generated transgenic mice bearing the reporter gene beta-galactosidase (lacZ) under the control of a 6-kb promoter sequence. Expression of lacZ was monitored throughout embryonic development, with special focus on nervous tissue, skeleton, and several organ systems wherein PDGF alpha R expression is thought to play a pivotal role. In several independent transgenic mouse strains, lacZ expression recapitulated predominant features of PDGF alpha R gene expression during mouse development. These results demonstrate that critical tissue-specific regulatory elements for PDGF alpha R expression are located within a 6-kb upstream region of the PDGF alpha R gene.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Differential utilization of Trk autophosphorylation sites.

Tyrosine autophosphorylation controls the catalytic and signaling activities of the neurotrophin receptors, the Trks. To analyze the regulation of distinct tyrosine sites, we generated a panel of antibodies that report the phosphorylation state of individual tyrosines within the Trk cytoplasmic domain. Using pheochromocytoma-derived cell lines, we show that individual tyrosines within the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA are phosphorylated in a non-coordinate fashion following receptor activation. The non-coordinate response of these tyrosines reflects their separate functions in regulating the catalytic and signaling activities of Trk receptors. The differential utilization of distinct sites on Trk receptor tyrosine kinases suggests that the receptor can specify both the timing and the nature of neurotrophin-stimulated signal transduction pathways. Moreover, we show that these Trk autophosphorylation sites, which have hitherto been mapped and characterized only in non-neuronal cell lines, are activated in normal neurons in response to ligand stimulation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1996

Platelet-derived growth factor induction of the immediate-early gene MCP-1 is mediated by NF-kappaB and a 90-kDa phosphoprotein coactivator.

A broad panel of agents including serum, interleukin-1, double-stranded RNA, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulate transcription of the "slow" immediate-early gene MCP-1. These disparate inducers act through a tight cluster of regulatory elements in the distal 5'-flanking sequences of the MCP-1 gene. We describe a 22-base element in this cluster which, in single copy, confers PDGF-inducibility to a tagged MCP-1 reporter gene. In mobility shift assays, the element binds a PDGF-activated form of NF-kappaB, and a 90-kDa protein (p90) which binds constitutively. Antibody supershift and UV cross-linking experiments indicate that the PDGF-activated NF-kappaB species is a Rel A homodimer. The DNA binding form of p90 is a nuclear-restricted serine/threonine phosphoprotein. Mutagenesis of the 22-base element shows that the NF-kappaB and p90 binding sites overlap, but binding of the two species is mutually independent. Both sites, however, are required for optimum PDGF induction of MCP-1. Therefore, p90 appears to be a coactivator with NF-kappaB in PDGF-mediated induction of MCP-1.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Expression of PDGF and PDGF receptors in human astrocytoma operation specimens supports the existence of an autocrine loop.

Established cell lines derived from human malignant astrocytomas typically express a combination of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptor which could form an autocrine loop. In this study, we screened for the essential components of a PDGF autocrine loop in fresh surgical isolates of human astrocytomas, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques. Eight malignant astrocytomas (6 glioblastomas and 2 anaplastic astrocytomas), 5 low-grade astrocytomas and 4 non-neoplastic glial specimens (mesial temporal sclerosis) were evaluated. Malignant astrocytomas, and to a lesser extent low-grade astrocytomas, expressed more PDGF-A and PDGF-B than non-neoplastic glia. PDGF-alpha-receptor expression was elevated both in malignant and in low-grade astrocytomas. These data support the argument that PDGF autocrine loops contribute to the unregulated growth of human astrocytomas. Expression of PDGF and PDGF receptor in low-grade astrocytomas suggests that activation of PDGF autocrine loops may be an early event in the pathogenesis of malignant astrocytomas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Applications of electroporation of adherent cells in situ, on a partly conductive slide.

Nontraumatic, simple, and reproducible procedures for the introduction of nonpermeant molecules into adherent mammalian cells by in situ electroporation are described. Cells are grown on a glass slide, half of which is coated with electrically conductive, optically transparent, indium-tin oxide. An electric pulse is applied in the presence of the molecules to be introduced, and their effect on the cellular phenotype can be observed. The cells growing on the nonconductive side of the slide do not receive any pulse and serve as controls. Careful adjustment of electric field strength can achieve the introduction of the molecules into essentially 100% of the cells, and this treatment causes no detectable disruption to cellular metabolism. This is applied in the presence of the fluorescent dye, Lucifer yellow, causing its penetration into the cells growing on the conductive half of the slide. The migration of the dye to the nonelectroporated cells growing on the nonconductive area is microscopically observed under fluorescence illumination.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

A new platelet-derived growth factor-regulated genomic element which binds a serine/threonine phosphoprotein mediates induction of the slow immediate-early gene MCP-1.

The MCP-1 chemokine gene belongs to a cohort of immediate-early genes that are induced with slower kinetics than c-fos. In this study, we identified a cluster of four platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-responsive elements within a 240-bp enhancer found in the distal 5' flanking MCP-1 sequences. Two of the elements bind one or more forms of the transcription factor NF-kappa B. We focused on the other two elements which are hitherto unreported, PDGF-regulated genomic motifs. One of these novel elements, detected as a 28-mer by DNase I footprinting, restores PDGF inducibility when added in two copies to a 5' truncated MCP-1 gene. A single copy of the second novel element, a 27-mer, restores PDGF inducibility to a 5' truncated MCP-1 gene. The 27-base element interacts with a PDGF-activated serine/threonine phosphoprotein that is detected only within the nucleus of PDGF-treated 3T3 cells. DNA binding of this phosphoprotein is activated by PDGF treatment with slow kinetics that match the time course of MCP-1 gene expression, and activation is not inhibited by cycloheximide. PDGF-activated binding to the 27-mer is shown to involve a single 30-kDa protein by UV-cross-linking analysis.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Expression of platelet derived growth factor and platelet derived growth factor receptor mRNA in a glioblastoma from a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF-receptor mRNA was examined from a glioblastoma taken from a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridisation showed very high concentrations of both PDGF-A and PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA in the tumour. The overall pattern of PDGF expression was similar to those found in sporadic glioblastomas. Mutations in p53 has been implicated as an early pathogenic event leading to sporadic low grade astrocytomas, and is the third most common tumour type in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, where they are predisposed due to a germline mutation in the p53 tumour suppressor gene. This study suggests that progression towards a glioblastoma in both the general population and in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome may involve potential autocrine and paracrine stimulation by growth factors such as PDGF.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Axonal growth and fasciculation linked to differential expression of BDNF and NT3 receptors in developing cerebellar granule cells.

In the developing cerebellum, young granule neurons in the external germinal layer respond preferentially to BDNF, while mature neurons within the inner portion of the cerebellum respond preferentially to NT3. Here we show that this anatomic distinction reflects a developmentally regulated switch at the level of neurotrophin receptor gene expression. The salient feature of the developmental switch is a change in the ration of mRNA transcripts encoding functional BDNF and NT3 receptor tyrosine kinases. The ratio of the BDNF receptor trkB to the NT3 receptor trkC reverses from 5:1 in neonatal cerebellum to 1:3 in adult cerebellum. TrkB and TrkC are closely related transmembrane tyrosine protein kinases. However, activation of BDNF and NT3 receptors in cerebellar granule neurons do not give equivalent biological responses. In aggregate cell culture and single cell assays, BDNF enhances axonal outgrowth of early granule cells by influencing neurite elongation. In contrast, NT3 alters the morphology of outgrowth. Collectively, these findings suggest that regulation of neurotrophin receptors during cerebellar development is important for the timing and morphology of axonal growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Electroporation of peptides into adherent cells in situ.

To study the effect of protein interactions in vivo upon cellular functions,such complexes may be disrupted through the introduction of peptides corresponding to the proteins' points of contact. In this communication a simple, rapid and reproducible procedure for peptide introduction into adherent cells by electroporation is described. Cells are grown on electrically conductive, optically transparent indium-tin oxide at the time of pulse delivery. Several electrode and slide configurations, necessary to obtain non-electroporated cells adjacent to the electroporated ones as a control, are outlined. Careful control of electric field strength achieved the introduction of the peptide into essentially 100% of the cells while this treatment caused no detectable disruption of their division cycle.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1994

Expression of the neurotrophin receptor TrkC is linked to a favorable outcome in medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood, has a variable prognosis. Although half of the children and young adults with the disease survive longer than 10 years after diagnosis, the others relapse and die despite identical therapy. We have examined the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in medulloblastoma samples snap frozen in the operating room to preserve RNA integrity. All tumors (n = 12) were found to express mRNA encoding neurotrophin 3 and its receptor TrkC. The level of trkC expression was highly variable, with a more than 50-fold difference between the highest and lowest values. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with tumors expressing high levels of trkC mRNA had significantly longer intervals without disease progression than those with low levels (log-rank, P = 0.03) and a more favorable overall survival (log-rank, P = 0.05). Thus, trkC expression is a prognostic indicator for patients with medulloblastoma.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor↗
PubMed1994

Platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor gene expression: isolation and characterization of the promoter and upstream regulatory elements.

Receptors for the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are expressed conditionally in developing embryos and adult tissues. Aberrant expression of PDGF receptors is a molecular marker for proliferative disorders such as atherosclerosis, myofibrosis, and malignant astrocytoma. We isolated genomic clones that encompass the 5' end of the mouse PDGF alpha receptor mRNA transcript and extend 10 kb into the upstream flanking region of the gene. Using these clones, we constructed a partial genomic map that locates the promoter and transcription start sites of the gene. One of our genomic clones contains cis-acting regulatory elements that drive expression of reporter gene constructs selectively in cells that express PDGF alpha receptors.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1994

Identification of an activity that interacts with the 3'-untranslated region of c-myc mRNA and the role of its target sequence in mediating rapid mRNA degradation.

Single or multiple copies of the pentameric motif, AUUUA, are found in the 3'-untranslated domain of most immediate early mRNAs. A broad body of data links this 5-base element to the selective degradation of these mRNAs. However, AUUUA motifs are neither always necessary nor always sufficient to tag an mRNA for rapid degradation. Here, we describe a cytoplasmic, protease-sensitive factor in Balb/c3T3 cells that interacts with the 3'-untranslated region of c-myc mRNA. The factor recognizes a 39-base uridine-rich domain adjacent to, but distinct from, the c-myc AUUUA motif. In chimeric mRNA constructs, the 39-base binding element cooperates with adjacent sequence material to destabilize beta-globin mRNA.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1993

The Xenopus platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor: cDNA cloning and demonstration that mesoderm induction establishes the lineage-specific pattern of ligand and receptor gene expression.

We have cloned the Xenopus PDGF alpha receptor cDNA and have used this clone, along with cDNA encoding PDGF A, to examine their expression pattern in Xenopus embryos and to determine the factors responsible for lineage specificity. Recombinant Xenopus alpha receptor expressed in COS cells exhibits PDGF-A-dependent tyrosine kinase activity. We find that receptor mRNA is present in cultured marginal zone tissue explants and in animal cap tissue induced to form mesoderm either by grafting to vegetal tissue or by treatment with recombinant activin A. In contrast, PDGF A mRNA is expressed in cultured, untreated animal cap tissue and is suppressed by mesoderm induction. These results suggest that ectodermally produced PDGF A may act on the mesoderm during gastrulation and that mesoderm induction establishes the tissue pattern of ligand and receptor expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Dominant-negative mutants of platelet-derived growth factor revert the transformed phenotype of human astrocytoma cells.

Malignant astrocytoma is the most common primary human brain tumor. Most astrocytomas express a combination of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptor which could close an autocrine loop. It is not known whether these autocrine loops contribute to the transformed phenotype of astrocytoma cells or are incidental to that phenotype. Here we show that dominant-negative mutants of the PDGF ligand break the autocrine loop and revert the phenotype of BALB/c 3T3 cells transformed by the PDGF-A or PDGF-B (c-sis) gene. Then, we show that these mutants are selective in that they do not alter the phenotype of 3T3 cells transformed by an activated Ha-ras or v-src gene or by simian virus 40. Finally, we show that these mutants revert the transformed phenotype of two independent human astrocytoma cell lines. They have no effect on the growth of human medulloblastoma, bladder carcinoma, or colon carcinoma cell lines. These observations are consistent with the view that PDGF autocrine loops contribute to the transformed phenotype of at least some human astrocytomas.

3T3 Cells↗