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Biomedical subjects

C Gerard

Publications and source records attributed to C Gerard.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

The human neurokinin A (substance K) receptor. Molecular cloning of the gene, chromosome localization, and isolation of cDNA from tracheal and gastric tissues.

Neurokinin A (substance K) is a peptide neurotransmitter of the tachykinin family with potential as a major mediator in human airway and gastrointestinal tissues. Neurokinin A acts via a receptor (the NK-2 receptor) believed to be localized on smooth muscle cells and pharmacologically coupled to a GTP-binding protein. To characterize the human NK-2 receptor, we prepared a partial cDNA from human tracheal RNA using the polymerase chain reaction with oligonucleotide primers derived from the bovine NK-2 receptor cDNA sequence (Masu, Y., Nakayama, K., Tamaki, H., Harada, Y., Kuno, M., Nakanishi, S. (1987) Nature 329, 836-838). This partial human NK-2 receptor cDNA was used to screen a human genomic DNA library and yielded a clone, NGNK-2, of approximately 25 kilobases. Analysis of NGNK-2 indicates that it contains the entire coding sequence of the NK-2 receptor as well as 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences. The gene is organized with five exons interrupted by four introns. The complete sequence of the exons and the intron-exon junctions was determined, as were the transcription initiation site and the 3'-polyadenylation signal. Analysis of EcoRI digests of genomic DNA from human-mouse cell hybrids indicates a single gene for the human NK-2 receptor localized to chromosome 10. Sequence analysis of exons 1 and 5, where major differences occur between the human and animal species, provided information for polymerase chain reaction primers which allowed us to prepare full-length cDNA for the human NK-2 receptor. The protein predicted from the gene sequence is extended by 14 amino acids at the COOH terminus compared to the bovine and 9 residues compared to the rat molecules. The seven membrane-spanning regions are encoded by exons 1-4 and none is interrupted by introns. These regions are highly conserved among the species studied, suggesting stringent evolutionary control over these molecules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Construction and expression of a novel recombinant anaphylatoxin, C5a-N19, as a probe for the human C5a receptor.

We have constructed a novel recombinant C5a anaphylatoxin (C5a-N19) containing a 19-residue amino-terminal extension peptide, using a plasmid vector which secretes the nascent polypeptide to the Escherichia coli periplasmic space. C5a-N19 was purified from cell lysates by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody which recognizes a portion of the amino-terminal extension peptide. C5a-N19 was characterized as biologically indistinguishable from the unmodified recombinant anaphylatoxin for release of lysosomal enzymes from dibutyryl-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells. In contrast to unmodified C5a, which is not recognized by anti-C5a antibodies following binding to its cellular receptor, receptor-bound C5a-N19 is recognized by the monoclonal antibody directed against the amino-terminal extension sequence. Because the monoclonal antibody recognizes the C5a-receptor complex on cells, this methodology is useful in fluorescence sorting of C5a receptor-positive cells. A C5a receptor affinity column was constructed by saturating monoclonal antibody bound to agarose with C5a-N19. Digitonin-solubilized C5a receptor from dibutyryl-cAMP-induced U937 cells was adsorbed to the matrix and eluted by dissociation of the ligand-receptor complex from the antibody. Analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a unique protein band at 41K, consistent with the molecular weight predicted from cross-linking experiments when the contribution of C5a is subtracted. Development of this recombinant C5a derivative provides a useful probe previously unavailable for the C5a receptor molecule.

Anaphylatoxins↗

Use of the recombinant human thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R) expressed in mammalian cell lines to assay TSH-R autoantibodies.

We report on two assays for autoantibodies to the TSH-R which have been developed using materials from mammalian cells transfected with the cDNA for the human TSH-R. In the first, a particulate fraction has been prepared from COS cells, transiently expressing the human TSH-R and used in a radioreceptor assay in conjunction with bovine 125I-TSH. Immunoglobulins (IgGs) from patients with Graves' disease (n = 11) and idiopathic myxoedema (n = 2) have been used as competitors of 125I-TSH binding to the COS TSH-R membranes and the results have been compared with those obtained with a commercially available kit for measuring TSH-R autoantibodies, which uses solubilised porcine TSH-R. Both assays showed similar performance, being particularly sensitive to antibodies from patients with idiopathic myxoedema. In the second assay system we have used a CHO cloned cell line (JP26) stably transfected with the human TSH-R. A selection of IgG preparations from patients with Graves' disease and of six normal controls was used to test the ability of this cell line to detect thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSAb) by increasing its cAMP production. The assay was performed under two conditions: in standard (isotonic) medium or in hypotonic medium. Freshly thawed human thyrocytes incubated in hypotonic medium served as a reference method. Only five patients scored positive when tested in the JP26 cell line under isotonic conditions. When the assay was performed in a hypotonic medium, a significant positive correlation was observed between the results given by JP26 cells and human thyrocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Stable expression of the human TSH receptor in CHO cells and characterization of differentially expressing clones.

The human thyrotropin receptor cDNA was transfected in CHO cells and individual clones were isolated. They were tested for their response to thyrotropin, forskolin and antibodies from a patient with high levels of thyroid stimulating antibodies. Several clones were characterized extensively with respect to membrane binding of labeled thyrotropin, cAMP accumulation in response to thyrotropin and kinetics of cAMP production. Data for three representative clones are presented. Receptor number as assessed by membrane binding of labeled thyrotropin, and cAMP production, measured in a thyrotropin response bioassay, are correlated. The Kd value for the human thyrotropin receptor expressed in CHO was estimated to be 50 pM.

Animals↗

Recovery of an epitope recognized by a novel monoclonal antibody from airway lavage during experimental induction of chronic bronchitis.

Prolonged exposure of dogs to high concentrations of SO2 gas results in a syndrome with many of the characteristics of human chronic bronchitis, including cough and chronic mucous hypersecretion as well as airway obstruction. We developed and used a novel monoclonal antibody, GB-4B, raised against epithelial glycoprotein isolated from human hypersecretory mucus to probe airway lavage samples from dogs before and during prolonged exposure to SO2 gas. There were relatively low mean titers of the epitope recognized by GB-4B in airway lavage fluid as evidenced by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before exposure to SO2 gas. After 25 to 50 wk of SO2 exposure, the dogs showed a significant increase in pulmonary resistance and there was a significant increase in the titer of the epitope in the airway lavage fluid. Using the same antibody immunohistochemical analysis of airway tissues from SO2-exposed dogs revealed patchy staining of the mucous glands and airway secretory cells and dense staining along the airway surface; airway tissue from control dogs and one SO2-exposed dog whose lavage fluid did not contain the epitope showed little or no staining. These data demonstrate that similar mucin epitopes appear in airway lavage fluid under hypersecretory conditions in both animals and humans. The epitope may have utility as a marker of chronic mucous hypersecretion.

Animals↗

Peptidase modulation of the pulmonary effects of tachykinins in tracheal superfused guinea pig lungs.

The effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril and the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors thiorphan and SCH 32615 on the changes in airway opening pressure (PaO) and the recovery of offered peptide were studied after intratracheal administration of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) in isolated guinea pig lungs superfused through the trachea. Pao changes and the recovery of offered peptide were significantly greater in NEP inhibitor-treated lungs than in control lungs. Captopril did not cause a significant change in the physiological effects or the recovery of SP and NKA. HPLC analysis of [3H]Pro2,4-SP and 125I-Histidyl1-NKA perfused through the airways showed major cleavage products consistent with NEP action. We conclude that there is significant degradation of both SP and NKA after tracheal infusion of peptides by NEP-like but not by ACE activity; this effect significantly influences the physiological effects of these peptides.

Animals↗

The core polypeptide of cystic fibrosis tracheal mucin contains a tandem repeat structure. Evidence for a common mucin in airway and gastrointestinal tissue.

A cystic fibrosis trachea cDNA library was constructed and probed with a synthetic oligonucleotide containing a consensus sequence recently identified in human intestinal mucin. One of the isolated clones, AMN-22, has been characterized extensively. The cDNA sequence of this 884-bp fragment was determined, and revealed a tandem repeat structure rich in threonine and proline residues. The repeating sequence of AMN-22 was similar but not identical to that determined for gut mucin. When examined by Northern analysis, the mRNA hybridizing to AMN-22 is extremely polydisperse in cystic fibrosis (CF) trachea, with apparent message length varying from approximately 2 kb to greater than 10 kb. A similar pattern was observed, with less abundant message, in CF bronchiectatic lung parenchyma. The lung cDNA hybridized to a similarly polydisperse message in ulcerative colitis colon RNA, but did not hybridize to control RNA from U937 lymphoma cells or stomach RNA. Pedigree analysis of restriction digests of genomic DNA revealed a pattern indicating a single polymorphic locus for the mucin gene expressed in the lung and the intestine. Southern analyses of human:mouse somatic cell hybrid cell lines allow a chromosomal localization for the mucin gene to human chromosome II, within the region 11p13-11pTer. Taken together, these data demonstrate that a polymorphic gene encodes a mucin core polypeptide expressed in both lung and intestine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning, sequencing and expression of the human thyrotropin (TSH) receptor: evidence for binding of autoantibodies.

A human thyroid cDNA library was screened by hybridization with a dog thyrotropin receptor (TSHr) cDNA. Sequencing of the resulting clones identified a 2292 residue open reading frame encoding a 744 amino acid mature polypeptide presenting 90.3% similarity with the dog TSHr. Two major transcripts (4.6 and 4.4 kilobases) were identified in the human thyroid which suggests that alternative splicing could generate multiple forms of human TSHr. Transfection of the coding sequence in COS-7 cells conferred to a membrane preparation of these cells the ability to bind specifically TSH. TSH binding was completely displaced by immunoglobulin preparations from patients with idiopathic myxoedema.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and properties of a novel type of Na+-permeable amiloride-sensitive channel in thyroid cells.

Amiloride-sensitive cationic channels are present in the apical membrane of porcine thyroid cells in primary culture. An amiloride-sensitive (K0.5 = 150 +/- 28 nM where K0.5 is the concentration of unlabelled ligand which reduces the specific binding of the same labelled ligand by 50%) 22Na+-flux component (Km for Na+ at 18 mM) has been identified which was also blocked by the potent amiloride derivative phenamil (K0.5 = 47 +/- 21 nM). The most potent inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange, ethylisopropyl-amiloride, hardly inhibited this 22Na+-influx component at a concentration of 21 microM. Amiloride binding sites were characterized using [3H]phenamil. The tritiated ligand binds to a single family of binding sites in thyroid membranes with a Kd value of 50 +/- 10 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 5 +/- 1 pmol/mg protein. Patch-clamp experiments have directly demonstrated the existence of a phenamil- and amiloride-sensitive cationic channel, with a conductance of 2.6 pS, which is permeable to sodium, but not very selective (PNa+/PK+ = 1.2). This channel is an important element in the regulation of the resting membrane potential of thyroid cells.

Amiloride↗

Characterization of a receptor for C5a anaphylatoxin on human eosinophils.

The complement anaphylatoxin peptide C5a is well known to activate human polymorphonuclear leukocytes through receptor-mediated processes. C5a has also been reported to activate eosinophils for both chemotaxis and hexose uptake. We characterized the receptor molecule for human C5a on human eosinophils and compared it with the receptor on human neutrophils. At 4 degrees C, uptake of 1 nM 125I-C5a reaches equilibrium within 10 min on both cell types. Binding of 125I-C5a occurs over a concentration range comparable to that which stimulates lysosomal enzyme release and hexose uptake in both cell types. Scatchard analyses of the data indicate the presence of two receptor populations on eosinophils; a high affinity receptor with 15,000-20,000 sites/cell and a Kd of 3.1 +/- 0.6 x 10(-11) M, and a low affinity receptor with approximately 375,000 sites/cell and a Kd of 1 x 10(-7) M. Parallel experiments with neutrophils indicate the presence of a single receptor population with approximately 90,000 sites/cell and a Kd of 4.8 +/- 0.1 x 10(-10)M. The eosinophil receptor molecule was further characterized by covalently cross-linking 125I-C5a to cells followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the solubilized material. Autoradiography indicates the presence of a dominant C5a-eosinophil receptor complex with an apparent mass of 60-65 kDa. The corresponding neutrophil-C5a receptor complex has an apparent mass of 50-52 kDa as observed by others. When the cross-linked 125I-C5a-receptor complex was treated with cyanogen bromide, different patterns were observed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for neutrophils and eosinophils. Thus, human eosinophils have a receptor for C5a anaphylatoxin which appears to be distinct from the C5a receptor present on human neutrophils.

Cold Temperature↗

Studies on the peptide core of human bronchial mucus glycoprotein.

We have employed thiol-Sepharose chromatography following deglycosylation to analyze the protein core of bronchial epithelial mucus glycoprotein (MGP), isolated by a two stage density gradient ultracentrifugation. Deglycosylation using triflouromethanesulfonic acid resulted in loss of greater than 90% of carbohydrate. The deglycosylated core protein was reduced and the sulfhydryl residues activated with 2-2'dipyridyl disulfide. This preparation was then bound covalently to thiol-Sepharose, and eluted specifically with reducing agents. Our results demonstrate that bronchial MGP contains cysteine residues potentially capable of forming disulfide bonds. Pepsin digestion studies suggest that cysteine residues are present near both the heavily glycosylated region and the naked peptide region. Thiol-Sepharose chromatography resolved several mucin-associated proteins (MAPS) that did not bind to the column. Amino acid analysis showed that the largest of these (200 kDa) is enriched in serine/threonine, like MGP that absorbed to the column: the two smallest (20 kDa and 60 kDa) are similar to the proline rich proteins reported in salivary mucin. These associated proteins, although not linked by disulfide bonds to the MGP, are, nevertheless, tightly bound to it, since they were only recovered after deglycosylation and thiol chromatography.

Animals↗

Thyroid-specific and cAMP-dependent hypersensitive regions in thyroglobulin gene chromatin.

Two regions hypersensitive to DNase I digestion were found in a 7-kb segment of thyroglobulin gene 5'-flanking sequences in the chromatin from bovine thyroid. The most upstream site (-2000 to -1600 bp relative to the transcriptional start) was found in thyroid chromatin only, but independently of actual expression of the gene. It therefore represents a tissue-specific characteristic which may be associated with the commitment of the thyroglobulin gene to transcriptional activity. The very 5' end of the gene and the proximal promoter sequences (-100 to +60 bp relative to transcriptional start), constitute the second site, the hypersensitive character of which could be directly correlated with transcriptional activity. The structural changes occurring in this region of the chromatin were dependent on cAMP stimulation of the thyroid cells.

Animals↗

Electrophysiological correlates of fluid transport in cultured porcine thyroid cells.

Confluent monolayers of cultured porcine thyroid cells transport fluid from the apical to the basal surface, forming circumscribed zones of detachment from the culture dish substrate (domes). The transepithelial potential (TEP), positive on the basal side, was 12.9 +/- 0.4 (S.E.M.) mV (n = 93) under control conditions, increasing to 38.9 +/- 0.3 mV (n = 281) when fluid transport was stimulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 1 mumol/l). Forskolin (1 mumol/l) and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (0.5 mmol/l) were also effective in increasing TEP. Addition of amiloride in concentrations sufficient to block fluid transport (100 mumol/l) reduced the TEP to 5.8 +/- 0.3 mV (n = 76). Substitution of N-methyl-D-glucamine for sodium in the medium reduced the PGE2-stimulated TEP to 13.4 +/- 0.8 mV (n = 32). Substitution of gluconate for chloride increased the TEP to 40.3 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 160). Removal of bicarbonate or potassium from the medium, or addition of ouabain (200 mumol/l) were also effective in reducing the TEP. In media of low bicarbonate concentration (1 mmol NaHCO3/l), acetazolamide (1 mmol/l) reduced the TEP. Fluid transport by the monolayer as measured by the change in height of domes was increased by PGE2 (1 mumol/l). PGE2-stimulated fluid transport was inhibited by sodium or chloride ion substitution, bicarbonate removal or the addition of ouabain (200 mumol/l) or amiloride (100 mumol/l). It was concluded that fluid transport in thyroid monolayers is mediated by rheogenic sodium transport with chloride transport being passive, electrogenically coupled to sodium transport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗

Amino acid sequence of guinea pig C3a anaphylatoxin.

The anaphylatoxin peptide, C3a, was isolated in its inactive des-arginine form from complement-activated guinea pig serum and the complete amino acid sequence was determined. The peptide was isolated using a modification of previously described methods for anaphylatoxin purification and yielded 18 mg of guinea C3ades Arg judged homogeneous by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography, amino acid composition, and sequence analyses. The complete amino acid sequence of the molecule was determined by automated Edman degradation of intact C3ades Arg following performic acid oxidation, and of four peptides obtained from CNBr, endoproteinase Lys-C, or endoproteinase Glu-C (V8 protease) digests of reduced and alkylated C3ades Arg. The sequence is as follows: Guinea pig C3ades Arg has approximately 70% overall sequence identity with human, porcine, rat and mouse anaphylatoxins. As with C3a's from other species, the guinea pig molecule has an invariant C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence, LGLA, and six invariant cysteinyl residues at positions 23, 24, 37, 50, 57, and 58.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of an inhibitor of protein kinase C on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte degranulation.

The protein kinase C inhibitor C-I reduced superoxide production by human neutrophils in response to phorbol myristate acetate by greater than 50%. In contrast to its effects in oxidative metabolism, 100 microM C-I caused minimal inhibition (5-18%) of lysozyme release in response to phorbol myristate acetate. Enzyme release produced by the formylated oligopeptide FMLP was enhanced by 23-54% in neutrophils pretreated with 100 microM C-I. These findings suggest that protein kinase C activation is not required for phorbol myristate acetate induced enzyme release. Enhancement of FMLP stimulated degranulation by C-I suggests that protein kinase C activation may have inhibitory effects on the release of granule enzymes by human neutrophils.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗