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Biomedical subjects

C Peschle

Publications and source records attributed to C Peschle.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Lineage-specific requirement of c-abl function in normal hematopoiesis.

Structural abnormalities of the c-abl proto-oncogene are found in hematopoietic cells of more than 90 percent of individuals with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Therefore c-abl may be important in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis. Normal human hematopoietic progenitor cells were exposed to three different c-abl sense or antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, and the effects on myeloid and erythroid colony formation were examined. The c-abl antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibited myeloid, but not erythroid, colony formation. The c-abl sense oligodeoxynucleotides and bcr sense and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides were not inhibitory in this assay. These data show that c-abl is critical in normal myelopoiesis and may explain the relatively selective expansion of leukocytes in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Blood Cells↗

Theta, zeta, and epsilon globin messenger RNAs are expressed in adults.

The theta globin gene is the most recently discovered member of the alpha globin gene family. Its pattern of expression during development is not fully defined, and its encoded protein has not yet been detected in vivo. The detection of theta globin messenger RNA (mRNA) in embryonic and fetal erythroid tissue but not in adults has suggested that theta is an embryonic globin gene. The present study further defines the pattern of theta globin gene expression. We use a modification of the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to assess the levels of theta globin gene expression during development. We confirm the presence of the theta globin mRNA in embryonic and fetal erythroid tissue, and, in addition, we find theta mRNA in the peripheral reticulocytes of normal adults. Furthermore, using the same analytic approach, we detect low but significant levels of the embryonic zeta and epsilon mRNAs in reticulocytes of normal adults. Both zeta and theta gene expression appears erythroid specific in that neither mRNA species is detected in RNA isolated from brain tissue, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or three nonerythroid cell lines (B-lymphocyte, T-lymphocyte, and hepatoma cell lines). The relative levels of zeta and theta gene expression were assayed during development by a coamplification technique. The results demonstrate the expected developmental regulation of zeta globin mRNA. In contrast, the level of theta globin mRNA fails to demonstrate the significant changes of the magnitude seen in other globin genes and remains low in embryonic, fetal, and adult life. The lack of zeta and epsilon globin proteins in normal adults using highly sensitive immunologic techniques, as reported by others, stands in contrast to these mRNA results and suggests a gap between mRNA and protein expression.

Adult↗

Three new class I HLA alleles: structure of mRNAs and alternative mechanisms of processing.

Sixteen HLA class I clones have been isolated from a SV40-transformed human fibroblast line (GM637) cDNA library. The clones, characterized by hybridization to ABC locus-specific probes and sequence analysis, correspond to transcripts from four different class I genes: A2, A10, Cw4, and Cw6 (or Cw7), as implied by cell typing. Only the A2 sequence was known. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of the new alleles are reported here, and their structural features are discussed. Two independent cDNAs of A2 specificity display an unusual polyadenylation site located 100 bp upstream from the canonical one. Moreover, two cDNAs pertaining to the same C allele display two alternative mechanisms of splicing, which cause either presence or absence in mature transcripts of the transmembrane exon 5 sequence. Transcripts missing this region are predicted to synthesize a nonmembrane-bound, secreted antigen. A soluble protein, specifically reacting with class I-specific HLA antibodies, is found in the supernatant of the GM637 cells. The significance of HLA class I transcripts generated by differential processing is discussed.

Alleles↗

Expression of protein kinase C genes during ontogenic development of the central nervous system.

We have analyzed the RNA expression of three protein kinase C (PKC) genes (alpha, beta, and gamma) in human and murine central nervous systems during embryonic-fetal, perinatal, and adult life. Analysis of human brain poly(A)+ RNA indicates that expression of PKC alpha and beta genes can be detected as early as 6 weeks postconception, undergoes a gradual increase until 9 weeks postconception, and reaches its highest level in the adult stage, and that the PKC gamma gene, although not expressed during embryonic and early fetal development, is abundantly expressed in the adult period. Similar developmental patterns were observed in human spinal cord and medulla oblongata. A detailed analysis of PKC gene expression during mammalian ontogeny was performed on poly(A)+ RNA from the brain cells of murine embryos at different stages of development and the brain cells of neonatal and adult mice. The ontogenetic patterns were similar to those observed for human brain. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of PKC gamma is induced in the peri- and postnatal phases. These results suggest that expression of PKC alpha, beta, and gamma genes possibly mediates the development of central neuronal functions, and expression of PKC gamma in particular may be involved in the development of peri- and postnatal functions.

Animals↗

Erythropoietin alone induces erythroid burst formation by human embryonic but not adult BFU-E in unicellular serum-free culture.

Erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) from adult human peripheral blood generate erythroid bursts in semisolid culture supplemented with at least two growth factors, ie, erythropoietin (Ep) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We have analyzed the hematopoietin(s) requirement of human embryonic BFU-E, as compared to that of adult peripheral blood progenitors: This was basically evaluated in fetal calf serum-free (FCS-) methylcellulose culture of partially or highly purified progenitors treated with human recombinant hemopoietins. At a low seeding concentration (2 x 10(3) cells/dish) purified embryonic BFU-E generated erythroid bursts when treated only with Ep: Further addition of IL-3 or GM-CSF had no effect on BFU-E cloning efficiency, although the size of bursts was increased in a dose-dependent manner, particularly with IL-3. At a similar seeding concentration (ie, 10(3) cells/dish), purified adult BFU-E efficiently generated erythroid bursts in the presence of Ep and GM-CSF or IL-3, while only few small erythroid colonies were observed in the presence of Ep alone. In a final series of experiments, unicellular FCS-cultures of purified embryonic BFU-E gave rise to erythroid bursts in the presence of Ep alone. Furthermore, the cloning efficiency induced by Ep was unmodified by further addition of GM-CSF or IL-3. Unicellular FCS- cultures of highly purified adult peripheral blood progenitors generated no erythroid bursts in the presence of Ep alone. The addition of GM-CSF or IL-3 was required to generate BFU-E colonies. These studies indicate that in human embryonic life, BFU-E require only Ep for efficient erythroid burst formation, while IL-3 and GM-CSF essentially enhance the proliferation of early erythropoietic precursors.

Cells, Cultured↗

Zinc modulates the mitogenic activation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

In the present study we have investigated the effect of Zn salts on the mitogenetic activation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Our results show that Zn2+ enhances the level of DNA synthesis in human T lymphocytes stimulated by a mitogenic lectin, phytohemagglutinin (PHA); this effect seems to be mediated through an enhanced expression of both interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transferrin (Trf) receptors. We have also analyzed the mitogenic effect of Zn2+ alone on PBL, in the absence of other mitogenic stimuli. In this regard we have identified large light density T lymphocytes as the PBL population which is activated to proliferate by Zn2+. Finally, we showed that Zn2+ stimulates natural killer (NK) activity; this effect is apparently not due to a direct action on NK lymphocytes, but is related to endogenous cytokines released by accessory cells which in turn stimulate the cytolytic activity of NK lymphocytes.

Humans↗

TGF beta induces a sustained c-fos expression associated with stimulation or inhibition of cell growth in EL2 or NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.

We have previously indicated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a fundamental role in the proliferation control of EL2 rat fibroblast line. It is shown here that transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) stimulates both DNA synthesis and proliferation of EL2 cells, while exerting an inhibitory effect on the growth of murine NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. We also report the effect of TGF beta and EGF on c-fos expression in EL2 cells, as compared to that of TGF beta in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. In EL2 cells EGF induces a transient c-fos expression at both mRNA and protein level, as previously observed in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts treated with platelet-derived or fibroblast growth factor (PDGF, FGF). Conversely, TGF beta induces in EL2 cells a sustained expression of fos mRNA and protein, which are still detectable at least 24 and 7 hr after treatment respectively. In NIH-3T3 fibroblasts TGF beta causes a sustained fos RNA expression, which is not associated, however, with detectable fos protein. We conclude that in fibroblasts stimulated by mitogens c-fos expression may be differentially modulated, depending of the growth factor and the cell line. This is seemingly due to differential regulation of fos gene expression, not only at the transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional level (transient or sustained fos RNA induction by EGF or TGF beta in EL2 cells), but also at the translational level (fos protein(s) induction by TGF beta in EL2 but not NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, possibly related to the stimulatory vs inhibitory effect of this factor on the growth of the former vs the latter line).

Animals↗

Multiple polymorphic sites in factor X locus.

The structure of factor X (FX) gene was analyzed in five FX deficient pedigrees with four different variants of the disease, as well as in 50 normal subjects. Genomic DNA from the deficient patients and the normal controls was digested with 12 restriction endonucleases and hybridized with a FX cDNA probe. The results seemingly exclude gross gene deletions or rearrangements in the deficient patients. A variety of polymorphic sites (ie, EcoRI, HindIII, PstI, PvuII, TaqI) was observed within the FX locus and their relative frequency was established. Intriguingly, a highly polymorphic region for the PvuII endonuclease was identified and located approximately 3 kilobases (kb) from the last 3' exon. These polymorphisms allowed us to analyze the allelic segregation in a FX deficient family and to identify a homozygous subject.

Adult↗

Mechanisms underlying T-lymphocyte activation: mitogen initiates and IL-2 amplifies the expression of transferrin receptors via intracellular iron level.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) pulsed with lectin (PHA or Con A for 0.25-3 hr) show a low expression of interleukin-2 and transferrin receptors (IL-2Rs, TfRs) and a mild decline of intracellular ferritin level, compared to control cultures grown in continuous presence of mitogen. Interestingly, lectin-pulsed PBM do not release detectable amounts of IL-2 in the medium. Furthermore, expression of TfRs in these lymphocytes is not inhibited by addition of excess anti-IL-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody, but is significantly inhibited by treatment with iron salts. These observations suggest that mitogen triggers an IL-2-independent expression of TfRs, at least in part via a decrease of intracellular iron level. Addition of either recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) or an iron chelator (picolinic acid) to lectin-pulsed PBM induces both a marked enhancement of TfR synthesis and a sharp decline of intracellular ferritin level, which are comparable to the corresponding pattern observed in control cultures. Conversely, addition of iron salts fully inhibits the increase of TfR expression induced by rIL-2. These observations strongly suggest that the enhanced TfR synthesis elicited by rIL-2 is mediated by depletion of a regulatory intracellular iron pool. In line with these studies, greater than 99% purified T lymphocytes stimulated by lectin show a low expression of TfRs, which is markedly enhanced by addition of exogenous rIL-2. Altogether, we postulate that: (i) in resting T lymphocytes the gene encoding TfR is apparently in a 'closed' configuration; (ii) even in the absence of IL-2 activity, a mitogen pulse is sufficient to initiate the expression of TfRs, at least in part via a decline of intracellular iron level; and (iii) TfR synthesis is then largely amplified by IL-2, again via a decrease of the size of a regulatory intracellular iron pool.

Cells, Cultured↗

Hereditary thrombophilia: identification of nonsense and missense mutations in the protein C gene.

The structure of the gene for protein C, an anticoagulant serine protease, was analyzed in 29 unrelated patients with hereditary thrombophilia and protein C deficiency. Gene deletion(s) or gross rearrangement(s) was not demonstrable by Southern blot hybridization to cDNA probes. However, two unrelated patients showed a variant restriction pattern after Pvu II or BamHI digestion, due to mutations in the last exon: analysis of their pedigrees, including three or seven heterozygotes, respectively, with approximately 50% reduction of both enzymatic and antigen level, showed the abnormal restriction pattern in all heterozygous individuals, but not in normal relatives. Cloning of protein C gene and sequencing of the last exon allowed us to identify a nonsense and a missense mutation, respectively. In the first case, codon 306 (CGA, arginine) is mutated to an inframe stop codon, thus generating a new Pvu II recognition site. In the second case, a missense mutation in the BamHI palindrome (GGATCC----GCATCC) leads to substitution of a key amino acid (a tryptophan to cysteine substitution at position 402), invariantly conserved in eukaryotic serine proteases. These point mutations may explain the protein C-deficiency phenotype of heterozygotes in the two pedigrees.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selective expression of fos proto-oncogene in human acute myelomonocytic and monocytic leukemias: a molecular marker of terminal differentiation.

Expression of human fos proto-oncogene (c-fos) was analyzed in primary cells from 50 untreated acute lymphocytic (ALL) and myeloblastic (AML) leukemias. c-fos RNA, analyzed by blot hybridization, was detected virtually only in myelomonocytic (M4) and monocytic (M5) AML. Both M4 and M5 samples show a strong positive correlation between the amount of c-fos transcripts and the percentage of leukemic cells expressing surface antigens specific for mature monocytes and macrophages. Normal mature monocytes exhibit a detectable level of c-fos RNA, which is virtually unaltered on activation to macrophage differentiation, but is always below that observed in M4 through M5 monocyticlike cells. These data provide evidence that c-fos expression is linked to terminal monocyte and macrophage differentiation in normal and leukemic hemopoiesis.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Expression of transferrin receptors in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human T-lymphocytes. Evidence for a three-step model.

Resting human T-lymphocytes show an elevated intracellular concentration of ferritin, whereas transferrin receptors are not detectable. Stimulation by phytohemagglutinin markedly lowers their ferritin content, while inducing the synthesis of transferrin receptors. Addition of iron salts (ferric ammonium citrate) in activated T-lymphocyte cultures causes a marked enhancement of both [3H]uridine and [3H]thymidine incorporation. Nevertheless, it also induces a concentration-dependent decrease in transferrin receptor synthesis, associated with a marked rise of ferritin production. Hemin treatment exerts the same effects. Addition of picolinic acid in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated cultures causes a decrease of [3H]thymidine incorporation, whereas transferrin expression is markedly enhanced. The action of iron salts and chelators is specific for transferrin receptors, since the expression of other membrane markers of activated human T-lymphocytes (interleukin-2 receptor, insulin receptor, and HLA-DR antigen) is not modified by treatment with iron or picolinic acid. These observations suggest that expression of transferrin receptors in activated T-lymphocytes is specifically modulated by their intracellular iron level, rather than their proliferative rate. Addition of picolinic acid to resting T-lymphocytes in the absence of mitogen induces a marked decrease of their ferritin content, but not the appearance of transferrin receptors. On the basis of these results, we suggest a three-step model: (a) in resting T-lymphocytes, the gene for transferrin receptor is apparently "closed," in that it is not expressed under both normal conditions and following iron deprivation. (b) After mitogen stimulus, T-lymphocytes are reprogrammed into cell cycle progression, which necessarily entails synthesis of transferrin receptors (c) Expression of these receptors is modulated by the intracellular iron level, rather than the rate of proliferation per se.

Ferric Compounds↗

Translocation of c-myc into the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus in human acute B-cell leukemia. A molecular analysis.

We report the molecular analysis of primary cells from four cases of human B-cell malignancies each with an 8;14 chromosomal translocation involving the c-myc proto-oncogene and the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene cluster. In two cases of B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) the c-myc is truncated, rearranged into the Ig C alpha 1 locus and over-expressed in two abnormal mRNAs of approximately 2.0 and 2.8 kb. Conversely, in two cases of B-cell lymphoma progressed into leukemia the c-myc locus was translocated intact in its coding and 5'-flanking region into an Ig region different from C alpha 1, and over-expressed in two normal mRNA species. Cloning and sequencing of the breakpoint region on chromosome 14q+ from one of the two B-ALL cases showed that the myc gene is truncated 1077 nucleotides upstream from the translation start site, and rearranged in the opposite transcriptional orientation into an Ig class-switch segment approximately 4.8 kb upstream from the C alpha 1 gene. The c-myc anti-sense strand contains two class-switch recombination consensus sequences in the immediate boundaries of the breakpoint on chromosome 8: this allows us to postulate that an erroneous, class-switch-like recombination between Ig and myc sequences gave rise to the chromosomal translocation. Furthermore, we report 13 point mutations clustered in a region spanning from the first intron to the second exon of the translocated c-myc gene, five of which cause amino acid changes leading to an abnormal myc protein. This is the first evidence of mutations in a translocated c-myc in primary tumor cells.

Adolescent↗