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D C Dean

Publications and source records attributed to D C Dean.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Regulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression by IL-4 and TNF-alpha in cultured endothelial cells.

Interaction between vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells and alpha 4 integrins on leukocytes is thought to mediate the selective recruitment of eosinophils and lymphocytes that occurs in allergic diseases. IL-4 is associated with allergic conditions, and it has been shown to selectively increase expression of VCAM-1 on endothelial cells in vivo, suggesting that it could be responsible for VCAM-1 expression in allergic disease. Using a combination of immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Northern analysis, we compared the effect of TNF-alpha and IL-4 on VCAM-1 expression. TNF-alpha is also associated with allergic diseases, and it rapidly increases transcription of the VCAM-1 gene. The effect of IL-4 was relatively modest with prolonged kinetics: VCAM-1 was not detected until 72 h after treatment with IL-4. However, when TNF-alpha and IL-4 were combined, there was a synergistic increase in VCAM-1 expression and a dramatic prolongation of the appearance of VCAM-1 on the cell surface. This synergy results from a combination of transcriptional activation by TNF-alpha and the stabilization of resulting transcripts by IL-4. We propose that IL-4 allows subthreshold concentrations of TNF-alpha (concentrations that would not normally activate expression of adhesion molecules on the endothelium) to selectively increase VCAM-1 expression and to prolong its appearance on the surface of cells in allergic disease.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1995

Identification of human cytochrome P450 isozymes responsible for the in vitro oxidative metabolism of finasteride.

Finasteride, a prescription drug for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy and alleviation of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy and alleviation of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy, has been shown to be metabolized in rat hepatic microsomes by hydroxylation at the t-butyl group (omega-OH finasteride), followed by further oxidation to the corresponding acid (omega-oic acid finasteride), with omega-aldehyde finasteride as an intermediate. In this study, we identified specific human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozyme(s) involved in the in vitro metabolism of [14C]finasteride using CYP isozyme-selective inhibitors and microsomes containing specific recombinant human CYP isozymes (expressed in human AHH-1 TK+/-cells). Each of the three steps of the oxidative pathway was examined separately by using [14C]finasteride and its consecutive metabolites (omega-OH finasteride and omega-aldehyde finasteride) as substrates, and human liver microsomes or expressed recombinant CYP isozymes as the enzyme source. Gestodene, a mechanism-based inhibitor of CYP3A isozymes, showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the oxidative metabolism of [14C]finasteride. In addition, the respective omega-OH finasteride and omega-oic acid finasteride metabolites were generated only by microsomes containing recombinant CYP3A4, but not the other isozymes (CYP1A1, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1). Similar results were obtained for the oxidation of omega-OH finasteride to omega-aldehyde finasteride, suggesting that human CYP3A isozymes were involved in the oxidation of omega-OH finasteride. When omega-aldehyde finasteride was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of an NADPH regenerating system, both the omega-oic acid finasteride and the omega-OH finasteride were detected, suggesting that oxidative and reductive reactions were occurring simultaneously and that they were NADPH- or NADP-dependent. Inhibitors of CYP3A isozymes inhibited the oxidation of omega-aldehyde finasteride in a concentration-dependent manner; an increase in the reduction was also observed, presumably caused by inhibition of the competitive oxidative reaction. Other selective CYP inhibitors for CYP1A1/2 (alpha-naphthoflavone), CYP2C8-10 (sulfaphenazole), CYP2D6 (quinidine), and CYP2E1 (diallylsulfone) showed minor or no effects on both reactions. Consistent with these results, only microsomes containing human recombinant CYP3A4 catalyzed the oxidation of omega-aldehyde finasteride to omega-oic acid finasteride. These results indicate that the oxidation of omega-aldehyde finasteride was NADPH-dependent and was mediated at least in part by CYP3A4. In addition, NAD-dependent enzymes in cytosolic, microsomal, and mitochondrial fractions were capable of oxidizing omega-aldehyde finasteride to omega-oic acid finasteride. Other cellular fractions, particularly mitochondria, were shown to convert finasteride to omega-oic acid finasteride in a similar fashion.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗
PubMed1994

An intricate arrangement of binding sites for the Ets family of transcription factors regulates activity of the alpha 4 integrin gene promoter.

alpha 4 integrins mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions that are critical for maturation and function of the immune system as well as differentiation of skeletal muscle. Here we examine molecular mechanisms controlling the pattern of alpha 4 expression. The activity of constructs containing 5' deletion mutants of the alpha 4 gene promoter was compared in transfection assays into cell lines that express alpha 4 and cell lines that do not. The sequence between position -42 and -76 base pairs (bp) was required for efficient transcription in cells that express alpha 4, but it showed no activity in HeLa cells, which do not express alpha 4. Three binding sites for the Ets family of transcription factors are found in this region: two adjacent sites at positions -50 and -54 bp and a more 5' site at position -67 bp. Using a series of constructs containing deletions and mutations in this region, we found that the 3'-most site alone was sufficient for binding GA-binding protein alpha (GABP alpha)/GABP beta and for a low level of transcriptional activation. When all three sites were present, a second complex "a" was detected, which contains an unknown member of the Ets family. Formation of complex a was cell-type specific and correlated with a high level of transcription. Deletion of the 5'-most Ets site had no effect on binding to GABP alpha/GABP beta, but it eliminated a. Concomitant with this loss of a, a new Ets-1-containing complex "c" appeared. Complex c substituted efficiently for complex a in transcriptional activation. We conclude that although neither of the two 5'-most Ets sites alone binds nuclear protein, they appear to act as modulators which control the pattern of Ets proteins that bind the alpha 4 gene promoter. This arrangement of Ets sites, coupled with the tissue- and developmental-specific expression of Ets members, likely play a key role in defining the pattern of alpha 4 integrin.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Expanding roles for alpha 4 integrin and its ligands in development.

Interaction of alpha 4 integrins with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is classically important for immune function. However, we found recently that these receptors have a second role, in embryogenesis, where they mediate cell-cell interactions that are important for skeletal muscle differentiation. Here, we present evidence of an expanding role for these receptors in murine development. alpha 4 and VCAM-1 were found at embryonic sites of hematopoiesis, suggesting a role for these receptors during embryogenesis that parallels their hematopoietic function in adult bone marrow. During angiogenesis in the lung, alpha 4 and VCAM-1 were found on mesenchyme that gives rise to vascular endothelium and smooth muscle. alpha 4 persisted on the smooth muscle and the endothelium of newly forming vessels where it colocalized with its extracellular matrix ligand, fibronectin (FN). These patterns suggest several roles for alpha 4 integrins and their ligands in angiogenesis. alpha 4 was also found on neural crest derivatives where it colocalized with FN. alpha 4 was expressed selectively on cells in the dorsal root ganglia: it was apparent along ventral projections, but absent from dorsal projections, suggesting that alpha 4 integrins could be involved in defining neuronal fates. Although VCAM-1 was not expressed on most neural crest derivatives, it was found in the neural crest-derived outflow tract of the embryonic heart, where it colocalized with alpha 4. These results imply that alpha 4 integrins and their ligands could be important for migration or differentiation of neural crest. alpha 4 was also expressed on embryonic retina and FN was found on inductive mesenchyme surrounding the eye, suggesting a role for these proteins in eye development. Finally, based on their patterns of expression, we conclude that VCAM-1 only participates in a subset of interactions involving alpha 4 integrins, whereas FN appears to be the more general ligand.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1: contrasting transcriptional control mechanisms in muscle and endothelium.

Interaction between vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), which appears on the surface of endothelial cells in response to inflammation, and its integrin counter receptor, alpha 4 beta 1, on immune cells is responsible for targeting these immune cells to cytokine-stimulated endothelium. In addition to its role in the immune system, VCAM-1 is also expressed in a developmentally specific pattern on differentiating skeletal muscle, where it mediates cell-cell interactions important for myogenesis through interaction with alpha 4 beta 1. In contrast to endothelium, there is high basal expression of VCAM-1 in skeletal muscle cells and the expression is not cytokine-responsive. Here, we examine the molecular basis for these contrasting patterns of expression in muscle and endothelium, using VCAM-1 promoter constructs in a series of transfection assays. In endothelial cells, octamer binding sites act as silencers that prevent VCAM-1 expression in unstimulated cells. Tumor necrosis factor alpha overcomes the negative effects of these octamers and activates the promoter through two adjacent NF-kappa B binding sites. In muscle cells, a position-specific enhancer located between bp -21 and -5 overrides the effect of other promoter elements, resulting in constitutive VCAM-1 expression. A nuclear protein binds the position-specific enhancer in muscle but not endothelial cells; thus the pattern of expression of this protein could control enhancer activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and its counter receptor VCAM-1 in development and immune function.

The integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and its counter receptor vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) mediate well-described cell-cell interactions that are critical for immune function. However, these receptors also mediate cell-cell interactions that are important for skeletal muscle differentiation. We have found that contrasting transcriptional mechanisms control their patterns of expression in the immune system and in muscle. Recent studies indicate that alpha 4 beta 1 and VCAM-1 are also expressed in a number of developing tissues, implying that these receptors have a general role in facilitating cell-cell interactions during development.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of the promoter for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1).

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was first identified as a protein that appears on the surface of endothelial cells after exposure to inflammatory cytokines. Through interaction with its integrin counter receptor VLA-4, VCAM-1 mediates cell-cell interactions important for immune function. We have cloned and begun characterization of the promoter for the VCAM-1 gene. In a series of transfection assays into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we find that silencers between positions -1.641 kilobases and -288 base pairs restrict promoter activity, and that treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha overcomes this inhibition and activates the promoter through two NF kappa B sites located at positions -77 and -63 base pairs of the VCAM-1 gene. This responsiveness appears cell-specific since constructs containing the VCAM-1 NF kappa B sites are not responsive to tumor necrosis factor alpha in the T-cell line Jurkat. The two VCAM-1 NF kappa B sites, which differ slightly in their sequence, form distinct complexes in gel retardation assays, suggesting that they interact with different NF kappa B-site binding proteins. The distribution of these proteins could then control activity of the NF kappa B sites. We conclude that the pattern of VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs is controlled by a combination of these silencers and NF kappa B sites.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Retinoblastoma protein switches the E2F site from positive to negative element.

Originally E2F sites were identified as elements in the promoters of adenovirus early genes that are necessary for activation of these genes by the early protein E1a (ref. 1). E2F promoter elements have been shown to be important for transcriptional activation of several genes critical for progression through the cell cycle. During the G1 phase of the cell cycle, the E2F protein forms a complex with the cell-cycle protein Rb (ref. 5) and it has been suggested that this binding of Rb to E2F inactivates E2F (ref. 5). Here we show that Rb-E2F is an active complex that, when bound to the E2F site, inhibits the activity of other promoter elements and thus silences transcription. We propose that the ability of this complex to inhibit transcription is integral to the function of Rb and provide evidence that E2F is a positive element in the absence of an active form of Rb. It has been shown that binding of Rb to E2F depends on the phosphorylation state of Rb (only the underphosphorylated form binds) and that the phosphorylation state of Rb changes during progression through the cell cycle. We therefore suggest that the E2F site alternates between a positive and negative element with the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycle of Rb. This cyclic activity may be responsible for activating and then inhibiting genes during the cell cycle.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1992

Roles for the integrin VLA-4 and its counter receptor VCAM-1 in myogenesis.

Mammalian myogenesis is biphasic: primary myoblasts fuse to form primary myotubes, then secondary myoblasts align along the primary myotubes and form secondary myotubes, which comprise most of adult muscle. We provide evidence that an integrin (VLA-4) and its counter receptor (VCAM-1) have a role in secondary myogenesis. Both receptors are synthesized by cultured muscle cells: VLA-4 is induced as myotubes form, whereas VCAM-1 is present on myoblasts and myotubes. In vivo, both molecules are expressed at sites of secondary myogenesis, VLA-4 on primary and secondary myotubes, and VCAM-1 on secondary myoblasts and on regions of secondary myotubes apposed to primary myotubes. These patterns suggest that VLA-4-VCAM-1 interactions influence alignment of secondary myoblasts along primary myotubes and/or the fusion of secondary myoblasts. In support of the latter possibility, antibodies to VLA-4 or VCAM-1 inhibit myotube formation in culture.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Interaction of a common factor with ATF, Sp1, or TATAA promoter elements is required for these sequences to mediate transactivation by the adenoviral oncogene E1a.

The adenovirus protein E1a stimulates transcription of both viral and cellular genes. Unlike most other transcription factors, it induces transactivation through several different promoter elements. The mechanism by which elements of diverse sequence mediate the effect of E1a is the focus of this study. Three E1a-responsive elements (an ATF site, an Sp1 site, and a TATA box containing the sequence TATAA) were studied to determine whether their interaction with a common factor is necessary for transactivation. In transfection assays, each element was used as a competitor against promoter constructs containing the other elements. The elements as competitors had no effect on basal transcription, but each competitor completely inhibited transactivation by E1a. Competitors that were not E1a responsive failed to inhibit transactivation. Therefore, either E1a itself or an E1a-inducible factor interacts with each of the elements to cause transactivation, most likely though an association with each element's specific binding protein.

Activating Transcription Factors↗
PubMed1991

Identification of a protein that interacts with the nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) binding site in cells that do not express NF-1: comparison to NF-1, cellular distribution, and effect on transcription.

We examined expression of nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) in different cell lines. Expression was low or undetectable in T and B lymphocyte cell lines, whereas fibroblasts and other adherent cell lines generally had a relatively high level of NF-1 mRNA. In cell lines that did not express NF-1, gel retardation assays, nevertheless, indicated complexes between a protein or proteins and the NF-1 site. These complexes were less abundant than those formed with NF-1, they migrated more slowly, and they appeared as single species instead of the multiple species observed with NF-1. NF-1 site-binding proteins were compared in the fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 (expressed the highest level of NF-1 in our study) and the B cell line Raji (does not express NF-1). UV-crosslinking studies indicated that the NF-1 site-binding proteins in both cell lines were similar in size. Proteolytic clipping band shift assays suggested that the Raji protein and NF-1 share structural similarity in their DNA binding domains, but are distinct proteins. The NF-1 site mediated transcriptional stimulation in cell lines where NF-1 is expressed; however, this element did not affect transcription in cell lines that do not express NF-1, suggesting that the NF-1 site-binding protein in these cells is functionally distinct from NF-1.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1991

The alpha 5 beta 1 fibronectin receptor. Characterization of the alpha 5 gene promoter.

A genomic clone containing the gene for the alpha 5 subunit of the human alpha 5 beta 1 integrin complex was isolated by screening a human genomic library with the previously described alpha 5 cDNA (Argraves, W. S., Suzuki, S., Arai, H., Thompson, K., Pierschbacher, M. D., and Ruoslahti, E. (1987) J. Cell Biol 105, 1183-1190). The alpha 5 gene 5'-flanking region lacks both TATA and CCAAT boxes, and it is located in a CpG island. This region was an active promoter in transfection assays using the HT-1080 cell line (fibrosarcoma), which expresses alpha 5, but was inactive in the Raji cell line (B cell), which does not express alpha 5. These results indicate that the alpha 5 gene 5'-flanking region acts as a promoter that exhibits the expected cell-type specificity. Deletion of alpha 5 promoter sequences from position -657 to -178 caused transcription stimulation, suggesting that a silencer is located between these sites. Successive 5' deletions from position -178 decreased promoter activity until activity was essentially eliminated on deletion to position -27. Isolation of a functional promoter for the alpha 5 gene is a first step in understanding how expression of this gene is controlled at the molecular level.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of the alpha 4 integrin gene promoter.

A cDNA for the alpha 4 chain of the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin was described previously [Takada, Y., Elices, M. J., Crouse, C. & Hemler, M. E. (1989) EMBO J. 8, 1361-1368]. Primer extension analysis indicated that alpha 4 mRNA extended well beyond the 5' end of this cDNA. To clone this 5' sequence, a primer extension cDNA library was constructed, and a cDNA extending an additional 660 base pairs was isolated. This cDNA hybridized to multiple mRNAs in both T and B lymphocytes, but no alpha 4 mRNA was found in different tissues or in adherent cell lines. A single alpha 4 gene was detected in a genomic Southern blot when hybridization was done at high stringency; however, additional bands were observed at lower stringency, indicating the presence of alpha 4-related genes. Some of the different mRNAs that hybridize to the alpha 4 cDNA may then be the products of these related genes. Analysis of the alpha 4 genomic sequence revealed a large first exon of 958 base pairs. Interestingly, translation of alpha 4 initiates from the second ATG in this exon (nucleotide + 744). The first ATG (nucleotide +21) is followed by a termination codon 21 amino acids downstream. Such upstream ATG codons have been implicated in translational control of protooncogenes. One major transcriptional start site was identified by using S1 nuclease and primer extension mapping. Consensus sequences for DNA regulatory elements were found upstream of the gene and in exon 1 and intron 1. The alpha 4 gene 5' flanking region acted as a promoter in transfection assays. Detailed characterization of the promoter should provide insight into molecular events regulating expression and tissue specificity of alpha 4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of three different elements in the 5'-flanking region of the fibronectin gene which mediate a transcriptional response to cAMP.

A cAMP regulatory element (CRE) at nucleotide position -170 of the fibronectin gene was characterized previously (Dean, D. C., Blakeley, M. S., Newby, R. F., Ghazal, P., Hennighausen, L., and Bourgeois, S. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 1498-1506). Here we identify two additional low affinity CREs at nucleotide positions -260 and -415 which differ in sequence by 1 base pair. Interestingly, these CREs did not compete for binding of nuclear proteins in gel retardation assays and partial tryptic digestion of protein-DNA complexes produced a different pattern with each CRE, indicating that they bind different proteins. CRE (-170) competed for binding of proteins to both CREs, suggesting that it may represent a composite of the two elements. CRE (-415) competed effectively for binding of nuclear proteins to the somatostatin gene CRE, suggesting that, like the somatostatin CRE, it binds the nuclear protein CREB. On the other hand, CRE (-260) appears to bind the nuclear protein PEA-2, which also binds a site in the polyoma virus enhancer. In summary, disruption of dyad symmetry in the 3' region of the CRE, as occurs with CRE (-260) and CRE (-415), results in a lower affinity site and may also change the specificity for different nuclear proteins.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Glycoprotein synthesis and secretion. Expression of fibronectin and its cell surface receptors.

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix protein that acts as a substrate for cell migration and adhesion during development. Cells adhere to FN through integral membrane proteins that are members of the integrin family of adhesion molecules. The interaction between cells and FN is important in a number of biologic processes, including gastrulation, hematopoietic differentiation, neural crest cell migration, cardiac development, branching morphogenesis in lung, wound healing, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Expression of FN and its receptors is controlled by a number of hormones and growth factors as well as by tissue-specific factors. Here, the molecular aspects of how expression of these genes is controlled are reviewed, with particular emphasis on promoter regulator elements that modulate expression.

Fibronectins↗
PubMed1990

Serum stimulation of fibronectin gene expression appears to result from rapid serum-induced binding of nuclear proteins to a cAMP response element.

Fibronectin (FN) mRNA levels increased when quiescent cells (serum starved) were stimulated to undergo the G0/G1 transition by the addition of 20% given fetal calf serum to the media. The 5'-flanking region of the FN gene (position +69 to -510 base pairs (bp] was fused to the coding region of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), and the fusion gene was used in transfection assays. Expression of FNCAT increased on serum treatment indicating that the region of the FN gene between positions +69 and -510 bp mediated serum responsiveness. Deletion of FN gene 5'-flanking sequences from position -510 to -122 bp eliminated serum responsiveness suggesting that an element between these positions was mediating the effect. Sequences between positions -122 and -510 bp of the FN gene were able to confer serum responsiveness on a herpes virus thymidine kinase promoter-CAT fusion gene (TKCAT) when the FN gene sequences were cloned upstream of TKCAT. The ability to confer serum responsiveness on TKCAT was retained with a smaller 100-bp sequence (position -122 to -222 bp). Both a cAMP response element (position -170 bp) and a nuclear factor-1 binding site (position -155 bp) have been identified within this sequence (Dean, D. C., Blakeley, M. S., Newby, R. F., Ghazal, P., Hennighausen, L., and Bourgeois, S. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 1498-1506). The cAMP response element was serum-responsive when cloned upstream of TKCAT or a minimal FN promoter (deleted to position -56 bp) while the nuclear factor-1 binding site was unresponsive. Therefore, the cAMP regulatory element (CRE) is the serum-responsive element between position -122 and -222 bp. Serum-induced binding of proteins to the CRE was detected in gel retardation assays with extracts from cell lines where FN expression was serum-responsive. However, no serum-induced binding was detected with extracts from the JEG-3 cell line where FN expression was not serum-responsive. Serum-induced binding occurred rapidly, within 15 min, and did not require protein synthesis. The decay of serum-induced binding was relatively slow as increased binding was still detectable 24 h after removal of serum. The CRE also mediates transcriptional stimulation by cAMP, but unlike serum stimulation increased CRE binding activity was not detectable in extracts from cAMP-treated cells (Dean, D. C., Blakeley, M. S., Newby, R. F., Ghazal, P., Hennighausen, L., and Bourgeois, S. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 1498-1506).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Synthesis, chemistry, and antineoplastic activity of alpha-halopyridinium salts: potential pyridone prodrugs of acylated vinylogous carbinolamine tumor inhibitors.

A series of 4- and 5-[2,3-dihydro-6,7-bis[[(N-alkylcarbamoyl)oxy]methyl]-1H-pyrrol izin-5- yl]-2-halopyridinium iodides were synthesized. The rates of hydrolysis of the alpha-halopyridinium salts to the corresponding pyridones, and the reactivities of the carbamate moieties were studied as a function of pH, buffer composition, and ionic strength. The 4- and 5-pyrrolizinyl-2-halopyridinium iodides and the corresponding pyridones were evaluated against P388 lymphocytic leukemia in vivo. The alpha-fluoropyridinium compounds were active but the alpha-chloro compounds were not. This activity was correlated with the rates of hydrolysis of the alpha-halopyridinium compounds to the active pyridone. Compounds that were active in the P388 screen were evaluated in L1210 leukemia, M5076 carcinoma, and MX-1 mammary xenograft assays in mice.

Animals↗