Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D LeRoith

Publications and source records attributed to D LeRoith.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Cloning and characterization of the proximal promoter region of the rat insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor gene.

We have isolated genomic clones that contain the promoter region of the rat IGF-I receptor gene. A unique transcriptional start site was suggested by the results of primer extension and RNase protection assays, which also defined a 940-base 5'-untranslated region. Despite the single start site, the proximal 415 base pairs of 5'-flanking region were devoid of TATA or CCAAT elements. The region surrounding the start site was, however, similar to a recently described "initiator" sequence that can direct specific transcription initiation in the absence of a TATA element. The 5'-flanking region was GC-rich and contained several possible SP1 sites, but also included potential ETF and AP-2 binding sites. The rat IGF-I receptor gene promoter region appears to have some sequences similar to both "housekeeping" and highly regulated promoters and may be an example of an intermediary class of regulatory region.

Animals↗

Regulation of rat brain/HepG2 glucose transporter gene expression by phorbol esters in primary cultures of neuronal and astrocytic glial cells.

We have demonstrated regulation of the rat brain/Hep G2 glucose transporter gene (GT1) by Northern blot analysis with a rat brain glucose transporter cDNA probe. Incubation of both neuronal and glial cells derived from neonatal rats with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in the steady state levels of GT1 mRNA. In glial cells, this corresponded to an increase in both the level of GT1 protein and glucose transporter activity, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis and [3H]2-deoxyglucose (dGlc) uptake studies. In contrast, in neuronal cells 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate had no effect on either the concentration/level of the GT or [3H]dGlc uptake. These results suggest that phorbol esters regulate dGlc uptake at the transcriptional level in both neuronal and glial cells, but that the increase in expression of the GT1 gene is dissociated from posttranscriptional events involved in dGlc uptake in neuronal cells.

Animals↗

The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene is expressed in chick embryos during early organogenesis.

A definition of the role of IGF-I in differentiation and development requires a detailed understanding of its expression and tissue-specific regulation in embryogenesis. Standard techniques for analysis of IGF-I gene expression are not sufficiently sensitive for studies in early embryos. We have used the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to study IGF-I gene expression in whole chick embryos from the late blastula stage (E0 = laying) through the end of organogenesis (day 8), and in liver, brain and pancreas during mid-late embryogenesis and perinatally (hatching = day 21). Although at low levels in the blastoderm and gastrula, IGF-I mRNA was detectable in the whole embryo in all stages studied, with a tendency of the signal to increase with age during the first week of embryogenesis. In mid- and late embryogenesis, we easily detected IGF-I mRNA transcripts in pancreas and brain while the levels in the liver were barely detectable. Liver IGF-I mRNA increased markedly at the peak of postnatal growth (day 50). These studies suggest that while the major source of postnatal IGF-I may be the liver, extrahepatic tissues may be the predominant source of IGF-I during prenatal chicken development.

Animals↗

Rat ovarian insulin-like growth factor II gene expression is theca-interstitial cell-exclusive: hormonal regulation and receptor distribution.

While the potential role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in ovarian physiology has been extensively studied, relatively limited attention has been paid to IGF-II the very presence of which in the mature rat ovary has been questioned. In the present study, we have reevaluated rat ovarian IGF-II gene expression, its cellular localization, hormonal regulation, and site(s) of receptor interaction. IGF-II mRNA was detected in whole ovaries from immature as well as mature intact rats. Cellular localization studies revealed IGF-II transcripts in theca-interstitial but not granulosa cells (a site of IGF-I gene expression). In contrast, no cellular selectivity was noted for Type I and Type II IGF receptor gene expression, both of which were clearly detectable in both granulosa and theca-interstitial cells. In vivo treatment of immature hypophysectomized rats with diethylstilbestrol reduced ovarian IGF-II mRNA levels while increasing IGF-I mRNA levels. Taken together, these and previous observations reveal fundamental differences in the cellular localization and hormonal regulation of ovarian IGF gene expression in that IGF-II gene expression (unlike IGF-I) is theca-interstitial (rather than granulosa) cell-specific, and is subject to down (as opposed to up) regulation in response to estrogenic stimulation. In contrast, Type I and Type II IGF receptors exist on both somatic cell types of the rat ovary. These observations are consistent with the view that IGF-II of theca-interstitial cell origin may not only play an autocrine role but may also serve as one of several signals through which this androgen-producing cell may communicate in a paracrine fashion with the adjacent granulosa cell compartment.

Animals↗

Liver regeneration is associated with increased expression of the insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor.

The process of liver regeneration involves the concerted action of certain growth factors, which stimulate hepatocyte proliferation, and other antiproliferative factors, which prevent uncontrolled growth of this organ. Some of the biological actions of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), a mitogenic polypeptide closely related to insulin, may be mediated by the IGF-II receptor. This receptor consists of a single chain extracellular domain and a very small cytoplasmic domain, and can bind lysosomal enzymes that contain mannose-6-phosphate (M-6-P) residues. Since these enzymes may be involved in remodelling processes in certain tissues, we measured the expression of the IGF-II/M-6-P receptor in the liver after subtotal hepatectomy. Binding of [125I]IGF-II to crude plasma membranes from regenerating liver was maximal 2 days after hepatectomy (4.9% specific binding/60 micrograms protein) and subsequently decreased. Both control livers (livers removed at the time of operation) and sham-operated control livers demonstrated specific [125I]IGF-II binding of 1.1% throughout the experimental period. This increase in binding in regenerating liver was shown to be associated with an increase in the concentration of IGF-II receptor protein by means of Western blot analysis using a polyclonal anti-IGF-II/M-6-P receptor antiserum (3637). Similarly, steady state levels of IGF-II/M-6-P receptor mRNA, measured by solution hybridization/RNase protection assays, were significantly increased in the regenerating liver (2.0-fold over the control value 2 days after hepatectomy). Five and 10 days postsurgery, the levels of IGF-II receptor mRNA were markedly reduced, and they were even lower than the levels in control livers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Alternative splicing produces messenger RNAs encoding insulin-like growth factor-I prohormones that are differentially glycosylated in vitro.

Rat insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) cDNA sequences predict two prohormones that differ in the carboxy-terminal extension peptide (E-peptide) as a result of the inclusion or exclusion of the 52-basepair exon 4 sequence. In the absence of exon 4, the sequence codes for the IGF-Ia prohormone, whose E region contains two potential N-glycosylation sites. With differential splicing and the inclusion of exon 4, the resultant mRNA codes for IGF-Ib, with a longer E-region sequence. In addition, as a consequence of a frame shift, both potential glycosylation sites are lost in the IGF-Ib peptide. We used an in vitro translation system supplemented with canine pancreatic microsomal membranes to analyze cotranslational processing of the IGF-I propeptides. We have demonstrated that IGF-Ia prohormone, which contains two potential N-glycosylation sites in the E region, can be N-glycosylated in vitro, and that both glycosylation sites are probably used. As expected, the IGF-Ib preprohormone is processed by microsomes, but is not glycosylated.

Animals↗

Cellular pattern of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and type I IGF receptor gene expression in early organogenesis: comparison with IGF-II gene expression.

To investigate the potential role(s) of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in embryogenesis, we have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to localize mRNAs for IGF-I, IGF-II, and the type I IGF receptor during an early period in rat embryonic development (embryonic days 14 and 15). IGF-I and IGF-II mRNAs were found in distinctly different patterns of cellular distribution. IGF-I mRNA was particularly abundant in undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue in the vicinity of sprouting nerves and spinal ganglia, and in circumscribed regions of the developing face that corresponded to the target zones of the trigeminal nerve. IGF-I mRNA was also found in aggregations of mesenchyme surrounding, but not in developing muscle and cartilage. IGF-I mRNA was selectively concentrated in areas of active tissue remodeling, such as the cardiac outflow tract, and was undetectable in liver, pituitary, and nervous system at this early stage of organogenesis. IGF-II mRNA was abundant in developing muscle, cartilage, and vascular tissue, and in the embryonic liver and pituitary. IGF-II mRNA was also conspicuous in areas of vascular interface with the brain, such as the choroid plexus and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. Messenger RNA for the type I IGF receptor was widely distributed in embryonic tissues, but the highest level were seen in the ventral floorplate of the hindbrain, where specialized neuroepithelial cells act as guides for axonal targeting. In conclusion, the different cellular patterns of expression of genes for IGF-I and IGF-II indicate that these two IGFs are differently regulated and, thus, may have significantly different roles in the process of embryonic development. Furthermore, the early and widespread expression of the type-I IGF receptor gene, in contrast to the relatively limited and localized pattern of IGF-I gene expression, is consistent with the view that this receptor may mediate the effects of IGF-II as well as IGF-I during embryogenesis.

Animals↗

Experimental diabetes increases insulinlike growth factor I and II receptor concentration and gene expression in kidney.

Insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) is a mitogenic hormone with important regulatory roles in growth and development. One of the target organs for IGF-I action is the kidney, which synthesizes abundant IGF-I receptors and IGF-I itself. To study the involvement of IGF-I and the IGF-I receptor in the development of nephropathy, one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus, we measured the expression of these genes in the kidney and in other tissues of the streptozocin-induced diabetic rat. The binding of 125I-labeled IGF-I to crude membranes was measured in the same tissues. We observed a 2.5-fold increase in the steady-state level of IGF-I-receptor mRNA in the diabetic kidney, which was accompanied by a 2.3-fold increase in IGF-I binding. In addition to this increase in IGF-I binding to the IGF-I receptor, there was also binding to a lower-molecular-weight material that may represent an IGF-binding protein. No change was detected in the level of IGF-I-peptide mRNA. Similarly, IGF-II-receptor mRNA levels and IGF-II binding were significantly increased in the diabetic kidney. IGF-I- and IGF-II-receptor mRNA levels and IGF-I and IGF-II binding returned to control values after insulin treatment. Because the IGF-I receptor is able to transduce mitogenic signals on activation of its tyrosine kinase domain, we hypothesize that, among other factors, high levels of receptor in the diabetic kidney may also be involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Increased IGF-II-receptor expression in the diabetic kidney may be important for the intracellular transport and packaging of lysosomal enzymes, although a role for this receptor in signal transduction cannot be excluded. Finally, the possible role of IGF-binding proteins requires further study.

Animals↗

Expression and stability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA splicing variants in the GH3 rat pituitary cell line.

We have employed Northern blot analyses and solution hybridization/RNase protection assays to evaluate the presence and stability of IGF-I mRNA splicing variants in the GH3 rat pituitary cell line. All of the IGF-I mRNA size classes and IGF-I mRNAs with alternately-spliced 5'-untranslated regions and E-peptide coding regions seen in adult rat liver also were present in GH3 cells, although the proportions of the 5' splicing variants were significantly altered. In actinomycin D-treated cells, all IGF-I mRNA splicing variants were equally stable; thus, changes in the levels of some splicing variants were not due to differential mRNA stability. Additionally, all IGF-I mRNA size classes seen on Northern blots were equally stable; this data suggests that the large IGF-I mRNA species is not a precursor of the smaller species.

Actins↗

Xenopus laevis contains two nonallelic preproinsulin genes. cDNA cloning and evolutionary perspective.

We undertook the cloning of preproinsulin cDNAs from the South African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, in order to study the role of insulin during embryogenesis in this species. We found that X. laevis contains two different preproinsulin cDNAs, both of which code for peptides containing 106 amino acids of typical structure but which differ by eight amino acids: one in the signal peptide, two in the B-chain, four in the C-peptide, and one in the A-chain. Southern blot analysis indicates that the two preproinsulin cDNAs identified correspond to two different nonallelic genes which we believe arose through a recent gene duplication within the amphibian radiation possibly during the development of tetraploidy in this species. Both genes are expressed, since we have recently identified the two corresponding insulins in pancreatic extracts of adult toads (Shuldiner, A.R., Bennett, C., Robinson, E.A., and Roth, J. (1989) Endocrinology, in press). These cDNAs represent the first amphibian preproinsulin sequences to be elucidated.

Alleles↗

Insulin and IGF-I stimulate phosphorylation of their respective receptors in intact neuronal and glial cells in primary culture.

Previous studies have shown that insulin and IGF-I bind to their respective receptors and stimulate autophosphorylation of the receptor beta subunits in detergent extracts of neuronal and glial cells. In the present study, intact neuronal and glial cells in primary culture have been utilized to characterize insulin- and IGF-I-stimulated phosphorylation of their receptors. Following [32P]orthophosphate labelling and stimulation by insulin or IGF-I, the cells were solubilized and the phosphorylated receptors were partially purified on wheat germ agglutinin--agarose columns, and immunoprecipitated using anti-phosphotyrosine or anti-insulin receptor antibodies. Insulin stimulated the phosphorylation of its receptor beta subunit (95 kD phosphoprotein) in a dose-dependent manner, within at least 20 seconds in both neuronal and glial cells. Additionally, a 102-kD phosphoprotein was observed in insulin-stimulated neuronal cells. Maximal stimulation of receptor phosphorylation occurred at 1 minute for the glial cells, and 10 minutes for the neuronal cells. IGF-I stimulated the phosphorylation of two phosphoproteins in intact neuronal and glial cells; a 95-kD protein and a 102-kD protein, in a dose-dependent manner. These observations demonstrate that both insulin and IGF-I stimulate the phosphorylation of the beta subunits of their respective receptors in brain cells in a similar fashion to their effects on receptors from nonneural tissues.

Animals↗

Insulin and IGF-I receptors in neuroblastoma cells: increases in mRNA and binding produced by glyburide.

Insulin and IGF-I binding to neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-MC) was increased by 13% and 7% respectively following a 24hr, incubation with the sulphonylurea glyburide. This increase in binding was associated with increased steady-state levels of insulin receptor and IGF-I receptor mRNA levels. Though insulin and IGF-I both stimulate glucose uptake into these cells, the increased binding following glyburide treatment was not associated with any change in glucose uptake.

Deoxyglucose↗

Developmental regulation of the rat insulin-like growth factor I receptor gene.

We have investigated the developmental regulation of the rat insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor gene in various tissues using a sensitive and specific solution hybridization/RNase protection assay. For this purpose we characterized rat IGF-I receptor cDNAs that were cloned from a simian virus 40-transformed rat granulosa cell cDNA library. The specific cDNA clone used in these studies encoded the putative signal peptide and the first 53 amino acids of the alpha subunit and was approximately 94% homologous to its human counterpart. IGF-I receptor gene expression was studied during the perinatal period and at various intervals until early adulthood. Overall, steady-state IGF-I receptor mRNA levels decreased dramatically during postnatal development; however, the extent of the decrease differed among the various tissues studied. In contrast to receptor mRNA levels, IGF-I mRNA levels increased in some of the same tissues. The molecular mechanisms underlying this apparent divergent transcriptional control of the IGF-I and IGF-I receptor genes warrant further study.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Liver insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity in a rat model of type II diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Spontaneous hypertensive-corpulent rats (SHR/N-corpulent), homozygous for the corpulent gene (cp/cp), are obese, hyperinsulinemic and exhibit abnormal glucose tolerance and thus represent a model for type II diabetes and obesity. In view of their overall insulin resistance, we examined liver insulin receptor binding and tyrosine kinase activity from corpulent rats and lean littermates fed purified diets containing 54% sucrose or starch for about 12 wk. Specific 125I-insulin binding to crude liver membranes from female corpulent rats fed either starch or sucrose was reduced to approximately 50% of that seen in lean rats (14 vs. 7%). Affinity of insulin receptors was similar in all groups, suggesting that hyperinsulinemic corpulent rats possess fewer hepatic insulin receptors than do lean rats. Using similar numbers of wheat germ agglutinin-agarose (WGA)-purified insulin receptors with similar affinities for insulin, it was found that basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the synthetic tyrosine-specific kinase substrate poly(Glu, Tyr)4:1 was similar in lean and obese rats fed sucrose or starch. It is suggested that the contribution of the liver to the insulin resistance in obese SHR/N-cp rats probably lies distal to the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.

Animals↗

Regulation by fasting of rat insulin-like growth factor I and its receptor. Effects on gene expression and binding.

We have examined, in liver and extrahepatic tissues, the effects of fasting on total insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA levels, on levels of different IGF-I mRNAs generated by alternative splicing of the primary IGF-I transcript, and on IGF-I receptor binding and mRNA levels. A 48-h fast decreased total IGF-I mRNA levels by approximately 80% in lung and liver, approximately 60% in kidney and muscle, and only approximately 30-40% in stomach, brain, and testes. In heart, IGF-I mRNA levels did not change. The levels of the different splicing variants, however, were essentially coordinately regulated within a given tissue. Specific 125I-IGF-I binding in lung, testes, stomach, kidney, and heart was increased by fasting by approximately 30-100%, whereas in brain 125I-IGF-I binding did not change in response to fasting. In tissues in which fasting increased IGF-I receptor number, receptor mRNA levels increased approximately 1.6- to 2.5-fold, whereas when IGF-I receptor number was unchanged in response to fasting, receptor mRNA levels did not change. These data demonstrate that the change in IGF-I and IGF-I receptor mRNA levels during fasting is quantitatively different in different tissues and suggest that regulation of IGF-I and IGF-I receptor gene expression by fasting is discoordinate.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factor I messenger ribonucleic acids with alternative 5'-untranslated regions are differentially expressed during development of the rat.

Solution hybridization/RNase protection assays were used to study the developmental expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA levels in rats. In liver, heart, and kidney, total IGF-I mRNA levels were low at birth and increased during the 50-day postnatal period, with liver levels increasing by over 100-fold. In contrast, stomach, muscle, and testicular IGF-I mRNA levels were highest at the earliest stages examined (late fetal or early neonatal) and declined thereafter to the levels observed in 50-day-old rats. In brain, IGF-I mRNA levels rose 2-fold during the first week of life and declined over the next 6-7 weeks. Lung IGF-I mRNA levels were highest in 20-day-old fetuses and exhibited some fluctuation during the postnatal period. Alternative splicing in the 5'-untranslated region of the primary rat IGF-I transcript gives rise to three transcripts, classes A, B, and C, which have divergent 5'-untranslated region sequences associated with a common region that encodes the mature IGF-I peptide. These sequences contain upstream in-frame translation initiation codons and may, therefore, encode alternate IGF-I prepropeptides. The class C variant was the predominant mRNA species at all stages of development studied and was the only IGF-I transcript in brain, heart, and muscle. In tissues where multiple 5'-untranslated region splicing variants occurred, therefore, changes in total IGF-I mRNA primarily reflected changes in this splicing variant. However, the class C and class A (as well as class B in liver) transcripts exhibited temporally divergent changes over some developmental intervals. Class A transcripts in the liver, stomach, testes, and lung as well as class B transcripts in liver, exhibited sustained increases from 15 or 22 postnatal days to maximal levels at 50 postnatal days. In kidney, class A transcripts also increased steadily, but beginning at an earlier stage, i.e. at 8-15 days of postnatal life. These results demonstrate that the temporal expression of total IGF-I mRNA in the developing rat occurs in a tissue-specific manner, and additionally, that IGF-I mRNA variants are differentially expressed during development.

Aging↗

Regulation of rat brain/HepG2 glucose transporter gene expression by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I in primary cultures of neuronal and glial cells.

We have demonstrated the expression of the rat brain/HepG2 glucose transporter gene in primary cultures of rat neuronal and glial cells by Northern blot analysis with a rat brain glucose transporter cDNA probe. Incubation of both neuronal and glial cells with insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in the steady state levels of glucose transporter mRNA. The maximal response was achieved between 2-4 h and subsequently decreased. Both insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I at a dose of 1 ng/ml elicited an approximately 57% increase in glucose transporter mRNA levels in neuronal cultures after 90 min, suggesting that each peptide was acting through its own receptor. On the other hand, insulin stimulated [3H]2-deoxyglucose uptake in glial, but not neuronal, cells. These results suggest that insulin-like peptides regulate the expression of the rat brain/Hep G2 glucose transporter gene at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, and that these regulatory mechanisms may be dissociated from each other. Insulin-like peptides may, therefore, participate in the control of brain energy metabolism.

Animals↗