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Biomedical subjects

D R Lee

Publications and source records attributed to D R Lee.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The murine MHC class I genes, H-2Dq and H-2Lq, are strikingly homologous to each other, H-2Ld, and two genes reported to encode tumor-specific antigens.

Two phenomena appear to distinguish the D region class I genes from those in the K region in the murine MHC: (a) haplotype disparity in the number of expressed D region class I molecules has been observed; and (b) clines of closely related D region class I molecules among and within mice of different H-2 haplotypes can be defined. Both of these observations have been based on serological and peptide mapping analyses of these molecules. Recent reports using molecular biological approaches have corroborated these findings. Since the mouse strain B10.AKM expresses multiple D region class I antigens, all of which are closely related to the prototypic Ld molecule, we investigated the Dq region of B10.AKM using molecular approaches. Three D region class I genes were isolated from genomic B10.AKM bacteriophage and cosmid libraries. Based on alignment of those genes with the BALB/c D region class I genes by analogous restriction endonuclease sites and by hybridization of one of those genes with a D4d gene-derived oligonucleotide probe, we have designated these genes as Dq, Lq, and D4q. As determined by DNA-mediated gene transfer to mouse L cells followed by serological analyses, the Dq and Lq genes encode previously characterized Dq region class I antigens. The nucleic acid sequence comparisons of the Dq and Lq genes demonstrated a higher level of homology with the Ld and Db genes than with other D region class I genes. In addition, CTL stimulated with a Dq, Lq, or Ld gene transfectant showed strong crossreactions with the other transfectants as targets, suggesting that the products of these genes are also functionally related. Thus, these studies suggest that the L molecule represents a prototypic structure shared by several D region gene products, and furthermore, the duplication of an Ld-like progenitor gene resulted in two Dq region class I genes, Dq and Lq. Unexpectedly, the sequences determined for the Dq and Lq genes are nearly identical to the sequences of two genes, A166 and A149, respectively, which were reported to encode the tumor-specific antigens; these novel class I genes were isolated from an H-2k fibrosarcoma, 1591. This raises the distinct possibility that these purported tumor-specific class I genes were introduced into this tumor by contamination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Studies of two antigenic forms of Ld with disparate beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) associations suggest that beta 2m facilitate the folding of the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains during de novo synthesis.

Sequential precipitation analysis of BALB/c Ag revealed two distinct antigenic forms of the Ld molecule distinguished by their reactivity with mAb 30-5-7. A similar analysis of Ag from the Ld transfectant T1.1.1 confirmed that both forms of Ld are products of the Ld gene. The 30-5-7+ form of Ld was found to be capable of association with beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2m) but could also exist as a free H chain, whereas the 30-5-7- form of Ld was incapable of beta 2m association. Unexpectedly, this latter form of Ld showed oligosaccharide maturation as well as cell surface expression, although less efficiently than the 30-5-7+ form of Ld. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that these two forms of Ld do not share a precursor-product relationship, but rather their distinguishing structures are fixed during de novo synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum and remain constant throughout maturation and expression. Thus, beta 2m association is not an absolute requirement for intracellular transport and expression on the plasma membrane even in beta 2m+ cell types. Furthermore, in the context of other recent studies of Ld and Db, our results suggest that beta 2m plays a key role in folding the outer domains of class I molecules during de novo synthesis. It is speculated that beta 2m may provide a support structure analogous to a class II second domain, on which the class I binding site can be properly formed.

Animals↗

Slower processing, weaker beta 2-M association, and lower surface expression of H-2Ld are influenced by its amino terminus.

To determine why Ld antigens are expressed on the cell surface at levels three to four times lower than Dd or Kd antigens, pulse-chase experiments were used to compare their rates of biosynthesis and processing. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient polyacrylamide gels resolved immunoprecipitates of each of these histocompatibility complex class I molecules into a slower and faster species. During the chase period, the faster migrating species appeared to be converted to the slower migrating species in a time-dependent manner. However, the conversion of Ld from the faster to the slower migrating species proceeded significantly more slowly than did the conversion of either Dd or Kd. Endoglycosidase H sensitivity and cell surface radiolabeling were used to determine the glycosylation state and cell location of each species of Ld and Dd. The results from these experiments, along with the pulse-chase studies and cytofluorometric analyses, suggest that Ld possesses a much slower rate of processing from a faster migrating, high mannose-bearing species to a slower migrating, complex oligosaccharide-bearing species found on the cell surface. Analysis of the beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) association confirmed that Ld is associated with less beta 2-m than Dd. To localize the structures on class I molecules influencing their surface expression, rate of processing, and beta 2-m association, the Ddm1 molecule was analyzed. The Ddm1 molecule of the mutant B10.D2-H-2dm1 has previously been shown to be a chimeric Dd (amino-terminal)/Ld (carboxyl-terminal) polypeptide. The surface expression, processing and beta 2-m association of Ddm1 were found to be similar to Dd rather than Ld, suggesting that each of these phenomena are influenced by protein structure in the amino terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural analyses define an additional H-2D region class I antigen that is expressed by a variant mouse strain.

The genetic complexity of the H-2D region includes haplotype disparities in apparent gene and product number. To probe the genetic basis of this complexity, the products of two independently derived mouse strains (STU and B10.SAA48) that express Dw3 antigens were compared. Serologic, fluorometric and peptide map comparisons were made using monoclonal antibodies. Although both STU and B10.SAA48 mice were found to express indistinguishable Dw3 molecules, only B10.SAA48 mice were found to express an additional antigen designated Lw3. Several lines of evidence are presented that suggest the gene encoding Lw3 maps to the D region. Furthermore peptide map comparisons of Dw3 with Lw3 molecules implied that they are products of separate genes; but Dw3 and Lw3 molecules were found to be more homologous to each other than Dd and Ld molecules are to each other. Inter-haplotype comparisons of Dw3 and Lw3 molecules with other D region molecules showed no striking homologies to Dd, Ld or eight other molecules compared. However, both Dw3 and Lw3 molecules were found to be unexpectedly homologous to the Ddx and Dw25 molecules, thus defining another family of structurally related D region antigens. This so called Dw3-family was found to be quite distinct from the previously defined Ld-family of molecules, since no joint members were found. The results of these studies of Dw3 encoded antigens are discussed as evidence for intra-D region recombination or mutation.

Animals↗

Molecular studies of murine mutant BALB/c-H-2dm2 define a deletion of several class I genes including the entire H-2Ld gene.

Inbred mouse strains carrying spontaneous mutations in class I genes have been extremely informative in studies of the genetic mechanisms generating polymorphism in the major histocompatibility gene complex. In this report, we determine the molecular basis of the spontaneous loss mutation in BALB/c-H-2dm2 mice, which were previously shown not to express Ld antigens while maintaining normal expression of two other class I antigens, Kd and Dd. We show BALB/c-H-2dm2 mice do not transcribe detectable levels of Ld mRNA, indicating they do not produce a truncated Ld molecule as previously reported. Furthermore, in Southern blot comparisons using a series of low-copy genomic probes, the deletion was found to be approximately 140 kilobases and include the entire Ld gene along with three or more other class I genes mapping between Dd and Ld. These data represent direct genetic evidence for a spontaneous contraction in the genes encoding class I histocompatibility antigens, which in this case probably resulted from the misalignment of the 3' flanking regions of the Dd and Ld genes.

Animals↗

Structural characterization of murine Ia antigen N-linked oligosaccharides and localization of specific structures to two unique alpha-chain glycosylation sites.

The sequence of N-linked oligosaccharides of differentially glycosylated murine I-Ak alpha-(alpha 2- and alpha 3-) and beta-chains was determined. I-Ak beta-chains predominantly bear a biantennary complex oligosaccharide with a core fucose, and with the peripheral sequence SA----Gal----GlcNAc----Man. The I-Ak alpha-chain has two N-linked glycosylation sites at Asn-82 and Asn-122. When Lubrol-insoluble alpha 3-chains are examined they are found to bear high-mannose oligosaccharides of either the Man9GlcNAc2 or Man8GlcNAc2 type at both sites. When Lubrol-soluble alpha 2-chains are examined, in about 85% of the molecules the Asn-82 site bears a biantennary complex oligosaccharide with core fucose, and with the peripheral sequence SA----Gal----GlcNAc----Man. Interestingly, the Asn-122 site bears a variety of structures. In about 50% of the molecules, the structure at Asn-122 is a biantennary complex oligosaccharide without core fucose and with the peripheral sequence SA----Gal----GlcNAc----Man. In addition, it can bear other complex structures which we did not define further. The apparently restricted addition of fucose to the oligosaccharide at the alpha-Asn-82 site, even when both alpha-sites bear biantennary complex structures with the same peripheral sequence, is a feature unique to this system. The unusual variety of structures present at the alpha-Asn-122 site may indicate differential processing in different cell types.

Animals↗

Photoperiodic Regulation of Photosynthate Partitioning in Leaves of Digitaria decumbens Stent.

In leaves of pangolagrass (Digitaria decumbens Stent.), the proportion of photosynthate partitioned into starch adjusts to a change in daylength within 24 hours. After a single 14-hour long day, the relative starch accumulation rate is approximately 50% of that under 7-hour short days. This rapid response was exploited to study the light requirement for the perception of changes in daylength. It was found for short day-grown plants that: (a) 7-hour daylength extensions with dim white light (below the light compensation point for photosynthesis); (b) 7-hour daylength extensions with dim far red light (wavelengths greater than 690 nanomoles); or (c) 0.5-hour night-break irradiations with bright white light were all capable of producing about one-half of the effect of a 7-hour daylength extension with bright light. However, long periods of bright light were not required for a complete effect, since a 7-hour shifted short day (i.e. beginning 7 hours later than usual) was as effective as a 14-hour-long day itself. There was also a critical daylength between 11 and 12 hours for the transition between short-day and long-day partitioning patterns. Photoperiod determination depends, at least in part, on a nonphotosynthetic photoreceptor sensitive to both visible and far red irradiation. The duration of the photosynthetic period, as shown in experiments with low-pressure sodium lamps, does not by itself determine the response to daylength.

Journal Article↗

Structural definition of a family of Ld-like molecules distributed among four of seven haplotypes compared.

Comparative tryptic peptide analyses were performed on 12 different D region molecules representing seven different haplotypes. The Dd, Dq, and Dw16 regions were shown to encode multiple, antigenically distinct molecules (Dd Ld, Dq Lq Rq, and Dw16 Lw16, respectively). In addition, each of these molecules was found to have a unique primary structure, implying that they are the products of separate genes. However the previously described Rd molecule, which was identified by sequential immuno-precipitation and 2-D gel analyses, was indistinguishable from Ld by tryptic peptide mapping, implying that these two molecules may be products of the same gene. The Db, Ddx, Dk, and Dp regions were found to determine a single molecule with the reagents tested. Intra- and/or inter-haplotype comparisons of the peptide maps of each of these D region molecules revealed widely disparate structural relationships. For example, the Db, Dq, Lq, Rq, Dw16, and Lw16 molecules all showed striking homology with the Ld molecule. Members of this family share between 43 to 55% peptide homology with Ld, indicating a high conservation of primary structure (greater than 90%). However, because Dq and Dw16 region-encoded molecules show no exceptional relationship to each other, the portion of the conserved sequence is not the same for each of these Ld-like molecules. By contrast, comparisons of the Dk, Dd, Ddx, and Dp molecules with Ld or with each other revealed tryptic peptide homologies ranging from 22 to 38%, suggesting a sequence homology of 70 to 85%. When compared with the Kb molecule, each of the D region molecules showed between 21 to 36% peptide map homology (70 to 85% sequence homology). These studies indicate, therefore, that there is a family of Ld-like molecules representing several distinct haplotypes. This definition of a highly homologous family of D region molecules suggests that many D-region molecules have evolved from an Ld-like primordial gene and that in different haplotypes different portions of this prototypic structure have been maintained.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemical and serologic definition of two unique D region-encoded molecules in the wild-derived mouse strain B10.GAA37.

Detailed serologic and biochemical characterization of D region products of the wild-derived mouse strain B10.GAA37 (Dw16) were performed and compared with previous studies of the D region products of the H-2d,b, and q haplotypes. Serologic analysis revealed that the antigens encoded by the Dw16 region express a unique combination of specificities defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with established activity for the Ld and Dd molecules. Two out of five anti-Ld-reactive mAb reacted with B10.GAA37 cells, whereas one of three anti-Dd mAb showed B10.GAA37 reactivity. Sequential immunoprecipitation of B10.GAA37 antigens demonstrated the existence of at least two antigenically distinct molecules (designated Dw16 and Lw16) encoded by genes associated with the Dw16 region. Peptide map comparisons of the Dw16 and Lw16 molecules defined multiple differences in their primary protein structure, suggesting they are products of separate genes. Structural comparisons of the Lw16 and Dw16 molecules with the Ld and Dd molecules implied a) that the Dw16 and Dd regions did not result from a recent evolutionary divergence of a common primordial haplotype, and b) that the Lw16 and Dw16 molecules are more structurally homologous to each other than the Ld and Dd molecules are. Comparison of these findings with our previous studies of antigens encoded by the D regions suggest that each of these haplotypes has unique properties in terms of the number of gene products expressed and/or the structural relatedness of products of the same region.

Animal Population Groups↗

Disulfide structure of murine Ia alloantigens.

The tryptic (T) and T insoluble chymotryptic (TIC) peptide maps from 35S-cysteine (Cys) labeled, disulfide-linked I-Ak dimer were compared to those from 35S-Cys labeled I-Ak alpha and beta chains which were not covalently linked. These comparisons indicated that the alpha and beta chains found in the covalent I-Ak dimer were not a specialized subset of I-A alpha and beta chains. Furthermore, these data, along with the knowledge that alkylation of spleen cells prior to and during detergent solubilization prevents the formation of disulfide-linked I-Ak dimer, indicate that covalent dimer formation is an inefficient and artifactual process. Comparison of the T and TIC peptide maps of reduced and nonreduced 35S-Cys labeled I-Ak alpha and beta chains suggests that the I-Ak alpha chain contains one intrachain disulfide bond, whereas the I-Ak beta chain contains two intrachain disulfide bonds. Examination of the T and TIC peptide maps of the reduced and nonreduced 35S-Cys labeled I-Ak dimer identifies the Cys-containing peptides which are involved in the formation of the artifactual I-Ak dimer interchain (alpha-beta) disulfide bond. Comparison of 35S-Cys labeled I-Ak and I-Ek alpha and beta chains by T and TIC peptide mapping reveals considerably more homology between the two alpha-chains and between the two beta-chains than is observed using other 3H-amino acid precursors, thus indicating that the I-Ak and I-Ek alloantigens are homologous in their amino acid sequences adjacent to the Cys resides. The reasons for the inability to induce formation of interchain (alpha-beta) disulfide bonds in I-Ek molecules are discussed.

Animals↗

Direct and indirect measurements of Phloem turgor pressure in white ash.

Direct determinations and indirect calculations of phloem turgor pressure were compared in white ash (Fraxinus americana L.). Direct measurements of trunk phloem turgor were made using a modified Hammel-type phloem needle connected to a pressure transducer. Turgor at the site of the direct measurements was calculated from the osmotic potential of the phloem sap and from the water potential of the xylem. It was assumed that the water potentials of the phloem and xylem were close to equilibrium at any one trunk location, at least under certain conditions. The water potential of the xylem was determined from the osmotic potential of xylem sap and from the xylem tension of previously bagged leaves, measured with a pressure chamber. The xylem tension of bagged leaves on a branch adjacent to the site of the direct measurements was considered equivalent to the xylem tension of the trunk at that point. While both the direct and indirect measurements of phloem turgor showed clear diurnal changes, the directly measured pressures were consistently lower than the calculated values. It is not clear at present whether the discrepancy between the two values lies primarily in the calculated or in the measured pressures, and thus, the results from both methods as described here must be regarded as estimates of true phloem turgor.

Journal Article↗

A simple system of parenteral nutrition.

The practical problems involved in the preparation and delivery of parenteral nutrition may result in such treatment being withheld from patients who would benefit from it. A simple and reliable system is described which has been developed to overcome the more common problems.

Catheters, Indwelling↗

Comparison of outer membrane porin proteins produced by Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

The OmpC, OmpF, and Lc (NmpC) porin proteins of Escherichia coli K-12 have been shown to be similar to the OmpC (36K), OmpF (35K) and OmpD (34K) porin proteins of Salmnella typhimurium LT2 in terms of function, regulation of expression, and, in the case of OmpC and OmpF proteins, equivalence of the genetic loci determining their production. However, the corresponding pairs of proteins from these two species showed only limited similarity in peptide maps and no similarity in terms of migration on polyacrylamide gels.

Bacterial Proteins↗