Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Epner

Publications and source records attributed to E Epner.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Hematopoietic cell transplantation from related and unrelated donors after minimal conditioning as a curative treatment modality for severe paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal disorder caused by a somatic mutation of the X-linked phosphatidylinositol glycan class A gene. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after high-dose conditioning is the only curative treatment; however, it is associated with high treatment-related mortality. Here, we report on allogeneic HCT for PNH after minimal conditioning. Seven adult patients with high-risk PNH underwent peripheral blood HCT from HLA-A-, -B-, -C-, -DRB1-, and -DQB1-matched related (n = 2) and unrelated (n = 5) donors. Conditioning included fludarabine 30 mg/m(2)/d on days -4 to -2 and 2 Gy of total body irradiation on day 0. After HCT, patients were given immunosuppressive therapy with oral cyclosporine starting on day -3 and mycophenolate mofetil starting on day 0. All 7 patients attained durable engraftment. After 28 days, a median of 77% (range, 53%-96%) T-cell donor chimerism was found in bone marrow and peripheral blood. T-cell chimerism increased to 91% (range, 76%-100%) on day +180 and to 100% in all surviving patients after 12 months. All 7 patients attained complete remissions of their disease. Four patients are alive 13 to 38 months after HCT. Three patients died of treatment-related mortality, 1 because of complications after acute pancreatitis and multiorgan failure, 1 because of infection related to chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and 1 because of bleeding after liver biopsy for late subacute/chronic GVHD. Allogeneic HCT from related and unrelated donors after minimal conditioning is a new and potentially curative option for patients with advanced PNH.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Description and targeted deletion of 5' hypersensitive site 5 and 6 of the mouse beta-globin locus control region.

The most upstream hypersensitive site (HS) of the beta-globin locus control region (LCR) in humans (5' HS 5) and chickens (5' HS 4) can act as an insulating element in some gain of function assays and may demarcate a beta-globin domain. We have mapped the most upstream HSs of the mouse beta-globin LCR and sequenced this region. We find that mice have a region homologous to human 5' HS 5 that is associated with a minor HS. In addition we map a unique HS upstream of 5' HS 5 and refer to this novel site as mouse 5' HS 6. We have also generated mice containing a targeted deletion of the region containing 5' HS 5 and 6. We find that after excision of the selectable marker in vivo, deletion of 5' HS 5 and 6 has a minimal effect on transcription and does not prevent formation of the remaining LCR HSs. Taken together these findings suggest that the most upstream HSs of the mouse beta-globin LCR are not necessary for maintaining the beta-globin locus in an active configuration or to protect it from a surrounding repressive chromatin environment.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Reduced beta-globin gene expression in adult mice containing deletions of locus control region 5' HS-2 or 5' HS-3.

To gain insights into the functions of individual DNA'se hypersensitive sites within the beta globin locus control region (LCR), we deleted the endogenous 5' HS-2 and HS-3 regions from the mouse germline using homologous recombination techniques. We demonstrated that the deletion of either murine 5' HS-2 or 5' HS-3 reduced the expression of the embryonic epsilon y and beta h1 globin genes minimally in yolk sac-derived erythrocytes, but that both knockouts reduced the output of the adult beta (beta-Major + beta-Minor) globin genes by approximately 30% in adult erythrocytes. When the selectable marker PGK-Neo cassette was retained within either the HS-2 or HS-3 region, a much more severe reduction in globin gene expression was observed at all developmental stages. PGK-Neo was shown to be expressed in an erythroid-specific fashion when it was retained in the HS-3 position. These results show that neither 5' HS-2 nor HS-3 is required for the activity of embryonic globin genes, nor are these sites required for correct developmental switching. However, each site is required for approximately 30% of the total LCR activity associated with adult beta-globin gene expression in adult red blood cells. Each site therefore contains some non-redundant information that contributes to adult globin gene function.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The beta-globin LCR is not necessary for an open chromatin structure or developmentally regulated transcription of the native mouse beta-globin locus.

The murine beta-globin locus control region (LCR) was deleted from its native chromosomal location. The approximately 25 kb deletion eliminates all sequences and structures homologous to those defined as the human LCR. In differentiated ES cells and erythroleukemia cells containing the LCR-deleted chromosome, DNasel sensitivity of the beta-globin domain is established and maintained, developmental regulation of the locus is intact, and beta-like globin RNA levels are reduced 5%-25% of normal. Thus, in the native murine beta-globin locus, the LCR is necessary for normal levels of transcription, but other elements are sufficient to establish the open chromatin structure, transcription, and developmental specificity of the locus. These findings suggest a contributory rather than dominant function for the LCR in its native location.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The locus control region is necessary for gene expression in the human beta-globin locus but not the maintenance of an open chromatin structure in erythroid cells.

Studies in many systems have led to the model that the human beta-globin locus control region (LCR) regulates the transcription, chromatin structure, and replication properties of the beta-globin locus. However the precise mechanisms of this regulation are unknown. We have developed strategies to use homologous recombination in a tissue culture system to examine how the LCR regulates the locus in its natural chromosomal environment. Our results show that when the functional components of the LCR, as defined by transfection and transgenic studies, are deleted from the endogenous beta-globin locus in an erythroid background, transcription of all beta-globin genes is abolished in every cell. However, formation of the remaining hypersensitive site(s) of the LCR and the presence of a DNase I-sensitive structure of the beta-globin locus are not affected by the deletion. In contrast, deletion of 5'HS5 of the LCR, which has been suggested to serve as an insulator, has only a minor effect on beta-globin transcription and does not influence the chromatin structure of the locus. These results show that the LCR as currently defined is not necessary to keep the locus in an "open" conformation in erythroid cells and that even in an erythroid environment an open locus is not sufficient to permit transcription of the beta-like globin genes.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Analysis of mice containing a targeted deletion of beta-globin locus control region 5' hypersensitive site 3.

To examine the function of murine beta-globin locus region (LCR) 5' hypersensitive site 3 (HS3) in its native chromosomal context, we deleted this site from the mouse germ line by using homologous recombination techniques. Previous experiments with human 5' HS3 in transgenic models suggested that this site independently contains at least 50% of total LCR activity and that it interacts preferentially with the human gamma-globin genes in embryonic erythroid cells. However, in this study, we demonstrate that deletion of murine 5' HS3 reduces expression of the linked embryonic epsilon y- and beta H 1-globin genes only minimally in yolk sac-derived erythroid cells and reduces output of the linked adult beta (beta major plus beta minor) globin genes by approximately 30% in adult erythrocytes. When the selectable marker PGK-neo cassette was left within the HS3 region of the LCR, a much more severe phenotype was observed at all developmental stages, suggesting that PGK-neo interferes with LCR activity when it is retained within the LCR. Collectively, these results suggest that murine 5' HS3 is not required for globin gene switching; importantly, however, it is required for approximately 30% of the total LCR activity associated with adult beta-globin gene expression in adult erythrocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Targeted deletion of 5'HS2 of the murine beta-globin LCR reveals that it is not essential for proper regulation of the beta-globin locus.

The beta-globin locus control region (LCR) is a complex regulatory element that is essential for the appropriate red cell-specific expression of all cis-linked beta-globin genes. Of the five hypersensitive sites that define the LCR, only 5'HS2 has been shown to augment gene expression in vitro in both transient and stable assays, as well as in transgenic mice. Thus, 5'HS2 has been assumed to be an important element for the function of the LCR in vivo. We have utilized homologous recombination in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells and phenotypic analysis in derived mice to investigate the function of 5'HS2 in its normal chromosomal position in the murine beta-globin locus. Replacement of 5'HS2 with a selectable marker gene (delta HS2 + neo) causes a 2-5-fold reduction in expression of all of the genes in the locus, and a more pronounced effect (10-12-fold) on the most 5' embryonic globin gene, Ey, when expression of this gene is first detectable during embryogenesis. The mutation produces no alterations in the developmental timing of expression of the globin genes. When homozygous, the deletion/replacement mutation is lethal in utero, with the embryos dying during the stage of yolk sac and early fetal liver erythropoiesis. To distinguish phenotypic effects resulting from the deletion of 5'HS2 from those attributable to insertion of the selectable marker, the selectable marker was removed by expressing the FLP site-specific recombinase in ES cells harboring the homologous recombination event. Mice derived from these ES cells (delta HS2 delta neo) demonstrated nearly full expression of all the beta-like globin genes on the mutated chromosome. These results indicate that although 5'HS2 demonstrates significant regulatory activities in a variety of assays, deletion of this element from the endogenous beta-globin locus has no significant effect on the timing or extent of expression of the locus. In addition, this result emphasizes that when using homologous recombination to analyze complex regulatory elements in vivo, the inserted selectable marker must be removed to avoid influencing the phenotype of the mutation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

A deletion of the human beta-globin locus activation region causes a major alteration in chromatin structure and replication across the entire beta-globin locus.

Naturally occurring deletions that remove sequences located approximately 60 kb upstream of the human adult beta-globin gene result in the failure to transcriptionally activate the cis-linked globin genes in erythroid cells. In addition, transfection, transgenic, and somatic cell hybrid studies have revealed that sequences within this region are essential for the developmentally regulated high-level expression of cis-linked globin genes. This regulatory region located at the 5' end of the beta-globin locus has been termed the locus activation region (LAR). Using somatic cell hybrids, we have studied the chromatin structure and timing of DNA replication of the normal human beta-globin locus and a locus containing a de novo 25-kb deletion that removes elements of the LAR. As a result of this deletion, the entire beta-globin locus and sequences approximately 100 kb 5' and 3' of the adult beta-globin gene are DNase I-resistant and do not form characteristic distant hypersensitive sites. These sequences also replicate late in S phase in an erythroid cell background. In contrast, the sequences of the normal locus are DNase I sensitive and early replicating. These results suggest that the LAR is required for both the erythroid-specific chromatin structure and timing of DNA replication over a large physical distance.

Chromatin↗
PubMed1988

Asynchronous DNA replication within the human beta-globin gene locus.

The timing of DNA replication of the human beta-globin gene locus has been studied by blot hybridization of newly synthesized BrdUrd-substituted DNA from cells in different stages of the S phase. Using probes that span greater than 120 kilobases across the human beta-globin gene locus, we show that the majority of this domain replicates in early S phase in the human erythroleukemia cell line K562 and in middle-to-late S phase in the lymphoid cell line Manca. However, in K562 cells three small regions display a strikingly different replication pattern than adjacent sequences. These islands, located in the inter-gamma-globin gene region and approximately 20 kilobases 5' to the epsilon-globin gene and 20 kilobases 3' to the beta-globin gene, replicate later and throughout S phase. A similar area is also present in the alpha-globin gene region in K562 cells. We suggest that these regions may represent sites of termination of replication forks.

Cell Cycle↗
PubMed1981

Replication of alpha and beta globin DNA sequences occurs during early S phase in murine erythroleukemia cells.

Murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC) can be induced to express the characteristics of erythroid differentiation by a variety of agents. Previous studies indicate that an action of inducer, occurring during early S phase, may be critical to the expression of differentiated characteristics such as initiation of accumulation of newly synthesized alpha and beta globin mRNAs. In this investigation, the time of replication of globin genes in MELC was studied. DNA was isolated from synchronous populations of cells obtained by centrifugal elutriation. Newly replicated DNA sequences were prepared from synchronized cells cultured for 1 1/2 hr with 5-bromodeoxyuridine; bromodeoxyuridine-containing DNA was isolated by CsCl gradient centrifugation. By employing cloned probes for hybridization to newly synthesized DNA, it was found that alpha and beta globin gene sequences are replicated early in S phase, while ribosomal RNA gene sequences are replicated to about the same extent in early, middle, and late S phases.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Induction of murine erythroleukemia differentiation by actinomycin D.

Murine erythroleukemia cells are induced to differentiate by 0.5-5 ng of actinomycin D per ml. Murine erythroleukemia cells cultured with actinomycin D prolong cell doubling time but achieve the same density after 5 days as cells without inducer. Actinomycin D causes over 95% of the cells to become benzidine-reactive. [(3)H]Actinomycin D uptake into DNA can be detected within 2 hr and reaches a maximum (approximately 0.1 pmol/10(6) cells) by 10-12 hr. It is estimated that about one out of 10(5) dG.dC pairs is bound to actinomycin D. Commitment to differentiation, assayed by transfer of cells to culture without inducer, was detected as early as 5 hr. Unlike Me(2)SO, which causes a transient prolongation in G(1) at about 15-20 hr, cells cultured with actinomycin D show a more sustained increase in the proportion of the cells in G(1). Globin mRNA accumulation was detectable by 19 hr in culture. Alteration in DNA stability in alkaline sucrose gradients was detected by 19 hr. Actinomycin D induces synthesis of Hb(maj) and Hb(min) in approximately equal amounts. A decrease in rates of synthesis of RNA, DNA, and total protein occurs in cells cultured with actinomycin D, as well as in cells cultured with Me(2)SO. No evidence for an early action of actinomycin D at the plasma membrane was obtained by measurement of changes in cell volume or (86)RbCl uptake. Taken together, the present results indicate that actinomycin D is a potent inducer of differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells and suggest that the target of its effect may be at the level of DNA.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Role of polyadenylic acid in a deoxyribonucleic acid-membrane fraction extracted from pneumococci.

After the addition of radioactive polyadenylic acid to cell suspensions of pneumocci, part of the radioactivity becomes associated with a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-membrane fraction extracted from the cells. A variety of techniques show that a portion of this associated radioactivity may represent oligoadenylates complexed to DNA, probaby as part of a ribonucleic acid (RNA) component. Polyadenylic acid, which had previously been shown to enhance DNA synthesis in cell suspensions (Firshein and Benson, 1968), also enhances the extent of DNA synthesis by the DNA-membrane fraction in vitro under specific conditions of concentration and conformation. The mechanism of action of this enhancement may be related to the ability of oligoadenylates to increase the number of initiation sites for DNA replication by stimulating the production of an RNA primer, thus providing additional 3'-OH groups with which DNA polymerase can react.

Cell-Free System↗