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Biomedical subjects

G Bernardini

Publications and source records attributed to G Bernardini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Identification of the CC chemokines TARC and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta as novel functional ligands for the CCR8 receptor.

Chemokines are key molecules in directing leukocyte migration toward sites of inflammation. We have previously cloned a putative CC chemokine receptor gene, TER1, whose expression is restricted to lymphoid tissues and cell lines. Recently, this receptor has been shown to signal in response to the human CC chemokine I-309 and thus it has been renamed CCR8 according to the current nomenclature. In the present study, we report the identification of the CC chemokines thymus and activation-regulated cytokine (TARC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1 beta) as CCR8 ligands, as they induce chemotaxis in CCR8 Jurkat stable transfectants. Furthermore, we have generated a polyclonal antiserum that is able to recognize the CCR8 molecule in transfectant lysates. The pattern of CCR8 mRNA expression and the functional effects exerted by its ligand suggest that the triggering of this receptor may regulate multiple functions including activation, migration and proliferation of lymphoid cells.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1998

Two-dimensional protein maps of xenopus eggs and embryos at different developmental stages.

Protein expression during the early development of Xenopus has been followed by 2D-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The analysis of two-dimensional maps of eggs and embryos at different stages of development has allowed the separation of more than 2000 spots. Identification of numerous polypeptides was obtained in four different ways: (1) immuno-blotting; (2) amino terminal sequence after blotting on to PVDF membranes; (3) comigration; and (4) assignment in comparison with proteins separated by 2D techniques on reference maps such as human liver, red blood cells, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid reported in the Swiss 2D-PAGE Data Base. The maps presented in this report are a step toward the study of the protein expression in Xenopus eggs and embryos and may be a powerful working tool since Xenopus embryos are popular models for the study of development.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Functional role of alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrin fibronectin receptors expressed on adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma cells.

Cytofluorimetric and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that adriamycin-resistant (ADRR), but not sensitive (WT), MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma cell lines express alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins. ADR(R) cells adhere to fibronectin (FN), and only alpha5beta1 is involved in cell adhesion to this glycoprotein, while alpha4beta1 mediates cell binding to the cellular counter-receptor VCAM-1. Proliferation assays showed that FN, but not VCAM-1, delivers a mitogenic signal to quiescent ADR(R) MCF-7 cells. The activating signal is mediated by alpha5beta1, since cell proliferation is inhibited in the presence of RGD peptide or specific antibody. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that cell/FN interaction induces the re-entry of ADR(R) MCF-7 into S phase, and prevents them from undergoing serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that the presence of alpha5beta1 on the resistant cells enables them to draw advantage from FN for both cell growth and survival.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

Isolation and chromosomal localization of GPR31, a human gene encoding a putative G protein-coupled receptor.

The screening of a human genomic library with a chemokine receptor-like probe allowed us to obtain a putative member of the G protein-coupled receptor gene (GPCR) family, designated GPR31. Its deduced amino acid sequence encodes a polypeptide of 319 amino acids that shares 25-33% homology with members of the chemokine, purino, and somatostatin receptor gene families. Amino acid sequence comparison reveals that the best match in the protein databases is with the human orphan GPCR called HM74 (33% identity). Southern genomic analysis of the GPR31 gene shows a hybridization pattern consistent with that of a single-copy gene. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we have determined the chromosomal and regional localization of the GPR31 gene at 6q27. The GPR31 mRNA is expressed at low levels by several human cell lines of different cellular origins. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that the GPR31 receptor may represent a member of a new GPCR subfamily.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Activities of glycolipid glycosyltransferases and sialidases during the early development of Xenopus laevis.

The activities of glycosyltransferases and sialidases, together with the ganglioside content and distribution, have been extensively studied in mammals, while the informations on tissues of other animals, including amphibian, are scarce. In this paper we present data on the activities of SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-4, SAT-5, GlcNAcT-1, GalNAcT-1, GalT-6, and sialidases studied in Xenopus laevis embryos at different stages of development. The highest activity was found at days 4 and 5 of embryogenesis for glycosyltransferases and sialidases respectively; a tentative correlation between the in vitro activity of these enzymes and the content of neutral and acidic glycolipids is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Molecular cloning of TER1, a chemokine receptor-like gene expressed by lymphoid tissues.

Several chemokine receptors have been cloned and shown to belong to a superfamily of seven transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptors. We report here the molecular cloning of TER1, a novel human chemokine receptor-like gene. The amino acid sequence deduced from the TER1 cDNA shows 43, 40, 40, and 39% identity to CCR4, CCR5, CCR1, and CCR2B beta chemokine receptors, respectively. By the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization, we have mapped the TER1 gene to chromosome 3p21, clustered with other chemokine receptor genes. By Northern blot analysis, TER1 mRNA is found to be expressed in the thymus, spleen, and at barely detectable levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Moreover, TER1 message in abundant in the NK cell line NK3.3 and in the T cell line MOLT-4. The restricted TER1 expression in cells and tissues of the lymphoid lineage suggests that this receptor may play a role in regulating immune functions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Tissue and developmental specificity of a polysialo-ganglioside species in the amphibian Xenopus.

Xenopus embryos contain a considerable amount of a polysialo-ganglioside not yet fully characterized; in this paper, we will refer to it as ganglioside XI. Preliminary experiments indicate asialo-GMI as the core structure of the ganglioside XI and palmitic and oleic acid as the fatty acids of the ceramide moiety. Further analyses by comparative 2D-TLC with adult fish and chick embryo brains indicate the pentasialilated ganglioside GP1c as the possible structure of XI. In the adult Xenopus, XI characterizes the ganglioside pattern of the central nervous system while is absent in all the other tested tissues. At least two other more polar (presumably richer in sialic acid) bands are often visible under XI, both in embryos and in brain and spinal cord tissues of adult Xenopus. The persistence of polysialo-gangliosides in the brain and spinal cord of adult amphibians could serve to guarantee a proper functioning of the central nervous system at low body temperature.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Retinoic acid induces changes in Xenopus embryo glycolipid pattern.

Retinoic acid (RA), known for its important role in cellular differentiation, may cause a modification of glycolipid distribution characterized by a shift from globoserie towards latto- and ganglio-series. In the present paper, we have investigated the modifications of the lipidic pattern after exogenous RA treatment of Xenopus embryos. We have noticed a decrease in neutral glycolipids with a parallel increase in gangliosides; the content of sulfatides does not seem to be modified. Beside the shift toward ganglio-serie, we have also observed a redistribution inside this class of lipids. In particular, following RA treatment, the relative distribution of GD1b and GT1b increases while that of GM3 decreases.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Glycolipid patterns during Xenopus embryo development.

Glycolipid patterns have been studied during the first six days of Xenopus embryo development. Glycolipid contents showed a sharp increase more evident after the third day of development. Glucosylceramide and sulphatide are not only the most represented species, but also those which exhibit a statistically significant percentage change during early development. Among gangliosides, GD3 is the most represented specie. Two polysialylated gangliosides with not yet established structures are also present.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1994

Lethality, teratogenicity and growth inhibition of heptanol in Xenopus assayed by a modified frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX) procedure.

The frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX), a powerful test for the presence of developmental toxicants, has been modified mainly by performing an in vitro fertilization and increasing the exposure time to 112 h. The modified assay (modFETAX) that presents several advantages over the original FETAX methodology has been validated by the use of ZnSO4, a standard teratogen for FETAX. The modFETAX has been applied to evaluate the 1-heptanol effects on mortality, malformation and growth inhibition. The results indicate that heptanol causes a significant growth inhibition of Xenopus tadpoles and that LC50 and TC50 at 120 h are, respectively, 1.49 and 0.37 mM; the resulting teratogenic index (TI50) of 4.03 suggests that heptanol is a strong teratogen.

Alcohols↗
PubMed1994

Cholesterol, triacylglicerols and phospholipids during Xenopus embryo development.

Cholesterol, triacylglicerol and phospholipid content was analysed in Xenopus embryos during their early development (from day 1 to day 6). Triacylglicerols decrease significantly during the analysed stages and this can be explained by their use as energy substrate. Cholesterol and phospholipids, on the contrary, remain constant and are probably redistributed inside the embryo. The different phospholipid classes were separated by HPTLC. A constant decrease of PC and a marked increase of PS has been observed. The fatty acid composition of the single phospholipid classes has been analysed.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The movement of spermatozoa with helical head: theoretical analysis and experimental results.

The present work is concerned with the study of the swimming of flagellated microscopic organisms with a helical head and a helical pattern of flagellar beating, such as Xenopus sperms. The theoretical approach is similar to that taken by Chang and Wu (1971) in the study of helical flagellar movement. The model used in the present study allows us to determine the velocity of propulsion (U) and the frequency of rotation of the sperm head (fh) as a function of the frequency of the wave of motion (ft) traveling along the tail. The results relative to the case of helical and planar flagellar waves are compared. Our main finding is that the helical shape of the head seems to increase the efficiency of propulsion of the spermatozoon when compared with the more commonly shaped spherical head. Experimentally measured values of fh versus U may be fitted by a linear plot whose slope is much higher than that corresponding to the case of planar flagellar beating. This fact is consistent with an effectively three-dimensional (nonplanar) movement of the flagellar tail. However, the results do not fit those predicted from a circular helix, suggesting that a different shape of the flagellar beating should be considered.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Xenopus laevis sperm proteins, previously identified as surface proteins with egg coat binding capability, are indeed histone H4, histone H3, and sperm specific protein SP2.

Recently, four Xenopus sperm proteins thought to be involved in binding to the egg envelope were identified (Lindsay and Hedrick, J. Exp. Zool., 245:286-293, '88). We have studied the three more abundant ones of apparent molecular weight of 14, 19, and 25 kd in SDS-PAGE. We have shown that these proteins are indeed nuclear basic proteins: the 14 kd is the histone H4, the 19 kd is the histone H3, and the 25 kd is the sperm-specific protein SP2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Interaction of cardiac alpha-actinin and actin in the presence of doxorubicin.

The therapeutic use of doxorubicin (an antitumoral antibiotic belonging to the anthracycline group) is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Adriamycin (DXR) causes myocardial subcellular damage, such as myocytolysis, disarray of actin filaments, and alterations in the Z-band with loss of sarcomeric organization. We studied the effect of stoichiometrical concentrations of DXR on the interaction between cardiac actin and alpha-actinin in solution. Doxorubicin inhibits the formation of alpha-actinin/actin tridimensional networks and bundles. The main effect of the drug seems to be on the size of the actin polymers.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗