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Biomedical subjects

G Giese

Publications and source records attributed to G Giese.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Assembly and clustering of acetylcholine receptors containing GFP-tagged epsilon or gamma subunits: selective targeting to the neuromuscular junction in vivo.

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) gamma and epsilon subunits were tagged by green fluorescent protein (GFP) to analyse assembly and targeting in live muscle fibers at the neuromuscular junction. N- or C-terminal fusion polypeptides showed no fluorescence upon transfection of HEK cells. When GFP was inserted into the cytoplasmic loop connecting putative transmembrane regions M3 and M4, the gamma/GFP and epsilon/GFP subunits were fluorescent and formed together with the alpha, beta, and delta subunits GFP-tagged AChR complexes that were integrated into the plasma membrane. As the AChR were also clustered by rapsyn, the results indicate that the cytoplasmatic domains of the gamma and epsilon subunits may not be required for assembly and rapsyn-dependent clustering. The gamma/GFP and epsilon/GFP subunit-containing receptors were expressed in X. laevis oocytes and have affinities for acetylcholine similar to that of the wild-type receptors. Direct gene transfer into single muscle fibers reveals that gamma/GFP or epsilon/GFP polypeptides are expressed at the site of injection and are transported within the endoplasmatic reticulum. When reaching subsynaptic regions, both gamma/GFP or epsilon/GFP subunits compete with endogenous epsilon subunits to assemble GFP-tagged receptors, which are selectively targeted to the postsynaptic membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Similar effects of electroporational stress and treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on vimentin expression in mouse plasmacytoma cells.

In mouse plasmacytoma cells (MPC-11), an activation of the normally repressed vimentin gene was observed as a response to transfectional stress. Effects of electroporation on vimentin gene expression were compared at the cellular and chromatin level to those caused by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At the cellular level, similar changes in vimentin gene activity and cell-cycle distribution were observed by flow cytometry, whereas at the chromatin level similar changes in patterns of hypersensitive regions were detected by DNase I mapping. Additionally, a region located 700 bp upstream of the transcriptional start became hypersensitive to DNase I digestion upon electroporation and TPA treatment. This region overlaps two adjacent AP-1-like binding elements and generates specific DNA/AP-1 complexes in bandshift experiments. Therefore, the transcription factor AP-1 seems to play a central role in the activation of vimentin gene expression induced by these 2 different forms of stress.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Role of actin cortex in the subplasmalemmal transport of secretory granules in PC-12 cells.

In neuroendocrine PC-12 cells, evanescent-field fluorescence microscopy was used to track motions of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled actin or GFP-labeled secretory granules in a thin layer of cytoplasm where cells adhered to glass. The layer contained abundant filamentous actin (F-actin) locally condensed into stress fibers. More than 90% of the granules imaged lay within the F-actin layer. One-third of the granules did not move detectably, while two-thirds moved randomly; the average diffusion coefficient was 23 x 10(-4) microm(2)/s. A small minority (<3%) moved rapidly and in a directed fashion over distances more than a micron. Staining of F-actin suggests that such movement occurred along actin bundles. The seemingly random movement of most other granules was not due to diffusion since it was diminished by the myosin inhibitor butanedione monoxime, and blocked by chelating intracellular Mg(2+) and replacing ATP with AMP-PNP. Mobility was blocked also when F-actin was stabilized with phalloidin, and was diminished when the actin cortex was degraded with latrunculin B. We conclude that the movement of granules requires metabolic energy, and that it is mediated as well as limited by the actin cortex. Opposing actions of the actin cortex on mobility may explain why its degradation has variable effects on secretion.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Mutagenesis reveals a role for ABP/GRIP binding to GluR2 in synaptic surface accumulation of the AMPA receptor.

We studied the role of PDZ proteins GRIP, ABP, and PICK1 in GluR2 AMPA receptor trafficking. An epitope-tagged MycGluR2 subunit, when expressed in hippocampal cultured neurons, was specifically targeted to the synaptic surface. With the mutant MycGluR2delta1-10, which lacks the PDZ binding site, the overall dendritic intracellular transport and the synaptic surface targeting were not affected. However, over time, Myc-GluR2delta1-10 accumulated at synapses significantly less than MycGluR2. Notably, a single residue substitution, S880A, which blocks binding to ABP/GRIP but not to PICK1, reduced synaptic accumulation to the same extent as the PDZ site truncation. We conclude that the association of GluR2 with ABP and/or GRIP but not PICK1 is essential for maintaining the synaptic surface accumulation of the receptor, possibly by limiting its endocytotic rate.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2000

Different functions of fetal and adult AChR subtypes for the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular synapses revealed in epsilon-subunit-deficient mice.

Mice deficient in epsilon-subunits of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channel die prematurely due to severe AChR deficiency that leads to the progressive reduction in AChR density at the neuromuscular endplate [Witzemann, V., Schwarz, H., Koenen, M., Berberich, C., Villarroel, A., Wernig, A., Brenner, H.R. & Sakmann, B. (1996) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 93, 13286-13291]. The mice may serve as a model for studying AChR-related myasthenic diseases. The postnatal development of the subsynaptic apparatus takes place in the absence of the adult type, epsilon-subunit-containing receptors which normally replace the fetal gamma-subunit-containing receptors. During later development the secondary folds of the postsynaptic membrane disappear concomitant with the decrease in AChR density, so that the flattened-out membrane with its remaining nicotinic receptors is in close proximity to the subsynaptic cytoplasmatic compartment and the subsynaptic myonuclei. The decrease in AChR concentration is correlated with a decrease of postsynaptic rapsyn, but has less effect on agrin, a neuronally released aggregating factor for AChRs. Thus, despite the presence of agrin at the synapse, AChR expression is not maintained at the level required to stabilize normal synaptic structure comprising secondary postsynaptic membrane folds. Collectively the results suggest that the postnatal switch from the global, activity-sensitive gamma-subunit gene transcription to the synapse-specific, activity-independent epsilon-subunit gene transcription is not required for the formation and differentiation of synapses but is essential for the maintenance of the highly organized structure of the neuromuscular endplate.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Functional testosterone receptors in plasma membranes of T cells.

T cells are considered to be unresponsive to testosterone due to the absence of androgen receptors (AR). Here, we demonstrate the testosterone responsiveness of murine splenic T cells in vitro as well as the presence of unconventional cell surface receptors for testosterone and classical intracellular AR. Binding sites for testosterone on the surface of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) subsets of T cells are directly revealed with the impeded ligand testosterone-BSA-FITC by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry, respectively. Binding of the plasma membrane impermeable testosterone-BSA conjugate induces a rapid rise (<5 s) in [Ca2+]i of Fura-2-loaded T cells. This rise reflects influx of extracellular Ca2+ through non-voltage-gated and Ni2+-blockable Ca2+ channels of the plasma membrane. The testosterone-BSA-induced Ca2+ import is not affected by cyproterone, a blocker of the AR. In addition, AR are not detectable on the surface of intact T cells when using anti-AR antibodies directed against the amino and carboxy terminus of the AR, although T cells contain AR, as revealed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions and Western blotting. AR can be visualized with the anti-AR antibodies in the cytoplasm of permeabilized T cells by using CLSM, though AR are not detectable in cytosol fractions when using the charcoal binding assay with 3H-R1881 as ligand. Cytoplasmic AR do not translocate to the nucleus of T cells in the presence of testosterone, in contrast to cytoplasmic AR in human cancer LNCaP cells. These findings suggest that the classical AR present in splenic T cells are not active in the genomic pathway. By contrast, the cell surface receptors for testosterone are in a functionally active state, enabling T cells a nongenomic response to testosterone.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Estradiol binding to cell surface raises cytosolic free calcium in T cells.

The Fura-2 method is used to examine a possible action of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on [Ca2+]i of splenic T cells isolated from female C57BL/10 mice. E2 concentrations between 10 fM and 10 nM induce a rapid and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i due to Ca2+ influx and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Ca2+ influx is mediated by Ca2+ channels which are completely blockable by Ni2+ and partly by nifedipine. The antiestrogen tamoxifen does not inhibit the E2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores is also inducible by plasma membrane impermeable E2 conjugated to BSA. E2-BSA-FITC binds to the surface of T cells of both the CD4+ and CD8+ subset. Our data suggest a novel E2-signalling pathway in T cells which is not mediated through the classical nuclear estrogen receptor response but rather through putative plasma membrane receptors for E2.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

4Pi-confocal imaging in fixed biological specimens.

By combining the wavefronts produced by two high-aperture lenses, two-photon 4Pi-confocal microscopy allows three-dimensional imaging of transparent biological specimens with axial resolution in the 100-140-nm range. We reveal the imaging properties of a two-photon 4Pi-confocal microscope as applied to a fixed cell. We demonstrate that a fast, linear point deconvolution suffices to achieve axially superresolved 3D images in the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we describe stringent algorithms for alignment and control of the two lenses. We also show how to compensate for the effects of a potential refractive index mismatch of the mounting medium with respect to the immersion system.

Actins↗
PubMed1997

TPA induces apoptosis in MPC-11 mouse plasmacytoma cells grown in serum-free medium.

Apoptotic-like events could be rapidly induced by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in cells of the mouse plasmacytoma cell line MPC-11 grown in serum-free medium. Indicators for apoptosis were morphological changes visualized by light and electron microscopy, such as chromatin condensation and the formation of cellular buds and fragments, as well as biochemical indices like the appearance of the so-called 'DNA ladder'. Additionally, in these cells which are usually devoid of significant amounts of cytoplasmic intermediate filament (cIF) proteins, synthesis and accumulation of the cIF protein vimentin was rapidly induced by TPA treatment and almost all cells became vimentin-positive. Later on, substantial amounts of vimentin and lamin B degradation products appeared, and an increasing fraction of cells displayed low or even undetectable quantities of intact vimentin. This subpopulation was characterized via microscopy to be in the late stages of apoptosis. We suggest that in MPC-11 cells undergoing apoptosis in response to TPA treatment vimentin as well as lamin B are degraded, leading to a rearrangement and eventual loss of their respective filament networks.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Okadaic acid Co-induces vimentin expression and cell cycle arrest in MPC-11 mouse plasmacytoma cells.

The effect of the tumor promoter okadaic acid on cell cycle progression and on vimentin expression in MPC-11 mouse plasmacytoma cells was compared with that of the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Cell cycle progression of asynchronously grown MPC-11 cells was inhibited by both agents, but, in contrast to the G1 phase arrest caused by TPA, okadaic acid gave rise to G2/M phase and S phase arrest. This effect of okadaic acid was delayed significantly compared to the TPA-caused arrest. Furthermore, okadaic acid was able to induce vimentin expression to an extent comparable to the TPA response. However, vimentin expression was markedly delayed in okadaic acid-treated relative to TPA-treated cells. Another protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A, also induced cell cycle changes and vimentin expression at concentrations at or above 1 x 10(-9) M. Based on these observations, we suggest an involvement of protein phosphatase 1 (possibly also phosphatase 2A and/or other phosphatases) in both the G2/M cell cycle block and the induction of vimentin expression in MPC-11 cells by okadaic acid.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Non-immunologically-mediated cytotoxicity of Lactobacillus casei and its derivative peptidoglycan against tumor cell lines.

Lactobacillus casei, which shows antitumoral activity mediated by the stimulation of cellular defence mechanisms, and its peptidoglycan were tested for their ability to inhibit in vitro the viability of various murine (Yac-1, P815, Ehrlich ascites tumor, mammary carcinoma) and human (K562, KB) tumor cell lines through primary cytotoxic activity. Treatment of these tumor line with L. casei or its peptidoglycan at different doses and for different times demonstrated a decrease in viability by 25-30%. This cytotoxic activity was revealed by 51Cr release, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, ATP assays and morphological alterations in the treated tumor cells. Immunoenzymatic assays (ELISA) showed a precise ratio of binding between Ehrlich ascites or YAC-1 cell membranes and peptidoglycan. This binding is discussed with regard to the structure of the peptidoglycan molecule. The results suggest that L. casei and its derivative peptidoglycan have both a stimulating activity in normal cells and an inhibiting activity in tumor cells, as has been found for other immunomodulatory complexes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1994

High resolution analysis of cell cycle-correlated vimentin expression in asynchronously grown, TPA-treated MPC-11 cells by the novel flow cytometric multiparameter BrdU-Hoechst/PI and immunolabeling technique.

High resolution, multiparameter analysis using the flow cytometric BrdU/Hoechst quenching technique has been applied to study cell cycle kinetics and vimentin expression in individual cells of asynchronously grown MPC-11 mouse plasmacytoma cell cultures treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to induce in vitro differentiation. BrdU treatment up to 16 h in the absence or presence of TPA did not affect either cell cycle progression or the kinetics or quantity of vimentin expression. TPA-treated cells became arrested in G1 phase of the second cell cycle; however, this G1 phase arrest was transient only. In addition, G1 phase cells located prior to a putative transition point at the beginning of TPA treatment were completely blocked in cell cycle progression. There is also evidence that cells located in G1 or G2/M phase at the beginning of TPA treatment finally expressed low levels of vimentin. On the contrary, cells located in S phase at TPA exposure showed high vimentin levels after treatment. The results presented here show that, with the flow cytometric BrdU/Hoechst quenching technique, one can correlate time-dependent protein expression at the single cell level in asynchronously grown cultures not only with the actual cell cycle state, but also with the history of cell replication.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

pH-dependent LAK cell cytotoxicity.

In the microenvironment of many solid tumors the pH is considerably lower (mean pH between 6.6 to 7.2) than the pH in normal tissue (pH 7.0-7.5). Therefore, the influence of acidic pH on the cytotoxic activity of lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK cells) after different culture periods was tested. K-562 human erythroleukemia cells were selected as target cells. Cell killing was measured using a two-color flow cytometric method. At physiological pH of 7.4, LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity ranged from 15 to 48% (E:T ratio = 50:1). The specific lysis of target cells was considerably reduced (up to 70% inhibition of specific lysis) under acidic conditions (pH 6.8, 6.3, 5.8). This effect was independent of donors, duration of the culture period, and the E:T ratio in the cytotoxic assay. As pH gradients surrounding tumor cells may reach values below pH 6.0 at the cell surface, the pH-dependence of LAK cell cytotoxicity could at least partially explain the inhibition of the natural immune response in solid tumors. Therapeutic immunological strategies concerning the enhancement of the natural immune response like LAK cell and IL-2 immunotherapy including IL-2 gene therapy may only be successful if a simultaneous inhibition of the acidification process and an elevation of tumor pH is achieved.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1992

Cell cycle-dependent vimentin expression in elutriator-synchronized, TPA-treated MPC-11 mouse plasmacytoma cells.

We correlated cell cycle progression and vimentin expression at the single cell level by multiparameter flow cytometry in populations of MPC-11 cells enriched in different cell cycle phases by centrifugal elutriation and subsequently treated with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Synchronized, untreated cultures showed a uniform, synchronous progression through the cell cycle during further cultivation. A 6-h TPA treatment of G1-phase-enriched cultures induced both a partial G1-phase arrest in the same cycle and a moderate fraction of cells to become vimentin positive. However, nearly all cells of the cultures enriched in S- or in G2/M-phase cells could be arrested by TPA treatment at the earliest in the G1 phase of the second cell cycle and displayed higher fractions of positive cells as well as higher average levels of vimentin. After 20 h of treatment, the G1-phase arrest was almost complete. In terms of fractions of vimentin-positive cells as well as of average cellular vimentin content, the differences between the cultures resembled, albeit on a higher level, those between the respective cultures treated with TPA for 6 h. These observations might explain the striking bimodal distribution of individual cellular vimentin content detectable in G1-phase fractions of asynchronous, TPA-treated cultures. The pattern of vimentin mRNA accumulation in synchronized cultures after short-term TPA treatment strongly suggests that the cell cycle-dependent pattern of vimentin expression is caused, at least in part, by different levels of vimentin mRNA accumulated in the cells. Since proteinaceous mediator(s) are obviously involved in TPA-induced vimentin expression in MPC-11 cells, cell cycle-dependent vimentin expression in these cells may be dependent on cell cycle-dependent regulation of the activity and/or concentration of such mediator(s).

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition of phorbol ester-induced monocytic differentiation by dexamethasone is associated with down-regulation of c-fos and c-jun (AP-1).

Previous studies have shown that treatment of human myeloid leukemia cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is associated with induction of monocytic differentiation and expression of the c-jun and c-fos early response genes. The present work demonstrates that the glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits TPA-induced increases in c-jun and c-fos mRNA levels in U-937 leukemia cells. These findings were associated with a block in appearance of the monocytic phenotype, including inhibition of TPA-induced increases in lamin A, lamin C, and vimentin transcripts. Other studies have demonstrated that TPA-induced monocytic differentiation and expression of the c-jun and c-fos genes in myeloid leukemia cells are regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). The finding that dexamethasone has no effect on TPA-induced activation of PKC suggests that this glucocorticoid inhibits signals downstream or parallel to this enzyme. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrate that: (1) induction of c-jun and c-fos expression by TPA is regulated by transcriptional mechanisms, (2) TPA-induced expression of c-jun and c-fos does not require protein synthesis, and (3) TPA-induced expression of both genes is inhibited at the transcriptional level by dexamethasone. To further define the effects of dexamethasone at the molecular level, we prepared a series of deleted c-jun promoter fragments linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. Increases in CAT activity during transient expression of these constructs in TPA-treated U-937 cells could be assigned to the region (-97 to -20) of the promoter that contains the AP-1 binding site. This induction of CAT activity was sensitive to dexamethasone. These findings suggest that dexamethasone down-regulates TPA-induced transcription of the c-jun gene during monocytic differentiation by inhibiting activation of the AP-1 site.

Actins↗