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Biomedical subjects

G Klein

Publications and source records attributed to G Klein.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[Better understanding of the biology of cancer cells].

Most forms of cancer arise through a Darwinian evolutionary process. The natural selection that ultimately leads to cancer takes place in somatic tissues although it may be triggered by inherited mutations in a small but significant minority. It favors the growth of clones and subclones that are less and less responsive to normal intra- and extracellular growth control mechanisms. The development of molecular biology has led to the identification of many genes that participate in this somatic evolution. They belong to the following groups: Oncogenes, constitutively activated by structural and/or regulatory changes that drive the cell to continuous proliferation; Tumor suppressor genes, that can inhibit the illegitimately activated cell cycle. They contribute to tumor development by loss mutations or permanent down-regulation, e.g. by methylation; Apoptosis inhibitory genes that can contribute to tumor development by raising the apoptotic threshold, and apoptosis promoting genes that can favor the growth of apoptosis prone tumor cells by their loss or inactivation; DNA repair genes whose inactivation can counteract the normal elimination of cells that carry potentially cancer promoting mutations. Inherited mutations in DNA repair genes can lead to familial cancer syndromes. Immortalizing genes that counteract cellular senescence; Angiogenesis promoting genes whose products may stimulate the vascular supply of tumors; Genes whose structural or functional changes may facilitate the escape of tumor cells from immune rejection; The multi-step development of individual tumors can encompass changes in most or all of these genes. They occur independently of each other and without any fixed order or timing. Tumor emancipation from growth control can therefore proceed along various pathways. It follows that each tumor must be regarded as a biologically unique individual.

Apoptosis↗

neo-inositol polyphosphates in the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.

We have reexamined the structure of inositol phosphates present in trophozoites of the parasitic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica and show here that, rather than being myo-inositol derivatives (Martin, J.-B., Bakker-Grunwald, T., and Klein, G. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 214, 711-718), these compounds belong to a new class of inositol phosphates in which the cyclitol isomer is neo-inositol. The structures of neo-inositol hexakisphosphate, 2-diphospho-neo-inositol pentakisphosphate, and 2, 5-bisdiphospho-neo-inositol tetrakisphosphate, which are present in E. histolytica at concentrations of 0.08-0.36 mM, were solved by two-dimensional (31)P-(1)H NMR spectroscopy. No evidence for the co-existence of their myo-inositol counterparts has been found. These neo-inositol compounds were not substrates of 6-diphospho-inositol pentakisphosphate 5-kinase, an enzyme purified from Dictyostelium discoideum that phosphorylates 6-diphospho-myo-inositol pentakisphosphate and more slowly also myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, specifically on position 5. Because preliminary data indicate that large amounts of the same neo-inositol phosphate and diphosphate esters are also present in another primitive amoeba, Phreatamoeba balamuthi, the occurrence of high concentrations of neo-inositol polyphosphates may be much more general than previously thought.

Animals↗

Epstein-Barr virus encoded nuclear protein EBNA-3 binds XAP-2, a protein associated with Hepatitis B virus X antigen.

EBNA-3 (also called EBNA-3A) is one of the EBV encoded nuclear antigens that are necessary for B-cell transformation. EBNA-3 is known to target RBPs, nuclear proteins that also interacts with EBNA-2, EBNA-4 and EBNA-6. In order to identify additional EBNA-3 targets, an EBV-transformed human lymphocyte cDNA library was screened in the yeast two-hybrid system with N-terminus truncated EBNA-3 that cannot interact with RBP-Jkappa. A clone, encoding Xap-2 protein, a cellular partner of Hepatitis B virus X-antigen was isolated. This protein is also known as the p38 subunit of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor complex (ARA9). The specific binding to EBNA-3 was confirmed by showing that the GST-Xap-2 precipitated EBNA-3 from CV1 cells that were infected with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing EBNA-3. Deletion of the C-terminus of Xap-2 eliminated the binding. Fusion with green fluorescent protein showed that Xap-2 is preferentially cytoplasmic but translocates to the nucleus upon expression of EBNA-3.

3T3 Cells↗

Combined LOH/CGH analysis proves the existence of interstitial 3p deletions in renal cell carcinoma.

We have recently developed an allele titration assay (ATA) to assess the sensitivity and influence of normal cell admixture in loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies based on CA-repeat. The assay showed that these studies are biased by the size-dependent differential sensitivity of allele detection. Based on these data, we have set up new criteria for evaluation of LOH. By combining these new rules with comparative genome hybridization (CGH) we have shown the presence of interstitial deletions in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biopsies and cell lines. At least three out of 11 analysed RCC cell lines and three out of 37 biopsies contain interstitial deletions on chromosome 3. Our study suggests the presence of several regions on human chromosome 3 that might contribute to tumor development by their loss: (i) 3p25-p26, around the VHL gene (D3S1317); (ii) 3p21. 3-p22 (between D3S1260 and D3S1611); (iii) 3p21.2 (around D3S1235 and D3S1289); (iv) 3p13-p14 (around D3S1312 and D3S1285). For the first time, AP20 region (3p21.3-p22) was carefully tested for LOH in RCC. It was found that the AP20 region is the most frequently affected area. Our data also suggest that another tumor suppressor gene is located near the VHL gene in 3p25-p26.

Alleles↗

New stereoselective route to the epoxyquinol core of manumycin-type natural products. Synthesis of enantiopure (+)-bromoxone, (-)-LL-C10037 alpha, and (+)-KT 8110.

A practical route is decribed for the preparation of the C(7)N core of manumycin-type compounds. Starting from p-benzoquinone, optically pure compounds in both forms can be prepared via enzymatic resolution of a derived diacetoxy conduritol. A diepoxy aminoinositol is accessible which can function for formation of enantiopure epoxyquinones and quinols. Examples are given for acylation reactions of this amine with several acyl derivatives. With this approach (-)-LL-C10037alpha and quinones such as (+)-KT-8110 with 5R,6S-configuration can be synthesized through oxidation. In addition a short route to (+)-bromoxone is described. Most steps include simple epoxide formation and cleavage reactions which all can be carried out in a high stereoselective manner.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic↗

Dysregulation of lymphocyte proliferation by chromosomal translocations and sequential genetic changes.

Enzymatically mediated rearrangement of Ig and T-cell receptor genes is essential for generating the huge molecular repertoire of the mammalian immune system, but it also carries a danger for the organism in the form of high risk zones for illegitimate juxtaposition of DNA from other areas of the genome. Translocation-dependent activation of oncogenes, transcription factors or developmental genes can trigger the development of neoplasia in a lineage-specific fashion. These events are not sufficient for tumorigenesis, however, since some of the most prominent tumor-associated translocations, such as Ig/myc and Ig/bcl-2, have been detected in normal individuals who did not develop tumors. Tumor development must, therefore, require subsequent genetic changes. Among them, the increased expression of genes that protect against apoptosis or, alternatively, mutations that cripple apoptosis-activating genes play a prominent role. Some of the translocations associated with T-cell leukemia, myeloid leukemia, and a variety of sarcomas act by generating fusion proteins. The participating genes encode transcription factors and/or developmental regulators. Fusion protein-expressing cells may serve as targets for specific interference with abnormal signaling pathways or for targeted immune attack. Using PCR to detect cells carrying such translocations is useful for tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and choice of therapy.

Abelson murine leukemia virus↗

Method to correlate 1H MRSI and 18FDG-PET.

The in vivo neuronal contribution to human cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc), measured by 18FDG-PET, is unknown. Examining the effect of 1H MRSI-derived N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentration on positron emission tomography (PET) measures of metabolic activity might indicate the relationship of CMRglc to neuron density. In a population of 19 demented, cognitively impaired, and control subjects, the Miller-Gartner algorithm was applied to whole-brain PET data to isolate the PET signal originating in cortical gray matter alone (GMPET). An analogous procedure applied to multislice proton MRSI data yielded the N-acetyl aspartate concentration in cortical gray matter (GMNAA). In 18 of 19 subjects, a significant linear regression (P < 0.05) resulted when GMPET was plotted against GMNAA, whereby GMPET was higher for higher GMNAA. This suggests that CMRglc rises linearly with increasing neuron density in gray matter. This method may be used to investigate the relationship of CMRglc to neurons in various conditions.

Aged↗

[Semi-invasive cardiac output measurement using a combined transesophageal ultrasound device. Early experiences].

OBJECTIVE: Measurement of cardiac output (CO) with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is currently item of many discussions. We investigated the reliability of results using the noninvasive measurement of aortic blood flow (ABF) (combined Doppler- and M-Mode transesophageal ultrasound, Dynemo 3000, Sometec Inc, Paris, France). METHODS: In 75 patients during cardiac or major abdominal surgery we performed 313 simultaneous measurements of CO and ABF. RESULTS: Placement of ultrasound probe into correct position took less than 2 min. Quality and stability of ultrasound signals were good. The coefficient of correlation between ABF and CO was found to be 0.89 with CO = 0.97 x ABF + 1.1, Bland-Altman-Test positive. CONCLUSION: Results of ABF detected by combined Doppler- and M-Mode-Echography are comparable with results of CO obtained by PAC. Therefore we are convinced that this noninvasive method will find its place in clinical situations of compromised CO.

Abdomen↗

Lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphism, cholesterol subfractions and myocardial infarction in large samples of the general population.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic variants of the lipoprotein lipase gene have been associated with dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease. However, data have been inconsistent and are mainly based on selected predominantly male patient groups. METHODS: We evaluated the influence of the HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism on lipid levels in the general population (1361 participants of a large population-based survey from Augsburg, Germany; 50% women) as well as the association of this polymorphism with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI; genotype frequencies in 1159 patients with documented MI under 60 years of age). RESULTS: In the population-based survey, a highly significant association between the frequent H2H2 genotype and unfavorable cholesterol subfraction levels was observed in men and in postmenopausal women whereas no significant association was observed in premenopausal women (uni- and multivariate analysis). Such unfavorable lipid levels in homozygotes for the H2 allele may be expected to be associated with a 19-25% increased risk to suffer from myocardial infarction (MI). Nevertheless, genotype and allele frequencies in the general population were not different from those in patients with previous MI (H2H2 genotype frequency 51.3% vs. 53.2%, respectively; P=0.63). CONCLUSION: This large study shows that the H2H2 genotype of the lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphism is associated with unfavorable lipid levels. Estrogen status may modulate this association in women. The effects of the genotype on lipid levels were apparently not strong enough to reveal a significant association with MI.

Adult↗

Protein kinase G reverses all isoproterenol induced changes of cardiac single L-type calcium channel gating.

OBJECTIVE: cGMP reduces the effect of beta-adrenoceptor agonists on cardiac L-type calcium current by protein kinase G activation. Stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors increases protein kinase A dependent phosphorylation of L-type calcium channels via cAMP. At the single channel level, protein kinase A dependent phosphorylation increases both availability and open probability. The present study investigates how cGMP antagonises protein kinase A induced changes of single L-type calcium channel gating. METHODS: Single L-type calcium channels were recorded in the cell attached configuration of the patch clamp technique in isolated mouse ventricular myocytes. RESULTS: The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (10(-6) M) enhanced single channel peak average current by increasing availability and open probability and decreasing the time constant of long close times. 8-Br-cGMP (10(-3) M) completely reversed these effects. The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (10(-6) M) did not influence the effect of 8-Br-cGMP. The protein kinase G inhibitor Rp-8Br-PET-cGMPS (10(-7) M) abated the effect of 8-Br-cGMP. Activation of protein kinase A by the hydrolysis-resistant cAMP derivative 8-Br-cAMP (10(-3) M) enhanced L-type calcium channel activity like isoproterenol and its effect was also reversed by 8-Br-cGMP. CONCLUSION: 8-Br cGMP diminishes beta-adrenoceptor activation of L-type calcium channels via protein kinase G. It interacts with the beta-adrenoceptor signaling pathway distal of adenylyl cyclase. Our observations suggest that protein kinase G interacts either with protein kinase A or directly with the L-type calcium channel.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

CIS--cloning of identical sequences between two complex genomes.

Development of the methods permitting cloning of identical sequences between two sources of DNA can be very useful for many purposes, including isolation of disease genes. Here we describe a new method called CIS (cloning of identical sequences). A combination of digestion with MvnI, treatment with mung bean nuclease, UDG (uracil-DNA glycosylase) and PCR with 5'-methyl-dCTP and dUTP was used to isolate identical sequences between two micro-cell hybrid lines (MCH). In a control experiment, mouse MCH903.1 and MCH939.2 containing human chromosome 3 from different individuals, were compared using the CIS procedure. Only background fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) was achieved. In another experiment, mouse MCH903.1, containing complete human chromosome 3, and rat MCH429.11, containing a part of human 3q from the same chromosome were compared. The experiment showed that the original MCH429.11 and the DNA purified using the CIS procedure had identical FISH patterns to human metaphase chromosomes, thus demonstrating the efficiency of CIS.

Animals↗

Epstein-Barr virus infection to Epstein-Barr virus-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line TW03 enhances its tumorigenicity.

Almost all nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) are infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but most ex vivo NPC cells lose EBV genomes during passages. In this study, an EBV-negative NPC cell line, TW03, established from EBV-carrying NPC was reinfected with EBV by cocultivation with irradiated Akata cells carrying recombinant EBV containing a neomycin-resistant gene. The reinfected EBV (+) TW03 cells expressed EBERs and EBNA1, but not EBNA2, lytic proteins (ZEBRA and EA-D), or LMP1. They had an epithelial appearance similar to that of EBV (-) TW03 cells. The doubling times of EBV (+) and EBV (-) TW03 cells were almost identical. However, the EBV (+) TW03 cells formed larger colonies with ragged contours in anchorage-independent cultures. An in vitro invasion assay showed that EBV (+) TW03 cells had a higher invasive activity than EBV (-) TW03 cells (p < 0.01). Both EBV (-) and EBV (+) TW03 cells formed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas in SCID and nude mice. EBV (+) TW03 cells showed a higher tumorigenicity to nude mice (12 of 13) than EBV (-) TW03 cells (1 of 9) (p < 0.001). In the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) tumors of EBV (+) TW03 cells, not all of the tumor cells were EBER-1 positive. EBER-1 was more frequently detected in the peripheral regions and daughter nodules of the tumors than in the central areas. The microdissection polymerase chain reaction showed that the EBER-1-negative TW03 cells in the EBV (+) TW03 SCID tumors lost EBV genomes. EBER-1-negative cells showed as high a rate of Ki-67 positivity as EBER-1-positive cells, indicating that the former were proliferating rather than dead or dying. In horny pearls, keratinizing cells were ZEBRA-positive and EBER-negative. Loss of EBV genomes was not associated with squamous differentiation. These data indicated that reinfection of EBV promotes the tumorigenicity of EBV (-) TW03 cells by enhancing the invading activity.

Animals↗

Isolation and chromosomal localization of a new human retinoblastoma binding protein 2 homologue 1a (RBBP2H1A).

Using a NotI linking clone NR-025 as a probe, we isolated a novel putative member of the RB binding protein family, namely a human retinoblastoma binding protein 2 homologue (RBBP2H1A). The maximal open reading frame encodes a protein of 1681 amino acids. Homology analysis indicated that the predicted product has an overall 56% amino acid identity to RBBP2, which plays an important role in RB tumor suppressor regulation. Many extended regions are 100% identical in amino acids sequences. The degree of nucleotide identity is lower. The structure prediction analysis identified three DNA-binding zinc finger domains and two bipartite nuclear localization signals. Northern expression analysis revealed expression in all tissues; however, the level of expression significantly varied between tissues. The highest level of expression was detected in testis and the lowest in skeletal muscle. The mRNA sizes corresponding to two major products are around 6kb and 7kb. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we mapped the gene to chromosomal band 1q32.1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Exclusion of vanA, vanB and vanC type glycopeptide resistance in strains of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus used as probiotics by polymerase chain reaction and hybridization methods.

Strains of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lact. rhamnosus are used as probiotics in man and animal. The aim of this study was to determine whether the glycopeptide resistance in these lactobacilli has a similar genetic basis as in enterococci. Five Lact. reuteri strains and one Lact. rhamnosus, as well as four Enterococcus control strains, were probed for the vanA gene cluster, the vanB gene and the vanC gene by PCR and Southern hybridization, and DNA/DNA hybridization. Their resistance and plasmid patterns were also investigated. All Lactobacillus strains were resistant to vancomycin but susceptible to a broad range of antibiotics. Four of the Lactobacillus strains (including the Lact. rhamnosus strain) did not harbour any plasmid and two of them contained five and 6 plasmid bands respectively. None of the Lactobacillus strains possessed the vanA, vanB or vanC gene. These findings indicate that the glycopeptide resistance of the Lactobacillus strains analysed is different from the enterococcal type. The study provides reassurance on the safety of the Lactobacillus strains used as probiotics with regard to their vancomycin resistance.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Genetic analysis of bacteriophage-encoded cochaperonins.

Early genetic studies identified the Escherichia coli groES and groEL genes because mutations in them blocked the growth of bacteriophages lambda and T4. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analyses have shown that GroES and GroEL constitute a chaperonin machine, absolutely essential for E. coli growth, because it is needed for the correct folding of many of its proteins. In spite of very little sequence identity to GroES, the bacteriophage T4-encoded Gp31 protein and the bacteriophage RB49-encoded CocO protein are bona fide GroEL cochaperonins, even capable of substituting for GroES in E. coli growth. A major functional distinction is that only Gp31 and CocO can assist GroEL in the correct folding of Gp23, the major bacteriophage capsid protein. Conserved structural features between CocO and Gp31, which are absent from GroES, highlight their potential importance in specific cochaperonin function.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Evaluation of the efficacy and dose-response relationship of dexibuprofen (S(+)-ibuprofen) in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and comparison with racemic ibuprofen using the WOMAC osteoarthritis index.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is the most common pharmacological therapy of rheumatic diseases. For the symptomatic treatment of painful disorders a dose-response relationship of the NSAID should be a basic requirement, which is difficult to be proven in studies because rheumatic diseases are heterogenous in terms of clinical involvement. The aim of this double-blind randomized trial was to compare the isolated active enantiomer dexibuprofen (S(+)-ibuprofen) with the double dose of racemic ibuprofen and to show a dose-response relationship of dexibuprofen in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. METHODS: 178 patients were randomly assigned to dexibuprofen 600/1,200 mg or racemic ibuprofen 2,400 mg daily. The primary endpoint was the improvement of the WOMAC osteoarthritis index after 15 days of therapy. The analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: The evaluation of the WOMAC OA index showed statistically significant equivalence of dexibuprofen 400 mg t.i.d. compared with racemic ibuprofen 800 mg t.i.d. by a Mann-Whitney statistic of 0.578 and the corresponding lower bound of the 95% confidence interval of 0.498. The test for superiority of dexibuprofen was borderline significant with p = 0.055. Dexibuprofen 400 mg t.i.d. and dexibuprofen 200 mg t.i.d. showed a statistically significant dose-response relationship in improving the WOMAC OA index (p = 0.023). Patients suffered from adverse drug reactions, mainly gastrointestinal disorders, 13.34% on dexibuprofen 200 mg, 15.25% on dexibuprofen 400 mg and 16.94% on racemic ibuprofen 800 mg. CONCLUSIONS: The active enantiomer dexibuprofen (S(+)-ibuprofen) proved to be an effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a significant dose-response relationship in patients with painful osteoarthritis of the hip. Compared with racemic ibuprofen half of the daily dose of dexibuprofen shows at least equivalent efficacy. In contrast to pharmacokinetic data, the additional administration of R(-)-ibuprofen in form of racemate does not contribute to the clinical efficacy of racemic ibuprofen.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Augmentation of leukocyte infiltration in murine tumors expressing B-cell derived but not nasopharyngeal carcinoma derived EBV membrane protein LMP1.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encoded latent membrane protein of B cell origin, B-LMP1 (B95-8 prototype) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) derived C-LMP1 (CAO prototype) were transfected individually in S6C adenocarcinoma cells of ACA (H-2f) origin. We have shown previously that inoculation of B-LMP1 expressing S6C cells led to tumor rejection in pre-immunized, immunocompetent syngeneic ACA mice, whereas the C-LMP1 transfectants were not immunogenic. Furthermore, B-LMP1 but not C-LMP1 expressing S6C cells grew with necrosis and extensive skin damage in non-immunized mice. A study was carried out to determine whether the in vivo growth pattern of S6C cells expressing two different LMP1 isolates could be correlated to any immunomodulatory mechanism. An increased infiltration of CD45+ leukocytes was found in B-LMP1 expressing S6C tumors originating in non-immunized, syngeneic ACA mice. The C-LMP1 expressors, vector transfectants and untransfected parental tumors had significantly lower number of infiltrating leukocytes. The immunoaccessory molecules ICAM-1, B7-1 and MHC Class I and II expression was unaltered in both B- and C-LMP1 transfectants. The data suggest that B-LMP1 but not C-LMP1 induce anti-tumor immune response.

Animals↗