Biomedical subjects

G Tell

Publications and source records attributed to G Tell.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Fibronectin binding promotes a PKC-dependent modulation of NF-kappa B in human T cells.

NF-kappa B was identified as one of the transcription factors leading to antigen-independent stimulation through activation of integrin receptors. This effect was dependent upon stimulation of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, the major fibronectin-binding integrins of Jurkat T cells, since either RGD or CS-1 peptides at 10(-4) M could prevent NF-kappa B activation. At variance with fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, in which only p50 and p65 components of the NF-kappa B complex are induced, adhesion of T cells to fibronectin resulted in a strong upregulation of p50 and c-Rel and in a partial increase in p65 activity. The upregulation of NF-kappa B activity was abrogated by calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C. Cell adhesion determined a strong reduction in the cytoplasmic levels of the NF-kappa B inhibitor I kappa B alpha, reduction that was prevented after treatment with calphostin C, suggesting that PKC-dependent I kappa B alpha phosphorylation might be involved in the upregulation of NF-kappa B.

Binding, Competitive↗

PubMed1998

Structural and functional properties of the N transcriptional activation domain of thyroid transcription factor-1: similarities with the acidic activation domains.

The thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is a tissue-specific transcription factor involved in the development of thyroid and lung. TTF-1 contains two transcriptional activation domains (N and C domain). The primary amino acid sequence of the N domain does not show any typical characteristic of known transcriptional activation domains. In aqueous solution the N domain exists in a random-coil conformation. The increase of the milieu hydrophobicity, by the addition of trifluoroethanol, induces a considerable gain of alpha-helical structure. Acidic transcriptional activation domains are largely unstructured in solution, but, under hydrophobic conditions, folding into alpha-helices or beta-strands can be induced. Therefore our data indicate that the inducibility of alpha-helix by hydrophobic conditions is a property not restricted to acidic domains. Co-transfections experiments indicate that the acidic domain of herpes simplex virus protein VP16 (VP16) and the TTF-1 N domain are interchangeable and that a chimaeric protein, which combines VP16 linked to the DNA-binding domain of TTF-1, undergoes the same regulatory constraints that operate for the wild-type TTF-1. In addition, we demonstrate that the TTF-1 N domain possesses two typical properties of acidic activation domains: TBP (TATA-binding protein) binding and ability to activate transcription in yeast. Accordingly, the TTF-1 N domain is able to squelch the activity of the p65 acidic domain. Altogether, these structural and functional data suggest that a non-acidic transcriptional activation domain (TTF-1 N domain) activates transcription by using molecular mechanisms similar to those used by acidic domains. TTF-1 N domain and acidic domains define a family of proteins whose common property is to activate transcription through the use of mechanisms largely conserved during evolutionary development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Pax-8 protein levels regulate thyroglobulin gene expression.

Pax proteins are transcription factors that control differentiation of several cell types. In adult organisms Pax-8 is expressed in the follicular thyroid cell where it interacts with sequences of thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase promoters. In this study, we provide evidence indicating that Pax-8 protein levels regulate thyroglobulin gene transcription. The most critical approach consisted in increasing Pax-8 protein levels by transfecting thyroid cells with a Pax-8 expression vector. In this situation the thyroglobulin promoter transcriptional activity was significantly increased with respect to untransfected cells. In contrast, the transfection of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression vector causes a modest decrease of thyroglobulin promoter activity, rather than an increase. Northern blots of human papillary cancers reveal a significant correlation between Pax-8 and thyroglobulin mRNAs. Gel-retardation assays suggest that the mechanism by which the Pax-8 protein levels modulate thyroglobulin promoter activity may occur through competition with TTF-1 for a common binding site. Since we also demonstrate that Pax-8 expression is subjected to TSH control, our data strongly suggest that Pax-8 protein levels could represent an important determinant for the regulation of thyroid cells.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1997

High mobility group I proteins interfere with the homeodomains binding to DNA.

Homeodomains (HDs) constitute the DNA binding domain of several transcription factors that control cell differentiation and development in a wide variety of organisms. Most HDs recognize sequences that contain a 5'-TAAT-3' core motif. However, the DNA binding specificity of HD-containing proteins does not solely determine their biological effects, and other molecular mechanisms should be responsible for their ultimate functional activity. Interference by other factors in the HD/DNA interaction could be one of the processes by which HD-containing proteins achieve the functional complexity required for their effects on the expression of target genes. Using gel-retardation assay, we demonstrate that two members of the high mobility group I (HMGI) family of nuclear proteins (HMGI-C and HMGY) can bind to a subset of HD target sequences and inhibit HDs from binding to the same sequences. The inhibition of the HD/DNA interaction occurs while incubating HMGI-C with DNA either before or after the addition of the HD. The reduced half-life of the HD.DNA complex in the presence of HMGI-C, and the shift observed in the CD spectra recorded upon HMGI-C binding to DNA, strongly suggest that structural modifications of the DNA are responsible for the inhibition of the HD.DNA complex formation. Moreover, by co-transfection experiments we provide evidence that this inhibition can occur also in vivo. The data reported here would suggest that HMGI proteins may be potential regulators of the function of HD-containing proteins and that they are able to interfere with the access of the HD to their target genes.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1997

Functional interference between contacting amino acids of homeodomains.

In a protein, the function of an amino acid at some position depends on the amino acids at other positions. Here we demonstrate a functional interference between base-contacting amino acids (at positions 50 and 54) of homeodomains. When, in the context of Antennapedia or Goosecoid homeodomains, Lys50 is paired to Tyr54 or Ala54 and Gln50 is paired to Met54, the resulting proteins efficiently discriminate among different DNA sequences. In contrast, in the presence of the pair Lys50-Met54, both homeodomains show a reduced capability to discriminate among different DNA sequences. Sequence selection experiments performed in the context of the Goosecoid homeodomain suggest that the presence of Met54 precludes the base-discriminating function of Lys50. These results may explain why the pair Lys50-Met54 is never found in natural homeodomains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Biphasic control of NF-kappa B activation induced by the triggering of HLA-DR antigens expressed on B cells.

The regulation of NF-kappa B activation following the triggering of HLA-DR antigens by mAb L243 has been studied at various times in Raji cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated a strong increase of NF-kappa B DNA binding after triggering of HLA-DR antigens. Using TNF-alpha-activity neutralizing antibodies, the authors demonstrated that the upregulation of NF-kappa B was found to depend, at later time point, on an autocrine effect of TNF-alpha secreted following triggering of HLA-DR antigens. In contrast, it was found to be TNF-alpha independent in the early time point. Moreover, the upregulation of NF-kappa B binding activity is regulated by the triggering of selected epitopes of HLA-DR antigens. In fact, mAb L243 but not the staphylococcal superantigens, staphylococcal exotoxin toxic shock syndrome toxin-I or staphylococcal enterotoxin B, regulate the NF-kappa B binding activity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1997

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies of the rat thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain.

The 1H NMR solution structure of the rat thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain (TTF-1 HD) showed that the molecule folds like classical homeodomains. The C-terminal extension of helix III (fragment 51-59) appeared to adopt a helical geometry, albeit not as rigid as the preceding portion, but the hydrogen-deuterium exchange of backbone amides and the NOE data provided evidence of a discontinuity between the two moieties of helix III at the highly conserved fragment Asn51-His52-Arg53. Analysis of quantitative measurements of isotope exchange rates allows one to recognize the general occurrence, in that region of HD motifs, of opposite effects to helix III stability. Asparagine, histidine and arginine residues occur most frequently at the beginning and end of protein helices. In TTF-1 HD a local fluctuation is observed in the fragment 51-53 which either kinks or tightens the alpha-helix. A search through the protein structure database reveals that the three most common variants of HD fragments 51-53 are often involved in helices and, frequently, in helix initiation or termination. For homeodomains in general, the nature of the fragment 51-53 may be related to the conformational dynamics of their DNA-recognition helix (helix III). Besides the specific results on fragment 51-53, the complete isotope exchange analysis of TTF-1 HD data shows that the partially solvent-exposed recognition helix is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, like most of the structured regions of the molecule. Hydrophobic stabilization of the contacting regions meets the requirements of a DNA-interaction mechanism which, as shown with other DNA-protein complexes, should entail negative heat capacity variations due to changes in solvent exposure of the nonpolar protein surface.

Amides↗

PubMed1997

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate-induced DNA or protein modifications severely inhibit the protein/DNA interaction.

In this study, the effect of the reducing sugar glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate on protein/DNA interaction has been investigated. Treatment with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate of oligonucleotides recognized by various transcription factors severely inhibits protein binding. The inhibitory effect is time and dose-dependent. Treatment with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate of the homeodomain protein TTF-1 HD has also an inhibitory effect on the interaction with DNA, again in a time and dose-dependent manner. These "in vitro" effects could have "in vivo" counterparts and therefore contribute to molecular alterations observed either when intracellular protein are exposed to high doses of reducing sugars (i.e. in diabetes) or after a long time exposure (i.e. in Gzero-arrested cells during aging).

Animals↗

PubMed1997

TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS AND CANCER. THE EXAMPLE OF PAX GENES.

Pax genes encode for transcription factors important in cell differentiation and embryonic development. These genes are very much conserved in vertebrates and homologous genes are also present in lower eukaryotics. Pax genes are defined by the presence of the paired box, a sequence encoding for a protein domain able of sequence-specific DNA recognition. Full-length Pax protein control a large variety of developmental decisions. Mutations of Pax genes give rise to abnormal phenotypes both in human and mouse. Recently, various studies have revealed the role that Pax genes may have in human tumours. Both "in vitro" and "in vivo" assays demonstrate that these genes possess an oncogenic potential. Moreover, misexpression or structural alterations of these genes have been detected in several human tumours. Together with studies that have revealed the critical biochemical and biological properties of Pax proteins, in this review we focus on their relevance in human cancer and, in particular, on target genes that may mediate their biological effects. A systematic identification of genes which are targets of Pax proteins may have a great impact in understanding molecular basis of neoplastic disease.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1996

Analysis of the solution structure of the homeodomain of rat thyroid transcription factor 1 by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular mechanics.

The solution structure of the rat thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) homeodomain has been elucidated by 1H-NMR and restrained modeling. The TTF-1 homeodomain folds in the same manner as classical homeodomains, with three helices, a loose loop between the first two helices, and a tight turn between helix II and helix III. The typical assembly of the hydrophobic core is maintained and N-capping motifs are identified in helix I and helix III. The N-terminal stretch of helix II exhibits some mobility, similar to the preceding loop region, which may be related to its anomalous capping. The N-terminal decapeptide and the C-terminal octapeptide of the molecule (68 residues long) are disordered. All the previous characteristics are shared by all known isolated homeodomain structures. An important difference among these structures occurs at the C-terminal extension of helix III, which is either disordered or helically folded. In the TTF-1 homeodomain, the C-terminal extension of helix III (residues 51-59) appears structured, albeit not as rigidly as the preceding portion. Analysis of the NOEs and hydrogendeuterium exchange of backbone amides provides evidence for discontinuity between the two moieties of helix III, which is introduced by a tightening or a kink of residues 51-53.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

A molecular code dictates sequence-specific DNA recognition by homeodomains.

Most homeodomains bind to DNA sequences containing the motif 5'-TAAT-3'. The homeodomain of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1HD) binds to sequences containing a 5'-CAAG-3' core motif, delineating a new mechanism for differential DNA recognition by homeodomains. We investigated the molecular basis of the DNA binding specificity of TTF-1HD by both structural and functional approaches. As already suggested by the three-dimensional structure of TTF-1HD, the DNA binding specificities of the TTF-1, Antennapedia and Engrailed homeodomains, either wild-type or mutants, indicated that the amino acid residue in position 54 is involved in the recognition of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the core motif 5'-NAAN-3'. The nucleotide at the 5' position of this core sequence is recognized by the amino acids located in position 6, 7 and 8 of the TTF-1 and Antennapedia homeodomains. These data, together with previous suggestions on the role of amino acids in position 50, indicate that the DNA binding specificity of homeodomains can be determined by a combinatorial molecular code. We also show that some specific combinations of the key amino acid residues involved in DNA recognition do not follow a simple, additive rule.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

In the TTF-1 homeodomain the contribution of several amino acids to DNA recognition depends on the bound sequence.

The thyroid transcription factor-1 homeodomain (TTF-1HD) shows a peculiar DNA binding specificity, preferentially recognizing sequences containing the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif. Most other homeodomains instead recognize sites containing the 5'-TAAT-3' core motif. Here, we show that TTF-1HD efficiently recognizes another sequence, called D1, devoid of the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif. Different experimental approaches indicate that TTF-1HD contacts the D1 sequence in a manner which is different to that used to interact with sequences containing the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif. The binding activities that mutants of TTF-1HD display with the D1 sequence or with the sequence containing the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif indicate that the role of several DNA-contacting amino acids is different. In particular, during recognition of the D1 sequence, backbone-interacting amino acids not relevant in binding to sequences containing the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif play an important role. In the TTF-1HD, therefore, the contribution of several amino acids to DNA recognition depends on the bound sequence. These data indicate that although a common bonding network exists in all of the HD/DNA complexes, peculiarities important for DNA recognition may occur in single cases.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1995

Expression, purification and functional characterisation of a Kunitz-type module from chicken type VI collagen.

The primary amino acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal portion of the alpha 3 chain of chicken type VI collagen (K-VI) presents a 58-residue motif with a high degree of homology with members of the Kunitz serine-proteinase inhibitors family. This module was cloned, expressed in E. coli, purified and compared to the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) in an inhibition profile assay of two serine proteases, trypsin and plasmin. We found that recombinant K-VI is not endowed with inhibitory activity but it slightly activates both plasmin and trypsin, differently from other members of the family. Moreover, the ability to inhibit the serine protease activity is also lacking in the intact type VI collagen molecule.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Definition of the DNA-binding specificity of TTF-1 homeodomain by chromatographic selection of binding sequences.

The homeodomain of the thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1HD) shows a peculiar DNA-binding specificity, preferentially recognizing sequences having the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif. In order to detail the DNA-binding specificity of this protein, a TTF-1HD-Sepharose column chromatography was used. A sequential selection and amplification of sequences was performed. TTF-1HD binding activity for selected and unselected sequences was measured. The presence of the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif was necessary, but not sufficient, to obtain the maximal binding activity for TTF-1HD. However, several of the selected sequences do not contain the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif and are bound by TTF-1HD only 2-fold less with respect to sequences bound with the highest affinity. Therefore, these data indicate that TTF-1HD specifically recognizes a spectrum of sequences wider than previously determined.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Analysis of the conformation and stability of rat TTF-1 homeodomain by circular dichroism.

The conformational stability of TTF-1HD has been determined by CD-monitored thermal denaturation and isothermal urea unfolding studies. The Gibbs free energy of stabilization found are 1.44 and 1.26 kcal.mol-1, respectively. TTF-1HD exhibits a Tm of 42 degrees C and a delta Cp of 80 cal.mol-1.K-1 indicating that TTF-1HD, when free in solution, is a mobile flexible segment folded into loose helices. Such a flexibility would be relevant for the DNA-binding function of this homeodomain. In fact, a small reduction of the alpha-helical content of TTF-1HD significantly modifies its DNA-binding activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Effect of salt concentration on TTF-1 HD binding to specific and non-specific DNA sequences.

The Thyroid Transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) recognizes specific DNA sequences by a Homeodomain (TTF-1 HD). The TTF-1 HD DNA-binding properties with both specific and non-specific DNA sequences were investigated. TTF-1 HD exists as a monomer in solution and as a monomer binds DNA. At 75 mM KCl, its relative binding affinity with a specific DNA sequence is about 50 fold higher than with a non-specific DNA sequence. Increase of KCl concentration reduces the apparent binding affinity both to specific and non-specific DNA sequences. However, non-specific binding is more sensitive than specific binding to the increase of salt concentration. When DNA-binding reactions are performed at temperature and salt concentration close to the intracellular environment, TTF-1 HD binds the specific sequence with an affinity at least 1000 fold higher respect to the non-specific sequence.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[Recurrent fever episodes in an African child: diagnostic difficulties of trypanosomiasis in France].

A young Angolian boy who had emigrated to France at the age of 2, presented with a long history of fever. Gambian Trypanosomiasis was diagnosed with peculiar aspects: 1) evolution of adult sickness with a long hemolymphatic period (first stage) and a subacute worsening period with neurologic deficit and somnolence (second stage); 2) a possible post-transfusional contamination: the young boy, born in South Angola, a nor-highly endemic area, was transfused at the age of 10 months with the blood of a donor who was subsequently treated for Trypanosomiasis; 3) a suppurating adenopathy; 4) a predominance of IgG within the hypergammaglobulinemia while IgM are the predominant immunoglobulins in this affection; 5) a hepatic toxicity of Difluoromethylornithine.

Angola↗

PubMed1990

Characteristics of stroke victims associated with early cardiovascular mortality in their children.

We assessed the relationship between characteristics of stroke victims and the risk of early death from coronary or cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) among their children. For each of 55 stroke patients selected from a registry which enrolled patients between 1969 and 1973, an index of their progeny's survival was calculated using the age in 1987 of 197 surviving children, and the age at and cause of death for 55 deceased children. Increased risk of CCVD death within families was significantly related to parental age at the time of first stroke, and with the parental history of diabetes mellitus. No significant relationship was found between the children's risk of CCVD death and the stroke patient/parent's sex, race, history of hypertension or cardiac disease, stroke diagnosis (infarction vs hemorrhage), or severity upon admission. These results suggest that family histories of cerebrovascular disease may impart differential risks, depending upon a family history of diabetes, and perhaps, the ages at which ancestral strokes first occurred.

Adolescent↗