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H Hennemann

Publications and source records attributed to H Hennemann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evidence that POU factor Brn-3B regulates expression of Pax-6 in neuroretina cells.

The Pax-6 gene encodes a transcriptional master regulator involved in the development of the eye. The quail Pax-6 gene is expressed in the neuroretina from two promoters, P0 and P1, and is regulated by an intragenic neuroretina-specific enhancer (EP enhancer). The activity of this enhancer is restricted to the P0 promoter, which is activated at the onset of neuronal differentiation. In this article, we show that the POU domain transcription factor Brn-3b, which is expressed in various regions of the brain including retina and sensory neurons, is one of the factors interacting with the EP enhancer. Brn-3b strongly activates the EP enhancer in neuroretina cells but not in other cell types. Interestingly, this activation appears to be specific for Brn-3b, as the closely related POU factors Brn-3a and Brn-3c do not show activation of the EP enhancer. Our results identify the Pax-6 gene as a new potential downstream effector of the POU transcription factor Brn-3b.

Animals↗

Differences in the interactions of oncogenic adenovirus 12 early region 1A and nononcogenic adenovirus 2 early region 1A with the cellular coactivators p300 and CBP.

Association with the cellular coactivators p300 and CBP is required for the growth-regulatory function of adenoviral (Ad) early region 1A (E1A) proteins. E1A regions necessary for these interactions overlap with domains involved in the induction of tumours in immunocompetent rodents through highly oncogenic Ad12. Differences in the association of cellular factors with the respective E1A domains of Ad12 and nononcogenic Ad2 might therefore be involved in serotype-specific oncogenicity. We analyzed the interaction of the Ad12 E1A 235R protein with p300 and CBP. Here we demonstrate that in the case of Ad12, but not Ad2/5, amino acids (aa) 1-29 of E1A proteins are sufficient to bind the p300-C/H3 domain in vivo and wild-type p300 in vitro. The conserved arginine-2, which is essential for the interaction between Ad2 E1A and p300, was dispensable for the Ad12 E1A 235R-p300 interaction in vitro. In addition to the p300-C/H3 region, we identified a second domain within p300 (aa 1999-2200) binding to the 235R protein. Contrary to p300, the amino-terminus and CR1 are necessary to associate with CBP. The aa 1-29 of the 235R protein but not CR1 are essential for the repression of colTRE-driven gene expression. This repression function is strictly dependent on p300 but not on CBP.

Adenovirus E1A Proteins↗

The mammalian calcium-binding protein, nucleobindin (CALNUC), is a Golgi resident protein.

We have identified CALNUC, an EF-hand, Ca2+-binding protein, as a Golgi resident protein. CALNUC corresponds to a previously identified EF-hand/calcium-binding protein known as nucleobindin. CALNUC interacts with Galphai3 subunits in the yeast two-hybrid system and in GST-CALNUC pull-down assays. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the EF-hand and intervening acidic regions are the site of CALNUC's interaction with Galphai3. CALNUC is found in both cytosolic and membrane fractions. The membrane pool is tightly associated with the luminal surface of Golgi membranes. CALNUC is widely expressed, as it is detected by immunofluorescence in the Golgi region of all tissues and cell lines examined. By immunoelectron microscopy, CALNUC is localized to cis-Golgi cisternae and the cis-Golgi network (CGN). CALNUC is the major Ca2+-binding protein detected by 45Ca2+-binding assay on Golgi fractions. The properties of CALNUC and its high homology to calreticulin suggest that it may play a key role in calcium homeostasis in the CGN and cis-Golgi cisternae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of an AP-1 repressor by a novel method for detecting protein-protein interactions.

Transcription factor AP-1 transduces environmental signals to the transcriptional machinery. To ensure a quick response yet maintain tight control over AP-1 target genes, AP-1 activity is likely to be negatively regulated in nonstimulated cells. To identify proteins that interact with the Jun subunits of AP-1 and repress its activity, we developed a novel screen for detecting protein-protein interactions that is not based on a transcriptional readout. In this system, the mammalian guanyl nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Sos is recruited to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane harboring a temperature-sensitive Ras GEF, Cdc25-2, allowing growth at the nonpermissive temperature. Using the Sos recruitment system, we identified new c-Jun-interacting proteins. One of these, JDP2, heterodimerizes with c-Jun in nonstimulated cells and represses AP-1-mediated activation.

3T3 Cells↗

M-phase-specific phosphorylation of the POU transcription factor GHF-1 by a cell cycle-regulated protein kinase inhibits DNA binding.

GHF-1 is a member of the POU family of homeodomain proteins. It is a cell-type-specific transcription factor responsible for determination and expansion of growth hormone (GH)- and prolactin-expressing cells in the anterior pituitary. It was previously suggested that cyclic AMP (cAMP)-responsive protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates GHF-1 at a site within the N-terminal arm of its homeodomain, thereby inhibiting its binding to the GH promoter. These results, however, are inconsistent with the physiological stimulation of GH production by the cAMP pathway. As reported here, cAMP agonists and PKA do not inhibit GHF-1 activity in living cells and although they stimulate the phosphorylation of GHF-1, the inhibitory phosphoacceptor site within the homeodomain is not affected. Instead, this site, Thr-220, is subject to M-phase-specific phosphorylation. As a result, GHF-1 DNA binding activity is transiently inhibited during the M phase. This activity is regained once cells enter G1, a phase during which GHF-1 phosphorylation is minimal. Thr-220 of GHF-1 is the homolog of the mitotic phosphoacceptor site responsible for the M-phase-specific inhibition of Oct-1 DNA binding Ser-382. As this site is conserved in all POU proteins, it appears that all members of this group are similarly regulated. A specific kinase activity distinct in its substrate specificity and susceptibility to inhibitors from the Cdc2 mitotic kinase or PKA was identified in extracts of mitotic cells. This novel activity could be involved in regulating the DNA binding activity of all POU proteins in a cell cycle-dependent manner.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Two gap junction genes, connexin 31.1 and 30.3, are closely linked on mouse chromosome 4 and preferentially expressed in skin.

Two new gap junction genes isolated from the mouse genome code for connexin homologues of 271 and 266 amino acids, designated here Cx31.1 and Cx30.3, respectively. The two open reading frames, oriented in the same direction, are only 3.4 kb apart on mouse chromosome 4. Within the connexin family, these two proteins are most closely related to one another (70% amino acid sequence identity) and to Cx31 (65 and 68% identity, respectively). Comparison of the Cx31.1 mouse gene with a Cx31.1 cDNA showed a similar genomic organization to that found with other members of the connexin gene family, i.e. the coding and 3'-untranslated regions are contained within a single exon, which is preceded by an intron, less than 25 bases upstream of the ATG start codon. Northern blot hybridization revealed highly tissue-specific coexpression of the 1.6-kb Cx31.1 mRNA and two Cx30.3 transcripts of 1.9- and 3.2-kb size, predominantly in skin and two related mouse keratinocyte cell lines. Minor levels of Cx31.1 mRNA were detected in testis. Microinjection of Cx30.3, but not Cx31.1 cRNA, into Xenopus oocyte pairs induced formation of functional gap junction channels with unique voltage-gated parameters compared to other connexins expressed similarly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chromosomal assignments of mouse connexin genes, coding for gap junctional proteins, by somatic cell hybridization.

The connexin genes Cx31 and Cx45 coding for proteins of gap junctional subunits have been assigned to mouse chromosomes 4 and 11 by Southern blot hybridization of specific gene probes to DNA from mouse x Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. In addition, our results confirm the recent assignment of mouse connexin genes Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx46 to mouse chromosomes 14, X, 4, 3, 10, and 14, respectively, by analysis of interspecific backcrosses and by somatic cell hybridization. Our assignment of the Cx31 gene to mouse chromosome 4 locates the fourth connexin gene on this mouse chromosome to which the genes for Cx31.1, Cx37, and Cx30.3 have previously been assigned. Interestingly three of them (coding for Cx31, Cx31.1, and Cx30.3) are preferentially expressed in skin. Possibly some of the connexin genes clustered on mouse chromosome 4 may be regulated coordinately.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and functional expression of mouse connexin40, a second gap junction gene preferentially expressed in lung.

From a mouse genomic library, a clone has been isolated that codes for a connexin-homologous sequence of 358 amino acids. Because of its theoretical molecular mass of 40.418 kD it is named connexin40 (Cx40). Based on both protein and nucleotide sequence, mouse Cx40 is more closely related to mouse Cx43 (alpha subgroup of connexins) than to mouse Cx32 (beta subgroup). The highest overall homology detected, however, was to chick Cx42 (67% amino acid and 86% nucleotide identity), raising the possibility that Cx40 may be the mouse analogue. The coding region of Cx40 is uninterrupted by introns and is detected as a single copy gene in the mouse genome. High stringency hybridization of Northern blots with the coding sequence of Cx40 identified a single transcript of 3.5 kb that is at least 16-fold more abundant in lung-similar to mouse Cx37-than in other adult tissues (kidney, heart, and skin). In embryonic kidney, skin, and liver the level of the Cx40 transcript is two- to fourfold higher than in the corresponding adult tissues. Microinjection of Cx40 cRNA into Xenopus oocytes induced functional cell-to-cell channels between pairs. These channels show a symmetrical and markedly cooperative closure in response to transjunctional voltage (Boltzmann parameters of Vo = +/- 35 mV; A = 0.32) which is also fast relative to other connexin channels recorded similarly (tau = 580 ms at Vj of +/- 50 mV). Although Cx40-expressing oocytes did not couple efficiently with oocytes expressing endogenous connexins, they did couple well to Cx37-expressing oocytes. The heterotypic channels which formed had voltage-gating properties modified from those of the original homotypic forms. Transfection of mouse Cx40 DNA, under control of the SV-40 early promoter, into coupling-deficient human HeLa or SK-Hep-1 cells resulted in expression of the expected transcript and restoration of fluorescent dye transfer in transfected clones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of gap junction genes expressed in F9 embryonic carcinoma cells: molecular cloning of mouse connexin31 and -45 cDNAs.

In an attempt to characterize connexin genes expressed early in mouse development we screened a cDNA library from mouse F9 embryonic carcinoma cells with mouse connexin37 cDNA and mouse connexin31.1 genomic DNA under low stringency of hybridization. We detected 5 different connexin cDNAs coding for mouse connexins31, -31.1, -32, -43, and -45 (reviewed in Willecke et al., Eur. J. Cell Biol. 56, 1-7 (1991)). Here we describe characterization of mouse connexin31 cDNA coding for a protein of 270 amino acids (Mr 30,905) that shows 8 amino acid exchanges compared to its rat analog recently deduced from its genomic sequence. Mouse connexin45 cDNA codes for a protein of 396 amino acids (Mr 45,671) that exhibits 84% amino acid identity compared to its chick analog described. Cx31 and Cx45 are coded for by single genes in the mouse genome. After Northern blot hybridization, we detected two Cx31 transcripts of 1.9 and 2.3 kb in total mouse RNA from skin, keratinocyte-derived cell lines, and in testis. Cx45 cDNA hybridized to a 2.2 kb mRNA in lung, brain, skin, heart, and intestine. This transcript showed maximal expression in adult lung and in embryonic tissues tested (brain, skin, kidney) where it was at least 40-fold more abundant than in the corresponding adult tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning of mouse connexins26 and -32: similar genomic organization but distinct promoter sequences of two gap junction genes.

Connexins26 and -32 are subunit proteins of gap junctions that are coexpressed in hepatocytes and several tissues but individually expressed in other cells. Molecular cloning of both corresponding mouse genes revealed similar genomic organization, i.e., each gene consists of two exons with the complete coding region located in the second exon. The first exon of each gene is preceded by a TATA-less promoter region. The promoter of the mouse Cx26 gene has at least two transcription start sites and is located in a very GC-rich region which is reminiscent of promoters of house-keeping genes. Putative consensus sequences for a metal response element, the transcription factor NFkappaB, and several GC-boxes were found within 600 bp upstream of the Cx26 transcription start sites. The promoter region of the mouse Cx32 gene contains two putative binding sites for the transcription factor HNF-1 and consensus motifs for NF-1 as well as NFkappaB within 680 bp upstream of the main transcription start site. Thus the sequence comparison of mouse Cx26 and Cx32 promoter regions provides hints for possible consensus elements that could control individual expression as well as common regulation of these gap junction genes in various tissues. Cx26 mRNA is much more abundant in adult mouse skin than in adult kidney and liver where Cx32 transcripts are relatively strongly expressed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mouse connexin37: cloning and functional expression of a gap junction gene highly expressed in lung.

The coding sequence (333 amino acids) of a new connexin protein, designated mouse connexin37 (Cx37 or Cx37.6) due to the deduced theoretical molecular mass of 37.600 kD, has been determined from cDNA and genomic clones. As seen in other connexins, its gene has no introns within the coding region and the deduced amino acid sequence is predicted to have similar topology to other connexins that form intercellular channels. The amino acid sequence of mouse Cx37 is most similar to rat connexin43 (59% identity) and Xenopus connexin38 (66% identity) when compared from the NH2 terminus to the end of the fourth putative transmembrane region. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes Cx37 forms functional intercellular channels that exhibit more sensitive and rapid gating in response to voltage than any previously characterized vertebrate gap junction. Under stringent conditions the Cx37 cDNA hybridizes to an mRNA of 1.7 kb that is found highly abundant in lung and to progressively lesser extents in brain, kidney, skin, spleen, liver, intestine, and heart. Embryonic brain, kidney, and skin express two to fivefold higher levels of the Cx37 transcript than the corresponding adult tissues. Cx37 transcripts were also found to increase two to threefold in response to retinoic acid treatment of cultured embryonic carcinoma F9 cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The diversity of connexin genes encoding gap junctional proteins.

The multigene family of connexins is larger than previously anticipated. Ten different connexin homologous sequences have been characterized in the mouse genome, five of which are probably the mouse analogues of the known rat connexins26, -31, -32, -43, and -46. Since the additional 5 sequences have been isolated as cDNAs or hybridize specifically to distinct mRNA species, they most likely represent functional connexin genes. Since seven of the genomic connexin sequences have been shown to contain no intron in the coding sequence, this may apply to all mammalian connexin genes. Some of the structural features based on amino acid sequences deduced from cDNA or genomic sequences and the RNA expression pattern of the new connexins are compared with previously described connexins. The structural diversity of the connexin genes suggests that they fulfill different functions coordinated with, and perhaps required for, different programs of cellular differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Six genes of the human connexin gene family coding for gap junctional proteins are assigned to four different human chromosomes.

Connexin genes code for proteins that form cell-to-cell channels known as gap junctions. The genes for the known connexins 26, 32, 43, and 46 have been assigned to human chromosomes, 13, X, 6, and 13, respectively, by analysis of a panel of human-mouse somatic cell hybrids using rat cDNA probes. A pseudogene of connexin 43 that lacks an intron of the cx43 gene has been located on human chromosome 5. Furthermore, the genes of the two new connexins 37 and 40 have both been assigned to human chromosome 1. Thus the human chromosomes 1 and 13 each carry at least two different connexin genes. Their exact location on these chromosomes is not yet known. From our results subchromosomal assignments can be deduced for the human cx32 gene to Xq13-p11, the human cx37 gene as well as the human cx40 gene to 1pter-q12, and the human cx43 gene to 6q14-qter. The generation of the connexin multigene family from a hypothetical ancestral connexin gene is discussed.

Blotting, Southern↗

[Hemoperfusion in flecainide poisoning].

A 79-year-old patient, who had received a pacemaker after suffering two posterior myocardial infarctions, was treated with 2 X 100 mg flecainide daily for 9 days for ventricular extrasystoles (Lown IV b). On admission to the hospital the parameters of renal function were within the normal range. Ten days after flecainide treatment was begun a temporary electromechanic decoupling of the pacemaker occurred with reversible asystoly and progressive kidney failure. The flecainide plasma level at that time was 1460 ng/ml. Hemoperfusion for 3 h with activated charcoal removed only 35 mg flecainide in spite of an excellent flecainide clearance (164-180 ml/min). The patient's flecainide plasma level did not decrease sufficiently during the procedure, showing clearly that flecainide levels cannot be lowered fast enough by hemoperfusion to treat a flecainide intoxication.

Aged↗

Survival time in cystinosis. A collaborative study.

In a retrospective study the overall survival time of 205 cystinotic patients of six countries was determined. The median survival time was 8.5 years. The median time for 'renal death' (age at death due to uraemia or age at starting renal replacement therapy) was 9.2 years. The youngest patient dying of renal death was 5.2 years. No sex difference in survival time was noticed. Furthermore no difference in survival time was noted between the different countries. The analysis of the overall survival curve indicates no clear differences between the infantile and adolescent types of cystinosis.

Adolescent↗

Diagnostic haemoperfusion for rapid detection of bacteremia. First clinical results of a comparison with the conventional blood culture technique.

The new method of diagnostic haemoperfusion was compared with the conventional blood culture technique in 25 patients with suspected septicaemia. The chance of obtaining a positive result proved to be clearly greater than that by conventional techniques (16:9). Furthermore, in the case of a positive result with the haemoperfusion technique both the bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivities were available earlier than was previously possible. The procedure of diagnostic haemoperfusion is safe and carries a minimal risk of complications for the patient.

Adult↗