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Biomedical subjects

H R Colten

Publications and source records attributed to H R Colten.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

gamma-Interferon increases expression of class III complement genes C2 and factor B in human monocytes and in murine fibroblasts transfected with human C2 and factor B genes.

gamma-Interferon (IFN-gamma) is a well characterized lymphokine known to regulate many mononuclear phagocyte functions, including expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility complex genes. The second component of complement (C2) and factor B are major histocompatibility complex class III gene products synthesized in mononuclear phagocytes. Recombinant IFN-gamma increased the synthesis of C2 and factor B in primary cultures of human mononuclear phagocytes and in murine fibroblasts transfected with cosmid DNA bearing the human C2 and factor B genes. In both cell types the increases in C2 and factor B protein synthesis were detected at concentrations of IFN-gamma less than 1 unit/ml and the regulation of each was pretranslational. The IFN-gamma-induced increases in C2 and factor B mRNA did not require new protein synthesis. In primary cultures of human monocytes, the kinetics of induction of C2 and factor B synthesis differed, but in the transfected L-cells the kinetics were similar, suggesting differences in transduction of the IFN-gamma signal, transcriptional, and/or post-transcriptional events in the two cell types. The small size of the factor B 5' flanking region, which is bounded by the 3' terminus of the IFN-gamma-regulated C2 gene, provides a well defined region to probe the structural basis for IFN-gamma regulation of gene expression.

Animals↗

Alternate-day prednisone reduces morbidity and improves pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of alternate-day prednisone therapy on morbidity and progression of lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). At baseline the patients (aged 1-12 years) had mild to moderate lung disease, and the prednisone group did not differ significantly from the placebo group for any values measured. After 4 years, the prednisone-treated group had significant advantages over the placebo group for height, weight, vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak flow rate, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum IgG. The prednisone-treated group required 9 admissions to hospital for CF-related pulmonary disease compared with 35 for the placebo group. There were no steroid-induced side-effects. To rule out bias in case selection, 69 CF clinic patients comparable in age and clinical status but not included in the study were compared with the placebo group at 4 years; no significant differences between the groups were found.

Body Height↗

Pretranslational modulation of acute phase hepatic protein synthesis by murine recombinant interleukin 1 (IL-1) and purified human IL-1.

During the acute phase response to tissue injury or inflammation, the concentration of several plasma proteins change. Previous work (29-34) suggested a role for interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the acute phase response. The availability of recombinant-generated mouse IL-1 prompted a study designed to directly test the function of IL-1 and its mechanism of action on hepatic synthesis of two positive acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A [SAA] and complement factor B), and a negative acute phase reactant (albumin). Intravenous injection of purified recombinant-generated murine-IL-1 into C3H/HeJ endotoxin-resistant mice induced a dose-dependent increase in SAA-specific hepatic messenger RNA (mRNA), and an increase in SAA plasma protein concentration. In primary murine hepatocyte cultures, both the recombinant IL-1 and highly purified human IL-1 induced a dose- and time-dependent, reversible increase in expression of the SAA and factor B genes, and a decrease in albumin gene expression. This regulation is pretranslational, since the kinetics and direction of change in specific mRNA for SAA, factor B, and albumin correspond to the changes in synthesis of the respective proteins. Moreover, the effect of IL-1 was specific, since actin gene expression was unaffected, and the IL-1 response was inhibited by antibody specific for IL-1. These data provide direct evidence that a single mediator, IL-1, can effect the positive and negative changes in specific hepatic gene expression characteristic of the acute phase response.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

The molecular basis for genetic deficiency of the second component of human complement.

Genetic deficiency of the second component of complement (C2) is the most common complement-deficiency state among Western Europeans and is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases. To examine the molecular basis of this deficiency, we established cultures of blood monocytes from four families with C2-deficient members. Using a hemolytic-plaque assay, [35S]methionine metabolic labeling of proteins in tissue culture and immunoprecipitation, RNA extraction and Northern blot analysis, and DNA restriction-enzyme digestion and Southern blot analysis, we found that C2 deficiency is not due to a major gene deletion or rearrangement but is the result of a specific and selective pretranslational regulatory defect in C2 gene expression. This leads to a lack of detectable C2 mRNA and a lack of synthesis of C2 protein. The approach used in this study should prove useful in examination of other plasma protein deficiencies, especially those in which the deficient gene is normally expressed in peripheral-blood monocytes or tissue macrophages and in which ethical considerations preclude the use of liver or other tissue for study.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

Human serum amyloid P component. cDNA isolation, complete sequence of pre-serum amyloid P component, and localization of the gene to chromosome 1.

Complementary DNA clones corresponding to the human serum amyloid P component (SAP) were isolated, and the complete nucleotide and derived amino acid sequence of preSAP was determined. PreSAP biosynthesis is directed by a 1.1-kilobase mRNA. Synthesis and postsynthetic processing of preSAP in Xenopus oocytes result in secretion of a protein with mobility similar to native purified SAP when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The human SAP gene is on chromosome 1, probably closely linked to the gene for C-reactive protein which encodes the related acute phase reactant found in human plasma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Syrian hamster female protein: analysis of female protein primary structure and gene expression.

The concentration in plasma of the female protein (FP) of the golden Syrian hamster is regulated by sex steroids and by mediators of the acute-phase response to tissue injury or inflammation. A complementary DNA (cDNA) clone corresponding to FP was isolated from a hamster liver cDNA library and used to determine the nucleotide sequence and derived amino acid sequence of native FP. The primary sequence of FP is 69 percent identical to human serum amyloid P component and 50 percent identical to human C-reactive protein. Evidence showed that sex-limited and acute-phase control of the FP gene is pretranslational. The FP protein is thus a useful model for investigating dual regulation of expression of a single gene.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Human serum amyloid A (SAA): biosynthesis and postsynthetic processing of preSAA and structural variants defined by complementary DNA.

To study structural variants of human serum amyloid A (SAA), an apoprotein of high-density lipoprotein, complementary DNA clones were isolated from a human liver library with the use of two synthetic oligonucleotide mixtures containing sequences that could code for residues 33-38 and 90-95 of the protein sequence. The SAA-specific cDNA clone (pA1) contains the nucleotide sequence coding for the mature SAA and 10 amino acids of the 18-residue signal peptide. It also includes a 70 nucleotide long 3'-untranslated region and approximately 120 bases of the poly(A) tail. The derived amino acid sequence of pA1 is identical with the alpha form of apoSAA1. A fragment of pA1 containing the conserved (residues 33-38) region of SAA also hybridized with RNA from human acute phase liver and acute phase stimulated, but not unstimulated, mouse and rabbit liver. In contrast, a fragment corresponding to the variable region hybridized to a much greater extent with human than with rabbit or murine RNA. Human acute phase liver SAA mRNA (approximately 600 nucleotides in length) directs synthesis of preSAA (Mr 14 000) in a cell-free translating system. In a Xenopus oocyte translation system preSAA is synthesized and processed to the mature Mr 12 000 product. The complete 18 amino acid signal peptide sequence of preSAA was derived from sequencing cDNA synthesized by "primer extension" from the region of SAA mRNA corresponding to the amino terminus of the mature product. Two other SAA-specific cDNA clones (pA6 and pA10) differed from pA1 in that they lack the internal PstI restriction enzyme site spanning residues 54-56 of pA1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and sequence analysis of a cDNA clone encoding the fifth complement component.

We have used available protein sequence data for the anaphylatoxin (C5a) portion of the fifth component of human complement (residues 19-25) to synthesize a mixed-sequence oligonucleotide probe. The labeled oligonucleotide was then used to screen a human liver cDNA library, and a single candidate cDNA clone of 1.85 kilobase pairs was isolated. Hybridization of the mixed-sequence probe to the complementary strand of the plasmid insert and sequence analysis by the dideoxy method predicted the expected protein sequence of C5a (positions 1-12), amino-terminal to the anticipated priming site. The sequence obtained further predicted an arginine-rich sequence (RPRR) immediately upstream of the N-terminal threonine of C5a, indicating that the promolecule form of C5 is synthesized with a beta alpha-chain orientation as previously shown for pro-C3 and pro-C4. The C5 cDNA clone was sheared randomly by sonication, subcloned into M13 mp8, and sequenced at random by the dideoxy technique, thereby generating a contiguous sequence of 1703 base pairs. This clone contained coding sequence for the C-terminal 262 amino acid residues of the beta-chain, the entire C5a fragment, and the N-terminal 98 residues of the alpha'-chain. The 3' end of the clone had a polyadenylated tail preceded by a polyadenylation recognition site, a 3'-untranslated region, and base pairs homologous to the human Alu concensus sequence. Comparison of the derived partial human C5 protein sequence with that previously determined for murine C3 and human alpha 2-macroglobulin has indicated regions of pronounced sequence similarity. Examination of cytoplasmic RNA prepared from human liver and the human hepatoma cell line Hep G2 by Northern transfer has indicated a C5 mRNA species of about 5.2 kilobase pairs.

Adult↗

Increased expression of an adhesion-promoting surface glycoprotein in the granulocytopenia of hemodialysis.

To identify the mechanisms accounting for hemodialysis-induced granulocytopenia, we undertook quantitative kinetic studies of a granulocyte-adhesion-promoting surface glycoprotein (Mo1). In eight patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, there was a fivefold increase in the mean cell-surface expression of Mo1 within 15 minutes after the start of dialysis with a new cuprophane membrane. The peak increase in surface Mo1 coincided with the maximal drop in neutrophil count and with the peak rise in the plasma levels of the complement-activation products C5a desArg and C3a desArg. During dialysis on a membrane being reused for the fifth time, no significant complement activation, no increase in Mo1 expression, and no change in neutrophil count were seen. C5a desArg (but not C3a desArg) induced a comparable increase in Mo1 expression on normal granulocytes in vitro at concentrations similar to those measured in vivo. Chemotactic peptide-induced granulocyte aggregation (a reflection of increased cell-to-cell adhesiveness) was specifically blocked by mouse monoclonal antibodies to Mo1 in vitro. These data suggest that the increased expression of Mo1 on granulocytes in vivo is in part mediated by C5a (and C5a desArg). The quantitative increase in granulocyte-surface Mo1 may provide a mechanism for initiating leukoaggregation, sequestration of granulocytes, and neutropenia during hemodialysis.

Adult↗

The cellular defect in alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) deficiency is expressed in human monocytes and in Xenopus oocytes injected with human liver mRNA.

To determine the basis for low serum concentrations of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI) in individuals with homozygous alpha 1PI deficiency (hereafter referred to as PiZZ), biosynthesis and secretion of alpha 1PI were studied in Xenopus oocytes microinjected with hepatic mRNA and in blood monocytes (an extrahepatic site of alpha 1PI gene expression). Although both the usual alpha 1PI (hereafter referred to as PiMM) and PiZZ alpha 1PI were secreted in functionally active form, the rate of secretion of alpha 1PI was significantly and selectively decreased in Xenopus oocytes injected with PiZZ liver mRNA and in monocytes from PiZZ individuals. The apparent size of alpha 1PI in the intracellular compartment of Xenopus oocytes injected with PiZZ liver mRNA was different from the corresponding intracellular PiMM alpha 1PI in oocytes injected with PiMM liver mRNA. There were also differences in the relative ratio of native and complexed alpha 1PI secreted by monocytes from individuals with PiMM and PiZZ phenotypes.

Animals↗

Expression of the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor gene in human monocytes and macrophages.

Expression of the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI) gene was studied in human mononuclear cells. Using RNA blot and dot hybridization, alpha 1PI mRNA was detected in human peripheral blood monocytes, bronchoalveolar and breast milk macrophages, but not in B or T lymphocytes. Using incorporation of a radiolabeled amino acid precursor, synthesis and secretion of alpha 1PI were demonstrated in human monocytes and macrophages, but not in lymphocytes. In addition, alpha 1PI was secreted in functionally active form as shown by complexing with serine proteases. Biosynthesis of alpha 1PI by mononuclear phagocytes was greatest during the first 24 hr in culture and progressively decreased over the next 10 days. The reduction in alpha 1PI biosynthesis in vitro involved a mechanism acting at the pretranslational level as alpha 1PI mRNA content also progressively declined over 10 days in culture. The ease of sampling human monocytes and macrophages now permits examination of the biochemical defect in homozygous PiZ and PiS alpha 1PI deficiencies and study of the functional significance of locally produced alpha 1PI in normal tissues and sites of injury or inflammation.

Blood Proteins↗

Expression of complement proteins C2 and factor B in transfected L cells.

Factor B and C2 are structurally and functionally similar complement proteins encoded by genes that are closely linked within the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In this study, restriction endonuclease digestion of cosmid DNAs isolated from an H-2d murine genomic library indicated that the chromosomal organization of these two genes was similar in mouse to that in man. To further characterize their expression, cosmid DNAs encoding human and murine factor B and C2 were introduced into mouse L cells by DNA-mediated gene transfer. Factor B expression was demonstrated in cells transfected with either the human or the murine gene, but not in cells transfected with a control plasmid. Synthesis and secretion of factor B by L cells transfected with the human and murine cosmids was similar to that of human and murine cells in primary culture. An interspecies variation between human and murine factor B was identified and reproduced with extraordinary fidelity by the mouse fibroblast. In contrast, C2 RNA and protein were expressed by L cells alone and by L cells transfected with a control plasmid, as well as by L cells transfected with cosmids encoding human and murine complement genes. Expression of the transferred human C2 gene was demonstrated by the presence of a new distinct C2 RNA transcript and secretion of biologically active human C2. These results demonstrate the similarity of organization of the murine and human class III MHC regions. Expression of the two closely linked gene products, C2 and factor B, after DNA-mediated gene transfer provides a system for further analysis of regulation in both normal and deficient states.

Animals↗

Tissue-specific pretranslational regulation of complement production in human mononuclear phagocytes.

The net production of the complement protein C2, C4, and factor B differ among mononuclear phagocytes from peripheral blood and different tissues in experimental animals and in humans. To examine the mechanisms that regulate these differences in humans, the proportions of C2-producing cells, the average single-cell production rate of C2, the posttranslational glycosylation and kinetics of secretion of C2 and factor B, and the amounts of C2 and factor B mRNA were examined in freshly isolated peripheral blood monocytes, monocytes maintained up to 2 wk in culture, and freshly isolated tissue macrophages from breast milk and bronchoalveolar lavage. In addition, the biosynthesis of two other proteins synthesized and secreted by mononuclear phagocytes, C3 and lysozyme, were examined. We report that despite comparable rates of C3 and lysozyme synthesis and similar processing and kinetics of secretion of C2 and factor B, the freshly isolated tissue macrophage differs from the monocyte-derived macrophage in the proportion of C2-producing cells, in the average single-cell production rate of complement, and in the amounts of specific C2 and factor B mRNA. These differences are tissue specific, because C2-specific mRNA content in bronchoalveolar macrophages is considerably greater than in breast milk macrophages, although the amounts of factor B mRNA are comparable. These data suggest that tissue-specific regulation of complement production in human mononuclear phagocytes occurs at a pretranslational level. These studies now provide a basis for investigation of the molecular effects of agents that modulate the biologic functions of monocytes and macrophages.

Cell Differentiation↗

Localization of the human MHC-linked complement genes between HLA-B and HLA-DR by using HLA mutant cell lines.

A C4 cDNA clone has been used to localize the C4 genes within the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The clone, pC4AL1, detects a DNA polymorphism of the C4 genes in Southern blot hybridization experiments and established the genotype of a lymphoblastoid cell line, LCL 721, as heterozygous for the C4 DNA patterns. Subclones of LCL 721 that had gamma-ray-induced lesions of the MHC were analyzed with pC4AL1. Loss or retention of chromosome-specific C4 DNA patterns relative to the loss or retention of other MHC genes on the same chromosome was assessed. This permitted the mapping of the C4 genes, and the other MHC-linked complement genes, between the HLA-DR and HLA-B loci.

Cell Line↗