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Biomedical subjects

I Lax

Publications and source records attributed to I Lax.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Antibodies against a synthetic peptide as a probe for the kinase activity of the avian EGF receptor and v-erbB protein.

The transforming protein v-erbB of avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV) displays extensive sequence homology with the presumptive protein-tyrosine kinase domain of the human EGF receptor and with the src protein-tyrosine kinase family of oncogenes. However, no kinase activity has previously been demonstrated for the v-erbB protein. Here antibodies generated against a synthetic peptide from the C terminus of human EGF receptor are shown to immunoprecipitate the EGF receptor from human and avian cells, as well as the v-erbB proteins from AEV-transformed cells that become phosphorylated on tyrosine residues upon the addition of gamma-32P-ATP. The immunoprecipitates are also able to phosphorylate exogenous tyrosine-containing substrates. Hence, it is likely that both avian EGF receptor and v-erbB proteins are protein tyrosine-specific protein kinases. Since the kinase activity of v-erbB protein cannot be regulated by EGF, it is proposed that the tyrosine protein kinase function of v-erbB may be constitutively activated.

Alpharetrovirus↗

Growth hormone producing pituitary adenomas with concomitant hypersecretion of prolactin are particularly sensitive to photon irradiation.

The effect of photon irradiation (50 Gy with a 3-field technique in fractionated doses) on growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and somatomedin A (SMA) was studied in 25 patients with acromegaly after previous unsuccessful surgery. In patients with concomitant hypersecretion of PRL, the GH reduction was 70 +/- 22% 1 year and 88 +/- 10% 3 years after radiotherapy. The corresponding reductions in patients with isolated GH hypersecretion were 42 +/- 25% and 60 +/- 22%. The reduction of GH levels was most notable the first year after radiotherapy in 16 patients and during the second year in 7 patients. Serum PRL decreased after radiotherapy in all patients with hyperprolactinemia, whereas PRL in normoprolactinemic patients showed inconsistent changes, including PRL increments in 8/12 patients. The effect of radiotherapy on GH and PRL was not correlated to the irradiation target volume or the cumulative radiation effect. SMA levels decreased after radiotherapy, but became normal only in 3 patients, all with pretreatment GH less than 5 micrograms/l. Radiotherapy, 3 years after treatment, appeared to be equivalent to the primary surgical intervention in reducing GH and SMA in patients with acromegaly due to advanced macroadenomas. Patients with concomitant hyperprolactinemia showed increased sensitivity to radiation compared to normoprolactinemic patients with acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗

Amplification and overexpression of the EGF receptor gene in primary human glioblastomas.

The expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in brain tumours of glial origin was studied at the protein, mRNA and genomic levels. Four out of 10 glioblastomas that overexpress EGF receptor also have gene amplification. The amplified genes appear to be rearranged, generating an aberrant mRNA in at least one of these tumours. Such receptor defects may be relevant to tumorigenesis of human glioblastomas.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Antibodies to two defined regions of the transforming protein pp60src interact specifically with the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase system.

Antibodies generated against two synthetic peptides corresponding to two defined regions on the transforming protein of Rous sarcoma virus, pp60src, interact specifically with the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor kinase. An antibody directed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the major phosphorylation site of pp60src interacts specifically with EGF receptor and immunoprecipitates a functional EGF-receptor kinase. The second antibody, which binds close to a region on the src molecule that is required for its kinase activity, also binds to EGF-receptor kinase and prevents the autophosphorylation of the receptor molecules. Neither antibody binds to intact cells, but they do recognize various forms of the solubilized receptor. It is concluded that at least two cytoplasmic domains of the EGF receptor are antigenically and presumably also structurally related to specific domains on pp60src.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Renoprival growth following treatment of unilateral Wilms' tumour.

The renal growth pattern following uninephrectomy for Wilms' tumour was analysed in 18 boys and 18 girls by means of a comparison between renal parenchymal and body surface area. No straightforward correlation was noted between age at nephrectomy, chemo- and radiation therapy applied, and subsequent renoprival dimensions. Five years on average after operation, a mean renal size corresponding to approximately 125 per cent of the normal for one of two healthy kidneys was recorded. However, wide variations in size were observed, but only 10 patients had a compensatory growth of the remaining kidney equivalent to that seen in patients nephrectomized for unilateral, non-malignant renal disease.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Biological role of epidermal growth factor-receptor clustering. Investigation with monoclonal anti-receptor antibodies.

Monoclonal anti-epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor antibodies were used as a diagnostic tool for the investigation of the role of the receptor molecule in the transduction of the biological effects mediated by EGF. The specificity of the antibodies was established by immunoprecipitation of the receptor from biosynthetically labeled cells. The previously described (Schreiber, A. B., Lax, I., Yarden, Y., Eshhar, Z., and Schlessinger, J. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U. S. A. 78, 7535-7539) 2F2-IgM antibody binds to or close to the binding site of the growth factor on the receptor molecule; it induces receptor clustering and internalization and triggers early and delayed effects of EGF. A monovalent Fab fragment of the 2G2-IgM antibody stimulates the EGF-receptor sensitive protein kinase, but does not induce receptor clustering and DNA synthesis. When cell-bound 2G2-Fab fragments are cross-linked with anti-mouse Ig antibodies, both receptor clustering and mitogenic activity are restored. A second monoclonal antibody against EGF-receptor denoted TL5-IgG does not interfere with the binding of EGF to the receptor, fails to induce receptor clustering, and does not possess any intrinsic bioactivity. The cross-linking of cell-bound TL5-IgG with anti-mouse Ig antibodies leads to the stimulation of DNA synthesis. It is concluded that the EGF-receptor, when properly triggered, contains all the biochemical attributes necessary for the initiation of biological effects. Receptor clustering, even when mediated via domains distinct from the hormone binding site on the receptor molecule, appears as a necessary and sufficient signal for the induction of DNA synthesis.

Animals↗

Growth of renoprivals following uninephrectomy for Wilms' tumour: application and suitability of a method of assessment.

In an attempt to evaluate the long-term renoprival growth in patients uni-nephrectomized for Wilms' tumour, renal length was related to the length of the lumbar segment L1-L3. The results of this study indicated that spinal growth retardation, secondary to applied adjuvant treatment, invalidated employment of the method for this particular purpose. A computerized analysis showed no straight-forward correlation between age at operation, chemotherapy utilized, irradiation and the post-treatment renoprival growth as established by substitution of the observed L1-L3 length with a mathematically corrected value. Emergent figures exclude significant compensatory growth of the remaining kidney.

Child↗

Monoclonal antibody reactive with the human epidermal-growth-factor receptor recognizes the blood-group-A antigen.

The hybridoma antibody TL5, which precipitates the EGF receptor from the human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431, has been shown to recognize the blood-group-A carbohydrate structure. This conclusion has been reached from studies of (a) the binding of the antibody to glycoproteins and haemagglutination of erythrocytes with known blood-group-antigen activities and (b) the inhibition of binding of the antibody to a radiolabelled blood-group-A-active glycoprotein by structurally defined oligosaccharides.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor induce prolactin synthesis in cultured rat pituitary cells (GH3).

The addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to cultured rat pituitary cells (GH3) leads to increased synthesis of prolactin and to partial inhibition of cell proliferation. Monoclonal antibodies generated against EGF receptor from human epidermoid carcinoma (A-431) cells were used to characterize the EGF receptor kinase system of GH3 cells and to investigate the role of the hormone-receptor complex in the expression of the prolactin gene in these cells. The EGF receptor of GH3 cells is a 170,000-dalton protein associated with a protein kinase. It is similar but not identical to the EGF receptor identified in other tissues. The immunoprecipitated membrane receptor is phosphorylated on both serine and tyrosine residues. The monoclonal antibody denoted 2G2-IgM binds to EGF receptor on GH3 cells. Like EGF, the monoclonal antibody induced the synthesis of prolactin and morphological changes in these cells. Hence, EGF receptor in GH3 cells, when properly triggered, contains all of the biological attributes necessary for the induction of EGF-induced gene expression and morphological changes in GH3 cells.

Animals↗

Regulation of cell proliferation by epidermal growth factor.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a 6045 dalton polypeptide which stimulates the proliferation of various cell types in vitro and in vivo. EGF binds to diffusely distributed membrane receptors which rapidly cluster primarily on coated pits areas on the plasma membrane. Subsequently, the EGF-receptor complexes are endocytosed and degraded by lysosomal enzymes. The lateral diffusion coefficient (D) of EGF-receptor complexes on cultured cells increases gradually from D = 2.8 X 10(-10) cm2/sec at 5 degrees C to 8.5 X 10(-10) cm2/sec at 37 degrees C. In the same range of temperature the rotational correlation times change from 25 to 50 microseconds to approximately 350 microseconds. Hence, at 4 degrees C, the occupied EGF receptors translate and rotate rapidly in the plane of the membrane. At 37 degrees C, EGF receptors form microclusters composed of 10 to 50 molecules. Moreover, it is concluded that both at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C lateral diffusion of the occupied receptors is not the rate determining step for either receptor clustering or internalization. EGF receptor is a 150,000 to 170,000 dalton glycoprotein. The receptor is in close proximity to an EGF-sensitive, cAMP-independent, tyrosine-specific protein kinase which also phosphorylates the receptor molecules itself. The EGF sensitive kinase is similar to the kinase activity which is associated with certain RNA tumor viruses. The fact that the non-mitogenic cyanogen-bromide cleaved EGF is as potent as native EGF in stimulating phosphorylation suggests that EGF-induced, protein phosphorylation is a necessary but insufficient signal for the induction of DNA synthesis by EGF. EGF receptor serves also as the binding site for Transforming Growth Factors (TGF) which compete with EGF and induce anchorage-independent growth of normal cells in soft agar. Tumor promoters such as phorbol ester effect the binding of EGF to its membrane receptors and its ability to stimulate DNA synthesis. EGF itself has also some tumor promoting activity. Hence, the membrane receptor for EGF seems to participate in the regulation of normal and neoplastic growth. Monoclonal antibodies against EGF receptor (IgM) induce various early and delayed effects of EGF, while their monovalent Fab' fragments are devoid of biological activity. These observations support the notions that EGF receptor rather than EGF itself is the active moiety and that the role of the hormone is to perturb the receptor in the appropriate way, probably by inducing the microaggregation of EGF receptors.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Electron beam dose planning using Gaussian beams. Improved radial dose profiles.

The Gaussian solution of the transport equation for electrons in a medium omits the large angle single scattering events. These events have been included by using Monte Carlo calculated radial dose profiles for point monodirectional beams. A sum of three Gaussian functions with different relative weights and widths have been fitted to the Monte Carlo calculated radial dose profiles. These profiles have been confirmed by measurements in an almost point monodirectional beam, and the importance of an adequate experimental set-up for determination of radial dose profiles is discussed. The analytic treatment when using three different functions in the Gaussian formalism is presented. Central axis depth dose curves for 10 MeV and 20 MeV have finally been calculated and compared with depth dose curves calculated using Monte Carlo technique and a single Gaussian function. Considerable errors (20-30%) result with the single Gaussian function at small field sizes whereas three components give good agreement with the Monte Carlo method.

Computers↗

Absorbed dose distribution of electron beams in uniform and inhomogeneous media.

The absorbed dose at dose maximum in different materials or tissues irradiated by a given electron fluence can vary considerably depending on scattering and stopping properties of the media. A simple expression relating the dose levels in different materials have been derived and is found to be in good agreement with published experimental results for different phantom materials. This expression has been used to calculate the ratio of the absorbed dose to different tissues to that in water. The absorbed dose behind different inhomogeneities has been investigated experimentally. Based on this expression correction factors and scaling laws have been derived which allow the calculation of the absorbed dose distribution behind the inhomogeneity with good accuracy. The procedure only uses tabulated mass scattering and total stopping power data and the dose distribution in the uniform medium. The shift in penetration behind the inhomogeneity independent of its depth is shown to be accurately determined by the equivalent thickness of the inhomogeneity as obtained by multiplying the real thickness by the total stopping power ratio at the incident mean energy.

Adipose Tissue↗

Solution of an integral equation encountered in rotation therapy.

An integral equation relating the lateral absorbed dose profile of a photon beam to the resultant absorbed dose distribution during single-turn rotating-beam therapy has been set up and solved for the case of a cylindrical phantom with the axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of symmetry of the cylinder. In the first approximation the results obtained are also valid when the axis of rotation is somewhat off-centred, even in a phantom that deviates from circular symmetry, provided the rotation is performed in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. The calculated dose profiles indicate that improved dose uniformity can be achieved using a new type of non-linear wedge-shaped filter, which can easily be designed using the derived general analytic solution to the integral equation.

Humans↗

Monoclonal antibodies against receptor for epidermal growth factor induce early and delayed effects of epidermal growth factor.

Mice were immunized with human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A-431 cell line) that possess an unusually high number of membrane receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF). Spleen cells from these mice were fused with NSI cells, a nonsecreting murine myeloma. The immunoglobulins secreted by the obtained hybridomas were screened for specific binding to A-431 cells and selected according to their ability to inhibit the binding of radiolabeled EGF to the membrane of A-431 cells. Several antibodies secreted by cloned hybrid lines were found to inhibit the binding of radiolabeled EGF to membrane receptors of living A-431 cells, human foreskin fibroblasts, and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and also to membrane preparations from A-431 cells. These monoclonal antibodies induced the early and delayed biological effects mediated by EGF. Like EGF, the antibodies induced morphological changes in A-431 cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of endogenous membrane proteins in membranes from these cells. They also stimulated DNA synthesis in human foreskin fibroblasts. These observations support the notion that the biological information of the EGF-receptor complex resides in the membrane receptor. Furthermore, the antibodies offer a powerful tool to study the structure, processing, and mode of action of EGF receptors.

Animals↗