Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Dong

Publications and source records attributed to J Dong.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Enamelin maps to human chromosome 4q21 within the autosomal dominant amelogenesis imperfecta locus.

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a group of hereditary enamel defects. Of the autosomal dominant forms, only the local hypoplastic type has been mapped to human chromosome 4q 13-4q21. Enamelin is a large enamel matrix protein secreted by ameloblasts. The purpose of this study was to determine the human chromosomal localization of enamelin to establish an association with various forms of amelogenesis imperfecta. Chromosomal mapping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using somatic hybrid and deletion/derivation cell line panels with an enamelin primer set based on 100% conserved regions between pig and mouse cDNAs. Sequence-tagged site content mapping using eight markers within the critical local hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta region was then performed using an isolated human enamelin genomic BAC clone. The human enamelin amplicon was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis, revealing 81% and 73% identity to pig and mouse cDNAs, respectively. PCR amplification using a somatic cell hybrid panel placed enamelin on chromosome 4 with analysis of a regional chromosome 4 mapping panel refining the localization to 4q 13.1-q21.23. An identified human enamelin BAC genomic clone was shown to contain markers D4S2604 and D4S2670, as well as the first exon of the human ameloblastin gene, placing enamelin in the critical amelogenesis imperfecta locus between markers HIS1 and D4S2604 at 4q21. Our results suggest that enamelin is a strong candidate gene for this disease. Furthermore, human 4q21 may contain a second cluster of enamel matrix genes located proximally to the identified cluster of dentin and bone genes.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta↗
PubMed2000

Adenoviral vector which delivers FasL-GFP fusion protein regulated by the tet-inducible expression system.

Fas ligand (FasL) is a member of the tumor necrosis family and when bound to its receptor, Fas, induces apoptosis. It plays important roles in immune response, degenerative and lymphoproliferative diseases, development and tumorigenesis. It is also involved in generation of immune privilege sites in the eye and testis. Harnessing the power of this molecule is expected to lead to a powerful chemotherapeutic. We describe the construction and characterization of replication-deficient adenoviral vectors that express a fusion of murine FasL and green fluorescent protein (GFP). FasL-GFP retains full activity of wild-type FasL, at the same time allowing for easy visualization and quantification in both living and fixed cells. The fusion protein is under the control of a tetracycline-regulated gene expression system. Tight control of expression is achieved by creating a novel 'double recombinant' Ad vector, in which the tet-responsive element and the transactivator element are built into the opposite ends of the same vector to avoid enhancer interference. Expression can be conveniently regulated by tetracycline or its derivatives in a dose-dependent manner. The vector was able to deliver FasL-GFP gene to cells in vitro efficiently, and the expression level and function of the fusion protein was modulated by the concentration of doxycycline. This regulation allows us to produce high titers of the vector by inhibiting FasL expression in an apoptosis-resistant cell line. Induction of apoptosis was demonstrated in all cell lines tested. These results indicate that our vector is a potentially valuable tool for FasL-based gene therapy of cancer and for the study of FasL/Fas-mediated apoptosis and immune privilege.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2000

A high-throughput AFLP-based method for constructing integrated genetic and physical maps: progress toward a sorghum genome map.

Sorghum is an important target for plant genomic mapping because of its adaptation to harsh environments, diverse germplasm collection, and value for comparing the genomes of grass species such as corn and rice. The construction of an integrated genetic and physical map of the sorghum genome (750 Mbp) is a primary goal of our sorghum genome project. To help accomplish this task, we have developed a new high-throughput PCR-based method for building BAC contigs and locating BAC clones on the sorghum genetic map. This task involved pooling 24,576 sorghum BAC clones ( approximately 4x genome equivalents) in six different matrices to create 184 pools of BAC DNA. DNA fragments from each pool were amplified using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technology, resolved on a LI-COR dual-dye DNA sequencing system, and analyzed using Bionumerics software. On average, each set of AFLP primers amplified 28 single-copy DNA markers that were useful for identifying overlapping BAC clones. Data from 32 different AFLP primer combinations identified approximately 2400 BACs and ordered approximately 700 BAC contigs. Analysis of a sorghum RIL mapping population using the same primer pairs located approximately 200 of the BAC contigs on the sorghum genetic map. Restriction endonuclease fingerprinting of the entire collection of sorghum BAC clones was applied to test and extend the contigs constructed using this PCR-based methodology. Analysis of the fingerprint data allowed for the identification of 3366 contigs each containing an average of 5 BACs. BACs in approximately 65% of the contigs aligned by AFLP analysis had sufficient overlap to be confirmed by DNA fingerprint analysis. In addition, 30% of the overlapping BACs aligned by AFLP analysis provided information for merging contigs and singletons that could not be joined using fingerprint data alone. Thus, the combination of fingerprinting and AFLP-based contig assembly and mapping provides a reliable, high-throughput method for building an integrated genetic and physical map of the sorghum genome.

Chromosomes, Bacterial↗
PubMed2000

Characteristics of the wave function of coupled oscillators in semiquantum chaos

Using the method of adiabatic invariants and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, we have calculated the ground-state wave function of a pair of coupled oscillators in so-called semiquantum chaos. Some interesting characteristics, e.g., the similarities and differences between the wave functions in the regular and chaotic states have been found. Time-correlation functions of the wave functions and their Fourier spectra in two states have also been investigated. The sensitivity of the wave function in the chaotic state to the initial conditions has been identified.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Salivary histatin 5 and human neutrophil defensin 1 kill Candida albicans via shared pathways.

Salivary histatins are a family of basic histidine-rich proteins in which therapeutic potential as drugs against oral candidiasis is apparent, considering their potent in vitro antifungal activity and lack of toxicity to humans. Histatin 5 (Hst 5) kills the fungal pathogen Candida albicans via a mechanism that involves binding to specific sites on the yeast cell membrane and subsequent release of cellular ATP in the absence of cytolysis. We explored the killing pathway activated by Hst 5 and compared it to those activated by other antifungal agents. The candidacidal activity of human neutrophil defensin 1 (HNP-1) shared very similar features to Hst 5 cytotoxic action with respect to active concentrations and magnitude of induction of nonlytic ATP efflux, depletion of intracellular ATP pools, and inhibitor profile. Hst 5 and HNP-1 are basic proteins of about 3 kDa; however, they have unique primary sequences and solution structures that cannot explain how these two molecules act so similarly on C. albicans to induce cell death. Our finding that HNP-1 prevented Hst 5 binding to the candidal Hst 5 binding protein suggests that the basis for the overlapping actions of these two naturally occurring antimicrobial proteins may involve interactions with shared yeast components.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Strain-dependent association between lateralization and lipopolysaccharide- induced IL-1beta and IL-6 production in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The brain modulates the immune system in an asymmetrical way, as shown by the association between paw preference and immune response in the mouse. We predicted that the production of cytokines, which are one of the molecular pathways for brain-immune interactions, should be linked to lateralization in a strain-dependent manner. METHODS: We therefore measured plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 after an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in two strains of mice (C3H and BALB/c) that were selected for their different profiles of cytokine production. RESULTS: Plasma levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 increased after LPS injection in both strains and this increase was dependent on paw preference in BALB/c but not in C3H mice. Increased levels of IL-1beta were observed in left-pawed and ambidextrous but not in right-pawed mice. For IL-6, the LPS-induced increase was higher in ambidextrous than in left- and right-pawed animals. CONCLUSION: Cytokines may represent one of the factors responsible for interindividual differences in brain-immune interactions.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Id-2 regulates critical aspects of human cytotrophoblast differentiation, invasion and migration.

During early human placental development, the conceptus attaches itself to the uterus through cytotrophoblast invasion. Invasive cytotrophoblast cells differentiate from precursor villous cytotrophoblasts, but the essential regulating factors in this process are unknown. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor dimers are essential regulators of mouse trophoblast development. We therefore examined the importance of this family of factors in the human placenta. In many cell lineages, bHLH factors are sequestered by members of the Id family, HLH proteins that lack the basic DNA binding domain (Inhibitor of DNA binding proteins (Id-1 to Id-4)). During differentiation of some tissues, Id expression declines, allowing bHLH factors to dimerize, bind DNA and trans-activate lineage-specific genes. To begin to study the role of bHLH transcription factors in human placental development, we first characterized Id expression in cytotrophoblast cells. The cells expressed Id-3 constitutively; Id-2 was downregulated, at the mRNA and protein levels, as the cells differentiated in culture and in situ, respectively. In cases when cytotrophoblast differentiation was compromised (in placentas from women with preeclampsia, or in cells grown under hypoxic conditions in culture), Id-2 expression was maintained. To assess the functional relevance of these correlations, we used an adenovirus vector to maintain Id-2 protein expression in cultured cytotrophoblasts. Compared to control (lacZ-expressing) cells, cytotrophoblasts transduced to constitutively express Id-2 retained characteristics of undifferentiated cells: (alpha)1 integrin expression was low and cyclin B expression was retained. Furthermore, invasion through Matrigel was partially inhibited and migration was strikingly enhanced in Id-2-expressing cells. These results suggest that Id-2 and the bHLH factors that it partners play important roles in human cytotrophoblast development.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Expression of human single-chain variable fragment antibody against non-structural protein 3 of hepatitis C virus antigen in e.coli.

OBJECTIVE: To express human single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody against non-structural protein 3 (NS(3)) of hepatitis C virus in E.coli. METHODS: The recombinant phages were panned by NS(3) antigen which was coated in a microtiter plate. After five rounds of biopanning, 66 clones were identified specific to NS(3) antigen. E.coli host XL(1)-Blue was transformed and induced by IPTG. The specificity of ScFv was evaluated by ELISA and dot blot hybridization. RESULTS: ScFv-NS(3) DNA digestion and sequencing data showed that the ScFv gene was composed of 750bp. ELISA and dot blot hybridization demonstrated that the soluble human single-chain Fv antibody to hepatitis C virus NS(3) antigen could combine different origins of NS(3) antigen. CONCLUSION: NS(3)-ScFv antibody expressed by E.coli host XL(1)-Blue has the activity and specificity to combine different origins of HCV NS(3) antigen.

Escherichia coli↗
PubMed2000

Human apolipoprotein E7:lysine mutations in the carboxy-terminal domain are directly responsible for preferential binding to very low density lipoproteins.

Apolipoprotein E7 (apoE7) (apoE3 E244K/E245K) is a naturally occurring mutant in humans that is associated with increased plasma lipid levels and accelerated atherosclerosis. It is reported to display defective binding to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, high affinity binding for heparin, and like apoE4, preferential association with very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). There are two potential explanations for the preference of apoE7 for VLDL: lysine mutations, which occur in the major lipid-binding region (residues 244-272) of the carboxy-terminal domain of apoE7, could either directly determine the lipoprotein-binding preference or could interact with negatively charged residues in the amino-terminal domain, resulting in a domain interaction similar to that in apoE4 (interaction of Arg-61 with Glu-255), which is responsible for the apoE4 VLDL preference. To distinguish between these possibilities, we determined the binding preferences of recombinant apoE7 and two amino-terminal domain mutants, apoE7 (E49Q/E50Q) and apoE7 (D65N/E66Q), to VLDL-like emulsion particles. ApoE7 and both mutants displayed a higher preference for the emulsion particles than did apoE3, indicating that the carboxy-terminal lysine mutations in apoE7 are directly responsible for its preference for VLDL. Supporting this conclusion, the carboxy-terminal domain 12-kDa fragment of apoE7 (residues 192;-299) displayed a higher preference for VLDL emulsions than did the wild-type fragment. In addition, lipid-free apoE7 had a higher affinity for heparin than did apoE. However, when apoE7 was complexed with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine or VLDL emulsions, the affinity difference was eliminated. In contrast to previous studies, we found that apoE7 does not bind defectively to the LDL receptor, as determined in both cell culture and solid-phase assays. We conclude that the two additional lysine residues in the carboxy-terminal domain of apoE7 directly alter its lipid- and heparin-binding affinities. These characteristics of apoE7 could contribute to its association with increased plasma lipid levels and atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein E3↗
PubMed2000

[Changes of hepatic energy metabolism following partial hepatopetal blood occlusion].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes of hepatic energy metabolism by temporary occlusion of partial hepatopetal blood. METHODS: The animal mode of partial hepatopetal blood occlusion (PBO) was established without portal stasis. The hepatic energy metabolism parameters including adenosine triphosphate, respiratory control ratio, P/O ratio, and arterial ketone bodies ratio were studied following 30 min ischemia or 1, 6, and 24 h of reperfusion. The total hepatopetal blood occlusion (TBO) and sham groups served as control. RESULTS: The parameters of hepatic motochondrial function reflecting hepatic damage to ischemia-reperfusion showed different in PBO comparing with TBO group. The functional lesion was restored progressively in PBO-30 min group, but it was maintained low level in TBO-30 min group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that it is beneficial to restoration of the hepatic energy metabolism in the ischemia-reperfusion injury by partial hepatopetal blood occlusion.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2000

An integrated SSR and RFLP linkage map of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

We report the development, testing, and use (for genetic mapping) of a large number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets that amplify DNA simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Most of the primer sets were developed from clones isolated from two sorghum bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries and three enriched sorghum genomic-DNA (gDNA) libraries. A few were developed from sorghum DNA sequences present in public databases. The libraries were probed with radiolabeled di- and trinucleotide oligomers, the BAC libraries with four and six oligomers, respectively, and the enriched gDNA libraries with four and three oligomers, respectively. Both types of libraries were markedly enriched for SSRs relative to a size-fractionated gDNA library studied earlier. However, only 2% of the sequenced clones obtained from the size-fractionated gDNA library lacked a SSR, whereas 13% and 17% of the sequenced clones obtained from the BAC and enriched gDNA libraries, respectively, lacked a SSR. Primer sets were produced for 313 SSR loci. Two-hundred sixty-six (85%) of the loci were amplified and 165 (53%) of the loci were found to be polymorphic in a population composed of 18 diverse sorghum lines. (AG/TC)n and (AC/TG)n repeats comprised 91% of the dinucleotide SSRs and 52% of all of the SSRs at the polymorphic loci, whereas four types of repeats comprised 66% of the trinucleotide SSRs at the loci. Primer sequences are reported for the 165 polymorphic loci and for eight monomorphic loci that have a high degree of homology to genes. Also reported are the genetic map locations of 113 novel SSR loci (including four SSR-containing gene loci) and a linkage map composed of 147 SSR loci and 323 RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) loci. The number of SSR loci per linkage group ranges from 8 to 30. The SSR loci are distributed relatively evenly throughout approximately 75% of the 1406-cM linkage map, but segments of five linkage groups comprising about 25% of the map either lack or contain few SSR loci. Mapping of SSR loci isolated from BAC clones located to these segments is likely to be the most efficient method for placing SSR loci in the segments.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

[Human heparanase: roles in invasion and metastasis of cancer].

Heparanase, which is an extracellular matrix degradative enzyme, degrades heparan sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which are chief components of extracellular matrix and vascular basement membrane. The gene structure of this enzyme was recently determined. The biological functions of this enzyme in vivo were as follows: 1) this enzyme accelerates cancer cell invasion and metastasis though the degradation of vascular basement membrane and extracellular matrix by cancer cells; 2) this enzyme releases and activates heparin-binding growth factors such as bFGF and VEGF from heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and induces angiogenesis; 3) the degradative products of heparan sulfate proteoglycans by this enzyme suppress the biological function of activated T-lymphocytes. Therefore, heparanase is thought to be a favorable molecule for acceleration of cancer invasion and metastasis. The expression of heparanase is strongly correlated with the metastasis of melanoma and fibrosarcoma. Thus, heparanase may play important roles in invasion and metastasis of cancer.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Studies on the basis of molecular biology of the phase change of influenza A(H1N1) viruses].

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the basis of molecular biology of the phase change of influenza A (H1N1) viruses. METHODS: Virion RNA was transcribed into cDNA by reverse transcriptase, cDNA amplified by PCR, the products of PCR were purified. Afterward, RNA sequence analysis was performed by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method, using synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide primers. Finally, phylogenetic analysis of the sequencing data was performed with MegAlign (Version 1.03) and Editseq (Version 3.69) software. RESULTS: No special amino acid on HA1 protein molecule determining the influenza A(H1N1) virus with O or D phase feature was found. However, there are differences of amino acid sequences at -2, -7, 130 and 139 positions between H1N1 viruses isolated in or before end after 1995. It is very interesting that since 1995, two different genetic lineages of influenza A (H1N1) virus HA gene have been cocirculating in men in China. One lineage is no any deletion of amino acid on HA1 protein molecule. The other one has a deletion at 130 position. Their amino acid sequences were compared with those of H1N1 viruses isolated before 1995. CONCLUSIONS: There is no special amino acid on HA1 domain protein molecule determining the influenza A (H1N1) virus with O or D phase feature was found. Since 1995, two distinguished genetic lineages of influenza A H1N1 virus HA gene have been cocirculating in men in China.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

[Study on the origin of influenza A(H1N2) virus HA and NA genes].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the origins of the HA and NA genes of new subtype (H1N2) of influenza A virus. METHODS: Virus was amplified in embryonated chicken eggs, then virion RNA was transcribed into cDNA by reverse transcriptase, cDNA amplified by PCR, the products of PCR were purified. Afterward, RNA sequence analysis was performed by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method, using synthetic oligodideoxynucleotide primers. Finally, phylogenetic analysis of the sequencing data was per-formed with MegAlign (Version 1.03) and Editseq (Version 3.69) software. RESULTS: The homology of amino acid sequences of protein molecules on HAl domains when compared, with A/PR/8/34(H1N1) and A/Guangdong/6/91(H1 N1) viruses was 98.2% and 99.4%, respectively. The homology of amino acid sequences of NA protein molecules between the novel reassortant and H1N1 virus was only 83.4 %, but the homology of those between H1N2 strain and H3N2 virus circulating in men in 1995 was as high as 99.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: The new reassortant (H1N2) virus HA gene was derived from A/PR/8/34(H1N1) like virus, but its NA gene was derived from H3N2 virus circulating in men in 1995.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[One-stage correction of the contracted eye socket and orbitozygomatic hypoplasia].

OBJECTIVE: In order to simultaneous correct the contracted eye socket and orbitozygomatic hypoplasia that caused by early ophthalmectomy and radiotherapy. METHODS: The one-stage surgical procedure for eye socket reconstruction and bone graft coverage included rotation of a postauricular skin flap and a temporal fascial flap. Hydroxyapatite implant was inserted as an onlay bone graft substitute to enlarge the orbitozygomatic region. RESULTS: In 16 cases using this method, the results were satisfactory and encouraging with minor complications. CONCLUSION: This procedure is effective for radiated complex deformities in paraorbit and eye socket.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Mutation in the leucine-rich repeat of platelet glycoprotein Ib alpha results in defects in its interaction with immobilized von Willebrand factor under flow.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize effects of the GP Ib alpha mutation (A156V) on its interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWf) under high fluid shear stress. METHODS: The residue A156 of GP Ib alpha was converted to a valine and the mutant expressed in CHO cells expressing wild-type GP Ib beta and GPIX. The transfected cells were tested for their interaction with a panel of GP Ib alpha antibodies and for rolling on immobilized vWf under high shear. RESULTS: The mutation led to surface expression of a GP Ib alpha polypeptide that adopted a different conformation at its N-terminus because binding of the GP Ib alpha antibody AN51, which has a binding epitope in the N-terminal 35 residues, was eliminated, whereas binding of the others (AK2, MB45, and SZ2, all of which bind to regions C-terminal to the AN51 epitope) was normal. Mutant-expressing cells could adhere and roll on immobilized vWf under high fluid shear stress and rolled significantly faster than wild-type cells. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that the mutation A156V results in a conformation change at the N-terminus of GP Ib alpha, which leads to an increase in the dissociation rate of the bond between the GP Ib alpha mutant and vWf.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Experimental study on effect of antagonizing platelet-activating factor and histamine of synthetic ginkgolide F in guinea-pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antagonizing effect of synthetic Ginkgolide F (SGF) on platelet-activating factor (PAF) and histamine (HA) in guinea-pigs. METHODS: The contraction rate of isolated lung tissue of guinea-pig and the change of pulmonary function of sensitized guinea-pig after SGF treatment were examined. RESULTS: (1) The contraction rate of guinea-pigs' isolated trachea and lung strip induced by HA reduced from (50.97 +/- 16.00)% and (54.24 +/- 12.17)% to (21.69 +/- 3.85)% and (22.97 +/- 17.78)% after SGF treatment (P < 0.05). (2) PAF induced relative contraction of isolated guinea-pig lung strip was reduced from (89.49 +/- 16.00)% to (46.21 +/- 14.23)% in presence of SGF (P < 0.05). (3) The pulmonary function of sensitized animal had a tendency of being improved by SGF. CONCLUSION: SGF can antagonize the contraction of isolated lung tissue induced by HA or PAF in vitro, and has a tendency to improve the pulmonary function of sensitized guinea-pig, therefore, it may be a promising drug in treatment of bronchial asthma.

Animals↗