Biomedical subjects

J Y Chou

Publications and source records attributed to J Y Chou.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Subtle differences in human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein gene promoters allow for differential expression.

Eleven pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) genes reside on human chromosome 19. The sequence of these genes is extremely similar and that similarity extends to their putative control regions. However, the expression pattern of each PSG gene differs in the placenta, the primary site of PSG synthesis. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying differential PSG expression, we characterized promoter elements of six PSG genes. We have shown previously that nucleotides -172 to -34 with respect to the translation start site constitute a minimal promoter in the PSG12 gene (class 1). We now show that PSG1-I and PSG3 are also members of class 1 genes. In contrast, only nucleotides -172 to -80 are necessary for promoter activity in PSG5, PSG6, and PSG11 genes (class 2). Class 2 genes contain a perfect Sp1 recognition sequence (CCCCGCCC) at nucleotides -148 to -141 which is necessary for promoter activity. Placental cell extracts formed three protein-DNA complexes with nucleotides -172 to -80 of all six PSG genes. One of the components of these complexes is an Sp1-like molecule. We have previously reported activator sequences within nucleotides -83 to -34 in PSG12. We now show that a 50-kDa protein binds to this region of PSG12, and the resultant complex can be supershifted by a monoclonal antibody to PEA3.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein gene expression and the induction by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine.

The pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) of the placenta, members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, are encoded by multiple linked genes located on chromosome 19. To study the control of PSG expression, we have immortalized differentiated human placental cells (HP-A1) temperature-sensitive for transformation by a recombinant adenovirus-(ori-)-SV40 tsA mutant virus. We now show that expression of the PSG gene in HP-A1 cells is temperature-sensitive. At the permissive temperature (33 degrees C), these cells expressed low levels of PSG mRNA and synthesized a 64-kDa PSG. Shifting HP-A1 cells to a nonpermissive temperature (39.5 degrees C) increased PSG mRNA expression and biosynthesis with preferential increase in the synthesis of a 54-kDa and a low level of a 72-kDa PSG. Moreover, PSG expression was greatly induced by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BudR), which selectively increased synthesis of PSGs of 72 and 54 kDa. In the presence of BudR, HP-A1 synthesized PSGs of 72, 64, and 54 kDa, similar to the pattern seen with placental PSGs. Ribonuclease protection assays demonstrated that HP-A1 cells express the majority of PSG mRNAs and BudR stimulated expression of PSG1 and PSG1-like transcripts. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction analysis using PSG gene-specific primers demonstrated that untreated HP-A1 cells expressed primarily PSG1, PSG2, PSG4, and PSG5 mRNAs. BudR stimulated the expression of all PSG transcripts except PSG4. Moreover, in transient expression assays, BudR increased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression directed by PSG1-I, PSG4, PSG5, PSG6, and PSG11 promoter-CAT fusion genes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Identification of mutations in the gene for glucose-6-phosphatase, the enzyme deficient in glycogen storage disease type 1a.

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1a is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), the key enzyme in glucose homeostasis. Southern blot hybridization analysis using a panel of human-hamster hybrids showed that human G6Pase is a single-copy gene located on chromosome 17. To correlate specific defects with clinical manifestations of this disorder, we identified mutations in the G6Pase gene of GSD type 1a patients. In the G6Pase gene of a compound heterozygous patient (LLP), two mutations in exon 2 of one allele and exon 5 of the other allele were identified. The exon 2 mutation converts an arginine at codon 83 to a cysteine (R83C). This mutation, previously identified by us in another GSD type 1a patient, was shown to have no detectable phosphohydrolase activity. The exon 5 mutation in the G6Pase gene of LLP converts a glutamine codon at 347 to a stop (Q347SP). This Q347SP mutation was also detected in all exon 5 subclones (five for each patient) of two homozygous patients, KB and CB, siblings of the same parents. The predicted Q347SP mutant G6Pase is a truncated protein of 346 amino acids, 11 amino acids shorter than the wild type G6Pase of 357 residues. Site-directed mutagenesis and transient expression assays demonstrated that G6Pase-Q347SP was devoid of G6Pase activity. G6Pase is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-associated protein containing an ER retention signal, two lysines (KK), located at residues 354 and 355. We showed that the G6Pase-K355SP mutant containing a lysine-355 to stop codon mutation is enzymatically active. Our data demonstrate that the ER protein retention signal in human G6Pase is not essential for activity. However, residues 347-354 may be required for optimal G6Pase catalysis.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Mutations in the glucose-6-phosphatase gene that cause glycogen storage disease type 1a.

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1a is caused by the deficiency of D-glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), the key enzyme in glucose homeostasis. Despite both a high incidence and morbidity, the molecular mechanisms underlying this deficiency have eluded characterization. In the present study, the molecular and biochemical characterization of the human G6Pase complementary DNA, its gene, and the expressed protein, which is indistinguishable from human microsomal G6Pase, are reported. Several mutations in the G6Pase gene of affected individuals that completely inactivate the enzyme have been identified. These results establish the molecular basis of this disease and open the way for future gene therapy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Isolation of the gene for murine glucose-6-phosphatase, the enzyme deficient in glycogen storage disease type 1A.

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1a (von Gierke disease) is caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase, the key enzyme in glucose homeostasis catalyzing the terminal step in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Despite its clinical importance, this membrane-bound enzyme has eluded molecular characterization. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a murine glucose-6-phosphatase cDNA by screening a mouse liver cDNA library differentially with mRNA populations representing the normal and the albino deletion mouse known to express markedly reduced glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Additionally, we identified the gene that consists of 5 exons. Biochemical analyses indicate that the in vitro expressed enzyme is indistinguishable from mouse liver microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase exhibiting essentially identical kinetic constants, latency, thermal lability, and vanadate sensitivity. The characterization of the murine glucose-6-phosphatase gene opens the way for studying the molecular basis of GSD type 1a in humans and its etiology in an animal model.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

The carboxyl-terminal domain of the human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein specifies intracellular retention and stability.

The pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs), which are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, are the major pregnancy-associated proteins synthesized by the human placenta. Thirty or more PSG members have been identified which are encoded by at least 11 linked genes. The PSG proteins share 85-95% sequence homology in the coding region, but show variability at the carboxyl-terminal (COOH) domains. In the present study, we examined the effects of PSG COOH domains on protein secretion and stability. Using PSGs containing short (11-12 residues) hydrophilic (PSG1e, PSG11s, and PSG16a), short (22 residues) hydrophobic (PSG6r), and long (81 residues) hydrophobic (PSG11w) COOH domains, we showed that most PSG members were secretory proteins except PSG11w which was largely retained in cells. When the PSG11w COOH domain was replaced with a short COOH domain of PSG1e, the resulting PSG-N11w/C1e chimera became secreted into the medium. On the other hand, chimeras that harbored the PSG11w COOH domain, PSG-N1e/C11w and PSG-N16a/C11w, remained in cells, demonstrating that the COOH domain of PSG11w confers intracellular retention. Deletion analysis showed that mutant (PSG11w-C2) that contained the first 21 amino acids of PSG11w COOH domain or mutant (PSG11w-C3) that contained a deletion of hydrophobic residues 372-392 in the PSG11w COOH domain remained largely in cells. In contrast, the PSG11w-C1 mutant which contained the first 12 residues of the PSG11w COOH domain became a secretory protein. Studies of PSG synthesis and processing in the presence of Brefeldin A, a drug that impedes protein transport from endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi system, showed that PSG11w resided and degraded in the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum localization of PSG11w and the cell-associated mutant PSGs was further demonstrated by their sensitivity to endoglycosidase H and indirect immunofluorescence analysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of two allelic variants of a human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein gene.

The pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) of the human placenta are a group of proteins that together with the carcinoembryonic antigens comprise a subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily. To study the control of PSG expression, we isolated and characterized PSG genes and identified cis-acting DNA elements in the 5'-flanking gene regions essential for PSG expression. Two overlapping PSG cosmid clones, which contain two allelic variants of a PSG gene (PSG12 and PSG12 psi), were isolated from an unamplified library made from a single individual. Cosmid 1 contains exons 1 (5'/L) and 2 (L/N) of the PSG12 gene located downstream of a previously identified PSG1-I gene. Cosmid 6 contains a portion of the PSG1-I gene lacking exons 1 and 2 upstream of a complete PSG12 psi transcription unit. Sequence comparison indicates that exons 5'/L and L/N in PSG12 and PSG12 psi are 99% identical, except that the L/N exon in the PSG12 psi gene contains a stop codon. Both PSG12 and PSG12 psi transcripts were detected in the human placenta, indicating that both genes are actively transcribed. However, the PSG12 psi gene may represent an allelic pseudogene variant of the PSG12 gene, because all identified PSGs contain a functional N-domain. Primer extension analysis showed that the PSG12 gene starts at a cluster of sites located at -106 to -104 base pairs with respect to the translation start site. In transient transfection assays using a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene, we demonstrated that the -835 to -34 DNA region upstream of the translation start site of PSG12 or PSG12 psi contained both positive and negative elements that control PSG expression. Deletion analysis showed that nucleotides -172 to -34 in the PSG12 gene could function as a promoter. Gel retardation analysis showed that protein factors in human placental cell extract formed four complexes (I, II, IIa, and III) with the PSG12(-172/-34) DNA. Site-directed mutagenesis that prevents protein factor binding to the PSG12 promoter resulted in a marked reduction in transcription activation, locating the core enhancers at nucleotides -148 to -141 and -60 to -55. Mutagenesis studies also showed that the ACAGC repeats at nucleotides -84 to -68 in the PSG12 5'-flanking are essential for expression of the PSG12 gene in human placental cells.

Alleles↗

PubMed1993

Cloning and expression of murine S-adenosylmethionine synthetase.

Mice homozygous for chromosomal deletions at or around the albino locus on chromosome 7 express reduced levels of a group of liver genes. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of cDNA and genomic clones encoding one of the affected genes, the mouse adult liver S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthetase. This enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of AdoMet, which functions in transmethylation and transsulfuration. Mouse AdoMet synthetase cDNA is 3232 base pairs (bp) in length and contains an open reading frame that encodes an enzymatically active polypeptide of 396 amino acids. The mouse AdoMet synthetase shares 98 and 96% amino acid sequence identity with the adult liver enzyme in the rat and human, respectively. AdoMet synthetases possess the consensus ATP-binding motif Gly-X-Gly-X-X-Gly and a putative ATP-binding Lys residue at conserved locations. As an initial step toward understanding the control of AdoMet synthetase gene expression, we characterized the complete transcription unit of this gene. The AdoMet synthetase gene spans approximately 18 kilobases and consists of nine exons ranging from 78 to 1920 bp. The transcription initiation site was demonstrated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and confirmed by primer extension studies. A putative TATA box is located at -28 to -23 bp upstream of the transcription start site. The cis-acting DNA elements in the 5'-flanking region of the AdoMet synthetase gene that drive chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene expression in mouse hepatocytes were identified by transient expression assays. The -365 to -2-bp DNA region upstream of the transcription start site of the AdoMet synthetase gene contains promoter elements, and the -518 to -366-bp DNA region might be involved in negative gene regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of upstream activation elements essential for the expression of germ cell alkaline phosphatase in human choriocarcinoma cells.

Expression of the germ cell alkaline phosphatase is a highly regulated process tied to malignant transformation of the human placenta. Human choriocarcinoma cells (malignant trophoblasts) express primarily the germ cell alkaline phosphatase gene and only low or nondetectable levels of the placental alkaline phosphatase normally found in the human placenta. Here, we show that nucleotides -156 to -1 region relative to the gene transcription start site (+1) contain cis-acting DNA elements that direct germ cell alkaline phosphatase expression in choriocarcinoma cells. Within the minimal activator region, at least three nuclear protein-binding sites, I (-63/-44), II (-87/-67), and III (-136/-103), were identified by DNase I footprinting analysis. All three sites are GC-rich. Sites I and II contain a sequence known to bind the transcription factor AP-2; the AP-2 site in site II overlaps a consensus motif for the transcription factor Sp1. Gel retardation experiments showed that similar nuclear protein factor(s) in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells bind to all three sites, with highest affinity to sites I and II. Site-directed mutagenesis that prevents binding of nuclear proteins to either site I or II, or both sites I and II, resulted in the loss of factor binding and reduced activator activity. The germ cell alkaline phosphatase promoter that contains an intact binding site III but altered sites I and II had little activator activity, suggesting that protein-protein interaction is important for germ cell alkaline phosphatase gene activation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1993

Cloning and characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase gene.

Little information is available on the molecular mechanisms controlling osteoclastic bone resorption. We used tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to begin to investigate the regulation of bone resorption at the molecular level. TRAP is expressed at high levels in osteoclasts and may play an important role in the bone resorptive process. Therefore, we isolated the murine TRAP gene from a mouse spleen genomic library and characterized its promoter. A restriction map was generated for the 17 kb TRAP insert. A 2 kb SmaI fragment, containing the 5'-flanking region, was subcloned and the nucleotide sequence determined. Sequence analysis of the SmaI fragment revealed the presence of numerous candidate transcription factor binding sequences, including those for AP1 and H-APF-1. The H-APF-1 site matches the consensus sequence for the IL-6-regulated transcription factor. An intron was identified at -1 to -393 bp relative to the ATG. The presence of an intron was confirmed by PCR analysis of RNA isolated from murine osteoclasts. Primer extension analysis indicated the presence of a transcription initiation site at -552 bp from the ATG. The region from -1846 to 2bp relative to the ATG initiation codon drove the transient expression of a luciferase reporter gene when transfected into HRE H9 rabbit endometrial cells. PMA treatment of HRE H9 cells enhanced luciferase transcription approximately threefold. These data suggest that the TRAP promoter is complex and contains multiple regulatory elements. The availability of the TRAP promoter may also permit production of transgenic mice, which can be used to develop previously unavailable osteoclast cell lines.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1993

Differentiation and uteroglobin gene expression by novel rabbit endometrial cell lines.

A clear understanding of the mechanism of differentiation of mammalian endometrial epithelia would significantly improve our knowledge of embryo implantation and placentation. An ideal model for such studies would be immortal endometrial epithelial cell lines which express a well characterized, steroid-responsive, differentiation-specific gene in vitro. We characterized two cell lines which are temperature-sensitive for differentiation. At the non-permissive temperature (39.5 degrees C), in presence of ovarian steroids, these cells express the gene coding for uteroglobin, a steroid-dependent, immunomodulatory/antiinflammatory protein in the rabbit. In addition, when cultured on artificial basement membrane (Matrigel), in presence of ovarian steroids both cell lines developed organized, tubular structures with lumens, reminiscent of an intact endometrium and secreted 33-fold more uteroglobin than the untreated controls. Thus, these immortal cell lines provide a unique model to study endometrial epithelial cell differentiation and steroid hormone action in vitro.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Two alternative mRNAs coding for the angiogenic factor, placenta growth factor (PlGF), are transcribed from a single gene of chromosome 14.

We have previously reported on the identification of a cDNA (placenta growth factor, PlGF) coding for a novel angiogenic factor expressed in placental tissue that is similar to vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF). Biochemical and functional characterization of PlGF derived from transfected COS-1 cells revealed that it is a glycosylated dimeric secreted protein able to stimulate endothelial cell growth in vitro. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the PlGF gene located on chromosome 14. At least two different mRNAs are produced from this single-copy gene in different cell lines and tissues. Sequence comparison of the polypeptides encoded by the two different isolated cDNAs indicates that they are identical except for the insertion of a highly basic 21 amino acid stretch at the carboxyl end of the protein. RNA expression analysis of several tissues, tumors and cell lines indicates differential distribution of the two PlGF mRNAs. Finally, preliminary results indicate that the PIGF gene has been conserved in evolution, since the human PlGF cDNA hybridizes to sequences present in the genomic DNA of Drosophila, Xenopus, chicken and mouse.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1992

Cloning and expression of genes encoding human pregnancy-specific glycoproteins.

The pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) of the human placenta and the carcinoembryonic antigens comprise a subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily. There may be as many as 20 different PSG genes which are predominantly expressed in the placenta. As an initial step toward understanding the control of PSG expression, we isolated and characterized two nearly identical PSG genes, PSG1 and PSG1-I. PSG1, which lacks exon 1 (5'/L), but contains exons 2 (L/N), 3 (A1), 4 (A2), and 5 (B2-C), encodes five previously identified type I transcripts, PSG1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e in a L/N-A1-A2-B2-C domain arrangement. PSG1-I, which contains a complete transcriptional unit consisting of exons 5'/L, L/N, A1, and B2-C, encodes type II PSG transcripts in a L/N-A1-B2-C domain arrangement. The predicted PSG1-I-encoded proteins share nearly complete sequence identity with the PSG1-encoded members, except the latter contain extra A domains. Amplification by polymerase chain reaction of placental or hydatidiform mole cDNA demonstrates that PSG1-I is a functional type II PSG gene. Using transient expression assays, we demonstrated that the -834/-34 region upstream of the translational start site of the PSG1-I gene contained the PSG promoter elements and the -834 to -456 region contained negative control elements. Sodium butyrate, an inducer of PSG synthesis, greatly stimulated expression of all PSG1-I-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion gene constructs. However, butyrate was at least 2-fold more effective in stimulating CAT activity of fusion genes containing upstream sequences (-834 to -576) than those containing proximal sequences (-456 to -172), suggesting two regions in the PSG1-I gene that mediate the butyrate response.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Characterization of a rat variant alpha-fetoprotein.

The rat adult liver and hepatocyte lines express an 1.7-kb variant alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA which differs from the 2.2-kb fetal AFP transcript in sequence in the 5' region. Here we report the characterization of a variant AFP cDNA, ARFP9, which is 1349 bp in length and encodes a 325 amino acid polypeptide. Nucleotides 225 to the 3' end (1125 bp) in ARFP9 corresponds exactly to nucleotide 873 to the 3' end of the fetal AFP mRNA. However, the first 224-bp of ARFP9, which is located in the 7th intron (designated the V exon) of the rat AFP gene, is not present in the 2.2-kb fetal AFP transcript. The size of the V exon is about 266-bp. In vitro expression experiments showed that the variant AFP is an unglycosylated intracellular protein of 37 kDa. Methyl-isobutyl-xanthine (MIX) stimulated expression of the fetal AFP mRNA but inhibited expression of the variant AFP mRNA, suggesting that in the rat, the two AFP transcripts are developmentally and differentially regulated.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

PubMed1992

Structural and functional analysis of human germ cell alkaline phosphatase by site-specific mutagenesis.

Human germ cell alkaline phosphatase (GCAP), which shares 98% amino acid sequence identity with the placental AP (PLAP), is expressed by malignant trophoblasts. Protein sequence analysis suggests that the Ser residue at position 92 is the putative active site of GCAP which contains two recognition sequences (Asn122-Thr-Thr124 and Asn249-Arg-Thr251) for asparagine-linked glycosylation. To examine the roles of the Ser residue and glycan moieties on GCAP activity and processing, we altered the GCAP cDNA by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed the GCAP mutants in COS-1 cells. Substitution of Ser-92 with either a Thr (S92T) or an Ala (S92A) residue yielded a GCAP devoid of catalytic activity, suggesting that the Ser codon 92 is the active site of GCAP. Six GCAP mutants that lack one or both glycosylation sites were constructed by substituting either Asn-122 or Asn-249 with an Asp residue or either Thr-124 or Thr-251 with an Ala residue. The mature GCAP migrated as a 65-kDa product, but GCAP mutants lacking one or both glycosylation sites migrated as 62- or 58-kDa polypeptides, respectively, indicating that both sites were glycosylated. All six glycosylated mutants were active enzymatically and, in addition, were equally sensitive to heat, L-leucine, and EDTA inhibition as the parental enzyme. GCAP as well as its two active-site and six glycosylation mutants could be released from the plasma membrane of transfected COS-1 cells by the proteinase bromelain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1992

Characterization of a major member of the rat pregnancy-specific glycoprotein family.

The gene encoding the human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) belongs to a gene subfamily, comprised of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and PSG subgroups, within the immunoglobulin superfamily. To study the functional roles of PSG during development in an animal model, we isolated and characterized a near full-length cDNA (rnCGM6) encoding a PSG-related protein from a rat placental cDNA library. rnCGM6 is 2,068 bp in length and contains an open reading frame that encodes a 475-amino-acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 53 kD. The 5' noncoding sequence is 173 nucleotides, and primer-extension experiments demonstrate that the transcriptional initiation site is located 22-24 nucleotides further upstream. The 3' noncoding sequence contains 470 nucleotides which is followed by a poly(A) tail. In contrast to human PSGs, which contain one immunoglobulin variable-like and two to three immunoglobulin constant-like protein domains, rnCGM6 contains three immunoglobulin variable-like domains and one immunoglobulin constant-like domain. rnCGM6 contains six potential N-linked glycosylation sites and, in its carboxyl-terminal domain, a tyrosine protein kinase phosphorylation site. The tyrosine phosphorylation site is conserved among all rat and human PSG members. rnCGM6 hybridized with a major 2.5-kb and two minor 3.0- and 3.5-kb mRNAs, all primarily expressed in the rat placenta. Ribonuclease protection analysis, using probes specific to the 5', middle, and 3' regions of rnCGM6, and the 5' region of a previously identified cDNA, rnCGM1, mainly yielded fully-protected fragments indicating relatively low sequence similarity among rat PSG-related proteins. Northern hybridization and ribonuclease protection assays also suggest that rnCGM6 may be the major PSG member in rat.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Inhibition of tyrosine aminotransferase gene expression by retinoic acid.

Regulation of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene expression was examined in RALA255-10G, a simian virus-40 tsA mutant-immortalized adult rat hepatocyte line. At the nonpermissive temperature (40 C), these hepatocytes exhibited a differentiated phenotype and actively expressed the TAT gene, but only in the presence of dexamethasone (DEX). The glucocorticoid-mediated TAT expression was inhibited by cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, and by RU486, a glucocorticoid antagonist, suggesting that glucocorticoid induction requires protein synthesis and may be mediated through hormone receptors. (Bu)2cAMP (Bt2cAMP) or retinoic acid, individually or in combination, failed to increase TAT mRNA levels. However, Bt2cAMP greatly potentiated the induction by DEX, whereas retinoic acid inhibited the induction by DEX or DEX/Bt2cAMP. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that the induction of TAT expression by DEX or DEX/Bt2cAMP in RALA255-10G cells is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level. In contrast, retinoic acid antagonized the DEX- or DEX/Bt2cAMP-mediated induction without affecting the rate of TAT gene transcription. Instead, retinoic acid destabilized TAT mRNA. The half-life values of TAT mRNA in DEX/Bt2cAMP- and DEX/Bt2cAMP/retinoic acid-treated cells were approximately 235-270 min and 90-100 min, respectively. Our results indicate that inhibition of TAT expression by retinoic acid was regulated primarily at the posttranscriptional level.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Immortalization of virus-free human placental cells that express tissue-specific functions.

Human pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are a family of closely related placental proteins that, together with the carcinoembryonic antigen members, comprise a subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily. To facilitate study of the control of PSG expression, we immortalized human placental cell lines with adenovirus-origin-minus (ori-)-simian virus-40 (SV40) recombinant viruses containing either wild-type or temperature-sensitive (ts) A mutants of SV40. Cells transformed with the SV40 tsA chimera (HP-A1 and HP-A2), but not the SV40 wild-type chimera (HP-W1), were temperature sensitive for transformation. All three cell lines expressed trophoblast-specific genes, including PSG and the alpha- and beta-subunits of hCG. Human CG alpha expression was greatly stimulated by (Bu)2cAMP in all three cell lines; shifting HP-A1 and HP-A2 cells to the nonpermissive temperature (39.5 C) further increased hCG alpha expression. At both 33 C (permissive temperature) and 39.5 C, the transformed placental cells expressed PSG mRNAs of 2.2 and 1.7 kilobases; expression was greatly stimulated by sodium butyrate. In the absence of an inducer, the three placental lines synthesized a PSG of 64 kilodaltons (kDa). In the presence of butyrate, they synthesized PSGs of 72, 64, and 54 kDa, similar to the placental PSGs. However, in placenta the predominant species is the 72-kDa product. At 39.5 C, butyrate selectively increased synthesis of the 72-kDa PSG in HP-A1 and HP-A2 cells. To characterize PSG promoter activity, we constructed chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion genes containing -809 to -44 basepairs up-stream of the translational start site of the PSG6 gene. Using transient expression assays, we demonstrated that the -809/-44 region of the PSG6 gene contained cis-acting sequences that can direct CAT expression in human placental cells. Sodium butyrate, which stimulates PSG expression, greatly increased CAT activity, indicating that butyrate-induced PSG expression is regulated primarily at the level of gene transcription.

Base Sequence↗