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K H Choo

Publications and source records attributed to K H Choo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Gene structure and sequence analysis of mouse centromere proteins A and C.

We have determined the genomic structure and organization of the mouse Cenpa and Cenpc genes. CENPA is a member of the histone H3-like proteins and is thought to replace histone H3 in centromeric nucleosomes. CENPC is a DNA-binding protein that is located at the inner kinetochore plate of active mammalian centromeres. The Cenpa cDNA encodes a 134-amino-acid product that is 70% identical and 84% similar to its human homolog. The mouse Cenpa gene is approximately 8 kb in length and contains five exons. Sequence analysis of the 5' DNA sequence of the gene revealed two consensus CAAT boxes, a putative TFIID-binding site, an Sp1-binding domain, and two cell cycle regulatory motifs, but no consensus TATA element. The mouse Cenpc gene spans 60 kb and contains 19 exons that range in size from 44 to 602 bp. Sequence analysis of the C+G-rich promoter region showed the presence of known promoter elements, including a CpG island, a CAAT box, and several GC boxes, but the absence of a consensus TATA element.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Genetic mapping of mouse centromere protein (Incenp and Cenpe) genes.

Inner centromere protein (INCENP) and centromere protein E (CENPE) are two functionally important proteins of the higher eukaryotic centromere. Using a mouse Incenp genomic DNA and a mouse Cenpe cDNA to analyze recombinant inbred mouse sets, as well as interspecific backcross panels, we have mapped these genes to the proximal regions of mouse Chromosomes 19 and 6, respectively. Comparison of Cenpe and human CENPE, which maps to chromosome region 4q24-->q25, has further identified a new region of homology between the two species.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Genomic organization, chromosomal mapping, and analysis of the 5' promoter region of the human MAdCAM-1 gene.

MAdCAM-1, the endothelial addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, interacts preferentially with the leukocyte beta7 integrin LPAM-1 (alpha4beta7), but also with L-selectin, and with VLA-4 (alpha4beta1) on myeloid cells, and serves to direct leukocytes into mucosal and inflamed tissues. Overlapping cosmid and phage lambda genomic clones were isolated, revealing that the human MAdCAM-1 gene contains five exons where the signal peptide, two Ig domains, and mucin domain are each encoded by separate exons. The transmembrane domain, cytoplasmic domain, and 3' untranslated region are encoded together on exon 5. The mucin domain contains eight repeats in total that are subject to alternative splicing. Despite the absence of a human counterpart of the third IgA-homologous domain and lack of sequence conservation of the mucin domain, the genomic organizations of the human and mouse MAdCAM-1 genes are similar. An alternatively spliced MAdCAM-1 variant was identified that lacks exon 4 encoding the mucin domain, and may mediate leukocyte adhesion to LPAM-1 without adhesion to the alternate receptor, L-selectin. The MAdCAM-1 gene was located at p13.3 on chromosome 19, in close proximity to the ICAM-1 and ICAM-3 genes (p13.2-p13.3). PMA-inducible promotor activity was contained in a 700 base pair 5' flanking fragment conserved with the mouse MAdCAM-1 gene including tandem NF-kB sites, and an Sp1 site; and in addition multiple potential AP2, Adh1 (ETF), PEA3, and Sp1 sites. In summary, the data establish that the previously reported human MAdCAM-1 cDNA does indeed encode the human homologue of mouse MAdCAM-1, despite gross dissimilarities in the MAdCAM-1 C-terminal structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Analysis of the possible protective role of metallothionein in streptozotocin-induced diabetes using metallothionein-null mice.

In order to clarify a possible protective role of metallothionein (MT) in the development of streptozotocin (STZ)-caused insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and its mechanisms, we studied whether MT is effective for protection against STZ-caused IDDM by utilizing MT-null (isoforms MT-I and II) transgenic mice. It was found that Zn pretreatment (I mg/kg body weight as ZnSO4) has a unique inhibitory effect on IDDM development in MT-null mice in contrast to no marked effect in control (C57BL/6J) mice, suggesting that Zn ions free from MT molecules exerted this protective effect. The highest Zn dose (10 mg/kg body weight) fully suppressed development of hyperglycaemia in both types of mice. Pretreatment with Zn partially led to recovery of superoxide dismutase activities in the liver and pancreas in which STZ administration suppressed superoxide dismutase activity in both types of mice. The present study suggests that Zn plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IDDM, although a possible involvement of MT in the protection of STZ-caused IDDM cannot be completely negated.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

A functional neo-centromere formed through activation of a latent human centromere and consisting of non-alpha-satellite DNA.

We recently described a human marker chromosome containing a functional neo-centromere that binds anti-centromere antibodies, but is devoid of centromeric alpha-satellite repeats and derived from a hitherto non-centromeric region of chromosome 10q25. Chromosome walking using cloned single-copy DNA from this region enabled us to identify the antibody-binding domain of this centromere. Extensive restriction mapping indicates that this domain has an identical genomic organization to the corresponding normal chromosomal region, suggesting a mechanism for the origin of this centromere through the activation of a latent centromere that exists within 10q25.

Binding Sites, Antibody↗
PubMed1997

Chromosomal localization of mouse Cenpa gene.

Using a previously isolated mouse centromere protein A (Cenpa) probe, we have localized the gene to the proximal region of mouse Chromosome 5, between the known Il6 and Yes1 loci near [Adra2C-D5H4S43-Hdh]. Comparison of this localization with that of human CENPA, which maps to chromosome 2, is consistent with the presence of a new region of conserved synteny between the two species.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Metallothionein-I and -II knock-out mice are sensitive to cadmium-induced liver mRNA expression of c-jun and p53.

Zinc pretreatment has been shown in vitro (rat myoblasts) to induce metallothionein (MT) and inhibit cadmium (Cd)-induced protooncogenes c-myc and c-jun mRNA levels. therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the mRNA expression of the protooncogene c-jun as well as the tumor suppressor gene p53 is increased by Cd in the intact animal and, more specifically, in the target organ for Cd toxicity, the liver. Additionally, modulation of the expression of these genes was investigated in the absence of MT. The effect of CdCl2 on the mRNA levels of c-jun and p53 was studied in livers of C57BL/6J (control) and MT-null mice by Northern- and slot-blot analyses. The mRNA for c-jun and p53 were increased by Cd in a dose-dependent fashion. In the control mice, Cd induced c-jun mRNA (5-fold) at 3 and 12 hr and p53 mRNA (1.8- to 2-fold) at 6 and 12 hr. Compared to controls, the MT-null mice were more sensitive to the Cd-induced gene expression. The magnitude of the inductions was more pronounced and the elevated mRNA levels of c-jun and p53 were seen at lower doses of Cd (10mumol/kg in MT-null mice vs 40 mmol/kg in control mice). In conclusion, these data demonstrate that Cd induces mRNA expression of the protooncogene c-jun and tumor suppressor gene p53 in liver, and that MT modulates this effect.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1996

Distribution and retention of cadmium in metallothionein I and II null mice.

Cadmium (Cd) is known to have a long biological half-life in the body, possibly due to its binding to metallothionein (MT). This study was designed to determine the role of MT in the tissue distribution and retention of Cd using MT-I and -II null (MT-null) mice. Mice were given 109CdCl(2) (15 mumol/kg, 25 microCi/kg, i.p.), and radioactivity was quantified in 14 major organs at 2 hr, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 15 days thereafter. The lack of MT in MT-null mice 2 hr after Cd administration (74% vs 72% of the dose, respectively). However, the elimination of Cd was much faster in MT-null mice than in control mice. In control mice, approximately 40% of Cd administered was found in liver 24 hr after administration, and the majority was bound to MT. In contrast, only 20% of Cd was found in liver of MT-null mice, which was not bound to MT. Cd concentrations in kidney, pancreas, and spleen were also lower in MT-null than in control mice 1 week after administration. No apparent difference in Cd retention in other organs was noted between control and MT-null mice over the 15-day period. Cd concentration in kidney continued to increase with time in control but not in MT-null mice, indicating that an important source of Cd in the kidney is the uptake of CdMT. In conclusion, the present data indicate that MT does not play a role in the initial distribution of Cd to tissues, but does play a major role in the elimination of Cd, especially from liver, kidney, and pancreas. These data support the conclusion that the persistence of Cd in the body is at least partially due to Cd binding to MT in tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Breakpoint diversity illustrates distinct mechanisms for Robertsonian translocation formation.

Robertsonian translocations are the most common chromosomal rearrangements in humans. The vast majority of the ten possible nonhomologous types of Robertsonian translocations ascertained are rob(13q14q) and rob(14q21q). Recombination between homologous sequences on nonhomologous chromosomes has been proposed as a mechanism leading to the preferential formation of rob(13q14q) and rob(14q21q). However, little evidence exists to indicate whether the remaining less common Robertsonian translocations form through a similar mechanism. To better elucidate the mechanisms involved in Robertsonian translocation formation, we have used fluorescence in situ hybridization to localize the breakpoints in 56 nonhomologous Robertsonian translocations. This study revealed highly variable locations of breakpoints in seven types of the less common Robertsonians, while nearly all rob(13q14q) and rob(14q21q) analyzed displayed breakpoints in the same locations. Therefore, this study provides direct evidence that rob(13q14q) and rob(14q21q) form through a specific mechanism, possibly involving homologous recombination, which is distinct from the mechanism(s) that contributes to the formation of the remaining types of Robertsonian translocations.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11↗
PubMed1996

Metallothionein plays less of a protective role in cadmium-metallothionein-induced nephrotoxicity than in cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins. Pretreatment of animals with Zn increases tissue MT concentrations, and protects against Cd-induced toxicity. However, Zn treatment produces many effects in addition to increasing MT. Therefore, MT-I and -II knock-out (MT-null) mice were used to determine the roles of MT in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, as well as in Zn-induced protection. MT-null mice were more sensitive to CdCl2 (25 mumol/kg i.p.) hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by 25-fold increases in serum alanine aminotransferase activity, compared to 12-fold increases in control mice. Zn pretreatment (200 mumol/kg s.c. x 2 days) increased hepatic MT 80 fold in control mice but not in MT-null mice, and prevented CdCl2 hepatotoxicity in control mice only. It is concluded that MT plays a critical role in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast to CdCl2-induced hepatotoxicity, MT-null mice were equally susceptible as controls to the Cd-MT (CdMT) (0.1-0.4 mg Cd/kg i.v.) nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by similar increases in urinary protein (up to 30-fold) and glucose excretion (up to 60-fold), as well as similar extent of proximal tubular necrosis. Zn increased renal MT (28-fold) in control mice only; however, it protected against CdMT-induced renal injury in both control and MT-null mice. These findings suggest that MT plays less of a protective role in protecting against CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity than CdCl2-induced hepatotoxicity, and that Zn-induced protection against CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity does not appear to be mediated through MT.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Endotoxin-induced inflammation does not cause hepatic zinc accumulation in mice lacking metallothionein gene expression.

The action of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hepatic Zn uptake was examined in mice lacking expression of metallothionein (MT)-1 and MT-II genes. Hepatic Zn concentrations, which in normal control mice increased by a mean 29% (MT elevated 20-fold) 16 h post-LPS exposure, did not increase in MT-null mice. Plasma Zn fell by 68% in controls and 32% in MT-null mice. The time course of LPS action in normal mice was characterized by a rapid reduction (-74% at 4 h, -81% at 8 h) and partial recovery (-39% at 24 h) in plasma Zn, with a progressive increase over 24 h in hepatic concentrations of MT (by 36-fold) and Zn (by 40%). In contrast, the MT-null mice had a linear decrease in plasma Zn (-15% at 8 h, -41% at 24 h) and early loss of Zn from the liver. The Zn changes seen in MT-null mice were largely attributable to LPS-associated anorexia. Food deprivation (20 h) alone caused respective 14% and 30% decreases in hepatic and plasma Zn concentrations and a 27% reduction in total liver Zn reserves, whereas fasted normal mice conserved Zn with a 4-fold increase in hepatic MT. This study confirms that MT synthesis is essential for endotoxin-induced liver Zn accumulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Metallothionein null cells have increased sensitivity to anticancer drugs.

Overexpression of metallothioneins (MTs) protects some cells against heavy metals, mutagens, anticancer agents, and reactive oxygen species. We have examined the effect of the loss of MT expression on the cytotoxicity of anticancer agents and mutagens using embryonic fibroblast cells from transgenic mice with targeted disruptions of MT I and II genes (MT -/-). MT -/- cells expressed no detectable MT. Compared to wild type cells, MT -/- cells showed enhanced sensitivity to a 2-h exposure to cisplatin, melphalan, bleomycin, cytarabine, or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine but were equally sensitive to doxorubicin and neocarzinostatin. Basal expression of the DNA damage-response genes, gadd 45 and gadd 153, were elevated in MT -/- cells compared to MT +/+ cells. Anticancer drug treatment, however, did not produce a greater increase in gadd 45 or gadd 153 expression in MT null cells compared to MT +/+ cells. These results support the hypothesis that endogenous MT levels affect the sensitivity of mammalian cells to mutagens and clinically important anticancer drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress in cultured embryonic cells from transgenic mice deficient in metallothionein I and II genes.

Embryonic cells from transgenic mice with targeted disruption of metallothionein I and II genes expressed no detectable metallothionein either constitutively or after treatment with cadmium, in contrast to cultured cells that were wild type or heterozygous for the loss of the metallothionein genes. Metallothionein null cells were most sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of cadmium, the membrane permeant oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide, and the redox cycling toxin paraquat. No marked differences were seen among the wild type, heterozygous, or metallothionein null cells in glutathione levels or in the activity of CuZn-superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, or catalase. Nevertheless, metallothionein null cells were more sensitive to tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidation as ascertained by confocal microscopic imaging of dichlorofluoroscein fluorescence. These results indicate basal metallothionein levels can function to regulate intracellular redox status in mammalian cells.

Animals↗