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K Kaushansky

Publications and source records attributed to K Kaushansky.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Cloning and expression of murine thrombopoietin cDNA and stimulation of platelet production in vivo.

The major regulator of circulating platelet levels is believed to be a cytokine termed thrombopoietin. It is thought to be a lineage-specific cytokine affecting the proliferation and maturation of committed cells resulting in the production of megakaryocytes and platelets. Despite considerable efforts by a number of laboratories, the unequivocal identification of thrombopoietin has proven elusive. Here we report the functional cloning of a murine complementary DNA encoding a ligand for the receptor encoded by the c-mpl proto-oncogene (c-Mpl). The encoded polypeptide has a predicted molecular mass of 35,000 (M(r) 35K). The protein has a novel two-domain structure with an amino-terminal domain homologous with erythropoietin and a carboxy-terminal domain rich in serine, threonine and proline residues and containing seven potential N-linked glycosylation sites. Intraperitoneal injections of mice with recombinant protein increase circulating platelet levels by greater than fourfold after 7 days. These results along with those presented in the accompanying report strongly suggest that the ligand for c-Mpl is thrombopoietin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Promotion of megakaryocyte progenitor expansion and differentiation by the c-Mpl ligand thrombopoietin.

The development of blood cells including expansion of megakaryocyte progenitor cells requires the interplay of marrow stromal cells and polypeptide cytokines. Recently, characterization of c-Mpl, the receptor encoded by the proto-oncogene c-mpl, revealed structural homology with the haematopoietic cytokine receptor family, and its involvement in megakaryocyte development. We report here that the ligand for c-Mpl is relatively lineage specific, works both alone and synergistically with early acting cytokines to support megakaryocyte colony formation, and acts at a late stage of development to increase megakaryocyte size, polyploidization and expression of differentiation markers. In vivo, c-Mpl ligand stimulates platelet production by greatly expanding marrow and splenic megakaryocytes and their progenitors, and by shifting the distribution of megakaryocyte ploidy to higher values. Thus, as c-Mpl ligand has the expected characteristics of the major regulator of megakaryocyte development, we propose that it be termed thrombopoietin.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Coordinate regulation of multiple human lymphokine genes by Oct-1 and potentially novel 45 and 43 kDa polypeptides.

The hematologic response to inflammation is critically dependent on the release of a family of glycoproteins termed CSFs. Central to this process is the coordinated T lymphocyte production of three of these proteins, granulocyte macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF), IL-3, and IL-5. In the course of our studies of the transcriptional regulation of IL-3 expression we noted that the same or similar proteins that bound to the downstream-activating region of the human IL-3 gene were also captured using DNA probes derived from sequences present in the GM-CSF and IL-5 genes. In this study, DNA-protein cross-linking techniques and reporter gene analyses were used to define the nuclear proteins that mediate transcriptional enhancement of these genes at one cis-acting site. These studies establish that Oct-1, a member of the POU family of transcription factors, binds to regions of the GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5 promoters and contributes to basal T cell gene transcription. In addition, although the c-jun proto-oncogene product was detected in stimulated human T cells, two additional T cell-specific proteins (45 and 43 kDa) bind to the GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5 promoters and are functionally and immunologically distinct from c-jun or OAP40 (jun-D). These proteins contribute to transcriptional enhancement of the IL-3 and GM-CSF genes in stimulated T cells. Together, these data suggest that the coordinate regulation of several lymphokine genes is based on responses to shared proteins. These studies further our understanding of the networks of transcriptionally active proteins responsible for the host response to inflammatory stimuli.

Base Sequence↗

The mpl ligand: molecular and cellular biology of the critical regulator of megakaryocyte development.

The development of blood cells requires the interplay of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, marrow stroma and polypeptide growth factors. Although many proteins are thought to support the expansion of megakaryocytic precursor cells (e.g., interleukin [IL]-3, c-kit ligand [KL]), identification of the late-acting, lineage-specific growth factor for platelet production, termed Thrombopoietin (Tpo), has remained elusive. Recently, characterization of the proto-oncogene c-mpl revealed structural homology with the hematopoietic cytokine receptor family. Based on the cell of origin of its cDNA, we hypothesized that the ligand for c-mpl might be identical with Tpo. Using BaF3 cells engineered to express c-mpl, we employed a functional expression strategy to clone its cDNA. At low concentrations, the recombinant protein supports the growth of megakaryocytic colonies, alone and together with either IL-3 or KL. For IL-3 this appears to be additive, for KL, true synergy was detected. At higher concentrations, the mpl ligand (ML) alone supported a near maximal number of very large megakaryocytic colonies. Using suspension cultures and human megakaryocytic cell lines, we have also shown that ML induces the terminal differentiation of megakaryocytes by enhancing polyploidization and surface membrane expression of GPIb and IIb/IIIa. Moreover, the development of megakaryocytes in vitro appears to be absolutely dependent on the presence of ML. Following receptor engagement, ML induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of membrane associated kinases and adaptor molecules, including SHC, JAK2, PLC-gamma and the mpl receptor itself.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression is regulated at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels in a murine bone marrow stromal cell line.

We have reported modulation, by cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and by hormonal cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate (cAMP) agonists, of hematopoietic growth factor production in the murine marrow adherent cell line +/+(-)1.LDA11. Previously, we reported that increased intracellular cAMP levels inhibited bioactive granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulatory factor (GM-CSF) production stimulated by IL-1 or by the synergistic stimulus of IL-1 plus TNF-alpha. On the other hand, increased intracellular cAMP stimulated IL-6 synthesis in +/+(-)1.LDA11 cells. In addition, cAMP was additive with either IL-1 or IL-1 plus TNF-alpha in inducing production of soluble IL-6. In the present study, these observations were pursued mechanistically at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) production. Northern blot analysis of steady-state mRNA for GM-CSF revealed induction by treatment of +/+(-)1.LDA11 cells with IL-1 or with TNF-alpha. The combined stimulation by IL-1 plus TNF-alpha resulted in supra-additive increases in GM-CSF expression by +/+(-)1.LDA11. Addition to stromal cells of the soluble cAMP agonist 8-bromo-cAMP (8BrcAMP) at 0.5 to 1 mM stimulated IL-6 mRNA expression acting alone, and it was additive with IL-1 or IL-1 plus TNF-alpha in stimulating IL-6 expression. On the other hand, 8BrcAMP inhibited GM-CSF mRNA expression stimulated by IL-1 or IL-1 plus TNF-alpha. Inhibition of GM-CSF mRNA by 8BrcAMP was time-dependent, starting 120 to 180 minutes posttreatment. In addition, inhibition of GM-CSF transcript expression in +/+(-)1.LDA11 by 8BrcAMP required the expression of a labile protein. Nuclear run-on assays revealed that GM-CSF and IL-6 genes were transcriptionally induced in +/+(-)1.LDA11 by incubation with IL-1 plus TNF-alpha. IL-6 transcription was further enhanced by 8BrcAMP co-incubation. More sensitive experiments using a luciferase reporter vector containing the GM-CSF promoter region were necessary to convincingly establish the role of TNF-alpha and 8BrcAMP on transcriptional induction of the GM-CSF gene in +/+(-)1.LDA11 stromal cells. Considering these results and an effect of 8BrcAMP on decreasing GM-CSF transcript stability in actinomycin-D (act-D) decay experiments, we conclude that the inhibitory effect of 8BrcAMP on GM-CSF expression is exerted at the posttranscriptional level. These data demonstrate that the intracellular level of cAMP has an important discriminatory role on expression of the cytokines GM-CSF and IL-6 in a model stromal cell line.

Animals↗

The role of protein kinase C in the induction of VCAM-1 expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in interleukin-1 beta- (II-1 beta)-, tumor necrosis factor-alpha- (TNF-alpha)-, and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS)-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was studied. PKC inhibition or downregulation diminished VCAM-1 mRNA accumulation and protein expression. Interleukin-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and LPS induce nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B-like binding activity, which precedes VCAM-1 transcription. PKC inhibition did not prevent NF-kappa B-like binding activity, indicating that this is PKC-independent, and NF-kappa B-like binding activity is insufficient for transcription of VCAM-1.

Base Sequence↗

Transcriptional regulation of interleukin 3 (IL3) in primary human T lymphocytes. Role of AP-1- and octamer-binding proteins in control of IL3 gene expression.

We have investigated the molecular and biochemical basis for activation of interleukin 3 (IL3) gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes following CD3 and CD2 receptor stimulation or activation by phytohemagglutinin plus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Using transfection and reporter gene assays specifically designed for primary T lymphocytes in conjunction with gel retardation assays, Western blot analyses and UV cross-linking studies, we found that c-Jun, c-Fos, and octamer-binding proteins play a major role in transcriptional activation of the IL3 gene via their interaction with two specific regions contained within the IL3 5'-flanking sequence. Additionally, the region between bases -107 and -59 of the IL3 promoter containing putative AP-2 and Sp1 binding motifs appears necessary for basal level expression of the IL3 gene. The data also indicate that CD2 receptor activation and phytohemagglutinin plus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation augment T cell IL3 gene expression through the same cis- and trans-activating signals. These results should contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of IL3 gene expression in human T lymphocytes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Inhibitors of topoisomerase II prevent cytokine-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, while augmenting the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Cytokine stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVE) induces surface expression of the adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin). We previously found that induction of adhesion molecule expression in HUVE is regulated, at least in part, by protein kinase C (PKC) activation, although this is not associated with the expected translocation of PKC from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction. We therefore investigated potential nuclear targets for PKC. Topoisomerase II is localized to the nuclear matrix and has been shown to be phosphorylated, both in vitro and in vivo, by PKC. In HUVE, the topoisomerase II selective inhibitors novobiocin, nalidixic acid, and etoposide prevented cytokine-induced VCAM-1 surface expression, but not E-selectin or ICAM-1 surface expression. Similarly, novobiocin and nalidixic acid reduced the accumulation of VCAM-1 mRNA in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment of HUVE. The inhibitory effect of the topoisomerase II inhibitors on VCAM-1 expression was not due to non-specific toxicity, as protein synthesis, measured by trichloroacetic acid precipitation of 35S-methionine labeled proteins, and transcription, determined by beta-actin mRNA levels, were not decreased. In contrast to the observed reduction of VCAM-1 mRNA accumulation and surface protein expression, inhibition of topoisomerase II activity enhanced E-selectin mRNA accumulation and surface protein expression in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation of HUVE. This work demonstrates that topoisomerase II activity may differentially regulate the expression of adhesion molecules on HUVE.

Base Sequence↗

Role of carbohydrate modification in the production and secretion of human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in genetically engineered and normal mesenchymal cells.

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are a group of acidic glycoproteins which stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro and stimulate hemopoiesis in vivo. Human GM-CSF contains two N-linked carbohydrate side chains of the complex acidic type and several sites of O-linked carbohydrate clustered on serine and threonine residues near the N-terminus of the molecule. Previous studies have failed to detect a significant functional role for the carbohydrate modification characteristic of human GM-CSF. Using permanent cell lines and transient expression systems which produce moderate to high levels of native or carbohydrate-deficient forms of the growth factor, the role of carbohydrate modification in the biosynthesis and secretion of GM-CSF was studied. Unlike a number of other secreted glycoproteins, the transient time and secretory efficiency of several carbohydrate-deficient mutants of GM-CSF are indistinguishable from those of the native growth factor in BHK, 293, COS, and ldlD cells. Furthermore, normal human endothelial cells and fibroblasts, which normally produce the growth factor, can synthesize and secrete GM-CSF that lacks all forms of carbohydrate modification. These studies help to point out the range of roles played by carbohydrate modification in the biosynthesis, assembly, and secretion of glycoprotein hormones.

Animals↗

Structure-function relationships of the hematopoietic growth factors.

The hematopoietic growth factors are a family of glycoproteins involved in the production of blood cells from their bone marrow precursors and in the activation of mature blood cells. Much has been learned about the structural features of these molecules responsible for their characteristic biological activities. Most studies have been based upon mutagenesis strategies of intact polypeptides and on epitope mapping of informative monoclonal antibodies to the growth factors. A more limited amount of physical data is available. This review will summarize these findings, highlight the growing body of evidence suggesting that many of these proteins share common evolutionary origins and structural elements, and hopefully point to the directions being taken for further investigations of these scientifically informative and clinically useful group of proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure-function relationships of interleukin-3. An analysis based on the function and binding characteristics of a series of interspecies chimera of gibbon and murine interleukin-3.

IL-3 is a glycoprotein cytokine involved in the hematopoietic response to infectious, immunologic, and inflammatory stimuli. In addition, clinical administration of recombinant IL-3 augments recovery in states of natural and treatment-related marrow failure. IL-3 acts by binding to high affinity cell surface receptors present on hematopoietic cells. To determine the site(s) at which IL-3 binds to it receptor, we analyzed a series of interspecies chimera of the growth factor for species-specific receptor binding and biological activity. The results suggest that IL-3 binds to its receptor and triggers a proliferative stimulus through two noncontiguous helical domains located near the amino terminus and the carboxy terminus of the molecule. To corroborate these findings, we have also mapped the binding epitopes of 10 mAb of human or murine IL-3, and have defined four distinct epitopes. Two of these epitopes comprise the amino-terminal receptor binding domain. A third epitope corresponds to the carboxy-terminal receptor interactive domain, and the fourth epitope, apparently not involved in the interaction of IL-3 and its receptor, lies between these sites. And on the basis of sandwich immunoassays using pairs of these mAbs, the two receptor interactive regions appear to reside in close juxtaposition in the tertiary structure of the molecule. These results provide a correlation of the structure-function relationships of IL-3 that should prove useful in evaluating the details of IL-3-IL-3 receptor interaction and in the rational design of clinically useful derivatives of this growth factor.

Adult↗

Antisense oligonucleotides from the stage-specific myeloid zinc finger gene MZF-1 inhibit granulopoiesis in vitro.

Zinc finger proteins are transcriptional regulators of other genes, often controlling developmental cascades of gene expression. A recently cloned zinc finger gene, MZF-1, was found to be preferentially expressed in myeloid cells. Using complementary radiolabeled MZF-1 RNA hybridized to human bone marrow smears in situ, it was discovered that the expression of MZF-1 is essentially limited to the myelocyte and metamyelocyte stages of granulopoiesis. Antisense but not sense oligonucleotides from MZF-1 significantly inhibited granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-driven granulocyte colony formation in vitro.

Adult↗

In vivo production of interleukin-5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, macrophages colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-6 during intravenous administration of high-dose interleukin-2 in cancer patients.

Recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2), administered to cancer patients by continuous intravenous (IV) infusion (3 x 10(6) U/m2/d), was found to induce the in vivo production of colony-stimulating factors (CSF). Plasma obtained from patients during IL-2 treatment stimulated in vitro colony formation of normal human bone marrow cells, depleted of mononuclear phagocytes and T lymphocytes. This colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was identified as IL-5, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), and macrophage CSF (M-CSF), by the ability of specific antibodies against these factors to neutralize their effects. The presence of IL-2-induced GM-CSF and M-CSF was also demonstrated by specific radioimmunoassays. During IL-2 treatment, plasma also contained detectable levels of IL-6, which was measured in a bioassay. Using a cDNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primer sets for the various CSF, we showed that IL-2 treatment induced the expression of mRNA for M-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5, but not for granulocyte CSF (G-CSF) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting differential expression of CSF in vivo in response to IL-2. Furthermore, no negative regulators of hematopoiesis, such as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), were found in plasma. These data illustrate that in vivo administration of high-dose IL-2 may result in a stimulatory effect on hematopoiesis. The induction of detectable levels of IL-5 and GM-CSF in the circulation may explain the eosinophilia and neutrophilia observed in these patients.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Hem-1, a potential membrane protein, with expression restricted to blood cells.

Overlapping cDNAs 3.8 kb in length containing a long open reading frame were obtained that hybridized exclusively to transcripts from hematopoietic cells. Sequence analysis found eight potential membrane domains and two possible cAMP/cGMP phosphorylation sites. This sequence exhibited no homologies with the EMBL/Genbank nucleic acid, SwissProt or GenPept amino acid data bases. The gene is located at 12q13.1, a region of occasional translocations in hematopoietic neoplasia and a rare folic acid fragile site, Fra 12A.

Animals↗

A retinoic acid-responsive human zinc finger gene, MZF-1, preferentially expressed in myeloid cells.

Zinc finger genes encode metal-binding proteins that can act as transcriptional regulators of other genes. In an effort to identify activators of the genetic cascade in hemopoietic differentiation, we used degenerate synthetic oligonucleotides to the conserved zinc finger histidine-cysteine link to probe a human myeloid lambda gt11 cDNA library. One of the cDNA clones obtained hybridized preferentially to mRNA from myeloid cells. This cDNA was used to isolate clones encompassing the coding region for this gene. Sequence analysis found 13 zinc finger regions and a glycine-proline-rich region between the fourth and fifth zinc finger domain. The gene was localized to chromosome 19q13.2-4, a chromosome that has a large cluster of zinc finger genes. The gene was preferentially expressed in myeloid leukemia cell lines with the highest mRNA levels noted in HL-60 cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid. Thus, this new zinc finger gene (designated MZF-1) may be one regulator of transcriptional events during hemopoietic development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cytokines in chronic inflammatory arthritis. VI. Analysis of the synovial cells involved in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor production and gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis and its regulation by IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) is a potent stimulator of macrophages and neutrophils and is produced by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. We now report studies that identify some of the synovial cells and cytokines responsible for local GM-CSF production and gene expression in RA. GM-CSF was assayed by ELISA in supernatants from cultured RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes stimulated with various cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, macrophage-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and TGF-beta). Immunoreactive GM-CSF was detected in IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha-stimulated cultures, but not in cells cultured in medium or stimulated with any of the other cytokines. IL-1 and TNF-alpha had a synergistic effect on GM-CSF production. GM-CSF gene expression by fibroblast-like synoviocytes was analyzed by ribonuclease protection assay, Northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization. Both IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha induced GM-CSF mRNA accumulation, with a maximum effect after 4 h of stimulation. We then studied GM-CSF production by macrophage-like synoviocytes (MLS) isolated from fresh synovial specimens by flow microfluorimetry. Fresh MLS spontaneously secreted the cytokine and exogenous IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha had no effect. After 1 wk in culture, additional stimulation with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha was required for GM-CSF production. Finally, in situ hybridization performed on freshly isolated subpopulations of synovial cells, identified GM-CSF RNA transcripts in MLS.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗