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Biomedical subjects

L J Miller

Publications and source records attributed to L J Miller.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Novel tool for the study of cholecystokinin-stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion.

The molecular events that mediate cholecystokinin (CCK)-stimulated pancreatic secretion are not well defined because of the complex receptor-binding and concentration-response characteristics of this hormone. Functional models of receptor occupancy initiating the cascade leading to secretion have been complicated by the inhibition of secretion effected by supramaximal concentrations of CCK. Recent report of a CCK analogue that does not exhibit supramaximal inhibition led us to synthesize a similar analogue that could also be radiolabeled for studies of receptor binding and affinity labeling, and for studies of second messenger activity. This probe, D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31)CCK-26-32]-phenethyl ester, was a fully efficacious secretagogue with no supramaximal inhibition, and, unlike native hormone, bound to a single class of sites present on both acini and membranes. Occupation of this site correlated well with stimulation of secretion. Evidence that this was indeed a CCK-binding site were the abilities of CCK and the antagonist L-364, 718 to inhibit binding of this analogue. Affinity labeling confirmed the identity of the site mediating secretory stimulation as a Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein. Whereas the nonhydrolyzable guanosine triphosphate analogue, 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, was a potent inhibitor of CCK binding, it had no effect on binding of this secretagogue, suggesting that a novel cascade not involving a guanine nucleotide-binding protein mediates CCK stimulation of pancreatic secretion.

Animals↗

Development of the Miller Screening for Preschoolers.

This paper describes the development and initial validation of the Miller Screening for Preschoolers (MSP). A pilot edition of the test was administered to 174 preschool children in the state of Colorado. Of these, 39 had been previously identified as developmentally delayed. On the basis of preliminary analyses, test items were discarded if they were insensitive to differences between the at-risk group and the not-at-risk group or if they were nonsignificantly related to developmental age trends; if they were only weakly related to the domain total score; if they were redundant with other items within a domain; if they were too easy or too difficult for any given age; if they were rated low by the testers on administration and scoring issues; or if the test materials were deemed to be too expensive. This paper presents final statistics for the selected screening test items and discusses implications for the design, construction, and validation of developmental tests.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Human liver thermostable phenol sulfotransferase: photoaffinity labeling with 2-iodo-4-azidophenol.

Phenol sulfotransferase (PST) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of phenolic drugs, neurotransmitters, and xenobiotic compounds. Human tissues contain at least two forms of PST, which differ in their substrate specificities, inhibitor sensitivities, physical properties, and regulation. One form of the enzyme is thermostable (TS) and catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of micromolar concentrations of "simple" phenols. The other form of PST is thermolabile and catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of micromolar concentrations of dopamine and other phenolic monoamines. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses of substrate kinetic data obtained with purified human liver TS PST made it possible to design a photoreactive substrate for this form of the enzyme. Because of the very high affinity of TS PST for 2-halogenated phenols, 2-iodo-4-azidophenol (IAP) was synthesized and tested for this purpose. The Km predicted for IAP on the basis of QSAR analysis was 95 nM. The apparent Km determined experimentally was 52 nM. UV irradiation of partially purified human liver TS PST in the presence of [125 I]IAP and 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate, the sulfate donor for the reaction, resulted in the radioactive labeling of two proteins, with molecular weights of 32,000 and 34,000, by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Inhibitors of the reaction catalyzed by TS PST, including 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol-3'-phosphoadenosine- 5'-phosphate and NaCl, as well as 2-iodophenol, a competing substrate, inhibited the photolabeling of both of these proteins by [125I]IAP in a concentration-dependent fashion. Partially purified TS PST was then radioactively labeled with [125]IAP and was subjected to gel filtration high performance liquid chromatography to verify that the photo-affinity-labeled proteins detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis coeluted with TS PST enzyme activity. Photoaffinity labeling of TS PST will be useful in studies of the molecular characteristics of the protein and its active site, as well as in the purification of this important drug-metabolizing enzyme.

Affinity Labels↗

The human leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein Mac-1 (complement receptor type 3, CD11b) alpha subunit. Cloning, primary structure, and relation to the integrins, von Willebrand factor and factor B.

Mac-1 (CD 11b/CD18) is a leukocyte adhesion heterodimeric glycoprotein which functions both as a receptor for iC3b (CR3) and in several cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesive interactions. We describe full-length cDNA clones for the alpha subunit of Mac-1. Mac-1 alpha subunit message was detected in blood monocytes and phorbol-12-myristate acetate-induced myeloid cell lines, but not in cells of the T or B lineages, correlating with Mac-1 protein surface expression. The alpha subunit of Mac-1 is a transmembrane protein of 1137 residues with a long extracellular domain (1092 residues) and a 19-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain contains three putative divalent cation-binding sequences and 19 potential N-glycosylation sites. The amino acid sequence of Mac-1 alpha shows that it is a member of the integrin superfamily; Mac-1 alpha shows 63% identity to the alpha subunit of the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein p150.95 and 25% to the alpha subunits of the extracellular matrix receptors platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, the fibronectin receptor, and the vitronectin receptor. The Mac-1 alpha subunit putative divalent cation-binding sites and the flanking regions exhibit a high degree of identity both to the p150.95 alpha subunit (87% identity at the amino acid level) and to the rest of the integrin alpha subunits (38%). The alpha subunit of Mac-1, like the p150.95 alpha subunit, contains a domain of 187 amino acids in the extracellular region which is absent in other integrins. This leukocyte or "L" domain is homologous to the A domains of von Willebrand factor, which in turn are homologous to regions of the C3-binding proteins factor B and C2. These findings draw attention to this region of Mac-1 as a potential binding site for iC3b.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intrinsic photoaffinity labeling probes for cholecystokinin (CCK)-gastrin family receptors. D-Tyr-Gly-[Nle28,31,pNO2-Phe33)CCK-26-33).

Attempts to biochemically characterize the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor by affinity labeling have utilized either 125I-Bolton-Hunter-CCK-33 ("long" probes) or decapeptide analogues of the carboxyl terminus of CCK ("short" probes), and covalent attachment via the amino-terminal regions of these probes. The long probe has identified a protein of Mr = 80,000 while "shorter" probes, which have their site of cross-linking closer to the receptor binding region of the probes, have labeled a distinct protein of Mr = 85,000-95,000. To extend and complement these observations, we have designed and synthesized a new probe for the CCK receptor which incorporates a photolabile p-nitrophenylalanine moiety within the theoretical receptor-binding region of the hormone, as its carboxyl-terminal residue. This "intrinsic" photoaffinity labeling probe has been shown to possess full biological activity, with potency and efficacy in stimulating amylase secretion by dispersed rat pancreatic acini similar to that of CCK-8 (CCK-26-33). When iodinated oxidatively, this probe binds rapidly, in a temperature-dependent, reversible, saturable, specific, high affinity manner to enriched pancreatic plasma membranes. In this work, we have used this probe to specifically label the CCK binding site on rat pancreatic plasma membranes. The Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein previously identified with amino-terminal cross-linking of short probes appears to be the protein labeled with this reagent as well. This provides strong evidence that this pancreatic plasma membrane protein contains the CCK-binding domain of the CCK receptor. This intrinsic photoaffinity labeling probe should be quite useful for the characterization of the active site of this receptor and for other CCK and gastrin receptors in many species.

Affinity Labels↗

Use of N,O-bis-Fmoc-D-Tyr-ONSu for introduction of an oxidative iodination site into cholecystokinin family peptides.

We report the synthesis of a new reagent for the introduction of an oxidative iodination site into the amino terminus of acid-labile peptides, and the use of this reagent to synthesize a novel affinity-labeling probe for the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. The acylation reagent, N,O-bis-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl-D-tyrosine hydroxysuccinimide ester, utilizes base-labile protection of both the alpha amino group and the aromatic ring hydroxyl. This can be safely removed to expose a cross-linkable free amino group on the aminopeptidase-resistant D-enantiomer of tyrosine. The synthetic probe, D-Tyr-Gly-Asp-Tyr(OSO3H)-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2, was fully biologically active, could be radioiodinated to high-specific radioactivity (2000 Ci/mmol), bound with high affinity to the pancreatic CCK receptor, and covalently labeled the hormone-binding site. This reagent should be useful for the synthesis of a wide variety of analogues of CCK and other acid-labile peptides.

Affinity Labels↗

Dysmotility of the small intestine in irritable bowel syndrome.

Though the pathophysiology of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly attributed to dysfunction of the large intestine, evidence exists to incriminate the small bowel. In order to further explore the role of the small bowel in IBS several stimuli were applied, in an attempt to unmask the dysmotility of the jejunum and ileum. These included infusions of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP), a high fat meal, neostigmine and balloon distension of the ileum. Three groups (n = 8) each of age and sex matched healthy volunteers were studied; patients with IBS complained of predominant constipation (n = 8) or diarrhoea (n = 8). Patients with IBS responded excessively to stimulation by CCK-OP, fatty meal, and ileal distension. In general patients with diarrhoea were more sensitive to stimuli than those with constipation. The ileum responded more to stimulation than the jejunum. As in the large bowel, stimuli appear to unmask intestinal dysmotility in patients with IBS. Motor abnormalities were often accompanied by abdominal symptoms, raising the possibility that dysfunction of the small bowel contributes to the symptoms of IBS.

Adult↗

Bovine gallbladder muscularis: source of a myogenic receptor for cholecystokinin.

Despite being a classic target for the gastrointestinal peptide hormone, cholecystokinin (CCK), the gallbladder CCK receptor is not well characterized. Pharmacological studies of small species suggest that CCK action can be mediated by direct myogenic or by both myogenic and neurogenic receptors. To prepare for the biochemical characterization of a gallbladder CCK receptor and to define the subtype of the receptor being studied, we have performed autoradiographic localization and pharmacological characterization of CCK receptors on bovine gallbladder. Autoradiography demonstrated high-affinity specific CCK-binding sites only on the muscularis. CCK-8 stimulated tonic contraction of longitudinal strips of gallbladder muscularis in a concentration-dependent manner, with an ED50 of 0.2 nM. Antagonism at the cholinergic receptor with 1 microM atropine or axonal transmission with 1 microM tetrodotoxin did not modify CCK-induced contraction, supporting a direct myogenic effect of this hormone. Optimal electrical field stimulation (10 V, 10 Hz, 500 microseconds) to elicit a neuronal response resulted in muscle strip relaxation, which was abolished with adrenergic blockade (1 microM phentolamine, 1 microM propranolol). Although acetylcholine administration stimulated contraction, electrical field stimulation did not, even in the presence of phentolamine, propranolol, and/or CCK. Thus, in bovine gallbladder muscularis, there is evidence for a functional CCK receptor only on smooth muscle cells. Demonstration of a single, high-affinity specific CCK-binding site on an enriched plasma membrane preparation of bovine gallbladder muscularis is consistent with this representing a myogenic CCK receptor.

Animals↗

Affinity labeling the bovine gallbladder cholecystokinin receptor using a battery of probes.

Although the gallbladder was the first recognized target of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) and is a physiologically important target, only one preliminary report of the biochemical characterization of this receptor exists. Recently, a series of molecular probes for the affinity labeling of different domains of the pancreatic CCK receptor have been developed. In this work we report the application of several of those probes toward the biochemical characterization of the bovine gallbladder muscularis receptor. These include "long" (125I-Bolton-Hunter-CCK-33) and "short" (125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[Nle28,31)CCK-(26-33)]) probes chemically cross-linkable through their amino-terminal amino groups and monofunctional probes with their photolabile moieties at their amino terminus (2-diazo-3,3,3-trifluoropropionyl-125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31) CCK-(26-33)]) and carboxyl terminus (125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31,pNO2-Phe33)CCK-(26-33)]), that span the receptor-binding region. Each of these bound specifically and saturably to a preparation enriched in plasma membranes from bovine gallbladder muscularis (mean inhibitor constants: 5.2, 1.1, 0.8, and 1.8 nM, respectively). A major relative molecular weight (Mr) 70,000-85,000 band was specifically and reproducibly labeled with the appropriate apparent affinity by each of the probes, whereas labeling of minor bands of Mr 40,000-50,000, Mr 92,000, Mr 120,000, and Mr 200,000 was dependent on cross-linker type or concentration. These observations support the identification of the Mr 70,000-85,000 protein as the bovine gallbladder CCK-binding subunit and, since this is a different size from the pancreatic CCK-binding subunit, provide biochemical evidence for molecular heterogeneity of peripheral CCK receptors.

Affinity Labels↗

Culture behavior of healthy bovine gallbladder muscularis smooth muscle cells.

In contrast to the extensive experience culturing vascular smooth muscle cells, little is known about the culture behavior of gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. In this work, we have studied smooth muscle cells from bovine gallbladder muscularis in culture. Properties reflecting their state of differentiation, including cellular morphology, multicellular arrangements, intermediate filament protein expression, and content of contractile proteins, were studied after dispersed cell preparations were placed into short- and long-term culture on a variety of substrates. Immunocytochemical analysis of intact healthy gallbladder wall demonstrated that the muscularis smooth muscle cells express actin and the intermediate filament protein desmin, while being vimentin-negative. In this tissue they are, however, surrounded by sheets of vimentin-positive fibroblasts. Optimal microdissection of mucosa and serosa from the muscularis therefore still produced a combination of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts; however, multiple strategies for enriching the yield and purity of muscularis smooth muscle cells for culture were partially successful. Like vascular smooth muscle cells in culture, these visceral smooth muscle cells rapidly underwent morphological dedifferentiation, losing their contactile phenotype. By 5 days in culture, the desmin-positive muscle cells took on a spread, fibroblast-like morphology, likely representing modulation to a proliferative, dedifferentiated state. After long-term culture, the muscle cells were observed to regain some markers of differentiation, but they were never observed to attain complete morphological and functional redifferentiation.

Animals↗

Longitudinal validity of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers: study II.

The classificational accuracy of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers was examined in relation to intelligence and achievement measures assessed four years later. Specifically, the test's predictive validity was evaluated using the recommended 5% (Refer) and 25% cut-offs (Watch). The results' implications for decision strategies in research on validity for preschool screening instruments are discussed.

Child Development↗

Biochemical characterization of the pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor: a possible marker of cell differentiation and development.

The biochemical expression of the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor on the surface of the pancreatic acinar cell is a potential marker of the state of differentiation of that cell. In this report we review the basis for and the results of the use of affinity labeling techniques for the biochemical characterization of this macromolecular receptor assembly on the adult rat pancreatic acinar cell. A series of specially designed molecular probes are used to define the subunit structure of this receptor, based on the relationships between the sites of covalent attachment of these probes and their receptor-binding domains. We suggest that the receptor-binding domain resides on a Mr = 85,000-95,000 subunit, whereas a distinct Mr = 80,000 also exists as part of this complex.

Affinity Labels↗

cDNA cloning and complete primary structure of the alpha subunit of a leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein, p150,95.

The leukocyte adhesion receptors, p150,95, Mac-1 and LFA-1 are integral membrane glycoproteins which contain distinct alpha subunits of 180,000-150,000 Mr associated with identical beta subunits of 95,000 Mr in alpha beta complexes. p150,95 alpha subunit tryptic peptides were used to specify oligonucleotide probes and a cDNA clone of 4.7 kb containing the entire coding sequence was isolated from a size-selected myeloid cell cDNA library. The 4.7-kb cDNA clone encodes a signal sequence, an extracellular domain of 1081 amino acids containing 10 potential glycosylation sites, a transmembrane domain of 26 amino acids, and a C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of 29 residues. The extracellular domain contains three tandem homologous repeats of approximately 60 amino acids with putative divalent cation-binding sites, and four weaker repeats which lack such binding sites. The cDNA clone hybridizes with a mRNA of 4.7 kb which is induced during in vitro differentiation of myeloid cell lines. The p150,95 alpha subunit is homologous to the alpha subunits of receptors which recognize the RGD sequence in extracellular matrix components, as has previously been shown for the beta subunits, supporting the concept that receptors involved in both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions belong to a single gene superfamily termed the integrins. Distinctive features of the p150,95 alpha subunit include an insertion of 126 residues N-terminal to the putative metal binding region and a deletion of the region in which the matrix receptors are proteolytically cleaved during processing.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Leukocyte adhesion receptors are stored in peroxidase-negative granules of human neutrophils.

Previous studies have suggested that the leukocyte adhesion proteins Mac-1 and p150,95 are stored in a latent intracellular pool in neutrophils, and cellular fractionation studies have shown that Mac-1 is localized primarily in the peroxidase-negative specific granules. To determine the subcellular location of leukocyte adhesion receptors (LAR), we used immunocytochemical techniques on frozen thin sections of human blood leukocytes that had been incubated for peroxidase to mark the peroxidase-positive azurophil granules. To enhance the sensitivity of detection, polyclonal antibodies against immunoaffinity-purified p150,95 were raised in rabbits and absorbed with leukocytes from a patient deficient in this protein. The antiserum reacted with p150,95 and two other antigens with the same beta subunit, Mac-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). In neutrophils, we observed immunogold label for LAR predominantly on the membranes of peroxidase-negative granules, and in smaller amounts on the plasma and perinuclear membranes. In double-label experiments, there was colocalization of LAR with lactoferrin in some of the peroxidase-negative granules. We conclude that the latent pool of LAR resides in the membranes of peroxidase-negative granules. A significant increase in label on the plasma membrane of neutrophils stimulated with PMA is consistent with secretion of LAR to the exterior of the cell during degranulation. While LFA-1 appears very early in neutrophil maturation, it is becoming clear that Mac-1 and p150,95 are upregulated from an intracellular storage pool of peroxidase-negative granules that appear during the myelocyte stage of differentiation. Further studies are indicated to determine the significance of these proteins on the plasma membrane of two other granulocytes, eosinophils and basophils.

Antigens, Surface↗

Preparation of enriched plasma membranes from bovine gallbladder muscularis for characterization of cholecystokinin receptors.

A method for the preparation of enriched plasma membranes from bovine gallbladder muscularis was developed, validated, and applied to the characterization of receptors for the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) on this target. Binding of radioiodinated CCK ligands to this preparation was rapid, reversible, temperature-dependent, saturable, and specific. Only structurally related peptides inhibited CCK binding, and good correlation existed between relative potencies for binding inhibition and for stimulating gallbladder contraction. Computer analysis of CCK-binding data using a nonlinear model-fitting program best fit a model with a single class of sites, with Kd 756 pm and binding capacity 4.5 +/- 1.3 pmol/mg of protein. This degree of enrichment for plasma membranes was adequate for the initial biochemical characterization of this CCK receptor. Affinity labeling using 125I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33 and m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester identified proteins with Mr = 70,000-85,000, Mr = 120,000-125,000, and Mr = 200,000. Labeling was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 1 nM CCK-8, and the electrophoretic mobility of these bands was not different under reducing and nonreducing conditions. The major labeled band of Mr = 70,000-85,000 has a lower apparent Mr than that of the analogous band in pancreas labeled with similar methods, supporting the molecular heterogeneity of CCK receptors on these two target tissues.

Animals↗

Analysis of the carbohydrate composition of the pancreatic plasmalemmal glycoprotein affinity labeled by short probes for the cholecystokinin receptor.

Affinity labeling of the rat pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor with decapeptide probes has identified an Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein, distinct from the Mr = 80,000 component previously labeled with 125I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33. We have characterized the carbohydrate composition of this novel protein labeled with 125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31)-CCK-26-33] and disuccinimidyl suberate by using chemical and enzymatic deglycosylation and lectin chromatography. The Mr = 85,000-95,000 component was demonstrated to be an N-linked sialoglycoprotein based on neuraminidase digestion to Mr = 75,000-85,000 and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F (Endo F) digestion to Mr = 42,000. This was distinct from the Mr = 65,000 product of Endo F digestion of the protein labeled with 125I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33. Lack of an effect of endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H demonstrated the absence of N-linked simple oligosaccharides, while products of chemical deglycosylation with hydrogen fluoride and endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase supported the absence of O-linked carbohydrate. The presence of at least four oligosaccharide chains on the core protein was suggested by Endo F digestion of the Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein using limiting enzyme conditions. This glycoprotein was retained on wheat germ agglutininagarose and eluted by N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose. Identification of the Mr = 85,000-95,000 component on the ectodomain of the plasmalemma of intact pancreatic acini confirmed this to be the fully processed form of the CCK-binding protein.

Affinity Labels↗