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Biomedical subjects

M Coleman

Publications and source records attributed to M Coleman.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Critical contribution of beta chain residue 57 in peptide binding ability of both HLA-DR and -DQ molecules.

Position 57 in the beta chain of HLA class II molecules maintains an Asp/non-Asp dimorphism that has been conserved through evolution and is implicated in susceptibility to some autoimmune diseases. The latter effect may be due to the influence of this residue on the ability of class II alleles to bind specific pathogenic peptides. We utilized highly homologous pairs of both DR and DQ alleles that varied at residue 57 to investigate the impact of this dimorphism on binding of model peptides. Using a direct binding assay of biotinylated peptides on whole cells expressing the desired alleles, we report several peptides that bind differentially to the allele pairs depending on the presence or absence of Asp at position 57. Peptides with negatively charged residues at anchor position 9 bind well to alleles not containing Asp at position 57 in the beta chain but cannot bind well to homologous Asp-positive alleles. By changing the peptides at the single residue predicted to interact with this position 57, we demonstrate a drastically altered or reversed pattern of binding. Ala analog peptides confirm these interactions and identify a limited set of interaction sites between the bound peptides and the class II molecules. Clarification of the impact of specific class II polymorphisms on generating unique allele-specific peptide binding "repertoires" will aid in our understanding of the development of specific immune responses and HLA-associated diseases.

Alleles↗

Effects of pulse methylprednisolone on cell adhesion molecules in the synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis. Reduced E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a 1,000-mg intravenous pulse of methylprednisolone succinate (MP) on cell adhesion molecule expression on the synovial vascular endothelium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Sequential arthroscopic biopsy samples were taken before and 24 hours after MP administration (10 patients) and at the time of RA flare (2 patients) and after retreatment with MP (1 patient). Immunoperoxidase staining for E-selectin (CD62E), P-selectin (CD62P), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1; CD54) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM; CD31) was performed, and the staining was quantified by color video image analysis. RESULTS: MP caused a rapid (within 24 hours) and substantial decrease in the expression of E-selectin on the synovial vascular endothelium, with a smaller reduction in ICAM-1 expression on synovial vascular endothelium and the synovial lining. There were no similar effects on synovial membrane P-selectin or PECAM expression. CONCLUSION: A potential mechanism by which MP impairs neutrophil trafficking into inflamed RA joints might be by reducing E-selectin, and possibly, ICAM-1, expression in the synovial membrane.

Aged↗

Autism and medical disorders: a review of the literature.

The authors reviewed all the population studies on autism published in the English language with particular reference to the rate of medical disorders. Seven studies met criteria for inclusion in the survey. The mean of possibly autism-related medical disorders in persons with autism across these studies was 24.4%. There was a trend for higher rates of medical disorders among subjects with severe mental retardation. The evidence in respect of atypical autism was equivocal, and the overall prevalence of medical disorders in this group was similar to that found in typical autism.

Adolescent↗

Case report: Kaposi's sarcoma of the rectum--treatment with radiation therapy.

The number of patients afflicted with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is on the rise. About 30% of AIDS patients develop Kaposi's sarcoma. Although the skin is the most common site of involvement, lesions may encompass the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this report is to describe a patient with AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma of the rectum, successfully treated with radiation therapy. We believe this to be a useful technique in the treatment of this condition.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Increasing mortality from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in England and Wales since 1979: ascertainment bias from increase in post-mortems?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal dementing illness. A direct link has been proposed between cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and a newly-identified variant of CJD. One possible explanation for the emergence of this new variant, together with a general increase in death due to classical CJD, would be ascertainment bias, due to an increase in the frequency of post-mortems in death attributed to dementia. This article uses national mortality records to look at trends in the proportion of deaths due to dementing illnesses for which a post-mortems was carried out. The results show an increase in deaths due to both CJD and other dementing illnesses, but a slight decrease in the proportion of post-mortems. We conclude that an increase in post-mortems is unlikely to explain the increase in deaths certified as due to CJD. Similarly, the appearance of the new variant of CJD since 1994 cannot easily be attributed to this form of ascertainment bias, in line with the conclusion reached by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee in March 1996.

Adult↗

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the progression of metastases after the surgical excision of human breast cancer cell solid tumors growing in nude mice.

We showed previously that a diet rich in linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, stimulates the growth and metastasis of human breast cancer cells in athymic nude mice. In contrast, diets supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 fatty acids, exert suppressive effects. We have now assessed EPA and DHA as adjuvant nutritional therapy in the nude mouse model and compared the responses when the intervention was commenced 1 week before ("neoadjuvant") or immediately after ("postoperative adjuvant") surgical excision of the primary tumor. Female nude mice received a high-fat, 8% LA diet beginning 7 days before 10(6) MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells were injected into a thoracic mammary fat pad. As the tumor surface areas approached 0. 7 cm2, the mice were assigned to either continue on the LA-rich diet or to commence one containing 8, 4, or 2% EPA or DHA. Seven days later, the mammary fat pad tumors were excised; the mice still consuming the 8% LA diet were then allocated sequentially to either continue this diet or commence one of the six postexcision omega-3 fatty acid dietary interventions. Eight weeks later, the mice were necropsied and evaluated for local recurrence and lung metastases. Although there were no differences in the incidence of local recurrence between groups, EPA and DHA both inhibited the development of lung metastases. When the dietary interventions were commenced 7 days before surgery, the severity of lung metastasis was reduced by the two omega-3 fatty acids in a dose-dependent manner; at all three levels, the suppressive effects were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Postexcision EPA treatment produced small, statistically insignificant effects, but lung involvement was reduced significantly by feeding DHA at the 2 and 4% levels (P < 0. 05). Overall, these results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may have a place as adjuvant nutritional therapy in breast cancer and particularly as part of a neoadjuvant regimen.

Animals↗

Protein conformational changes during the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. A Fourier transform infrared/resonance Raman study of the alkaline form of the mutant Asp-85-->Asn.

Bacteriorhodopsin is a light-driven proton pump, which undergoes a photocycle consisting of several distinct intermediates. Previous studies have established that the M-->N step of this photocycle involves a major conformational change of membrane embedded alpha-helices. In order to further investigate this conformational change, we have studied the photocycle of the high pH form of the mutant Asp-85-->Asn (D85Nalk). In contrast to wild type bacteriorhodopsin, D85Nalk has a deprotonated Schiff base and a blue-shifted absorption near 410 nm, yet it still transports protons in the same direction as wild type bacteriorhodopsin (Tittor, J., Schweiger, U., Oesterhelt, D. and Bamberg, E. (1994) Biophys. J., 67, 1682-1690). Resonance Raman spectroscopy of D85Nalk and D85Nalk regenerated with retinal labeled at the C-15 position with deuterium reveals the existence of an all-trans configuration of the chromophore. Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy shows that the photocycle of this light-adapted form involves similar events as the wild type bacteriorhodopsin photocycle including the M-->N protein conformational change. These results help to explain the ability of D85Nalk to transport protons and demonstrate that the M-->N conformational change can occur even in the photocycle of an unprotonated Schiff base form of bacteriorhodopsin.

Asparagine↗

Asp 46 can substitute Asp 96 as the Schiff base proton donor in bacteriorhodopsin.

Bacteriorhodopsin functions as a light-driven proton pump in the purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarium. A variety of studies have established that a proton is transferred over an approximately 10 A distance from Asp 96 to the retinylidene Schiff base during the M --> N transition of the bR photocycle. In order to further explore the mechanism of this Schiff base reprotonation, we compared the properties of the double mutant Thr 46 --> Asp/Asp 96 --> Asn (T46D/D96N), the single mutants Asp 96 --> Asn (D96N) and Thr 46 --> Asp (T46D), and wild-type bR. In contrast to D96N, which exhibits a very slow M decay, T46D/D96N has an M decay close to that of wild-type bR. FTIR difference spectroscopy detects bands in the carboxyl and carboxylate stretch region of T46D/D96N consistent with the deprotonation of Asp 46 during the M --> N transition. In addition, bands associated with structural changes of Asn 96 in the mutant D96N are absent in T46D/D96N. Resonance Raman spectroscopy provides evidence that both T46D/D96N and T46D have a long-lived N-like species in their photocycles. These data demonstrate that Asp 46 can substitute for Asp 96 as the proton donor group in the reprotonation pathway of the Schiff base during the M --> N transition. However, N decay is delayed in comparison to wild-type bR. This may be due to a partial block in the proton pathway leading from the cytoplasmic medium to Asp 46.

Asparagine↗

Influence of diets containing eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid on growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells in nude mice.

BACKGROUND: Diets rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., corn oil and other fats containing linoleic acid) stimulate the growth and metastasis of human breast cancer cells in athymic nude mice. On the other hand, diets containing fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids), exert suppressive effects. PURPOSE: Our objective was twofold: 1) to compare the effects of diets containing linoleic acid with those of diets containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells in the nude mouse model and 2) to determine how such effects relate to observed changes in the chemical content of tumor fatty acids and eicosanoid production. METHODS: Groups of 30 female athymic nude mice were fed 20% (wt/wt) fat diets containing either linoleic acid (8%) alone, linoleic acid (8%) plus eicosapentaenoic acid (4%) or docosahexaenoic acid (4%), or linoleic acid (4%) plus eicosapentaenoic acid (8%) or docosahexaenoic acid (8%) for 7 days before one million MDA-MB-435 cells were injected into a thoracic mammary fat pad. Diets were continued for 12 more weeks. Primary tumors were measured weekly. The mice were then killed and necropsied, and tumor tissues preserved. Cell membrane phospholipid fatty acid analyses and eicosanoid assays were performed. All P values represent two-tailed tests of statistical significance. RESULTS: The growth of the primary tumors was retarded in mice fed the diets supplemented with eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid compared with the growth of primary tumors in mice fed the 8% linoleic acid diet. Growth inhibition was statistically significant (P < .05) and most effective in association with the diets containing 8% of either omega-3 fatty acid, where tumors were smaller than those in the group fed the diet containing 8% linoleic acid alone at all time points after the 2nd week. The occurrence and severity of lung metastases were reduced in the groups fed omega-3 fatty acid (P < .05). In groups of mice fed eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid, the representation of these acids in tumor phospholipids increased, with a statistically significant reduction in the concentrations of arachidonic acid (all groups), tumor 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and prostaglandin E. Levels of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4 were unaffected by the omega-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effects of dietary fish oil on human breast cancer cell growth and metastasis in this model system are ascribable to its high eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid content; the mechanism very likely involves suppression of tumor eicosanoid biosynthesis. IMPLICATION: Future dietary intervention trials designed to reduce the risk of recurrence in the postsurgical breast cancer patient should include the evaluation of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation.

Animals↗

Site-directed isotope labeling and ATR-FTIR difference spectroscopy of bacteriorhodopsin: the peptide carbonyl group of Tyr 185 is structurally active during the bR-->N transition.

The largest secondary structural change occurs in the bacteriorhodopsin (bR) photocycle during the M-->N transition. In this work site-directed isotope labeling (SDIL) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) difference spectroscopy were used to investigate this conformational change. L-Tyrosine containing a 13C isotope at the carbonyl carbon was selectively incorporated at Tyr 57, Tyr 147, and Tyr 185 by SDIL. This involves the cell-free expression of bR in the presence of Escherichia coli suppressor tRNA(CUATyr) aminoacylated with L-[1-13C]Tyr. ATR-FTIR difference spectroscopy reveals that of the 11 tyrosines, only the peptide carbonyl group of Tyr 185 undergoes a significant structural change during the bR-->N transition. Along with other spectroscopic evidence, this result suggests that the Tyr 185-Pro 186 region of the protein is structurally active and may function as a hinge which facilitates the tilt of the cytoplasmic portion of the F-helix in bacteriorhodopsin during the M-->N transition.

Bacteriorhodopsins↗

Deficient antigen-presenting cell function in multiple genetic complementation groups of type II bare lymphocyte syndrome.

The absence of HLA class II gene expression in type II bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS) results from defective transcriptional activation of class II histocompatibility genes. Genetic studies have revealed that distinct defects in multiple trans-acting factors result in the immunodeficient BLS phenotype. We studied antigen-presenting cell (APC) function in DR-transfected BLS cells derived from multiple complementation groups. Each BLS cell line displayed the same defective APC phenotype: an inability to mediate class II-restricted presentation of exogenous protein antigens, and structurally altered class II alpha beta dimers. Expression of the HLA class II-like genes DMA and DMB, previously implicated in antigen presentation, was reduced or absent in the BLS cells. Fusion of BLS cells with cell line 721.174, which has a genomic deletion of HLA class II genes, coordinately restores class II structural gene and DM gene expression and a wild-type APC phenotype. Thus each of the molecular defects that silences class II structural gene transcription also results in a defective APC phenotype, providing strong evidence for coregulation of these two functionally linked pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A redirected proton pathway in the bacteriorhodopsin mutant Tyr-57-->Asp. Evidence for proton translocation without Schiff base deprotonation.

Light-driven proton pumping in bacteriorhodopsin involves deprotonation of the retinylidene Schiff base during M formation and reprotonation during N formation as key steps. This study reports on the spectroscopic characterization of the bacteriorhodopsin mutant Tyr-57-->Asp (Y57D). The results reveal that although formation of the M intermediate and Schiff base deprotonation is blocked, the mutant still exhibits a significant level of light-driven proton translocation. The photocycle of Y57D involves formation of K and L intermediates accompanied by the normal chromophore isomerization and changes in the hydrogen bonding of Asp-96 and Asp-115. However, an additional Asp residue deprotonates during formation of the L intermediate along with a transmembrane alpha-helical structural change that normally occurs upon N formation. We postulate that proton transport in Y57D occurs through a redirected pathway that does not involve the deprotonation of the Schiff base. Chromophore isomerization, which normally results in the transfer of a proton from the Schiff base to Asp-85, instead causes the deprotonation of Asp-57 in Y57D, most likely through an interaction involving Asp-212. This deprotonation of Asp-57 causes the release of a proton into the extracellular medium. Reprotonation of Asp-57 occurs through the Schiff base reprotonation pathway, which consists of a hydrogen-bonded network of residues spanning from Asp-96 to Asp-212. The results also indicate that the transmembrane alpha-helical structural changes observed during N formation (Rothschild, K.J., Marti, T., Sonar, S., He, Y.W., Rath, P., Fischer, W., Bousche, O., and Khorana, H. G. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 27046-27052) do not require deprotonation of Asp-96 or of the Schiff base.

Aspartic Acid↗

Preoperative evaluation of stage I and stage II non-small cell lung cancer.

The appropriate preoperative evaluation for occult metastasis in patients with potentially resectable lung cancer remains controversial. The records of 265 patients with stage I and II non-small cell lung cancers who underwent resection with curative intent were reviewed to determine if there was a survival benefit of negative preoperative scanning to detect metastases. A minimum of 5 years of follow-up was possible for all long-term survivors. Patients having preoperative bone scans, brain imaging, and abdominal imaging had no increased survival over those without such evaluation (using Kaplan-Meier survival curves). Additionally, no difference was found in the time to first recurrence between these groups, and the site of recurrence was independent of a negative preoperative scan for that location. These data, using patient outcome as the basis of our conclusion, support a policy of reserving expensive preoperative metastatic evaluations only for those patients with clinical evidence of metastatic disease.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Site-directed isotope labelling and FTIR spectroscopy of bacteriorhodopsin.

Insight into integral membrane proteins function is presently limited by the difficulty of producing three-dimensional crystals. In addition, X-ray structures of proteins normally do not provide information about the protonation state and structural changes of individual residues. We report here the first use of site-directed isotope labelling and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy to detect structural changes at the level of single residues in an integral membrane protein. Two site-directed isotope labeled (SDIL) tyrosine analogues of bacteriorhodopsin were produced which exhibit normal activity. FTIR spectroscopy shows that out of 11 tyrosines, only Tyr 185 is structurally active during the early photocycle and may be part of a proton wire.

Bacteriorhodopsins↗