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Biomedical subjects

M G Davis

Publications and source records attributed to M G Davis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Involvement of Gialpha2 in sodium butyrate-induced erythroblastic differentiation of K562 cells.

The chronic myelogenous leukaemia cell line K562 can be triggered in culture to differentiate along the erythrocytic pathway in response to a variety of stimulatory agents. In the presence of sodium butyrate, these cells differentiate to erythroblasts and acquire the capability to synthesize haemoglobin. We used this cell system to study alterations in the levels of several G-protein subunits during the cell differentiation programme and to assess the involvement of G(i)alpha2 in this process. Western immunoblot analysis revealed the presence of G(s)alpha1, G(s)alpha2, G(i)alpha2, G(q)alpha, Galpha(12), Gbeta1 and Gbeta2 in K562 cells. G(o)alpha, G(z)alpha, Galpha(13) and Galpha(16) were not detected. Although the levels of several G-protein subunits were altered after treatment with sodium butyrate, the most striking change was the robust increase in the levels of G(i)alpha2, which was accompanied by an increase in the mRNA for G(i)alpha2. Inactivation of G(i)alpha2 by adding Bordetella pertussis toxin to the cultures inhibited erythroblastic differentiation by as much as 62%, as measured by haemoglobin accumulation. Furthermore, the addition of an oligonucleotide anti-sense to G(i)alpha2 inhibited the sodium butyrate-induced robust increase in G(i)alpha2 levels, decreasing it to the basal levels seen in control cells; this treatment decreased the erythroblastic differentiation of the cells (as measured by haemoglobin expression) by 50%. Taken together, these findings imply that increased levels of G(i)alpha2 contribute to the sodium butyrate-induced erythroblastic differentiation of K562 cells.

Butyrates↗

Induction of lytic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in EBV-associated malignancies using adenovirus vectors in vitro and in vivo.

The consistent presence of EBV genomes in certain tumor types (in particular, AIDS-related central nervous system lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinomas) may allow novel, EBV-based targeting strategies. Tumors contain the latent (transforming) form of EBV infection. However, expression of either of the EBV immediate-early proteins, BZLF1 and BRLF1, is sufficient to induce lytic EBV infection, resulting in death of the host cell. We have constructed replication-deficient adenovirus vectors expressing the BZLF1 or BRLF1 immediate-early genes and examined their utility for killing latently infected lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo. We show that both the BZLF1 and BRLF1 vectors efficiently induce lytic EBV infection in Jijoye cells (an EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma cell line). Furthermore, lytic EBV infection converts the antiviral drug, ganciclovir (GCV), into a toxic (phosphorylated) form, which inhibits cellular as well as viral DNA polymerase. When Jijoye cells are infected with the BZLF1 or BRLF1 adenovirus vectors in the presence of GCV, viral reactivation is induced, but virus replication is inhibited (thus preventing the release of infectious EBV particles); yet cells are still efficiently killed. Finally, we demonstrate that the BZLF1 and BRLF1 adenovirus vectors induce lytic EBV infection when they are directly inoculated into Jijoye cell tumors grown in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. These results suggest that induction of lytic EBV infection in tumors, in combination with GCV, may be an effective strategy for treating EBV-associated malignancies.

Adenoviridae↗

Acyclovir is phosphorylated by the human cytomegalovirus UL97 protein.

Acyclovir (ACV) has shown efficacy in the prophylactic suppression of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation in immunocompromised renal transplant patients without the toxicity associated with ganciclovir (GCV). The HCMV UL97 gene product, a protein kinase, is responsible for the phosphorylation of GCV in HCMV-infected cells. This report provides evidence for the phosphorylation of ACV by UL97. Anabolism studies with the HCMV wild-type strain AD169 and with recombinant mutants derived from marker transfer experiments performed by using mutant UL97 DNA from both clinical isolates and a laboratory-derived strain resistant to GCV showed that mutations in the UL97 gene cripple the ability of recombinant virus-infected cells to anabolize both GCV and ACV. These mutant UL97 recombinant viruses were less susceptible to both GCV and ACV than was the wild-type strain. A recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 strain, in which the thymidine kinase gene is deleted and the UL13 gene is replaced with the HCMV UL97 gene, was able to induce the phosphorylation of ACV in infected cells. Finally, purified UL97 phosphorylated both GCV and ACV to their monophosphates. Our results indicate that UL97 promotes the selective activity of ACV against HCMV.

Acyclovir↗

Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus replication by a benzimidazole L-riboside: novel antiviral mechanism of 5, 6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-beta-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole.

Although a number of antiviral drugs inhibit replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in cell culture, and acyclovir (ACV) suppresses replication in vivo, currently available drugs have not proven effective for treatment of EBV-associated diseases other than oral hairy leukoplakia. Benzimidazole riboside compounds represent a new class of antiviral compounds that are potent inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication but not of other herpesviruses. Here we characterize the effects of two compounds in this class against lytic replication of EBV induced in a Burkitt lymphoma cell line latently infected with EBV. We analyzed linear forms of EBV genomes, indicative of lytic replication, and episomal forms present in latently infected cells by terminal probe analysis followed by Southern blot hybridization as well as the high-molecular-weight unprocessed viral DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. D-Ribofuranosyl benzimidazole compounds that act as inhibitors of HCMV DNA maturation, including BDCRB (5, 6-dichloro-2-bromo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole), did not affect the accumulation of high-molecular-weight or monomeric forms of EBV DNA in the induced cells. In contrast, the generation of linear EBV DNA as well as precursor viral DNA was sensitive to the L-riboside 1263W94 [5, 6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-beta-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole]. The 50% inhibitory concentration range for 1263W94 was 0.15 to 1. 1 microM, compared with 10 microM for ACV. Thus, 1263W94 is a potent inhibitor of EBV. In addition, 1263W94 inhibited the phosphorylation and the accumulation of the essential EBV replicative cofactor, early antigen D.

Acyclovir↗

Enhanced Galphaq signaling: a common pathway mediates cardiac hypertrophy and apoptotic heart failure.

Receptor-mediated Gq signaling promotes hypertrophic growth of cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and is postulated to transduce in vivo cardiac pressure overload hypertrophy. Although initially compensatory, hypertrophy can proceed by unknown mechanisms to cardiac failure. We used adenoviral infection and transgenic overexpression of the alpha subunit of Gq to autonomously activate Gq signaling in cardiomyocytes. In cultured cardiac myocytes, overexpression of wild-type Galphaq resulted in hypertrophic growth. Strikingly, expression of a constitutively activated mutant of Galphaq, which further increased Gq signaling, produced initial hypertrophy, which rapidly progressed to apoptotic cardiomyocyte death. This paradigm was recapitulated during pregnancy in Galphaq overexpressing mice and in transgenic mice expressing high levels of wild-type Galphaq. The consequence of cardiomyocyte apoptosis was a transition from compensated hypertrophy to a rapidly progressive and lethal cardiomyopathy. Progression from hypertrophy to apoptosis in vitro and in vivo was coincident with activation of p38 and Jun kinases. These data suggest a mechanism in which moderate levels of Gq signaling stimulate cardiac hypertrophy whereas high level Gq activation results in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The identification of a single biochemical stimulus regulating cardiomyocyte growth and death suggests a plausible mechanism for the progression of compensated hypertrophy to decompensated heart failure.

Adenoviridae↗

Three-dimensional laser imaging system for measuring wound geometry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A low cost laser imager was designed and fabricated for measurement of wound geometry. METHODS: The accuracy of the imager was validated using reference depressions of known dimensions. Perimeter, area, and volume were compared to planimetric and packing techniques on simulated wound models. RESULTS: Wound tracing and alginate measurement methods required approximately 20 times longer for the reference standards, and 11 times longer for the simulated wounds than with the laser scanning method (LSM). LSM consistently overestimated the reference perimeter by 0.73+/-0.20 cm and the area by 0.98+/-0.62 cm2. Volume estimates were not statistically different. The tracing method underestimated the perimeter by 0.34+/-0.27 cm and the area by 1.07+/-1.09 cm2. Volume measurements by the alginate method were not statistically different. The perimeters of the simulated wounds averaged 1.29+/-0.27 cm greater using the LSM than obtained by the tracing method, and areas greater by 2.02+/-1.30 cm2. Volume scans averaged 1.04+/-0.61 cm3 greater than by the alginate method.

Analysis of Variance↗

Structural determinants for agonist binding affinity to thromboxane/prostaglandin endoperoxide (TP) receptors. Analysis of chimeric rat/human TP receptors.

The two most extensively characterized thromboxane/prostaglandin endoperoxide (TP) receptors, from human platelets and rat vascular smooth muscle, exhibit thromboxane agonist [15-(1alpha,2beta(5Z), 3alpha-(1E,3S), 4alpha)]-7-[3-hydroxy-4-(p-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl-7-oxabi cyclohepteno ic acid (I-BOP) binding affinities that differ by an order of magnitude, rat TP having the higher affinity. We utilized this difference in I-BOP affinity to identify structural determinants of TP receptor heterogeneity. No significant difference was found in the rank order of affinities for a series of thromboxane receptor ligands to bind to cloned human TPalpha versus rat TP, indicating that these represent species homologs, not distinct TP subtypes. Structural determinants for observed differences in I-BOP binding Kd were localized by creating chimeric human/rat TP followed by mutational substitution of specific critical amino acids. Initially, seven chimeric receptors with splice sites in transmembranes 1, 2, 4, or 7 were constructed and expressed in HEK293 cells for analysis of ligand binding properties. Substitution of any part except the carboxyl tail of the human TP into the rat TP resulted in a receptor with I-BOP binding affinity intermediate between the two. Analysis of chimeras in which only the extracellular amino terminus and a portion of transmembrane 1 were switched localized the determinant of high affinity binding to the region between amino acids 3 and 40. Using this chimera, amino acids in the human portion (extracellular amino terminus and part of transmembrane 1) were replaced with analogous amino acids from rat TP to regain high affinity I-BOP binding. Only when amino acid Val37 and either Val36 or Ala40 were reverted to their respective rat TP counterparts (Ala36, Leu37, and Gly40, respectively) was high affinity I-BOP binding recovered. The mechanism for the increased I-BOP affinity may be the lengthening of the amino acid side chain at position 37, thus extending this group further into the putative I-BOP binding pocket, with compensatory shortening of side chains in spatially adjacent amino acids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intracrine and autocrine effects of basic fibroblast growth factor in vascular smooth muscle cells.

In order to elucidate the effects of the different basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) isoforms on vascular smooth muscle, we examined aorta-derived vascular smooth muscle cells from transgenic mice expressing the human isoforms of bFGF. Four cell lines were examined from mice in which transgene expression was driven by the ubiquitous phosphoglycerate kinase promoter. Overexpression and cellular localization was confirmed by Western blot analysis in vascular smooth muscle cells from mice expressing: all four human bFGF isoforms (24, 22, 21, and 18 kDa); all three nuclear targeted isoforms (24, 22, and 21 kDa); only the 24 kDa isoform; and the only secreted/non-nuclear targeted isoform, 18 kDa. All lines showed approximate four-fold increases in bFGF expression, nuclear localization of all nuclear targeted bFGF isoforms, and cytosolic localization of only the 18 kDa bFGF. Measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation into quiescent cells stimulated with increasing concentrations of serum, showed increased DNA synthesis in cell lines expressing any bFGF isoform when compared to non-transgenic control cells, and a further increase in DNA synthesis in cells expressing the nuclear targeted isoforms (24, 22, and 21 kDa) over the 18 kDa bFGF expressing cell line at any concentration of serum. All cells showed equal label incorporation when stimulated with 10 ng/ml of platelet-derived growth factor confirming an equal potential for DNA synthesis. Neutralizing the bFGF antibody markedly decreased serum-stimulated DNA synthesis, but only in the cell lines overexpressing the secreted/non-nuclear targeted 18 kDa isoform. These results suggest amplification of DNA synthesis through synergistic intracrine and autocrine effects of the nuclear targeted and non-nuclear targeted bFGF isoforms in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗

In vivo antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics of (-)-cis-5-fluoro-1-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine in woodchuck hepatitis virus-infected woodchucks.

The (-) enantiomer of cis-5-fluoro-1l-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine [(-)-FTC)], a substituted oxathiolane compound with anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro, was assessed for its efficacy in woodchucks with naturally acquired woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection. Pharmacokinetics and in vitro anabolism were also determined. (-)-FTC was anabolized to the 5'-triphosphate in a dose-related fashion, reaching a maximum concentration at about 24 h in cultured woodchuck hepatocytes. Following administration of a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.), the clearance of (-)-FTC from plasma was monoexponential, the terminal half-life was 3.76 +/- 1.4 h, and the systemic clearance was 0.12 +/- 0.06 liters/h/kg. The antiviral efficacy of (-)-FTC in the woodchuck model was assessed by quantitation of serum WHV DNA levels and by WHV particle-associated DNA polymerase activity at two dosages, 30 and 20 mg/kg given i.p. twice daily (b.i.d.), respectively. The level of WHV DNA in serum was reduced 20- to 150-fold (average, 56-fold) in the 30-mg/kg-b.i.d. treatment group and 6- to 49-fold (average, 27-fold) in the 20-mg/kg-b.i.d. treatment group. Viral DNA polymerase levels diminished accordingly. One week after treatment was discontinued, WHV levels returned to pretreatment levels in both studies. These animals were biopsied before and following treatment with 30 mg of (-)-FTC per kg. Their livers were characterized by a mild increase in cytoplasmic lipid levels, but this change was not associated with altered liver enzyme levels. Serum chemistry and hematology results were within the normal ranges for all treated animals. We conclude that (-)-FTC is a potent antihepadnaviral agent and that it has no detectable toxic effects in woodchucks when given for up to 25 days. Further development of (-)-FTC as an anti-hepatitis B virus therapy for patients is warranted.

Animals↗

Novel role for Sp1 in phorbol ester enhancement of human platelet thromboxane receptor gene expression.

Expression of platelet thromboxane receptors is transcriptionally increased during megakaryocytic differentiation stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We previously cloned and characterized the promoter region of the human thromboxane receptor gene and localized PMA-responsive elements to a region between 1.84 and 1.95 kilobase pairs (kb) 5' of the transcription initiation site (D'Angelo, D. D., Davis, M. G., Houser, W. A., Eubank, J. J., Ritchie, M. E., and Dorn, G. W., II (1995) Circ. Res. 77, 466-474). Herein we report the localization of the PMA response element to a 14-nucleotide C-rich sequence, flanked by an octanucleotide inverted repeat, located -1.938 to -1.925 kb 5' of the transcription start site of this gene. We further identify the PMA-responsive enhancer factor that binds to this C-rich sequence as Sp1. Heterologous thromboxane receptor gene promoter/thymidilate kinase reporter constructs transfected into K562 cells exhibited PMA responsiveness when the C-rich element was included with additional 3' sequence from -1.924 to -1.84 kb. However, mutations of the C-rich element that disrupted a GC box located on the inverse strand eliminated PMA responsiveness and, in gel mobility shift assays, eliminated binding of Sp1. PMA treatment of K562 cells significantly increased, by 5-fold, Sp1 binding to the C-rich element and increased both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated Sp1 protein levels by 2-fold. Furthermore, PMA treatment transiently increased Sp1 mRNA levels prior to increasing thromboxane receptor mRNA, suggesting that up-regulation of Sp1 contributes to up-regulation of thromboxane receptors. Finally, we have detected an unidentified K562 nuclear protein that binds specifically to the sense strand of the C-rich sequence overlapping the Sp1 binding site and that, by stabilizing a double stem-loop conformation of this DNA segment, may also play a role in Sp1 regulation of this gene. These studies are the first to describe regulatory and regulated roles for Sp1 in PMA-responsive gene expression and suggest that modulation of Sp1 levels controls thromboxane receptor expression during megakaryocytic differentiation.

Base Composition↗

Mutagenic analysis of platelet thromboxane receptor cysteines. Roles in ligand binding and receptor-effector coupling.

The human platelet thromboxane A2 receptor is a member of the G-protein-coupled superfamily of receptors. Previous pharmacologic studies examining the effects of biochemical reduction, oxidation, or sulfhydryl alkylation on thromboxane receptors have suggested a role for cysteines in determining receptor binding characteristics. To characterize the roles of individual cysteines, we employed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute serines for cysteines at seven positions throughout the human K562 thromboxane receptor and analyzed mutant receptor radioligand ([1S-(1alpha,2beta(5Z),3alpha- (1E,3S),4alpha]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(p-iodophenoxy)-l-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2. 2.1]heptane-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid) binding and calcium signaling. Replacing cysteines in the amino terminus (amino acid position 11), and transmembrane domains two and six (positions 68 and 257) had little effect on thromboxane receptor binding or signaling. Introduction of serines for cysteines in the first (position 105) or the second (position 183) extracellular loop eliminated thromboxane receptor binding, consistent with the existence of a critical disulfide bond between these positions. Mutation of a second cysteine in extracellular loop one (position 102) resulted in a receptor with decreased binding affinity and low binding capacity that transduced only a low amplitude calcium signal, suggesting the involvement of a free sulfhydryl group at this location in receptor-ligand interactions. Finally, mutation of the cysteine at position 223, located in intracellular loop three, resulted in a receptor with normal ligand binding characteristics, but which did not transduce a calcium signal. Some additional amino acid substitutions in this region of the receptor (Cys-223 --> Ala, Thr-221 --> Met) resulted in receptors that had normal binding but transduced low amplitude calcium signals, while other mutations in the same region (His-224 --> Arg and His-227 --> Arg) exhibited normal binding and calcium signaling characteristics. These findings demonstrate that cysteines in extracellular loops one and two contribute to proper ligand binding to thromboxane receptors and show the importance of discrete amino acid sequences in the third intracellular loop, especially cysteine 223, in thromboxane receptor-effector coupling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of the cytoskeleton in left ventricular pressure overload hypertrophy and failure.

To characterize alterations in gene expression which may occur during the development of compensated left ventricular pressure overload hypertrophy (CH) and the transition to decompensated congestive heart failure (DH), differential RNA display was used to compare mRNA transcripts from sham operated, 4-week, and 8-week thoracic aorta banded guinea-pigs. Of several regulated transcripts chosen for analysis, one was identified by nucleotide sequence homology as titin, a sarcomeric cytoskeletal protein. By differential display and comparative PCR, titin transcripts were increased in CH and then declined in DH. Comparative PCR of desmin and tubulin demonstrated increased mRNA levels for these cytoskeletal proteins in CH and DH. Western analysis showed associated increases in titin (DH) and desmin (CH and DH) protein expression but no increase in tubulin protein. Isolated Langendorff cardiac mechanics failed to reveal functional differences in either hypertrophy phenotype when microtubules were depolymerized (colchicine 10(-6)M). In summary, the major cytoskeletal proteins are differentially regulated in LV pressure overload hypertrophy and failure. Neither the level of beta-tubulin or its polymerization state appear to affect LV function in this model of cardiac hypertrophy.

Animals↗

DNA polymerase activity of hepatitis B virus particles: differential inhibition by L-enantiomers of nucleotide analogs.

DNA polymerase activity was assayed in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and core particles isolated from chronic producer lines. The particle-associated DNA polymerase activity, which was found to be limited to incorporation of only a few nucleotides, was inhibited by the 5'-triphosphates of nucleoside analogs. The 1-beta-L (1S,4R) and 1-beta-D (1R,4S) enantiomers of antiviral nucleoside analogs were compared for the ability to inhibit incorporation of natural nucleoside triphosphates into the viral DNA. Previously, both enantiomers of several analogs were found to be substrates for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV RT); the 1-beta-D enantiomers of some pairs were preferred as substrates. In contrast, the 1-beta-L enantiomers of all pairs tested were the more potent inhibitors of labeled substrate incorporation into hepatitis B virus DNA; the concentration required to inhibit the incorporation of the natural substrate by 50% was 6-fold to several hundred-fold lower than the concentration of the 1-beta-D enantiomer required for the same inhibitory effect. This preference for the 1-beta-L enantiomers was observed for both RNA-directed synthesis in core particles and DNA-directed synthesis in viral particles. The observed antiviral effect of the nucleoside analogs in cell culture seemed to be limited chiefly by their phosphorylation in cells.

DNA, Viral↗

Suppression of intimal hyperplasia in experimental vein grafts by oral l-arginine supplementation and single ex vivo immersion in deferoxamine manganese.

PURPOSE: Vein grafts undergo morphologic and functional changes after insertion into the arterial circulation with the development of intimal hyperplasia, as well as significant alterations in endothelial and smooth muscle cell physiologic responses. METHODS: Forty New Zealand white rabbits underwent jugular vein interposition grafting of the common carotid artery. Ten animals were controls, 10 animals received 2.25% L-arginine supplementation in their drinking water (200 ml/day; 2 gm/kg) 7 days before surgery and continued thereafter until harvest, in 10 animals the veins were immersed in deferoxamine manganese (DFMn; 10(-3) mol/L in heparinized Ringer's lactate for 15 minutes) before implantation, and 10 received both L-arginine supplementation and either histologic (n=6) or isometric tension studies (n=4). The function of the vein grafts was compared with that of jugular veins. RESULTS: Treatment with DFMn, l-arginine, amd DFMn L-arginine produce increases in mean intimal thickness of 39% (51 +/ -7 microm; p<0.05), 51% (41 +/- 7 microm; p<0.05), and 65% (29 +/- 6 microm; p< 0.01), respectively, compared with control vein grafts (83 +/- 12 microm). Compared with the control group, the intimal ratio ([intima]/[intima + media]) decreased by 16% (difference not significant), 8% (difference not significant), and 47% (p<0.01) in the DFMn-, L-arginine- and and DFMn/L-arginine-treated vein grafts, respectively. Jugular veins relaxed to acetylcholine (53% +/- 12% maximal relaxation), whereas control vein grafts did not relax. In contrast, vein grafts from each of the experimental groups relaxed to acetylcholine with maximal relaxations of 26% +/- 7% (p<0.05 compared with the jugular vein), 22% +/- 8% (p<0.05), and 44% +/- 14% (difference not significant) in the DFMn, L-arginine, DFMn/L-arginine groups, respectively. Neither DFMn nor l-arginine had a significant effect on the alterations in smooth muscle contractility that occur in control vein grafts. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that an agent that modulates free radical production combined with a precursor of nitric oxide formation will lead to a significant decrease in the formation of intimal hyperplasia in arterial vein grafts with the preservation of endothelial-derived relaxation.

Administration, Oral↗

Use of routine quality assurance procedures to detect the loss of a linear accelerator primary scattering foil.

The effects of the mechanical loss of a stainless steel primary scattering foil on a 12-MeV electron beam from a dedicated intraoperative electron accelerator are discussed. Routine quality assurance tests, including dose output constancy, energy constancy, and beam uniformity (flatness and symmetry), were used to determine the nature of the malfunction when it occurred. It is concluded that these quality assurance checks, if done with the frequencies recommended by the AAPM Task Group 40 Report [Med. Phys. 21, 581-619 (1994)] and repeated at the time of occurrence, are sufficient to detect loss of an electron scattering foil.

Biophysical Phenomena↗