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Biomedical subjects

N Porchet

Publications and source records attributed to N Porchet.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Regulation of cathepsin D dependent on the phenotype of colon carcinoma cells.

We have studied the intracellular trafficking of cathepsin D in different colon carcinoma cell populations: the HT-29 cell line, composed of >95% undifferentiated cells; 2 subpopulations derived from this cell line, containing cells committed to differentiation into mucin-secreting cells (HT-29 MTX) or enterocyte-like cells (HT-29 G-) after confluence; and the Caco-2 cell line, which spontaneously differentiates into enterocyte-like cells after confluence. Post-confluent undifferentiated HT-29 cells and differentiated enterocyte-like HT-29 G- and Caco-2 cells secrete significant levels of cathepsin D in culture medium, in contrast to post-confluent differentiated mucin-secreting HT-29 MTX cells, which secrete this enzyme at a very low level. The intracellular content and the mRNA level of cathepsin D increase after confluence in the different cell types, particularly in Caco-2 cells, which intensify the secretion of cathepsin D along with the differentiation process post-confluence. Membrane-associated mature cathepsin D was detected in HT-29 cells but not in Caco-2 cells. In the different types of cell, pro-cathepsin D associates with the membrane concomitantly to its binding to an Mr 72,000 protein. Membrane association persists after dissociation of the complex in HT-29 cells but not in Caco-2 cells. In the mucin-secreting HT-29 MTX cells, cathepsin D was immunolocalised to the membrane of mucin vacuoles localised under the brush border. Our results show that cathepsin D can be regulated differently in colon carcinoma cells, and this finding might have specific functional implications for each cell type.

Cathepsin D↗

Identification of a 42-kDa nuclear factor (NF1-MUC5B) from HT-29 MTX cells that binds to the 3' region of human mucin gene MUC5B.

MUC5B gene is one of the four human mucin genes mapped to chromosome 11p15. The identification of three potential Sp1 binding sites located between the tandem repeat and the 3' end of MUC5B suggests a possible regulatory role for this region. In this report we show by electrophoretic mobility shift assay that only one potential Sp1 binding site (NAU62) leads to a specific interaction with a nuclear factor from HT-29 MTX cells which does not exist in parental HT-29 cells. By using mutated versions of NAU62, an 18 mer sequence within this later was shown to be directly involved in the interaction. The nuclear factor called NF1-MUC5B which binds to this element has a Mr of 42000 and is not Sp1. These results suggest that MUC5B contains a sequence in its 3' region that might act as a cis-element. This report opens the field of transcriptional regulation of human mucin genes encoding secreted mucins.

Base Sequence↗

Aberrant expression of a human mucin gene (MUC5AC) in rectosigmoid villous adenoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Rectosigmoid villous adenomas (RVAs) account for approximately 10% of all colorectal tumors. They have distinct pathological features, including abundant mucus secretion, possible malignant transformation, and multiple recurrences after conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the nature of any changes in mucin gene expression in RVAs. METHODS: In situ hybridization was used to examine mucin messenger RNA expression in a series of 22 patients with an RVA. Five normal rectal and colonic mucosae and five rectal adenocarcinomas were used as controls. RESULTS: In the 22 RVAs, we found an overexpression of MUC2 and an aberrant expression of MUC5AC. This MUC5AC expression was more intense in RVAs with low-grade dysplasia than in those cases with high-grade dysplasia. Moreover, in 4 cases, it was detected at a distance from the tumor in areas previously considered as normal by endoscopic and histological examination. CONCLUSIONS: MUC5AC seems to be a specific marker for RVAs and thus may be useful for the early detection of RVA recurrences after endoscopic laser treatment.

Adenoma, Villous↗

Characterization of the human mucin gene MUC5AC: a consensus cysteine-rich domain for 11p15 mucin genes?

To date five human mucin cDNAs (MUC2, 5A, 5B, 5C and 6) mapped to 11p15.3-15.5, so it appears that this chromosome region might contain several distinct gene loci for mucins. Three of these cDNAs, MUC5A, B and C, were cloned in our laboratory and previously published. A common number, 5, was recommended by the Human Gene Mapping Nomenclature Committee to designate them because of their common provenance from human tracheobronchial mucosa. In order to define whether they are products of the same gene locus or distinct loci, we describe in this paper physical mapping of these cDNAs using the strategy of analysis of CpG islands by pulse-field gel electrophoresis. The data suggest that MUC5A and MUC5C are part of the same gene (called MUC5AC) which is distinct from MUC5B. In the second part of this work, complete sequences of the inserts corresponding to previously described (JER47, JER58) and novel (JER62, JUL32, MAR2, MAR10 and MAR11) cDNAs of the so-called MUC5AC gene are presented and analysed. The data show that in this mucin gene, the tandem repeat domain is interrupted several times with a subdomain encoding a 130 amino acid cysteine-rich peptide in which the TR3A and TR3B peptides previously isolated by Rose et al. [Rose, Kaufman and Martin (1989) J. Biol. Chem., 264, 8193-8199] from airway mucins are found. A consensus peptide sequence for these subdomains involving invariant positions of most of the cysteines is proposed. The consensus nucleotide sequence of this subdomain is also found in the MUC2 gene and in the MUC5B gene, two other mucin genes mapped to 11p15. The functional significance for secreted mucins of these cysteine-rich subdomains and the modular organization of mucin peptides are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The MUC5AC gene: RFLP analysis with the Jer58 probe.

We have recently obtained evidence that the locus corresponding to three groups of partial tracheobronchial cDNAs (A = Jer47, B = Jer57, C = Jer58) which mapped to chromosome 11p15 and was given the symbol MUC5 corresponds to two distinct genes which we have provisionally called MUC5B and MUC5AC. Here we describe the detection, using the Jer58 probe, which contains a 24-bp tandem repeat, of polymorphism in the MUC5AC gene with seven different restriction enzymes.

Bronchi↗

In situ hybridization shows distinct patterns of mucin gene expression in normal, benign, and malignant pancreas tissues.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Northern blotting and immunohistochemistry have shown cell-specific patterns of mucin gene expression in the pancreas and alterations associated with neoplastic transformation. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of mucin transcripts at the single cell level in tissue samples from normal pancreas and benign and malignant pancreatic proliferative lesions. METHODS: In situ hybridization with 35S-labeled oligonucleotides was performed on sections of paraffin-embedded tissues. RESULTS: Acinar cells express only MUC1. Normal pancreatic ducts show homogeneous expression of MUC1 and MUC5B and heterogenous expression of MUC3. MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5AC are generally undetectable in all cells of normal pancreas tissue. Pancreas cancers generally express MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5B and MUC5AC. Obstructive chronic pancreatitis adjacent to pancreas cancers shows the same pattern of mucin gene expression as normal ducts. In areas of papillary hyperplasia, altered expression of MUC3, MUC5B, and MUC5AC is observed. CONCLUSIONS: In situ hybridization has confirmed that neoplastic transformation of the exocrine pancreas is accompanied by changes in mucin gene expression. Although this type of change is not restricted to cancer cells, the findings of this study suggest that analysis of mucin gene expression may be of value in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Mucin gene expression in the human endocervix.

In the human uterine endocervix, five out of the six human mucin genes investigated (MUC 2, MUC 3, MUC 4, MUC 5AC, MUC 5B and MUC 6) are expressed, whereas in some other mucosae the hybridization pattern demonstrates the expression of only two or three of these genes. The most intense labelling by in-situ hybridization is obtained significantly with MUC 4, predominantly during the luteal phase. The expression of the MUC 4 gene appears to be influenced by the oestro-progesterone ratio. During the ovulatory cycle, there are only a few differences concerning the variations of expression of all other MUC genes.

Adult↗

UW-preservation of cultured human gallbladder epithelial cells: phenotypic alterations and differential mucin gene expression in the presence of bile.

In orthotopic liver transplantation, extended cold ischemia of the graft may induce cell damage, particularly in biliary epithelium. We have investigated the effects of a cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution on cultured human gallbladder biliary epithelial cells (GBEC) exposed or not exposed to stagnant bile. In UW solution, morphological alterations of cultured GBEC were not prominent under light microscopy after 16 hours at 4 degrees C, being more striking after 24 to 48 hours. Ultrastructural examination of GBEC showed a condensation of chromatin at the periphery of the nuclei after 16 hours in cold UW solution. Both protein and DNA syntheses were strikingly reduced in these cells. After rewarming in standard Williams' medium at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, cultured GBEC exhibited both normal morphology and function. As in both freshly isolated and routinely cultured GBEC, rewarmed cells expressed various mucin genes, namely MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B genes, whereas MUC2 mRNAs were barely detectable. A dramatic decline in the steady-state mRNA levels of both MUC3 and MUC5B was found in cultured GBEC versus freshly isolated cells. Addition of bile into UW solution at 4 degrees C had no significant effect on GBEC morphology and DNA and protein syntheses. When bile was added during the rewarming period, both protein and DNA syntheses were strongly reduced. Addition of bile during either storage in UW solution or rewarming period induced increased steady-state MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5AC mRNA levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

Analysis of a heterogeneous group of human breast carcinoma associated glycoproteins bearing the Tn determinant.

The Tn determinant (GalNAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr) is expressed by about 90% of human carcinomas, but is cryptic in most normal human tissues. A murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 83D4, developed following immunization with human breast carcinoma cells, reacts with a Tn-related epitope. In the present study we characterized the glycoprotein antigen identified by 83D4 in the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. We further showed that the 83D4 antigenic determinant is masked in human milk fat globule membranes (HMFGM), and can be exposed upon mild m-periodate treatment after desialylation. Western-blot analysis resolved the 83D4 antigen from MCF-7 into two main components of 120-190 kD and > 500 kD respectively. Non equilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis/SDS PAGE revealed the acidic nature of the reactive glycoproteins (pI 4.43-4.70). 83D4 antigenic activity resolved by CsCl gradient ultracentrifugation layered on a wide range of densities (1.30-1.46 g/ml) including typical densities of mucin-like glycoproteins but also lower densities. The amino acid composition of the antigen, relatively rich in serine but poor in threonine and proline, confirmed the divergence from other mucin-like carcinoma-associated glycoproteins. Dicarboxylic amino acids were abundant, accounting in part for the acidic nature of the molecules. ELISA and Western-blot analysis of the subcellular fractions from MCF-7 cells revealed that the 83D4 antigen is mainly contained in plasma membranes (85%) from which it may be resolved into two broad bands (slow and fast migrating components). These results provide information on a group of breast carcinoma associated glycoproteins related to but different from typical mucins, and provide data on alteration of O-glycosylation in tumor cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Altered expression of MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5 mucin genes in pancreas tissues and cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells is commonly associated with altered synthesis and structure of mucin glycoproteins. The aim of the study was to determine if altered mucin gene expression takes place in pancreas cancer. METHODS: To examine mucin gene expression in normal pancreas and pancreas cancer, antibodies detecting the MUC1, MUC2, MUC5B, and MUC5C apomucins were used in immunohistochemical techniques and complementary DNA probes specific for the MUC1-MUC5 genes were used in Northern blots. RESULTS: MUC1 is the major apomucin expressed in normal pancreas, whereas MUC2-MUC5 are weakly expressed or undetectable. In pancreas cancer tissues and cell lines, increased expression of MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5C is shown. The cytoplasmic expression of MUC2 and MUC5C in tumor cells suggests that these apomucins are underglycosylated and abnormally compartmentalized. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced expression of MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5C genes is a frequent event in pancreas cancer and may contribute to the alterations in the biochemical structure of pancreas cancer mucins.

Cell Division↗

Degenerate 87-base-pair tandem repeats create hydrophilic/hydrophobic alternating domains in human mucin peptides mapped to 11p15.

A human tracheobronchial lambda gt 11 cDNA library was screened using antiserum prepared against the deglycosylated protein backbone of human tracheobronchial mucins. Two cDNAs, designated JER 28 and 57, obtained from this immunoscreening, were used to isolate two other cDNA clones, JUL 7 and JUL 10, from a human tracheobronchial lambda gt 10 cDNA library. These four clones (561, 1830, 1631 and 991 bp), which mapped to chromosome 11p15, were all found to contain degenerate 87-base-pair tandem repeats which encode non-repetitive peptides. Numerous deletions or insertions in an otherwise virtually perfect 87-base-pair tandem repeat create many shifts in reading frame which completely destroy the repetitive peptide structure. The peptide is composed of alternate hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains which probably differ in the extent to which they are glycosylated. The mRNAs are expressed both in the respiratory and in the digestive tracts. These human mucin probes may be important in assessing the abnormal mucins associated with inflammatory diseases or carcinoma from human mucosae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of human mucin genes in respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts ascertained by in situ hybridization.

In recent years considerable advances have been made in our knowledge of the peptide moiety of human mucins through cDNA cloning. In many diseases disorders in mucin biosynthesis are observed, which result either from changes in the synthesis of the carbohydrate side chains or from differences in the relative expression of the different apomucins, each of which may affect physical properties of the viscous gel. We describe in situ hybridization studies on healthy human mucosae with five different oligonucleotide probes corresponding to each of the human genes known to date that encode secreted mucins, i.e., MUC 2, 3, 4 (HGM nomenclature) and 5B, 5C (proposed name). These genes present a nucleic tandem repeat organization. The choice of oligonucleotide probes was made to amplify the signal by hybridization of many small probes on the same mRNA molecules. A characteristic pattern of mucin gene expression was observed for each mucosa.

Base Sequence↗

Differential expression of the human mucin genes MUC1 to MUC5 in relation to growth and differentiation of different mucus-secreting HT-29 cell subpopulations.

Mucin expression was analysed, in relation to cell growth, in parental HT-29 cells and in two populations of mucus-secreting HT-29 cells selected by adaptation to methotrexate (HT29-MTX) or 5-fluorouracil (HT29-FU). These two populations express mature mucins that differ in their immunoreactivity to antibodies against gastric (HT29-MTX) or colonic mucins (HT29-FU). In the parental population, at late confluency, only very few cells produce mucins or the MUC1 glycoprotein, this being consistent with the low level of expression of the mRNAs corresponding to the MUC1 to MUC5C mucin genes. In the HT29-MTX and HT29-FU populations, the appearance of mucus droplets, as shown by histochemistry and immunofluorescence, starts a few days after confluency, progressively involving a greater proportion of cells and reaching a steady state at late confluency. The MUC1 glycoprotein appears earlier, already being detectable in preconfluent cells. Its distribution is restricted to the apical surface of the cells and is distinct from that of the mucus droplets. In both populations the growth-related levels of MUC1 mRNA are concordant with the apparent levels of expression of the MUC1 glycoprotein. The levels of MUC2, MUC3, MUC4 and MUC5C mRNAs differ from one population to another and, within each population, according to the stage of the culture. The highest levels of MUC2 and MUC4 mRNAs are found in the HT29-FU cells, whereas the highest levels of MUC3 and MUC5C are found in the HT29-MTX cells, suggesting that the differences observed in the mature mucins expressed by either population may be related to which MUC genes are expressed. In both populations significant or even high levels of MUC mRNAs are already present in early cultures, i.e. at a stage when the mature mucins are not yet detectable, suggesting that mucin maturation is a later event.

Blotting, Northern↗

Mucin 4 (MUC4) gene: regional assignment (3q29) and RFLP analysis.

The use of a probe (JER64) containing a mucin 4 (MUC4) cDNA insert of 1.83 kb allowed to assign by in situ hybridization, the MUC4 gene to 3q29. This probe detected RFLPs with all restriction enzymes used (BamHI, HindIII, PstI, EcoRI, and TaqI). Particularly numerous alleles were observed with PstI, EcoRI and TaqI, in a small sample of unrelated DNAs (25 digested with PstI, 8 with EcoRI and 8 with TaqI). The PIC values were 0.69, 0.63 and 0.70 for PstI, EcoRI and TaqI respectively. The polymorphisms observed of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) type are in relation with the presence of tandemly repeated nucleotide sequences in MUC4 gene.

Blotting, Southern↗

Human respiratory mucins.

Human respiratory mucins are secreted by goblet cells and mucous glands of the respiratory mucosa. They consist of a broad family of complex glycoproteins with different peptides, or apomucins, corresponding to several genes located on at least three different chromosomes. Glycosylation, the major posttranslational phenomenon, is responsible for about 70-80% of the weight of mucins: it produces an extraordinary diversity of O-glycosidically linked carbohydrate chains which are expressed as several hundreds of different chains in the mucins of a single individual. The variety of mucin peptides and the diversity of carbohydrate chains probably allows many interactions, especially with microorganisms: this may be an essential factor in the defence of the underlying respiratory mucosa.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and chromosomal localization of a novel human tracheo-bronchial mucin cDNA containing tandemly repeated sequences of 48 base pairs.

A lambda gt11 cDNA library constructed from human tracheo-bronchial mucosa was screened with a polyclonal antiserum raised to chemically deglycosylated pronase glycopeptides from human bronchial mucins. Out of 20 positives clones, one partial cDNA clone was isolated and allowed to map a novel human tracheo-bronchial mucin gene. It contains 48 nucleotide tandem repeats quite perfectly identical which encodes a protein containing about 50% of hydroxy amino-acids. This clone hybridized to polydisperse messages produced by human tracheo-bronchial and human colonic mucosae. The gene (proposed name MUC 4) from which cDNA is derived maps to chromosome 3.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Multiple apomucin translation products from human respiratory mucosa mRNA.

Poly(A)-rich RNA was purified from a pool of five human tracheobronchial mucosa. After in vitro translation in a reticulocyte lysate and immunoprecipitation of the translated products, using either a polyclonal antiserum or a monoclonal antibody to deglycosylated respiratory mucin peptides, the products were characterized by SDS/PAGE. The respiratory mucin precursors migrated as a very large smear from almost the top of the resolving polyacrylamide gel to an area corresponding to a molecular mass of about 100 kDa. After hybridization with mucin cDNA probe TH 29 described by Crepin et al. [Crepin, M., Porchet, N., Aubert, J. P. & Degand, P. (1990) Biorheology 27, 471-484] respiratory mucin mRNAs also appeared polydisperse. Although degradation or incomplete translation of high-molecular-mass mRNA cannot be entirely ruled out, these results suggest that human respiratory apomucins consist of a family of peptides which share some common epitopes. This possibility is in agreement with (a) the diversity of mucin precursors observed previously with pulse/chase experiments performed with explants of human respiratory mucosa and (b) the polydispersity of secreted respiratory mucins observed by electron microscopy.

Animals↗