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P Bornstein

Publications and source records attributed to P Bornstein.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Thrombospondin 1 is expressed by proliferating mesangial cells and is up-regulated by PDGF and bFGF in vivo.

Thrombospondin 1 has been shown to be linked to PDGF-mediated mesangial cell proliferation and migration in vitro, but little is known regarding its expression or regulation in glomerular disease. Experimental mesangial proliferative nephritis was induced in rats by injection of anti-Thy1 antibody. Mesangial cell proliferation was associated with de novo expression of thrombospondin 1 mRNA (detected by Northern blot and in situ hybridization) and protein (by Western blot and immunostaining). Although some thrombospondin 1 was expressed by platelets and macrophages, double labeling showed that most thrombospondin 1 mRNA and protein were expressed by proliferating alpha-actin-positive mesangial cells. Thrombospondin 1 expression in anti-Thy1 nephritis was complement-dependent and could be reduced by treatment with anti-PDGF or anti-bFGF antibodies. Thrombospondin 1 could also be induced in normal rats by infusion of PDGF and in rats which were primed with low dose anti-Thy1 antibody by infusion of PDGF of bFGF. Thus, this study demonstrates that proliferating mesangial cells express thrombospondin 1 de novo in disease and that thrombospondin 1 expression in vivo is regulated by PDGF and bFGF.

Animals↗

Two different cis-acting regulatory regions direct cell-specific transcription of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene in hepatic stellate cells and in skin and tendon fibroblasts.

The expression of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene in activated stellate cells plays an important role during liver fibrogenesis. To identify the critical cis-elements of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene in stellate cells, we used transgenic animals bearing various collagen alpha 1(I) regulatory regions directing the expression of either a human growth hormone minigene or the bacterial beta-galactosidase gene. We found that collagen alpha 1(I)-human growth hormone transgene expression was constitutively high in tendon and skin, provided the transgene contained the -2.3 to -0.44 kb collagen regulatory region. However in the liver, expression was stimulated several-fold, as was the endogeneous gene, by the fibrogenic hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. This stimulation occurred whether the collagen 5' regulatory region extended -2.3, -1.6 or -0.44 kb, and in the presence or absence of much of the first intron (+292 to +1607 bp). In addition, the -0.44 kb 5' region was sufficient for high-level transgene expression in stellate cells, following their activation by culture on plastic. In contrast, in skin and tendon, high-level transcription of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene required the -2.3 to -0.44 kb 5' flanking region. Thus, two different cis-regulatory regions direct cell-specific transcription of the collagen alpha 1(I) gene in stellate cells and in skin and tendon.

Animals↗

Expression of thrombospondins by endothelial cells. Injury is correlated with TSP-1.

The thrombospondins (TSP-1, -2, and -3) comprise a family of proteins that are homologous at the carboxy terminus but have unique sequences at the amino terminus that might be correlated with the regulation of cell behavior. To investigate the expression of TSP-1, -2, and -3 in endothelial cells, we examined developing murine blood vessels and human atherosclerotic plaques by in situ hybridization. The expression of TSP-1 was also characterized in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Expression of TSP-2 was seen in the dorsal aorta as early as embryonic day 10; TSP-1 was not detected in endothelial cells until later stages, and TSP-3 was not apparent in the vasculature. In atherosclerotic specimens, TSP-1 mRNA was detected in many intraplaque microvessels and in the endothelium lining the atheromatous plaque; TSP-2 was absent from these regions. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells did not transcribe TSP-2 mRNA at detectable levels. There were high steady-state levels of TSP-1 mRNA in subconfluent bovine aortic endothelial cells before confluence and at the wound edge after injury of the cell monolayer, with maximal expression of TSP-1 in cultures at a time during which approximately 35% of the cells were in S phase. As the majority of these cells subsequently undergo mitosis, these data are consistent with TSP-1 as an inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation that functions in G1. These results support the conclusion that, despite sequence homology, the TSPs have distinct functions in vascular biology.

Animals↗

Overlapping Egr-1 and Sp1 sites function in the regulation of transcription of the mouse thrombospondin 1 gene.

We have evaluated the basis for the constitutive and serum-regulated expression of the mouse thrombospondin (TSP) gene in both transiently and stably transfected NIH-3T3 cells. Experiments with deleted and mutated mouse promoter/CAT constructs and gel mobility assays demonstrated that an Egr-1 binding site in the proximal promoter, flanked by overlapping GC boxes and an adjacent GC-rich region, functioned to positively regulate the constitutive activity of the gene. These motifs, and their cognate transcription factors, appear to act in concert, with partial redundancy, so that discrete mutations were only partially effective in reducing transcriptional activity. The Egr-1 site corresponds in position to an NF-Y binding site which functions synergistically with a distal serum-response element to mediate the serum response of the human TSP1 gene. However, neither the Egr-1 motif nor the surrounding proximal promoter region upstream from the TATA box participates in the serum response of mouse TSP1. These experiments add support to the growing realization that similar physiologic responses of homologous genes in mouse and man need not utilize similarly placed cis-acting elements.

3T3 Cells↗

Modulation of thrombospondin expression during differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells.

The thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of extracellular glycoproteins that display distinct patterns of temporal and spatial expression during development. In this study, we investigated the expression of two of the TSPs--TPS1 and TSP2--during the course of differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells in vitro. We report that both TSP1 and TSP2 mRNA and protein synthesis are induced during the differentiation of P19EC cells into neurons, glial cells, and fibroblasts. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that TSP1 displays a fibrillar pattern of staining, characteristic of an extracellular matrix protein, in differentiated P19EC cells. In contrast, TSP2 is cell-associated and is present on differentiated P19EC cells and on primary neurons and glial cells obtained from a 17-day embryonic mouse cerebral cortex. Interestingly, although both TSP1 and TSP2 are more prevalent in areas of differentiated cells, they display distinct patterns of deposition. These observations suggest that TSP1 and TSP2 may function differently during neurogenesis. The response of TSP1 and TSP2 to differentiation of P19EC cells indicates that this cell system will serve as a valuable model for the study of TSP expression and function during neurogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thrombospondins.

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Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cell-specific expression of alpha 1(I) collagen-hGH minigenes in transgenic mice.

Sequences within the first intron of the alpha 1(I) collagen gene have been implicated in the regulation of expression of alpha 1(I) collagen-reporter gene constructs in cultured cells. However, the physiological significance of these intronic elements has not been established. We have used in situ hybridization to examine whether a cell-specific pattern of expression of human alpha 1(I) collagen-human growth hormone minigenes exists in transgenic mice. Our results indicate that transgenes which contained 2,300 bp of promoter/5' flanking sequence and an intact first intron were well expressed by fibroblasts in dermis and fascia, whereas transgenes lacking the intronic sequence, +292 to +1440, were not expressed in dermis and poorly expressed in fascia. Analysis of transgene expression in cultured fibroblasts obtained from dermal explants of transgenic animals confirmed the requirement for these intronic sequences in the regulation of the alpha 1(I) collagen gene. In contrast, transgenes with or without the intronic deletion were expressed equally well in tendon and bone, in a manner comparable to the endogenous mouse alpha 1(I) collagen gene, and expression of neither transgene was detected in skeletal muscle or perichondrium. These data support a model in which cis-acting elements in the first intron, and their cognate DNA-binding proteins, mediate transcription of the alpha 1(I) collagen gene in some cells, such as dermal fibroblasts, but not in tendon cells or osteoblasts. Moreover, regions of the gene not included in the sequence, -2300 to +1440, appear to be required for transcription in tissues such as skeletal muscle and perichondrium.

Animals↗

Transformation by v-src causes transient induction followed by repression of mouse thrombospondin-1.

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is an extracellular glycoprotein that plays a role in neoplasia, cell growth, and differentiation. We have examined the regulation of TSP-1 mRNA in cells expressing the v-src oncogene. Rat1 fibroblasts constitutively transformed by v-src expressed TSP-1 mRNA at levels that were 10- to 50-fold lower than those observed in parental, vector-transfected control cells. To analyze the kinetics of this effect, we used a line of BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts containing a thermolabile v-src gene. Prolonged culture of these cells at the permissive temperature also resulted in down-regulation of TSP-1 mRNA. However, at early time points after temperature shift of growth-arrested cells, we observed a 3- to 15-fold increase in TSP-1 mRNA. This induction was abolished by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin-A, but not by the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. The induction of TSP-1 by v-src occurred at a transcriptional level, as determined by nuclear run-on assays. Furthermore, the effect was mediated in part by a short region of the TSP-1 promoter which contains only 41 base pairs of 5' flanking DNA and 48 base pairs of the first exon. We conclude that, while overexpression of v-src results in brief transcriptional induction of TSP-1, the ultimate result of v-src transformation, at least in rodent fibroblasts, is repression of TSP-1 gene expression.

Animals↗

A serum response element and a binding site for NF-Y mediate the serum response of the human thrombospondin 1 gene.

The expression of thrombospondin 1 (TSP 1), a member of the TSP gene family, is rapidly induced by growth factors. We tested the ability of human TSP 1-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs to respond to serum in stably transfected NIH-3T3 cells. Two transcriptional elements in the TSP 1 promoter, a distal element at -1280 and a proximal element at -65, were required for the response of the human TSP 1 gene to serum. The distal element contains the 5'-CC(A + T)6GG-3' consensus sequence characteristic of a serum-response element (SRE). Deletions or mutations in this element reduced the serum response of the TSP 1 gene by 80-90%. In gel-shift assays, the -1280 element and the c-fos SRE cross-competed, whereas their functional and binding mutants did not. The proximal element contains the sequence 5'-GGCCAATGGG-3', which closely resembles the consensus binding motif for the CCAAT-binding factor NF-Y (CBF, CP1, alpha CP1). Deletions or mutations in this element also reduced the serum response by 80-90%. Methylation interference analysis of the -65 region identified a pattern of contacts with nuclear factors resembling that for NF-Y, and an NF-Y-binding site and the proximal TSP 1 element cross-competed in gel-shift assays, whereas their binding mutants did not. Finally, an abbreviated TSP 1 promoter/5'-flank, containing the SRE- and NF-Y-binding sites, mediated a serum response that was close in magnitude to that of the parent promoter. We conclude that the serum response of the human TSP 1 gene requires the coordinated function of an SRE- and NF-Y-binding site.

3T3 Cells↗

Regulation of expression of the type I collagen genes.

The identification and functional analysis of DNA-protein interactions in the intronic and 5' flanking regions of the type I collagen genes has begun to define a series of cis-elements and trans-acting factors which regulate transcription of these genes. Studies such as these will eventually be expected to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for coordinate transcription of the alpha 1 and alpha 2 genes, a question which remains central to the field of collagen research. Although it is relatively straightforward to define sites of DNA-protein binding, interpretation of the functional importance of such interactions can be extremely complex. Furthermore, while mutation or deletion of a particular binding site may alter the functional activity of a construct transfected into cultured cells, there is no guarantee that a similar change will have the same effect in vivo, where the entire gene locus is present in its native chromosomal context. Nevertheless, these kinds of in vitro studies offer the best current approach to defining and isolating transcription factors that control expression of the alpha 1 and alpha 2 genes. Ultimately, it will be necessary to test the activity of such factors (and their respective cis-elements) in defined systems in vivo.

Animals↗

Differential expression of thrombospondin 1, 2, and 3 during murine development.

Thrombospondin 1 is a secreted, trimeric glycoprotein that mediates interactions between cells and extracellular matrix and exhibits cell-specific effects on migration and proliferation. Recently, two additional thrombospondin genes (thrombospondin 2 and 3) have been identified. To study the functions of these proteins, we have used in situ hybridization and RNAse protection assays to compare the expression of the genes encoding thrombospondin 1, 2, and 3 during murine embryogenesis. Thrombospondin mRNAs were associated with ossification, neuronal organogenesis, and lung development, although transcripts were differentially expressed. Thrombospondin 1 was predominant from days 10 to 13. During this period, high but transient levels of expression were observed in the neural tube, head mesenchyme, and cardiac cushions. In contrast, a more constant level of thrombospondin 1 mRNA was apparent in resident megakaryocytes of the liver, as well as in circulating megakaryocytes; neither thrombospondin 2 nor 3 was detected in these cells. Thrombospondin 1 was also produced by cells of the developing kidney and gut. The expression of thrombospondin 2 was confined principally to organized connective tissue that included pericardium, pleura, perichondrium, periosteum, meninges, ligaments, and reticular dermis. Thrombospondin 2 was also produced by differentiating skeletal myoblasts and by cells of the kidney and gut. Moreover, high levels of expression were detected in blood vessels. Thrombospondin 3 mRNA was restricted to brain, cartilage, and lung. Although thrombospondin 1, 2, and 3 belong to a family of structurally related genes, the differences observed in the spatiotemporal distribution of the corresponding mRNAs indicate unique functions for these secreted proteins.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of the mouse thrombospondin 3 (Thbs3) gene.

The DNA sequence of the coding region of the mouse thrombospondin (TSP) 3 gene has been determined by analysis of both genomic and cDNA clones. Like TSP1 and TSP2, TSP3 has a homologous COOH-terminal domain and seven type III (Ca(2+)-binding) repeats. However, TSP3 contains four, rather than three, type II repeats and lacks the type I (TSP or properdin) repeats and procollagen homology characteristic of TSP1 and TSP2. In addition, the NH2-terminal domain of TSP3 differs markedly, both in sequence and in exon/intron structure, from that in TSP1 or TSP2. The gene is located on mouse chromosome 3, bands E3-F1, immediately upstream from the Muc1 (episialin) gene and is expressed in the developing mouse in a pattern that also differs from that of TSP1 or TSP2. Based on its structure, we suggest that TSP3 may play both a unique role in cell-matrix interactions and perform functions that overlap with those of TSP1 and TSP2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of the mouse thrombospondin 2 gene.

We have characterized the exon/intron organization, complete 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR), and approximately 2.5 kb of the promoter/5' flanking region of the mouse thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) gene. The sizes of exons and the pattern of interruption of the reading frame by introns are highly conserved in mouse TSP2 in comparison with mouse or human TSP1, a finding that suggests a close evolutionary relationship between the two genes. The TSP2 and TSP1 genes are also similar in that the 3'-UTRs of both genes contain multiple TATT and ATTT(A) motifs that might function as mediators of mRNA stability. However, the sequences of the promoter regions in TSP1 and TSP2 are very different; in particular, the TSP2 gene lacks the serum response element and the NF-Y binding site that have been implicated in the serum response of the human TSP1 gene. The structure of the TSP2 gene is consistent with emerging evidence supporting the view that TSP1 and TSP2 perform overlapping but distinct functions.

Animals↗

Differential expression of SPARC and thrombospondin 1 in wound repair: immunolocalization and in situ hybridization.

SPARC and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) are secreted glycoproteins expressed by similar types of cells in culture and in tissues. To compare these two proteins in vivo, we analyzed the differential expression of SPARC and TSP-1 during wound repair. Full-thickness incision wounds were made in rats and biopsied at 12 hr-14 days. Antibodies against SPARC revealed an increased proportion of immunoreactive fibroblastic cells at the wound edge at 3 days with maximal numbers at 7 days. In situ hybridization for SPARC produced results consistent with those of immunohistochemistry. With combined immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, some of the macrophages at the wound edge expressed SPARC mRNA. In contrast, immunoreactivity for TSP-1 was extracellular; expression at the wound edge was noted at 12 hr and was maximal at 1-2 days. TSP-1 mRNA was found in the thrombus, but not at the wound edge. In conclusion, SPARC and TSP-1 have contrasting roles during wound healing. SPARC expression from the middle through late stages of repair was consistent with its previously proposed functions in remodeling; in contrast, the transient expression of TSP-1 early in repair might facilitate the action of other proteins in recruitment and/or proliferation of cells in the healing wound.

Animals↗

Thrombospondin 3 (Thbs3), a new member of the thrombospondin gene family.

A third member of the thrombospondin gene family (Thbs3) has been partially characterized in the mouse. In both the mouse and humans, the Thbs3/THBS3 gene is located immediately upstream from the Muc1/MUC1 (episialin) gene; less than 3 kilobases separate the polyadenylation signal of one gene from the start of transcription of the other. The available coding sequence in Thbs3 shows a high degree of amino acid sequence identity to Thbs1 and Thbs2 (58 and 59%, respectively, in exons 15 and 16), but the exon/intron organization of Thbs3 appears to be more disparate than that of the two previously described members of the family. The shorter length of the Thbs3 mRNA (3.5 kilobases) can be attributed largely to a shorter 3'-untranslated region. The Thbs3 gene is expressed in a distinctive pattern in mouse tissues, with the highest level of expression in lung. This pattern suggests a unique function for the translation product of the Thbs3 gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Modulation of thrombospondin gene expression during osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells.

The levels of expression of two related extracellular matrix protein genes, thrombospondins 1 and 2 (TSP1 and TSP2), were analyzed in the mouse osteogenic cell line, MC3T3-E1. To monitor differentiation, we also measured two potential markers of the osteoblastic phenotype, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA levels. TSP1 mRNA levels increased 10- to 15-fold during the first nine days of osteoblastic conversion, and then dropped to a level still significantly above baseline values. This increase in TSP1 mRNA closely paralleled that observed in ALP activity. In contrast, TSP2 mRNA levels were unchanged throughout the 21-day time course. These findings suggest that TSP1 is a marker for osteoblast differentiation and could play a role in the cellular changes that accompany acquisition of the osteoblastic phenotype in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Thrombospondins: structure and regulation of expression.

Thrombospondin (TSP) is a large, trimeric, modular glycoprotein that is a major constituent of platelet alpha granules. TSP is also secreted by a wide variety of epithelial and mesenchymal cells in patterns that reflect developmental changes in the embryo and response to injury in the adult. In addition to its role in blood coagulation, TSP has been reported to serve both adhesive and anti-adhesive functions, to foster neurite outgrowth, stimulate and inhibit cell growth and migration, and inhibit angiogenesis. Although this diversity in apparent function can be attributed, in part, to the ability of a single TSP to interact with several different cell-surface receptors, it is now known that the TSPs are encoded by at least three homologous genes in both human and mouse. TSP1, the commonly recognized protein isolated from platelets, is similar to TSP2 in structure. Both proteins contain NH2-terminal, COOH-terminal, and procollagen homology domains, and type I (TSP or properdin), type II (EGF-like), and type III (Ca(2+)-binding) repeats. However, the two TSPs differ in amino acid sequence and in the regulation of their expression. TSP1 is rapidly induced by serum and growth factors. An SRE and a binding site for NF-Y have been shown to mediate the serum response of the human TSP1 gene. On the other hand, TSP2 is far less responsive to serum than TSP1 and lacks the promoter elements that mediate the serum responsiveness of TSP1. TSP3 resembles TSP1 and TSP2 in its COOH-terminal domain and type III repeats, but contains four rather than three type II repeats and lacks type I repeats and a procollagen homology. The NH2-terminal domain of TSP3 also differs from that of either TSP1 or TSP2. All three TSPs demonstrate characteristic patterns of expression in the developing and adult mouse. It is therefore likely that each protein subserves a discrete function. In the future it will be necessary to distinguish among the three TSPs in addressing the function of these proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗