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P Pinton

Publications and source records attributed to P Pinton.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Construction of a swine YAC library allowing an efficient recovery of unique and centromeric repeated sequences.

A swine DNA genomic library was constructed in yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) using the pYAC4 vector and the AB1380 strain. The DNA prepared from two Large White males was partially digested with EcoRI and size selected after both digestion and ligation. The YAC library contained 33792 arrayed clones with an average size of 280 kb as estimated by analysis of 2% of the clones, thus representing a threefold coverage of the swine haploid genome. The library was organized in pools to facilitate the PCR screening. The complexity of the library was tested both for unique and centromeric repeated sequences. In all, 20 out of 22 primer sets allowed the characterization of one to six clones containing specific unique sequences. These sequences are known to be on Chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, and X. Eight additional clones carrying centromeric repeat units were also isolated with a single primer set. The sequencing of 37 distinct repeat units of about 340 bp subcloned from these eight YACs revealed high sequence diversity indicating the existence of numerous centromeric repeat unit subfamilies in swine. Furthermore, the analysis of the restriction patterns with selected enzymes suggested a higher order organization of the repeat units. According to preliminary FISH experiments on a small number of randomly chosen YACs and YACs carrying specific sequences, the chimerism appeared to be low. In addition, primed in situ labeling experiments favored the idea that the YACs with centromeric repeat sequences were derived from a subset of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes.

Animals↗

Contribution to the physically anchored linkage map of the pig.

Thirty-three microsatellites have been mapped on the PiGMaP porcine genetic map. By comparison with the previously published PiGMaP maps, the maps of chromosome 2 (140 cM/70 cM) and chromosome 3 (180 cM/110 cM) were extended and new markers were mapped on the p-arm extremity of chromosome 7 and on the centromeric extremity of chromosome 15. New orders are proposed for markers on chromosomes 3 and 17. Six microsatellites isolated from cosmids were also localized on the cytogenetic map by fluorescent in situ hybridization. We tested the subcloning ligation mixture-polymerase chain reaction (SLiM-PCR) method for isolating microsatellites from cosmids. Subcloning is more effective when the cosmid harbours several microsatellites whereas SLiM-PCR is more straightforward when the cosmid contains a single microsatellite. Fifteen anonymous microsatellites were regionally assigned by using a hybrid cell panel. For map integration, the determination of a regional assignment of anonymous microsatellites by using a hybrid cell panel offers an alternative to microsatellite isolation from cosmids and their localizations by in situ hybridization.

Animals↗

Human and porcine correspondence of chromosome segments using bidirectional chromosome painting.

The aim of this study was to determine the correspondence between human and porcine chromosome fragments using whole chromosome painting probes from both species in heterologous hybridization experiments (bidirectional heterologous chromosome painting). Bidirectional experiments allow the determination of segment-to-segment homologies between the chromosomes of these two species. Chromosome-specific painting probes from both species were, except one, obtained by DOP-PCR or PARM-PCR amplification of flow-sorted chromosomes. The probes labeled 95% of the total length of the porcine chromosomes with human painting probes and 60% of the human chromosomes in the reverse experiments. Syntenic relationships of chromosomal segments on the karyotype of both species were determined. There was close agreement between com- parative gene mapping data and the identified homologous segments; this comparison enabled orientation of the segments. We demonstrate that bidirectional heterologous chromosome painting is a highly efficient way of generating comparative cytogenetic maps.

Animals↗

Chromosomal localization of homeobox genes and associated markers on porcine chromosomes 3, 5, 12, 15, 16 and 18: comparative mapping study with human and mouse.

Four homeobox genes that belong to the four homeobox gene clusters known in mammals have been regionally assigned to four distinct porcine chromosomes in conserved regions between human and pig. HOXA11, HOXB6, HOXC8, and HOXD4 genes were mapped by radioactive in situ hybridization to porcine Chromosomes (Chrs) 18q21-24 (with a secondary signal in 16q14-21), 12p11-12, 5p11-12, and 15q22-23 respectively. Besides, we have also revealed the presence of a porcine homeobox (pig Hbx24) which, although showing DNA sequence homology with a mouse gene of HOXB cluster, was located on porcine Chr 3 (3p14-13) outside the Hox clusters. To support the identity of the homeobox gene clusters analyzed and in the light of the high sequence similarity among homeobox genes, we also localized markers known to be mapped near each Hox cluster in human. In this way, four genes were also mapped in pig: GAPD (5q12-21), GAD1 (15q21-22), INHBA (18q24), and IGFBP3 (18q24). Mapping of HOXA11, INHBA, and IGFBP3 on pig Chr 18 constitutes the first assignments of genes on this small chromosome. These new localizations extend the information on the conservation of four human chromosomal regions in the pig genome.

Animals↗

A somatic cell hybrid panel for pig regional gene mapping characterized by molecular cytogenetics.

A panel of 27 pig x rodent somatic cell hybrids was produced and characterized cytogenetically. The first step of this study consisted of hybridizing a SINE probe to GTG-banded metaphases of each hybrid clone in order to count and identify the normal pig chromosomes and to detect rearranged ones. The second step consisted of using the DNA of each clone as a probe after pIRS-PCR (porcine interspersed repetitive sequence-polymerase chain reaction) amplification to highly enrich it in pig sequences. These probes, hybridized to normal pig metaphase chromosomes, enabled the identification of the complete porcine complement in the hybrid lines. Whole chromosomes and fragments were characterized quickly and precisely, and results were compared. In addition to this cytogenetic characterization, molecular verification was also carried out by using primers specific to six microsatellites and to one gene previously mapped to pig chromosomes. The results obtained allow us to conclude that we have produced a panel that is informative for all porcine chromosomes. This panel constitutes a highly efficient tool to establish not only assignments of genes and markers but also regional localizations on pig chromosomes.

Animals↗

Preferential induction of c-fos versus c-jun protooncogene during the immediate early response of pig skin to gamma-rays.

The involvement of the nuclear protooncogenes c-fos and c-jun in the immediate early response of pig dermis cells was studied after in vivo gamma-irradiation. Following high radiation doses (8 to 48 Gy), the two protooncogenes were concomitantly induced, although c-fos induction was preferential. Both inductions were time and dose dependent. Therefore, the early response of the skin to high doses of radiation might involve heterodimeric activator protein 1 composed of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins. Following low radiation doses (0.5 to 2 Gy), c-jun was not induced. By contrast, dramatic c-fos induction was observed after 0.5 Gy, suggesting a specific role for c-fos at low doses.

Animals↗

Temporal modulation of TGF-beta 1 and beta-actin gene expression in pig skin and muscular fibrosis after ionizing radiation.

Although radiation-induced fibrosis has long been characterized by excess fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition, the origin of cell activation in these complications of radiotherapy or radiation accidents is still controversial. The present work was designed to test the hypothesis that the abnormal production of TGF-beta 1 in irradiated tissues results in continuous signals for tissue repair and long-term cell activation. We examined gene expression of this growth factor in a well-characterized pig model of radiation-induced fibrosis, using Northern-blot and slot-blot hybridizations and indirect immunofluorescence. We found that the TGF-beta 1 mRNA level was increased 19-fold in the irradiated skin during the early erythematous phase, which started 3 weeks after irradiation. During the later phases of fibrosis, from 6 to 12 months after irradiation, the TGF-beta 1 gene was highly expressed in the repaired skin and the underlying muscular fibrotic tissue, with 10- and 8-fold maximal increases, respectively. In addition, we found that the beta-actin mRNA level was increased in the fibrotic tissue. Immunostaining for TGF-beta 1 revealed the presence of the protein in endothelial cells of capillaries, in myofibroblasts, and in the collagenous matrix of the fibrotic tissue. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may be one of the key cytokines involved in the cascade of events that leads to radiation-induced fibrosis, at both early and late stages.

Actins↗

Chromosomal anomalies in radiation-induced fibrosis in the pig.

R-banded karyotypes were established on fibroblasts from fibrotic tissues derived from experimental fibrosis induced in pigs, either surgically or by 64 Gy of gamma-rays from iridium-192. No chromosome aberrations were observed in the surgical fibrosis. In radiation-induced fibrosis, the high frequency of abnormal karyotypes and the frequent complexity of the chromosomal rearrangements suggest that the fibroblasts originated either from the 64-Gy area, or from the penumbra, but certainly not from non-irradiated areas. At early passages in vitro, almost all karyotypes were different, demonstrating a multiclonal origin of fibrotic tissue. At late passages (above 24), the situation was quite different, with the persistence of one or two clones only, demonstrating a strong selective pressure occurring in vitro.

Animals↗

Endoplasmic reticulum, Bcl-2 and Ca2+ handling in apoptosis.

In the complex signalling interplay that allows extracellular signals to be decoded into activation of apoptotic cell death, Ca(2+) plays a significant role. This is supported not only by evidence linking alterations in Ca(2+) homeostasis to the triggering of apoptotic (and in some cases necrotic) cell death, but also by recent data indicating that a key anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, has a direct effect on ER Ca(2+) handling. We will briefly summarise the first aspect, and describe in more detail these new data, demonstrating that (i) Bcl-2 reduces the state of filling of the ER Ca(2+) store and (ii) this Ca(2+) signalling alteration renders the cells less sensitive to apoptotic stimuli. Overall, these results suggest that calcium homeostasis may represent a pharmacological target in the fundamental pathological process of apoptosis.

Animals↗

[Abciximab in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes by angioplasty and stents].

Stents are indicated in the prevention and treatment of coronary occlusion and restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. ReoPro (abciximab) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody interfering with the IIb-IIIa glycoprotein platelet receptor. Its efficacy in preventing ischaemic events after coronary angioplasty was evaluated in the EPIC, EPILOG and CAPTURE studies. In these studies, 525 (9.6 per cent) patients were treated with coronary angioplasty and stent. Amongst them, 388 were in a bail-out situation (73.4 per cent). Results showed a significant reduction in the principal criterion (death, myocardial infarction, revascularization procedures) occurrence at 30 days (60.3 per cent; p < 0.001) and at 6 months (23.7 per cent; p = 0.043) and good safety. The greatest reduction was observed in the bail-out situation. Its efficacy must be confirmed by specific studies including health economy data in order to define the place of such an association amongst future therapies.

Abciximab↗