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R R Reed

Publications and source records attributed to R R Reed.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Identification of a specialized adenylyl cyclase that may mediate odorant detection.

The mammalian olfactory system may transduce odorant information via a G protein-mediated adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) cascade. A newly discovered adenylyl cyclase, termed type III, has been cloned, and its expression was localized to olfactory neurons. The type III protein resides in the sensory neuronal cilia, which project into the nasal lumen and are accessible to airborne odorants. The enzymatic activity of the type III adenylyl cyclase appears to differ from nonsensory cyclases. The large difference seen between basal and stimulated activity for the type III enzyme could allow considerable modulation of the intracellular cAMP concentration. This property may represent one mechanism of achieving sensitivity in odorant perception.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1990

Primary structure and functional expression of a cyclic nucleotide-activated channel from olfactory neurons.

Odorant signal transduction occurs in the specialized cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons. Considerable biochemical evidence now indicates that this process could be mediated by a G protein-coupled cascade using cyclic AMP as an intracellular second messenger. A stimulatory G protein alpha subunit is expressed at high levels in olfactory neurons and is specifically enriched in the cilia, as is a novel form of adenylyl cyclase. This implies that the olfactory transduction cascade might involve unique molecular components. Electrophysiological studies have identified a cyclic nucleotide-activated ion channel in olfactory cilia. These observations provide evidence for a model in which odorants increase intracellular cAMP concentration, which in turn activates this channel and depolarizes the sensory neuron. An analogous cascade regulating a cGMP-gated channel mediates visual transduction in photoreceptor cells. The formal similarities between olfactory and visual transduction suggest that the two systems might use homologous channels. Here we report the molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of a channel that is likely to mediate olfactory transduction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Biochemical characterization of three stimulatory GTP-binding proteins. The large and small forms of Gs and the olfactory-specific G-protein, Golf.

The biochemical properties of three stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) alpha subunits, the large and small forms of Gs, Gs-l (52 kDa) and Gs-s (45 kDa), and the olfactory specific G-protein, Golf, have been compared. Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding each alpha subunit were independently expressed in a mammalian cell line deficient in endogenous stimulatory G-proteins (S49 cyc-kin-). Gs-l and Gs-s respond similarly to activation by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (EC50 = 80 and 60 nM, respectively) and the receptor-independent G-protein activators guanosine 5-O-3-(thio)triphosphate) (GTP gamma S) and AlF-4. The ability of Golf to interact with the beta-adrenergic receptor was also examined. Surprisingly, Golf interacts with beta-adrenergic receptors and is activated by isoproterenol (EC50 = 120 nM). All three G-proteins respond similarly to treatment with different alpha, beta, and gamma thiophosphoryl analogs of GTP. Specifically, (R)-GTP alpha S and GTP gamma S activate each G-protein, whereas (S)-GTP alpha S and (R)- or (S)-GTP beta S are inactive. In addition, similar to Gs alpha, Golf alpha is covalently modified and constitutively activated by cholera toxin. These studies demonstrate that all three stimulatory G-proteins are functionally and structurally similar, however, subtle differences between Golf and the two forms of Gs appear to modulate their interactions with receptors.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1990

Isolation and characterization of the alpha platelet-derived growth factor receptor from rat olfactory epithelium.

We have cloned and characterized a new member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. The cDNA clone, isolated from a rat olfactory cDNA library, has considerable homology to the family of receptors that includes the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, the c-kit proto-oncogene, and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors. Analysis of DNA sequence homology, ligand-binding, and ligand-stimulated phosphorylation data suggests that this clone encodes the rat PDGF-A/B or alpha-receptor. Comparison of its sequence to those of other receptors allows us to postulate a mechanism for receptor dimerization and activation. The expression of the rat alpha-PDGF receptor in nonneuronal cells of the olfactory epithelium and in the olfactory bulb is consistent with a role for PDGF in glial cell generation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

G protein diversity and the regulation of signaling pathways.

The subunits of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins mediate the transfer of information from receptor to effector molecules. Biochemical studies and recent molecular cloning efforts have revealed a rich but largely unexpected diversity in G protein subunit structure and function. Extreme specificity in signaling pathways could be accommodated by the combinatorial association of individual subunits. Alternatively, this wealth of diversity may allow for the simultaneous activation of related G alpha subunits and the modulation of several effector systems. In tissues where the subunits are expressed at different levels, activation of receptors could stimulate distinct effector pathways. Mutations in individual subunits as well as alterations in their level of expression can lead to profound physiological changes. The mechanisms that underlie these changes are being elucidated and will provide insight into the complex regulatory processes associated with the large G protein subunit family.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Adenylyl cyclase amino acid sequence: possible channel- or transporter-like structure.

Complementary DNA's that encode an adenylyl cyclase were isolated from a bovine brain library. Most of the deduced amino acid sequence of 1134 residues is divisible into two alternating sets of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. Each of the two large hydrophobic domains appears to contain six transmembrane spans. Each of the two large hydrophilic domains contains a sequence that is homologous to a single cytoplasmic domain of several guanylyl cyclases; these sequences may represent nucleotide binding sites. An unexpected topographical resemblance between adenylyl cyclase and various plasma membrane channels and transporters was observed. This structural complexity suggests possible, unappreciated functions for this important enzyme.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1989

Golf: an olfactory neuron specific-G protein involved in odorant signal transduction.

Biochemical and electrophysiological studies suggest that odorants induce responses in olfactory sensory neurons via an adenylate cyclase cascade mediated by a G protein. An olfactory-specific guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein alpha subunit has now been characterized and evidence is presented suggesting that this G protein, termed Golf, mediates olfaction. Messenger RNA that encodes Golf alpha is expressed in olfactory neuroephithelium but not in six other tissues tested. Moreover, within the olfactory epithelium, Golf alpha appears to be expressed only by the sensory neurons. Specific antisera were used to localize Golf alpha protein to the sensory apparatus of the receptor neurons. Golf alpha shares extensive amino acid identity (88 percent) with the stimulatory G protein, Gs alpha. The expression of Golf alpha in S49 cyc- kin- cells, a line deficient in endogenous stimulatory G proteins, demonstrates its capacity to stimulate adenylate cyclase in a heterologous system.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1988

Molecular cloning of odorant-binding protein: member of a ligand carrier family.

Odorant-binding protein (OBP) is found in nasal epithelium, and it selectively binds odorants. Three complementary DNAs encoding rat odorant-binding protein have now been cloned and sequenced. One clone contains an open reading frame predicted to encode an 18,091-dalton protein. RNA blot analysis confirms the localization of OBP messenger RNA in the nasal epithelium. This OBP has 33 percent amino acid identity to alpha 2-microglobulin, a secreted plasma protein. Other members of an alpha 2-microglobulin superfamily bind and transport hydrophobic ligands. Thus, OBP probably binds and carries odorants within the nasal epithelium to putative olfactory receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Chromosomal localization of genes encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunits in mouse and human.

A variety of genes have been identified that specify the synthesis of the components of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). Eight different guanine nucleotide-binding alpha-subunit proteins, two different beta subunits, and one gamma subunit have been described. Hybridization of cDNA clones with DNA from human-mouse somatic cell hybrids was used to assign many of these genes to human chromosomes. The retinal-specific transducin subunit genes GNAT1 and GNAT2 were on chromosomes 3 and 1; GNAI1, GNAI2, and GNAI3 were assigned to chromosomes 7, 3, and 1, respectively; GNAZ and GNAS were found on chromosomes 22 and 20. The beta subunits were also assigned--GNB1 to chromosome 1 and GNB2 to chromosome 7. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to map the homologues of some of these genes in the mouse. GNAT1 and GNAI2 were found to map adjacent to each other on mouse chromosome 9 and GNAT2 was mapped on chromosome 17. The mouse GNB1 gene was assigned to chromosome 19. These mapping assignments will be useful in defining the extent of the G alpha gene family and may help in attempts to correlate specific genetic diseases with genes corresponding to G proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

G protein mRNA mapped in rat brain by in situ hybridization.

Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) mediate many receptor-coupled signal transduction events. We have localized in rat brain by in situ hybridization the mRNA for the G protein subunits--G alpha s, G alpha o, and G beta. Oligonucleotide probes were radiolabeled by a technique that resulted in a probe of defined specific activity and uniform length. mRNA species encoding G alpha s and G beta occur in high densities heterogeneously throughout the brain, especially in large neuronal cell bodies--e.g., hippocampal pyramidal cells, granule cells of the dentate gyrus, hypothalamic nuclei, and neurons of brainstem nuclei and the reticular formation. G alpha o mRNA has a more limited distribution and abundance, being detectable in the claustrum, endopiriform nucleus, habenula, hippocampal pyramidal cells, granule cells of the dentate gyrus, and cerebellar Purkinje cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The deprofessionalization of medicine. Causes, effects, and responses.

In this article, we examine the components of medical professionalism; identify the roots of the loss of professional autonomy by physicians in the United States--a process that, in effect, is leading to the deprofessionalization of American medicine; discuss why such deprofessionalization is undesirable for the society; and explore three health care delivery systems and their effects on deprofessionalization. We suggest that a system based on organizations set up and directed by physicians will be the system that best preserves medical professionalism and serves the public interest.

Foundations↗
PubMed1987

Molecular cloning of five GTP-binding protein cDNA species from rat olfactory neuroepithelium.

Biochemical studies in vertebrate olfactory tissue indicate that certain odorants stimulate adenylyl cyclase in a GTP-dependent manner. Additionally, immunochemical and toxin-labeling studies demonstrate the presence of several GTP-binding protein (G-protein) species in vertebrate olfactory epithelium. To identify the G-protein(s) responsible for olfactory signal transduction, we screened a rat olfactory cDNA library with an oligonucleotide probe and isolated 32 recombinant clones encoding five distinct types of G-protein alpha subunits. The majority of the clones encoded G alpha s, while the remaining clones encoded G alpha o, G alpha i1, G alpha i2, and a novel species, G alpha i3. Messenger RNA corresponding to each G alpha was detectable in all tissues examined; however, the levels for a given G alpha varied in a tissue-specific manner. In olfactory tissue, G alpha s was the most abundant of these messages and in combination with the biochemical studies suggests that G alpha s is the G-protein component of the olfactory signal transduction cascade.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Isolation of an olfactory cDNA: similarity to retinol-binding protein suggests a role in olfaction.

Molecular cloning techniques were used to isolate and characterize a protein possibly involved in the signal transducing system in olfactory tissue of the frog Rana pipiens. A complementary DNA library was constructed with messenger RNA obtained from frog olfactory neuroepithelium. A 700-base pair complementary DNA clone encoding a protein with a molecular weight of 20,300 was identified by differential hybridization analysis with polyadenylated RNA from olfactory epithelium and nonsensory respiratory epithelium. The messenger RNA corresponding to this clone was abundant in the cells of Bowman's glands in olfactory tissue but not in respiratory epithelium nor in several other tissues. The predicted sequence of this protein is homologous to members of a family of proteins that bind and transport small molecules in serum, suggesting that this protein may also bind and transport odorants in the mucus secreted by Bowman's glands.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1986

Trans-acting elements modulate expression of the human c-myc gene in Burkitt lymphoma cells.

We have used a competition assay to identify the targets of trans-acting elements that modulate the expression of the human c-myc gene (designated MYC in human gene nomenclature). For this purpose, a c-myc hybrid indicator gene was formed by joining the c-myc promoter region, first noncoding exon, and intron to the bacterial gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). The test assay consisted of cotransfecting the indicator gene with competing fragments of DNA derived from suspected control regions of the c-myc gene. Such experiments test the hypothesis that control regions are often targets for the binding of trans-acting regulatory factors that can be diverted to competing fragments of DNA. A negatively acting element will be diverted from the indicator gene, allowing the gene's enhanced expression, whereas a positively acting element will behave oppositely. Control indicator genes driven by non-myc promoters assess the specificity of the effect. Using this approach, we find three c-myc regions that are capable of enhancing the expression of the indicator gene in competition assays (i.e., putative sites of negative modulation). In addition, we find sequences near the c-myc promoters that suppress expression in competition assays (i.e., putative binding sites of positively acting factors). These results, with appropriate controls, suggest the existence of target sites near the c-myc gene that specifically modulate its expression both positively and negatively. Their locations fit well with regions damaged or lost in many Burkitt lymphoma and murine plasmacytoma translocations.

Acetyltransferases↗