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Biomedical subjects

R Robinson

Publications and source records attributed to R Robinson.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Expression of the neu gene-encoded protein (P185neu) in human non-small cell carcinomas of the lung.

The neu protooncogene is a recently described transforming gene originally isolated from ethylnitrosourea-induced rat neuroblastomas. We have examined the expression of the neu gene in human non-small cell lung carcinomas using immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry. The neu protein product (p185neu) was present in eight of 22 non-small cell carcinoma cell lines derived from human lung tumors. Expression of p185neu was found in all histological subtypes of non-small cell carcinomas including large cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas. Extension of these data to biopsy specimens of human lung tumors demonstrated that normal ciliated bronchial epithelium of the peripheral airways expressed p185neu at low levels. Neoplastic cells in four of 12 adenocarcinomas and three of five squamous cell carcinomas also expressed p185neu at levels higher than the normal ciliated bronchial epithelium. Together these studies indicate that p185neu expression is a common feature of human lung tumors.

Biopsy↗

Polyoma DNA replication dependent upon growth condition of SEWA sarcoma cells.

Extrachromosomal replication of viral DNA sequences has been observed in transformed as well as in normal cells following "stress"-inducing treatments. To explore the effect of growth conditions on the ability to support such replication, we analyzed SEWA sarcoma cells that grew subcutaneously or as ascites tumors in vivo as well as cell lines that were established from each of these tumors. The replicative form of polyoma DNA sequences was observed in SEWA tumors grown in ascites fluids but not in cells maintained as solid tumors. Polyoma DNA replication was found in ascites-derived cells that were adapted to grow in culture, only when the cultured cells are stimulated with UV irradiation. Immunoprecipitation of T antigens enabled detection of large T antigen only in the ascites-derived cells. The mechanisms that may regulate this phenomenon and the possible role large T may play in different growth conditions of SEWA cells are discussed.

Animals↗

Synergistic action of white spotting genes in the Syrian hamster (Rodentia, Cricetidae).

The phenotypic interaction of three mutant genes Ba, Ds and Wh are quantitatively analysed for proportion of white areas in the coat. Each of the genes individually induces a characteristic amount of white spotting which is synergistically enhanced in combination. So much so, that the genotypes Ba+Ds+Wh+ has an almost or completely white coat.

Analysis of Variance↗

Haemorrhagic pancreatitis--a cause of death in severe potassium permanganate poisoning.

Severe potassium permanganate poisoning (more than 10 g of potassium permanganate) is invariably associated with massive systemic upset and death. Multiple organ damage has been recognized as an inevitable consequence of such an overdose, although pancreatitis has not been previously reported. Death due to cardiovascular collapse and profound hypotension is a common end point in those who reach hospital, but the pathogenesis is uncertain. We report a case of haemorrhagic pancreatitis following an overdose of potassium permanganate and suggest that this complication may be an unrecognized factor contributing to the extremely high mortality rate associated with this condition.

Acute Disease↗

Acute changes in atherogenic and thrombogenic factors with cessation of smoking.

Tobacco smoking is associated with alterations in several factors considered to be important in the atherosclerotic process. Thirty chronic smokers were studied 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after complete tobacco withdrawal. Significant reductions in fibrinogen, haematocrit, plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity as well as a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol were observed. As these factors are important in both atherogenesis and thrombogenesis, these observations may give insight into tobacco-induced atherosclerotic disease and may be responsible for the more rapid reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease that is believed to occur after stopped smoking.

Adult↗

Binding of trans-dominant mutant Rev protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to the cis-acting Rev-responsive element does not affect the fate of viral mRNA.

The binding of Rev protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to the cis-acting Rev-responsive element (RRE) was compared to the binding of a trans-dominant Rev mutant. RevBL, which inhibits Rev function. Rev and RevBL expressed in bacteria were purified and shown to bind in vitro to the RRE with similar affinities. The study of the RRE mutants indicated that Rev and RevBL bind to the same target within the RRE in vitro and in vivo. In vivo experiments demonstrated that RevBL did not increase the steady-state levels of HIV-1 mRNA or protein. These experiments suggested that additional cellular factors interacting with Rev but not with RevBL are necessary for function. The Rex protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is similar to Rev and acts through a sequence named Rex-responsive element (RXRE) located in the long terminal repeat of HTLV-I. We examined the function of RevBL on a hybrid mRNA molecule containing both the RRE and RXRE. While RevBL prevented Rev function, it did not affect Rex function on the mRNA containing either the RXRE or both the RRE and RXRE. Therefore, binding of RevBL to the RRE had neither positive nor negative effects on the mRNA, since this mRNA could be efficiently utilized in the presence of a functional Rex-RXRE interaction. The results obtained in vivo and in vitro strongly suggest that RevBL inhibits Rev function by binding to the same site as Rev and preventing Rev binding and function.

Gene Expression Regulation, Viral↗

Primary structure and possible origin of the non-glycosylated basic proline-rich protein of human submandibular/sublingual saliva.

Human submandibular/sublingual saliva contains one non-glycosylated basic proline-rich protein whereas parotid saliva contains multiple such components. The submandibular protein has a primary structure identical with the C-terminal segment [TZ] of the human parotid acidic proline-rich proteins that contain 150 amino acid residues (Mr 16,000). Northern-blot analyses of human parotid and submandibular glands revealed that mRNAs containing the HaeIII repeat sequence typical for acidic proline-rich proteins are expressed in both of these salivary glands whereas mRNAs for non-glycosylated basic proline-rich proteins containing a typical BstN1 repeat sequence are expressed in the parotid but not in the submandibular gland. Products of translation in vitro of mRNAs from human parotid and submandibular glands were also examined. Two immunoprecipitable bands with Mr 29,000 and 28,000 were obtained by translation of both parotid and submandibular mRNA. In the presence of microsomal membranes these proteins gave rise to proteins electrophoretically identical with the secreted acidic proline-rich proteins of Mr 16,000. These proteins were cleaved by kallikrein, giving rise to proteins with electrophoretic mobilities identical with those of a smaller acidic proline-rich protein with Mr 11,000 and peptide TZ. Additional immunoprecipitable bands with Mr ranging from 35,000 to 46,000 were seen when parotid mRNA was used for translation in vitro, and are believed to be precursors of the basic proline-rich proteins encoded by the BstN1 repeat type mRNA. Neither these bands nor a separate precursor for the basic non-glycosylated proline-rich protein was detected when submandibular mRNA was used for translation in vitro. It is suggested that the non-glycosylated basic proline-rich protein present in human submandibular saliva arises by cleavage of acidic proline-rich proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Loss of alpha I type I collagen gene expression in rat clonal bone cell lines is accompanied by DNA methylation.

Four clonal cell lines subcloned from a clonal population of fetal rat calvaria cells show a loss of type I collagen synthesis. Northern blot analysis showed that the level of alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA expression in each of the clonal populations parallels the level of collagen protein expression in each of these cell lines. The methylation pattern of the collagen gene in these clonal cell lines was determined using the restriction endonucleases MspI and HpaII. It was found that the loss in collagen type I expression correlated positively with the degree of methylation of alpha 1(I) procollagen genes, indicating that methylation of CpG may be an important mechanism of collagen gene regulation.

Animals↗

An extreme allele of hooded spotting in the Norway rat.

A new allele (he) of hooded white spotting is described. The typical homozygous phenotype is an almost or completely white rat. The almost white animals have variable coloured spots on the sides of the head, usually around or above the eyes or covering the ears. Superficially, the eyes are dark but careful examination shows that pupil glows a dull red in bright illumination in all or the majority of individuals.

Alleles↗

Inheritance of coat colour in the Anatolian shepherd dog.

The predominant colour of the Anatolian Shepherd dog varies from a dark fawn to light red, with a variable black muzzle and face (mask). Evidence is presented that the colour is due to the dominant yellow allele (Ay) of the agouti locus. Two other frequent colours are white spotting, due to the piebald allele (sp), and the chinchilla allele (ch). Two rarer colours are the agouti wolf-grey wild type (A+) and a light fawn with a blue facial mask, due to the dilution allele (d).

Alleles↗

Activation of HIV LTR-directed expression: analysis with pseudorabies virus immediate early gene.

The long terminal repeat (LTR) region of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), which regulates viral gene expression, is modulated by viral trans-acting proteins of HIV and DNA viruses and by biologically active chemical agents that induce cellular proliferation and/or differentiation. The pseudorabies virus immediate early gene (PIE) shares similar transcriptional trans-activating properties with the gene products of several other DNA viruses. The transient expression chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) assays in HeLa cells transfected with HIV long terminal repeat (LTR)-CAT and PIE plasmids demonstrated trans-activation of the HIV LTR by PIE. Analyses of 5' deletion mutants and site-directed Sp1 and transactivation responsive (TAR) region mutants of the LTR indicated PIE-responsive sequences located between -65 and -17. Synergistic cooperativity between PIE and the HIV-1 tat protein was demonstrated. PIE exhibited a marked stimulatory effect upon HIV replication in HeLa cells transfected with a biologically active HIV proviral DNA. These data provide evidence that, like a number of other DNA containing viruses, PRV can trans-activate HIV gene expression.

Chromosome Mapping↗