Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Damjanovich

Publications and source records attributed to S Damjanovich.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The CD45 tyrosine phosphatase regulates Campath-1H (CD52)-induced TCR-dependent signal transduction in human T cells.

Campath-1H, a humanized mAb undergoing clinical trials for treatment of leukemia, transplantation and autoimmune diseases, produces substantial lymphocyte depletion in vivo. The antibody binds to CD52, a highly glycosylated molecule attached to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Cross-linked Campath-1H is known to activate T cells in vitro. We have investigated the molecular basis for these effects by comparing the protein tyrosine phosphorylation signals induced by Campath-1H and the CD3 mAb OKT3 in primary T cells, and in CD45(+)TCR(+), CD45(-)TCR(+) and CD45(+)TCR(-) Jurkat subclones transfected with CD52. Our results show that Campath-1H triggers similar tyrosine phosphorylation events as OKT3 in both primary T cells and in the CD45(+)TCR(+) Jurkat sub-clone, albeit at quantitatively lower levels. However, no phospholipase C gamma 1 activation nor calcium signals were detected in response to CD52 ligation. The CD52-mediated induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation was absolutely dependent upon the expression of both the TCR and the CD45 phosphotyrosine phosphatase at the cell surface. Cross-linking of Campath-1H was essential for signal transduction in all cells investigated. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to demonstrate CD52 homo-association at the cell surface in Jurkat T cells in a TCR- and CD45-independent manner, and CD52-TCR association in CD45(+)TCR(+) cells. We propose a model to explain the activating effects of Campath-1H in which CD52 mAb cross-linking causes the trapping of TCR polypeptides within molecular complexes at the cell surface, thereby inducing signals via the TCR by a process which depends on the CD45-mediated regulation of the p56(lck) and p59(fyn) tyrosine kinases.

Alemtuzumab↗

Two-dimensional receptor patterns in the plasma membrane of cells. A critical evaluation of their identification, origin and information content.

A concise review is presented on the nature, possible origin and functional significance of cell surface receptor patterns in the plasma membrane of lymphoid cells. A special emphasize has been laid on the available methodological approaches, their individual virtues and sources of errors. Fluorescence energy transfer is one of the oldest available means for studying non-randomized co-distribution patterns of cell surface receptors. A detailed and critical description is given on the generation of two-dimensional cell surface receptor patterns based on pair-wise energy transfer measurements. A second hierarchical-level of receptor clusters have been described by electron and scanning force microscopies after immuno-gold-labeling of distinct receptor kinds. The origin of these receptor islands at a nanometer scale and island groups at a higher hierarchical (mum) level, has been explained mostly by detergent insoluble glycolipid-enriched complexes known as rafts, or detergent insoluble glycolipids (DIGs). These rafts are the most-likely organizational forces behind at least some kind of receptor clustering [K. Simons et al., Nature 387 (1997) 569]. These models, which have great significance in trans-membrane signaling and intra-membrane and intracellular trafficking, are accentuating the necessity to revisit the Singer-Nicolson fluid mosaic membrane model and substitute the free protein diffusion with a restricted diffusion concept [S.J. Singer et al., Science 175 (1972) 720].

Journal Article↗

Complexity of signal transduction mediated by ErbB2: clues to the potential of receptor-targeted cancer therapy.

The erbB2 oncogene belongs to the type I trans-membrane tyrosine kinase family of receptors. Its medical importance stems from its widespread over-expression in breast cancer. This review will focus on the signal transduction through this protein, and explains how the overexpression of erbB2 may result in poor prognosis of breast cancer, and finally it will summerize our current understanding about the therapeutic potential of receptor-targeted therapy in breast cancer. ErbB2 does not have any known ligand which is able to bind to it with high affinity. However the kinase activity of erbB2 can be activated without any ligand, if it is overexpressed, and by heteroassociation with other members of the erbB family (erbB1 or epidermal growth factor receptor, erbB3 and erbB4). This interaction substantially increases the efficiency and diversity of signal transduction through these receptor complexes. In addition, erbB2 forms large scale receptor clusters containing hundreds of proteins. These receptor islands may take part in recruiting cytosolic factors which relay the signal towards the nucleus or the cytoplasm. Overexpression of erbB2 was linked to higher transforming activity, increased metastatic potential, angiogenesis and drug resistence of breast tumor in laboratory experiments. As a corollary of these properties, erbB2 amplification is generally thought to be associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. These early findings lead to the development of antibodies that down-regulate erbB2. Such a therapeutic approach has already been found effective in experimental tumor models and in clinical trials as well. Further understanding of the importance of erbB2 and growth factor receptors in the transformation of normal cells to malignant ones may once give us a chance to cure erbB2 over-expressing breast cancer.

Animals↗

Activation-dependent clustering of the erbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase detected by scanning near-field optical microscopy.

ErbB2 (HER2, Neu), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase family, is often overexpressed in breast cancer and other malignancies. ErbB2 homodimerizes but also presents as a common auxiliary subunit of the EGF and heregulin receptors (erbB1 or EGFR; and erbB3-4, respectively), with which it heteroassociates. ErbB2 is generally regarded as an orphan (ligand-less) receptor with a very potent kinase domain activated either via its associated partners or constitutively as a consequence of discrete mutations. It follows that the extent and regulation of its cell surface interactions are of central importance. We have studied the large-scale association pattern of erbB2 in quiescent and activated cells labeled with fluorescent anti-erbB2 monoclonal antibodies using scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). ErbB2 was found to be concentrated in irregular membrane patches with a mean diameter of approx. 0.5 microm in nonactivated SKBR3 and MDA453 human breast tumor cells. The average number of erbB2 proteins in a single cluster on nonactivated SKBR3 cells was about 10(3). Activation of SKBR3 cells with EGF, heregulin as well as a partially agonistic anti-erbB2 monoclonal antibody led to an increase in the mean cluster diameter to 0.6-0.9 microm, irrespective of the ligand. The EGF-induced increase in the erbB2 cluster size was inhibited by the EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor PD153035. The average size of erbB2 clusters on the erbB2-transfected line of CHO cells (CB2) was similar to that of activated SKBR3 cells, a finding correlated with the increased base-line tyrosine phosphorylation of erbB2 in cells expressing only erbB2. We conclude that an increase in cluster size may constitute a general phenomenon in the activation of erbB2.

Animals↗

Hydrocarbon uptake by Streptomyces.

Oligocarbophilic Streptomyces strains capable of hydrocarbon uptake and utilization were isolated from the polluted desert of Kuwait and used in this study. Transmission electron-microscopy of hyphae revealed that they become enriched with large less electron dense areas in the cytoplasm, when biomass samples were incubated with alkanes. The Streptomyces isolate could utilize n-hexadecane as sole carbon and energy source and their fatty acid content showed an increase in the fatty acids with chain length equivalent to those of the alkane substrates. Fluorescence measurements of diphenylhexatriene dissolved in the representative alkane, n-hexadecane, showed that the kinetics of hydrocarbon uptake are quite different in hydrocarbon-utilizer compared with non-utilizer Streptomyces strain. Microviscosity of the cellular membrane of the utilizer strain was also different from that of the non-utilizer control strain Streptomyces griseus after incubation in the presence of n-hexadecane. Very likely the hydrocarbon utilizer transported these compounds more efficiently across their membranes and accumulated them as inclusions in the cytoplasm.

Alkanes↗

Melatonin increases the intensity of respiratory burst and prevents L-selectin shedding in human neutrophils in vitro.

Effects of melatonin priming of neutrophils and subsequent increase of phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate stimulated respiratory burst were investigated on the modulation of L-selectin shedding and MAC-1 upregulation. Respiratory burst related H2O2 production and adhesion molecule expression were quantified by flow cytometry. Phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate dose dependence of intracellular oxidation and adhesion molecule expression showed no relationship between respiratory burst intensity and MAC-1 expression or L-selectin shedding. Treatment of cells with 12.5 nM phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate resulted in less than 20% of the respiratory burst response, however it induced 91.7% of total MAC-1 expression and 62.8% of L-selectin shedding. Melatonin priming experiments showed also no connection between the extent of respiratory burst and MAC-1 expression, however melatonin priming almost completely prevented L-selectin down-regulation elicited by phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate, without affecting MAC-1 expression. It is suggested that melatonin may inhibit metalloproteases responsible for L-selectin cleavage.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

Supramolecular receptor structures in the plasma membrane of lymphocytes revealed by flow cytometric energy transfer, scanning force- and transmission electron-microscopic analyses.

Receptors in the plasma membrane of blood cells in general and in that of lymphocytes in particular are supposed to move around in a random walk fashion relatively freely driven by thermal diffusion, as described by the Singer-Nicolson fluid mosaic membrane model. In this article we summarized data and techniques that indicated nonrandom codistribution patterns of receptor superstructures under conditions, where the generation of such molecular colocalizations by the methods themselves were excluded. Application of fluorescence energy transfer in a flow cytometer helped to analyze such codistribution patterns in cell populations. After normalizing energy transfer values for possible differences between labeling ratios of the targeting monoclonal antibodies and using the mean values of energy transfer distribution curves, two-dimensional receptor maps were generated from data obtained in a pair-wise fashion between receptors. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), TcR-CD3-CD4, tetraspan molecules (CD81, CD82, CD53), and the subunits of the multisubunit IL-2 receptor displayed nonrandom codistribution patterns sometimes with, but very frequently without induction by their ligand. Immunogold-bead "sandwich" labeling analyzed by atomic force microscopy has shown that such receptor "islands" existed also in "receptor-island-groups". This indicated the existence of nonrandom receptor distribution of MHC class I and II molecules also at an elevated hierarchical level. An analysis is given herein concerning a standardized approach. The apparent incompatibility of these supramolecular patterns with the Singer-Nicolson type "free-protein and lipid-mobility paradigm" was resolved by recommending an additional emphasis on the mosaicism of the membrane besides receptor mobility.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Application of fluorescence resonance energy transfer in the clinical laboratory: routine and research.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) phenomenon has been applied to a variety of scientific challenges in the past. The potential utility of this biophysical tool will be revisited in the 21st century. The rapid digital signal processing in conjunction with personal computers and the wide use of multicolor laser technology in clinical flow cytometry opened an opportunity for multiplexed assay systems. The concept is very simple. Color-coded microspheres are used as solid-phase matrix for the detection of fluorescent labeled molecules. It is the homogeneous assay methodology in which solid-phase particles behave similarly to the dynamics of a liquid environment. This approach offers a rapid cost-effective technology that harnesses a wide variety of fluorochromes and lasers. With this microsphere technology, the potential applications for clinical flow cytometry in the future are enormous. This new approach of well-established clinically proven methods sets the stage to briefly review the theoretical and practical aspects of FRET technology. The review shows various applications of FRET in research and clinical laboratories. Combination of FRET with monoclonal antibodies resulted in a boom of structural analysis of proteins in solutions and also in biological membranes. Cell surface mapping of cluster of differentiation molecules on immunocompetent cells has gained more and more interest in the last decade. Several examples for biological applications are discussed in detail. FRET can also be used to improve the spectral characteristics of fluorescent dyes and dye combinations, such as the tandem dyes in flow and image cytometry and the FRET primers in DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reactions. The advantages and disadvantages of donor-acceptor dye combinations are evaluated. In addition, the sensitivity of FRET provides the basis for establishing fast, robust, and accurate enzyme assays and immunoassays. Benefits and limitations of FRET-based assays are thoroughly scrutinized. At the end of the paper we review the future of FRET methodology.

Diagnostic Tests, Routine↗

EGF-induced redistribution of erbB2 on breast tumor cells: flow and image cytometric energy transfer measurements.

erbB2, a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-type tyrosine kinase receptor family, is overexpressed in breast carcinomas with poor prognosis. We examined the cell surface association of this receptor with itself and with other cell surface proteins by the Förster-type fluorescence resonance energy transfer using whole antibodies and Fab fragments. We found that erbB2 molecules homoassociate in unstimulated SK-BR-3, BT474 and BT474-M (a metastatic version of the parent BT474 line) breast tumor cells, and that the interaction was enhanced by EGF treatment in suspensions of SK-BR-3 and BT474-M cells. BT474 cells (with low EGF receptor expression) and attached SK-BR-3 cells do not respond to EGF. Image microscopic energy transfer measurements found considerable pixel-by-pixel heterogeneity in the homoassociation state of erbB2. In accordance with the EGF-induced redistribution of erbB2, EGF receptor was found to be in close proximity to erbB2 in FRET measurements. By labeling different epitopes on erbB2 and the lipid bilayer, we were able to prepare an epitope map of erbB2 molecule. Our data suggest the existence of dynamic cell surface patterns of erbB2 and point to functions fulfilled by these molecular complexes.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Pandinus imperator scorpion venom blocks voltage-gated K+ channels in human lymphocytes.

Using the patch-clamp technique, we determined that Pandinus imperator scorpion venom blocked whole-cell n-type K+ currents in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner with Kd = 0.02 microgram/ml. K+ channel block was instantaneous and removable by washing with venom-free extracellular solution. The venom-induced block was independent of membrane potential. The venom did not influence activation and inactivation kinetics of the K+ channels, however, accelerated recovery from inactivation. Purified peptides Pi1, Pi2, and Pi3 from the P. imperator venom powerfully blocked Kv1.3 channels in human lymphocytes with Kd values of 9.7 nM, 50 pM, and 0.5 nM, respectively. Flow cytometric membrane potential measurements with the oxonol dye showed that Pi2, the most effective peptide toxin of the P. imperator venom, depolarizes human lymphocytes in accordance with its K+ channel blocking effect.

Barbiturates↗

Preassembly of interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor subunits on resting Kit 225 K6 T cells and their modulation by IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15: a fluorescence resonance energy transfer study.

Assembly and mutual proximities of alpha, beta, and gamma(c) subunits of the interleukin 2 receptors (IL-2R) in plasma membranes of Kit 225 K6 T lymphoma cells were investigated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) using fluorescein isothiocyanate- and Cy3-conjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that were directed against the IL-2R alpha, IL-2R beta, and gamma(c) subunits of IL-2R. The cell-surface distribution of subunits was analyzed at the nanometer scale (2-10 nm) by FRET on a cell-by-cell basis. The cells were probed in resting phase and after coculture with saturating concentrations of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. FRET data from donor- and acceptor-labeled IL-2R beta-alpha, gamma-alpha, and gamma-beta pairs demonstrated close proximity of all subunits to each other in the plasma membrane of resting T cells. These mutual proximities do not appear to represent mAb-induced microaggregation, because FRET measurements with Fab fragments of the mAbs gave similar results. The relative proximities were meaningfully modulated by binding of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. Based on FRET analysis the topology of the three subunits at the surface of resting cells can be best described by a "triangular model" in the absence of added interleukins. IL-2 strengthens the bridges between the subunits, making the triangle more compact. IL-7 and IL-15 act in the opposite direction by opening the triangle possibly because they associate their private specific alpha receptors with the beta and/or gamma(c) subunits of the IL-2R complex. These data suggest that IL-2R subunits are already colocalized in resting T cells and do not require cytokine-induced redistribution. This colocalization is significantly modulated by binding of relevant interleukins in a cytokine-specific manner.

Adult↗

HLA class I and II antigens are partially co-clustered in the plasma membrane of human lymphoblastoid cells.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules displayed clustered patterns at the surfaces of T (HUT-102B2) and B (JY) lymphoma cells characterized by interreceptor distances in the micrometer range as detected by scanning force microscopy of immunogold-labeled antigens. Electron microscopy revealed that a fraction of the MHC class II molecules was also heteroclustered with MHC class I antigens at the same hierarchical level as described by the scanning force microscopy data, after specifically and sequentially labeling the antigens with 30- and 15-nm immunogold beads. On JY cells the estimated fraction of co-clustered HLA II was 0.61, whereas that of the HLA I was 0.24. Clusterization of the antigens was detected by the deviation of their spatial distribution from the Poissonian distribution representing the random case. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements also confirmed partial co-clustering of the HLA class I and II molecules at another hierarchical level characterized by the 2- to 10-nm Förster distance range and providing fine details of the molecular organization of receptors. The larger-scale topological organization of the MHC class I and II antigens may reflect underlying membrane lipid domains and may fulfill significant functions in cell-to-cell contacts and signal transduction.

Cell Membrane↗

Major histocompatibility complex class I protein conformation altered by transmembrane potential changes.

The nature of charge distributions in membrane-bound macromolecular structures renders them susceptible to interaction with transmembrane potential fields. As a result, conformational changes in such species may be expected to occur when this potential is altered. We have detected reversible conformational change in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen in the plasma membrane of human JY cells, as monitored by flow-cytometric resonance energy-transfer, upon reduction of the transmembrane potential (depolarization). This change increased the intramolecular energy-transfer efficiency between fluorescent donor- and acceptor-labeled monoclonal antibodies directed, respectively, to epitopes on the light (beta 2-microglobulin) and the heavy chains of the MHC class I antigen. Repolarization of the depolarized samples restored the energy-transfer efficiency to the original values measured before depolarization. Depolarization caused similar relative changes in fluorescence resonance energy-transfer efficiency when Fab fragments were used for labeling MHC class I complex, suggesting that the observed phenomenon is not restricted to whole monoclonal antibodies.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of TSH and anti-TSH receptor antibodies on the plasma membrane potential of polymorphonuclear granulocytes.

Effects of thyrotropin hormone (TSH) and anti-TSH receptor antibodies on the plasma membrane potential of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. Both TSH and the autoantibody caused a rapid, dose-dependent hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane of PMNs. TSH was also able to mask (revert) the depolarizing effect of a chemotactic peptide, fMLP, on PMNs. No detectable rise in the cytosolic free calcium level accompanied the observed hyperpolarization. Quinine, a blocker of Ca(2+)-activated and voltage-gated K+ channels did not affect the hyperpolarization by TSH and antibodies. Decreasing the [K+] gradient across the plasma membrane by valinomycin, however, blocked the hyperpolarizing effect. Peptide362-376 (derived from the extracellular domain of TSH receptor) also blocked the hyperpolarization induced by both TSH and anti-TSHR antibodies. These data suggest that the observed hyperpolarization is a specific, receptor-mediated early signal during interaction of PMNs with TSH or anti-TSHR antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Supramolecular complexes of MHC class I, MHC class II, CD20, and tetraspan molecules (CD53, CD81, and CD82) at the surface of a B cell line JY.

The results of previous biochemical studies indicated that a fraction of MHC class II proteins is associated with four proteins of the tetraspan family, CD37, CD53, CD81, and CD82, and possibly with other membrane components, at the surface of JY B lymphoma cells. In the present communication we used a biophysical technique, namely the flow cytometric energy transfer method, to demonstrate the proximity of these molecules at the surface of the cells. Significant energy transfer (and, therefore, proximity within the 2-10 nm range) was observed between fluorescently labeled mAbs to DR, DQ, and the tetraspan molecules CD53, CD81, and CD82. Moreover, two other B cell surface molecules, CD20 and MHC class I, were found to be close to each other and to MHC class II and the tetraspan proteins, based on the observed high energy transfer efficiencies between the relevant fluorescently labeled mAbs. The character of simultaneous energy transfer from CD20, CD53, CD81, and CD82 to DR suggests that all these molecules are in a single complex with the DR molecules (or a complex of several DR molecules) rather than that each of them is separately associated with different DR molecules. Based on these data and previous biochemical results, a model is proposed predicting that the B cell membrane contains multicomponent supramolecular complexes consisting of at least two MHC class I and at least one DR, DQ, CD20, CD53, CD81, and CD82 molecules. Closer analysis of the energy transfer efficiencies makes it possible to suggest mutual orientations of the components within the complex. Participation of other molecules, not examined in this study (CD19 and CD37), in these supramolecular structures cannot be ruled out. These large assemblies of multiple B cell surface molecules may play a role in signaling through MHC molecules and in Ag presentation to T cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of acetylcholine on the electrophysiology and proliferative response of human lymphocytes.

Using the patch-clamp technique, we determined that 1-15 mM extracellular acetylcholine reduced whole-cell n-type K+ currents in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and accelerated their inactivation. The percentage increase in K+ channel inactivation rate and the degree of drug induced block were independent of membrane potential. In flow cytometric membrane potential measurements with the oxonol dye similar doses of acetylcholine depolarized the lymphocyte population. Both acetylcholine induced K+ channel block and depolarization fully developed within 2 minutes. The depolarizing and K+ channel blocking effects of acetylcholine are in concert. [3H]thymidine incorporation experiments proved that the proliferative response of PHA stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes was decreased by increasing concentrations of acetylcholine in the 1-50 mM range.

Acetylcholine↗

Melatonin protects LDL from oxidation but does not prevent the apolipoprotein derivatization.

Protective effect of melatonin against Cu++ induced peroxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was studied in vitro. Melatonin was used for this purpose because of its known scavenging capacity against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. It was demonstrated by the diene formation kinetic analysis that melatonin protected polyunsaturated fatty acids of LDL lipids against peroxidation. Lag time duration was prolonged, peak time was delayed, whereas rate of diene formation was decreased in melatonin treated LDL; however, parameters related to apolipoprotein (apo-B) showed that the protein was derivatized. Fluorescence, relative electrophoretic mobility, lysine residues analysis data, as well as the uptake by macrophages all showed properties similar to those of oxidised LDL. Present data suggest that by-products of melatonin oxidation might react with lysine residues of apo-B, transforming LDL in its atherogenic form.

Animals↗