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S Hamann

Publications and source records attributed to S Hamann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A645G (Lys216Glu) polymorphism of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein gene in periodontal disease.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is a member of the pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system and recognizes lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a bacterial component belonging to the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). BPI mediates the neutralization of LPS and increases the phagocytosis and cytotoxicity against bacteria. Recently, the functionally effective polymorphism A645G resulting in the amino acid alteration Lys216Glu has been described. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the A645G polymorphism with chronic periodontal disease. The study population comprised 123 patients with periodontal disease (36 with mild, 52 with moderate and 35 with severe periodontitis) and 122 healthy, unrelated control individuals. Genotyping of the BPI gene polymorphism A645G (Lys216Glu) was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out employing the chi(2) test with Yates correction. Genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphism tested herein showed no significant differences between periodontal disease as compared to the control group. The frequencies of the G allele were 52.4% in patients with periodontal disease and 49.2% in the control individuals (P = 0.528). Moreover, no significant associations could be detected after stratification for disease severity and according to gender. The present study does not give evidence for the contribution of the BPI gene to the genetic background of chronic periodontal disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Water transport in the brain: role of cotransporters.

It is generally accepted that cotransporters transport water in addition to their normal substrates, although the precise mechanism is debated; both active and passive modes of transport have been suggested. The magnitude of the water flux mediated by cotransporters may well be significant: both the number of cotransporters per cell and the unit water permeability are high. For example, the Na(+)-glutamate cotransporter (EAAT1) has a unit water permeability one tenth of that of aquaporin (AQP) 1. Cotransporters are widely distributed in the brain and participate in several vital functions: inorganic ions are transported by K(+)-Cl(-) and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters, neurotransmitters are reabsorbed from the synaptic cleft by Na(+)-dependent cotransporters located on glial cells and neurons, and metabolites such as lactate are removed from the extracellular space by means of H(+)-lactate cotransporters. We have previously determined water transport capacities for these cotransporters in model systems (Xenopus oocytes, cell cultures, and in vitro preparations), and will discuss their role in water homeostasis of the astroglial cell under both normo- and pathophysiologal situations. Astroglia is a polarized cell with EAAT localized at the end facing the neuropil while the end abutting the circulation is rich in AQP4. The water transport properties of EAAT suggest a new model for volume homeostasis of the extracellular space during neural activity.

Amino Acid Transport System X-AG↗
PubMed2003

Hepatic gene expression patterns in thyroid hormone-treated hypothyroid rats.

Thyroid hormone (T3) is essential for normal development, differentiation and metabolic balance. We have performed DNA microarray experiments using hepatic RNA from hypothyroid and T3-treated hypothyroid rats in order to characterize T3-induced gene expression patterns after various time points (6, 24 and 48 h after the administration of the hormone). Sixty-two of 4608 different genes displayed a reproducible T3-response, and cluster analysis divided these differentially regulated genes into six expression patterns. Thirty-six genes were not significantly regulated within the first 24 h. Transient transfection experiments of eight late-induced gene promoters failed to detect a thyroid hormone response element within their regulatory elements, suggesting an indirect activation mechanism(s). In search for an intermediate factor of T3 action, we examined whether various rather ubiquitous transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and coactivators of the PPARgamma coactivator 1 family (PGC-1) are regulated by T3. Only PPARgamma and PERC/PGC-1beta exhibit a significant T3-response within the first 6 h after treatment, identifying these factors as candidate components for mediating the late-induced expression pattern. Regulation of early-induced genes within the first 6 h after administration of T3 on transcript levels correlates with altered protein levels after 24 and 48 h in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cognitive and neural mechanisms of emotional memory.

A highly adaptive aspect of human memory is the enhancement of explicit, consciously accessible memory for emotional stimuli. Recent findings from neuroimaging, neuropsychological, drug and neural stimulation studies indicate that emotional stimuli engage specific cognitive and neural mechanisms that enhance explicit memory. Emotional arousal influences memory via factors that act during memory encoding (attention and elaboration) and factors that modulate memory consolidation. Across studies, the amygdala has been consistently implicated as playing a key role in enhancing explicit memory for both pleasant and unpleasant emotional stimuli through modulation of encoding and consolidation processes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

In situ detection of messenger RNA using digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotides and rolling circle amplification.

The detection of specific RNA molecules in situ is routinely performed using haptenated probes, which are detected by either enzymatic amplification or direct fluorescence. A drawback of fluorescence labeling has been the reduced sensitivity relative to that of methods that use enzymes as signal generators. Reliable fluorescence detection methods often require the use of multiple oligonucleotide probes for each gene target. Here, we demonstrate that single haptenated DNA probes specific for actin mRNA may be detected in situ using antibody-coupled rolling circle amplification (immuno-RCA). This fluorescence-based detection method offers remarkable sensitivity due to the use of signal amplification and yet retains the ability to count hybridization signals as discrete objects. We demonstrate the detection of actin-specific immuno-RCA signals in the cytoplasm and use 3D image deconvolution of multiple z axis sections to show that there are hundreds of signals per cell. With some modifications, this method may be adaptable to the simultaneous detection of several RNA species, including low-copy-number mRNA.

5' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2001

Neurobiology.

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Neurobiology.

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Animals↗
PubMed2001

Multiplex detection of hotspot mutations by rolling circle-enabled universal microarrays.

Detection of somatic low abundance mutations in early cancer development requires a discriminatory, specific, and high-throughput methodology. In this study we report specific, discriminatory detection of low abundance mutations through a novel combination of rolling circle amplification (Nat Genet 1998; 19:225-232) and PCR ligation detection reaction on a universal oligonucleotide microarray (J Mol Biol 1999; 292:251-262). After mutation-specific multiplex ligation and hybridization of 17 pairs of probes to a generic microarray, the ligated probes were visualized. The multiplex mutation-specific ligation is possible only because rolling circle amplification permits quantification of previously undetectable hybridization events conducive to the detection of a single mutation from within a pool of over 100 wild-type alleles. This system is readily adaptable to high-throughput automation using a robot such as the Biomek platform.

Automation↗
PubMed2000

Transport of protons and lactate in cultured human fetal retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Monolayer cultures of human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were examined for ultrastructural characteristics and junctional integrity by means of electron microscopy. Intracellular pH (pHi) and cell volume changes were measured using the fluorescent dye BCECF. The EM studies indicate that the RPE cells preserve in vivo morphology before and after loading with BCECF. Monolayer cultures were placed in a perfusion chamber in which the solution facing the retinal cell membrane could be changed rapidly. Removal of Na+ or the addition of amiloride caused intracellular acidifications. pHi recovery from an NH4+-induced acid load was blocked by sodium removal or amiloride addition. These results suggest the presence of a Na+-H+ exchange mechanism in the retinal cell membrane. When Cl- was replaced isotonically by lactate or pyruvate the cells acidified. The intracellular acidifications were saturable, reversibly reduced with the inhibitor probenecid (2 mM), and the lactate-induced acidifications were reversibly inhibited by equimolar concentrations of pyruvate. These results indicate the presence of a H+-lactate cotransport mechanism in the retinal membrane. When Cl- was replaced by lactate the cells not only acidified, they also swelled. The data are compatible with water transport induced by the H+-lactate cotransporter.

Acids↗
PubMed1999

Recognition of facial emotion in nine individuals with bilateral amygdala damage.

Findings from several case studies have shown that bilateral amygdala damage impairs recognition of emotions in facial expressions, especially fear. However, one study did not find such an impairment, and, in general, comparison across studies has been made difficult because of the different stimuli and tasks employed. In a collaborative study to facilitate such comparisons, we report here the recognition of emotional facial expressions in nine subjects with bilateral amygdala damage, using a sensitive and quantitative assessment. Compared to controls, the subjects as a group were significantly impaired in recognizing fear, although individual performances ranged from severely impaired to essentially normal. Most subjects were impaired on several negative emotions in addition to fear, but no subject was impaired in recognizing happy expressions. An analysis of response consistency showed that impaired recognition of fear could not be attributed simply to mistaking fear for another emotion. While it remains unclear why some subjects with amygdala damage included here are not impaired on our task, the results overall are consistent with the idea that the amygdala plays an important role in triggering knowledge related to threat and danger signaled by facial expressions.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Immunohistochemical assessment of p170 provides prognostic information in endometrial carcinoma.

AIMS: To determine the significance of proliferative activity (PA) in endometrial carcinomas, we analysed the expression of cell cycle-related antigens in routinely processed tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serial sections of 164 endometrial carcinoma specimens were immunostained with the monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) Ki-S4 (specificity for p170) and Ki-S5 (specificity for p320/350). The Ki-S4 PA (median value 18.3%) and Ki-S5 PA (median value 25.0%) in endometrial carcinomas showed a significant correlation (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). A significantly lower median value of Ki-S4 and Ki-S5 immunoreactivity was ascertained in endometrial carcinomas stage I vs. > I (P < 0.05), in tumours with myometrial invasion < or = 50% vs. > 50% (P < 0.03), and in grade 1 vs. grade 2 and 3 tumours (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that age, FIGO stage and grade, histopathological subtype, myometrial invasion, Ki-S4 and Ki-S5 PA provided prognostic information on the adjusted overall survival, whereas FIGO stage (P = 0.002) and Ki-S4 PA (P = 0.008) were independent prognosticators for adjusted overall survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The association with established prognosticators for endometrial carcinomas, and the results of uni- and multivariate analysis indicates that the additional evaluation of Ki-S4 PA is useful for classifying patients into subgroups with low and high risk of relapse which might help individualizing the therapeutic strategy in endometrial cancer patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Specific binding of Drosophila nuclear protein PEP (protein on ecdysone puffs) to hsp70 DNA and RNA.

The Drosophila protein PEP (protein on ecdysone puffs), a component hnRNP complexes, was previously immunocytologically localized on Drosophila giant chromosomes to puffs induced by ecdysone and to some heat shock-induced puffs (e.g. at the hsp70 locus at 87A7). Here, PEP was purified to homogeneity and characterized in its DNA and RNA binding features with specific reference to the hsp70 locus. In southwestern blotting assays, PEP was found to bind with high affinity to the hsp70 coding region, but not to a flanking region nor to the boundary elements scs and scs', and non-specifically to the intergenic hsp70 SAR. In UV cross-linking assays, PEP binds with even higher affinity to hsp70 transcripts, but not to transcripts of a flanking region or of a nearby gene, aurora . Finally, competition experiments indicate that PEP recognizes specific sequences within hsp70 mRNA; in these sequences two distinct motifs were found to be enriched. In summary, our results suggest the recognition of specific transcripts as a molecular basis for the association of the protein with specific hnRNP complexes.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Aquaporins in complex tissues: distribution of aquaporins 1-5 in human and rat eye.

Multiple physiological fluid movements are involved in vision. Here we define the cellular and subcellular sites of aquaporin (AQP) water transport proteins in human and rat eyes by immunoblotting, high-resolution immunocytochemistry, and immunoelectron microscopy. AQP3 is abundant in bulbar conjunctival epithelium and glands but is only weakly present in corneal epithelium. In contrast, AQP5 is prominent in corneal epithelium and apical membranes of lacrimal acini. AQP1 is heavily expressed in scleral fibroblasts, corneal endothelium and keratocytes, and endothelium covering the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Although AQP1 is plentiful in ciliary nonpigmented epithelium, it is not present in ciliary pigmented epithelium. Posterior and anterior epithelium of the iris and anterior lens epithelium also contain significant amounts of AQP1, but AQP0 (major intrinsic protein of the lens) is expressed in lens fiber cells. Retinal Müller cells and astrocytes exhibit notable concentrations of AQP4, whereas neurons and retinal pigment epithelium do not display aquaporin immunolabeling. These studies demonstrate selective expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, and AQP5 in distinct ocular epithelia, predicting specific roles for each in the complex network through which water movements occur in the eye.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Human retinal pigment epithelial cell-induced apoptosis in activated T cells.

PURPOSE: The immune privilege of the eye has been thought to be dependent on physical barriers and absence of lymphatic vessels. However, the immune privilege may also involve active immunologic processes, as recent studies have indicated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can induce apoptosis in activated T cells. METHODS: Fas ligand (FasL) expression was detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Cultured RPE cells were cocultured with T-cell lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes for 6 hours to 2 days. Induction of apoptosis was detected by 7-amino-actinomycin D and annexin V staining. RESULTS: Retinal pigment epithelial cells expressed FasL and induced apoptosis in activated Fas+ T cells. Blocking of Fas-FasL interaction with antibody strongly inhibited RPE-mediated T-cell apoptosis. Retinal pigment epithelial cells induced apoptosis in several activated T-cell populations and T-cell lines, including T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-CD3-negative T-cell lines. In contrast, RPE cells induced little or no apoptosis in resting peripheral T cells. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II monoclonal antibodies, which block alloactivation, had no inhibitory effect on RPE-mediated T-cell apoptotic responses in MHC class II-specific CD4+ T-cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal pigment epithelial cells express FasL and induce TCR-independent apoptosis in activated human T cells through Fas-FasL interaction. Retinal pigment epithelial cells may constitute an immunologic functional barrier against potentially harmful T cells.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1996

Cotransport of H+, lactate and H2O by membrane proteins in retinal pigment epithelium of bullfrog.

1. The interaction between H+, lactate and H2O fluxes in the retinal membrane of the pigment epithelium from bullfrog Rana catesbiana was studied by means of ion-selective micro-electrodes. 2. Changes in intracellular pH and cell volume were recorded in response to abrupt changes in retinal solution concentration and/or osmolarity. 3. Two parallel pathways for water transport were identified across the retinal membrane, an osmotic one with a hydraulic water permeability of 3.2 x 10(-4) cm s-1 (osmol l-1)-1 and one which depended on the presence of lactate. 4. Addition of sodium lactate to the retinal solution caused cell shrinkages that were small compared with those produced by mannitol. The reflection coefficient for sodium lactate was 0.25. 5. Isosmotic replacement of Cl- with lactate caused an influx of water. Simultaneous acidification of the retinal solution from pH 7.4 to 6.4 enhanced the effect. The influx of water could proceed against osmotic gradients elicited by mannitol. 6. The interdependence of the fluxes of H+, lactate and H2O can be described as cotransport: the fluxes had a fixed ratio of about 109 mmol of lactic acid per litre of water, the flux of one species was able to energize the flux of the other two, and the fluxes exhibited saturation for increasing driving forces. 7. The Gibbs equation gives an accurate quantitative description of these coupled fluxes.

Animals↗