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T J Murphy

Publications and source records attributed to T J Murphy.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Molecular regulation of the bovine endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase by transforming growth factor-beta 1.

The promoter region of the endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene contains potential response elements for transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1). TGF beta 1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular hypertrophy, and angiogenesis. We therefore sought to determine whether TGF beta 1 might modulate ecNOS expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). TGF beta 1 increased ecNOS mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. TGF beta 1 also increased ecNOS protein content. The production of nitrogen oxides (NOx), assessed by chemiluminescence, and nitric oxide synthase activity, assessed by arginine/citrulline conversion were increased in TGF beta 1-treated cells. Transcriptional activity of the 5'-flanking promoter region of the ecNOS gene was increased by TGF beta 1, as assessed by transfection with promoter/luciferase constructs. Deletion analysis suggested that the TGF beta 1-response element was present between nucleotides -1269 and -935 from the first transcription start site, in which a putative nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) binding site existed. Gel shift assays showed that nuclear protein(s), immunologically similar to CCAAT transcription factor/NF-1, bound to the putative NF-1 binding site in a sequence-specific manner. Mutation of the putative NF-1 binding site in the promoter/luciferase construct significantly decreased the responsiveness to TGF beta 1. In conclusion, TGF beta 1 increases ecNOS expression associated with an increase in production of NO in BAEC. This response is probably mediated by transcriptional activation of the ecNOS gene promoter.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Angiotensin II down-regulates the vascular smooth muscle AT1 receptor by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms: evidence for homologous and heterologous regulation.

The vascular angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor (AT1) is a central component of the renin-angiotensin system; thus, regulation of its expression is likely to be important in cardiovascular responsiveness. We demonstrate that ANG II down-regulates its receptor in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Incubation for 4 hr with 100 nM ANG II decreased AT1 mRNA and protein by 70% and 35%, respectively. This homologous down-regulation was concentration and time dependent and was blocked by the AT1 antagonist losartan. It did not appear to be mediated by protein kinase C or other protein kinases but was dependent on the sustained signaling pathway sensitive to phenylarsine oxide. Heterologous down-regulation was observed with the agonists alpha-thrombin and ATP and the cAMP-increasing agent forskolin. ANG II inhibited transcription by 50% and destabilized the AT1 mRNA. Down-regulation of AT1 mRNA was blocked by transcription and translation inhibitors, suggesting that it required expression of a protein factor or factors. These results indicate that ANG II down-regulates its vascular receptor by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Homologous and heterologous down-regulation of the AT1 receptor may participate in the coordinated physiological adaptation of vascular tone to vasoactive hormones.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Cloning of the human alpha 1d-adrenergic receptor and inducible expression of three human subtypes in SK-N-MC cells.

We have cloned the human alpha 1d-adrenergic receptor (AR) and compared the pharmacological properties of the three recombinant human alpha 1-AR subtypes in SK-N-MC cells. SK-N-MC cells natively express a mixture of alpha 1-AR subtypes, and the use of an inducible expression system allowed us to directly compare the recombinant and native subtypes without concern for cell-specific processing or microenvironment. The human alpha 1d-AR was expressed from a cDNA/gene fusion construct cloned from human SK-N-MC cell cDNA and human genomic libraries. This receptor is deduced to contain 572 amino acids with 98% identity to the rat alpha 1d-AR in the transmembrane domains and, when expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, has alpha 1-AR binding properties similar to those of the rat alpha 1d-AR. Norepinephrine increased inositol phosphate formation and mobilized intracellular Ca2+ in transfected 293 cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of the three cloned human subtypes (alpha 1a, alpha 1b, and alpha 1d) in mRNA from SK-N-MC cells, which natively express alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-like pharmacology, showed abundant alpha 1a and alpha 1d but fewer alpha 1b transcripts. The three human clones were expressed in SK-N-MC cells using isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside-inducible vectors. Upon induction, alpha 1-AR density was increased with the recombinant subtype comprising 67-80% of total alpha 1-ARs. Inhibition curves for (+)-niguldipine and 5-methylurapidil fit best to a two-site model in uninduced cells, indicating significant receptor heterogeneity. Isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside induction altered the potencies of both compounds, causing most inhibition curves to fit best to a one-site model. (+)-Niguldipine was 100-fold more potent at the alpha 1a-AR than at alpha 1b- or alpha 1d-ARs, whereas 5-methylurapidil had similar potencies at alpha 1a- and alpha 1d-ARs and about 10-fold lower affinity at the alpha 1b-AR. We conclude that the complex alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-like pharmacology observed in native SK-N-MC cells is due to expression of all three subtypes in different proportions, independently of cell-specific processing or environmental factors, and that the alpha 1a-AR cDNA encodes the pharmacologically defined alpha 1A subtype.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Organization of the bovine gene encoding the endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

The bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene plus 2.9 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence has been isolated and characterized. The gene spans 20 kilobases and contains 26 exons and 25 introns. Two transcription start sites have been determined by primer extension analysis which are located 170 and 240 base pairs upstream, respectively, from the methionine translational initiation codon. Evidence supporting the upstream boundary region for transcriptional initiation was also obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The 5'-flanking region lacks a typical TATA box but contains numerous putative transcription factor binding sites. These include consensus sequences for an AP-1 site, an NF-1 site, a tumor necrosis factor responsive element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response elements, 6 GATA motifs, 16 CACCC boxes, 5 Sp1 sites, 15 estrogen half-palindromic motifs, and 9 fluid shear stress-responsive elements. The isolated gene promoter directs basal transcription of a luciferase reporter gene when transiently transfected into bovine aortic endothelial cells. High sequence homology of the promoter region to the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene promoter (75% nucleotide identity in 1.6 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence) suggests evolutionary conservation of transcriptional regulation. Isolation and characterization of the bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene should facilitate further investigation of mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Femorofemoral bypass for aortofemoral graft limb occlusion: a ten-year experience.

PURPOSE: Aortofemoral bypass (AFB) is a durable reconstruction; however, graft limb occlusion occurs in 10% to 20% of patients and results in limb ischemia. Treatment of AFB limb occlusion has been debated, but many recommended femorofemoral bypass (FFB). FFB grafts have had excellent patency rates. The durability of FFB specifically for AFB limb occlusion has not been reported. This study retrospectively examined a 10-year experience with FFB for AFB limb occlusion to determine FFB performance. METHODS: Between 1982 and 1992, FFB was performed on occluded AFB limbs in 22 patients (14 men and 8 women). Reoperation was performed for disabling claudication in five cases, but the remaining 17 patients (77%) had critical limb ischemia. FFB originated from the contralateral patent AFB limb in all cases. Distal anastomosis was to the common femoral artery (n = 8) or the profunda femoris (n = 14). FFB graft patency was confirmed by direct Doppler arterial examination over a mean follow-up of 47 months. RESULTS: The cumulative life-table primary patency rate of FFB was 54% at 5 years. Reoperative procedures performed in nine cases resulted in a secondary patency rate of 84% at 5 years. The limb salvage rate was also 84% at 5 years, reflecting the impact of successful reoperation. Major amputations (two below-knee, one above-knee) were necessary in only three cases. There were no perioperative deaths after FFB, and the cumulative 5-year survival rate was 77%. CONCLUSION: Aortic graft limb occlusion occurs less frequently than failure of infrainguinal grafts making the success of specific reoperative strategies difficult to document reliably. This study suggests that FFB is a safe and durable alternative for AFB limb failure. An aggressive policy of reoperation has resulted in successful extension of FFB graft function and an excellent rate of limb salvage.

Aged↗

Down-regulation by growth factors of vascular smooth muscle angiotensin receptor gene expression.

The effects of epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB on angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor gene expression were examined in rat thoracic aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in culture. Incubation of serum-deprived VSMC with 20 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, 20 ng/ml basic fibroblast growth factor, or 50 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor-BB reduces AT1 receptor mRNA levels, as assessed by Northern hybridization analysis, to approximately 30% of control levels. This effect is maximal 4 hr after addition of each growth factor to the culture medium and is sustained for up to 24 hr of incubation after a single dose. There is a correlative loss of membrane-associated AT1 receptors and angiotensin II-stimulated inositol phosphate production after 24 hr of growth factor treatment. The half-life of AT1 receptor mRNA is reduced significantly by growth factors, compared with that for cells treated with actinomycin D alone to block transcription. This suggests that growth factors activate a mechanism that involves post-transcriptional destabilization of AT1 receptor mRNA. This effect can be blocked by prior treatment of VSMC with actinomycin D or cycloheximide, suggesting that the effect of the growth factors on AT1 receptor gene expression is mediated through induction of an unknown gene or genes that function to destabilize AT1 receptor mRNA and that mRNA translation is essential for the destabilizing effect. Nuclear run-on assays reveal that the growth factors also significantly reduce the rate of de novo AT1 receptor gene transcription. Thus, down-regulation of AT1 receptor gene expression by growth factors also appears to involve mechanisms that decrease the rate of AT1 receptor gene transcription. These data reveal marked down-regulation of AT1 receptor gene expression in VSMC by growth factor receptor activation, through mechanisms that involve both attenuation of transcription and post-transcriptional mRNA destabilization.

Animals↗

Binding and signal transduction of the cloned vascular angiotensin II (AT1a) receptor cDNA stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

The vascular angiotensin (A) II receptor cDNA (AT1a) was transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to generate the stable cell line CHO-AT1a. This cell line was used to investigate the binding and signal transduction properties of the cloned vascular AT1 receptor. Specific binding of sarcosine1(-)[125I]tyrosine4-isoleucine8-AII ([125I]SI-AII) to CHO-AT1a membranes reached equilibrium after 1 h at 25 degrees C and was consistently greater than 95% of total binding. Saturation binding analyses demonstrated [125I]SI-AII bound to a saturable population of sites on membranes with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 0.7 nM and a binding site maximum of 1.2 pmol/mg protein. [125I]SI-AII binding to CHO cells was inhibited by the following compounds with a rank order of potency of SI-AII > AII > losartan > AI >> PD 123,177. AII (1 microM) treatment of CHO-AT1a cells caused an increase in inositol phosphates and intracellular calcium relative to basal levels. These responses were blocked by losartan but not by PD 123,177. AII (1 microM) did not effect adenylate cyclase activity in CHO-AT1a cells, whereas the agonist inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in rat liver cell membranes. These effects were blocked by 10 microM losartan. These results indicate that CHO-AT1a cells express functional AT1a receptors which stimulate phospholipase C activity but not adenylate cyclase activity. CHO-AT1a cells should provide a useful model for studies of AT1a receptor domains which are critical to signaling pathways.

1-Sarcosine-8-Isoleucine Angiotensin II↗

Molecular structure and transcriptional function of the rat vascular AT1a angiotensin receptor gene.

Rat vascular angiotensin receptors (AT1a receptors) are encoded by two mRNA transcripts sharing an identical receptor coding sequence but differing in their 5' and 3' untranslated sequences. We screened male Sprague-Dawley rat genomic libraries to clone the vascular AT1a receptor gene. Two sets of overlapping clones were isolated that encode over 90 kb of genomic sequence around the AT1a receptor gene. Four overlapping clones were identified from the 5' flanking portion of the gene. These contain the promoter region and two exons, 141 bp and 89 bp in size, respectively, encoding the alternatively spliced 5' untranslated mRNA sequence. Six additional clones overlap each other but do not overlap the set of clones from the 5' flanking region of the gene. These contain a single 1977-bp exon that encodes 900 bp of the 5' and 3' untranslated sequences in addition to a 1077-bp open reading frame identical to that found in vascular smooth muscle cell AT1a receptor cDNAs. Primer extension and RNase protection studies indicate that the transcription start site for this gene begins 9 bp upstream from the most 5' sequence found within the AT1a receptor cDNAs. Our mapping studies of the cloned gene, which so far includes an uncloned gap within the second intron, indicate that the transcription start site is no less than 67 kb upstream from the receptor coding exon. Promoter-reporter assays were performed by transfection of vascular smooth muscle cells with deletions of a 3.2-kb promoter region fused to a luciferase cDNA reporter plasmid. Relatively strong basal transcriptional activity is observed from the 5'-most 2 kb of the promoter and diminishes markedly with deletions within 1 kb of the early promoter region, suggesting strong promoter elements in the more upstream regions of the gene. Deletion of a 53-bp early promoter region containing the transcription start site and a putative TATA box completely abolishes the ability of upstream elements to drive transcription of the luciferase cDNA. These results indicate that we have isolated the AT1a receptor gene and its functional promoter.

Animals↗

A cloned angiotensin receptor isoform from the turkey adrenal gland is pharmacologically distinct from mammalian angiotensin receptors.

A 2046-base pair cDNA clone, homologous to mammalian angiotensin (AT) AT1 receptors, was isolated from a library prepared from adrenal glands of the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Sequence analysis of the cDNA insert in clone pTAT2' reveals a 1077-base pair open reading frame predicting a 359-amino acid protein approximately 75% homologous to mammalian AT1 receptors. Saturation radioligand binding studies performed in membranes of COS-7 cells transfected with pTAT2' show high affinity specific binding of 125I-angiotensin II, with a Kd of 172 pM. The rank order of affinities for a series of ligands determined by competition binding studies is angiotensin II > or = [Sar1,Ile8]-angiotensin II > angiotensin III approximately [Sar1,Ala8]-angiotensin II approximately CGP42112A > angiotensin I > Dup753 > PD123177. This rank order of affinity series differs substantially from that for mammalian AT1 receptors and AT2 binding sites. Angiotensin II (100 nM) can stimulate inositol phosphate production similarly in COS-7 cells transfected with pTAT2' and in COS-7 cells transfected with the AT1a receptor cDNA pCa18b. This response in pTAT2'-transfected cells is not attenuated in the presence of 30 microM Dup753. In contrast, this concentration of antagonist attenuates > 90% of the inositol phosphate response to angiotensin II in COS-7 cells transfected with the rat AT1a receptor cDNA. These results demonstrate an avian structural homologue of mammalian AT1 receptors possessing distinct pharmacological properties with both peptide and nonpeptide AT receptor ligands.

Adrenal Glands↗

Comparison of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes and signal transduction in SK-N-MC and NB41A3 neuronal cell lines.

We compared the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes in two neuronal cell lines, SK-N-MC (human neuroepithelioma) and NB41A3 (murine neuroblastoma). 125I-BE 2254 labeled alpha 1-adrenergic receptor binding sites in membranes from both cell lines. Pretreatment with the alpha 1B-selective alkylating agent chloroethylclonidine (CEC) completely eliminated these binding sites in NB41A3 cells but caused only a 50% loss in SK-N-MC cells. Displacement with subtype-selective antagonists suggested that NB41A3 cells express only the alpha 1B subtype, whereas SK-N-MC cells express a pharmacologically heterogeneous receptor population, including both alpha 1A and alpha 1B subtypes. Norepinephrine increased [3H] inositol phosphate formation in both cell lines, but with different sensitivities to pertussis toxin and the presence of extracellular Ca2+. CEC pretreatment eliminated this response in NB41A3 cells but caused a maximal 42% reduction in SK-N-MC cells. Use of subtype-selective antagonists showed that the [3H]inositol phosphate response involved only the alpha 1B subtype in NB41A3 cells but a combination of subtypes in SK-N-MC cells. Norepinephrine induced both transient and sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in both cell lines, as measured with fura-2. CEC pretreatment abolished the Ca2+ response in NB41A3 cells but had little effect in SK-N-MC cells. In SK-N-MC cells the Ca2+ response was potently blocked by alpha 1A-selective antagonists. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ eliminated the sustained component of the Ca2+ signal in both cell lines. Poly(A)+ RNA from NB41A3, DDT1MF-2, BC3H1, and MDCK-D1 cell lines showed one or more prominent transcripts (2.2-4.2 kilobases) that strongly hybridized to the hamster alpha 1B cDNA probe but not to the bovine alpha 1C or rat alpha 1D cDNA probes. Poly(A)+ RNA from SK-N-MC cells showed multiple transcripts (1.3-5.6 kilobases) that hybridized to both hamster alpha 1B and rat alpha 1D but not bovine alpha 1C cDNA probes. We conclude that NB41A3 cells contain exclusively alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors linked to inositol phosphate formation and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, whereas at least two alpha 1-adrenergic receptor forms, which resemble the alpha 1A and alpha 1B subtypes, coexist in SK-N-MC cells. The CEC-insensitive alpha 1A-like subtype in SK-N-MC cells is capable of increasing inositol phosphate formation and mobilizing intracellular Ca2+.

Animals↗

A recombinant rat vascular AT1 receptor confers growth properties to angiotensin II in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

A rat vascular AT1 receptor cDNA has been stably expressed into Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and the resulting recombinant AT1a receptor has been functionally characterized. This receptor binds 125I Sar1-angiotensin II with an affinity of 0.9 nM and the displacement of this ligand by a series of peptidic and nonpeptidic analogs is shown. Binding of angiotensin II to this receptor causes a rapid increase in inositol phosphate production, whereas this effect is not observed in nontransfected cells. Des-aspartyl1 angiotensin II and at a lesser extent angiotensin I are also able to produce an increase in inositol phosphates. More importantly, the actions of angiotensin II on cell division were clearly demonstrated in this model, since angiotensin II is able to stimulate DNA synthesis by 400% and double the cell population of the transfected cells in 36 hours in the absence of any other growth factor, whereas no effect is observed in nontransfected cells.

Angiotensin II↗

Molecular cloning of AT1 angiotensin receptors.

Angiotensin II is the principal effector molecule of the renin-angiotensin system. Its effects are mediated by cell surface proteins termed AT receptors. On the basis of radioligand binding studies, these have been pharmacologically subdivided into two classes, termed AT1 receptors and AT2 binding sites (Chiu AT, et al, Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1989;165:196-203). AT1 receptors appear to mediate the major cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II, whereas no known physiological properties appear to be coupled to AT2 binding sites (Wong PC, et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1990;255:584-592). To gain further insight into the function of AT1 receptors we have isolated rat cDNA's and genes encoding two distinct but highly similar isoforms of AT1 receptors, termed AT1a and AT1b receptors. Two cDNA's encoding the vascular AT1a receptor were isolated by an expression cloning strategy from a cDNA library prepared from vascular smooth muscle cells. The properties of the clones isolated by this approach are consistent with known pharmacological, biochemical signaling, and tissue distribution properties of AT1 receptors. Using this cDNA as a probe, a second isoform of rat AT1 receptor was isolated from a genomic library. This receptor, termed the AT1b receptor, is 95% identical in amino acid sequence and is pharmacologically indistinguishable from the AT1a receptor. However, the tissue-specific expression pattern of the AT1b gene differs significantly from that for the AT1a receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of the constitutive bovine aortic endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase.

The constitutive endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (NOS) importantly regulates vascular homeostasis. To gain understanding of this enzyme, a pEF BOS cDNA library of 5 x 10(5) clones was prepared from bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) and screened with a 2.8-kb cDNA BamHI fragment of rat brain NOS. Clone pBOS13 was found to express NO synthase activity when transfected into COS-7 cells. Sequence analysis revealed sequences compatible with binding domains for calcium/calmodulin, flavin mononucleotide, flavin adenine nucleotide and NADPH. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed a protein with a relative mol mass of 133,286, which is 58% homologous to the rat cerebellar NOS and 51% homologous to the mouse macrophage NOS. The amino-terminal portion of the protein exhibits several characteristics peculiar to the endothelial cell NOS. These include a proline-rich region and several potential sites for proline-directed phosphorylation as well as a potential substrate site for acyl transferase. Northern hybridization to mRNA from cultured BAEC revealed an abundant 4.8-kb message, which was not increased by coincubation with tumor necrosis factor alpha, but was markedly increased by exposure to shear stress for 24 h. The unique features of the endothelial cell NO synthase, particularly in the amino terminal portion of the molecule, may provide for novel regulatory influences of enzyme activity and localization.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Isolation of a cDNA encoding the vascular type-1 angiotensin II receptor.

Angiotensin II is an important effector molecule controlling blood pressure and volume in the cardiovascular system. Its importance is manifested by the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Angiotensin II interacts with two pharmacologically distinct subtypes of cell-surface receptors, AT1 and AT2. AT1 receptors seem to mediate the major cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II. Here we report the isolation by expression cloning of a complementary DNA encoding a unique protein with the pharmacological specificity of a vascular AT1 receptor. Hydropathic modelling of the deduced protein suggests that it shares the seven-transmembrane-region motif with the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Knowledge of the AT1 receptor primary sequence should now permit structural analysis, definition of the angiotensin II receptor gene family and delineation of the contribution of AT receptors to the genetic component of hypertension.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Assessment of schizophrenic inpatients with the MCMI.

The Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) Psychotic Thinking scale previously was found insensitive in the detection of schizophrenia. The MCMI also was shown to be susceptible to undetected "faking good." We hypothesized that the insensitivity of the MCMI Psychotic Thinking scale was due to an unwillingness of schizophrenic patients to report psychotic symptoms. The MCMI was administered to 258 male schizophrenic inpatients who were classified as symptom-reporters or nonreporters based upon whether they endorsed psychotic symptoms on a separate problem checklist. Willingness to report psychotic symptoms was a significant factor in MCMI Psychotic Thinking scale scores as well as many other MCMI scales.

Adult↗