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Biomedical subjects

U Hammerling

Publications and source records attributed to U Hammerling.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Family relationships of murine major histocompatibility complex class I genes. Sequence of the T2Aa pseudogene, a member of gene family 3.

The major histocompatibility complex of the mouse contains numerous class I genes, most of which are encoded in the Qa and Tla regions. By hybridizations, the murine class I genes have been classified into three major families (Rogers, J. H. (1985a) Immunogenetics 21, 343-353). As yet, complete sequences are available only for members of family 1 (several H-2 and Qa genes) or family 2 (the pseudoallelic Tla genes T3b and T13c). We here present the complete nucleotide sequence of a gene from the Tla region that belongs to family 3. This gene, T2Aa, is a pseudogene by several criteria. The general structure of the gene is nonetheless well preserved. A comparison of the T2Aa sequence to those of other murine class I genes confirms the classification into three gene families. Members of gene families 2 and 3, located in the Tla region, are no more similar to each other than to family 1 (the H-2 and Qa2,3 genes). This suggests that families 2 and 3 were both created by ancient duplications of the functionally important family 1 genes. The fact that families 2 and 3 have diverged extensively both from family 1 and from each other may suggest that they are devoid of function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of c-src in cultured human neuroblastoma and small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines correlates with neurocrine differentiation.

Human cell lines with neuronal and neuroendocrine features were examined for their expression of pp60c-src, the cellular homolog of the transforming gene product pp60v-src of Rous sarcoma virus. Four neuroblastoma (LA-N-5, SH-SY5Y, Paju, and SK-N-MC) and three small-cell lung carcinoma (U-2020, U-1690, and U-1285) cell lines were selected on the basis of their stage of neurocrine differentiation, as determined by the expression of neuron-specific enolase. In an immune complex protein kinase assay, all seven cell lines displayed c-src kinase activity which was considerably higher than that found in nonneurocrine cells (human diploid fibroblasts, glioma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines). Furthermore, the c-src kinase activity, as determined by autophosphorylation or phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate, enolase, correlated with the stage of neurocrine differentiation. There was an approximately 30-fold difference in c-src kinase autophosphorylation activity between the cell lines representing the highest and lowest stages of neurocrine differentiation. A similar variation was found in the steady-state levels of the c-src protein of these cell lines. Highly differentiated neuroblastoma cells expressed two forms of the src protein. Digestion by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease did reveal structural diversity in the amino-terminal ends of these c-src molecules. In summary, we found a clear correlation between c-src kinase activity and the stage of neuronal and neuroendocrine differentiation. Thus, the phenotypic similarity between neurons and neuroendocrine cells includes high c-src expression.

Carcinoma, Small Cell↗

Different regulation of N- and c-myc expression during phorbol ester-induced maturation of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

The mRNA expression of c-myc and N-myc in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y was found not to change appreciably during the cell cycle and was also unaffected by proliferative inhibition induced by serum starvation or polyamine depletion. However, an early (0.5-8.0 h post-induction) transient reduction of c- and N-myc transcripts were observed in these cells upon induction to differentiation with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Treatment of these neuroblastoma cells with TPA for longer periods (1-8 days), which induces morphological and functional differentiation and growth arrest, was followed by decreased expression of both myc genes. However, the rate of disappearance differed considerably. The N-myc mRNA level was slightly decreased after 4 days and was still detectable 8 days after induction, whereas the c-myc transcript was down-regulated much faster. In contrast, when the cells were exposed to retinoic acid, which results in a maturation along an alternative pathway, the inhibition of N-myc and c-myc expression was similar. The c-fos mRNA expression increased in TPA-treated SH-SY5Y cells and remained high during extended exposure to the drug. The highest c-fos transcript level in induced cells coincided in time with the transient reduction of N-myc and c-myc. Thus, the TPA-induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells was compatible with high c-fos and a substantial N-myc mRNA expression.

Cell Cycle↗

Isolation of a murine Ly-6 cDNA reveals a new multigene family.

The Ly-6 alloantigens have been shown to play a critical role in T lymphocyte activation. To isolate a Ly-6 cDNA, synthetic oligonucleotides, based on the partial amino acid sequence of purified Ly-6E.1 protein, were used to probe a cDNA library. The synthetic oligonucleotides or the isolated cDNA detected a 1.1-kb RNA species. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clone revealed that the Ly-6E.1 protein consists of a 26-amino acid leader followed by a 108-residue, cysteine-rich, core protein with no N-linked glycosylation sites. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs revealed multiple bands indicating a family of related genes. Using recombinant inbred and Ly-6 congenic strains of mice, restriction fragment length polymorphisms were demonstrable, and correlated with the Ly-6 allotype of the DNA donors. This probe will enable further molecular genetic analysis of the role of Ly-6-linked proteins in the process of T lymphocyte activation. Isolation of Ly-6 genomic clones may promote a further understanding of the complex tissue-specific expression patterns characteristic of Ly-6-linked genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ly-6A.2 and Ly-6E.1 molecules are antithetical and identical to MALA-1.

Rat monoclonal antibodies YE3/19.1, defining the murine-activated lymphocyte antigen MALA-1, and D7, detecting an Ly-6 locus-controlled antigen, bound highly purified Ly-6E.1. On western blots of lymphocyte surface proteins which had been solubilized and electrophoretically separated in octylglucoside, they detected bands which comigrated with Ly-6A.2 or Ly-6E.1 antigens. On cells or in an immunoassay they blocked alloantibodies against Ly-6A.2 or Ly-6E.1. The tissue distribution of MALA-1 also correlated with Ly-6A.2 or Ly-6E.1. Upon octylglucoside or sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, these antigens displayed similar sizes. Thus, Ly-6A.2 and Ly-6E.1 are most likely products of alternate alleles. Electrophoretic analysis showed a similar size and charge for Ly-6A.2, Ly-6B.2, Ly-6D.2, and Ly-27.2. Ly-6C.2 and Ly-28.2 appeared to be identical, and were similar in size to Ly-6A.2, but they differed in charge and in intrachain disulfide constraints. Since Ly-6D.2 and Ly-27.2 may represent the same or different epitopes on the Ly-6A.2 molecule, the previously postulated five Ly-6-like antigens that were thought to be separable on the basis of tissue distribution, may represent no more than three separate proteins which can be assigned to one of two distinct categories by electrophoretic mobility in gels containing octylglucoside.

Animals↗

Rapid immunodiagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia by bronchoalveolar lavage using human and murine monoclonal antibodies.

Bronchoalveolar lavage material from 54 immunocompromised patients with interstitial pneumonia was examined by immunofluorescence with cytomegalovirus-specific monoclonal antibodies. Twelve patients (22%) had cytomegalovirus detected in their lavaged cells, and 9 of these patients (17%) had proven cytomegalovirus pneumonitis. This assay detected all samples with cytomegalovirus when the virus was detected by established methods either at the time of lavage or after any other procedure in the subsequent 2 months; that is, it had a sensitivity of 100%. Cytomegalovirus could be detected within 3 hours of the lavage, and a clear correlation was seen between the number of fluorescent cells and the presence of cytomegalovirus pneumonia. All 9 patients with pneumonitis had more than 0.5% fluorescent cells, whereas the 3 patients in whom cytomegalovirus was detected without pneumonia had significantly fewer fluorescent cells. This method provides a sensitive, rapid, and quantifiable system for detection of cytomegalovirus, facilitating the early diagnosis and treatment of cytomegalovirus pneumonia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Sequence of gene and cDNA encoding murine major histocompatibility complex class II gene A beta 2.

The murine major histocompatibility complex is known to express two class II molecules, A and E. They are composed of one alpha- and one beta-polypeptide chain. Recently, we reported the finding of an additional beta-chain second domain exon tentatively designated A beta 2. We describe here the nucleotide sequence of the A beta 2 gene and an A beta 2 cDNA clone. A beta 2 displays the same exon organization as the known expressed beta-chain genes, and the predicted A beta 2 polypeptide shows all the characteristic features of the expressed beta-chains. The predicted A beta 2 polypeptide shows 49-56% amino acid sequence identity to A beta and E beta chains and to the human DP, DQ, and DR beta-chains. These are 63-79% homologous to each other, indicating that A beta 2 is the most divergent member of the beta-chain family. The A beta 2 gene seems to be transcribed in the same types of cells as other class II genes. Detection of incompletely spliced A beta 2 mRNA and the finding of a cDNA clone containing an intron segment suggest that A beta 2 transcripts are processed slowly. Hybridizations with A beta 2 probes to restriction enzyme-digested genomic DNA indicate that the A beta 2 gene displays lower allelic polymorphism than the A beta gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene duplications in the TL region of the mouse major histocompatibility complex.

We have isolated a class I gene from the TL region of the A/J mouse. The gene, T2A, is a homologue of the C57BL/10 mouse gene T2. In the process of mapping this gene we screened a number of BALB/c class I cosmid clusters with a T2A flanking probe. Several of the hybridizing clusters were found to contain identical DNA segments and could therefore be linked together into one single BALB/c TL region which appears to be identical to the TL region of the C57BL/10 mouse. However, two of the hybridizing clusters do not overlap with the C57BL/10 TL region. It appears that these two clusters represent a partial duplication of the TL region in the BALB/c mouse.

Animals↗

Alleles of the Ly-17 alloantigen define polymorphisms of the murine IgG Fc receptor.

Antibodies specific for allelic determinants of the cell membrane alloantigen Ly-17 were found to react with genetically determined polymorphic sites on the murine IgG Fc receptor (Fc gamma R). Monoclonal antibodies specific for Ly-17.2 and the Fc gamma R detected identical populations of cells in thymus, spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow and had nearly identical reactivity with a large number of hematopoietic neoplasms. Antibodies to the Fc gamma R and either allele of Ly-17 blocked binding of rabbit IgG dimers to the Fc gamma R on spleen and bone marrow cells. Antibodies to the Fc gamma R also blocked binding of antibodies to either allele of Ly-17, whereas anti-Ly-17 antibodies only partially blocked the binding of antibodies to the Fc gamma R. Biochemical studies showed that antibodies to Ly-17 and the Fc gamma R precipitated proteins of Mr 55,000-60,000. The identity of the proteins recognized by these antibodies was confirmed by sequential immunoprecipitation.

Alleles↗

The regulation of membrane-bound and secreted alpha-chain biosynthesis during the differentiation of the B cell lymphoma I.29.

The regulation of the synthesis of membrane-bound and secreted IgA was investigated in the murine B lymphoma I.29 during the differentiation from IgA-bearing lymphocytes to IgA-secreting cells, as caused by treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS induced a threefold to fivefold increase in the amount of IgA synthesized, and induced a shift from the synthesis of the membrane form of alpha-chain (alpha m) to the synthesis of the secreted form of alpha-chain (alpha s), resulting in a 60-fold increase in the amount of IgA secreted. In vitro translation of sucrose gradient-fractionated RNA indicated that two mRNA molecules, 3.1 and 2.1 kilobase pairs (kb), encode alpha m-chains, whereas a smaller RNA molecule, 1.7 kb, encodes alpha s. Analyses by RNA blotting showed that the relative amounts of the three alpha mRNA changed rapidly during LPS-induced differentiation. The amount of the 3.1 and 2.1 kb alpha mRNA decreased, and the amount of the 1.7 kb alpha s mRNA increased in LPS-stimulated cells as compared with controls. These observations suggest that the regulation of alpha m/alpha s synthesis is controlled mostly at the pretranslational level.

Animals↗

The Eb beta gene may have acted as the donor gene in a gene conversion-like event generating the Abm 12 beta mutant.

At least two different class II histocompatibility antigens, I-A and I-E, are encoded by the murine major histocompatibility complex. Both types of class II antigens are composed of polypeptide chains called alpha and beta. Class II antigens display extensive genetic polymorphism, the main part of which resides in the NH2-terminal domains of the A alpha, A beta and E beta chains. Recently it was shown that the mutant gene Abm 12 beta differed from the wild-type gene Ab beta by three nucleotide substitutions, which all occur within a stretch of 14 nucleotides. Multiple substitutions of the type found in the Abm 12 beta gene suggest that the mutant arose by a gene conversion-like event. To examine whether the Eb beta gene may have served as the donor gene in the generation of the Abm 12 beta gene, we have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone corresponding to the Eb beta gene. Comparisons of the Eb beta, the Ab beta and the Abm 12 beta nucleotide sequences revealed that the Eb beta sequence is identical to that of Abm 12 beta in the positions where the latter differs from the Ab beta sequence. This observation is consistent with the notion that the Abm 12 beta mutant gene arose by a gene conversion-like event involving the Eb beta gene.

Alleles↗

A human monoclonal antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV).

We report the development of a human monoclonal antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV) produced from a human X human hybridoma. This hybrid was developed by fusion of an EBV-transformed cell line making antibody to CMV and a human lymphoblastoid cell line WI-L2. The antibody is directed to a CMV-specific antigen primarily in the nucleus of CMV-infected human fibroblasts. It cross-reacts with at least 10 different strains of CMV and may provide a method for the rapid in vitro diagnosis of CMV infections. The production of CMV-specific human man monoclonal antibodies from human-human hybridomas for future therapeutic use is now technically feasible with this specific method of production.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Complex formation of class I transplantation antigens and a viral glycoprotein.

Indirect immunoprecipitations of labeled glycoproteins from the adenovirus-transformed rat cell line A2T2C4 and from adenovirus-infected HeLa cells revealed that the class I major histocompatibility antigens co-precipitated with the viral E19 protein. The degree of co-precipitation was highly dependent on the antiserum used. The identity of the co-precipitated components was verified by peptide mapping and radiochemical amino acid sequencing. Cell-free translation of mRNA for the E19 protein and the class I antigen heavy chains demonstrated that the E19 protein-class I antigen interaction is an inherent property of the participating components. In intact cells the virus protein and the transplantation antigens form large complexes, held together by weak, noncovalent interactions.

Adenoviridae↗