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V Vasiliou

Publications and source records attributed to V Vasiliou.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Extrahepatic expression of NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase, UDP glucuronosyltransferase-1A6, microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase, and hepatic nuclear factor-1 alpha mRNAs in ch/ch and 14CoS/14CoS mice.

Oxidative stress-induced gene expression in liver of the untreated newborn c14CoS/c14CoS mouse, as compared with that in the cch/cch wild-type mouse, appears to be caused by homozygous loss of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) gene on Chr 7 and absence of the FAH enzyme, which leads to increased levels of endogenous reactive oxygenated metabolites (ROMs) formed in the tyrosine degradative pathway. In these mice almost all studies to date have been carried out in liver. We have examined the extrahepatic expression of four genes. Two genes are members of the [Ah] battery and induced by ROM-mediated oxidative stress: NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase (Nmo1) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase-1A6 (Ugt1a6). The other two genes are decreased in the livers of 14CoS/ 14CoS mice as compared with that in ch/ch mice: microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (Ahd3) and hepatocyte-specific nuclear factor-1 alpha HNF-1 alpha (Hnf1 alpha). In liver plus nine extrahepatic tissues of untreated newborn 14CoS/14CoS mutant and ch/ch wild-type mice, we compared NMO1, UGT1A6, AHD3 and HNF-1 alpha mRNA levels. Our results show a wide variation in extrahepatic tissue-specific expression of all four transcripts and indicate that numerous differences exist in the extrahepatic expression of these genes between 14CoS/14CoS and ch/ch mice.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Genetic differences in alcohol drinking preference between inbred strains of mice.

Genetic factors are known to influence the preference for drinking alcohol-in humans as well as certain inbred strains of laboratory animals. Here we examined the possible role of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in alcohol-preferring C57BL/6J (B6, high-affinity AHR) and alcohol-avoiding DBA/2J (D2, low-affinity AHR) inbred mouse strains, and in the two congenic lines B6.D2-Ahrd (> 99% B6 genome with the D2 low-affinity AHR) and D2.B6-Ahrb-1 (> 99% D2 genome with the B6 high-affinity AHR). This laboratory had previously shown an association between resistance to intraperitoneal ethanol-induced toxicity and the high-affinity AHR. Offering the choice between drinking water and 10% ethanol, we found that alcohol preference is three- to four-fold greater in B6 than D2 mice, as well as three- to four-fold greater in B6.D2-Ahrd than D2.B6-Ahrb-1 mice-indicating that alcohol preference is AHR-independent. The prototype AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin) did not affect the rates of chronic alcohol consumption in B6 or D2 mice, suggesting that dioxin-inducible metabolism does not play a major role in alcohol drinking preference. In B6 mice, we found that oral treatment with the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor disulfiram decreased alcohol preference by 50%, whereas oral treatment of the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole increased alcohol drinking preference by 15-20%. Although liver and brain ALDH activities were both significantly higher in D2 than B6, these activities were not related to alcohol consumption. Hepatic and brain catalase activities, on the other hand, were two- to three-fold higher in D2 and D2.B6-Ahrb-1 mice, compared with that in B6 and B6.D2-Ahrd. Furthermore, brain acetaldehyde levels were inversely related to the quantity of alcohol voluntarily consumed. We conclude that the alcohol drinking preference between the B6 and D2 inbred mouse strains is independent of the Ah receptor-but is genetically determined, in part, by the level of brain catalase activity which, in turn, regulates brain acetaldehyde concentrations.

Acetaldehyde↗

Mouse microsomal Class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase: AHD3 cDNA sequence, inducibility by dioxin and clofibrate, and genetic mapping.

We have cloned and sequenced the mouse AHD3 cDNA, which codes for the Class 3 microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH3m). The cDNA is 2,997 bp in length excluding the poly(A)+ tail, and has 5' and 3' non-translated regions of 113 bp and 1,429 bp, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence consists of 484 amino acids, including the first methionine (Mr = 53,942), and contains a hydrophobic segment at the carboxyl terminus which is the putative membrane anchor. The mouse AHD3 protein was found to be: 95% similar to the rat microsomal ALDH3m protein, 65% identical to the mouse, rat and human cytosolic ALDH3c protein, and <28% similar to the rat Class 1 and Class 2 ALDH and methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase proteins. Southern hybridization analysis of mouse cDNA probed with the full-length AHD3 cDNA revealed that the Ahd3 gene likely spans less than a total of 25 kb. The mouse Ahd3 gene is very tightly linked to the Ahd4 gene on chromosome 11. Mouse AHD3 mRNA levels are increased by dioxin in mouse Hepa-1c1c7 hepatoma wild-type (wt) cells but not in the Ah receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT)-defective (c4) mutant line, indicating that the induction process is mediated by the Ah (aromatic hydrocarbon) dioxin-binding receptor. AHD3 mRNA levels are also inducible by clofibrate in both the wt and c4 lines. AHD3 mRNA levels are not elevated in the CYP1A1 metabolism-deficient c37 mutant line or as part of the oxidative stress response found in the untreated 14CoS/14CoS mouse cell line. These data indicate that, although inducible by dioxin, the Ahd3 gene does not qualify as a member of the aromatic hydrocarbon [Ah] gene battery.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Ligands of four receptors in the nuclear steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily inhibit induction of rat cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase-3 (ALDH3c) by 3-methylcholanthrene.

Using six ligands that bind to four different receptors in the nuclear steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily, we have examined the effects of these chemicals on induction of the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH3c) activity by 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) in rat liver and uterus. In contrast to negligible activities in the untreated rat, ALDH3c enzyme activities are induced after a single dose of 3MC. Hepatic ALDH3c induction is decreased 60% to 90% when 3MC is administered together with any of the following ligands: estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, hydrocortisol, diethylstilbestrol, or tamoxifen. None of these same doses of chemicals, administered alone, affects ALDH3c enzyme activity. In addition, when these ligands are injected 2 days after 3MC, no changes are observed in liver or uterus ALDH3c induction. These results suggest that ligands that bind to different receptors in the nuclear steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily might inhibit the ALD3H3c induction process by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; the molecular mechanism(s) of this inhibitory effect is not yet understood.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Interaction between the Ah receptor and proteins binding to the AP-1-like electrophile response element (EpRE) during murine phase II [Ah] battery gene expression.

We have studied three Phase II genes in the mouse dioxin-inducible [Ah] battery: Nmo1 [encoding NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase], Ahd4 (encoding the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH3c), and Ugt1*06 (a UDP glucuronosyltransferase). Oxidant-induced Nmo1 gene expression in the c14CoS/c14CoS mouse appears likely to be caused by homozygous loss of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) gene on Chr 7 and absence of the enzyme (FAH), which leads to increased levels of endogenous tyrosine oxidative metabolites. We show here that increases in [Ah] Phase II gene expression in the 14CoS/14CoS mouse are correlated with an AP-1-like DNA motif called the electrophile response element (EpRE), which has been found in the 5' flanking regulatory regions of all murine (Ah) Phase II genes. Aromatic hydrocarbon response element (AhREs) are responsible for dioxin-mediated upregulation of all six [Ah] battery genes, and one or more AhREs have been found in the 5' flanking regulatory regions of all of these [Ah] genes. Gel mobility shift assays, with a synthetic oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the EpRE, show that EpRE-binding proteins are more than twice as abundant in 14CoS/14CoS than in the wild-type ch/ch nuclear extracts. Competition studies of EpRE-specific binding with an excess of EpRE, mutated EpRE, AP-1, AhRE3, mutated AhRE3, and C/EBP alpha oligonucleotides suggest that several common transcriptional factors bind to the EpRE and AhRE3 motifs. Two monospecific antibodies to the Ah receptor (AHR) protein block formation of an EpRE-specific complex on gel mobility electrophoresis. These data suggest that AHR (or AHR-related protein) might be an integral part of the EpRE-binding transcriptional complex associated with the oxidative stress response. To our knowledge, this is among the first reports of the same transcription factor operating at two different response elements upstream of a single gene.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Response of [Ah] battery genes to compounds that protect against menadione toxicity.

We have studied the response of genes in the dioxin-inducible [Ah] battery to three compounds that protect mouse hepatoma cells (Hepa-1c7c7 wild-type, wt) against menadione toxicity. Pretreatment of wt cells with 25 microM 5,10-dihydroindenol[1,2-b]indole (DHII), 25 microM tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHO) or 10 microM menadione itself, generated substantial protection against toxicity produced by subsequent menadione exposure. The gene response was examined in wt cells, and three mutant lines: CYP1A1 metabolism-deficient (c37 or P1-); nuclear translocation-impaired (c4 or nt-); and AHR-deficient (c2 or r-, containing < 10% of normal functional receptor levels). DHII treatment of wt cells for 12 hr markedly elevated the enzyme activities and mRNA levels of genes in the [Ah] battery: aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (Cyp1a1), NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase (Nmol), cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 (Ahd4), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase form 1*06 (Ugt1*06). Treatment of the c4 and c2 cells with DHII failed to induce mRNA levels of the genes, indicating that induction of the [Ah] gene battery by DHII is aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-mediated. On the other hand, neither tBHO nor menadione caused increases in CYPlAl mRNA, but tBHQ significantly enhanced the NMO1, AHD4, and UGT1*06 mRNA levels in all three mutant cell lines. In conclusion, we expect one or more putative electrophile response elements (EpRE), previously found in the regulatory regions of the murine Nmol, Ahd4, and ugt1*06 genes, to be functional in responding to phenolic antioxidants.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Lack of response of the rat liver "class 3" cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase to toxic chemicals, glutathione depletion, and other forms of stress.

One of the rat liver "Class 3" cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenases (EC 1.2.1.3), ALDH3c, is known to be markedly induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin). In the present study we examined whether hepatic ALDH3c induction is a general response to toxicity. Treatment of Wistar rats for 4 days with known toxic doses of hepatotoxic agents--carbon tetrachloride, dimethylnitrosamine, diethylnitrosamine, aflatoxin B1, and D-ethionine--did not induce ALDH3c enzyme activity. Whereas dimethylaminoazobenzene at 100 mg/kg/day for 4 days did not increase ALDH3c, a 10-fold lower dose of dimethylaminoazobenzene for 4 days produced a 20-fold increase in ALDH3c activity. Treatment with phorone, diethylmaleate or L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine--which deplete reduced glutathione (GSH) by different mechanisms--did not affect ALDH3c activity. One dose of benzo[a]pyrene for 24 hr increased ALDH3c activity by 25-fold. Treatment with both the GSH-depleting chemicals and benzo[a]pyrene inhibited ALDH3c induction by 45% to 75%, suggesting a role for GSH during ALDH3c induction. After ALDH3c activity had already been induced by benzo[a]pyrene, however, the GSH-depleting chemicals did not affect ALDH3c activity. No changes in ALDH3c activity were seen 24 or 48 hr after partial hepatectomy, on the fifth day following surgical cholestasis, or after guanethidine-induced sympathectomy. These data indicate that hepatic ALDH3c inducibility in the rat is not a general or direct response to chemical toxicity, or to conditions of GSH depletion or other forms of stress.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Regulation of [Ah] gene battery enzymes and glutathione levels by 5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in mouse hepatoma cell lines.

The murine aromatic hydrocarbon ([Ah]) gene battery consists of at least six genes that code for two functionalizing (Phase I) enzymes and four non-functionalizing (Phase II) enzymes. These enzymes are induced by compounds such as aromatic hydrocarbons and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) that bind to the cytosolic Ah receptor protein. Studies in rodents indicate that certain enzymes of this battery, namely cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1*06) and NAD(P)H: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase (NMO1) are induced by the synthetic antioxidant 5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole (DHII). The induction of [Ah] gene battery enzymes and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were examined in mouse Hepa-1c1c7 hepatoma wild-type cells (wt), a CYP1A1 metabolism-deficient mutant (c37) and an Ah receptor nuclear translocation-defective mutant (c4). DHII and TCDD increased the activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, an indicator of CYP1A1 activity, as well as NMO1, UGT1*06, cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 and glutathione S-transferase form A1 in wt cells, but had little or no induction effect in c37 or c4 cells. DHII and TCDD differed in their effects on GSH levels; while DHII increased GSH levels 3-fold in wt, but not at all in c37 or c4 cells, TCDD had no effect on GSH levels in any cell type. However, GSH levels were enhanced in both wt and c4 cells by tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ). L-Buthionine S,R-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, prevented DHII-induced increases in wt cell GSH. The increase in GSH levels occurred after 8 h, while the induction of enzymes occurred within 4 h. The induction of the higher GSH levels in wt cells by DHII and TBHQ correlated with increases in intracellular levels of the GSH precursor thiol cysteine, as well as with increased activities of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme of GSH synthesis. However, TBHQ-mediated GSH increases in c4 cells were accompanied by increased gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity with no change in intracellular cysteine concentration. The results suggest that DHII induction of [Ah] gene battery enzymes requires a functional Ah receptor, but not the functional gene product CYP1A1. Furthermore, metabolism, possibly via CYP1A1, appears to be required for DHII to enhance intracellular levels of cysteine and GCS activity that result in higher GSH levels.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Mouse dioxin-inducible NAD(P)H: menadione oxidoreductase: NMO1 cDNA sequence and genetic differences in mRNA levels.

We have cloned and sequenced the mouse NMO1 cDNA, which encodes the NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase [also called NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase; quinone reductase; azo dye reductase; DT diaphorase; EC 1.6.99.2]. The cDNA is 1528 bp in length excluding the poly(A+) tail, and has 5' and 3' nontranslated regions of 108 bp and 595 bp, respectively. The deduced protein contains 274 amino acids, including the first methionine (M(r) = 30,959). The mouse NMO1 protein is: 94% similar to the rat NMO1 and 86.5% to the human NMO1 proteins; 49.3% identical to the human NQO2 protein; and < 20% similar to several dozen other proteins in the quinone oxidoreductase superfamily. Southern hybridization analysis of mouse DNA reveals that the Nmo1 gene is likely to span less than a total of 20 kb. The Nmo1 gene is highly inducible by 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin; TCDD) in mouse liver and mouse cell cultures. TCDD inducibility of NMO1 is detectable at 12 and 18 days of gestation, but markedly elevated at 1-3 weeks post partum as compared with the 6- and 12-week-old mouse. NMO1 mRNA levels are strikingly elevated in the untreated mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 mutant line c37 lacking CYP1A1 (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase) activity, and in the untreated 14CoS/14CoS mouse cell line having an 'oxidative stress response' caused by homozygous deletion of about 3800 kb on chromosome 7. Previous work and the data in this report show that the murine Nmo1 gene is regulated by three distinct mechanisms: CYP1A1 metabolism-dependent repression, Ah receptor-mediated induction by TCDD, and activation by the chromosome 7-mediated oxidative stress response.

3T3 Cells↗

Role of the Ah receptor and the dioxin-inducible [Ah] gene battery in toxicity, cancer, and signal transduction.

1. On the basis of our current knowledge about the evolution of drug-metabolizing enzymes, it appears to be extremely likely that these enzymes play a critical role in maintaining steady-state levels of the ligands involved in ligand-modulated transcription of genes effecting growth, differentiation, homeostasis, and neuroendocrine functions. 2. The original observations about genetic differences in CYP1A1 (cytochrome P1-450) induction by TCDD or benzo[a]pyrene in the mouse have led to an appreciation for a similar polymorphism in the human and the recent cloning of the murine Ah receptor (Ahr) and human Ah receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) genes. It is most likely that the correlation between genetic differences in human or murine CYP1A1 inducibility by polycyclic hydrocarbons or TCDD and increased risk of cancer will be explained by differences in the AHR gene, leading to enhanced tumor promotion (rather than in the CYP1A1 structural gene). Perhaps the same will be found for birth defects, immunotoxicity, and other forms of toxic damage caused by these environmental chemicals. 3. In a manner similar to that of the phorbol ester tumor promoter, TCDD induces intracellular Ca2+ changes, accumulation of FOS and JUN mRNAs, and large increases in AP-1 transcription factor activity. Interestingly, these early effects of TCDD, and also of benzo[a]pyrene, appear not to require the Ah receptor. 4. Many genes are induced by TCDD, and many others are induced by electrophilic metabolites such as quinones and H2O2; using several mouse experimental systems, we have defined a subset of six of these genes as constituting the [Ah] battery by the sole criterion that a functional CYP1A1 or CYP1A2 enzyme is able to repress the expression of genes that are members of this gene battery.

Animals↗

Mouse dioxin-inducible cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase-3: AHD4 cDNA sequence, genetic mapping, and differences in mRNA levels.

We have cloned and sequenced the murine AHD4 cDNA encoding the 'Class 3' cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-3c). The cDNA is 1722 bp in length, excluding the poly(A+) tail, and has 5' and 3' nontranslated regions of 174 bp and 186 bp, respectively. AHD4 encodes a protein of 453 amino acids, including the first methionine (M(r) = 50,466). The murine AHD4 protein is 91% and 80% similar to the rat and human ALDH3c proteins, respectively, 64% identical to the rat microsomal ALDH3 protein, and < 28% similar to ALDH 'Class 1' and 'Class 2' proteins. Surprisingly, in contrast to the rat gene that is expressed in both cell cultures and the intact liver, the murine Ahd-4 gene is inducible by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin) or benzo[a]pyrene in cell cultures but not in liver of the intact adult or newborn mouse. Southern hybridization analysis of mouse DNA probed with the full-length cDNA reveals that the Ahd-4 gene is likely to span less than a total of 15 kb, and was mapped to chromosome (Chr) 11 between the Mgat-1 and Shbg loci by analysis of two multilocus crosses. AHD4 mRNA levels are strikingly elevated in the untreated mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 mutant line c37 lacking CYP1A1 (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase) activity and in the untreated 14CoS/14CoS mouse cell line having a homozygous deletion of about 1.2 cM on Chr 7. Our data suggest that the Ahd-4 gene in murine cell cultures is regulated by three distinct mechanisms: Ah receptor-mediated induction by TCDD or benzo[a]pyrene, CYP1A1 metabolism-dependent repression, and Chr 7-mediated putative derepression.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗