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Biomedical subjects

W Lin

Publications and source records attributed to W Lin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Nasal delivery of chitosan-DNA plasmid expressing epitopes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) induces protective CTL responses in BALB/c mice.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an important pathogen of the lower respiratory tract, is responsible for severe illness both in new born and young children and in elderly people. Due to complications associated with the use of the early developed vaccines, there is still a need for an effective vaccine against RSV. Most pathogens enter the body via mucosal surfaces and therefore vaccine delivery via routes such as the nasal, may well prove to be superior in inducing protective immune responses against respiratory viruses, since both local and systemic immunity can be induced by nasal immunisation. Previously we have shown that intradermal immunisation of a plasmid DNA encoding the CTL epitope from the M2 protein of RSV induced protective CTL responses. In the present study, the mucosal delivery of plasmid DNA formulated with chitosan has been investigated. Chitosan is a polysachharide consisting of copolymers of N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine that is derived from chitin, a material found in the shells of crustacea. Intranasal immunisation with plasmid DNA formulated with chitosan induced peptide- and virus-specific CTL responses in BALB/c mice that were comparable to those induced via intradermal immunisation. Following RSV challenge of chitosan/DNA immunised mice, a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the virus load was observed in the lungs of immunised mice compared to that in the control group. These results indicate the potential of immunisation with chitosan-formulated epitope-based vaccines via the intranasal route.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A randomized study comparing interferon (IFN alpha) plus low-dose cytarabine and interferon plus hydroxyurea (HU) in early chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

This multicenter randomized phase III study was designed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IFN alpha-2c (3.5 MU/d) in combination with either araC (10 mg/m(2) d1-10) or hydroxyurea (HU: 25 mg/kg per day) in newly diagnosed CML patients. A total of 114 patients were randomized. Following a median observation period of 36 (range 1-73) months the major cytogenetic response rates were 25 and 27% and the 4-year survival probabilities 62.5 and 63% for the araC and HU group, respectively. While the overall toxicity profile was comparable between both groups, patients in the HU arm exhibited a slightly higher degree of WHO grades 3 and 4 non-hematological toxicities.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Resistance of the pulmonary epithelium to movement of buffer ions.

Exposure of the apical surfaces of alveolar monolayers to acidic and alkaline solutions has been reported to have little influence on intracellular pH compared with basolateral challenges (Joseph D, Tirmizi O, Zhang X, Crandall ED, and Lubman RL. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 282: L675-L683, 2002). We have used fluorescent pH indicators and a trifurcated optical bundle to determine whether the apical surfaces are less permeable to ionized buffers than the membranes that separate the vasculature from the tissues in intact rat lungs. In the first set of experiments, the air spaces were filled with perfusate containing FITC-dextran (mol wt 60000) or 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Air space pH fell progressively from 7.4 to 6.61 +/- 0.03 (mean +/- SE, n = 11, air space buffers at 10 mM). Perfusion for 2 min with 2 mM NH4Cl increased air space pH by 0.142 +/- 0.019 unit, without a subsequent acidic overshoot. Infusions of NaHCO3 and sodium acetate reduced pH without a subsequent alkaline overshoot. In the second set of experiments, cellular pH was monitored in air-filled lungs after perfusion with BCECFAM. Injections of NH4Cl caused a biphasic response, with initial alkalinization of the cellular compartment followed by acidification after the NH4Cl was washed from the lungs. Subsequent return of pH to normal was slowed by infusions of 1.0 mM dimethyl amiloride. These studies suggest that lung cells are protected from air space acidification by the impermeability of the apical membranes to buffer ions and that the cells extrude excess H+ through basolateral Na+/H+ exchangers.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2002

Purification, crystallization and X-ray analysis of swine vesicular disease virus.

Swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) is the etiological agent of swine vesicular disease, a highly contagious disease in pigs, and is related to coxsackie B virus. Crystalline arrays of SVDV can be observed in the cytoplasm of cells 4.5 h after inoculation to porcine kidney cells (IBRS-2 cells). Crystals of the JX/78 strain of SVDV were obtained from virus in two wells of crystallization conditions and present preliminary X-ray data to 3.6 A resolution.

Crystallization↗
PubMed2001

Protection of the lungs from acid during aspiration.

Unlike the thick mucosa that normally covers the upper gastrointestinal tract, the membranes that cover the distal surfaces of the lungs are remarkably attenuated. This permits rapid exchange of gases between the airspaces and pulmonary vasculature, and may make the lungs more susceptible to acid challenges associated with acid reflux and aspiration. Any injury to the alveolar epithelium could result in the movement of solute and water into the airspaces (chemical pneumonia) and impair gas exchange. In this study, we used a fluorescent approach to compare the relative permeability of the apical basolateral surfaces of the lungs to the exchange of the ionic forms of acids and bases. The apical membranes proved to be much less permeable to NH(4)(+) and HCO(3)(+) than the basolateral membranes. This asymmetry in permeability should enhance resistance of the epithelium to inspired acidic challenges by slowing entry of acid into the cells and by linking the intracellular pH of the alveolar cells to that of the plasma, which is a relatively large, well-buffered compartment. Evidence also was obtained that the acid is secreted by the membranes covering the lungs.

Ammonium Chloride↗
PubMed2001

Phylogeny of natural cytotoxicity: cytotoxic activity of coelomocytes of the purple sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

Coelomocyte-mediated nonspecific cell cytotoxic activity against human and murine target cells by the purple sea urchin Arbacia punctulata was investigated in vitro. Cytotoxic activity toward target cells was shown to be mediated by different coelomocyte populations isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. The population of phagocytic amebocytes showed the strongest cytotoxic activity and the highest binding to human NK markers by cytometry analysis. Our immunophenotypic studies showed that A. punctulata phagocytic amebocytes are CD14(+), CD56(+), CD158b(+), CD3(-), CD4(-), CD8(-), and CD16(-). The cytotoxic activity was independent of experimental incubation temperatures, required viable effector cells, and required cell-cell contact between the effector and target cells. Sodium azide significantly decreased coelomocyte cytotoxicity, indicating that cytotoxicity is metabolically dependent, and EDTA reduction of cytotoxic activity is consistent with the involvement of divalent cations in the cytotoxic process. These data describe a population of sea urchin coelomocytes (the phagocytic amebocyte) that are CD14(+), CD56(+), and CD158b(+), with cytotoxic activities.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

New open frameworks based on metal pyridylphosphonates.

A family of new 1D, 2D, and 3D coordination networks based on metal-pyridylphosphonates have been synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. Zn(3-pyridylphosphonate)(bromide), 1, adopts a 1D ladder structure, while Co(4-pyridylphosphonate)(H(2)O)(3), 2, adopts a 2D grid structure. [Cu(2)(4-pyridylphosphonate)(2)]-2H(2)O, 3, [Cd(3-pyridylphosphonate)(2)]-DMSO, 4, Cd(4-pyridylphosphonate)(2), 5, and Cd(ethyl 4-pyridylphosphonate)(2), 6, all adopt 3D framework structures. While 3 possesses open channels that are occupied by water molecules, 4 exhibits cavities that accommodate DMSO guest molecules. The present work demonstrates that interesting open frameworks can be readily synthesized on the basis of metal pyridylphosphonates. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic space group C2/c; a = 15.267(4), b = 11.903(2), c = 10.380(2) A; beta = 98.68(2) degrees; Z = 8. Crystal data for 2: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c; a = 9.634(12), b = 7.611(9), c = 11.901(1) A; beta = 97.830(2) degrees; Z = 4. Crystal data for 3: triclinic spacegroup P one macro; a = 7.464(8), b = 9.203(1), c = 11.602(2) A; alpha = 100.289(1) degrees; beta = 104.532(1) degrees, gamma = 94.569(1) degrees; Z = 2. Crystal data for 4: tetragonal space group I4(1)/a; a = 15.114(2), b = 15.114(2), c = 13.128(3) A; Z = 8. Crystal data for 5: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c; a = 8.344(2), b = 10.589(2), c = 14.384(3) A; beta = 91.77(3) degrees; Z = 4. Crystal data for 6: monoclinic space group P2(1)/n; a = 5.606(1), b = 11.198(1), c = 14.176(2) A; beta = 94.518(1) degrees; Z = 2.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Clonally diverse CTL response to a dominant viral epitope recognizes potential epitope variants.

RNA viruses undergo rapid sequence variation as the result of error-prone RNA replication mechanisms. When viable mutations arise in RNA regions encoding B or T cell epitopes, mutant viruses that can evade immune detection may be selected. In the carefully studied CTL response to the Gag p11C(C-M) epitope in SIVmac-infected Mamu-A*01(+) rhesus monkeys, it has been shown that CTL recognition of that epitope can occur even in the face of accruing mutations. To explore the underlying mechanism for this breadth of recognition, we have constructed Mamu-A*01 tetramers which discriminate T cells specific for epitope variants. Using these reagents we have defined discrete subsets of p11C(C-M)-specific T cells that cross-react with cells presenting variant peptides. We have found that individual Mamu-A*01(+) monkeys differ functionally in their ability to recognize epitope variants despite consistently strong recognition of the p11C(C-M) epitope. This functional difference is accounted for by the relative number of variant-specific T cells and by differences in the functionally relevant TCR repertoire of the infected monkeys. We have also found that monkeys immunized with DNA vaccine constructs encoding only the wild-type epitope sequence develop p11C(C-M)-specific CTL cross-reactive with variant peptides. Thus, cross-reactive CTL do not merely arise secondary to the emergence and immune presentation of viral CTL escape mutants but rather arise de novo following priming with a dominant epitope peptide sequence. Taken together, our results support the concept that the CTL response to a dominant viral epitope, although highly focused, can be clonally diverse and recognize potential epitope variants.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Alternatively folded choriogonadotropin analogs. Implications for hormone folding and biological activity.

Most heterodimeric proteins are stabilized by intersubunit contacts or disulfide bonds. In contrast, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and other glycoprotein hormones are secured by a strand of their beta-subunits that is wrapped around alpha-subunit loop 2 "like a seatbelt." During studies of hCG synthesis in COS-7 cells, we found that, when the seatbelt was prevented from forming the disulfide that normally "latches" it to the beta-subunit, its carboxyl-terminal end can "scan" the surface of the heterodimer and become latched by a disulfide to cysteines substituted for residues in the alpha-subunit. Analogs in which the seatbelt was latched to residues 35, 37, 41-43, and 56 of alpha-subunit loop 2 had similar lutropin activities to those of hCG; that in which it was latched to residue 92 at the carboxyl terminus had 10-20% the activity of hCG. Attachment of the seatbelt to alpha-subunit residues 45-51, 86, 88, 90, and 91 reduced lutropin activity substantially. These findings show that the heterodimer can form before the beta-subunit has folded completely and support the notions that the carboxyl-terminal end of the seatbelt, portions of alpha-subunit loop 2, and the end of the alpha-subunit carboxyl terminus do not participate in lutropin receptor interactions. They suggest also that several different architectures could have been sampled without disrupting hormone activity as the glycoprotein hormones diverged from other cysteine knot proteins.

Alanine↗
PubMed2001

Polymeric lamellar substrate particles for intranasal vaccination.

In recent years, several strategies have been under investigation to achieve safe and effective immunisation, in terms of new antigens, adjuvants and routes of vaccination. The latter include mucosal sites such as oral, rectal, vaginal and nasal. Biodegradable microparticles produced from polymers such as poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) containing encapsulated vaccine antigens have been extensively studied for immunisation. These microparticles allow controlled release of vaccines with the aim to develop as single dose vaccines. However there are concerns regarding the integrity and immunogenicity of the antigen during the encapsulation process when the antigen is exposed to organic solvents, high shear stresses and the exposure of antigen to low pH which is caused by polymer degradation. Polymeric lamellar substrate particles (PLSP) produced by simple precipitation of PLA, form a novel polymeric system for the adsorption of antigens. This procedure avoids pH changes, exposure to organic solvents and hence allows the integrity of the antigen to be retained. The aim of this article is to discuss the factors affecting the characteristics of PLSP and adsorption of antigens onto PLSP and consider their potential as adjuvants for the nasal delivery of protein, peptide or viral vaccines.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional open frameworks based on cobalt(II) and nickel(II) m-pyridinecarboxylates.

Three-dimensional open frameworks [Co2(nicotinate)4(mu-H2O)]-CH3CH2OH-H2O, 1, and [Ni2(nicotinate)4(mu-H2O)]-CH3CH2OH-H2O, 2, were obtained by hydro(solvo)thermal reactions between 3-cyanopyridine and cobalt(II) nitrate and nickel(II) perchlorate, respectively. Both 1 and 2 exhibit complicated 3-D structures based on [M2(nicotinate)4(mu-H2O)] (M = Co or Ni) building blocks and possess open channels that are occupied by removable solvent molecules. 3-D open frameworks [M2L4(mu-H2O)]-HL-(H2O)x (where M = Co, x = 2, 3, and M = Ni, x = 1, 4, and L = trans-3-(3-pyridyl)acrylate) were similarly prepared with trans-3-(3-pyridyl)acrylic acid in place of 3-cyanopyridine. Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and exhibit network topologies similar to that of 1 with open channels occupied by disordered trans-3-(3-pyridyl)acrylic acid and water guest molecules. Crystal data for 1: triclinic space group Ponebar, a = 10.534(1) A, b = 11.907(1) A, c = 14.046(1) A, alpha = 106.645(1) degrees, beta = 101.977(1) degrees, gamma = 112.078(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Crystal data for 2: tetragonal space group P4/ncc, a = 20.089(1) A, c = 14.016(1) A, and Z = 4. Crystal data for 3: monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 14.082(2) A, b = 15.278(2) A, c = 18.537(2) A, beta = 105.360(2) degrees, and Z = 2. Crystal data for 4: monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 14.082(1) A, b = 15.250(1) A, c = 18.606(1) A, beta = 106.747(1) degrees, and Z = 2.

Cobalt↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of the genomic structure and tissue-specific promoter of the human nuclear receptor NR5A2 (hB1F) gene.

The human homologue of the Drosophila melanogaster orphan nuclear receptor fushi tarazu factor 1 (Ftz-F1), NR5A2 (hB1F), was initially identified as a regulatory factor that binds and activates enhancer II of hepatitis B virus. NR5A2 (hB1F) is expressed specifically in pancreas and liver, playing important roles in the regulation of several liver-specific genes. A detailed analysis on the genomic structure and promoter activity will greatly promote future studies on the function of the NR5A2 (hB1F) gene. In this report, a bacterial artificial chromosome clone and several phage clones covering the NR5A2 (hB1F) gene were isolated and the complete genomic sequence was obtained. Alignment of different cDNAs of the NR5A2 (hB1F) gene with the genomic sequence facilitated the delineation of its structural organization, which spans over 150 kb and consists of eight exons interrupted by seven introns. RT-PCR and 3'-RACE revealed that utilization of two polyadenylation signals results in the 3.8 and 5.2 kb transcripts that were observed previously. The transcription start site of the NR5A2 (hB1F) gene was mapped downstream of a canonical TATA box. An upstream fragment containing binding sites for several liver-specific and ubiquitous transcription factors exhibits hepatocyte-specific promoter activity. Transient transfections indicated that hepatocyte nuclear factors HNF1 and HNF3beta could activate NR5A2 (hB1F) promoter.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2001

Identification and functional consequences of a new mutation (E155G) in the gene for GCAP1 that causes autosomal dominant cone dystrophy.

Mutations in the gene for guanylate cyclase-activating protein-1 (GCAP1) (GUCA1A) have been associated with autosomal dominant cone dystrophy (COD3). In the present study, a severe disease phenotype in a large white family was initially shown to map to chromosome 6p21.1, the location of GUCA1A. Subsequent single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing revealed an A464G transition, causing an E155G substitution within the EF4 domain of GCAP1. Modeling of the protein structure shows that the mutation eliminates a bidentate amino acid side chain essential for Ca2+ binding. This represents the first disease-associated mutation in GCAP1, or any neuron-specific calcium-binding protein within an EF-hand domain, that directly coordinates Ca2+. The functional consequences of this substitution were investigated in an in vitro assay of retinal guanylate cyclase activation. The mutant protein activates the cyclase at low Ca2+ concentrations but fails to inactivate at high Ca2+ concentrations. The overall effect of this would be the constitutive activation of guanylate cyclase in photoreceptors, even at the high Ca2+ concentrations of the dark-adapted state, which may explain the dominant disease phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Links between replication and recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a hypersensitive requirement for homologous recombination in the absence of Rad27 activity.

The RAD27 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a 5'-3' flap exo/endonuclease, which plays an important role during DNA replication for Okazaki fragment maturation. Genetic studies have shown that RAD27 is not essential for growth, although rad27 Delta mutants are temperature sensitive. Moreover, they exhibit increased sensitivity to alkylating agents, enhanced spontaneous recombination, and repetitive DNA instability. The conditional lethality conferred by the rad27 Delta mutation indicates that other nuclease(s) can compensate for the absence of Rad27. Indeed, biochemical and genetical analyses indicate that Okazaki fragment processing can be assured by other enzymatic activities or by alternative pathways such as homologous recombination. Here we present the results of a screen that makes use of a synthetic lethality assay to identify functions required for the survival of rad27 Delta strains. Altogether, we confirm that all genes of the Rad52 recombinational repair pathway are required for the survival of rad27 Delta strains at both permissive (23 degrees C) and semipermissive (30 degrees C) temperatures for growth. We also find that several point mutations that confer weaker phenotypes in mitotic than in meiotic cells (rad50S, mre11s) and additional gene deletions (com1/sae2, srs2) exhibit synthetic lethality with rad27 Delta and that rad59 Delta exhibits synergistic effects with rad27 Delta. This and previous studies indicate that homologous recombination is the primary, but not only, pathway that functions to bypass the replication defects that arise in the absence of the Rad27 protein.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

[Effect of aldose reductase expression by transforming growth factor-beta1 on rat mesangial cell].

OBJECTIVE: To screen the responsive genes related to transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in rat mesangial cell (MsC) transfected by human TGF-beta1 gene, using suppression subtractive hybridization PCR (SSH-PCR); then to detect the expression of aldose reductase gene on cultured rat MsC and renal cortex of rats with anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis. METHODS: SSH-PCR technique and differential screening for detecting the responsive genes related to TGF-beta1; Semi-quantification RT-PCR and Western blot analysis for identifying the expression of aldose reductase on MsC in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Compared with normal MsC, it was proved that 28 responsive genes related to TGF-beta1 in MTG1. There was an expression sequence tag (EST), approximate 337 bp segment, completely identical to the data of aldose reductase gene from GenBank. Elevated levels of aldose reductase mRNA and protein were found on cultured rat MsC treated with TGF-beta1 and renal cortex of rat with anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSION: Aldose reductase, rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway, was closely related to TGF-beta1 expression. It is possible that upregulation of aldose reductase expression may be involved in the development of glomerulosclerosis mediated by TGF-beta1.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed2001

Distinct roles of nerve and muscle in postsynaptic differentiation of the neuromuscular synapse.

The development of chemical synapses is regulated by interactions between pre- and postsynaptic cells. At the vertebrate skeletal neuromuscular junction, the organization of an acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-rich postsynaptic apparatus has been well studied. Much evidence suggests that the nerve-derived protein agrin activates muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) to cluster AChRs through the synapse-specific cytoplasmic protein rapsyn. But how postsynaptic differentiation is initiated, or why most synapses are restricted to an 'end-plate band' in the middle of the muscle remains unknown. Here we have used genetic methods to address these issues. We report that the initial steps in postsynaptic differentiation and formation of an end-plate band require MuSK and rapsyn, but are not dependent on agrin or the presence of motor axons. In contrast, the subsequent stages of synaptic growth and maintenance require nerve-derived agrin, and a second nerve-derived signal that disperses ectopic postsynaptic apparatus.

Agrin↗
PubMed2001

Dynamics of some neural network models with delay.

The dynamics of the neuronic model described by the one-dimensional delay functional differential equation are studied in this paper. We give a strict and detailed analysis of dynamical characteristic of this model by the Lyapunov functional approach and Hopf bifurcation proposition. Furthermore, numerical simulations, as well as Lyapunov exponents, are presented to support our conjectures about the appearance of complex dynamics such as chaos. We also investigate the dynamics of the neural network model described by the n-dimensional delay functional differential equation with a symmetrical weight matrix, and corresponding simulation results are included as concrete examples.

Artificial Intelligence↗