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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Functional differentiation in steroidogenesis of two types of luteal cells isolated from mature human corpora lutea of menstrual cycle.

Enriched small and large cell fractions were prepared from mature corpora lutea from 15 women in the midluteal phase by enzymatic dissociation, followed by Percoll gradient centrifugation. The steroidogenic function of each cell type was assessed by measuring the gonadal steroids released into the incubation medium. The large cell fraction was estimated to be 97% pure, with minimal contamination by small cells, whereas the small cell fraction was approximately 68% pure, being contaminated with 10% large cells and 22% nonsteroidogenic cells. In the unstimulated state, large cells were approximately 2-fold more potent in progesterone formation and aromatase activity, but only half as potent in androstenedione and testosterone formation as an equal number of small cells. When stimulated with hCG, the small cells responded with significant increases in progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone release, but the large cells did not. Both cell types secreted estrone and 17 beta-estradiol in the presence of androgen substrate, but the addition of FSH significantly stimulated aromatization only in large cells. Thus, small and large human luteal cells have steroidogenic properties similar to those exhibited by follicular thecal and granulosa cells, respectively.

Androstenedione↗
PubMed2006

Differential functions of tissue factor in the trans-activation of cellular signalling pathways.

In this study we examined the ability of tissue factor (TF) alone, or in conjunction with factor VIIa, factor Xa and TFPI in activating a number of key signalling pathways associated with cellular growth, stress and differentiation responses in human endothelial cells. We used luciferase reporter systems to demonstrate the activation of p42/44 MAPK by the TF-FVIIa complex, mediated via the PAR1 receptor. TF alone was capable of interacting with the cell surface and was sufficient to activate the JNK-SAPK pathway and subsequently AP-1, but the level of activation was enhanced by the activity of FXa on PAR1 and 2. Furthermore, the phosphorylated form of the transmembrane-cytoplasmic domain of TF was directly responsible for activation of these pathways. CREB activation occurred in response to TF-FVIIa in a non-protease dependent manner but was lowered on addition of FXa. Finally, NFkappaB activation occurred in response to FVIIa or FXa, with the latter exhibiting higher levels of activation. In conclusion, we have shown that TF is capable of activating differing signalling pathways, via more than one mechanism. The differential influence of TF is modified depending on the presence of other coagulation factors and ultimately acts as a deciding factor in the determination of cellular fate.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1979

[Ultrastructural morphogenesis and functional differentiation of the dogfish thyroid follicle (author's transl)].

From the 20 mm stage, in the cells of the dogfish embryo thyroid, some Golgi vesicles get the ability to trap iodine. At subsequent stages, electrondense intracytoplasmic cavities with microvilli are observed in the Golgi field; their membranes also trap iodine. These cavities increase in volume, draw toward the cellular periphery and export their contents in an intercellular space previously limited by tight junctions. The same events occur in several adjacent cells, which constitute the first follicular lumen. The last stage of follicular individualization is basement membrane formation. Arguments are given which support the hypothesis of the Golgi origin of intracytoplasmic cavities with microvilli. Iodine organification just as thyroid hormones synthesis and secretion occur at 25 mm stage, when cells are not grouped in follicle. It is concluded that cells containing intracytoplasmic cavities with microvilli are fully functional units.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Long-term differentiated function of heterotopically transplanted hepatocytes on three-dimensional polymer matrices.

Hepatocyte transplantation using porous matrices is under investigation as an alternative therapy for certain liver diseases. For this purpose, long-term function of transplanted hepatocytes is mandatory. This problem has not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this study Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients. Stimulated (group A, portocaval shunt) or unstimulated (group B) hepatocytes were transplanted into prevascularized polyvinyl-alcohol matrices. Cell-free matrices served as controls (group C). Matrices were harvested between 1 h and 1 year after implantation and analyzed by morphometry; albumin RNA in situ hybridization; and cytokeratin-, actin-, desmin-, and macrophage-specific antigen immunohistology. The hepatocyte number significantly decreased within the first week following implantation. Between 1 month and 1 year after transplantation a significant increase in hepatocyte number was noted in groups A and B. Albumin transcripts of transplanted hepatocytes were at normal levels at all times except for group B after 1 year. The immunohistology suggested engraftment of nonparenchymal liver cells. We conclude that 3-dimensional matrices provide a sufficient environment for long-term engraftment of transplanted liver cells. The hepatocytes are able, despite suboptimal initial engraftment, to repopulate the scaffold for at least half of the recipient's life span and maintain cell-specific function after sufficient stimulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Functional differentiation and alveolar morphogenesis of primary mammary cultures on reconstituted basement membrane.

An essential feature of mammary gland differentiation during pregnancy is the formation of alveoli composed of polarized epithelial cells, which, under the influence of lactogenic hormones, secrete vectorially and sequester milk proteins. Previous culture studies have described either organization of cells polarized towards lumina containing little or no demonstrable tissue-specific protein, or establishment of functional secretory cells exhibiting little or no glandular architecture. In this paper, we report that tissue-specific vectorial secretion coincides with the formation of functional alveoli-like structures by primary mammary epithelial cells cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane matrix (derived from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm murine tumour). Morphogenesis of these unique three-dimensional structures was initiated by cell-directed remodelling of the exogenous matrix leading to reorganization of cells into matrix-ensheathed aggregates by 24 h after plating. The aggregates subsequently cavitated, so that by day 6 the cells were organized into hollow spheres in which apical cell surfaces faced lumina sealed by tight junctions and basal surfaces were surrounded by a distinct basal lamina. The profiles of proteins secreted into the apical (luminal) and basal (medium) compartments indicated that these alveoli-like structures were capable of an appreciable amount of vectorial secretion. Immunoprecipitation with a broad spectrum milk antiserum showed that more than 80% of caseins were secreted into the lumina, whereas iron-binding proteins (both lactoferrin and transferrin) were present in comparable amounts in each compartment. Thus, these mammary cells established protein targeting pathways directing milk-specific proteins to the luminal compartment. A time course monitoring secretory activity demonstrated that establishment of tissue-specific vectorial secretion and increased total and milk protein secretion coincided with functional alveolar-like multicellular architecture. This culture system is unique among models of epithelial cell polarity in that it demonstrates several aspects of epithelial cell polarization: vectorial secretion, apical junctions, a sequestered compartment and formation of a basal lamina. These lumina-containing structures therefore reproduce the dual role of mammary epithelia to secrete vectorially and to sequester milk proteins. Thus, in addition to maintaining tissue-specific cytodifferentiation and function, a basement membrane promotes the expression of tissue-like morphogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Differential functions of the C. elegans FGF receptor in axon outgrowth and maintenance of axon position.

Wiring of the nervous system requires that axons navigate to their targets and maintain their correct positions in axon fascicles after termination of axon outgrowth. We show here that the C. elegans fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), EGL-15, affects both processes in fundamentally distinct manners. FGF-dependent activation of the EGL-15 tyrosine kinase and subsequently the GTPase LET-60/ras is required within epidermal cells, the substratum for most outgrowing axon, for appropriate outgrowth of specific axon classes to their target area. In contrast, genetic elimination of the FGFR isoform EGL-15(5A), defined by the inclusion of an alternative extracellular interimmunoglobulin domain, has no consequence for axon outgrowth but leads to a failure to postembryonically maintain axon position within defined axon fascicles. An engineered, secreted form of EGL-15(5A) containing only its ectodomain is sufficient for maintenance of axon position, thus providing novel insights into receptor tyrosine kinase function and the process of maintaining axon position.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Effects of inhibitors of protein synthesis and intracellular transport on the gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist-induced functional differentiation of cultured cerebellar granule cells.

The effect of inhibitors of protein synthesis (actinomycin D, cycloheximide), proteases (leupeptin), and intracellular transport (colchicine, monensin) on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist [4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP)]-induced changes in morphological differentiation and GABA receptor expression was investigated in cultured cerebellar granule cells. After 4 days in culture the neurons were exposed to the inhibitors for 6 h in the simultaneous presence of THIP. Subsequently, cultures were either fixed for electron microscopic examination or used for preparation of membranes for [3H]GABA binding assays. In some experiments the functional activity of the newly induced low-affinity GABA receptors was assessed by investigation of the ability of GABA to inhibit neurotransmitter release from the neurons. These experiments were performed to differentiate between an intracellular and a plasma membrane localization of the receptors. In all experiments cultures treated with THIP alone served as controls. The inhibitors of protein synthesis totally abolished the ability of THIP to induce low-affinity GABA receptors. In contrast, the inhibitors of intracellular transport as well as the protease inhibitor did not affect this parameter. However, studies of effects of GABA on transmitter release from monensin-treated cultures showed that transmitter release could not be inhibited by GABA in these cells in spite of the presence of low-affinity GABA receptors in the membrane preparations. This indicates that the low-affinity receptors were not located in the plasma membrane. This is in good agreement with the corresponding morphological findings, that monensin treatment led to an intense vacuolization of the Golgi apparatus, thereby preventing intracellular transport of the newly synthesized GABA receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Sequential expression and differential function of multiple enamel proteins during fetal, neonatal, and early postnatal stages of mouse molar organogenesis.

We have established the time and position of expression for multiple enamel proteins during the development of the mouse molar tooth organ. Using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, a 46-kDa enamel protein (pI, 5.5) was detected during late cap stage (18-days gestation, E18d) within differentiation-zone-II inner enamel epithelia associated with an intact basal lamina. At E19d a second enamel polypeptide of 72 kDa (pI, 5.8) was identified at the time and position of initial biomineralization in differentiation zone V. At 20 days, differentiation-zone-VI ameloblasts without basal lamina (late bell stage) expressed 46- and 72-kDa enamel proteins and, in addition, expressed a relatively more basic 26-kDa enamel protein (pI, 6.5-6.7); detected after initial formation of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals. Antibodies raised against chemically synthesized enamel peptides cross-reacted with both the 72-kDa and 26-kDa polypeptides, but did not cross-react with the 46-kDa enamel polypeptide. The sequential expression of multiple enamel proteins suggests several functions: (a) the anionic enamel proteins may provide an instructive template for calcium hydroxyapatite crystal formation; (b) the more neutral proteins possibly serve to regulate size, shape and rates of enamel crystal formation. We suggest that initial expression of enamel gene products during mouse tooth development possibly recapitulates ancestral features of amelogenesis documented in prereptilian vertebrates. These results imply that multiple instructive signals may be responsible for mammalian enamel protein induction and that the sequential expression of a family of enamel proteins reflects the evolutionary acquisition of a more complex genetic program for amelogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Inhibition of cell growth retains differentiated function of bovine parathyroid cells in monolayer culture.

Monolayer culture of bovine parathyroid cells for up to 4 days in medium containing 10% serum resulted in cell hypertrophy and proliferation as well as functional dedifferentiation. Compared to freshly isolated cells there was a right-shifted dose-effect relationship for calcium-inhibited parathyroid hormone (PTH) release, a decreased suppressibility of secretion and an inability of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+i) to follow changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. The functional changes seemed not to be due to culture per se, since human parathyroid cells exhibited an essentially unchanged regulation of Ca2+i even after 8 days of culture in 10% serum. During culture in medium containing 0.1% serum, the bovine cells did not proliferate and there was only slight cell hypertrophy. These cells retained much of their ability to regulate Ca2+i and PTH release. The results indicate that functional dedifferentiation of parathyroid cells is related to cell growth.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Differential functioning of the Beck depression inventory in late-life patients: use of item response theory.

The present analyses examined age-related measurement bias in responses to items on the revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in depressed late-life patients versus midlife patients. Item response theory (IRT) models were used to equate the scale and to differentiate true-group differences from bias in measurement in the 2 samples. Baseline BDI data (218 late life and 613 midlife) were used for the present analysis. IRT results indicated that late-life patients tended to report fewer cognitive symptoms, especially at low to average levels of depression. Conversely, they tended to report more somatic symptoms, especially at higher levels of depression. Adjusted cutoff scores in the late-life group are provided, and possible reasons for age-related differences in the performance of the BDI are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Functional differentiation of SWI/SNF remodelers in transcription and cell cycle control.

Drosophila BAP and PBAP represent two evolutionarily conserved subclasses of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers. The two complexes share the same core subunits, including the BRM ATPase, but differ in a few signature subunits: OSA defines BAP, whereas Polybromo (PB) and BAP170 specify PBAP. Here, we present a comprehensive structure-function analysis of BAP and PBAP. An RNA interference knockdown survey revealed that the core subunits BRM and MOR are critical for the structural integrity of both complexes. Whole-genome expression profiling suggested that the SWI/SNF core complex is largely dysfunctional in cells. Regulation of the majority of target genes required the signature subunit OSA, PB, or BAP170, suggesting that SWI/SNF remodelers function mostly as holoenzymes. BAP and PBAP execute similar, independent, or antagonistic functions in transcription control and appear to direct mostly distinct biological processes. BAP, but not PBAP, is required for cell cycle progression through mitosis. Because in yeast the PBAP-homologous complex, RSC, controls cell cycle progression, our finding reveals a functional switch during evolution. BAP mediates G(2)/M transition through direct regulation of string/cdc25. Its signature subunit, OSA, is required for directing BAP to the string/cdc25 promoter. Our results suggest that the core subunits play architectural and enzymatic roles but that the signature subunits determine most of the functional specificity of SWI/SNF holoenzymes in general gene control.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1980

Functional differentiation of T-cell precursors. II. Recovery of immunocompetence in lethally irradiated bone marrow reconstituted mice.

The recovery of T-cell immunocompetence in irradiated mice repopulated with syngeneic bone marrow cells has been studied. Both thymocytes and spleen cells from irradiated recipients were tested for Concanavalin A mitogen responsiveness, mixed lymphocyte reactivity, generation of trinitrophenyl-hapten-modified self cytotoxicity and helper cell carrier function. Responsiveness in the thymus reaches peak levels between 3-5 wk after marrow transfer, while splenic reactivity peaks at least 2-3 wk later, presumably a reflection of emigration from the thymus to peripheral lymphoid organs. Most T-cell functions reappeared at approximately the same time, though Con A responsiveness appeared first and helper activity for indirect IgG formation last. Since we have previously demonstrated that helper cell precursors in the marrow can be rendered tolerant, these studies will now allow definition of specificity in other T-cell subsets.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Platelet-derived growth factor enhances bone cell replication, but not differentiated function of osteoblasts.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a polypeptide mitogen, is a dimer composed of PDGF-AA and -BB chains. In rats, PDGF-BB is the prevalent circulating form, whereas in bone, PDGF-AA is the isoform secreted by unstimulated normal bone cells. Although PDGF-BB increased DNA synthesis in fetal rat calvariae, the effects on collagen synthesis were small and inconsistent. To localize the cells in the cranial periosteum that were responding to PDGF isoforms AA and BB, we cultured 21-day-old fetal rat calvariae to assess the effects of human recombinant PDGF-AA and -BB on bone cell replication and matrix formation. Changes were assessed using histomorphometry and autoradiography and correlated with effects on collagen synthesis and [3H]thymidine incorporation, using biochemical assays. PDGF-AA and -BB at 0.03-3.3 nM (1-100 ng/ml) for 24-72 h increased DNA synthesis by 1.5- to 3-fold; PDGF-BB was more potent than PDGF-AA. Although PDGF increased cell replication in all cell zones, the effects of both PDGF-AA and -BB were preferentially greater in the periosteal fibroblast zone, in which, at 3.3 nM, the labeling index (LI) was increased by 3-fold with AA and by 5-fold with BB. Cell replication of the bone surface cell (osteoblast) layer was increased by 2-fold with AA and by 2.5-fold with BB, whereas replication in the intermediate osteoprogenitor zone increased by 50% with AA and by 2.5-fold with BB. The increase in cell replication was associated with a significant inhibition of bone matrix-forming surfaces, with PDGF-BB being more potent at equivalent doses than -AA after 24-72 h of continuous treatment. Continuous or intermittent exposure to PDGF-AA or PDGF-BB for 24-72 h stimulated neither the rate of collagen synthesis nor organized bone matrix formation in rat calvariae. In addition, PDGF-BB at 0.03-3.3 nM increased the number of osteoclasts and the percent eroded surface by 2- to 3-fold. Our studies show that PDGF-AA and -BB are mitogens affecting multiple bone cells, including those of the osteoblast and osteoclast lineage. Treatment with PDGF severely disrupted and inhibited bone matrix formation, and there was no evidence to show that cells incorporating [3H]thymidine differentiated into mature osteoblasts within the time frame of these experiments. In fetal rat calvaria, the most significant consequence of treatment with PDGF was the selective stimulation of fibroblast replication and function.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Trichostatin A, a critical factor in maintaining the functional differentiation of primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDI) have been shown to increase differentiation-related gene expression in several tumor-derived cell lines by hyperacetylating core histones. Effects of HDI on primary cultured cells, however, have hardly been investigated. In the present study, the ability of trichostatin A (TSA), a prototype hydroxamate HDI, to counteract the loss of liver-specific functions in primary rat hepatocyte cultures has been investigated. Upon exposure to TSA, it was found that the cell viability of the cultured hepatocytes and their albumin secretion as a function of culture time were increased. TSA-treated hepatocytes also better maintained cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated phase I biotransformation capacity, whereas the activity of phase II glutathione S-transferases (GST) was not affected. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis of CYP1A1, CYP2B1 and CYP3A11 protein and mRNA levels, respectively, further revealed that TSA acts at the transcriptional level. In addition, protein expression levels of the liver-enriched transcription factors (LETFs) hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4alpha) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) were accordingly increased by TSA throughout culture time. In conclusion, these findings indicate that TSA plays a major role in the preservation of the differentiated hepatic phenotype in culture. It is suggested that the effects of TSA on CYP gene expression are mediated via controlling the expression of LETFs.

Albumins↗