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FGF23 is processed by proprotein convertases but not by PHEX.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) are characterized by renal phosphate wasting, rickets, and osteomalacia. ADHR is caused by gain of function mutations in the fibroblast growth factor 23 gene (FGF23). During secretion, FGF23 is processed at the C-terminus between amino acids 179 and 180. The cleavage site is mutated in ADHR, preventing processing of FGF23. Here, we show that FGF23 is likely to be cleaved by subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPC) as cleavage can be inhibited by a specific SPC inhibitor in HEK293 cells. SPCs, which are widely expressed, were demonstrated to be also present in HEK293 cells as well as in osteoblasts. XLH is caused by loss of function mutations in the putative endopeptidase PHEX. It was tempting to speculate that FGF23 is a substrate of PHEX, but studies have been inconclusive so far. Here, we used a secreted form of PHEX (secPHEX) and tagged and untagged FGF23 constructs for co-incubation experiments. These experiments provided evidence against cleavage of intact FGF23(25-251) as well as of N-terminal (FGF23(25-179)) and C-terminal (FGF23(180-251)) fragments by the endopeptidase PHEX.

Base Sequence↗

TAL1/SCL induces leukemia by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of E47/HEB.

Activation of the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene TAL1 (or SCL) is a frequent gain-of-function mutation in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To provide genetic evidence that tal1/scl induces leukemia by interfering with E47 and HEB, we expressed tal1/scl in an E2A or HEB heterozygous background. These mice exhibit disease acceleration and perturbed thymocyte development due to repression of E47/HEB target genes. In tal1/scl thymocytes, we find the corepressor mSin3A bound to the CD4 enhancer, whereas an E47/HEB/p300 complex is detected in wild-type thymocytes. Furthermore, tal1/scl tumors are sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC and undergo apoptosis. These data demonstrate that tal1/scl induces leukemia by repressing E47/HEB and suggest that HDAC inhibitors may prove efficacious in T-ALL patients who express TAL1/SCL.

Animals↗

Gain- and loss-of-function mutations in Zat10 enhance the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress.

C(2)H(2)-zinc finger proteins that contain the EAR repressor domain are thought to play a key role in modulating the defense response of plants to abiotic stress. Constitutive expression of the C(2)H(2)-EAR zinc finger protein Zat10 in Arabidopsis was found to elevate the expression of reactive oxygen-defense transcripts and to enhance the tolerance of plants to salinity, heat and osmotic stress. Surprisingly, knockout and RNAi mutants of Zat10 were also more tolerant to osmotic and salinity stress. Our results suggest that Zat10 plays a key role as both a positive and a negative regulator of plant defenses.

Abscisic Acid↗

Yeast strains designed for screening of reversal agents and genetic suppressors of multidrug resistance.

Multidrug resistance in yeast results from over-expression of drug efflux transporter genes due to gain-of-function mutations in transcription factors. To suppress multidrug resistance at the level of gene expression, we have developed a yeast-based screening system for the detection of compounds down-regulating the major multidrug ABC transporter Pdr5p expressed under the control of Pdr3p transcription factor. Here, we report the construction and properties of the improved set of yeast strains designed along with such screening also for a global analysis of genetic suppressors of multidrug resistance. The basic components of this system, the P(GAL1)-PDR3 and P(PDR5)-pma1(D378N) fusion genes, were individually or simultaneously integrated into corresponding chromosomes of a hypersensitive S. cerevisiae strain deleted in the PDR1 and PDR3 genes. This resulted in increased mitotic stability of a set of new test strains compared with the original prototrophic strain ZK11-1 developed previously. In addition, some of the strains designed are auxotrophic for leucine, uracil and histidine allowing them to be used in genetic screens for positive selection of multicopy or loss-of-function genetic suppressors of multidrug resistance.

Drug Resistance, Multiple↗

Chemosensitisation of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive yeast cells to antifungals.

Multidrug resistance in yeast results from overexpression of genes encoding drug efflux transporters owing to gain-of-function mutations in transcription factors regulating their expression. We have screened a library of synthetic compounds for modulators of drug resistance using the multidrug-resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae pdr3-9 mutant strain. One of the compounds, 7-chlorotetrazolo[5,1-c]benzo[1,2,4]triazine (CTBT), displayed weak antifungal activity and strongly inhibited the growth of yeast cells in combination with subinhibitory concentrations of other antifungals with a different mode of action. Biological activity of CTBT was demonstrated in Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces and Candida yeast species grown on solid and in liquid media. The chemosensitising effect of CTBT, manifested as increased antifungal activity of fluconazole, was demonstrated in yeast mutant strains with deleted genes encoding the major multidrug resistance transcription factors Yap1p, Pdr1p and Pdr3p as well as the drug efflux pumps Pdr5p and Snq2p in S. cerevisiae or their counterparts in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, named Cdr1p and Mdr1p, respectively. Importantly, CTBT also increased the sensitivity to fluconazole in multidrug-resistant cells overexpressing the efflux pumps. Yeast cells grown in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of CTBT exhibited an altered sterol composition and a slightly enhanced accumulation of Rhodamine 6G, which suggests that the plasma membrane plays a role in sensitisation. This novel chemosensitisation by CTBT that can overcome multidrug resistance in yeast may prove useful in combined treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant fungal pathogens.

Antifungal Agents↗

Effect of fiber orientation on propagation: electrical mapping of genetically altered mouse hearts.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial potentials reveal the strong effects of fiber anisotropy, rotation, imbrication, and coupling on propagation in the intact heart. From the patterns of the surface potentials, we can obtain information about the local fiber orientation, anisotropy, the transmural fiber rotation, and which direction the wave front is traveling through the wall. In this study, lessons learned from epicardial potential mapping of large hearts were applied to studies conducted in genetically altered mouse hearts. METHODS: An inducible model of the overexpression of a gain-of-function alpha5 integrin (cytoplasmic domain truncation) was created in mouse. After 3 days of administration of doxycycline, the animals exhibited an altered electrical phenotype of markedly reduced amplitude of the QRS complex on the surface electrocardiogram. Epicardial potentials were recorded from Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts with alpha5 integrin gain-of-function mutations and from wild-type (WT) control hearts. A cylindrical electrode array consisting of 184 sites with 1-mm uniform interelectrode spacing was placed around the heart, and unipolar electrograms were recorded during atrial and ventricular stimulation at different basic cycle lengths. RESULTS: The total ventricular activation time for the transgenic animals was greater than that of the WT hearts for atrial and ventricular pacing locations. The isopotential maps from the mutated hearts showed a loss of anisotropy, as revealed by the more rounded and less elliptically shaped wave fronts seen immediately after epicardial point stimulation when compared with WT hearts. The weaker potential maxima in the mutated hearts did not exhibit the normal expansion and rotation associated with an advancing wave front in a normal heart, suggesting abnormalities in myocyte coupling in these hearts. Isopotential maps provided additional information about fiber architecture from the electric field that was not obtained from optical recordings alone. These findings provided a phenotypic characterization and specific insights into the mechanisms of the electrical abnormalities associated with altered integrin signaling in cardiac myocytes.

Action Potentials↗

Two domains of MalT, the activator of the Escherichia coli maltose regulon, bear determinants essential for anti-activation by MalK.

MalT, the dedicated transcriptional activator of the maltose regulon in Escherichia coli, is subject to multiple controls. Maltotriose, the inducer, promotes MalT self-association, a critical step in promoter binding, whereas three proteins acting as negative allosteric effectors (MalK, the ABC-component of the maltodextrin transporter, MalY, and Aes) antagonize maltotriose binding. All of these regulatory signals are integrated by a novel signal transduction module that comprises three out of the four MalT structural domains: DT1, the ATP-binding domain that contains determinants recognized by the negative effectors, DT2, and DT3, the maltotriose-binding domain. For a better insight into the role of DT3 in signal integration, we PCR mutagenized the DT3-encoding region and screened for gain of function mutations in a malK+ strain in the absence of repression by MalY or Aes. Most of the mutations isolated alter one of seven residues that are located in DT3 helices 10 and 11, or in the turn between them and delineate a surface-exposed motif. In vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that the substitutions altering the so-called H10/H11 motif do not affect the ability of MalT to activate transcription or its sensitivity to MalY and Aes, but dramatically decrease its sensitivity to MalK. We propose that MalT/MalK interaction might involve two distinct contact sites on each partner. These sites would be located in DT1 and DT3 of MalT, and in the nucleotide-binding domain and the regulatory domain of MalK. Such a two-point interaction model would explain how the regulatory activity of MalK might be coupled to transport.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Blood pressure variation in healthy humans: a possible interaction with beta-2 adrenergic receptor genotype and renal epithelial sodium channels.

Renal control of Na(+) regulation is a critical component to blood pressure regulation. It has recently been suggested that the beta-2 adrenergic receptor plays a role in blood pressure regulation possibly via renal epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). In the kidneys, gain of function mutations of the ENaC leads to increased salt-sensitivity and hypertension (Liddle's syndrome). In contrast, loss of function mutations of the ENaC leads to pseudohypoaldosteronism and is characterized by hypotension. Polymorphic variation of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (beta2AR, the Arg16Gly polymorphism) leads to differences in physiologic function, in vivo. Specifically, subjects homozygous for Glycine at amino acid 16 have been shown to have enhanced forearm blood flow in response to isoproterenol and better airway function at baseline and during exercise when compared to subjects homozygous for Arginine at amino acid 16. We hypothesize, therefore, that subjects that are homozygous for Gly at amino acid 16 of the beta2AR have higher baseline blood pressure than Arg16 homozygotes due to beta2AR-mediated increases in ENaC activity in the kidney, caused, at least in part, by greater beta2AR density or enhanced beta2AR function of the Gly16 group.

Adult↗

Direct phosphorylation of proliferative and survival pathway proteins by RET.

BACKGROUND: Gain-of-function mutations in the RET tyrosine kinase receptor cause the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes type 2a and 2b, and medullary thyroid cancer. We have previously shown that RET signals through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in medullary thyroid cancer cells and that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity can be blocked by pp2, an inhibitor of both Src and RET. We hypothesized that RET could directly phosphorylate FAK and ERK. METHODS: RET and ERK kinase activity were measured with the use of an in vitro kinase assay. The relative contribution of RET in phosphorylation of ERK was tested by treating cells with PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK, and the RET inhibitor PP2, then measuring ERK activity. RESULTS: Immunoprecipitated, mutant RET from cells or the recombinant RET kinase domain was able to directly phosphorylate tyrosine residues on FAK. Specifically Y576/577, Y861, and Y925, but not the autophosphorylation site Y397 of FAK, were phosphorylated by RET. Similarly ERK 2 could be phosphorylated at Y187 (Y204 in ERK1). Inhibition of both MEK (upstream of ERK) and RET was more potent than inhibition of either alone in decreasing ERK activity. Furthermore, tyrosine residues in DOK1, the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase, JNK 1 and 2, P-38, and phospholipase-gamma were directly phosphorylated by RET. CONCLUSIONS: RET directly phosphorylates tyrosine residues on FAK, ERK 1/2, DOK1, the p85 subunit of of phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase, JNK 1 and 2, P-38, and phospholipase-gamma. These data indicate a direct interaction between RET and a broad range of effector molecules that may contribute to tumor pathogenesis.

Carcinoma, Medullary↗

Genetic diseases associated with heterotrimeric G proteins.

Heterotrimeric G proteins couple receptors for diverse extracellular signals to effector enzymes or ion channels. Each G protein comprises a specific alpha-subunit and a tightly bound betagamma dimer. Several human disorders that result from genetic G-protein abnormalities involve the imprinted GNAS gene, which encodes Gs alpha, the ubiquitously expressed alpha-subunit that couples receptors to adenylyl cyclase and cAMP generation. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations, in addition to imprinting defects, of this gene lead to diverse clinical phenotypes. Mutations of GNAT1 and GNAT2, which encode the retinal G proteins (transducins), are rare causes of specific congenital visual defects. Common polymorphisms of the GNAS and GNB3 (which encodes Gbeta3) genes have been associated with multigenic disorders (e.g. hypertension and metabolic syndrome). To date, no other G proteins have been implicated directly in human disease.

Chromogranins↗

Identification of a c-kit exon 8 internal tandem duplication in a feline mast cell tumor case and its favorable response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate.

The gain-of-function mutations within c-kit, a protooncogene encoding KIT, induce constitutive ligand-independent kinase activation and are important for the pathogenesis of mast cell proliferative disease in humans as well as in dogs. Despite the clinical importance of feline mast cell tumors, no mutation has been shown within the c-kit gene in cats. In the present report, we analyzed the c-kit nucleotide sequence in the case of a cat that showed systemic mastocytosis and mastocytemia. Within the c-kit cDNA prepared from the malignant mast cells, we identified an 12-bp internal tandem duplication at the region corresponding to exon 8, resulting in a four amino acid insertion between residues Thr418 and His419 within the fifth immunoglobulin-like domain of KIT. The cat underwent therapy with the kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) at a dose of 10mg/kg. The tumor masses greatly responded and were undetectable after 5 weeks of treatment. Correspondingly, the number of mast cells in the peripheral blood was markedly reduced. It is, therefore, considered that the internal tandem duplication within the domain contributes to the neoplastic transformation of mast cells in the cat by increasing KIT phosphorylation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

EGF signaling overcomes a uterine cell death associated with temporal mis-coordination of organogenesis within the C. elegans egg-laying apparatus.

We isolated cog-3(ku212) as a C. elegans egg-laying defective mutant that is associated with a connection-of-gonad defective phenotype. cog-3(ku212) mutants appear to have no connection between the vulval and the uterine lumens at the appropriate stage because the uterine lumen develops with a temporal delay relative to the vulva and, thus, is not present when the connection normally forms. The lack of temporal synchronization between the vulva and the uterus is not due to precocious or accelerated vulval development. Instead, global gonadogenesis is mildly delayed relative to development of extra-gonadal tissue. cog-3(ku212) mutants also have a specific uterine fate defect. Normally, four cells of the uterine pi lineage respond via their LET-23 epidermal growth factor-like receptors to a vulval-derived LIN-3 EGF signal and adopt the uterine vulval 1 (uv1) fate. In cog-3(ku212) mutants, these four pi progeny cells are set aside as a pre-uv1 population but undergo necrosis prior to full differentiation. A gain-of-function mutation in LET-23 EGF receptor and ectopic expression of LIN-3 EGF within the proper temporal constraints can rescue the uv1 defect, suggesting that a signaling defect, perhaps due to the temporal delay, is at fault. In support of this model, we demonstrate that lack of vulval-uterine coordination due to precocious vulval development also leads to uv1 cell differentiation defects.

Animals↗

Dysregulation of stathmin, a microtubule-destabilizing protein, and up-regulation of Hsp25, Hsp27, and the antioxidant peroxiredoxin 6 in a mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Gain-of-function mutations of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene cause dominantly inherited familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The identification of differentially regulated proteins in spinal cords of paralyzed mice expressing SOD1(G93A) may contribute to understanding mechanisms of toxicity by mutant SOD1. Protein profiling showed dysregulation of Stathmin with a marked decrease of its most acidic and phosphorylated isoform, and up-regulation of heat shock proteins 25 and 27, peroxiredoxin 6, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein-alpha, apolipoprotein E, and ferritin heavy chain. Stathmin accumulated in the cytoplasm of 30% of spinal cord motor neurons with fragmented Golgi apparatus. Overexpression of Stathmin in HeLa cells was associated with collapse of microtubule networks and Golgi fragmentation. These results, together with the decrease of one Stathmin isoform, suggest a role of the protein in Golgi fragmentation. Mutant SOD1 co-precipitated and co-localized with Hsp25 in neurons and astrocytes. Mutant SOD1 may thus deprive cells of the anti-apoptotic and other protective activities of Hsp25. Astrocytes contained peroxiredoxin 6, a unique nonredundant antioxidant. The up-regulation of peroxiredoxin 6 probably constitutes a defense to oxidative stress induced by SOD1(G93A). Direct effects of SOD1(G93A) or sequential reactions triggered by the mutant may cause the protein changes.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

In vivo modulation of FGF biological activity alters cranial suture fate.

Gain-of-function mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptors have been identified in numerous syndromes associated with premature cranial suture fusion. Murine models in which the posterior frontal suture undergoes programmed fusion after birth while all other sutures remain patent provide an ideal model to study the biomolecular mechanisms that govern cranial suture fusion. Using adenoviral vectors and targeted in utero injections in rats, we demonstrate that physiological posterior frontal suture fusion is inhibited using a dominant-negative fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 construct, whereas the normally patent coronal suture fuses when infected with a construct that increases basic fibroblast growth factor biological activity. Our data may facilitate the development of novel, less invasive treatment options for children with craniosynostosis.

Adenoviridae↗

Potential tumor suppressive pathway involving DUSP6/MKP-3 in pancreatic cancer.

We previously found frequent loss of heterozygosity at 12q21 and 12q22-q23.1 in primary pancreatic cancers, and the DUSP6/MKP-3 gene residing in this region at 12q22 lost its expression in the great majority of pancreatic cancer cell lines. The DUSP6/MKP-3 protein is a dual-specificity phosphatase that dephosphorylates the active form of ERK, making a feedback loop to control ERK activity. Gain-of-function mutations of KRAS2 occur in the great majority of pancreatic cancer cells, and loss of expression of DUSP6/MKP-3 may synergistically promote constitutive activation of ERK and uncontrolled cell growth. To study loss of the feedback pathway and its impact on pancreatic cancer cell growth, we first investigated the expression of DUSP6/MKP-3 in primary pancreatic cancer tissues immunohistochemically; we found up-regulation in mildly as well as severely dysplastic/in situ carcinoma cells and down-regulation in invasive carcinoma, especially in the poorly differentiated type. Adenovirus-mediated reintroduction of DUSP6/MKP-3 into cultured pancreatic cancer cells induced strong expression of recombinant DUSP6/MKP-3 and reduction of phosphorylated ERK in a dose-dependent manner based on the multiplicity of infection and resulted in suppression of cell growth. Moreover, analyses by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry revealed that the exogenous expression of DUSP6/MKP-3 induced apoptosis. These results show that DUSP6 exerts apparent tumor-suppressive effects in vitro and suggest that DUSP6 is a strong candidate tumor suppressor gene at 12q22 locus.

Adenoviridae↗

[Genetic features of atrial fibrillation].

Etiology of atrial fibrillation remains largely unknown. Molecular genetics is a powerful tool that may help to identify underlying mechanisms of the arrhythmia. As a matter of fact, a major step forward was the recent identification of the KCNQ1 gene coding a subunit of a potassium channel in IKS current as responsible for idiopathic atrial fibrillation in a familial autosomal dominant form. The KCNQ1 gain-of-function mutation may induce a shortening in action potential and in effective refractory periods leading to the initiation and persistence of atrial fibrillation. In the multifactorial forms of the disease, by far the most frequent, susceptibility genes and modifier genes are also currently being identified. This better understanding of the disease leads to new perspectives, particularly for therapeutists, and would enable them to work with more interest.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

Molecular cloning, functional expression and chromosomal localization of an amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channel from human small intestine.

Amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels belonging to the recently discovered NaC/DEG family of genes have been found in several human tissues including epithelia and central and peripheral neurons. We describe here the molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding a novel human amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channel subunit that is principally expressed in the small intestine and has been called hINaC (human intestine Na(+) channel). This protein is similar to the recently identified rodent channel BLINaC and is relatively close to the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) (79 and 29% amino acid identity, respectively). ASICs are activated by extracellular protons and probably participate in sensory neurons to nociception linked to tissue acidosis. hINaC is not activated by lowering the external pH but gain-of-function mutations can be introduced and reveal when expressed in Xenopus oocytes, an important Na(+) channel activity which is blocked by amiloride (IC(50)=0.5 microM). These results suggest the existence of a still unknown physiological activator for hINaC (e.g. an extracellular ligand). The presence of this new amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channel in human small intestine probably has interesting physiological as well as physiopathological implications that remain to be clarified. The large activation of this channel by point mutations may be associated with a degenerin-like behavior as previously observed for channels expressed in nematode mechanosensitive neurons. The hINaC gene has been mapped on the 4q31.3-q32 region of the human genome.

Acid Sensing Ion Channels↗

Genome-wide studies on the nuclear PDR3-controlled response to mitochondrial dysfunction in yeast.

Gain-of-function mutations in the transcription factors Pdr1p and Pdr3p lead to the up-regulation of genes controlling plasma membrane properties. Pdr3p is involved in a retrograde response in which mitochondrial dysfunctions activate PDR5, a gene encoding an ABC membrane transporter. We carried out genome-wide analyses of the PDR3-controlled genes activated by the deletion of the mitochondrial DNA. We present evidence showing that PDR1 does not interfere with this PDR3 response. We also showed that the mitochondrially activated PDR3 response is highly sensitive to both yeast strain variations and carbon sources. These observations explain the apparent discrepancies in published studies and better describe the connections between the mitochondrial state and plasma membrane properties.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗