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Regulation of a promoter from the mouse insulin like growth factor II gene by glucocorticoids.

We have microinjected constructs containing the murine IG II P3 promoter linked to different flanking sequences and a luciferase reporter gene into mouse pronuclei to establish transgenic lines of mice. The offspring was used as a source of embryonic fibroblast cultures and the effect of exogenous addition of glucocorticoids on transgene expression was analysed. It was found that both dexamethasone and hydrocortisone gave rise to a functional stimulation of the IGF II P3 promoter when the construct also contained other elements. This study demonstrates for the first time that there is an effect of glucocorticoids on the activation of an embryonic IGF II promoter, thus providing a molecular rationale for previous findings that glucocorticoids can under certain circumstances give rise to an increased transcriptional activity of the IGF II gene.

Animals↗

Genomic sequences of aldolase C (Zebrin II) direct lacZ expression exclusively in non-neuronal cells of transgenic mice.

Aldolase C is regarded as the brain-specific form of fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase whereas aldolase A is regarded as muscle-specific. In situ hybridization of mouse central nervous system using isozyme-specific probes revealed that aldolase A and C are expressed in complementary cell types. With the exception of cerebellar Purkinje cells, aldolase A mRNA is found in neurons; aldolase C message is detected in astrocytes, some cells of the pia mater, and Purkinje cells. We isolated aldolase C genomic clones that span the entire protein coding region from 1.5 kb 5' to the transcription start site to 0.5 kb 3' to the end of the last exon. The bacterial gene, lacZ, was inserted in two different locations and the constructs tested in transgenic mice. When the protein coding sequences were replaced with lacZ, three of five transgenic lines expressed beta-galactosidase only in cells of the pia mater; one line also expressed in astrocyte-like cells. When lacZ was inserted into the final exon (and all structural gene sequences were retained) transgene expression was observed in astrocytes in all regions of the central nervous system as well as in pial cells. Thus, with the exception of Purkinje cell expression, the behavior of the full-length transgene mimics the endogenous aldolase C gene. The results with the shorter transgene suggest that additional enhancer elements exist within the intragenic sequences. The absence of Purkinje cell staining suggests that the cis elements required for this expression must be located outside of the sequences used in this study.

Animals↗

Yokonolide A, a new inhibitor of auxin signal transduction, from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes B59.

Bio-probes that inhibit the action of auxin are useful tools for the study of auxin signaling. To screen for specific inhibitors of auxin signaling, we used an Arabidopsis transgenic line harboring the auxin-inducible promoter derived from PS-IAA4/5 and the reporter gene, GUS (beta-glucuronidase). In this transgenic plant, the exogenous auxin specifically enhanced the expression of the GUS reporter gene. A novel 22-membered spiroketal-macrolide, yokonolide A (1), and related previously known compound, A82548A (2), were isolated from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes B59 as inhibitors of auxin inducible gene expression. The absolute structure of I was determined by detailed spectral analyses and chemical derivatization. 1 and 2 completely inhibited the auxin-induced transcription of the reporter gene at 5 and 1 microm, respectively. In contrast, 1 and 2 did not affect the translation of GUS reporter transcripts. In addition, 1 and 2 did not inhibit the gibberellin-induced alpha-amylase expression at 100 microM in barley aleurone cells. These results suggest that 1 and 2 specifically inhibit auxin signaling leading to auxin-mediated gene expression.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Alteration of plasma HDL cholesteryl ester composition with transgenic expression of a point mutation (E149A) of human LCAT.

We have previously identified a single amino acid mutation (hE149A) in human LCAT that increases its in vitro reactivity with phosphatidylcholine species containing sn-2 arachidonate (Wang et al. 1997. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 280-286). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether in vivo overexpression of hE149A compared with human wild-type LCAT (hLCAT-wt) would be sufficient to enrich the steady state composition of plasma HDL cholesteryl esters (CE) with long chain (>18 carbon) polyunsaturated fatty acyl species. Transgenic lines with 20-fold overexpression of hLCAT were created and studied between 12 and 16 weeks of age while consuming a chow diet. Transgenic overexpression of hE149A compared with hLCAT-wt significantly enriched HDL with CE species containing 20:4 (45%) and 22:6 n-3 (108%), at the expense of those containing 18:2, without a significant change in the plasma HDL concentration, particle size, or phospholipid fatty acyl composition. Removing the contribution of endogenous mouse LCAT by crossing the transgenic mice into the mouse LCAT knockout background resulted in even greater changes in HDL CE composition, with a 2.4-, 5-, and 5-fold increase in 20:4, 20:5 n-3, and 22:6 n-3 cholesteryl esters in the hE149A mice compared with hLCAT-wt Tg mice, respectively. Our results demonstrate that in vivo expression of hE149A significantly enriches HDL cholesteryl esters in 20- and 22-carbon fatty acyl species without affecting HDL concentration or size. Furthermore, the data suggest that endogenous mouse LCAT in hLCAT transgenic mice contributes to the plasma HDL CE pool out of proportion to its mass, presumably because the hLCAT transgene is poorly activated by mouse apolipoprotein A-I.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Variation in barley yellow dwarf virus transmission efficiency by Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) after acquisition from transgenic and nontransformed wheat genotypes.

The effects of different acquisition access periods (AAPs) and inoculation access periods (IAPs) on the transmission efficiency of barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV) by Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) after feeding on transgenic or nontransformed wheat, Triticum aestivum L., genotypes were studied. Three wheat genotypes were tested as virus sources: virus-susceptible 'Lambert' and 'Lambert'-derived transgenic lines 103.1J and 126.02, which express the BYDV-PAV coat protein gene. Lower virus titers were measured in BYDV-infected transgenic plants compared with Lambert. No significant differences in transmission efficiency were detected for R. padi after varying IAPs, regardless of genotype. Transmission efficiency increased with an increase in AAP in all genotypes tested. However, AAPs ranging from 6 to 48 h on Lambert resulted in significantly greater transmission efficiency than similar periods on transgenic 103.1J. Maximum transmission efficiency (70%) was observed after a 48-h AAP on Lambert, whereas the same AAP on 103.1J and 126.02 resulted in a significantly lower transmission efficiency (57%). Contrasts were used to compare the rates of transmission and the theoretical maximum transmission percentage among the different wheat genotypes serving as virus sources. Both parameters were significantly different among genotypes, indicating that viral acquisition from each genotype resulted in a unique pattern of virus transmission by R. padi. The lowest rate of virus transmission after an AAP was observed on 103.1J compared with 126.02 or Lambert. This is likely associated with a lower virus titer in 103.1J. This is the first report of transgenic virus resistance in wheat affecting the transmission efficiency of a virus vector.

Animals↗

Manipulating early pig embryos.

On the basis of established surgical procedures for embryo recovery and transfer, the early pig embryo can be subjected to various manipulations aimed at a long-term preservation of genetic material, the generation of identical multiplets, the early determination of sex or the alteration of the genetic make-up. Most of these procedures are still at an experimental stage and despite recent considerable progress are far from practical application. Normal piglets have been obtained after cryopreservation of pig blastocysts hatched in vitro, whereas all attempts to freeze embryos with intact zona pellucida have been unsuccessful. Pig embryos at the morula and blastocyst stage can be bisected microsurgically and the resulting demi-embryos possess a high developmental potential in vitro, whereas their development in vivo is impaired. Pregnancy rates are similar (80%) but litter size is reduced compared with intact embryos and twinning rate is approximately 2%. Pig blastomeres isolated from embryos up to the 16-cell stage can be grown in culture and result in normal blastocysts. Normal piglets have been born upon transfer of blastocysts derived from isolated eight-cell blastomeres, clearly underlining the totipotency of this developmental stage. Upon nuclear transfer the developmental capacity of reconstituted pig embryos is low and < 10% develop to morulae or blastocysts in vitro. Pig oocytes can be stimulated parthenogenetically and up to 10% grow to blastocysts in the in vitro culture. Sex determination can be achieved either by separation of X and Y chromosome bearing spermatozoa by flow cytometry or by analysing the expression of the HY antigen in pig embryos from the eight-cell to morula stage. Microinjection of foreign DNA has been successfully used to alter growth and development of transgenic pigs, and to produce foreign proteins in the mammary gland or in the bloodstream, indicating that pigs can be used as donors for valuable human pharmaceutical proteins. Another promising area of gene transfer is the increase of disease resistance in transgenic lines of pigs. Approximately 30% of pig spermatozoa bind considerable amounts of foreign DNA preferably at the post-acrosomal region, suggesting that transgenic animals can be obtained more efficiently than with the usual microinjection procedure. To increase gene transfer efficiency, considerable research efforts have been made to establish embryonic stem (ES) cells, but so far there is no definite proof of totipotency of the generated pig ES-like cells through viable chimaeras. In general, biotechnological procedures are much less advanced in pigs than in cows.

Animals↗

Evolution of neoplastic development in the liver of transgenic mice co-expressing c-myc and transforming growth factor-alpha.

We have previously shown that co-expression of c-myc and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha as transgenes in mouse liver results in major enhancement of neoplastic development in this organ as compared with expression of either of these transgenes alone. In this report we describe in detail the progression from liver cell dysplasia to hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) occurring in the liver of c-myc/TGF-alpha and c-myc transgenic mice. Despite morphological similarities in the sequence of events between the two transgenic lines, the dramatic acceleration, extent, and severity of hepatic lesions in c-myc/TGF-alpha mice clearly demonstrated the synergistic effects of this transgenic combination. Although c-myc/TGF-alpha and c-myc females displayed longer latency and lower tumor incidence, the pathological changes were the same as those seen in the male mice, including the formation of HCCs, which are absent in TGF-alpha single-transgenic females. Tumors in single- and double-transgenic mice showed induction of the endogenous c-myc and TGF-alpha and, most frequently, unchanged or decreased epidermal growth factor receptor, further indicating the collaborative role of c-myc and TGF-alpha in providing a selective growth advantage to tumor cells independently of the epidermal growth factor receptor levels. To identify possible tumor precursors, we focused particularly on the dysplastic changes preceding and accompanying the appearance of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the double-transgenic mice. Early on, these changes were characterized by the appearance of large dysplastic hepatocytes, mostly pericentrally, expressing high levels of TGF-alpha and uPA, as well as TGF-beta 1, particularly in apoptotic cells. After a short period of replication and expansion into the liver parenchyma, as well as penetration into the central veins, these cells underwent apoptotic cell death while preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions were forming. The peritumorous tissues also contained small dysplastic hepatocytes and oval-like cells, similar to those found in the tumors. Transplantation of the transgenic liver tissues harboring only dysplasia with or without vascular lesions onto nude mice was able to yield HCCs composed of small diploid cells, suggesting that initiated cells are generated during the early dysplastic phase and can progress to HCC. It is therefore likely that large dysplastic hepatocytes undergo apoptosis, which may be closely associated with the up-regulation of TGF-beta 1 and uPA, whereas other cells evolve into the precursor population for HCC. Due to the simultaneous presence of c-myc, TGF-alpha, and dysplasia in premalignant human liver diseases, our transgenic mouse system appears to be an appropriate model for studying human hepatocarcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Genetic transformation, recovery, and characterization of fertile soybean transgenic for a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cryIAc gene.

Somatic embryos of jack, a Glycine max (L.) Merrill cultivar, were transformed using microprojectile bombardment with a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein gene (Bt cryIAc) driven by the 35S promoter and linked to the HPH gene. Approximately 10 g of tissue was bombarded, and three transgenic lines were selected on hygromycin-containing media and converted into plants. The recovered lines contained the HPH gene, but the Bt gene was lost in one line. The plasmid was rearranged in the second line, and the third line had two copies, one of which was rear-ranged. The CryIAc protein accumulated up to 46 ng mg-1 extractable protein. In detached-leaf bioassays, plants with an intact copy of the Bt gene, and to a lesser extent those with the rearranged copy, were protected from damage from corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens), tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), and velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis). Corn earworm produced less than 3% defoliation on transgenic plants, compared with 20% on the lepidopteran-resistant breeding line GatIR81-296, and more than 40% on susceptible cultivars. Unlike previous reports of soybean transformation using this technique, all plants were fertile. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a soybean transgenic for a highly expressed insecticidal gene.

Animals↗

Arabidopsis mutants that suppress the phenotype induced by transgene-mediated expression of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) gene VI are less susceptible to CaMV-infection and show reduced ethylene sensitivity.

Protein P6 is the main symptom determinant of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), and transgene-mediated expression in Arabidopsis induces a symptom-like phenotype in the absence of infection. Seeds of a P6-transgenic line, A7, were mutagenized by gamma-irradiation and M2 seedlings were screened for mutants that suppressed the phenotype of chlorosis and stunting. We identified four mutants that were larger and less chlorotic than the A7 parent but which contained an intact and transcriptionally active transgene. The two mutants with the strongest suppression phenotype, were recessive and allelic. The transgene was eliminated by back-crossing with wild-type Arabidopsis. In progeny lines that were homozygous for the putative suppressor mutation the proportion of plants becoming infected following inoculation with CaMV was 40% that of wild-type, although in plants that did become infected, levels of virus DNA in mutants and wild-type did not differ significantly. Symptoms in the mutants were milder and delayed although this was somewhat dependent on the virus isolate. This phenotype was inherited stably. Both mutant alleles showed a partially ethylene-insensitive phenotype in an ethylene triple response assay. P6-transgenic plants were also almost completely insensitive to ethylene in the triple response assay. We suggest that the chlorosis and stunting in P6-transgenic and CaMV-infected plants are dependent on interactions between P6 and components involved in ethylene signalling, and that the suppressor gene product may function to augment these interactions.

Arabidopsis↗

Antisense expression of the peptide transport gene AtPTR2-B delays flowering and arrests seed development in transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

Previously, we identified a peptide transport gene, AtPTR2-B, from Arabidopsis thaliana that was constitutively expressed in all plant organs, suggesting an important physiological role in plant growth and development. To evaluate the function of this transporter, transgenic Arabidopsis plants were constructed expressing antisense or sense AtPTR2-B. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that four independent antisense and three independent sense AtPTR2-B transgenic lines were obtained, which was confirmed by analysis of the segregation of the kanamycin resistance gene carried on the T-DNA. RNA blot data showed that the endogenous AtPTR2-B mRNA levels were significantly reduced in transgenic leaves and flowers, but not in transgenic roots. Consistent with this reduction in endogenous AtPTR2-B mRNA levels, all four antisense lines and one sense line exhibited significant phenotypic changes, including late flowering and arrested seed development. These phenotypic changes could be explained by a defect in nitrogen nutrition due to the reduced peptide transport activity conferred by AtPTR2-B. These results suggest that AtPTR2-B may play a general role in plant nutrition. The AtPTR2-B gene was mapped to chromosome 2, which is closely linked to the restriction fragment length polymorphism marker m246.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗

Distinguishable live erythroid and myeloid cells in beta-globin ECFP x lysozyme EGFP mice.

We previously described a mouse line that contains green myelomonocytic cells due to the knock-in of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) into the lysozyme M gene.(1) We have now created a transgenic line with fluorescent erythroid cells using a beta-globin locus control region driving the enhanced cyan fluorescence protein (ECFP) gene. These mice exhibit cyan fluorescent cells specifically in the erythroid compartment and in megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors. Crossing the animals with lysozyme EGFP mice yielded a line in which live erythroid and myeloid cells can readily be distinguished by fluorescence microscopy and by fluorescence-activated cell-sorter scanner. This cross allowed unambiguous identification of unstained mixed erythroid-myeloid colonies for the first time. The new mouse lines should become useful tools to dissect the branching between erythroid and myelomonocytic cells during in vitro differentiation of definitive multipotent progenitors.

Animals↗

Retinoic acid responsiveness of cells and tissues in developing fetal limbs evaluated in a RAREhsplacZ transgenic mouse model.

Limb morphogenesis is a complex phenomenon in which retinoids play an important role. Abnormal maternal retinoid levels from high oral doses cause fetal malformations, including abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system. Our purpose was to identify the retinoid-responsive cells in bone and cartilage during limb development by using a transgenic line of mice containing a reporter gene insert consisting of a retinoic acid response element linked to an Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. Transgenic fetuses from day 11.5 after conception to birth (day 20) were analyzed histologically. Retinoid-responsive cells and tissues were first seen in the limb bud at 12.5 days in the webs between the forming digits. The webs stained maximally at 14.5 days, after which staining intensity subsided. Staining in the muscles was detectable at 13.5 days, at a stage coinciding with myoblast fusion. Specific regions of perichondrium and periosteum also stained at this stage. Occasional staining was observed in individual chondroblasts in all chondrogenic regions, including hypertrophic chondroblasts and certain articular surfaces of developing joints. Staining of these tissues decreased in intensity in subsequent stages. Osteoclasts started to express beta-galactosidase at 15.5 days and continued to stain into maturity. Our results indicate that specific subsets of cells respond to retinoids at specific stages in the course of normal limb development. In hypertrophic chondrocytes and cells in the webs and joints that display such a response, retinoid-induced effects may be linked to cell death that occurs in these regions. Staining in muscle, perichondrium, and periosteum may reflect retinoid-induced effects associated with cell differentiation and growth. These results suggest that retinoids play a role in a variety of tissues, including bone and cartilage, at specific stages during morphogenesis.

Animals↗

Stable transmission and transcription of newfoundland ocean pout type III fish antifreeze protein (AFP) gene in transgenic mice and hypothermic storage of transgenic ovary and testis.

Here we describe the generation of transgenic mice carrying type III fish antifreeze protein (AFP) gene and evaluate whether AFP type III protects transgenic mouse ovaries and testes from hypothermic storage. AFPs exist in many different organisms. In fish, AFPs protect the host from freezing at temperatures below the colligative freezing point by adsorbing to the surface of nucleating ice crystals and inhibiting their growth. The transgenic expression of AFP holds great promise for conferring freeze-resistant plant and animal species. AFP also exhibits a potential for the cryopreservation of tissues and cells. In this study, we have generated 42 founder mice harboring the Newfoundland ocean pout (OP5A) type III AFP transgene and established one transgenic line (the line #6). This study demonstrated that AFP gene construct has been stably transmitted to the mouse progeny in the F3 generations in the line #6. Furthermore, the presence of AFP transcripts was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis on cDNAs from liver, kidney, ovarian, and testis tissues of the mouse from F3 generation in this line. These results indicate that ocean pout type III AFP gene could be integrated and transmitted to the next generation and stably transcribed in transgenic mice. In histological analysis of testis and ovarian tissues of nontransgenic control and AFP transgenic mice it has been shown that both tissues of AFP transgenic mice were protected from hypothermic storage (+4 degrees C). The AFP III transgenic mice obtained for the first time in this study would be useful for investigating the biological functions of AFP in mammalian systems and also its potential role in cryopreservation.

Animals↗

Functional characterization of Gossypium hirsutum profilin 1 gene (GhPFN1) in tobacco suspension cells. Characterization of in vivo functions of a cotton profilin gene.

Cotton fiber is an extremely long plant cell. Fiber elongation is a complex process and the genes that are crucial for elongation are largely unknown. We previously cloned a cDNA encoding an isoform of cotton profilin and found that the gene (designated GhPFN1) was preferentially expressed in cotton fibers. In the present study, we have further analyzed the expression pattern of GhPFN1 during fiber development and studied its cellular function using tobacco suspension cells as an experimental system. We report that expression of GhPFN1 is tightly associated with fast elongation of cotton fibers whose growth requires an intact actin cytoskeleton. Overexpression of GhPFN1 in the transgenic tobacco cells was correlated with the formation of elongated cells that contained thicker and longer microfilament cables. Quantitative analyses revealed a 2.5-3.6 fold increase in total profilin levels and a 1.6-2.6 fold increase in the F-actin levels in six independent transgenic lines. In addition to the effect on cell elongation, we also observed delayed cell cycle progression and a slightly lower mitotic index in the transgenic cells. Based on these data, we propose that GhPFN1 may play a critical role in the rapid elongation of cotton fibers by promoting actin polymerization.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Stable expression of a defense-related gene in wheat epidermis under transcriptional control of a novel promoter confers pathogen resistance.

Tissue-specific or regulated expression of transgenes is desirable in order to prevent pleiotropic side effects of putatively harmful transgene products as well as loss of energy resources due to unnecessary accumulation of transgene products. Epidermis-specific expression would be useful for many defense-related genes directed against attack by fungal pathogens that enter the plant body by direct penetration through the epidermis. In an approach to enhance resistance of wheat to the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici, a novel epidermis-specific promoter was developed and used for expression of two defense-related genes. A 2.3 kb fragment of the wheat GstA1 promoter in combination with an intron-containing part of the wheat WIR1a gene was found to drive strong and constitutive transient expression in wheat epidermis. This promoter-intron combination was used for overexpression of oxalate oxidase 9f-2.8 and TaPERO peroxidase, two defense-related wheat genes expressed in inner leaf tissues. Expression studies of several transgenic lines by in situ oxalate-oxidase staining, RNA and protein blot analyses, as well as real-time PCR, demonstrated strong and constitutive transgene expression in the shoot epidermis. Transient as well as stable over-expression of the TaPERO peroxidase gene in wheat epidermis under the control of the GstA1i promoter resulted in enhanced resistance against Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici, whereas oxalate-oxidase overexpression had no effect in either system. The data suggest that the wheat GstA1 promoter in combination with the WIR1a intron is useful for transgenic approaches to fungal disease resistance in cereals.

Ascomycota↗

Use of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene as a general tool to monitor expression in transgenic animals: study of the tissue-specificity of the murine whey acidic protein (WAP) expression signals.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a proteolytic enzyme able to convert the zymogen plasminogen into the strong protease plasmin. The availability of very sensitive tests to measure the enzymatic activity of a plasminogen activator renders the corresponding gene an ideal candidate for the detection of promoter activity. In this paper we describe the utilization of the human uPA gene as detector of tissue-specificity of the murine whey acidic protein (WAP) expression signals in transgenic mice. The WAP promoter has been previously investigated for the production of foreign proteins in the milk of transgenic animals. In our genetic constructions, the human uPA cDNA was linked to the promoter region as well as to 3'-end distal sequences of the WAP gene. Five transgenic lines were obtained in which, however, expression levels of human uPA in the milk were still quite low. Surprisingly, four of these five positive transgenic mice show a consistent activity of the WAP promoter in brain extracts compared to other tissues.

Animals↗

Vitamin E down-modulates iNOS and NADPH oxidase in c-Myc/TGF-alpha transgenic mouse model of liver cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Co-expression of c-Myc and TGF-alpha in the mouse liver accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis and enhances DNA damage due to chronic oxidative stress. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E (VE) inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis and reduces chromosomal alterations in the same mice. Here we investigated the sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in c-Myc/TGF-alpha transgenic mice. METHODS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NADPH oxidase levels were determined in c-Myc, TGF-alpha and c-Myc/TGF-alpha mice by RT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: iNOS and nitrotyrosines levels were higher in the three transgenic lines when compared with wild-type mice. Preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions from c-Myc, TGF-alpha and c-Myc/TGF-alpha transgenic mice displayed upregulation of NADPH oxidase subunits p47-, 67-phox, Rac1, HSP 70, and HO-1. Importantly, dietary supplementation with vitamin E abolished iNOS expression, lowered nitrotyrosines, p47-, p67-phox, and Rac1 levels, and suppressed HSP 70 and HO-1 proteins in c-Myc/TGF-alpha livers. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that iNOS and NADPH oxidase are involved in ROS generation during c-Myc/TGF-alpha hepatocarcinogenesis and are inhibited by VE treatment. The data provide additional evidence for the potential use of VE in treatment of chronic liver diseases and HCC prevention.

Animals↗

Metabolic syndrome without obesity: Hepatic overexpression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in transgenic mice.

In obese humans and rodents there is increased expression of the key glucocorticoid (GC) regenerating enzyme, 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1), in adipose tissue. This increased expression appears to be of pathogenic importance because transgenic mice overexpressing 11beta-HSD1 selectively in adipose tissue exhibit a full metabolic syndrome with visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin-resistant diabetes, and hypertension. In this model, while systemic plasma GC levels are unaltered, GC delivery to the liver via the portal vein is increased. 11beta-HSD1 is most highly expressed in liver where inhibition or deficiency of its activity improves glucose and lipid homeostasis. To determine the potential contribution of elevated intrahepatic GCs alone toward development of insulin-resistant syndromes we generated transgenic mice expressing increased 11beta-HSD1 activity selectively in the liver under transcriptional control of hepatic regulatory sequences derived from the human apoE gene (apoE-HSD1). Transgenic lines with 2- and 5-fold-elevated 11beta-HSD1 activity exhibited mild insulin resistance without altered fat depot mass. ApoE-HSD1 transgenic mice exhibited fatty liver and dyslipidemia with increased hepatic lipid synthesis/flux associated with elevated hepatic LXRalpha and PPARalpha mRNA levels as well as impaired hepatic lipid clearance. Further, apoE-HSD1 transgenic mice have a marked, transgene-dose-associated hypertension paralleled by incrementally increased liver angiotensinogen expression. These data suggest that elevated hepatic expression of 11beta-HSD1 may relate to the pathogenesis of specific fatty liver, insulin-resistant, and hypertensive syndromes without obesity in humans as may occur in, for example, myotonic dystrophy, and possibly, the metabolically obese, normal-weight individual.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗