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Contribution of the alpha1-GABA(A) receptor subtype to the pharmacological actions of benzodiazepine site inverse agonists.

A histidine-to-arginine point-mutation at position 101 in the alpha1-subunit of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors has been shown to switch the in vitro efficacy of Ro 15-4513 from inverse agonism to agonism. In order to assess the consequences of this pharmacological switch in vivo, the motor and proconvulsant effects of Ro 15-4513 were analyzed in knock-in mice containing point-mutated alpha1(H101R)-GABA(A) receptors. Furthermore the influence of the alpha1(H101R) substitution on the efficacy of the beta-carboline inverse agonist DMCM was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Ro 15-4513 (10 mg/kg) increased baseline locomotion and potentiated the convulsant effect of pentylenetetrazole in wild type mice. In alpha1(H101R) mice, Ro 15-4513 decreased locomotion and, at a higher dose (30 mg/kg) it displayed an anticonvulsant action. In vitro, DMCM acted as an inverse agonist at recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors whereas it potentiated GABA-evoked chloride currents at alpha1(H101R)beta2gamma2 receptors. DMCM was inactive as a convulsant in alpha1(H101R) mice. In keeping with the major contribution of these receptors to the sedative and anticonvulsant properties of benzodiazepine site agonists, the present findings identify the alpha1-GABA(A) receptors as the molecular targets for the allosteric modulation by benzodiazepine site ligands in either direction with regard to the behavioral outputs, sedation/motor stimulation and anticonvulsion/proconvulsion.

Animals↗

The mutagenicity of 2-amino-N6-hydroxyadenine to L5178Y tk +/- 3.7.2C mouse lymphoma cells: measurement of mutations to ouabain, 6-thioguanine and trifluorothymidine resistance, and the induction of micronuclei.

2-Amino-N6-hydroxyadenine (AHA) was tested in the mouse lymphoma L5178Y tk +/- assay using the microtitre cloning technique over concentrations from 0.005 micrograms/ml-1 (100% viability) to 6 micrograms/ml (10% viability) as measured by cloning efficiency immediately after treatment. At low, non-toxic concentrations (0.005-0.25 micrograms/ml) a dose-related linear increase in the frequency of ouabain-resistant mutants was seen, in addition to an increase in 6-thioguanine- and trifluorothymidine-resistant mutants. No consistent induction of micronucleated cells was observed in this concentration range. Toxic concentrations (20-90% kill) induced a dose-related increase in micronuclei, while the frequency of ouabain-resistant mutants fell (although it was still highly significantly above the control value). These results suggest that the mechanism of action of AHA depends on the concentration, with point mutations being induced at low, non-toxic doses and detectable chromosome breakage occurring only at higher doses. Both large-colony and small-colony trifluorothymidine-resistant mutants were induced at all concentrations. The utility of using multiple genetic end-points in one cell line and the importance of dose range selection for risk assessment and an understanding of the mode of action of test substances is underlined.

Adenine↗

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive elements are involved in the transcriptional activation of the human IL-10 gene in monocytic cells.

IL-10 plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses. We and others have demonstrated recently that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-elevating substances up-regulate monocytic IL-10 expression in vitro and in vivo. Computer analysis of the IL-10 promoter/enhancer region localized four putative cAMP-responsive elements (CRE1- 4) with homology to the CRE consensus motif. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays CRE1 and CRE4 bound protein complexes consisting of transcription factors CREB-1 and ATF-1, while CRE3 bound only marginal amounts of CREB-1/ATF-1 in combination with unknown protein(s). CRE2 showed no protein binding activity. In vitro mutation of CRE1 and CRE4 reduced the level of cAMP-stimulated transactivation in reporter gene assays in comparison to the wild-type promoter by 20 % and 50 %, respectively, while mutation of CRE3 had no effect. The main action of CRE4 on cAMP-dependent stimulation is probably based on its adjacent localization to the TATA box and its sequence comprising a perfect half site. Experiments with double and triple mutants and with deleted promoter fragments indicated the participation of additional elements beside the CRE motifs in the cAMP-dependent stimulation. Our data suggest that intracellular cAMP may directly affect expression of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 in monocytic cells via activation of the eukaryotic transcription factors CREB-1 and ATF-1 and their binding to CRE1 and CRE4 in the upstream enhancer of the IL-10 promoter.

Cyclic AMP↗

Lack of correlation between MMS-toxicity in larvae and in adults of mutagen-sensitive mutants of Drosophila melanogaster.

Adult males of 20 different stocks of Drosophila melanogaster, including 16 with various X-linked mutagen-sensitive mutations, were tested for sensitivity to the lethal action of methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) in a continuous feeding experiment. It was impossible to establish a correlation between MMS-toxicity in adults and MMS-toxicity in larvae. In addition, experiments to examine the fertility of MMS-treated flies of four mutagen-sensitive strains and one wild-type strain were performed. These experiments demonstrated that the spermatogonia of mei-9L1 and mei-41D5 in larvae and in adults are more sensitive to MMS than the spermatogonia of the wild-type strain or the other two mutagen-sensitive strains.

Administration, Oral↗

Inhibitory effect of a proline-to-alanine substitution at codon 12 of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma 2 on thiazolidinedione-induced adipogenesis.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors and appears to be a key regulator of adipogenesis. Members of the thiazolidinedione class of insulin-sensitizing agents act as high-affinity ligands for PPARgamma, indicating that PPARgamma is also important in systemic insulin action. To determine whether Pro(12) --> Ala (P12A) mutation in PPARgamma gene contributes to the development of obesity or insulin sensitivity, we examined the effects of the P12A mutation on the function of PPARgamma by expression of the mutant protein in COS or 3T3-L1 cells. The abilities of the P12A mutant of PPARgamma to mediate both transcriptional activation of a luciferase reporter gene construct containing the peroxisome proliferator response element and adipogenesis induced by a thiazolidinedione drug were reduced compared with those of the wild-type protein. These results suggest that the P12A substitution in PPARgamma gene may be associated with abnormalities of adipose tissue formation and insulin sensitivity.

3T3 Cells↗

NGF binding to p75 enhances the sensitivity of sensory and sympathetic neurons to NGF at different stages of development.

To clarify the role of the common neurotrophin receptor p75 in modulating the survival response of sensory and sympathetic neurons to NGF at different stages of development, we compared the actions of wild-type NGF with a mutated NGF protein that binds normally to TrkA, the NGF receptor tyrosine kinase, but has greatly reduced binding to p75. At saturating concentrations, the NGF mutant promoted the survival of similar numbers of trigeminal sensory and sympathetic neurons as NGF. At subsaturating concentrations, the NGF mutant was less effective than wild-type NGF in promoting the survival of embryonic sensory neurons and postnatal sympathetic neurons but was equally effective as wild-type NGF in promoting the survival of embryonic sympathetic neurons. Whereas the levels of trkA and p75 were similar in embryonic sensory neurons and postnatal sympathetic neurons, the level of p75 was significantly lower than that of trkA in embryonic sympathetic neurons. These results indicate that binding of NGF to p75 enhances the sensitivity of NGF-dependent neurons to NGF at stages in their development when the levels of p75 and TrkA are similar.

Animals↗

Cardiac Na+ channels as therapeutic targets for antiarrhythmic agents.

There are many factors that influence drug block of voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGSC). Pharmacological agents vary in conformation, charge, and affinity. Different drugs have variable affinities to VGSC isoforms, and drug efficacy is affected by implicit tissue properties such as resting potential, action potential morphology, and action potential frequency. The presence of polymorphisms and mutations in the drug target can also influence drug outcomes. While VGSCs have been therapeutic targets in the management of cardiac arrhythmias, their potential has been largely overshadowed by toxic side effects. Nonetheless, many VGSC blockers exhibit inherent voltage- and use-dependent properties of channel block that have recently proven useful for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic arrhythmias that arise from defects in Na+ channels and can underlie idiopathic clinical syndromes. These defective channels suggest themselves as prime targets of disease and perhaps even mutation specific pharmacological interventions.

Animals↗

An analysis of the role of host factors in transcription antitermination in vitro by the Q protein of coliphage lambda.

We used two different approaches to study the requirement for Escherichia coli Nus factors for the activity of bacteriophage lambda late antiterminator Q. Using an in vitro coupled transcription-translation assay, based on Q-dependent synthesis of galactokinase from a pR'-tR'-galK template, we showed that mutations in the host nusB and nusE genes do not affect Q activity. A mutation in nusA (nusA1) only partially affects Q action at all temperatures tested. Defective Q function in the nusA1 mutant extract could be restored by the addition of pure NusA but not by excess Q. In a pure transcription system, measurement of the run-off transcript produced by Q-mediated suppression of tR' revealed that NusA is greatly stimulatory to Q activity, whereas NusB and S10, in the presence or absence of NusA, have no effect. Unidentified E. coli factor(s) present in an S30 extract efficiently suppress the natural pausing by RNA polymerase at +15, +16 of pR' without affecting Q activity. These results show that NusA is the only host protein that directly participates in Q function.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Mechanisms and frequency of resistance to temafloxacin.

The bactericidal activity of temafloxacin and other fluoroquinolones is attributed to inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II), an enzyme that regulates supercoiling and uncoiling of DNA. Because of this unique bactericidal mechanism of action, resistance to fluoroquinolones is limited to spontaneous mutations. In vitro studies were conducted to determine the frequency at which spontaneous resistance to temafloxacin occurs and to determine whether cross-resistance to other antimicrobial agents develops. In 13 strains of bacteria, the frequency of spontaneous resistance mutation to concentrations of temafloxacin at four and eight times the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from less than 1 x 10(-10) to 1.4 x 10(-7). Temafloxacin demonstrated a lower frequency of resistance to both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus compared with ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Cross resistance with other fluoroquinolones was observed.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Environmental stresses and mobilization of transposable elements in inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster.

Drastic changes in insertion patterns of the mobile elements copia and mdg-1 (a copia-like element) were checked in highly inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster subjected to various stresses. Flies were treated by factors known for their ability to increase mutation rates of classical genes, and for their action on transcription or transposition of mobile elements: heat shocks at 37 degrees C, dichlorvos, hydrogen peroxide and ecdysterone. The insertion patterns were analyzed in progenies of the treated flies, either on larvae by in situ hybridization of giant salivary gland chromosomes, or on adult flies by Southern blotting interpreted by densitometric analysis. The techniques used made it possible to detect only changes with frequencies of more than 10% of the insertion sites. We show that the copia and mdg-1 elements cannot be radically mobilized in our inbred lines under the stressful conditions used. This absence of 'explosion' of mobilization of transposable elements after the action of external factors suggests that the genomes of our highly inbred lines are relatively protected against environmental stresses.

Animals↗

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics: modified target sites.

Alteration in the target sites of antibiotics is a common mechanism of resistance. Examples of clinical strains showing resistance can be found for every class of antibiotic, regardless of the mechanism of action. Target site changes often result from spontaneous mutation of a bacterial gene on the chromosome and selection in the presence of the antibiotic. Examples include mutations in RNA polymerase and DNA gyrase, resulting in resistance to the rifamycins and quinolones, respectively. In other cases, acquisition of resistance may involve transfer of resistance genes from other organisms by some form of genetic exchange (conjugation, transduction, or transformation). Examples of these mechanisms include acquisition of the mecA genes encoding methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and the various van genes in enterococci encoding resistance to glycopeptides.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The problem of protein kinase activity of small heat shock protein Hsp22 (H11 or HspB8).

The recently described protein denoted H11, Hsp22 or HspB8 seems to participate in regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. Mutation of Hsp22 causes distal motor neuropathy. Multitude action of Hsp22 is supposed to be due to its protein kinase and/or chaperone-like activities. There are many indirect evidences indicating that Hsp22 possesses intrinsic protein kinase activity. However, low homology to protein kinases, low extent of autophosphorylation, lack of significant protein kinase activity with commonly used substrates, and lack of information on stoichiometry, kinetics, and substrate specificity make the existence of intrinsic protein kinase activity of Hsp22 questionable. It is supposed that protein kinase activity ascribed to Hsp22 is due to contaminating protein kinases. Hsp22 is highly homologous to small heat shock proteins and effectively prevents aggregation of denatured protein both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it is supposed that chaperone-like activity is of great importance for Hsp22 functioning.

Enzyme Activation↗

Divergent biological effects of estradiol and diethylstilbestrol in the prostate cancer cell line MOP.

The involvement of mutated androgen receptors (mut-AR) in the actions of estrogens in prostate cancer cells is controversial. This work was designed to determine the role of such receptors in the growth inhibition by estradiol (E2) and androgens of the MOP cell line, a derivative of the LNCaP cell line. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was used as a "tool". E2 like DHT and R1881 inhibits MOP cell proliferation while DES does not. E2 and R1881 down regulate mut-AR mRNA, DES does not. E2 enhances mut-AR transcriptional activity less efficiently than R1881 while DES does not. E2 and R1881 up regulate PSA secretion in a dose-dependent manner, DES does it marginally at 10(-6)M. MOP cells express low amounts of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA but neither DES nor E2 and R1881 do enhance ER transcriptional activity. DES and E2 bind to mut-AR with relative binding affinities which are respectively 1/175 and 1/10 that of DHT. The E2 and androgen-repressed proliferation is prevented by DES and by the anti-androgen bicalutamide. In LNCaP cells, DES prevents the androgen-enhanced proliferation. These results strongly suggest that: (a) the putative endogenous ERs are biologically inactive in MOP cells, (b) the E2-repressed proliferation results from hormone binding to mut-AR and, (c) DES is an anti-androgen in mut-AR expressing cell line.

Cell Division↗

Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling families at risk for metabolic disease.

Carrier testing for Tay-Sachs disease should be offered to couples when at least one individual is of Ashkenazi Jewish (carrier frequency 1/30), Pennsylvania Dutch, Southern Louisiana Cajun, or Eastern Quebec French Canadian descent. Ideally, testing is done prior to conception. For Ashkenazi Jews, in whom DNA testing identifies 99.9% of carriers, DNA testing is the preferred method to ascertain carriers [14]. For non-Jewish individuals seeking carrier testing, enzyme assay should be done initially and positive or indeterminate results should be confirmed by DNA mutation analysis. If only one partner is descended from a high-risk group, that person should be tested first; only if he/ she is a carrier should the other partner be tested. If the couple is pregnant at the time carrier testing is requested, both partners should have enzyme testing (leukocyte assay for the pregnant woman and serum assay for the father) and DNA testing sent concomitantly to expedite counseling and action. Carriers are individuals with a disease causing DNA mutation or carrier range enzyme analysis results on both serum and leukocytes with no detectable mutation and no pseudodeficiency alleles. Noncarriers are individuals with normal enzyme results or carrier range enzyme results and a pseudodeficiency allele on DNA mutation analysis. If both partners are found to be carriers they should be counseled of a 25% risk of having an affected child with each pregnancy. Options to modify this risk include prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, egg or sperm donation, preimplantation diagnosis or adoption.

Family Characteristics↗

Structural parts involved in activation and inactivation of the sodium channel.

Structure-function relationships of the sodium channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes have been investigated by the combined use of site-directed mutagenesis and patch-clamp recording. This study provides evidence that the positive charges in segment S4 are involved in the voltage-sensing mechanism for activation of the channel and that the region between repeats III and IV is important for its inactivation.

Action Potentials↗

Homology of a 150K cytoplasmic dynein-associated polypeptide with the Drosophila gene Glued.

Cytoplasmic dynein is a microtubule-activated ATPase which produces force towards the minus ends of microtubules. It is thought to be responsible for retrograde axonal transport and other aspects of organelle motility and may have a role in the poleward movement of mitotic chromosomes. Cytoplasmic dynein is an oligomeric complex of two catalytic heavy chains and a number of accessory subunits. We now report the cloning and sequencing of a complementary DNA for one of these species, a cytoplasmic dynein-associated polypeptide of relative molecular mass 150,000 (Mr 150K). A full-length cDNA was found to contain an open reading frame of 4.0 kilobases, which is predicted to encode a polypeptide of Mr 145K. It has extensive homology with the product of the Drosophila gene Glued, which encodes a polypeptide of Mr 148K. The Glued mutation is dominant, with pleiotropic developmental defects in heterozygotes and an embryonic lethal phenotype in homozygotes. As dominant mutations may involve disruption of normal protein-protein interactions, the Glued mutation should provide insight into the mode of action of cytoplasmic dynein in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Androgen insensitivity and male infertility.

Abnormal human spermatogenesis can be caused by defects in androgen action because of androgen insensitivity. A variety of mutations have been described in the human androgen receptor gene associated with male infertility. These can be attributed to two molecular mechanisms. First, point mutations in the androgen receptor gene cause alterations in the amino acid sequence and, hence, lead to apparently slight changes in the androgen receptor effector mechanisms and mild androgen insensitivity. Secondly, variations in the polymorphic poly glutamine segment within the N-terminal end of the androgen receptor have been ascribed to correlate with fertility aspects possibly because of modifications of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. It has been postulated that longer poly glutamine segments are associated with decreased sperm counts. However, the molecular mechanisms that lead to inhibition of spermatogenesis because of a mutated androgen receptor are poorly understood and will need more focus in the future.

Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome↗

Disruption of a PEX1-PEX6 interaction is the most common cause of the neurologic disorders Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum disease.

Peroxisomal matrix protein import requires the action of two AAA ATPases, PEX1 and PEX6. Mutations in either the PEX1 or PEX6 gene are the most common cause of the lethal neurologic disorders Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum disease and account for disease in 80% of all such patients. We report here that overexpression of PEX6 can suppress the phenotypes of certain PEX1-deficient cells, that overexpression of PEX1 can suppress the phenotypes of certain PEX6-deficient cells, and that these instances of suppression are allele-specific and require partial activity of the mutated gene. In addition to genetic evidence for interaction between PEX1 and PEX6, we find that the PEX1 and PEX6 proteins interact in the yeast two-hybrid assay and physically associate with one another in vitro. We previously identified a missense mutation in PEX1, G843D, which attenuates PEX1 function and is the most common cause of these diseases, present in one-third of all such patients. The G843D mutation attenuates the interaction between PEX1 and PEX6 in both the two-hybrid system and in vitro and appears to be suppressed by overexpression of PEX6. We conclude that PEX1 and PEX6 form a complex of central importance to peroxisome biogenesis and that mutations affecting this complex constitute the most common cause of the Zellweger syndrome spectrum of diseases.

ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activitie↗