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Rapid sex chromosomal chimerism analysis in heterosexual twin female calves by Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification.

We attempted to apply an embryo sexing kit with Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to sex chromosomal chimerism analysis in heterosexual twin female calves. Peripheral blood was used for the amplification of male-specific DNA, derived from XY leukocytes. When blood samples were diluted 1:1000 in LAMP reaction mixture, hemoglobin or blood coagulation did not influence the turbidity measurement of the reaction mixture for detection of amplified DNA. This procedure detected the existence of XY leukocytes of 0.01% in female blood. Furthermore, all heterosexual twin female calves, bearing sex chromosomal chimerism based on karyotyping and PCR, showed male-specific DNA from peripheral blood by LAMP. These results indicated that the embryo sexing kit with LAMP was available for sensitive detection of sex chromosomal chimerism. This procedure made it possible to detect easily Y-chromosome specific DNA in a short interval compared with PCR, and was convenient for field application of freemartin diagnosis.

Animals↗

Interaction analysis of chimeric metal-binding green fluorescent protein and artificial solid-supported lipid membrane by quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy.

Non-specific adsorption and specific interaction between a chimeric green fluorescent protein (GFP) carrying metal-binding region and the immobilized zinc ions on artificial solid-supported lipid membranes was investigated using the quartz crystal microbalance technique and the atomic force microscopy (AFM). Supported lipid bilayer, composed of octanethiol and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl iminodiacetic acid)succinyl] (NTA-DOGS)-Zn2+, was formed on the gold electrode of quartz resonator (5 MHz). Binding of the chimeric GFP to zinc ions resulted in a rapid decrease of resonance frequency. Reversibility of the process was demonstrated via the removal of metal ions by EDTA. Nanoscale structural orientation of the chimeric GFP on the membrane was imaged by AFM. Association constant of the specific binding to metal ions was 2- to 3-fold higher than that of the non-specific adsorption, which was caused by the fluidization effect of the metal-chelating lipid molecules as well as the steric hindrance effect. This infers a possibility for a further development of biofunctionalized membrane. However, maximization is needed in order to attain closer advancement to a membrane-based sensor device.

Adsorption↗

Identifying the region influencing the cis-mode of maturation of West Nile (Sarafend) virus using chimeric infectious clones.

West Nile (Sarafend) virus [WN(S)V] has been shown to egress by budding at the plasma membrane of infected cells. However, the region influencing this mode of virus release remains to be deciphered. In this study, we have constructed three chimeric clones in which specific regions of West Nile (Wengler) virus [WN(W)V] were replaced for the corresponding regions of WN(S)V in the full-length infectious clone of WN(S)V to define the region responsible for the cis-mode of WN(S)V maturation. The WN(W)V matures by the trans-mode. All of the resulting chimeric viruses were found to be infective. Transmission electron microscopy analyses performed in Vero cells infected with these chimeric viruses disclosed that the 5' end of the WN(S)V genome plays a major role in influencing the process of maturation at the plasma membrane.

Animals↗

Study of the peptide length and amino acid specific substitution in the antigenic activity of the chimeric synthetic peptides, containing the p19 core and gp46 envelope proteins of the HTLV-I virus.

Four chimeric synthetic peptides (Q5, Q6, Q7(multiply sign in circle), and Q8(multiply sign in circle)), incorporating immunodominant epitopes of the core p19 (105-124 a.a.) and envelope gp46 proteins (175-205 a.a.), of HTLV-I were obtained. Also, two gp46 monomeric peptides M4 and M5(multiply sign in circle) (Ser at position 192) were synthesized. The analysis of the influence of the peptide lengths and the proline to serine substitution on the chimeric and monomeric peptides' antigenicity, with regard to the chimeric peptides Q1, Q2, Q3(multiply sign in circle), and Q4(multiply sign in circle), reported previously, for HTLV-I was carried out. The peptides' antigenicity was evaluated in an ultramicroenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (UMELISA) using sera of HTLV-I/II. The peptides' antigenicity was affected appreciably by the change of the peptide length and amino acid substitutions into the immunodominant sequence of gp46 peptide.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Chimeric GnRH-LH receptors and LH receptors lacking C-terminus palmitoylation sites do not localize to plasma membrane rafts.

Luteinizing hormone and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptors (LHR and GnRHR, respectively) are G protein-coupled receptors with important functions in reproduction. We have developed chimeric GnRHR-LHR that contain the full GnRHR coupled to various forms of the LH receptor C-terminus to explore the role of the LH receptor C-terminus in raft localization of the receptor and signaling. Addition of the full-length LHR C-terminus to GnRHR resulted in localization of the resting chimeric receptor in the bulk membrane rather than plasma membrane rafts as has been reported for the wild-type GnRHR [A. Navratil, S. Bliss, K. Berghorn, J. Haughian, T. Farmerie, J. Graham, C. Clay, M. Roberson, Constitutive localization of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor to low density membrane microdomains is necessary for GnRH signaling to ERK, J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 31593-31602]. With truncation of the LHR C-terminus, approximately 3% of chimeric receptors appeared in low density membrane fractions. Palmitoylation of sites on the LHR C-terminus appears important for raft localization. Mutations to C-terminus palmitoylation sites eliminated translocation of LH receptors from the bulk membrane to rafts upon binding of hCG although these mutant receptors retained the ability to signal via cAMP.

Animals↗

More degrees of freedom by using chimeric concept in the applications of anterolateral thigh flap.

For obliterating a dead space, especially deep and slender, it is more challenging for a reconstructive surgeon to design a musculocutaneous flap by conventional technique. Tethering at the midway of a musculocutaneous flap while inset is not unusual, and trimming of excess muscle may jeopardize the perfusion of the skin. Based on the lateral femoral circumflex system (LFCS), introducing a chimeric concept into the reconstruction of these difficult wounds will simplify the flap design and give more degrees of freedom to inset the flap. Technique of intramuscular dissection of perforators is frequently demanded. Vastus lateralis muscle based on the distal runoff of the LFCS can be included with sharp dissection. Using chimeric concept in the application of anterolateral thigh flap, the muscle and skin can be considered as individual units although they base on a single pedicle. The dimension of skin and the volume of muscle can be tailored as adequate as desired. While insetting the flap, the lengthy pedicles distal to the bifurcation enhance a three-dimensional reconstruction without difficulty. Chimeric concept of anterolateral thigh flap affords more degrees of freedom for difficult reconstructions.

Adolescent↗

Utilizing Fcepsilon-Bak chimeric protein for studying IgE-FcepsilonRI interactions.

We previously constructed a pro-apoptotic Fcepsilon-Bak chimeric protein, targeted against cells expressing the IgE high affinity receptor (FcepsilonRI). We demonstrated that the chimeric protein is internalized by target mast cells and kills them. These results, which constitute a promising basis for applying this approach to antiallergic therapy, raise some theoretical questions with respect to two major issues: (a) is the monomeric Fcepsilon-Bak-FcepsilonRI complex able to undergo endocytosis, and (b) does the receptor binding domain of human IgE (Fcepsilon) react with rodent FcepsilonRI? In an attempt to answer these questions, we have now thoroughly investigate the interaction of human (h) and mouse (m) Fcepsilon-Bak with FcepsilonRI-positive cells. Using established cultures of rodent and human origin, as well as a primary mouse mast cell culture, we demonstrate that binding of the chimeric protein to the membrane is followed by quick endocytosis, leading to the apoptosis of specific cells. We also confirm that this interaction depends on FcepsilonRI and not on other IgE receptors. We found that the effect of Fcepsilon-Bak on the cells depends on the level of surface FcepsilonRI expression, but not on the origin of the target cells or of the Fcepsilon moiety. We suggest that endocytosis of the monomeric Fcepsilon-Bak-FcepsilonRI complex results from the inability of Fcepsilon-Bak to transduce signals, characteristic of the monomeric IgE-FcepsilonRI complex due to the absence of the variable portion of the IgE molecule. Our results also indicate that at least the Fc fragment of human IgE is able to interact with both human and rodent FcRI.

Animals↗

Biological activities on T lymphocytes of a baculovirus-expressed chimeric recombinant IgG1 antibody with specificity for the CDR3-like loop on the D1 domain of the CD4 molecule.

A baculovirus-expressed chimeric recombinant IgG1 (rIgG1) antibody, with Cgamma1 and Ckappa human constant domains, was derived from the murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) 13B8.2, which is specific for the CDR3-like loop of the CD4 molecule and which inhibits HIV-1 replication. Chimeric rIgG1 antibody 13B8.2 blocked, in a dose-dependent manner, antigen presentation through inhibition of subsequent IL-2 secretion by stimulated T cells. The one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction was abrogated by previous addition of baculovirus-produced rIgG1 13B8.2 in the T-cell culture. Anti-proliferative activity of rIgG1 was demonstrated on CD3-activated CD4+ T lymphocytes from healthy donors, such effect being associated with reduced IL-2 secretion of activated T cells. On the other hand, no proliferation inhibition was observed on CD4+ T lymphocytes activated with phorbol ester plus ionomycin, suggesting that rIgG1 13B8.2 preferentially acts on a proximal TCR-induced signaling pathway. Treatment of DBA1/J human CD4-transgenic mice with 100 microg of recombinant antibody for three consecutive days led to in vivo recovery of rIgG1 antibody 13B8.2 both coated on murine T lymphocytes and free in mouse serum, without CD4 depletion or down-modulation. These findings predict that the baculovirus-expressed chimeric rIgG1 anti-CD4 antibody 13B8.2 is a promising candidate for immunotherapy.

Animals↗

A chimeric human-cat Fcgamma-Fel d1 fusion protein inhibits systemic, pulmonary, and cutaneous allergic reactivity to intratracheal challenge in mice sensitized to Fel d1, the major cat allergen.

Co-aggregation of FcepsilonRI with FcgammaRIIb can block FcepsilonRI-mediated reactivity and Fc gamma:allergen chimeric proteins, by co-crosslinking FcgammaRIIb to allergen-specific IgE bound to the FcepsilonRI can block allergen-specific reactivity. We evaluated whether a human cat chimeric fusion protein (GFD) composed of part of the human Ig G1 Fc fused to the major cat allergen (Fel d1) would function as allergen immunotherapy while not inducing acute allergic reactivity in mice sensitized to Fel d1. Injection of GFD 6 h prior to Fel d1 challenge acutely blocked systemic and skin reactivity to Fel d1 challenge while mice given subcutaneous immunotherapy with GFD at days 37, 38, and 39 showed inhibition of systemic, lung, and cutaneous reactivity to Fel d1 2 weeks later. GFD immunotherapy did not induce systemic reactivity. Overall, the Fcgamma-Fel d1 chimeric fusion protein blocked Fel d1-induced IgE-mediated reactivity but did not induce in vivo mediator release on its own; suggesting that this approach using allergen combined with Fc gamma1 so as to achieve inhibitory signaling may provide an enhanced form of allergen immunotherapy.

Animals↗

Chimeric DNA-RNA hammerhead ribozyme targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA inhibits neointima formation in rat carotid artery after balloon injury.

We designed and synthesized a chimeric DNA-RNA hammerhead ribozyme targeting transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 mRNA and found that this ribozyme effectively and specifically inhibited growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. We examined the effects of the chimeric DNA-RNA hammerhead ribozyme targeting TGF-beta 1 mRNA on neointima formation and investigated the underlying mechanism to develop a possible gene therapy for coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Expression of mRNAs encoding TGF-beta 1, p27kip1, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in carotid artery increased after balloon injury. Fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled ribozyme was taken up into the midlayer smooth muscle of the injured carotid artery. Both 2 and 5 mg of ribozyme reduced neointima formation by 65% compared to that of controls. Ribozyme markedly decreased expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA and protein in injured vessel. Mismatch ribozyme had no effect on expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA protein in injured vessel. Ribozyme markedly decreased expression of fibronectin, p27kip1, and CTGF mRNAs in injured vessel, whereas a mismatch ribozyme had no effect on these mRNAs. These findings indicate that the chimeric DNA-RNA hammerhead ribozyme targeting TGF-beta 1 mRNA inhibits neointima formation in rat carotid artery after balloon injury with suppression of TGF-beta 1 and inhibition of extracellular matrix and CTGF. In conclusion, the hammerhead ribozyme against TGF-beta 1 may have promise as a therapy for coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Animals↗

Allogeneic bone marrow-derived flk-1+Sca-1- mesenchymal stem cells leads to stable mixed chimerism and donor-specific tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of flk-1+Sca-1- bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs) to induce stable mixed chimerism and donor-specific graft tolerance. METHODS: Allogeneic flk-1+Sca-1- bMSCs and syngeneic bone marrow (BM) cells were cotransplanted into lethally irradiated (8.5 Gy) recipient mice. FACS was used to analyze the chimerism 150 days later. Donor-type skin transplantation was performed to observe donor-specific immunotolerance in recipient mice. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and mitogen proliferative assays were performed to evaluate proliferative response of splenocytes from recipient mice. RESULTS: More than 5% donor-derived CD3+ cells were detected in splenocytes of recipient mice. Long-term survival of donor-type skin grafts was observed. MLR and mitogen proliferative assays showed that recipient mice had low immunoresponse to donor cells but retained normal ConA-induced proliferative response compared with normal mice. CONCLUSION: Our results show for the first time that induction of stable mixed hematopoietic chimerism can be achieved with allogeneic flk-1+Sca-1- bMSC transplantation, which leads to permanent donor-specific immunotolerance in allogeneic host and results in long-term allogeneic skin graft acceptance.

Animals↗

Recombinant human erythropoietin therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen: low donor chimerism predicts for poor response.

PURPOSE: After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative conditioning (NMHCT), many patients experience prolonged anemia and require red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. We enrolled 60 consecutive patients undergoing NMHCT in a phase II trial to determine the optimal utilization of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first 14 NMHCT recipients did not receive rHuEPO (control group). Nineteen patients were scheduled to start rHuEPO on day 0 (EPO group 2) and 27 patients on day 28 after the transplant (EPO group 1). RHuEPO was administered subcutaneously once weekly at a dose of 500 U/kg/wk with the aim of achieving hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13 g/dL. The 3 groups were well balanced for major characteristics. RESULTS: During the first month (p < 0.0001) as well as days 30 to 100 (p < 0.0001) and days 100 to 180 (p < 0.0001), Hb values were higher in patients receiving rHuEPO compared to those not receiving it. However, transfusion requirements were significantly decreased only in the first month in EPO group 2 (p = 0.0169). T-cell chimerism above 60% on day 42 was the best predictor of Hb response (p < 0.0001) or Hb correction (p = 0.0217), but myeloid chimerism above 90% also predicted for Hb response (p = 0.0069). Hb response was also decreased in patients receiving CD8-depleted grafts and increased in the few patients not receiving TBI, but only in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia after NMHCT is sensitive to rHuEPO therapy, but less so than after conventional allogeneic HCT. RHuEPO decreases transfusion requirements only in the first 30 days posttransplant. T-cell chimerism below 60% on day 42 impaired Hb response, suggesting possible inhibition of donor erythropoiesis by residual recipient lymphocytes. A prospective randomized trial should be performed with rHuEPO starting on the day of transplantation to assess its clinical benefit in terms of transfusion requirements and quality of life.

Adult↗

Characterization of in vitro migratory properties of anti-CD19 chimeric receptor-redirected CIK cells for their potential use in B-ALL immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo expanded cells enriched in CD3(+)CD56(+) natural killer T (NKT) cells with major histocompatibility-unrestricted cytotoxicity against several tumoral targets, except B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We redirected CIK cells cytotoxicity toward B-ALL with a chimeric receptor specific for the CD19 antigen and then explored if modified-CIK cells maintain the same chemotactic properties of freshly isolated NKT cells, whose trafficking machinery reflects their preferential localization into the sites of B-ALL infiltration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CIK cells were expanded ex vivo for 21 days and analyzed for expression of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors regulating adhesion and homing toward leukemia-infiltrated tissues. CIK cells were then transduced with the anti-CD19-zeta-internal ribosomal entry site-green fluorescent protein retroviral vector and characterized for their cytotoxicity against B-ALL cells in a (51)Cr-release assay and for their trafficking properties, including chemotactic activity, adhesion and transendothelial migration, and metalloproteases-dependent invasion of Matrigel. RESULTS: Similarly to freshly isolated NKT cells, CD49d and CD11a were highly expressed on CIK cells. Moreover, CIK cells expressed CXCR4, CCR6, and CCR7 (mean expression 72%, 60%, and 32%, respectively), presenting chemotactic activity toward their respective ligands. Anti-CD19 chimeric receptor-modified CIK cells became cytotoxic against B-ALL cells (mean lysis, 60%) and showed, after exposure to a CXCL12 gradient, high capacity to adhere and transmigrate through endothelial cells and to invade Matrigel. CONCLUSION: The potential capacity to localize into leukemia-infiltrated tissues of anti-CD19 chimeric receptor-redirected CIK cells, together with their ability to efficiently kill B-ALL cells, suggests that modified-CIK cells represent a valuable tool for leukemia immunotherapy.

Antigens, CD↗

A chimeric Plasmodium falciparum Pfnbp2b/Pfnbp2a gene originated during asexual growth.

The Plasmodium falciparum line 3D7-A has an unusual invasion phenotype, such that it can invade enzyme-treated and mutant red blood cells that are resistant to invasion by other parasite lines. 3D7-A has a chimeric Pfnbp2b gene that contains part of the repeat region of the paralogous gene Pfnbp2a. This chimeric gene originated by spontaneous gene conversion during normal maintenance in culture, indicating that ectopic recombination and gene conversion during asexual growth are potentially important mechanisms participating in the evolution of paralogous genes in Plasmodium. However, the presence of the chimeric Pfnbp2b gene in 3D7-A was not associated with its peculiar invasion phenotype.

Animals↗

A bifunctional chimeric protein consisting of MutS and beta-galactosidase.

A bifunctional protein consisting of MutS, a mismatch binding protein and a beta-galactosidase reporter domain has been constructed. The fusion of beta-galactosidase to the MutS C-terminus was obtained by cloning the Escherichia coli lacZ gene encoding beta-galactosidase into a plasmid vector carrying the Thermus thermophilus mutS gene. Milligram amounts of this huge chimeric protein (217 kDa monomer) were purified from 1l of overexpressing E. coli cells using metal-chelate affinity chromatography. The mismatch binding properties of the fusion protein were confirmed by DNA mobility shift assay in polyacrylamide gels. Binding to biotinylated mismatched DNA immobilized on streptavidin microplates followed by colorimetric reaction with X-gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside), demonstrated both mismatch recognition and beta-galactosidase activity of the chimeric protein. The activity of beta-galactosidase domain of the fusion was similar to that of the native enzyme. A colorimetric assay for beta-galactosidase activity using X-Gal supplemented with NBT (nitro blue tetrazolium) allowed detection of 50 and 500 fmol of the chimeric protein with naked eye in 45 microl volumes after 120 and 15 min incubation, respectively.

Base Pair Mismatch↗

Structure-function study of a chlorotoxin-chimer and its activity on Kv1.3 channels.

Chlorotoxin has been isolated from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus and characterized as a 4.1kDa peptide, containing a lysine at position 27 that is also present in many Kv-blocking toxins. Because chlorotoxin shows no affinity for Kv-channels, we intended to design, express and purify a chlorotoxin-chimer, containing the active binding site (beta-sheet) of a very potent Kv1-channel blocking peptide, agitoxin 2, by mutating three original residues in the chlorotoxin molecule. Several derivatives of the chimer, gradually missing one additional amino acid residue at the N-terminal side of the peptide, were produced and identified chromatographically. In contrast to chlorotoxin, these chimer derivatives are capable of blocking cloned Kv1-channels.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Combined application of saponin and chimeric toxins drastically enhances the targeted cytotoxicity on tumor cells.

Immunotoxins have to be administered in high doses due to low cytosolic uptake with the consequence of severe side effects. Recently we found that the cytotoxic activity from Agrostemma githago seeds can be attributed to a synergistic toxicity of a triterpenoid saponin and a ribosome-inactivating protein. Here we investigated whether saponins are able to enhance the efficacy of a receptor-specific chimeric toxin consisting of saporin-3, epidermal growth factor and a molecular adapter previously shown to reduce side effects on non-target cells. Pre-applied saponin enhances the target cell-specific cytotoxic effect, dependent on the cell line, between 3560- and 385,000-fold with an IC50 up to 0.67 pM. Non-target cells are not affected at the same concentration. At the optimal concentrations of the chimeric toxin and saponin application of either one of the components shows no cytotoxicity at all proving a synergistic effect. In the presence of saponin ligand-free saporin-3 does not exhibit any cytotoxic effect up to 0.1 nM providing further evidence for an increased specificity. This synergistic effect is in the same order of magnitude as in a mouse model. Our investigations clearly demonstrate that a combined administration of saponin and chimeric toxins opens up a promising perspective for tumor therapy.

Animals↗

Chimeric rabbit/human Fab and IgG specific for members of the Nogo-66 receptor family selected for species cross-reactivity with an improved phage display vector.

NgR1, NgR2, and NgR3 which constitute the Nogo-66 receptor family are primarily expressed by neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and believed to limit axonal growth and sprouting following CNS injury. In an attempt to define the expression and decipher the function of individual members of the Nogo-66 receptor family, we previously reported the generation of selective rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Here we exploit the same immune repertoires by phage display technology to generate rabbit monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with nanomolar affinity to epitopes that are specific for NgR1 and NgR2, respectively, but at the same time conserved between mouse, rat, and human orthologs. Employing phage display vector pC3C, a newly designed phagemid optimized for the generation and selection of Fab libraries with human constant domains, rabbit mAbs were selected from chimeric rabbit/human Fab libraries, characterized in terms of specificity, affinity, and amino acid sequence, and finally converted to chimeric rabbit/human IgG. Using immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate strong and specific recognition of cell surface bound Nogo-66 receptor family members by chimeric rabbit/human IgG. The rabbit mAbs reported here together with their amino acid sequences constitute a defined panel of species cross-reactive reagents in infinite supply which will aid investigations toward a functional role of the Nogo-66 receptor family in and beyond the CNS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗