Showing papers by "Hermann Josef Gröne published in 2006"

Modular Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB Transcriptional Programs in Human Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure and a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients. To evaluate the multiple pathogenetic factors implicated in DN, unbiased mRNA expression screening of tubulointerstitial compartments of human renal biopsies was combined with hypothesis-driven pathway analysis. Expression fingerprints obtained from biopsies with histological diagnosis of DN ( n = 13) and from control subjects (pretransplant kidney donors [ n = 7] and minimal change disease [ n = 4]) allowed us to segregate the biopsies by disease state and stage by the specific expression signatures. Functional categorization showed regulation of genes linked to inflammation in progressive DN. Pathway mapping of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a master transcriptional switch in inflammation, segregated progressive from mild DN and control subjects by showing upregulation of 54 of 138 known NF-κB targets. The promoter regions of regulated NF-κB targets were analyzed using ModelInspector, and the NF-κB module NFKB\_IRFF\_01 was found to be specifically enriched in progressive disease. Using this module, the induction of eight NFKB\_IRFF\_01–dependant genes was correctly predicted in progressive DN ( B2M , CCL5/RANTES , CXCL10/IP10 , EDN1 , HLA-A , HLA-B , IFNB1 , and VCAM1 ). The identification of a specific NF-κB promoter module activated in the inflammatory stress response of progressive DN has helped to characterize upstream pathways as potential targets for the treatment of progressive renal diseases such as DN.

Group testing for pathway analysis improves comparability of different microarray datasets

Abstract: Motivation: The wide use of DNA microarrays for the investigation of the cell transcriptome triggered the invention of numerous methods for the processing of microarray data and lead to a growing number of microarray studies that examine the same biological conditions. However, comparisons made on the level of gene lists obtained by different statistical methods or from different datasets hardly converge. We aimed at examining such discrepancies on the level of apparently affected biologically related groups of genes, e.g. metabolic or signalling pathways. This can be achieved by group testing procedures, e.g. over-representation analysis, functional class scoring (FCS), or global tests. Results: Three public prostate cancer datasets obtained with the same microarray platform (HGU95A/HGU95Av2) were analyzed. Each dataset was subjected to normalization by either variance stabilizing normalization (vsn) or mixed model normalization (MMN). Then, statistical analysis of microarrays was applied to the vsn-normalized data and mixed model analysis to the data normalized by MMN. For multiple testing adjustment the false discovery rate was calculated and the threshold was set to 0.05. Gene lists from the same method applied to different datasets showed overlaps between 42 and 52%, while lists from different methods applied to the same dataset had between 63 and 85% of genes in common. A number of six gene lists obtained by the two statistical methods applied to the three datasets was then subjected to group testing by Fisher's exact test. Group testing by GSEA and global test was applied to the three datasets, as well. Fisher's exact test followed by global test showed more consistent results with respect to the concordance between analyses on gene lists obtained by different methods and different datasets than the GSEA. However, all group testing methods identified pathways that had already been described to be involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Moreover, pathways recurrently identified in these analyses are more likely to be reliable than those from a single analysis on a single dataset. Contact: b.brors@dkfz.de Supplementary Information: Supplementary Figure 1 and Supplementary Tables 1--4 are available at Bioinformatics online.

Novel role of toll-like receptor 3 in hepatitis C-associated glomerulonephritis

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequently complicated by glomerulonephritis with immune complexes containing viral RNA. We examined the potential influence of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), specifically TLR3 recognition of viral dsRNA exemplified by polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C) RNA]. Normal human kidney stained positive for TLR3 on mesangial cells (MCs), vascular smooth muscle cells, and collecting duct epithelium. Cultured MCs have low TLR3 mRNA levels with predominant intracellular protein localization, which was increased by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) RNA. Poly(I:C) RNA stimulation of MCs increased mRNA and protein synthesis of IL-6, IL-1β, M-CSF, IL-8/CXCL8, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and ICAM-I; it also increased anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects, the latter of which was decreased by inhibiting caspase-8. In microdissected glomeruli of normal and non-HCV membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis biopsies, TLR3 mRNA expression was low. In contrast TLR3 mRNA expression was significantly increased in hepatitis C-positive glomerulonephritis and was associated with enhanced mRNA for RANTES/CCL5 and MCP-1/CCL2. We hypothesize that immune complexes containing viral RNA activate mesangial TLR3 during HCV infection, thereby contributing to chemokine/cytokine release and effecting proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, TLR3 expression on renal cells, and especially MCs, may establish a link between viral infections and glomerular diseases.

Comparative promoter analysis allows de novo identification of specialized cell junction-associated proteins.

Abstract: Shared transcription factor binding sites that are conserved in distance and orientation help control the expression of gene products that act together in the same biological context. New bioinformatics approaches allow the rapid characterization of shared promoter structures and can be used to find novel interacting molecules. Here, these principles are demonstrated by using molecules linked to the unique functional unit of the glomerular slit diaphragm. An evolutionarily conserved promoter model was generated by comparative genomics in the proximal promoter regions of the slit diaphragm-associated molecule nephrin. Phylogenetic promoter fingerprints of known elements of the slit diaphragm complex identified the nephrin model in the promoter region of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Genome-wide scans using this promoter model effectively predicted a previously unrecognized slit diaphragm molecule, cadherin-5. Nephrin, ZO-1, and cadherin-5 mRNA showed stringent coexpression across a diverse set of human glomerular diseases. Comparative promoter analysis can identify regulatory pathways at work in tissue homeostasis and disease processes.

Hyporesponsiveness to glucocorticoids in mice genetically deficient for the corticosteroid binding globulin.

Abstract: Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) is the carrier for glucocorticoids in plasma. The protein is believed to keep the steroids inactive and to regulate the amount of free hormone acting on target tissues (free hormone hypothesis). Here, we generated a mouse model genetically deficient for CBG to test the contribution of the carrier to glucocorticoid action and adrenocortical stress response. The absence of CBG resulted in a lack of corticosterone binding activity in serum and in an 10-fold increase in free corticosterone levels in CBG-null mice, consistent with its role in regulation of circulating free hormone levels. Surprisingly, cbg / animals did not exhibit features seen in organisms with enhanced glucocorticoid signaling. Rather, the mice exhibited increased activity of the pituitary axis of hormonal control, normal levels of gluconeogenetic enzymes, and fatigue, as well as an aggravated response to septic shock, indicating an inability to appropriately respond to the excess free corticosterone in the absence of CBG. Thus, our data suggest an active role for CBG in bioavailability, local delivery, and/or cellular signal transduction of glucocorticoids that extends beyond a function as a mere cargo transporter. Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) is the major transport protein for glucocorticoids in plasma of mammalian species, with more than 90% of circulating corticosteroid mole

Iron homeostasis in the brain: complete iron regulatory protein 2 deficiency without symptomatic neurodegeneration in the mouse.

Abstract: Iron homeostasis in the brain: complete iron regulatory protein 2 deficiency without symptomatic neurodegeneration in the mouse

Ala228 variant of trail receptor 1 affecting the ligand binding site is associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, prostate cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and bladder cancer.

Abstract: Allelic loss of chromosome 8p21–22 is a frequent event in various human cancers including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), prostate cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and bladder cancer. The tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors, including TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10B, are located within this chromosomal region. Since recent studies demonstrate that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and prostate cells are TRAIL induced apoptosis, TRAIL-receptors are strong tumor suppressor candidate genes in human cancers exhibiting loss of chromosomal material in 8p21.3. However, no mutation of the TRAIL receptor genes has been reported in CLL, MCL, prostate cancer, HNSCC so far. In this study we analyzed the complete coding region of TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10B in a series of 32 MCL and 101 CLL samples and detected a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TNFRSF10A (A683C) with tumor specific allele distribution. We examined allele distribution in 395 samples of different tumor entities (prostate cancer, n = 43; HNSCC, n = 40; bladder cancer, n = 179) and compared them to 137 samples from healthy probands. We found the rare allele of TNFRSF10A is more frequent in CLL, MCL, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and HNSCC. The A683C polymorphism did not cosegregate with other TNFRSF10A polymorphisms previously described. Thus screening for 683AC nucleotide exchanges may become important in diagnosis and/or treatment of these malignancies. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hypothalamic 3′,5′-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-Binding Protein Loss Causes Anterior Pituitary Hypoplasia and Dwarfism in Mice

Abstract: The principal regulation of body growth is via a cascade of hormone signals emanating from the hypothalamus, by release of GHRH, which then directs the somatotroph cells of the pituitary to release GH into the blood stream. This in turn leads to activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5-dependent expression of genes such as IGF-I in hepatocytes, acid labile substance, and serine protease inhibitor 2.1, resulting in body growth. Here, using conditional cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) mutant mice, we show that loss of the CREB transcription factor in the brain, but not the pituitary, results in reduced postnatal growth consistent with dwarfism caused by GH deficiency. We demonstrate that although there appears to be no significant impact upon the expression of GHRH mRNA in CREB mutant mice, the amount of GHRH peptide is reduced. These findings show that CREB is required for the efficient production of GHRH in hypothalamus, in addition to its previously reported role in pituitary GH production and somatotroph expansion.

Generation of GPI-linked CCL5 based chemokine receptor antagonists for the suppression of acute vascular damage during allograft transplantation

Abstract: Limiting the acute vascular damage associated with leukocyte infiltration is a central issue in solid organ transplantation. The family of chemotactic cytokines (chemokines) helps to regulate leukocyte recruitment. Systemic treatment with the chemokine ligand-5 (CCL5) based antagonist Met-RANTES has previously shown to suppress acute damage to transplanted kidneys by blocking effector cell recruitment. To address problems associated with systemic long-term administration of chemokine receptor antagonists, a chemokine based reagent was designed to be integrated into endothelial surfaces of the organ just before transplantation. Proteins anchored by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), when purified and added to cells, are efficiently incorporated into their cell surface membranes. A series of modifications were introduced into the CCL5 protein to generate a functional antagonist. These included the addition of an N-terminal methionine group, a mutation to render the protein a dimer and a GPI signal sequence for surface expression. The resultant protein was stably expressed in CHO cells, GPI anchorage was confirmed and the protein purified by FPLC. Exogenously administered Met-CCL5(dimer)-GPI was efficiently inserted into the membrane of microvascular endothelial cells. The reagent is being tested in murine models of renal transplantation. The effect on subsequent immune induced damaee will be assessed.

Exanthema and acute anuric renal failure.

Abstract: A 15-year-old girl with a history of Kawasaki disease was admitted to our nephrological department due to acute renal failure. Despite antibiotic therapy because of fever and the symptoms of a pharyngitis in the last few days, the girl showed persisting fever and developed arthralgias, an exanthema and a rising serum creatinine as well as anuria. A wide variety of differential diagnoses has to be thought of because of the history of the Kawasaki disease (symptoms like fever, pharyngitis, exanthema and arthralgia), i.e. hemolytic-uremic syndrome, vasculitis, ascending infection, postinfection glomerulonephritis. In consideration of etiologically unclear "rapidly progressive renal failure" with anuria and thrombocytopenia an immediate renal biopsy was done and revealed a severe drug induced acute interstitial nephritis. Due to this diagnosis we treated the patient with corticosteroids. Within 4 weeks serum creatinine declined to 1.8 mg/dl but did not normalize.