Showing papers on "Regulation of gene expression published in 1989"

Insulin-Like Growth Factors I and II. Peptide, Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and Gene Structures, Serum, and Tissue Concentrations

Abstract: There is currently widespread interest in the IGFs (IGF-I and IGF-II) and their roles in the regulation of growth and differentiation of an ever increasing number of tissues are being reported. This selective review focused on the current state of our knowledge about the structure of mammalian IGFs and the multiple forms of mRNAs which arise from alternative splicing and promoter sites which arise from gene transcription. Current progress in the immunological measurement of the IGF is reviewed including different strategies for avoiding binding protein interference. The results of measurements of serum IGF-I and IGF-II in fetus and mother and at various stages of postnatal life are described. Existing knowledge of the concentration of these peptides in body fluids and tissues are considered. Last, an attempt is made to indicate circumstances in which the IGFs are exerting their actions in an autocrine/paracrine mode and when endocrine actions predominate. In the latter context it was concluded that an important role for GH action on skeletal tissues via hepatic production of IGF-I and endocrine action of IGF-I on growth cartilage is likely.

Multidrug-resistance gene (P-glycoprotein) is expressed by endothelial cells at blood-brain barrier sites.

Abstract: Endothelial cells of human capillary blood vessels at the blood-brain and other blood-tissue barrier sites express P-glycoprotein as detected by mouse monoclonal antibodies against the human multidrug-resistance gene product. This pattern of endothelial cell expression may indicate a physiological role for P-glycoprotein in regulating the entry of certain molecules into the central nervous system and other anatomic compartments, such as the testes. These tissues, which limit the access of systemic drugs, are known pharmacologic sanctuaries for metastatic cancer. P-glycoprotein expression in capillary endothelium of brain and testes and not other tissues (i.e., kidney and placenta) may in part explain this phenomenon and could have important implications in cancer chemotherapy.

Signal transduction through the fibronectin receptor induces collagenase and stromelysin gene expression.

Abstract: We have investigated the effects of ligation of the fibronectin receptor (FnR) on gene expression in rabbit synovial fibroblasts. Monoclonal antibodies to the FnR that block initial adhesion of fibroblasts to fibronectin induced the expression of genes encoding the secreted extracellular matrix-degrading metalloproteinases collagenase and stromelysin. That induction was a direct consequence of interaction with the FnR was shown by the accumulation of mRNA for stromelysin and collagenase. Monoclonal antibodies to several other membrane glycoprotein receptors had no effect on metalloproteinase gene expression. Less than 2 h of treatment of the fibroblasts with anti-FnR in solution was sufficient to trigger the change in gene expression, and induction was blocked by dexamethasone. Unlike other inducers of metalloproteinase expression, including phorbol diesters and growth factors, addition of the anti-FnR in solution to cells adherent to serum-derived adhesion proteins or collagen produced no detectable change in cell shape or actin microfilament organization. Inductive effects were potentiated by cross-linking of the ligand. Fab fragments of anti-FnR were ineffective unless cross-linked or immobilized on the substrate. Adhesion of fibroblasts to native fibronectin did not induce metallo-proteinases. However, adhesion to covalently immobilized peptides containing the arg-gly-asp sequence that were derived from fibronectin, varying in size from hexapeptides up to 120 kD, induced collagenase and stromelysin gene expression. This suggests that degradation products of fibronectin are the natural inductive ligands for the FnR. These data demonstrate that signals leading to changes in gene expression are transduced by the FnR, a member of the integrin family of extracellular matrix receptors. The signaling of changes in gene expression by the FnR is distinct from signaling involving cell shape and actin cytoarchitecture. At least two distinct signals are generated: the binding of fibronectin-derived fragments and adhesion-blocking antibodies to the FnR triggers events different from those triggered by binding of the native fibronectin ligand. Because the genes regulated by this integrin are for enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, these results suggest that information transduced by the binding of various ligands to integrins may orchestrate the expression of genes regulating cell behavior in the extracellular environment.

Activation of muscle-specific genes in pigment, nerve, fat, liver, and fibroblast cell lines by forced expression of MyoD.

Abstract: MyoD is a master regulatory gene for myogenesis. Under the control of a retroviral long terminal repeat, MyoD was expressed in a variety of differentiated cell types by using either a DNA transfection vector or a retrovirus. Expression of muscle-specific proteins was observed in chicken, human, and rat primary fibroblasts and in differentiated melanoma, neuroblastoma, liver, and adipocyte lines. The ability of MyoD to activate muscle genes in a variety of differentiated cell lines suggests that no additional tissue-specific factors other than MyoD are needed to activate the downstream program for terminal muscle differentiation or that, if such factors exist, they are themselves activated by MyoD expression.

Regulation of lymphokine messenger RNA stability by a surface-mediated T cell activation pathway

Abstract: Quiescent T cells can be induced to express many genes by mitogen or antigen stimulation. The messenger RNAs of some of these genes undergo relatively rapid degradation compared to messenger RNAs from constitutively expressed genes. A T cell activation pathway that specifically regulates the stability of messenger RNAs for the lymphokines interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is induced by stimulation of the CD28 surface molecule. This pathway does not directly affect the steady-state messenger RNA level, transcription, or messenger RNA half-life of other T cell activation genes, including c-myc, c-fos, IL-2 receptor, and the 4F2HC surface antigen. These data show that stimuli received at the cell surface can alter gene expression by inducing specific changes in messenger RNA degradation.

The structural and functional organization of the murine HOX gene family resembles that of Drosophila homeotic genes

Abstract: This paper reports the cloning of the fourth major murine homeogene complex, HOX-5. The partial characterization of this gene cluster revealed the presence of two novel genes (Hox-5.2, Hox-5.3) located at the 5' extremity of this complex. In situ hybridization experiments showed that these two genes are transcribed in very posterior domains during embryonic and foetal development. We also show that Hox-1.6, the gene located at the 3' most position in the HOX-1 complex, has a very anterior expression boundary during early development. These results clearly support the recently proposed hypothesis that the expression of murine Antp-like homeobox-containing genes along the antero-posterior developing body axis follows a positional hierarchy which reflects their respective physical positions within the HOX clusters, similar to that which is found for the Drosophila homeotic genes. Such a structural and functional organization is likely conserved in most vertebrates. Moreover, on the basis of sequence comparisons, we propose that the ordering of homeobox-containing genes within clusters has been conserved between Drosophila and the house mouse. Thus, very different body plans might be achieved, both in insects and vertebrates, by evolutionarily conserved gene networks possibly displaying similar regulatory interactions.

Prolonged activation of jun and collagenase genes by tumour necrosis factor- α

Abstract: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is secreted by macrophages in response to inflammation, infection and cancer. Sublethal doses of recombinant TNF-alpha to rats causes cachexia, anaemia and inflammation. TNF-alpha plays a major part in tissue inflammation and remodelling by stimulating production of collagenase. Cellular responses to TNF-alpha are initiated by binding to high-affinity cell surface receptors. TNF-alpha then profoundly affects gene regulation, stimulating the fos, myc, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 genes and inhibiting the type I collagen gene. Here we demonstrate that TNF-alpha also stimulates collagenase gene transcription; this stimulation is mediated by an element of the gene that is responsive to the transcription factor AP-1, the major component of which (jun/AP-1) is encoded by the jun gene; and that TNF-alpha stimulates prolonged activation of jun gene expression. This prolonged induction of jun contrasts with its transient activation by the phorbol ester TPA and provides a physiological example of the ability of jun/AP-1 to stimulate its own transcription. This may be a key mechanism for mediating at least some of the biological effects of TNF-alpha.

hsp82 is an essential protein that is required in higher concentrations for growth of cells at higher temperatures.

Abstract: hsp82 is one of the most highly conserved and abundantly synthesized heat shock proteins of eucaryotic cells. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains two closely related genes in the HSP82 gene family. HSC82 was expressed constitutively at a very high level and was moderately induced by high temperatures. HSP82 was expressed constitutively at a much lower level and was more strongly induced by heat. Site-directed disruption mutations were produced in both genes. Cells homozygous for both mutations did not grow at any temperature. Cells carrying other combinations of the HSP82 and HSC82 mutations grew well at 25 degrees C, but their ability to grow at higher temperatures varied with gene copy number. Thus, HSP82 and HSC82 constitute an essential gene family in yeast cells. Although the two proteins had different patterns of expression, they appeared to have equivalent functions; growth at higher temperatures required higher concentrations of either protein. Biochemical analysis of hsp82 from vertebrate cells suggests that the protein binds to a variety of other cellular proteins, keeping them inactive until they have reached their proper intracellular location or have received the proper activation signal. We speculate that the reason cells require higher concentrations of hsp82 or hsc82 for growth at higher temperatures is to maintain proper levels of complex formation with these other proteins.

Illegitimate transcription: transcription of any gene in any cell type.

Abstract: Using in vitro amplification of cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction, we have detected spliced transcripts of various tissue-specific genes (genes for anti-Mullerian hormone, beta-globin, aldolase A, and factor VIIIc) in human nonspecific cells, such as fibroblasts, hepatoma cells, and lymphoblasts. In rats, erythroid- and liver-type pyruvate kinase transcripts were also detected in brain, lung, and muscle. The abundance of these "illegitimate" transcripts is very low; yet, their existence and the possibility of amplifying them by the cDNA polymerase chain reaction provide a powerful tool to analyze pathological transcripts of any tissue-specific gene by using any accessible cell.

Tissue-specific expression, developmental regulation, and genetic mapping of the gene encoding CCAAT/enhancer binding protein.

Abstract: This paper presents the results of experiments that determine the chromosomal location of the mouse gene encoding CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and measure its expression as a function of tissue type and temporal period of development in mice and rats Three alleles of the C/EBP gene were identified according to restriction fragment length polymorphisms The strain distribution pattern of the three alleles was determined in recombinant inbred mouse strains and compared to that of other mouse genes These results mapped the gene to a position within 25 centimorgans (cM) of the structural gene encoding glucose phosphate isomerase on chromosome 7 of the mouse The expression pattern of the C/EBP gene was studied by a combination of nucleic acid hybridization and antibody staining assays High levels of C/EBP mRNA were observed in tissues known to metabolize lipid and cholesterol-related compounds at uncommonly high rates These included liver, fat, intestine, lung, adrenal gland, and placenta More detailed analysis of two of these tissues, liver and fat, showed that C/EBP expression was limited to fully differentiated cells Moreover, analysis of the temporal pattern of expression of C/EBP mRNA in two tissues, liver and intestine, revealed a coordinated induction just prior to birth These observations raise the possibility that the synthesis of C/EBP may be responsive to humoral factors and that modulation in C/EBP expression might mediate coordinated changes in gene expression that facilitate adaptive challenges met during development or during the fluctuating physiological states of adult life

Differentiation-induced gene expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes: CCAAT/enhancer binding protein interacts with and activates the promoters of two adipocyte-specific genes.

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes leads to the transcriptional activation of a group of adipose-specific genes. As an approach to defining the mechanism responsible for activating the expression of these genes, we investigated the binding of nuclear factors to the promoters of two differentiation-induced genes, the 422(aP2) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) genes. DNase I footprinting and gel retardation analysis identified two binding regions within the promoters of each gene that interact with nuclear factors present in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. One differentiation-induced nuclear factor interacts specifically with a single binding site in the promoter of each gene. Competition experiments showed that the interaction of this nuclear factor with the SCD1 promoter was prevented specifically by a synthetic oligonucleotide corresponding to the site footprinted in the 422(aP2) promoter. Several lines of evidence indicate that the differentiation-induced nuclear factor is CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), a DNA-binding protein first isolated from rat liver. Bacterially expressed recombinant C/EBP binds to the same site at which the differentiation-specific nuclear factor interacts within the promoter of each gene. Northern analysis with RNA from 3T3-L1 cells shows that C/EBP mRNA abundance increases markedly during differentiation. Transient cotransfection studies using a C/EBP expression vector demonstrate that C/EBP can function as a trans-activator of both the 422(aP2) and SCD1 gene promoters.

Multiple hepatocyte-enriched nuclear factors function in the regulation of transthyretin and alpha 1-antitrypsin genes.

Abstract: Transthyretin (TTR) and alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) are expressed at high levels in the liver and also in at least one other cell type. We report here a detailed analysis of the proximal regulatory region of the TTR gene, which has uncovered two new DNA-binding factors that are present mainly (or only) in hepatocytes. One of these new factors, hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3), binds to two sites that are crucial in TTR expression as well as to two additional sites in the alpha 1-AT proximal enhancer region. The second new factor, HNF-4, binds to two sites in TTR that are required for gene activity. We had previously identified binding sites for another hepatocyte-enriched DNA-binding protein (C/EBP or a relative thereof), and additional promoter-proximal sites for that protein in both TTR and alpha 1-AT are also reported here. From these results it seems clear that cell-specific expression is not simply the result of a single cell-specific factor for each gene but the result of a combination of such factors. The variation and distribution of such factors among different cell types could be an important basis for the coordinate expression of the TTR and alpha 1-AT genes in the liver or the discordant transcriptional activation of these genes in a few other cell types. The identification of such cell-enriched factors is a necessary prelude to understanding the basis for cell specificity.

UV-induced DNA damage is an intermediate step in UV-induced expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, collagenase, c-fos, and metallothionein.

Abstract: UV irradiation of human and murine cells enhances the transcription of several genes. Here we report on the primary target of relevant UV absorption, on pathways leading to gene activation, and on the elements receiving the UV-induced signal in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat, in the gene coding for collagenase, and in the cellular oncogene fos. In order to induce the expression of genes. UV radiation needs to be absorbed by DNA and to cause DNA damage of the kind that cannot be repaired by cells from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum group A. UV-induced activation of the three genes is mediated by the major enhancer elements (located between nucleotide positions -105 and -79 of HIV-1, between positions -72 and -65 of the collagenase gene, and between positions -320 and -299 of fos). These elements share no apparent sequence motif and bind different trans-acting proteins; a member of the NF kappa B family binds to the HIV-1 enhancer, the heterodimer of Jun and Fos (AP-1) binds to the collagenase enhancer, and the serum response factors p67 and p62 bind to fos. DNA-binding activities of the factors recognizing the HIV-1 and collagenase enhancers are augmented in extracts from UV-treated cells. The increase in activity is due to posttranslational modification. While AP-1 resides in the nucleus and must be modulated there, NF kappa B is activated in the cytoplasm, indicating the existence of a cytoplasmic signal transduction pathway triggered by UV-induced DNA damage. In addition to activation, new synthesis of AP-1 is induced by UV radiation.

The product of a novel growth factor activated gene, fos B, interacts with JUN proteins enhancing their DNA binding activity.

Abstract: We have identified a gene, fos B, encoding a nuclear protein of 338 amino acids presenting a 70% homology with c-fos, whose expression is activated during G0/G1 transition. Growth factor stimulation of quiescent cells leads to a rapid and transient accumulation of fos B mRNA, with kinetics similar to those of c-fos. The induction of fos B mRNA levels is in part due to a dramatic increase in the transcription of the gene. The half-life of fos B mRNA is in the order of 10-15 min. Both transcriptional activation and mRNA stability are substantially increased in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that fos B as c-fos protein, forms a complex in vitro with c-jun and jun B proteins in the absence of a target binding sequence. Gel retardation assays demonstrated that fos B protein positively influences the binding of c-jun and jun B proteins to an AP-1 binding consensus sequence, suggesting that fos B protein plays a role in control of gene expression.

Reduced Nm23/Awd protein in tumour metastasis and aberrant Drosophila development.

Abstract: Tumour metastasis is the principal cause of death for cancer patients. We have identified the nm23 gene, for which RNA levels are reduced in tumour cells of high metastatic potential. In this report we identify the cytoplasmic and nuclear Nm23 protein, and show that it also is differentially expressed in metastatic tumour cells. We also find that the human Nm23 protein has sequence homology over the entire translated region with a recently described developmentally regulated protein in Drosophila, encoded by the abnormal wing discs (awd) gene. Mutations in awd cause abnormal tissue morphology and necrosis and widespread aberrant differentiation in Drosophila, analogous to changes in malignant progression. The metastatic state may therefore be determined by the loss of genes such as nm23/awd which normally regulate development.

Growth factors and membrane depolarization activate distinct programs of early response gene expression: dissociation of fos and jun induction.

Abstract: A set of early response genes has been identified whose transcription in fibroblasts is rapidly induced in response to growth factors. Prototype members of this group, c-fos and c-jun, encode products that form a heterodimer and have been implicated in the regulation of gene expression and cell growth. It is thought that other early response genes also encode critical mediators of the cell's response to external stimuli. We have used PC12 pheochromocytoma cells as a model system to test the hypothesis that different extracellular signals induce distinct patterns of expression of early response genes. Our results indicate that membrane depolarization, induced either by potassium chloride or by the neurotransmitter analog nicotine, activates a program of gene expression distinct from that activated by nerve growth factor or epidermal growth factor. Notably, c-fos and c-jun activation can be dissociated; whereas c-jun is coinduced with c-fos and jun-B after growth factor stimulation, membrane depolarization activates c-fos and jun-B without stimulating c-jun. Fos may therefore form transcription complexes with alternative cofactors under different stimulation conditions. nur/77 and zif/268, which encode putative transcription factors, also show markedly different responses to growth factors and depolarization. We conclude that multiple nonconvergent signal transduction pathways control early response gene expression. Our findings also indicate that the diversity and specificity of cellular response to environmental change can be accounted for by the differential combinatorial induction of a relatively small number of early response genes.

The three mouse multidrug resistance (mdr) genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner in normal mouse tissues.

Abstract: The gene responsible for multidrug resistance (mdr), which encodes the P-glycoprotein, is a member of a multigene family. We have identified distinct mdr gene transcripts encoded by three separate mdr genes in the mouse. Expression levels of each mdr gene are dramatically different in various mouse tissues. Specific mdr RNA transcripts of approximately 4.5, 5, and 6 kilobases have been detected. Each of the mdr genes has a specific RNA transcript pattern. These results should be considered in relation to understanding the normal physiological function of the mdr multigene family.

Sindbis virus: an efficient, broad host range vector for gene expression in animal cells.

Abstract: Sindbis virus, an enveloped virus with a single-stranded RNA genome, was engineered to express a bacterial protein, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), in cultured insect, avian, and mammalian cells. The vectors were self-replicating and gene expression was efficient and rapid; up to 10(8) CAT polypeptides were produced per infected cell in 16 to 20 hours. CAT expression could be made temperature-sensitive by means of a derivative that incorporated a temperature-sensitive mutation in viral RNA synthesis. Vector genomic RNAs were packaged into infectious particles when Sindbis helper virus was used to supply virion structural proteins. The vector RNAs were stable to at least seven cycles of infection. The expression of CAT increased about 10(3)-fold, despite a 10(15)-fold dilution during the passaging. Sindbis virus vectors should prove useful for expressing large quantities of gene products in a variety of animal cells.

Induction of the TRPM-2 gene in cells undergoing programmed death.

Abstract: RNA and protein products encoded by the testosterone-repressed prostate message-2 gene (TRPM-2) are induced to high levels, coordinate with the onset of cell death, in numerous rodent models of inducible tissue damage. These models include cell death initiated by hormonal stimuli (prostate regression), pressure insult (renal atrophy after ureteral obstruction), developmental stimuli (necrosis of interdigital tissue), and cytotoxic injury (chemotherapeutic regression of a tumor). Sequence analysis of cDNA encoding TRPM-2 revealed its close homology with a product referred to as SGP-2 or clusterin expressed constitutively by Sertoli cells; however, the immunologically related polypeptides expressed in regressing tissues differ in molecular mass from the forms secreted by the testis. Although the function(s) of the products encoded by the TRPM-2 gene remains unclear, their presence provides a remarkable and early indicator of programmed cell death in many types of mammalian cells.