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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Fgf-2, Ngf And Igf-1, But Not Bdnf, Utilize A Nitric Oxide Pathway To Signal Neurotrophic And Neuroprotective Effects Against Alcohol Toxicity In Cerebellar Granule Cell Cultures, D. Bonthius, B. Karacay, Donghai Dai, N. Pantazis Apr 2013

Fgf-2, Ngf And Igf-1, But Not Bdnf, Utilize A Nitric Oxide Pathway To Signal Neurotrophic And Neuroprotective Effects Against Alcohol Toxicity In Cerebellar Granule Cell Cultures, D. Bonthius, B. Karacay, Donghai Dai, N. Pantazis

Donghai Dai

Neuronal death is a prominent neuropathological component of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Identification of molecular agents and pathways that can ameliorate alcohol-induced cell loss offers possible therapeutic strategies for FAS and potential insight into its pathogenesis. This study investigated the effects of growth factors on cellular survival in alcohol-exposed cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures and examined the role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-PKG (cGMP-dependent protein kinase) pathway in the cell survival-promoting effects of these growth factors. Primary CGC cultures were exposed to 0 or 400 mg/dl ethanol, accompanied by either no growth factor or 30 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), …


Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases: 1. Pathophysiology Of Hyperglycosylated Hcg, L. A. Cole, Donghai Dai, S. A. Butler, K. K. Leslie, E. I. Kohorn Apr 2013

Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases: 1. Pathophysiology Of Hyperglycosylated Hcg, L. A. Cole, Donghai Dai, S. A. Butler, K. K. Leslie, E. I. Kohorn

Donghai Dai

OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H) is a glycosylation variant of hCG produced by cytotrophoblast cells at implantation of pregnancy and in choriocarcinoma. We investigated the biological function of hCG-H in invasion in vitro and in vivo and the use of hCG-H antibodies in blocking tumorigenesis and cancer growth in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: hCG-H accounts for 43% to 100% of total hCG immunoreactivity in the culture fluid of choriocarcinoma cell lines and 100% in primary cultures of pregnancy cytotrophoblast cells. We investigated the action of hCG and hCG-H on isolated cytotrophoblast cell primary cultures and on 3 different lines of choriocarcinoma …


Relative Contribution Of Nedd4 And Nedd4-2 To Enac Regulation In Epithelia Determined By Rna Interference., Peter Snyder, Jennifer Steines, Diane Olson Mar 2013

Relative Contribution Of Nedd4 And Nedd4-2 To Enac Regulation In Epithelia Determined By Rna Interference., Peter Snyder, Jennifer Steines, Diane Olson

Jennifer C. Steines Wagemester

Epithelial Na+ transport is regulated in large part by mechanisms that control expression of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) at the cell surface. Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 are candidates to control ENaC surface expression, but it is not known which of these proteins contributes to ENaC regulation in epithelia. To address this question, we used RNA interference to selectively reduce expression of Nedd4 or Nedd4-2. We found that endogenous Nedd4-2, but not Nedd4, negatively regulates ENaC in two epithelial cell lines (Fischer rat thyroid and H441); small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Nedd4-2 increased amiloride-sensitive Na+ current (compared with control siRNA), but …


Camp And Serum And Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase (Sgk) Regulate The Epithelial Na(+) Channel Through Convergent Phosphorylation Of Nedd4-2., Peter Snyder, Diane Olson, Rajesh Kabra, Ruifeng Zhou, Jennifer Steines Mar 2013

Camp And Serum And Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase (Sgk) Regulate The Epithelial Na(+) Channel Through Convergent Phosphorylation Of Nedd4-2., Peter Snyder, Diane Olson, Rajesh Kabra, Ruifeng Zhou, Jennifer Steines

Jennifer C. Steines Wagemester

The epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) functions as a pathway for epithelial Na(+) transport, contributing to Na(+) homeostasis and blood pressure control. Vasopressin increases ENaC expression at the cell surface through a pathway that includes cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), but the mechanisms that link PKA to ENaC are unknown. Here we found that cAMP regulates Na(+) transport in part by inhibiting the function of Nedd4-2, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that targets ENaC for degradation. Consistent with this model, we found that cAMP inhibited Nedd4-2 by decreasing its binding to ENaC. Moreover, decreased Nedd4-2 expression (RNA interference) or overexpression of …


The Effect Of A Novel Glycoprotein Iib/Iiia Antagonist, Sr 121566a, On Platelet Aggregation And Activation In Rhesus Monkeys., Mark Santillan, J. Herring, D. Hoppensteadt, W. Jeske, J. Herbert, J. Fareed Mar 2013

The Effect Of A Novel Glycoprotein Iib/Iiia Antagonist, Sr 121566a, On Platelet Aggregation And Activation In Rhesus Monkeys., Mark Santillan, J. Herring, D. Hoppensteadt, W. Jeske, J. Herbert, J. Fareed

Mark K. Santillan

SR 121566A represents a peptidomimetic glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitor 3-[N- 4-[4-(aminoiminomethyl)phenyl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl ) -N-(1-carboxymethylpiperid-4-yl) amino] propionic acid, trihydrochloride. To investigate the intravenous and subcutaneous pharmacodynamics of this agent, a primate model ( Macaca mulatta) was used. The IC50 for adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (10 micromol/L)-induced platelet aggregation in this primate platelet system was found to be 45 +/- 6 nmol/L. Comparatively in the human platelet rich plasma system, SR 121566A demonstrated an IC50 of 39 +/- 4 nmol/L. Graded doses of SR 121566A in the range of 25-400 microg/kg were administered intravenously. Blood samples were drawn from individual groups of primates …


From Molecules To Medicine: A Future Cure For Preeclampsia?, Mark Santillan, Donna Santillan, Curt Sigmund, Stephen Hunter Mar 2013

From Molecules To Medicine: A Future Cure For Preeclampsia?, Mark Santillan, Donna Santillan, Curt Sigmund, Stephen Hunter

Mark K. Santillan

In the United States, preeclampsia (PreE) affects 5-7% of all pregnancies, yet represents 15% of all maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. PreE causes fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, fetal death, and maternal seizures, stroke, cerebrovascular hemorrhage and death. It has immediate and potentially long-term effects on both the fetus and mother. To date, the molecular pathogenesis of PreE is largely unknown. Multiple pathways, including dysfunctional angiogenesis, inappropriate placentation, oxidative stress and an altered immunological milieu have been proposed as key players in the development of PreE. In addition, genetic factors in all of these pathways are essential components in the etiology of …


Acute Intrauterine Infection Results In An Imbalance Between Pro- And Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines In The Pregnant Rabbit., Kimberly Leslie, S. Lee, S. Woodcock, J. Davies, R. Mcduffie, E. Hirsch, M. Sherman, J. Eskens, R. Gibbs Feb 2013

Acute Intrauterine Infection Results In An Imbalance Between Pro- And Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines In The Pregnant Rabbit., Kimberly Leslie, S. Lee, S. Woodcock, J. Davies, R. Mcduffie, E. Hirsch, M. Sherman, J. Eskens, R. Gibbs

Kimberly K. Leslie

PROBLEM: Intrauterine infection results in an increase in cytokines. This study compared the time courses for the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in 33 pregnant rabbits at 70% gestation. Pro-inflammatory markers were activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in placenta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in amniotic fluid. These were compared to the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), in placenta and uterus. METHOD OF STUDY: Does were endoscopically inoculated with Escherichia coli through their cervices and sacrificed at six intervals between 0 and 30 hr post-inoculation. RESULTS: Activated NF-kappaB, determined by electromobility gel shift assay, increased significantly 16 hr after …


Histologic Inflammation In The Maternal And Fetal Compartments In A Rabbit Model Of Acute Intra-Amniotic Infection., J. Davies, R. Shikes, C. Sze, Kimberly Leslie, R. Mcduffie, R. Romero, R. Gibbs Feb 2013

Histologic Inflammation In The Maternal And Fetal Compartments In A Rabbit Model Of Acute Intra-Amniotic Infection., J. Davies, R. Shikes, C. Sze, Kimberly Leslie, R. Mcduffie, R. Romero, R. Gibbs

Kimberly K. Leslie

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the course of acute inflammation in the maternal and fetal compartments during experimentally induced ascending intra-amniotic infection. STUDY DESIGN: Forty pregnant rabbits at 70% gestation were inoculated endocervically with 10(5) colony-forming units of Escherichia coli. Does were killed at 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 30 hours after inoculation. At necropsy, blood, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and uterine tissue were cultured. Fetal brain, lung, heart, gut, and kidney were collected for histologic examination. Necrosis, infiltrates, congestion, and edema were each assessed semiquantitatively, and mean composite histologic-inflammation scores were compared with analysis of variance. …


The Role Of Oestrogen In Follicular Development., B. Hurst, Kimberly Leslie Feb 2013

The Role Of Oestrogen In Follicular Development., B. Hurst, Kimberly Leslie

Kimberly K. Leslie

Most of our knowledge of ovarian physiology is based upon studies that have demonstrated functional oestrogen receptors in the ovaries of lower animal species. The presence of oestrogen receptors in primate granulosa cells has been questioned by some investigators. However, we have found oestrogen receptor messenger RNA in human granulosa cells by reverse transcriptase-PCR assay. Furthermore, using immortalized granulosa cell lines transfected with a plasmid containing an oestrogen response element, a functional oestrogen receptor was confirmed. These experiments strongly support the hypothesis that human granulosa cells express biologically active oestrogen receptor.


A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist In A Rabbit Model Of Ascending Infection In Pregnancy., R. Mcduffie, J. Davies, Kimberly Leslie, S. Lee, M. Sherman, R. Gibbs Feb 2013

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist In A Rabbit Model Of Ascending Infection In Pregnancy., R. Mcduffie, J. Davies, Kimberly Leslie, S. Lee, M. Sherman, R. Gibbs

Kimberly K. Leslie

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-ra) would affect amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandins or clinical or microbiological outcomes in a model of ascending bacterial infection in pregnancy. METHODS: Timed pregnant New Zealand white rabbits at 70% of gestation underwent endoscopic inoculation of the cervices with 10(6) - 10(7) cfu Escherichia coli. Animals were randomly assigned in a blinded manner to a 5-h intravenous infusion of human IL1-ra (10 mg/kg) or placebo beginning 1-2 h after inoculation. Blood was drawn from the does for assay of serum IL1-ra concentration before inoculation, …


Effects Of Bevacizumab In Mouse Model Of Endometrial Cancer: Defining The Molecular Basis For Resistance, S. Davies, Donghai Dai, G. Pickett, K. Thiel, V. Korovkina, Kimberly Leslie Feb 2013

Effects Of Bevacizumab In Mouse Model Of Endometrial Cancer: Defining The Molecular Basis For Resistance, S. Davies, Donghai Dai, G. Pickett, K. Thiel, V. Korovkina, Kimberly Leslie

Kimberly K. Leslie

Endometrial cancer is the most frequent gynecologic cancer in women. Long-term outcomes for patients with advanced stage or recurrent disease are poor. Targeted molecular therapy against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors constitute a new therapeutic option for these patients. The goal of our study was to assess the potential effectiveness of inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR signaling in a xenograft model of endometrial cancer using bevacizumab (Avastin, a humanized antibody against VEGFA). We also aimed to identify molecular markers of sensitivity or resistance to this agent. We show that bevacizumab retards tumor growth in athymic mice by inhibiting …


Cytoplasmic Metadherin (Mtdh) Provides Survival Advantage Under Conditions Of Stress By Acting As Rna-Binding Protein, Xiangbing Meng, Danlin Zhu, Shujie Yang, Xinjun Wang, Zhi Xiong, Yuping Zhang, Pavla Brachova, Kimberly Leslie Feb 2013

Cytoplasmic Metadherin (Mtdh) Provides Survival Advantage Under Conditions Of Stress By Acting As Rna-Binding Protein, Xiangbing Meng, Danlin Zhu, Shujie Yang, Xinjun Wang, Zhi Xiong, Yuping Zhang, Pavla Brachova, Kimberly Leslie

Kimberly K. Leslie

Overexpression of metadherin (MTDH) has been documented in many solid tumors and is implicated in metastasis and chemoresistance. MTDH has been detected at the plasma membrane as well as in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and the function of MTDH in these locales remains under investigation. In the nucleus, MTDH acts as a transcription co-factor to induce expression of chemoresistance-associated genes. However, MTDH is predominantly cytoplasmic in prostate tumors, and this localization correlates with poor prognosis. Herein, we used endometrial cancer cells as a model system to define a new role for MTDH in the cytoplasm. First, MTDH was primarily localized …


A Potential Synergistic Anticancer Effect Of Paclitaxel And Amifostine On Endometrial Cancer, Donghai Dai, A. Holmes, T. Nguyen, S. Davies, D. Theele, C. Verschraegen, Kimberly Leslie Feb 2013

A Potential Synergistic Anticancer Effect Of Paclitaxel And Amifostine On Endometrial Cancer, Donghai Dai, A. Holmes, T. Nguyen, S. Davies, D. Theele, C. Verschraegen, Kimberly Leslie

Kimberly K. Leslie

Although paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents, its usefulness is still limited in advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer. Amifostine protection of normal tissues against the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents has been clinically proven in cancer patients; however, its application in endometrial cancer has not been fully evaluated. We have investigated the use of paclitaxel and amifostine in controlling the growth of poorly differentiated endometrial cancer cells, Hec50co, in vitro and in vivo. Our studies show that amifostine had direct anticancer effects on endometrial cancer cells in vitro by arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase …


Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases: 1. Pathophysiology Of Hyperglycosylated Hcg, L. Cole, Donghai Dai, S. Butler, Kimberly Leslie, E. Kohorn Feb 2013

Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases: 1. Pathophysiology Of Hyperglycosylated Hcg, L. Cole, Donghai Dai, S. Butler, Kimberly Leslie, E. Kohorn

Kimberly K. Leslie

OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H) is a glycosylation variant of hCG produced by cytotrophoblast cells at implantation of pregnancy and in choriocarcinoma. We investigated the biological function of hCG-H in invasion in vitro and in vivo and the use of hCG-H antibodies in blocking tumorigenesis and cancer growth in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: hCG-H accounts for 43% to 100% of total hCG immunoreactivity in the culture fluid of choriocarcinoma cell lines and 100% in primary cultures of pregnancy cytotrophoblast cells. We investigated the action of hCG and hCG-H on isolated cytotrophoblast cell primary cultures and on 3 different lines of choriocarcinoma …


Chronic Intrauterine Infection And Inflammation In The Preterm Rabbit, Despite Antibiotic Therapy, R. Gibbs, J. Davies, R. Mcduffie, Kimberly Leslie, M. Sherman, C. Centretto, D. Wolf Feb 2013

Chronic Intrauterine Infection And Inflammation In The Preterm Rabbit, Despite Antibiotic Therapy, R. Gibbs, J. Davies, R. Mcduffie, Kimberly Leslie, M. Sherman, C. Centretto, D. Wolf

Kimberly K. Leslie

OBJECTIVE: In a pregnant rabbit model using intracervical inoculation of Escherichia coli with delayed antibiotic therapy, we investigated the rate of positive cultures and histologic inflammation of maternal and fetal compartments and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the amniotic fluid for up to 5 days. STUDY DESIGN: New Zealand White rabbits at 70% gestation were inoculated intracervically with 10(3) - 10(4) colony-forming units of E coli per uterine horn. At varying intervals after inoculation (0.5 - 4.0 hours), antibiotic therapy was initiated with ampicillin-sulbactam. Primary outcomes were positive cultures and histologic inflammation score. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in …


Oral Contraceptives And Skin Cancer: Is There A Link?, Kimberly Leslie, E. Espey Feb 2013

Oral Contraceptives And Skin Cancer: Is There A Link?, Kimberly Leslie, E. Espey

Kimberly K. Leslie

The skin expresses estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors. In the presence of steroid hormones, such as those contained in oral contraceptives, the skin likely responds to hormonal signals that control the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA replication, and other cellular functions. Some estrogen-responsive pathways have the potential to promote tumor development, including the augmentation of epidermal growth factor signaling, the expression of proto-oncogenes, and inhibition of apoptosis. The question of whether oral contraceptives increase the risk for the development of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is still an area of concern. This paper reviews the available evidence, the bulk of which suggests …


Amifostine Enhancement Of The Anti-Cancer Effects Of Paclitaxel In Endometrial Cancer Is Tp53-Dependent, W. Luo, F. Wu, R. Elmaoued, B. Beck, E. Fischer, Xiangbing Meng, Kimberly Leslie, Donghai Dai Feb 2013

Amifostine Enhancement Of The Anti-Cancer Effects Of Paclitaxel In Endometrial Cancer Is Tp53-Dependent, W. Luo, F. Wu, R. Elmaoued, B. Beck, E. Fischer, Xiangbing Meng, Kimberly Leslie, Donghai Dai

Kimberly K. Leslie

Endometrial cancer (ECa) is the fourth most common malignancy in women. Currently, there is no effective therapy for advanced and recurrent cancer. Among the poor-outcome endometrial cancers, there is a high frequency of TP53 mutations. We have previously reported that amifostine has a direct anti-cancer effect and has a significant synergistic effect with paclitaxel when used in endometrial cancer cell and xenograft models. In this report, using a cell line with knock-down p53 expression through siRNA, we found that amifostine enhancement of paclitaxel's anticancer effect is p53 status-dependent. Amifostine promotes entry into the G2-M phase through regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase-1 …


Pdgf-Ralpha Gene Expression Predicts Proliferation, But Pdgf-A Suppresses Transdifferentiation Of Neonatal Mouse Lung Myofibroblasts, P. Kimani, A. Holmes, Ruth Grossmann, S. Mcgowan Sep 2012

Pdgf-Ralpha Gene Expression Predicts Proliferation, But Pdgf-A Suppresses Transdifferentiation Of Neonatal Mouse Lung Myofibroblasts, P. Kimani, A. Holmes, Ruth Grossmann, S. Mcgowan

Ruth E. Grossmann

BACKGROUND: Platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) signals solely through PDGF-Ralpha, and is required for fibroblast proliferation and transdifferentiation (fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion) during alveolar development, because pdgfa-null mice lack both myofibroblasts and alveoli. However, these PDGF-A-mediated mechanisms remain incompletely defined. At postnatal days 4 and 12 (P4 and P12), using mouse lung fibroblasts, we examined (a) how PDGF-Ralpha correlates with ki67 (proliferation marker) or alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA, myofibroblast marker) expression, and (b) whether PDGF-A directly affects alphaSMA or modifies stimulation by transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). METHODS: Using flow cytometry we examined PDGF-Ralpha, alphaSMA and Ki67 in mice which …


Effectiveness Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation For Treatment Of Hyperalgesia And Pain, J. Desantana, D. Walsh, C. Vance, Barbara Rakel, K. Sluka May 2012

Effectiveness Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation For Treatment Of Hyperalgesia And Pain, J. Desantana, D. Walsh, C. Vance, Barbara Rakel, K. Sluka

Barbara A. Rakel

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmacologic treatment for pain relief. TENS has been used to treat a variety of painful conditions. This review updates the basic and clinical science regarding the use of TENS that has been published in the past 3 years (ie, 2005-2008). Basic science studies using animal models of inflammation show changes in the peripheral nervous system, as well as in the spinal cord and descending inhibitory pathways, in response to TENS. Translational studies show mechanisms to prevent analgesic tolerance to repeated application of TENS. This review also highlights data from recent randomized, placebo-controlled trials …


The Influence Of Second Intermediate Host Dispersion Pattern Upon The Transmission Of Cercariae Of Echinoparyphium Recurvatum (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), Ann Mccarthy Mar 2012

The Influence Of Second Intermediate Host Dispersion Pattern Upon The Transmission Of Cercariae Of Echinoparyphium Recurvatum (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), Ann Mccarthy

Ann Marie McCarthy

Transmission of cercariae of the echinostome digenean Echinoparyphium recurvatum was observed in experimental populations of the second intermediate host snail Lymnaea peregra. Populations of 100 snails were distributed among plastic mesh cages in an infection arena to produce different patterns of host dispersion. Cercarial transmission was investigated in host populations showing three separate patterns of host dispersion; Ideal Regular, Random and Contagious ('Clumped'). Levels of cercarial transmission in populations showing each type of dispersion pattern were found to be significantly different. The highest rate of cercarial transmission occurred in the contagiously dispersed host population, and the lowest in the randomly …


Speciation Of Echinostomes: Evidence For The Existence Of Two Sympatric Sibling Species In The Complex Echinoparyphium Recurvatum (Von Linstow 1873) (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), Ann Mccarthy Mar 2012

Speciation Of Echinostomes: Evidence For The Existence Of Two Sympatric Sibling Species In The Complex Echinoparyphium Recurvatum (Von Linstow 1873) (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), Ann Mccarthy

Ann Marie McCarthy

Evidence for the existence of 2 first intermediate host-specific sibling species of the 45 collar-spined echinostome Echinoparyphium recurvatum is presented. Experimental studies on their life-cycles were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. The two entities were found to be morphologically indistinguishable in all major respects, yet they exhibited distinct biological characteristics. One of the sibling species utilizes the freshwater lymnaeid pulmonate snail Lymnaea peregra as first intermediate host, and the adults occur in the anterior small intestine of the wildfowl experimental definitive host Anas platyrhynchos. The other utilizes the freshwater mesogastropod prosobranch snail Valvata piscinalis as first intermediate host, and …


Tale-Family Homeodomain Proteins Regulate Endodermal Sonic Hedgehog Expression And Pattern The Anterior Endoderm, Philip Diiorio, Kristen Alexa, Seong-Kyu Choe, Letitiah Etheridge, Charles Sagerstrom Mar 2012

Tale-Family Homeodomain Proteins Regulate Endodermal Sonic Hedgehog Expression And Pattern The Anterior Endoderm, Philip Diiorio, Kristen Alexa, Seong-Kyu Choe, Letitiah Etheridge, Charles Sagerstrom

Philip J diIorio Jr

sonic hedgehog (shh) is expressed in anterior endoderm, where it is required to repress pancreas gene expression and to pattern the endoderm, but the pathway controlling endodermal shh expression is unclear. We find that expression of meis3, a TALE class homeodomain gene, coincides with shh expression in the endoderm of zebrafish embryos. Using a dominant negative construct or anti-sense morpholino oligos (MOs) to disrupt meis3 function, we observe ectopic insulin expression in anterior endoderm. This phenotype is also observed when meis3 MOs are targeted to the endoderm, suggesting that meis3 acts within the endoderm to restrict insulin expression. We also …


Identification Of Cytoplasmic Residues Of Sec61p Involved In Ribosome Binding And Cotranslational Translocation, Zhiliang Cheng, Ying Jiang, Elisabet Mandon, Reid Gilmore Feb 2012

Identification Of Cytoplasmic Residues Of Sec61p Involved In Ribosome Binding And Cotranslational Translocation, Zhiliang Cheng, Ying Jiang, Elisabet Mandon, Reid Gilmore

Elisabet Mandon

The cytoplasmic surface of Sec61p is the binding site for the ribosome and has been proposed to interact with the signal recognition particle receptor during targeting of the ribosome nascent chain complex to the translocation channel. Point mutations in cytoplasmic loops six (L6) and eight (L8) of yeast Sec61p cause reductions in growth rates and defects in the translocation of nascent polypeptides that use the cotranslational translocation pathway. Sec61 heterotrimers isolated from the L8 sec61 mutants have a greatly reduced affinity for 80S ribosomes. Cytoplasmic accumulation of protein precursors demonstrates that the initial contact between the large ribosomal subunit and …


Purification Of The Golgi Adenosine 3'-Phosphate 5'-Phosphosulfate Transporter, A Homodimer Within The Membrane, Elisabet Mandon, Marcos Milla, Ellis Kempner, Carlos Hirschberg Feb 2012

Purification Of The Golgi Adenosine 3'-Phosphate 5'-Phosphosulfate Transporter, A Homodimer Within The Membrane, Elisabet Mandon, Marcos Milla, Ellis Kempner, Carlos Hirschberg

Elisabet Mandon

Sulfation of proteoglycans, secretory and membrane proteins, and glycolipids occurs in the lumen of the Golgi apparatus. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), the sulfate donor in these reactions, must be transported from the cytosol, its site of synthesis, into the lumen of the Golgi apparatus. We have identified and purified to apparent homogeneity the rat liver Golgi membrane PAPS transporter by a combination of conventional and affinity chromatography as well as photoaffinity radiolabeling with adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate, a competitive inhibitor of PAPS transport. The transporter, a 75-kDa protein, was purified 70,000-fold over homogenate (6% yield) and transported PAPS into phosphatidylcholine liposomes selectively …


The Enzymes Of Lactose Biosynthesis. I. Purification And Properties Of Udpg Pyrophosphorylase From Bovine Mammary Tissue, Victoria Steelman, K. Ebner Nov 2011

The Enzymes Of Lactose Biosynthesis. I. Purification And Properties Of Udpg Pyrophosphorylase From Bovine Mammary Tissue, Victoria Steelman, K. Ebner

Victoria J. Steelman

No abstract provided.


Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway Flux Contributes To Insulin Resistance Via Altering Membrane Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate And Cortical Filamentous Actin, P. Bhonagiri, G. R. Pattar, E. M. Horvath, K. M. Habegger, Ann Mccarthy, J. S. Elmendorf Oct 2011

Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway Flux Contributes To Insulin Resistance Via Altering Membrane Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate And Cortical Filamentous Actin, P. Bhonagiri, G. R. Pattar, E. M. Horvath, K. M. Habegger, Ann Mccarthy, J. S. Elmendorf

Ann Marie McCarthy

We recently found that plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2))-regulated filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization was diminished in hyperinsulinemic cell culture models of insulin resistance. Here we delineated whether increased glucose flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) causes the PIP(2)/F-actin dysregulation and insulin resistance induced by hyperinsulinemia. Increased HBP activity was detected in 3T3-L1 adipocytes cultured under conditions closely resembling physiological hyperinsulinemia (5 nm insulin for 12 h) and in cells where HBP activity was amplified by 2 mm glucosamine (GlcN). Both the physiological hyperinsulinemia and experimental GlcN challenge induced comparable losses of PIP(2) and F-actin. In addition to protecting against …


A Policy Change Strategy For Head Lice Management, K. Andresen, Ann Mccarthy Oct 2011

A Policy Change Strategy For Head Lice Management, K. Andresen, Ann Mccarthy

Ann Marie McCarthy

The purpose of this project was to formulate an effective change strategy for head lice management in a group of five separate school districts within one county. Despite a desire to use evidence to support their practice, school nurses often encounter educational system barriers that prevent independent management of health conditions. The use of collaborative community relationships, identification of underlying hierarchy structures in school policy development, and targeted system education were the catalysts for changing beliefs and ultimately policy within these school districts. The focus of this project was to develop a policy change strategy for head lice. The strategy …


A Novel Homeobox Gene Pitx3 Is Mutated In Families With Autosomal-Dominant Cataracts And Asmd, E. Semina, R. Ferrell, H. Mintz-Hittner, P. Bitoun, W. Alward, R. Reiter, C. Funkhauser, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, J. Murray Oct 2011

A Novel Homeobox Gene Pitx3 Is Mutated In Families With Autosomal-Dominant Cataracts And Asmd, E. Semina, R. Ferrell, H. Mintz-Hittner, P. Bitoun, W. Alward, R. Reiter, C. Funkhauser, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, J. Murray

Sandra Daack-Hirsch

We report here the identification of a new human homeobox gene, PITX3, and its involvement in anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis (ASMD) and congenital cataracts in humans. The PITX3 gene is the human homologue of the mouse Pitx3 gene and is a member of the RIEG/PITX homeobox gene family. The protein encoded by PITX3 shows 99% amino-acid identity to the mouse protein, with 100% identity in the homeodomain and approximately 70% overall identity to other members of this family. We mapped the human PITX3 gene to 10q25 using a radiation-hybrid panel. A collection of 80 DNA samples from individuals with various …


Impaired Fgf Signaling Contributes To Cleft Lip And Palate, B. Riley, M. Mansilla, J. Ma, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, B. Maher, L. Raffensperger, E. Russo, A. Vieira, C. Dode, M. Mohammadi, M. Marazita, J. Murray Oct 2011

Impaired Fgf Signaling Contributes To Cleft Lip And Palate, B. Riley, M. Mansilla, J. Ma, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, B. Maher, L. Raffensperger, E. Russo, A. Vieira, C. Dode, M. Mohammadi, M. Marazita, J. Murray

Sandra Daack-Hirsch

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NS CLP) is a complex birth defect resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several members of the FGF and FGFR families are expressed during craniofacial development and can rarely harbor mutations that result in human clefting syndromes. We hypothesized that disruptions in this pathway might also contribute to NS CLP. We sequenced the coding regions and performed association testing on 12 genes (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FGF2, FGF3, FGF4, FGF7, FGF8, FGF9, FGF10, FGF18, and NUDT6) and used protein structure analyses to predict the function of amino acid variants. Seven likely disease-causing mutations …


Characterization Of A Novel Gene Disrupted By A Balanced Chromosomal Translocation T(2;19)(Q11.2;Q13.3) In A Family With Cleft Lip And Palate, K. Yoshiura, J. Machida, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, S. Patil, L. Ashworth, J. Hecht, J. Murray Oct 2011

Characterization Of A Novel Gene Disrupted By A Balanced Chromosomal Translocation T(2;19)(Q11.2;Q13.3) In A Family With Cleft Lip And Palate, K. Yoshiura, J. Machida, Sandra Daack-Hirsch, S. Patil, L. Ashworth, J. Hecht, J. Murray

Sandra Daack-Hirsch

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a common birth defect that is genetically complex. The nonsyndromic forms have been studied genetically using linkage and candidate-gene association studies with only partial success in defining the loci responsible for orofacial clefting. Loci for nonsyndromic cases have been suggested on 2p13, 4q31, 6p24, 17q21-q24, and 19q13.2. Recently, we identified a family in which cleft lip and palate segregated in two of three generations with a balanced chromosomal translocation t(2;19)(q11. 2;q13.3). We used a positional-cloning strategy to identify a novel gene disrupted by the translocation on chromosome 19. Eight rare (q 0.01) …