Components of the major urinary protein complex in inbred mice: separation and peptide mapping

Recombinant probiotics with antimicrobial peptides: a dual strategy to improve immune response in immunocompromised patients

Bacterial infectious diseases are currently a serious health problem, especially in patients compromised by illness or those receiving immune-suppressant drugs. In this context, it is not only essential to improve the understanding of infectious mechanisms and host response but also to discover novel therapies with extreme urgency. Probiotics and antimicrobial peptides are also favorably viewed as novel strategies in the control of resistant bacteria. The present review will shed some light on the use of probiotic microorganisms expressing antimicrobial peptides as a dual therapy to control bacterial infectious diseases.

Major urinary protein 5, a scent communication protein, is regulated by dietary restriction and subsequent re-feeding in mice

Major urinary proteins (Mups) are important for rodent scent communication and sexual behaviour. Recent evidence suggests that Mup1 may be regulated by fasting and re-feeding (RF). However, other Mup isoforms are poorly investigated, and data on the impact of long-term dietary restriction (DR) and ad libitum RF on Mup expression are missing. We investigated the effects of long-term 25 per cent DR and subsequent RF on Mup expression in male C57BL6 mice. DR significantly decreased Mup gene expression, hepatic and urinary protein levels compared with ad libitum (AL) fed control mice, with the greatest downregulation found for Mup5 expression. The decline in Mup expression was inverted by six months of RF. Because of inhibitory glucocorticoid response elements in the genomic sequence of the Mup5 gene, the observed inverse correlation of nuclear glucocorticoid receptor levels with Mup expression in response to DR and subsequent RF is a possible regulatory mechanism. Additionally, gene-expression-inhibiting histone deacetylation (H3K9) occurred in the region of the Mup5 gene in response to DR. We assume that Mup may act as a molecular switch linking nutritional status to sexual behaviour of mice, and thereby regulating male fertility and reproduction in response to food supply.

Biochemical analysis of female mice urine with reference to endocrine function: a key tool for estrus detection

Species-specific chemical signals released through urine, sweat, saliva and feces are involved in communication between animals. Urinary biochemical constituents along with pheromones may contribute to variation across reproductive cycles and facilitate to estrus detection. Hence, the present study was designed to analyze such biochemical profiles, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, in response with steroid hormones such as estradiol and progesterone. The experimental groups were normal, prepubertal, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized with estrogentreated female mice. In normal mice, the protein and lipid concentrations in urine were significantly higher in proestrus and estrus phases and the quantity of fatty acids was also comparatively higher in estrus. Furthermore, certain fatty acids, namely tridecanoic, palmitic and oleic acids, were present during proestrus and estrus phases, but were exclusively absent in ovariectomized mice. However, the carbohydrate level was equally maintained throughout the four phases of estrous cycle. For successful communication, higher concentrations of protein and specific fatty acids in estrus are directly involved. The significant increase in estradiol at estrus and progesterone at metestrus seems to be of greater importance in the expression pattern of biochemical constituents and may play a notable role in estrous cycle regulation. Thus, we conclude that the variations observed in the concentration of the biochemical constituents depend on the phase of the reproductive cycle as well as hormonal status of animals. The appearance of protein and specific fatty acids during estrus phase raises the possibility to use these as a urinary indicators for estrus detection.

Genetically determined electrophoretic variants of the major urinary protein (Mup) complex in mouse urine

The major urinary protein (Mup-complex) excreted in mouse urine, has been studied electrophoretically both on starch gel and on cellogel. On stargel six anodally migrating protein bands were observed. These bands are designated component 3, 2', 1, and 4 (i.e. two bands) in the order of decreasing mobility toward the anode. The slower protein band of component 4 on starch gel was not observed on cellogel. By testing mouse inbred strains, we were able to dinstinguish five male and four female Mup phenotypes. Test crosses suggested a four-allelic (a, b, c, d,) variation with regard to components 2', 2 and 1: 'group A' strains showed component 1, 'group B' strains components 1 and 2, 'group C' and 'group F' strains none, and 'group D' strains showed components 1 and 2'. Component 3 may be encoded by another Mup locus, although no crossing-over has been observed: presence (A, B, D, and F strains), absence (C strains). Insufficiently reproducible demonstration of the variation with regard to component 4, forced us to exclude this component for strain distinction. The Mup phenotypes described, can be useful for the detection of certain strain contaminations, especially if F1 hybrid Mup phenotypes are distinguishable.

Sexual dimorphism of proximal straight tubular cells in mouse kidney

The proximal straight tubular epithelium of the mouse kidney exhibited sexual dimorphism in conventional paraffin sections stained with periodic acid Schiff (PAS) in our preliminary observation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the sex-dependent structural features in the proximal straight tubular cells of the mouse kidney, and to clarify the effects of sex hormones on this portion of the renal tissue. The mice used in this study were divided into intact, orchiectomized, ovariectomized, testosterone-treated and estradiol-treated groups. The kidneys of these animals were examined by histological, cytological and cytochemical (for acid phosphatase reaction) procedures. In the proximal straight tubular epithelium of intact adult mice, PAS staining of the brush border in females was more intense than that in males. Furthermore, PAS-positive granules were observed in the cytoplasm of females only. Orchiectomy changed the male-specific features to that of the females, and treatment with testosterone induced the male-specific features. Ovariectomy and estradiol treatment showed no effects. Ultrastructurally, PAS-positive granules were observed as electron-dense myelinoid bodies, and these contained acid phosphatase-positive matrix. The present study demonstrated apparent sexual dimorphism and effects of testosterone on PAS staining and PAS-positive granules in the proximal straight tubule cells in normal mice. In addition, the association of PAS-positive granules and lysosomes was suggested by cytological and cytochemical examination.

Urine-derived compound evokes membrane responses in mouse vomeronasal receptor neurons

Sensory neurons of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) are thought to detect species-specific chemical signals important for reproductive function. The electrical properties of VNO neurons have begun to be characterized in a variety of species; however, the response of VNO neurons to possible physiological ligands has not yet been reported. One physiological effector, dehydro-exo-brevicomin (DHB), is found in the urine of intact male mice and affects the estrous cycle of female mice. In the present study, dissociated VNO neurons were voltage- or current-clamped and their response to DHB was determined. Approximately 26% of VNO neurons responded to DHB with an outward current at negative holding potentials; the current reversed at approximately +4 mV. Application of DHB in current-clamp mode produced membrane hyperpolarization and/or a reduction in the firing of action potentials. Because membrane conductance was shown to be decreased during application of DHB, the results suggest that the outward current associated with DHB application is a reflection of a reduction in inward current caused by closing an ion channel. This study provides the first evidence that a compound found in male urine directly affects VNO neurons.

Urinary proteins in four rodent species

1. Mean urinary protein concentration levels are significantly higher in male Peromyscus leucopus than females (98.4 and 72.4 mg/dl). 2. Only females showed a significant correlation between weight and urinary protein concentration (r = 0.75 vs r = 0.03). 3. In intraspecific sexual electrophoretic comparisons of P. leucopus and P. maniculatus non-denatured urinary protein, four and two common bands were identified, respectively. Males of both species showed an extra protein band. 4. Four common electrophoretically separable denatured urinary protein bands were observed between 14,200 and 116,000 mol. wt in male and female P. leucopus and female P. gossypinus. Three of the four major protein bands were also found in P. maniculatus. Male Reithrodontomys megalotis pattern showed none of the major bands.

Ligand binding characteristics of homologous rat and mouse urinary proteins and pyrazine-binding protein of calf

1. The binding affinities of three classes of homologous proteins, alpha 2u protein from rat urine, major urinary protein of mouse and pyrazine-binding protein of calf nasal mucosa have been determined for a panel of ligands. 2. Best ligands were low threshold odorants for man, but chemically unrelated. 3. The binding spectra of the homologous proteins were different.

Nucleotide sequences of liver, lachrymal, and submaxillary gland mouse major urinary protein mRNAs: mosaic structure and construction of panels of gene-specific synthetic oligonucleotide probes

The mouse major urinary proteins (MUPs) are encoded by a gene family of about 35 to 40 members. MUPs are synthesized in at least six secretory tissues under a variety of developmental and endocrine controls, but the identities of the individual genes expressed in each tissue have not previously been established. In this article, we present the nucleotide sequences of five MUP mRNAs which we designate MUP I through V. MUPs I, II, and III are the most abundant MUP mRNA species in the liver, and MUPs IV and V are the most abundant MUP mRNA species in the lachrymal gland and the submaxillary gland, respectively. The sequence data show that each of the five mRNAs is encoded by a distinct member of the gene family. The structures of the MUP mRNA consist of interspersed segments of variable and conserved sequences. On the basis of the sequences of the variable segments, gene-specific panels of synthetic oligonucleotide probes were prepared. The gene-specific panels were used to identify cloned genes and, as described in the accompanying paper (K. Shahan, M. Denaro, M. Gilmartin, Y. Shi, and E. Derman, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:1947-1954, 1987), to characterize the expression of MUP genes I through V.

Nucleotide sequences of liver, lachrymal, and submaxillary gland mouse major urinary protein mRNAs: mosaic structure and construction of panels of gene-specific synthetic oligonucleotide probes

The mouse major urinary proteins (MUPs) are encoded by a gene family of about 35 to 40 members. MUPs are synthesized in at least six secretory tissues under a variety of developmental and endocrine controls, but the identities of the individual genes expressed in each tissue have not previously been established. In this article, we present the nucleotide sequences of five MUP mRNAs which we designate MUP I through V. MUPs I, II, and III are the most abundant MUP mRNA species in the liver, and MUPs IV and V are the most abundant MUP mRNA species in the lachrymal gland and the submaxillary gland, respectively. The sequence data show that each of the five mRNAs is encoded by a distinct member of the gene family. The structures of the MUP mRNA consist of interspersed segments of variable and conserved sequences. On the basis of the sequences of the variable segments, gene-specific panels of synthetic oligonucleotide probes were prepared. The gene-specific panels were used to identify cloned genes and, as described in the accompanying paper (K. Shahan, M. Denaro, M. Gilmartin, Y. Shi, and E. Derman, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:1947-1954, 1987), to characterize the expression of MUP genes I through V.

Tissue-specific expression of major urinary protein (MUP) genes in mice: characterization of MUP mRNAs by restriction mapping of cDNA and by in vitro translation

The major urinary proteins (MUPs) in mice are coded for by a gene family which consists of ca. 30 members. The number of MUP genes that are expressed is not known. Previous studies have shown that MUP mRNAs are present in several secretory tissues in addition to the liver, in which they were originally identified. In this paper we show, through restriction analysis of MUP cDNAs, that distinct sets of MUP mRNAs are synthesized in each of the tissues studied and that these mRNAs are most likely coded for by different genes. As is shown, MUP mRNAs of different tissues are related to an extent that precludes the use of gene-specific probes in differentiating among them. The regions of homology also include the 3' untranslated regions of MUP mRNAs. The question of differential expression was thus investigated by searching for restriction polymorphisms in MUP mRNAs. We demonstrate that subtle differences in the sequences of even scarce mRNAs can be recognized by this particular approach. In addition, it is shown that MUP mRNAs of different tissues code for different, nonoverlapping sets of polypeptides, as determined by gel electrophoresis of in vitro-translated precursors to MUPs. The relevance of these results to models of evolution of tissue-specific regulation in a multigene family is discussed.

Tissue-specific expression of major urinary protein (MUP) genes in mice: characterization of MUP mRNAs by restriction mapping of cDNA and by in vitro translation

The major urinary proteins (MUPs) in mice are coded for by a gene family which consists of ca. 30 members. The number of MUP genes that are expressed is not known. Previous studies have shown that MUP mRNAs are present in several secretory tissues in addition to the liver, in which they were originally identified. In this paper we show, through restriction analysis of MUP cDNAs, that distinct sets of MUP mRNAs are synthesized in each of the tissues studied and that these mRNAs are most likely coded for by different genes. As is shown, MUP mRNAs of different tissues are related to an extent that precludes the use of gene-specific probes in differentiating among them. The regions of homology also include the 3' untranslated regions of MUP mRNAs. The question of differential expression was thus investigated by searching for restriction polymorphisms in MUP mRNAs. We demonstrate that subtle differences in the sequences of even scarce mRNAs can be recognized by this particular approach. In addition, it is shown that MUP mRNAs of different tissues code for different, nonoverlapping sets of polypeptides, as determined by gel electrophoresis of in vitro-translated precursors to MUPs. The relevance of these results to models of evolution of tissue-specific regulation in a multigene family is discussed.

The gene family for major urinary proteins: expression in several secretory tissues of the mouse

The major urinary proteins (MUPs) of the mouse are encoded by a multigene family located at the Mup a locus on chromosome 4. Previous investigations have shown that the MUPs are synthesized in the liver, secreted and then excreted in the urine. We have found significant levels of MUP mRNA in several secretory tissues: the liver and the submaxillary, lachrymal and mammary glands. There are striking differences in hormonal and developmental regulation of MUP gene expression in these tissues. Furthermore, each tissue appears to express a characteristic pattern of MUP mRNAs. In particular, the lachrymal glands appear to express an entirely different set of MUP mRNAs. These results are discussed in relation to the organization of the MUP gene cluster and a possible function of the MUPs.

Studies on genetic variation in major urinary protein synthesis in mouse liver

A two- to fourfold difference in the relative rate of total major urinary protein (MUP) synthesis between C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ female mice has been analyzed at the genetic and molecular levels. The C57BL/6J phenotype is dominant in F1 female progeny of a cross between the two strains. Quantitation of MUP mRNA levels indicates that the rate of synthesis variation does not reflect a change in the concentration of total MUP mRNA. In recombinant inbred strains derived from C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ progenitors, the rate of synthesis difference segregates as a single genetic determinant that is not linked to the Mup-a locus on chromosome 4. The results suggest an unlinked locus that acts to alter total MUP synthesis without altering total MUP mRNA levels. Two models are proposed to describe the action of this locus, both of which imply some sort of posttranscriptional control of MUP synthesis.

Variation in mouse major urinary protein (MUP) genes and the MUP gene products within and between inbred lines

The mouse major urinary proteins (MUPs) and the unprocessed in vitro translation products of MUP mRNA were each resolved by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The urinary MUPs showed about 15 distinct components, and the unprocessed MUPs about 20. In each case wide variation was observed in the relative intensities of individual bands. A comparison of three inbred lines (C57BL, BALB/c and JU) showed inter-line variation in the patterns both of the urinary MUPs and of the unprocessed MUPs. A series of experiments was carried out with a cloned MUP cDNA probe. All three inbred lines contain the same number (about 20) of MUP genes per haploid genome. In Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA the MUP genes displayed complex patterns which we interpret as showing variation on a common basic MUP gene sequence. For each combination of restriction enzymes tested, one size of fragment carried more than half of the total label, and this fragment was always the same in the three inbred lines. Inter-line differences were observed in the patterns of some of the less reactive fragments. MUP mRNA consists of at least two distinct species with sizes of 1 and 1.2 kb, which reacted with the probe in a label ratio of about 0.5 to 1. In the three inbred lines this ratio was essentially the same.

Biochemical polymorphism in the rat: genetics of three electrophoretic variants and characterization of inbred strains

Nine inbred strains of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) were screened for differences in electrophoretically detectable proteins. Interstrain variation was observed for 7 of 26 proteins. Three of these variants have not been described previously: leucine aminopeptidase (Lap-1), major urinary protein (Mup-1), and seminal vesicle protein (Svp-2). Genetic analysis revealed two autosomal alleles for each of these polymorphisms. The loci Lap=1, Mup-1, and Svp-2 are linked neither to one another nor to the previously described Svp-1 and Es-4 loci. Each of the nine strains can be identified now by a specific set of monogenic markers.

Pure-strain and genetically mosaic liver tumors histochemically identified with the -glucuronidase marker in allophenic mice

A histochemical procedure for beta-glucuronidase has been used to make visible the cellular genotypes of liver tumors and of surrounding normal liver clones in allophenic mice. The animals had lifelong genetic mosaicism for cells with the allele for low beta-glucuronidase activity (g/g genotype, C3H strain) and cells with the allele for high activity (G/G genotype, C57BL/6 or BALB/c strain). The former strain is also hepatoma-susceptible; both the latter are nonsusceptible. Of 12 "spontaneous" hepatomas examined, nine were entirely of susceptible-strain hepatic cells and one was of the nonsusceptible strain; the pure-strain tumors usually arose in a liver environment containing clones of each genotype. The cells therefore behave largely autonomously with respect to gene control of tumor susceptibility. However, two tumors with malignant cells of both genotypes were formed, which suggests some measure of intercellular transmission of tumor information. Alternatively, transformation might have occurred in two or more cells concurrently. Mosaic tumors in either case imply that even a hepatoma of one inbred strain, whether in a single-genotype animal or an allophenic mouse, may comprise diverse clones of transformed cells. Possibly many or all hepatomas may therefore be genetically complex entities.

Location of the Mup-a locus on mouse linkage group 8

By the use of pintail (Pt) and brown (b) as markers, the location of Mup-a, a locus controlling electrophoretic variation of one of the components of the major urinary protein (MUP) complex, on mouse linkage group VIII has been determined. The order and intervals determined from recombination frequencies in 121 offspring from a back-cross were Pt 4·1 b 6·6 Mup-a.