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Dwyer AJ, Shaheen ZR, Fife BT. Antigen-specific T cell responses in autoimmune diabetes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440045. [PMID: 39211046 PMCID: PMC11358097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diabetes is a disease characterized by the selective destruction of insulin-secreting β-cells of the endocrine pancreas by islet-reactive T cells. Autoimmune disease requires a complex interplay between host genetic factors and environmental triggers that promote the activation of such antigen-specific T lymphocyte responses. Given the critical involvement of self-reactive T lymphocyte in diabetes pathogenesis, understanding how these T lymphocyte populations contribute to disease is essential to develop targeted therapeutics. To this end, several key antigenic T lymphocyte epitopes have been identified and studied to understand their contributions to disease with the aim of developing effective treatment approaches for translation to the clinical setting. In this review, we discuss the role of pathogenic islet-specific T lymphocyte responses in autoimmune diabetes, the mechanisms and cell types governing autoantigen presentation, and therapeutic strategies targeting such T lymphocyte responses for the amelioration of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Dwyer
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Zachary R. Shaheen
- Center for Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology, Allergy, & Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Brian T. Fife
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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2
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Herold Z, Doleschall M, Somogyi A. Role and function of granin proteins in diabetes mellitus. World J Diabetes 2021; 12:1081-1092. [PMID: 34326956 PMCID: PMC8311481 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i7.1081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The granin glycoprotein family consists of nine acidic proteins; chromogranin A (CgA), chromogranin B (CgB), and secretogranin II–VIII. They are produced by a wide range of neuronal, neuroendocrine, and endocrine cells throughout the human body. Their major intracellular function is to sort peptides and proteins into secretory granules, but their cleavage products also take part in the extracellular regulation of diverse biological processes. The contribution of granins to carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes mellitus is a recent research area. CgA is associated with glucose homeostasis and the progression of type 1 diabetes. WE-14, CgA10-19, and CgA43-52 are peptide derivates of CgA, and act as CD4+ or CD8+ autoantigens in type 1 diabetes, whereas pancreastatin (PST) and catestatin have regulatory effects in carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, PST is related to gestational and type 2 diabetes. CgB has a crucial role in physiological insulin secretion. Secretogranins II and III have angiogenic activity in diabetic retinopathy (DR), and are novel targets in recent DR studies. Ongoing studies are beginning to investigate the potential use of granin derivatives as drugs to treat diabetes based on the divergent relationships between granins and different types of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1088, Hungary
| | - Marton Doleschall
- Molecular Medicine Research Group, Eotvos Lorand Research Network and Semmelweis University, Budapest 1089, Hungary
| | - Aniko Somogyi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1088, Hungary
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3
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Loss of gut barrier integrity triggers activation of islet-reactive T cells and autoimmune diabetes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:15140-15149. [PMID: 31182588 PMCID: PMC6660755 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814558116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional loss of gut barrier integrity with subsequent increased antigen trafficking and occurrence of low-grade intestinal inflammation precede the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in patients and preclinical models, thus suggesting that these events are mechanistically linked to the autoimmune pathogenesis of the disease. However, a causal relationship between increased intestinal permeability and autoimmune diabetes was never demonstrated. Our data show that breakage of gut barrier continuity leads to activation of islet-reactive T cells in the intestine, thus triggering autoimmune diabetes. An important implication of our findings is that restoration of a healthy gut barrier through microbiota and diet modulation in diabetes-prone individuals could reduce intestinal activation of islet-reactive T cells and prevent T1D occurrence. Low-grade intestinal inflammation and alterations of gut barrier integrity are found in patients affected by extraintestinal autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), but a direct causal link between enteropathy and triggering of autoimmunity is yet to be established. Here, we found that onset of autoimmunity in preclinical models of T1D is associated with alterations of the mucus layer structure and loss of gut barrier integrity. Importantly, we showed that breakage of the gut barrier integrity in BDC2.5XNOD mice carrying a transgenic T cell receptor (TCR) specific for a beta cell autoantigen leads to activation of islet-reactive T cells within the gut mucosa and onset of T1D. The intestinal activation of islet-reactive T cells requires the presence of gut microbiota and is abolished when mice are depleted of endogenous commensal microbiota by antibiotic treatment. Our results indicate that loss of gut barrier continuity can lead to activation of islet-specific T cells within the intestinal mucosa and to autoimmune diabetes and provide a strong rationale to design innovative therapeutic interventions in “at-risk” individuals aimed at restoring gut barrier integrity to prevent T1D occurrence.
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Troger J, Theurl M, Kirchmair R, Pasqua T, Tota B, Angelone T, Cerra MC, Nowosielski Y, Mätzler R, Troger J, Gayen JR, Trudeau V, Corti A, Helle KB. Granin-derived peptides. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:37-61. [PMID: 28442394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The granin family comprises altogether 7 different proteins originating from the diffuse neuroendocrine system and elements of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The family is dominated by three uniquely acidic members, namely chromogranin A (CgA), chromogranin B (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII). Since the late 1980s it has become evident that these proteins are proteolytically processed, intragranularly and/or extracellularly into a range of biologically active peptides; a number of them with regulatory properties of physiological and/or pathophysiological significance. The aim of this comprehensive overview is to provide an up-to-date insight into the distribution and properties of the well established granin-derived peptides and their putative roles in homeostatic regulations. Hence, focus is directed to peptides derived from the three main granins, e.g. to the chromogranin A derived vasostatins, betagranins, pancreastatin and catestatins, the chromogranin B-derived secretolytin and the secretogranin II-derived secretoneurin (SN). In addition, the distribution and properties of the chromogranin A-derived peptides prochromacin, chromofungin, WE14, parastatin, GE-25 and serpinins, the CgB-peptide PE-11 and the SgII-peptides EM66 and manserin will also be commented on. Finally, the opposing effects of the CgA-derived vasostatin-I and catestatin and the SgII-derived peptide SN on the integrity of the vasculature, myocardial contractility, angiogenesis in wound healing, inflammatory conditions and tumors will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Markus Theurl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kirchmair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Tota
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Yvonne Nowosielski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphaela Mätzler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jasmin Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Vance Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelo Corti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Karen B Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
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Herold Z, Nagy P, Patócs A, Somogyi A. [The role of chromogranin-A and its derived peptide, WE-14 in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus]. Orv Hetil 2015; 156:163-70. [PMID: 25618857 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2015.30087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chromogranin-A is a member of the granine protein family. It is produced in neuroendocrine cells via secretory granules. Many cleavage proteins are formed from chromogranin-A, from which some have well known biological activity, while the function of others is not yet fully known. Serum chromogranin-A levels are used in neuroendocrine tumour diagnostics. Recent studies showed that one of its cleavage protein, WE-14 may also play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. WE-14 may function as an autoantigen for T-cells involved in the destruction of β-cells. This mechanism was previously observed only in non-obese diabetic mice. Novel results show that WE-14 also serves as a target for autoreactive cells in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients as well, which reaction can be increased with transglutaminase. In this paper the authors summarize the recent knowledge about chromogranin-A and its potential role in the pathomechanism of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Herold
- Szent István Egyetem Állatorvos-tudományi Kar Budapest Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar II. Belgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Szentkirályi utca 46. 1088
| | - Péter Nagy
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Patológiai és Kísérleti Rákkutató Intézet Budapest
| | - Attila Patócs
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Laboratóriumi Medicina Intézet Budapest MTA-SE "Lendület" Örökletes Endokrin Daganatok Kutatócsoport Budapest
| | - Anikó Somogyi
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar II. Belgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Szentkirályi utca 46. 1088
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Guillemot J, Guérin M, Thouënnon E, Montéro-Hadjadje M, Leprince J, Lefebvre H, Klein M, Muresan M, Anouar Y, Yon L. Characterization and plasma measurement of the WE-14 peptide in patients with pheochromocytoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88698. [PMID: 24523932 PMCID: PMC3921219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Granins and their derived peptides are valuable circulating biological markers of neuroendocrine tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the tumoral chromogranin A (CgA)-derived peptide WE-14 and the potential advantage to combine plasma WE-14 detection with the EM66 assay and the existing current CgA assay for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Compared to healthy volunteers, plasma WE-14 levels were 5.4-fold higher in patients with pheochromocytoma, but returned to normal values after surgical resection of the tumor. Determination of plasma CgA and EM66 concentrations in the same group of patients revealed that the test assays for these markers had an overall 84% diagnostic sensitivity, which is identical to that determined for WE-14. However, we found that WE-14 measurement improved the diagnostic sensitivity when combined with the results of CgA or EM66 assays. By combining the results of the three assays, the sensitivity for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was increased to 95%. In fact, the combination of WE-14 with either CgA or EM66 test assays achieved 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis of paragangliomas and sporadic or malignant pheochromocytomas if taken separately to account for the heterogeneity of the tumor. These data indicate that WE-14 is produced in pheochromocytoma and secreted into the general circulation, and that elevated plasma WE-14 levels are correlated with the occurrence of this chromaffin cell tumor. In addition, in association with other biological markers, such as CgA and/or EM66, WE-14 measurement systematically improves the diagnostic sensitivity for pheochromocytoma. These findings support the notion that granin-processing products may represent complementary tools for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Guillemot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marlène Guérin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Erwan Thouënnon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Maité Montéro-Hadjadje
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen University Hospital, Bois-Guillaume, France
| | - Marc Klein
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de Brabois, University of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Mihaela Muresan
- Unit of Endocrinology, Hôpital Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, Metz, France
| | - Youssef Anouar
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Laurent Yon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Normandy University, Normandy, France
- Rouen University, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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Guérin M, Guillemot J, Thouënnon E, Pierre A, El-Yamani FZ, Montero-Hadjadje M, Dubessy C, Magoul R, Lihrmann I, Anouar Y, Yon L. Granins and their derived peptides in normal and tumoral chromaffin tissue: Implications for the diagnosis and prognosis of pheochromocytoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 165:21-9. [PMID: 20600356 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors that arise from chromaffin tissue within the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal sites. Typical clinical manifestations are sustained or paroxysmal hypertension, severe headaches, palpitations and sweating resulting from hormone excess. However, their presentation is highly variable and can mimic many other diseases. The diagnosis of pheochromocytomas depends mainly upon the demonstration of catecholamine excess by 24-h urinary catecholamines and metanephrines or plasma metanephrines. Occurrence of malignant pheochromocytomas can only be asserted by imaging of metastatic lesions, which are associated with a poor survival rate. The characterization of tissue, circulating or genetic markers is therefore crucial for the management of these tumors. Proteins of the granin family and their derived peptides are present in dense-core secretory vesicles and secreted into the bloodstream, making them useful markers for the identification of neuroendocrine cells and neoplasms. In this context, we will focus here on reviewing the distribution and characterization of granins and their processing products in normal and tumoral chromaffin cells, and their clinical usefulness for the diagnosis and prognosis of pheochromocytomas. It appears that, except SgIII, all members of the granin family i.e. CgA, CgB, SgII, SgIV-SgVII and proSAAS, and most of their derived peptides are present in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and in pheochromocytes. Moreover, besides the routinely used CgA test assays, other assays have been developed to measure concentrations of tissue and/or circulating granins or their derived peptides in order to detect the occurrence of pheochromocytomas. In most cases, elevated levels of these entities were found, in correlation with tumor occurrence, while rarely discriminating between benign and malignant neoplasms. Nevertheless, measurement of the levels of granins and derived peptides improves the diagnostic sensitivity and may therefore provide a complementary tool for the management of pheochromocytomas. However, the existing data need to be substantiated in larger groups of patients, particularly in the case of malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Guérin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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Portela-Gomes GM, Grimelius L, Wilander E, Stridsberg M. Granins and granin-related peptides in neuroendocrine tumours. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 165:12-20. [PMID: 20211659 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2010.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 02/06/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This review focus on neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), with special reference to the immunohistochemical analysis of granins and granin-related peptides and their usefulness in identifying and characterizing the great diversity of NET types. Granins, their derived peptides, and complex protein-processing enzyme systems that cleave granins and prohormones, have to some extent cell-specific expression patterns in normal and neoplastic NE cells. The marker most commonly used in routine histopathology to differentiate between non-NETs and NETs is chromogranin (Cg) A, to some extent CgB. Other members of the granin family may also be of diagnostic value by identifying special NET types, e.g. secretogranin (Sg) VI was only found in pancreatic NETs and phaeochromocytomas. SgIII has recently arisen as an important NET marker; it was strongly expressed in NETs, with some exceptions--phaeochromocytomas expressed few cells and parathyroid adenomas none. Some expression patterns of granin-related peptides seem valuable in differentiating between some benign and malignant NETs, some may also provide prognostic information, among which: well-differentiated NET types expressed more CgA epitopes than the poorly differentiated ones, except insulinomas, where the opposite was noted; medullary thyroid carcinomas containing few cells immunoreactive to a CgB antibody were related to a bad prognosis; C-terminal secretoneurin visualized a cell type related to malignancy in phaeochromocytomas. Further research will probably establish new staining patterns with marker functions for granins in NETs which may be of histopathological diagnostic value.
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9
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Chromogranin A is an autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. Nat Immunol 2010; 11:225-31. [PMID: 20139986 DOI: 10.1038/ni.1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autoreactive CD4(+) T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, but the antigens that stimulate their responses have been difficult to identify and in most cases are not well defined. In the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of type 1 diabetes, we have identified the peptide WE14 from chromogranin A (ChgA) as the antigen for highly diabetogenic CD4(+) T cell clones. Peptide truncation and extension analysis shows that WE14 bound to the NOD mouse major histocompatibility complex class II molecule I-A(g7) in an atypical manner, occupying only the carboxy-terminal half of the I-A(g7) peptide-binding groove. This finding extends the list of T cell antigens in type 1 diabetes and supports the idea that autoreactive T cells respond to unusually presented self peptides.
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Conlon JM. Granin-derived peptides as diagnostic and prognostic markers for endocrine tumors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 165:5-11. [PMID: 19931574 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A-like immunoreactivity (CgA-LI) has been, and remains, the most widely used diagnostic and prognostic marker for endocrine tumors. The availability of assay kits combined with moderately high sensitivity and specificity has meant that there has been no great incentive to develop alternative markers. However, circulating concentrations of CgA-LI are elevated in several non-neoplastic diseases and in patients receiving acid-suppression therapy which may lead to false positive diagnosis. Additionally, certain endocrine tumors, such as rectal carcinoids, do not express the CgA gene so that there is a need for additional markers to complement CgA measurements. Plasma concentrations of the CgA-derived peptide, pancreastatin, measured with antisera of defined regional specificity, have a prognostic value in patients with metastatic midgut carcinoid tumors receiving somatostatin analog therapy or hepatic artery chemoembolization. Other CgA-derived peptides with potential as tumor markers are vasostatin-1, WE-14, catestatin, GE-25, and EL-35 but their value has yet to be fully assessed. Circulating concentrations of chromogranin B-like immunoreactivity (CgB-LI) are not elevated in non-neoplastic diseases and measurements of CCB, the COOH-terminal fragment of CgB, may be useful as a biochemical marker for neuroendocrine differentiation in lung tumors. Antisera to the secretogranin II-derived peptide, secretoneurin detects carcinoid tumors of the appendix with greater frequency than antisera to CgA and are of value in identifying therapy-resistant carcinoma of the prostate (clinical stage D3). Measurement of concentrations of a second secretogranin II-derived peptide, EM-66 in tumor tissue has been used to differentiate between benign and malignant pheochromocytoma. These examples point to a limited although potentially valuable role for granin-derived peptides as tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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11
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Zhao E, Zhang D, Basak A, Trudeau VL. New insights into granin-derived peptides: evolution and endocrine roles. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 164:161-74. [PMID: 19523383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Revised: 12/31/2008] [Accepted: 01/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The granin protein family is composed of two chromogranin and five secretogranin members that are acidic, heat-stable proteins in secretory granules in cells of the nervous and endocrine systems. We report that there is little evidence for evolutionary relationships among the granins except for the chromogranin group. The main granin members, including chromogranin A and B, and secretogranin II are moderately conserved in the vertebrates. Several small bioactive peptides can be generated by proteolysis from those homologous domains existing within the granin precursors, reflecting the conservation of biological activities in different vertebrates. In this context, we focus on reviewing the distribution and function of the major granin-derived peptides, including vasostatin, bovine CgB(1-41) and secretoneurin in vertebrate endocrine systems, especially those associated with growth, glucose metabolism and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zhao
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Helle KB. The granin family of uniquely acidic proteins of the diffuse neuroendocrine system: comparative and functional aspects. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2005; 79:769-94. [PMID: 15682870 DOI: 10.1017/s146479310400644x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The chromogranins A (CgA) and B (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII) constitute the main members of a family of uniquely acidic secretory proteins in elements of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. These genetically distinct proteins, CgA, CgB, SgII and the less well known secretogranins III-VII are collectively referred to as 'granins' and characterised by numerous pairs of basic amino acids as potential cleavage sites for processing by the co-stored prohormone converting enzymes PC 1/3 and PC2. This review is directed towards comparative and functional aspects of the granins with emphasis on their phylogenetically conserved sequences. Recent developments provide ample evidence of widely different effects and targets for the intact granins and their derived peptides, intracellularly in the directed trafficking of storage components during granule maturation and extracellularly in autocrine, paracrine and endocrine interactions. Most of the effects assigned to the granin derived peptides fit into patterns of direct or indirect inhibitory modulations of major functions. So far, peptides derived from CgA (vasostatins, chromacin, pancreastatin, WE-14, catestatin and parastatin), CgB (secretolytin) and SgII (secretoneurin) are the most likely candidates for granin-derived regulatory peptides, of postulated relevance not only for homeostatic processes, but also for tissue assembly and repair, inflammatory responses and the first line of defence against invading microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen B Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, Division of Physiology, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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Cadden IS, Johnston BT, Connolly R, Gates D, Tsujimoto Y, Eguchi Y, McGinty A. An investigation into the role of Bcl-2 in neuroendocrine differentiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 326:442-8. [PMID: 15582597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In addition to its role in apoptosis suppression, Bcl-2 has been reported to be co-expressed with neuroendocrine markers in several tissues, leading to speculation that this oncoprotein may promote neuroendocrine differentiation. AIM This study investigated whether Bcl-2 modulated neuroendocrine biopeptide expression. METHODS Levels of chromogranin A, neurone specific enolase, protein gene peptide 9.5, pancreatic polypeptide, and the chromogranin-derived peptides, intervening peptide and vasostatin-1 were examined by immunocytochemistry in rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cell lines genetically engineered to over-express Bcl-2 and their mock-transfected controls. Intensity of fluorescence was graded using a semi-quantitative scale from (-) indicating negative expression to (+++) indicating intense positivity. RESULTS Mann-Whitney U analysis indicated that no significant differences in expression existed between control and Bcl2 over-expressing cell lines for any of the six peptides examined. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that Bcl-2 promotes the acquisition of a neuroendocrine phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Cadden
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Mulhouse Building, RGH, Belfast BT12 6BJ, N. Ireland, UK
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Curry WJ, Brockbank S, McCollum AP, Boyle C, Gibson D. Localisation of WE-14 immunoreactivity in the developing mouse limbo-corneal nerve net. Microsc Res Tech 2003; 62:408-14. [PMID: 14601146 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
WE-14 is generated in subpopulations of chromogranin A immunopositive endocrine cells and neurons including those innervating the anterior uvea. This study investigated WE-14 in intact sclero-limbo-corneal tissue from embryonic (E17), neonatal (N0-N16), and adult mice using immunocytochemistry and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Weak WE-14 immunostaining was observed at birth in nerve fibre tracts entering the corneal mid-stroma from the limbo-scleral junction. Immunopositive fibre tracts were evident throughout the cornea at N3; by N5 the mid-stromal plexus had begun to generate fibre populations extending toward the developing corneal epithelium, and some varicose fibres terminated amongst the developing epithelium. Immunostaining was evident at N7 in the developing limbo-scleral nerve net and some fibres exhibited a close association with unidentified vascular elements. By N11 and in subsequent neonates, the cornea had developed a distinct stratified nerve net composed of thick mid-stromal and thinner upper stromal nerve fibre bundles; both possessed populations of varicose WE-14 immunopositive fibres. In the adult, a sub-epithelial network of varicose WE-14 immunopositive fibres were evident at the limbo-scleral junction. Some fibres exhibited a close association with unidentified vascular elements, while others extended into the upper peripheral corneal stroma. WE-14 was evident in leashes throughout the basal corneal epithelium and generated fibres ramifying between the stratified epithelium with some fibres terminating amongst the outermost corneal epithelia. This study has demonstrated that WE-14 was evident in the limbo-corneal nerve net at birth and that its detection parallels corneal development to adulthood, where WE-14 is evident in a subpopulation of nerve fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- William James Curry
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, institute of Clinical Science, The Queen's University of Belfast, BT12 6BA, North Ireland, United Kingdom.
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Curry WJ, McCollum AP, Brockbank S, Gardiner TA, Maule AG, Stitt AW. Characterisation of WE-14 in porcine ocular tissue. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2003; 113:41-7. [PMID: 12686459 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-0115(02)00296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
WE-14 is derived from the cell-specific posttranslational processing of chromogranin A (CgA) in subpopulations of neuroendocrine cells and neurons. Region- and site-specific chromogranin A, pancreastatin and WE-14 antisera were employed to study the generation of WE-14 in porcine ocular tissues. No chromogranin A or pancreastatin immunostaining was detected in ocular tissue. Immunohistochemistry detected WE-14 immunostaining in a network of nerve fibre bundles and nerve fibres throughout the limbus, cornea, iris and ciliary body with sparse nerve fibres detected throughout the choroid and sclera. Retinal analysis detected intense WE-14 immunostaining in large ovoid cells in the ganglion cell layer with weak immunostaining in a population of small cells in the inner nuclear layer; weak immunostaining was detected within the fibre layers in the inner plexiform layer. Quantitatively, the highest WE-14 tissue concentration was recorded in aqueous retinal and corneal extracts with lower concentrations in the sclera, choroid and anterior uveal tissues. Chromatographic profiling resolved a minor chromogranin A-like immunoreactant and a predominant immunoreactant co-eluting with synthetic human WE-14. This is the first study to demonstrate that WE-14 is generated in neuronal fibres primarily innervating the anterior chamber and in select cell populations in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Curry
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, BT12 6BA, N Ireland, Belfast, UK.
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Curry WJ, Barkatullah SC, Johansson AN, Quinn JG, Norlen P, Connolly CK, McCollum AP, McVicar CM. WE-14, a chromogranin a-derived neuropeptide. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 971:311-6. [PMID: 12438141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide WE-14 is derived from the posttranslational processing of chromogranin A (CgA). While CgA is expressed in a preponderance of neuroendocrine cells, WE-14 is generated in a distinct subpopulation of CgA-immunopositive cells, most notably in the adrenal, pituitary, and parathyroid glands. Physiological and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that CgA is cleaved to generate WE-14 in the adrenal chromaffin cell population and in the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells of the oxyntic mucosa. Pathological analyses of neuroendocrine tumors have revealed a heterogeneous pattern of WE-14 immunostaining, with variable concentrations quantified and chromatographically resolved in tissue extracts. Phylogenetic surveys have demonstrated that WE-14 exhibits an ancient lineage, while ontogenetic examination has shown that it is generated at an early stage during fetal development. Putative WE-14 receptor binding sites have been identified in several tissues; however, the physiological role of WE-14 remains enigmatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Curry
- Department of Ophthalmology and School of Clinical Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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17
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Portel-Gomes GM, Grimelius L, Johansson H, Wilander E, Stridsberg M. Chromogranin A in human neuroendocrine tumors: an immunohistochemical study with region-specific antibodies. Am J Surg Pathol 2001; 25:1261-7. [PMID: 11688460 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200110000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies to six specific regions of the chromogranin A (CgA) molecule were used to study their immunoreactivity in human neuroendocrine (NE) tumors. Tissue specimens from endocrine pancreatic tumors (n = 14), duodenal carcinoids (n = 2), bronchial carcinoids (n = 5), ileal carcinoids (n = 5) appendix carcinoids (n = 2), medullary thyroid carcinomas (n = 6), parathyroid adenomas (n = 2), and pheochromocytomas (n = 8) were analyzed. The results showed that the NE tumor types expressed varying numbers of CgA fragments. A variation in frequency of the expression of immunoreactive cells was sometimes seen also within the same tumor type. The midportion fragment CgA 176-195 (chromacin) was the only fragment expressed in all tumors. Benign and malignant tumors expressed different patterns, being especially true of insulinomas and pheochromocytomas. These findings suggest that region-specific antibodies to CgA fragments can be used as a diagnostic tool for the characterization of NE tumors.
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Portela-Gomes GM, Stridsberg M. Selective processing of chromogranin A in the different islet cells in human pancreas. J Histochem Cytochem 2001; 49:483-90. [PMID: 11259451 DOI: 10.1177/002215540104900408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the immunoreactivity of 12 different region-specific antibodies to the chromogranin A (CgA) molecule in the four major neuroendocrine cell types of the human pancreas by using double immunofluorescence techniques. The antibodies raised to the N-terminal and midportions of CgA showed, on the whole, stronger immunoreactivity than did the C-terminal antibodies, with a few exceptions. Often the immunoreactivity was stronger in glucagon cells. Insulin cells expressed immunoreactivity to all region-specific antibodies, but glucagon cells were nonreactive to two antibodies. Somatostatin cells reacted only with the C-terminal antibodies (amino acid sequences CgA 411-424), while PP cells were stained with four CgA region-specific antibodies between amino acid sequences 63-195. The cause of these differences may be that the CgA molecule is cleaved, partly masked, or partly translated from CgA mRNA. Microwave treatment improved only the staining with the CgA 361-372 antibodies, which indicates that masking is not the sole or entire cause. Our findings may indicate that the CgA molecule is cleaved in different ways in the various pancreatic endocrine cell types, giving rise to a variety of biologically functional fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Portela-Gomes
- Departments of Genetics and Pathology, Unit of Pathology, University of Lisbon, Portugal
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Portela-Gomes GM. Chromogranin A immunoreactivity in neuroendocrine cells in the human gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2001; 482:193-203. [PMID: 11192580 DOI: 10.1007/0-306-46837-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G M Portela-Gomes
- Centres of Gastroenterology and of Nutrition, Lisbon University, Portugal, 2765-525-Estoril
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Heaney AP, Curry WJ, Pogue KM, Armstrong VL, Mirakhur M, Sheridan B, Johnston CF, Buchanan KD, Atkinson AB. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the post-translational processing of chromogranin A in human pituitary adenomas. Pituitary 2000; 3:67-75. [PMID: 11141698 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009949623054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), pancreastatin (PST), intervening-peptide (IP) and WE-14 antisera were employed to investigate the proteolysis of CgA in 50 pituitary adenomas. All non-functioning (NF) pituitary tumours (n = 28) exhibited CgA immunoreactivity. PST, IP and WE-14 immunostaining was observed in 85%, 89% and 67%, respectively. CgA, PST and IP immunostaining were comparable in the majority of NF tumours, while less intense WE-14 immunoreactivity was detected in a subpopulation of NF tumour cells. Approximately half of the functioning pituitary tumours expressed CgA immunoreactivity. Six of nine ACTH-secreting tumours displayed CgA and IP immunostaining; four of these tumours displayed PST immunoreactivity. WE-14 immunoreactivity was detected in one corticotroph tumour. Three of six growth hormone (GH) secreting tumours displayed CgA immunostaining, two exhibited PST and IP, and one exhibited WE-14 immunoreactivity. Clusters of WE-14 immunopositive cells were detected in one GH tumour. One of seven prolactinomas exhibited weak CgA immunostaining, while weak IP and WE-14 immunostaining was detected in an additional tumour. No PST immunostaining was detected in prolactinomas. Therefore CgA is a valuable marker of NF pituitary tumours, however it is a more sporadic marker of functioning adenomas. In general, the cellular pattern and intensities of CgA, PST and IP immunoreactivity were comparable in the majority of pituitary adenomas. In contrast, WE-14 immunostaining was observed in a subpopulation of tumour cells. The pathophysiological significance of the proteolysis of CgA to generate bioactive peptides in both NF and functioning pituitary adenomas remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Heaney
- Sir George E. Clark Metabolic Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Bajetta E, Ferrari L, Martinetti A, Celio L, Procopio G, Artale S, Zilembo N, Di Bartolomeo M, Seregni E, Bombardieri E. Chromogranin A, neuron specific enolase, carcinoembryonic antigen, and hydroxyindole acetic acid evaluation in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer 1999; 86:858-65. [PMID: 10463986 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19990901)86:5<858::aid-cncr23>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromogranin A (CgA), neuron specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and urinary 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) are the markers currently used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The authors examined the role of such biomarkers in a large series of patients with NETs. METHODS One hundred and twenty-seven patients entered the study. Multiple blood and 24-hour urine specimens were assayed for biomarker quantitation. RESULTS The accuracy of each marker was assessed in patients with (n = 106) and without (n = 21) disease. CgA proved to be the best marker (specificity of 85.7% and sensitivity of 67.9%). Patients with disease had significantly higher CgA and NSE levels compared with disease free patients (P = 0.00003 and P = 0.00240, respectively). NSE and 5-HIAA determination showed a very high specificity (100%) but a rather low sensitivity (32.9% and 35.1%, respectively). CEA was found to have little diagnostic value (sensitivity of 15.4%). CgA was the most sensitive marker for detecting patients with disseminated disease and 5-HIAA displayed the highest sensitivity in identifying syndromic patients. Tumor marker modifications were studied during follow-up. In particular, rises in CgA were associated with progressive disease in 83.3% of cases and stable CgA was associated with stable disease in 53.8% of cases. The relation between CgA modifications and liver lesions during follow-up also was studied; increases in CgA levels were associated with local progression in 100% of cases and stable marker levels were found in 68.7% of the patients with unchanged lesions. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrate that CgA has the highest accuracy and is the most reliable biomarker reflecting the clinical evolution of NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bajetta
- Medical Oncology B Division, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Børglum Jensen T, Hilsted L, Rehfeld JF. Library of Sequence-specific Radioimmunoassays for Human Chromogranin A. Clin Chem 1999. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/45.4.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Human chromogranin A (CgA) is an acidic protein widely expressed in neuroendocrine tissue and tumors. The extensive tissue- and tumor-specific cleavages of CgA at basic cleavage sites produce multiple peptides.Methods: We have developed a library of RIAs specific for different epitopes, including the NH2 and COOH termini and three sequences adjacent to dibasic sites in the remaining part of CgA.Results: The antisera raised against CgA(210–222) and CgA(340–348) required a free NH2 terminus for binding. All antisera displayed high titers, high indexes of heterogeneity (∼1.0), and high binding affinities (Keff0 ∼ 0.1 × 1012 to 1.0 × 1012 L/mol), implying that the RIAs were monospecific and sensitive. The concentration of CgA in different tissues varied with the assay used. Hence, in a carcinoid tumor the concentration varied from 0.5 to 34.0 nmol/g tissue depending on the specificity of the CgA assay. The lowest concentration in all tumors was measured with the assay specific for the NH2 terminus of CgA. This is consistent with the relatively low concentrations measured in plasma from carcinoid tumor patients by the N-terminal assay, whereas the assays using antisera raised against CgA(210–222) and CgA(340–348) measured increased concentrations.Conclusion: Only some CgA assays appear useful for diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors, but the entire library is valuable for studies of the expression and processing of human CgA.
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