Monkeypox virus genomic accordion strategies

The 2023 monkeypox (mpox) epidemic was caused by a subclade IIb descendant of a monkeypox virus (MPXV) lineage traced back to Nigeria in 1971. Person-to-person transmission appears higher than for clade I or subclade IIa MPXV, possibly caused by genomic changes in subclade IIb MPXV. Key genomic changes could occur in the genome's low-complexity regions (LCRs), which are challenging to sequence and are often dismissed as uninformative. Here, using a combination of highly sensitive techniques, we determine a high-quality MPXV genome sequence of a representative of the current epidemic with LCRs resolved at unprecedented accuracy. This reveals significant variation in short tandem repeats within LCRs. We demonstrate that LCR entropy in the MPXV genome is significantly higher than that of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and that LCRs are not randomly distributed. In silico analyses indicate that expression, translation, stability, or function of MPXV orthologous poxvirus genes (OPGs), including OPG153, OPG204, and OPG208, could be affected in a manner consistent with the established "genomic accordion" evolutionary strategies of orthopoxviruses. We posit that genomic studies focusing on phenotypic MPXV differences should consider LCR variability.

Enhancing SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance through Regular Genomic Sequencing in Spain: The RELECOV Network

Millions of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences have been generated to date. However, good quality data and adequate surveillance systems are required to contribute to meaningful surveillance in public health. In this context, the network of Spanish laboratories for coronavirus (RELECOV) was created with the main goal of promoting actions to speed up the detection, analyses, and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 at a national level, partially structured and financed by an ECDC-HERA-Incubator action (ECDC/GRANT/2021/024). A SARS-CoV-2 sequencing quality control assessment (QCA) was developed to evaluate the network's technical capacity. QCA full panel results showed a lower hit rate for lineage assignment compared to that obtained for variants. Genomic data comprising 48,578 viral genomes were studied and evaluated to monitor SARS-CoV-2. The developed network actions showed a 36% increase in sharing viral sequences. In addition, analysis of lineage/sublineage-defining mutations to track the virus showed characteristic mutation profiles for the Delta and Omicron variants. Further, phylogenetic analyses strongly correlated with different variant clusters, obtaining a robust reference tree. The RELECOV network has made it possible to improve and enhance the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain. It has provided and evaluated genomic tools for viral genome monitoring and characterization that make it possible to increase knowledge efficiently and quickly, promoting the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Spain.

Identification of β2 microglobulin, the product of B2M gene, as a Host Factor for Vaccinia Virus Infection by Genome-Wide CRISPR genetic screens

Genome-wide genetic screens are powerful tools to identify genes that act as host factors of viruses. We have applied this technique to analyze the infection of HeLa cells by Vaccinia virus, in an attempt to find genes necessary for infection. Infection of cell populations harboring single gene inactivations resulted in no surviving cells, suggesting that no single gene knock-out was able to provide complete resistance to Vaccinia virus and thus allow cells to survive infection. In the absence of an absolute infection blockage, we explored if some gene inactivations could provide partial protection leading to a reduced probability of infection. Multiple experiments using modified screening procedures involving replication restricted viruses led to the identification of multiple genes whose inactivation potentially increase resistance to infection and therefore cell survival. As expected, significant gene hits were related to proteins known to act in virus entry, such as ITGB1 and AXL as well as genes belonging to their downstream related pathways. Additionally, we consistently found β2-microglobulin, encoded by the B2M gene, among the screening top hits, a novel finding that was further explored. Inactivation of B2M resulted in 54% and 91% reduced VV infection efficiency in HeLa and HAP1 cell lines respectively. In the absence of B2M, while virus binding to the cells was unaffected, virus internalization and early gene expression were significantly diminished. These results point to β2-microglobulin as a relevant factor in the Vaccinia virus entry process.

Age-dependent nasal immune responses in non-hospitalized bronchiolitis children

Bronchiolitis in children is associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Many studies have been performed using samples from hospitalized bronchiolitis patients, but little is known about the immunological responses from infants suffering from mild/moderate bronchiolitis that do not require hospitalization. We have studied a collection of nasal lavage fluid (NLF) samples from outpatient bronchiolitis children as a novel strategy to unravel local humoral and cellular responses, which are not fully characterized. The children were age-stratified in three groups, two of them (GI under 2-months, GII between 2-4 months) presenting a first episode of bronchiolitis, and GIII (between 4 months and 2 years) with recurrent respiratory infections. Here we show that elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL6, TNFα, IL18, IL23), regulatory cytokines (IL10, IL17A) and IFNγ were found in the three bronchiolitis cohorts. However, little or no change was observed for IL33 and MCP1, at difference to previous results from bronchiolitis hospitalized patients. Furthermore, our results show a tendency to IL1β, IL6, IL18 and TNFα increased levels in children with mild pattern of symptom severity and in those in which non RSV respiratory virus were detected compared to RSV+ samples. By contrast, no such differences were found based on gender distribution. Bronchiolitis NLFs contained more IgM, IgG1, IgG3 IgG4 and IgA than NLF from their age-matched healthy controls. NLF from bronchiolitis children predominantly contained neutrophils, and also low frequency of monocytes and few CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. NLF from infants older than 4-months contained more intermediate monocytes and B cell subsets, including naïve and memory cells. BCR repertoire analysis of NLF samples showed a biased VH1 usage in IgM repertoires, with low levels of somatic hypermutation. Strikingly, algorithmic studies of the mutation profiles, denoted antigenic selection on IgA-NLF repertoires. Our results support the use of NLF samples to analyze immune responses and may have therapeutic implications.

Monkeypox outbreak in Madrid (Spain): Clinical and virological aspects

BACKGROUND

Monkeypox is the most prevalent Orthopoxvirus zoonosis infection since the eradication of smallpox. The current multi-country outbreak involves five WHO regions affecting mainly Europe. Accurate clinical and virological aspects of the disease outside endemic areas are needed.

METHODS

We performed an observational study of cases diagnosed in Madrid (Spain) (May/June 2022). Confirmation from vesicular lesions swabs, Orthopoxvirus real-time PCR, sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and direct detection by Electron microscopy was performed. In addition, a structured epidemiological questionnaire was completed systematically to gather sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral data from all confirmed cases.

FINDINGS

We extracted data from 48 patients, all cisgender men. The median age was 35 years (IQR 29 - 44), and 87.5% were MSM. The most prevalent symptoms were the presence of vesicular-umbilicated and pseudo-pustular skin lesions (93.8%), asthenia (66.6%), and fever (52.1%). In addition, the location of the lesions in the genital or perianal area was related to the role in sexual intercourse (p<0.001). Sequencing analysis indicated the virus circulating in Spain belongs to the western African clade. Like the other European cases in the outbreak, the Spanish isolates are a direct descendant of viruses previously detected in Nigeria, the UK, Singapore, and Israel in 2017-2018.

CONCLUSIONS

Monkeypox is an emerging infectious disease in Europe where community transmission is reported, mainly in MSM. The first symptom was skin lesions instead of classical fever and rash. The disease follows a self-limited course, and there have been no cases with a serious presentation or severe complications.

High-Risk Sexual Practices Contribute to HIV-1 Double Infection Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Madrid

Data on the prevalence of double infection (DI) in HIV individuals are lacking in Spain. To fill this gap, we analyzed the prevalence of DI in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) and examined factors contributing to DI. We selected 81 MSM attending Centro Sanitario Sandoval, a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Madrid. We obtained by ultra-deep sequencing the proviral sequences in gag and env genes and performed a phylogenetic analysis for the identification of DI. Clinical, behavioral, host, and viral factors were studied for its association with DI. We detected six individuals with DI and one case of superinfection with a global prevalence of 8.6%. The genetic distance among the subtype B viruses in monoinfected individuals (24.4%) was lower than the distance between the two viruses in subtype B DI individuals (29.5%). Individuals with a high number of sexual contacts (>25 partners/year) had an 8.66 times higher risk of DI (p = .017). In this MSM cohort the prevalence of HIV DI was estimated at 8.6%. DI was strongly associated with the number of sexual partners. Because of the pathogenic consequences of HIV DI, this high prevalence should promote public health programs targeted at high-risk population such as MSM for the control of HIV infection and DI. HIV DI should be considered for a better clinical management of these individuals.

The novel RUNX3/p33 isoform is induced upon monocyte-derived dendritic cell maturation and downregulates IL-8 expression

RUNX proteins are heterodimeric factors that play crucial roles during development and differentiation of cells of the immune system. The RUNX3 transcription factor controls lineage decisions during thymopoiesis and T-cell differentiation, and modulates myeloid cell effector functions. We now report the characterization of the human RUNX3/p33 isoform, generated by splicing out a Runt DNA-binding domain-encoding exon, and whose transcriptional activities differ from those of the prototypic RUNX3/p44 molecule. Unlike RUNX3/p44, RUNX3/p33 is induced upon maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC), and is unable to transactivate the regulatory regions of the CD11a, CD11c and CD49e integrin genes. Overexpression of RUNX3/p33 in myeloid cell lines led to diminished expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses. Moreover, overexpression of RUNX3/p33 down-modulated the basal level of IL-8 production from immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC). Besides, siRNA-mediated knock-down of RUNX3 led to diminished levels of IL-8 RNA in immature MDDC, and modulated the neutrophil-recruiting capacity of myeloid cell line supernatants. Since IL-8 promotes neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation during inflammatory responses, and exerts mitogenic and angiogenic actions within tumor microenvironment, our results imply that myeloid RUNX3 expression regulates the recruitment of leukocytes towards inflammatory foci and might also contribute to human cancer progression.

CCR6 regulates EAE pathogenesis by controlling regulatory CD4+ T-cell recruitment to target tissues

The T-cell subsets, characterized by their cytokine production profiles and immune regulatory functions, depend on correct in vivo location to interact with accessory or target cells for effective immune responses. Differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into effectors is accompanied by sequentially regulated expression of the chemokine receptors responsible for cell recruitment to specific tissues. We studied CCR6 function in EAE, a CD4(+) T-cell-mediated CNS disease characterized by mononuclear infiltration and demyelination. CCR6(-/-) mice showed an altered time course of EAE development, with delayed onset, a higher clinical score, and more persistent symptoms than in controls. An imbalanced cytokine profile and reduced Foxp3(+) cell frequency characterized CNS tissues from CCR6(-/-) compared with CCR6(+/+) mice during the disease effector phase. Transfer of CCR6(+/+) Treg to CCR6(-/-) mice the day before EAE induction reduced the clinical score associated with an increased in infiltrating Foxp3(+) cells and recovery of the cytokine balance in CCR6(-/-) mouse CNS. Competitive assays between CCR6(+/+) and CCR6(-/-) Treg adoptively transferred to CCR6(-/-) mice showed impaired ability of CCR6(-/-) Treg to infiltrate CNS tissues in EAE-affected mice. Our data indicate a CCR6 requirement by CD4(+) Treg to downregulate the CNS inflammatory process and neurological signs associated with EAE.

Co-regulation analysis of closely linked genes identifies a highly recurrent gain on chromosome 17q25.3 in prostate cancer

Background

Transcriptional profiling of prostate cancer (PC) has unveiled new markers of neoplasia and allowed insights into mechanisms underlying this disease. Genomewide analyses have also identified new chromosomal abnormalities associated with PC. The combination of both classes of data for the same sample cohort might provide better criteria for identifying relevant factors involved in neoplasia. Here we describe transcriptional signatures identifying distinct normal and tumoral prostate tissue compartments, and the inference and demonstration of a new, highly recurrent copy number gain on chromosome 17q25.3.

Methods

We have applied transcriptional profiling to tumoral and non-tumoral prostate samples with relatively homogeneous epithelial representations as well as pure stromal tissue from peripheral prostate and cultured cell lines, followed by quantitative RT-PCR validations and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, we have performed in silico colocalization analysis of co-regulated genes and validation by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

The transcriptomic analysis has allowed us to identify signatures corresponding to non-tumoral luminal and tumoral epithelium, basal epithelial cells, and prostate stromal tissue. In addition, in silico analysis of co-regulated expression of physically linked genes has allowed us to predict the occurrence of a copy number gain at chromosomal region 17q25.3. This computational inference was validated by fluorescent in situ hybridization, which showed gains in this region in over 65% of primary and metastatic tumoral samples.

Conclusion

Our approach permits to directly link gene copy number variations with transcript co-regulation in association with neoplastic states. Therefore, transcriptomic studies of carefully selected samples can unveil new diagnostic markers and transcriptional signatures highly specific of PC, and lead to the discovery of novel genomic abnormalities that may provide additional insights into the causes and mechanisms of prostate cancer.

Statins induce regulatory T cell recruitment via a CCL1 dependent pathway

The statins, a group of inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, are reported to influence a variety of immune system activities through 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. How statin treatment regulates immune system function in vivo nonetheless remains to be fully defined. We analyzed the immunomodulatory effects of lovastatin in a Candida albicans-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice. In this model, lovastatin administration reduced the acute inflammatory response elicited by C. albicans challenge. This anti-inflammatory activity of lovastatin was associated with a shift from a Th1 to a Th2 immune response, as well as an increase in the percentage of regulatory T cells at the inflammation site and in the regional draining lymph node. The lovastatin-induced increase in regulatory T cells in the inflamed skin was dependent on expression of CCL1, a chemokine that is locally up-regulated by statin administration. The anti-inflammatory effect of lovastatin was abrogated in CCL1-deficient mice. These results suggest that local regulation of chemokine expression may be an important process in statin-induced modulation of the immune system.

A salt stress-responsive cytokinin receptor homologue isolated from Medicago sativa nodules

A new cytokinin receptor homologue, MsHK1, was isolated from Medicago sativa root nodules. MsHK1 expression was induced in alfalfa seedlings by exogenous application of the cytokinin trans-zeatin. Transcript accumulation was detected in different plant organs. MsHK1 expression was induced by salt stress in alfalfa roots, leaves and nodules, and transcript accumulation in the vascular bundles pointed to a putative role in osmosensing for MsHK1 and/or other close cytokinin receptor homologues. Expression in the meristem and the invasion zone of the nodule suggest a role for cytokinin receptors in cytokinin sensing during nodule cell division and differentiation.

A cytokinin receptor homologue is induced during root nodule organogenesis and senescence in Lupinus albus L

Here we report the isolation of a new cytokinin receptor homologue, LaHK1, from lupin (Lupinus albus) root nodules. LaHK1 transcript accumulation was detected in different plant organs, and expression was analyzed throughout nodule development. We observed notably higher expression in nodule primordia and young nodules compared to the root or to mature nodules. We also detected elevated transcript accumulation in naturally senescent nodules and in senescent nodules subjected to foliar dark stress. The results could be an indication of a putative role of this cytokinin receptor homologue in nodule development, from morphogenesis through senescence.

Detection of bacteria based on the thermomechanical noise of a nanomechanical resonator: origin of the response and detection limits

We have measured the effect of bacteria adsorption on the resonant frequency of microcantilevers as a function of the adsorption position and vibration mode. The resonant frequencies were measured from the Brownian fluctuations of the cantilever tip. We found that the sign and amount of the resonant frequency change is determined by the position and extent of the adsorption on the cantilever with regard to the shape of the vibration mode. To explain these results, a theoretical one-dimensional model is proposed. We obtain analytical expressions for the resonant frequency that accurately fit the data obtained by the finite element method. More importantly, the theory data shows a good agreement with the experiments. Our results indicate that there exist two opposite mechanisms that can produce a significant resonant frequency shift: the stiffness and the mass of the bacterial cells. Based on the thermomechanical noise, we analyse the regions of the cantilever of lowest and highest sensitivity to the attachment of bacteria. The combination of high vibration modes and the confinement of the adsorption to defined regions of the cantilever allows the detection of single bacterial cells by only measuring the Brownian fluctuations. This study can be extended to smaller cantilevers and other biological systems such as proteins and nucleic acids.

Genomic Profiling of Circulating Plasma RNA for the Analysis of Cancer

Background: The blood of cancer patients is known to contain fragments of RNA released from the tumor. The application of genomic profiling techniques to plasma RNA may allow the unbiased selection of cancer markers in the blood, but the informative value of genomic profiling of plasma RNA is currently unknown.

Methods: We used cDNA microarray hybridization to perform genomic profiling of plasma RNA from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and from healthy donors. From a list of 40 genes differentially upregulated in cancer patients, we randomly selected 4 genes for further characterization. These 4 markers were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR in a wide set of samples including paired samples from the same CRC patients before and after surgical resection of the tumor.

Results: Three of the selected markers—EPAS1, UBE2D3, and KIAA0101—were confirmed by PCR to be significantly increased in cancer compared to healthy donors. Importantly, 2 of the markers, EPAS1 and UBE2D3, showed a significant decrease after surgery, returning to the levels of healthy donors. Finally, supervised class prediction using these 3 markers correctly (77%) assigned presurgery samples to the CRC group and assigned postsurgery samples from the same patients to the healthy group.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of gene expression profiling of circulating plasma RNA to find cancer markers of potential clinical value.

Molecular characterisation of BSR4, a novel bradyzoite-specific gene from Neospora caninum

Here we present the identification and cloning of the NcBSR4 gene, the putative Neospora caninum orthologue to the Toxoplasma gondii TgBSR4 gene. To isolate NcBSR4, genome walking PCR was performed on N. caninum genomic DNA using the expressed sequence tag NcEST3c28h02.y1 sequence, which shares a 44% identity with the TgBSR4 gene, as a framework. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified DNA fragments revealed a single uninterrupted 1227 bp open reading frame that encodes a protein of 408 amino acids with 66% similarity to the TgBSR4 antigen. A putative 39-residue signal peptide was found at the NH2-terminus, followed by a hydrophilic region. At the COOH-terminus, a potential site for a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor was identified at amino acid 379. A polyclonal serum against recombinant NcBSR4 protein was raised in rabbits, and immunolabelling demonstrated stage-specific expression of the NcBSR4 antigen in N. caninum bradyzoites produced in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis showed a slight increase of NcBSR4 transcripts in bradyzoites generated during in vitro tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite stage-conversion, suggesting that this gene is specifically expressed at the bradyzoite stage and that its transcription relies on the switch to this stage.

Effect of ammonia on ciliary neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein expression and its upstream signalling pathway in cultured rat astroglial cells: possible implication of c-fos, Sp1 and p38MAPK

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) may be implicated in the pathogenetic mechanisms of hepatic encephalopathy. We tested this hypothesis by treating confluent primary cultures of rat astroglial cells with ammonium chloride for various periods and analysing the effect of ammonia on the signalling pathway that regulates CNTF mRNA and protein expression. Ammonia treatment induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in CNTF mRNA and protein expression. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of CNTF in the culture medium demonstrated that ammonia also induced a significant decrease in CNTF release. In addition, ammonia affected Sp1 and c-fos, transcription factors that regulate CNTF mRNA and protein expression, which showed partial dephosphorylation and significantly lower mRNA and protein levels. Total content of p38MAPK (for which Sp1 and c-fos are substrates) was unaffected by ammonia, although the diphosphorylated (active) form was significantly reduced after ammonia exposure.

Differential gene expression profile in omental adipose tissue in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with visceral obesity, suggesting that omental adipose tissue might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to study the expression profiles of omental fat biopsy samples obtained from morbidly obese women with or without PCOS at the time of bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

This was a case-control study.

SETTINGS

We conducted the study in an academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Eight PCOS patients and seven nonhyperandrogenic women submitted to bariatric surgery because of morbid obesity.

INTERVENTIONS

Biopsy samples of omental fat were obtained during bariatric surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was high-density oligonucleotide arrays.

RESULTS

After statistical analysis, we identified changes in the expression patterns of 63 genes between PCOS and control samples. Gene classification was assessed through data mining of Gene Ontology annotations and cluster analysis of dysregulated genes between both groups. These methods highlighted abnormal expression of genes encoding certain components of several biological pathways related to insulin signaling and Wnt signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, immune function, and lipid metabolism, as well as other genes previously related to PCOS or to the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The differences in the gene expression profiles in visceral adipose tissue of PCOS patients compared with nonhyperandrogenic women involve multiple genes related to several biological pathways, suggesting that the involvement of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of PCOS is more ample than previously thought and is not restricted to the induction of insulin resistance.

The NcGRA7 gene encodes the immunodominant 17 kDa antigen of Neospora caninum

A Neospora caninum 17-19 kDa antigenic protein fraction (p17) in one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is the immunodominant antigen recognized by sera from bovines naturally infected by N. caninum. To identify the proteins making up the p17 fraction, we screened a new N. caninum tachyzoite cDNA library with an affinity-purified antibody against p17 (APA17). We isolated several cDNA clones with 100% sequence identity to the NcGRA7 gene. This previously described gene encodes a dense granule protein with an apparent molecular mass of 33 kDa. A second line of evidence emerged through a combined proteomic approach associating two-dimensional PAGE (2D-PAGE) to Western blotting and to mass spectrometry to characterize the p17 fraction. Two acidic immunodominant but minority protein spots were recognized by APA17 and by bovine sera. These antigens of 17 and 33 kDa are respectively composed of 4 and 2 isoforms. Furthermore, p17 isolation by 2D-PAGE and peptide sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry yielded a partial sequence of 17 amino acids, which allowed the putative amino terminal region of the NcGRA7 protein to be identified unambiguously. The NcGRA7 protein, without the putative signal peptide at the NH2-terminus, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and when the purified recombinant protein (rNcGRA7) was analysed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry, 2 bands of 24 and 33 kDa were resolved and identified as NcGRA7. These results demonstrate that the immunodominant 17 kDa antigen of N. caninum is encoded by the NcGRA7 gene.

Human Gene Profiling in Response to the Active Protein Kinase, Interferon-induced Serine/threonine Protein Kinase (PKR), in Infected Cells

The interferon-induced serine/threonine protein kinase (PKR) has an essential role in cell survival and cell death after viral infection and under stress conditions, but the host genes involved in these processes are not well defined. We used human cDNA microarrays to identify, in infected cells, genes differentially expressed after PKR expression and analyzed the requirement of catalytic activity of the enzyme. To express PKR, we used vaccinia virus (VV) recombinants producing wild type PKR (VV-PKR) and the catalytically inactive mutant K296R (VV-PKR-K296R). Most regulated genes were classified according to biological function, including apoptosis, stress, defense, and immune response. Transcriptional changes detected by microarray analysis were confirmed for selected genes by quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR. A total of 111 genes were regulated specifically by PKR catalytic activity. Of these, 97 were up-regulated, and 14 were down-regulated. The ATF-3 transcription factor, involved in stress-induced beta-cell apoptosis, was up-regulated. Activation of endogenous PKR with a VV mutant lacking the viral protein E3L (VVDeltaE3L), a PKR inhibitor, triggered an increase in ATF-3 expression that was not observed in PKR(-/-) cells. Using null cells for ATF-3 and for the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB, we showed that induction of apoptosis by PKR at late times of infection was dependent on ATF-3 expression and regulated by NF-kappaB activation. Here, we identified human genes selectively induced by expression of active PKR in infected cells and linked ATF-3 to a novel mechanism used by PKR to induce apoptosis.

Possible implication of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and beta-synuclein in the ammonia effect on cultured rat astroglial cells: a study using DNA and protein microarrays

Astrocytes are considered the key cell in hepatic encephalopathy; although their precise role in the disease has not yet been determined, exposure to ammonia appears to have an important pathogenic effect. We exposed confluent cultures of rat astroglial cells to ammonia (5mM NH(4)Cl) for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, and determined astroglial levels of actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), GLAST glutamate transporter, 25kDa heat-shock protein (HSP25), HSP60 and HSP70 by Western blot; the glutamine content in culture medium was measured by mass spectrometry. Significant increases were observed for GS, HSP60 and glutamine, and significant reductions for actin and GFAP. Astrocytes exposed to ammonia for 4 days were used to analyze the effect of ammonia in protein and DNA microarrays. After protein microarray data filtration by signal intensity, x-fold change and z-score, 11 proteins were selected, among which the significant increase in beta-synuclein was confirmed by Western blot. DNA microarray data filtration by intensity signal, x-fold change and p-value selected almost 600 genes. The significant increase in alpha-synuclein mRNA was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR, but no change was observed in alpha-synuclein protein levels. A notable decrease in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was demonstrated by Western blot after ammonia treatment, concurring with the reduction in CNTF mRNA observed in DNA microarrays. We discuss the possibility of a pathogenic role for CNTF and a protective role for beta-synuclein in experimental hyperammonemia. This study demonstrates the use of microarrays as tools to ascertain the possible implication of previously unidentified proteins in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.

Host response to the attenuated poxvirus vector NYVAC: upregulation of apoptotic genes and NF-kappaB-responsive genes in infected HeLa cells

NYVAC has been engineered as a safe, attenuated vaccinia virus (VV) vector for use in vaccination against a broad spectrum of pathogens and tumors. Due to the interest in NYVAC-based vectors as vaccines and current phase I/II clinical trials with this vector, there is a need to analyze the human host response to NYVAC infection. Using high-density cDNA microarrays, we found 368 differentially regulated genes after NYVAC infection of HeLa cells. Clustering of the regulated genes identified six discrete gene clusters with altered expression patterns. Clusters 1 to 3 represented 47.5% of the regulated genes, with three patterns of gene activation kinetics, whereas clusters 4 to 6 showed distinct repression kinetics. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis of selected genes validated the array data. Upregulated transcripts correlated with genes implicated in immune responses, including those encoding interleukin-1 receptor 2 (IL-1R2), IL-6, ISG-15, CD-80, and TNFSF7. NYVAC upregulated several intermediates of apoptotic cascades, including caspase-9, correlating with its ability to induce apoptosis. NYVAC infection also stimulated the expression of NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 as well as that of NF-kappaB target genes. Expression of the VV host range K1L gene during NYVAC infection prevented NF-kappaB activation, but not the induction of apoptosis. This study is the first overall analysis of the transcriptional response of human cells to NYVAC infection and provides a framework for future functional studies to evaluate this vector and its derivatives as human vaccines.

Identification and molecular cloning of the Neospora caninum SAG4 gene specifically expressed at bradyzoite stage

Here, we identify and clone the NcSAG4 gene, orthologue to the Toxoplasma gondii TgSAG4 gene, and the first reported gene to be expressed specifically during the Neospora caninum bradyzoite stage. To isolate NcSAG4, we designed degenerate oligonucleotides based on the TgSAG4 protein amino acid sequence. A 312-bp DNA fragment was amplified by PCR from N. caninum genomic DNA, whose sequence showed 65% identity to TgSAG4 gene over 257 bp. NcSAG4 gene sequence was obtained by PCR genome walking. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified DNA fragments showed a single uninterrupted 522-bp ORF that encoded a 173-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 18,394 Da, with 69% similarity to the TgSAG4 antigen. A 28-residue putative signal peptide was found at the NH2-terminus, followed by a strongly hydrophilic region. An amino acid motif for a phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor was identified at the COOH-terminus. The NcSAG4 protein lacking the putative signal peptide at the NH2-terminus was expressed in Escherichia coli and was recognized in western blot by sera from congenitally infected cattle. A mouse polyclonal anti-rNcSAG4 serum was produced for immunofluorescence studies, and revealed stage-specific NcSAG4 antigen expression in in vitro-cultured bradyzoites. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis with samples from in vitro stage-conversion assay showed increasing levels of NcSAG4 transcript over time, suggesting a developmental upregulation of this gene.

Tumour biology: senescence in premalignant tumours

Oncogene-induced senescence is a cellular response that may be crucial for protection against cancer development, but its investigation has so far been restricted to cultured cells that have been manipulated to overexpress an oncogene. Here we analyse tumours initiated by an endogenous oncogene, ras, and show that senescent cells exist in premalignant tumours but not in malignant ones. Senescence is therefore a defining feature of premalignant tumours that could prove valuable in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.

Control of T helper 2 cell function and allergic airway inflammation by PKCzeta

Asthma is a disease of chronic airway inflammation in which T helper (Th) 2 cells play a critical role. The molecular mechanisms controlling Th2 differentiation and function are of paramount importance in biology and immunology. PKCzeta has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and NF-kappaB, as well as in the control of T-dependent responses, although no defects were detected in naïve T cells from PKCzeta-/- mice. Here, we report that PKCzeta is critical for IL-4 signaling and Th2 differentiation. Thus, PKCzeta levels are increased during Th2 differentiation, but not Th1 differentiation, of CD4+ T cells, and the loss of PKCzeta impairs the secretion of Th2 cytokines in vitro and in vivo, as well as the nuclear translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat6 and Jak1 activation, essential downstream targets of IL-4 signaling. Moreover, PKCzeta-/- mice display dramatic inhibition of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway disease, strongly suggesting that PKCzeta can be a therapeutic target in asthma.

Nanomechanics of the formation of DNA self-assembled monolayers and hybridization on microcantilevers

Biomolecular interactions over the surface of a microcantilever can produce its bending motion via changes of the surface stress, which is referred to nanomechanical response. Here, we have studied the interaction forces responsible for the bending motion during the formation of a self-assembled monolayer of thiolated 27-mer single-stranded DNA on the gold-coated side of a microcantilever and during the subsequent hybridization with the complementary nucleic acid. The immobilization of the single-stranded DNA probe gives a mean surface stress of 25 mN/m and a mean bending of 23 nm for microcantilevers with a length and thickness of about 200 microm and 0.8 microm, respectively. The hybridization with the complementary sequence could not be inferred from the nanomechanical response. The nanomechanical response was compared with data from well-established techniques such as surface plasmon resonance and radiolabeling, to determine the surface coverage and study the intermolecular forces between neighboring DNA molecules anchored to the microcantilever surface. From both techniques, an immobilization surface density of 3 x 10(12) molecules/cm(2) and a hybridization efficiency of 40% were determined. More importantly, label-free hybridization was clearly detected in the same conditions with a conventional sensor based on surface plasmon resonance. The results imply that the nanomechanical signal during the immobilization process arises mainly from the covalent attachment to the gold surface, and the interchain interactions between neighboring DNA molecules are weak, producing an undetectable surface stress. We conclude that detection of nucleic acid hybridization with nanomechanical sensors requires reference cantilevers to remove nonspecific signals, more sensitive microcantilever geometries, and immobilization chemistries specially addressed to enhance the surface stress variations.

Leukocyte attraction through the CCR5 receptor controls progress from insulitis to diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice

Lymphocyte infiltration to pancreatic islets is associated to chemoattraction, as are other inflammatory autoimmune processes. We examined whether development of insulitis and diabetes depends on chemoattraction of lymphocytes via the CCR5 chemokine receptor. In non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a substantial fraction of peripheral T cells and virtually all B cells expressed high CCR5 levels. CCR5 expression characterized the effector T cell phenotype, suggesting their potential involvement in disease development. In view of these findings and the CCL5 (RANTES, the CCR5 ligand) expression by pancreatic islets, we treated NOD mice with a neutralizing anti-CCR5 antibody. This did not influence peri-insulitis advancement, but inhibited beta-cell destruction and diabetes. These data demonstrate a role of CCR5-dependent chemoattraction in insulitis progression to islet destruction, suggesting the potential value of therapeutic intervention by CCR5 targeting.

Identification on Mouse Chromosome 8 of New β-Defensin Genes with Regionally Specific Expression in the Male Reproductive Organ

Defensins are important elements in innate immunity that can also trigger adaptive immune responses. The defensins form a family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides with six characteristic cysteine residues, whose pairing pattern in forming three intramolecular disulfide bonds defines the alpha- and beta-defensin subfamilies. In a search for new beta-defensin genes, we performed computational analysis using the Celera mouse genome data base and found exons encoding 23 different beta-defensins, including the eight previously characterized members of this family. Among the new beta-defensins, nine of them form two groups of phylogenetically related sequences that were characterized in greater detail. Northern blot, reverse transcription PCR, and in situ hybridization analysis showed that expression of these genes is restricted to the epididymis, with a specific regional expression pattern. One of the new beta-defensins (Defb38) was chemically synthesized; in in vitro assays on Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains, Defb38 showed the characteristic salt-dependent antimicrobial activity of beta-defensins. The results demonstrate the existence of a relatively large number of beta-defensins with specific expression in distinct regions of the murine epididymis and suggest complex roles for these proteins in host defense and other physiological processes of the male reproductive tract.

Analysis of post-translational CCR8 modifications and their influence on receptor activity

Post-translational modifications of the extracellular portions of receptors located in the cell membrane can contribute to modulating their biological activity. Using a mutagenesis approach in which single or multiple Tyr-to-Phe, Thr-to-Ala, Ser-to-Ala, and Asn-to-Gln substitutions were made at the appropriate positions, we analyzed the sulfation and glycosylation state of the murine CCR8 chemokine receptor, and the way in which these post-translational modifications affect CCR8 activity. A Y14Y15-to-F14F15 CCR8 mutant was less sulfated than the wild-type receptor. An N8-to-Q8 mutant was less glycosylated than wild-type, and a double T10T12-to-A10A12 mutant showed even less glycosylation. We established a flow cytometric analysis with an Fc-fused form of mouse CCL1 to determine precisely the ligand-binding activity of these mutants. Single mutants at amino acid positions 8, 10 or 12 bound CCL1-Fc similarly to wild-type CCR8, whereas the F14F15 double mutant was essentially inactive and the A10A12 double mutant showed about 65% of wild-type ligand-binding activity. Calcium flux activity assays were performed with these mutants, yielding results consistent with those from the ligand binding assays. These data indicate that sulfation at specific positions of the N-terminal domain of mouse CCR8 is critical for its biological activity, whereas glycosylation has a minor influence.

Absence of CCR8 does not impair the response to ovalbumin-induced allergic airway disease

Interaction of chemokines with their specific receptors results in tight control of leukocyte migration and positioning. CCR8 is a chemokine receptor expressed mainly in CD4(+) single-positive thymocytes and Th2 cells. We generated CCR8-deficient mice (CCR8(-/-)) to study the in vivo role of this receptor, and describe in this study the CCR8(-/-) mouse response in OVA-induced allergic airway disease using several models, including an adoptive transfer model and receptor-blocking experiments. All CCR8(-/-) mice developed a pathological response similar to that of wild-type animals with respect to bronchoalveolar lavage cell composition, peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophilia, lung infiltrates, and Th2 cytokine levels in lung and serum. The results contrast with a recent report using one of the OVA-induced asthma models studied here. Similar immune responses were also observed in CCR8(-/-) and wild-type animals in a different model of ragweed allergen-induced peritoneal eosinophilic inflammation, with an equivalent number of eosinophils and analogous increased levels of Th2 cytokines in peritoneum and peripheral blood. Our results show that allergic diseases course without critical CCR8 participation, and suggest that further work is needed to unravel the in vivo role of CCR8 in Th2-mediated pathologies.

Functional inactivation of CXC chemokine receptor 4-mediated responses through SOCS3 up-regulation

Hematopoietic cell growth, differentiation, and chemotactic responses require coordinated action between cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines promote receptor oligomerization, followed by Janus kinase (JAK) kinase activation, signal transducers and transactivators of transcription (STAT) nuclear translocation, and transcription of cytokine-responsive genes. These include genes that encode a family of negative regulators of cytokine signaling, the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins. After binding their specific receptors, chemokines trigger receptor dimerization and activate the JAK/STAT pathway. We show that SOCS3 overexpression or up-regulation, stimulated by a cytokine such as growth hormone, impairs the response to CXCL12, measured by Ca(2+) flux and chemotaxis in vitro and in vivo. This effect is mediated by SOCS3 binding to the CXC chemokine receptor 4 receptor, blocking JAK/STAT and Galpha(i) pathways, without interfering with cell surface chemokine receptor expression. The data provide clear evidence for signaling cross-talk between cytokine and chemokine responses in building a functional immune system.

Quantitative detection of Neospora caninum in bovine aborted fetuses and experimentally infected mice by real-time PCR

We report the development of a real-time PCR assay for the quantitative detection of Neospora caninum in infected host tissues. The assay uses the double-stranded DNA-binding dye SYBR Green I to continuously monitor product formation. Oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 76-bp DNA fragment corresponding to the Nc5 sequence of N. caninum. A similar method was developed to quantify the 28S rRNA host gene in order to compare the parasite load of different samples and to correct for the presence of potential PCR-inhibiting compounds in the DNA samples. A linear quantitative detection range of 6 logs with a calculated detection limit of 10(-1) tachyzoite per assay was observed with excellent linearity (R(2) = 0.998). Assay specificity was confirmed by using DNA from the closely related parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The applicability of the technique was successfully tested in a variety of host brain tissues: (i) aborted bovine fetuses classified into negative or positive Neospora-infected animals according to the observation of compatible lesions by histopathological study and (ii) experimentally infected BALB/c mice, divided into three groups, inoculated animals with or without compatible lesions and negative controls. All samples were also tested by ITS1 Neospora nested PCR and a high degree of agreement was shown between both PCR techniques (kappa = 0.86). This technique represents a useful quantitative diagnostic tool to be used in the study of the pathogenicity, immunoprophylaxis, and treatment of Neospora infection.

The association of Aiolos transcription factor and Bcl-xL is involved in the control of apoptosis

We have analyzed the mechanism implicated in the control of the anti-apoptotic role of Bcl-xL. We show that IL-4 deprivation induces apoptosis, but does not modulate Bcl-xL expression. Because Bcl-xL does not promote cell survival in the absence of IL-4, we investigate the mechanism by which Bcl-xL was unable to inhibit apoptosis. Using yeast two-hybrid system, coimmunoprecipitation, and indirect immunofluorescence techniques, we found that Bcl-xL interacts with the transcription factor Aiolos in IL-4-stimulated cells, increasing upon IL-4 deprivation. IL-4 does not promote translocation of Aiolos or Bcl-xL, but induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Aiolos, which is required for dissociation from Bcl-xL. Transfection experiments confirm that cells overexpressing Bcl-xL are able to prevent apoptosis in the absence of IL-4. On the contrary, cells that overexpress Bcl-xL and Aiolos are unable to block apoptosis in the absence of IL-4. We propose a model for the regulation of the Bcl-xL anti-apoptotic role via Aiolos.

NMR solution structure of murine CCL20/MIP-3alpha, a chemokine that specifically chemoattracts immature dendritic cells and lymphocytes through its highly specific interaction with the beta-chemokine receptor CCR6

CCL20/MIP-3alpha is a beta-chemokine expressed in the thymus, skin, and intestinal epithelial cells that exclusively binds and activates the CCR6 receptor in both mice and humans. The strict receptor binding specificity of CCL20 is exceptional; other chemokines and their receptors bind promiscuously with multiple partners. Toward determining the structural basis for the selective receptor specificity of CCL20, we have determined its three-dimensional structure by 1H NMR spectroscopy. CCL20 exhibits the same monomeric structure previously described for other chemokines: a three-stranded beta-sheet and an overlying alpha-helix. The CCL20 receptor selectivity could arise from the rigid conformation of the N-terminal DCCL motif as well as the groove between the N-loop and the beta2-beta3 hairpin, which is significantly narrower in CCL20 than in other chemokines. Similar structural features are seen in human beta-defensin 2, a small nonchemokine polypeptide reported to selectively bind and activate CCR6, which stresses their importance for the specific binding of both CCL20 and beta-defensin 2 to CCR6. CCL20's structure will be useful to design tools aimed to modulate its important biological functions.

The transient expression of C-C chemokine receptor 8 in thymus identifies a thymocyte subset committed to become CD4+ single-positive T cells

Developing T cells journey through the different thymic microenvironments while receiving signals that eventually will allow some of them to become mature naive T cells exported to the periphery. This maturation can be visualized by the phenotype of the developing cells. CCR8 is a ss-chemokine receptor preferentially expressed in the thymus. We have developed 8F4, an anti-mouse CCR8 mAb that is able to neutralize the ligand-induced activation of CCR8, and used it to characterize the CCR8 protein expression in the different thymocyte subsets. Taking into account the intrathymic lineage relationships, our data showed that CCR8 expression in thymus followed two transient waves along T cell maturation. The first one took place in CD4(-) CD8(-) double-negative thymocytes, which showed a low CCR8 expression, and the second wave occurred after TCR activation by the Ag-dependent positive selection in CD4(+) CD8(+) double-positive cells. From that maturation stage, CCR8 expression gradually increased as the CD4(+) cell differentiation proceeded, reaching a maximum at the CD4(+) CD8(-) single-positive stage. These CD4(+) cells expressing CCR8 were also CD69(high) CD62L(low) thymocytes, suggesting that they still needed to undergo some differentiation step before becoming functionally competent naive T cells ready to be exported from the thymus. Interestingly, no significant amounts of CCR8 protein were detectable in CD4(-) CD8(+) thymocytes. Our data showing a clear regulation of the CCR8 protein in thymus suggest a relevant role for CCR8 in this lymphoid organ, and identify CCR8 as a possible marker of thymocyte subsets recently committed to the CD4(+) lineage.

Bcl-3 expression promotes cell survival following interleukin-4 deprivation and is controlled by AP1 and AP1-like transcription factors

We have analyzed the interleukin-4 (IL-4)-triggered mechanisms implicated in cell survival and show here that IL-4 deprivation induces apoptotic cell death but does not modulate Bcl-2 or Bcl-x expression. Since Bcl-x expression is insufficient to ensure cell survival in the absence of IL-4, we speculate that additional molecules replace the antiapoptotic role of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x in an alternative IL-4-triggered pathway. Cell death is associated with Bcl-3 downregulation and Bcl-3 expression blocks IL-4 deprivation-induced apoptosis, suggesting that Bcl-3 acts as a survival factor in the absence of growth factor. To characterize the IL-4-induced regulation of murine Bcl-3 expression, we cloned the promoter of this gene. Sequencing of the promoter showed no TATA box element but did reveal binding sites for AP1, AP1-like, and SP1 transcription factors. Retardation gels showed that IL-4 specifically induces AP1 and AP1-like binding activity and that mutation of these binding sites abolishes the IL-4-induced Bcl-3 promoter activity, suggesting that these transcription factors are important in Bcl-3 promoter transactivation. IL-4 deprivation induces downregulation of Jun expression and upregulation of Fos expression, both of which are proteins involved in the formation of AP1 and AP1-like transcription factors. Overexpression of Jun family proteins transactivates the promoter and restores Bcl-3 expression in the absence of IL-4 stimulation. Taken together, these data describe a new biological role for Bcl-3 and define the regulatory pathway implicated in Bcl-3 expression.

Down-regulation of the beta-chemokine receptor CCR6 in dendritic cells mediated by TNF-alpha and IL-4

Chemokines are involved in the control of dendritic cell (DC) trafficking, which is critical for the immune response. We have generated DC from human umbilical cord blood CD34+ progenitors cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and stem cell factor. Using an anti-CCR6 monoclonal antibody, we observed that these cells showed maximum expression of this beta-chemokine receptor when they were immature, as determined by their relatively low expression of several DC maturation markers such as CD1a, CD11c, CD14, CD40, CD80, and CD83. Immature DC responded strongly to macrophage inflammatory protein-3alpha (MIP-3alpha), the CCR6 ligand, in migration and calcium mobilization assays. CCR6 expression decreased in parallel with the DC maturation induced by prolonged TNF-alphaq treatments. Interleukin-4 was also able to decrease CCR6 protein levels. Our findings suggest that the MIP-3alpha/CCR6 interaction plays an important role in the trafficking of immature DC to chemokine production sites such as injured or inflamed peripheral tissues, where DC undergo maturation on contact with antigens.

Cutting edge: identification of the orphan chemokine receptor GPR-9-6 as CCR9, the receptor for the chemokine TECK

Thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK) has been reported to chemoattract dendritic cells, thymocytes, and activated macrophages. Here, we show that TECK is a specific agonist for a human orphan receptor called GPR-9-6. We have determined the cDNA sequence of human GPR-9-6 and cloned the corresponding murine cDNA. Human and murine GPR-9-6 expression is very high in the thymus and low in lymph nodes and spleen. RT-PCR analysis of murine GPR-9-6 expression on murine FACS-sorted thymocyte subpopulations showed that this gene is expressed in both immature and mature T cells. Additions of human or murine TECK to HEK 293/human GPR-9-6 and HEK 293/murine GPR-9-6 transfectants provoked intracytoplasmic calcium mobilization. Human TECK also induced the in vitro migration of HEK 293/human GPR-9-6 cells. These results confirm that GPR-9-6 is a specific receptor for TECK. According to the established nomenclature system, we propose to rename GPR-9-6 as CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9).

Molecular cloning, functional characterization and mRNA expression analysis of the murine chemokine receptor CCR6 and its specific ligand MIP-3alpha

We have cloned the murine CCR6 receptor and its ligand, the beta-chemokine mMIP-3alpha. Calcium mobilization assays performed with mCCR6 transfectants showed significant responses upon addition of mMIP-3alpha. Murine MIP-3alpha RNA is expressed in thymus, small intestine and colon, whereas mCCR6 RNA is expressed in spleen and lymph nodes. RT-PCR analysis of FACS-sorted lymphoid and antigen presenting cell subsets showed mCCR6 expression mainly in B cells, CD8- splenic dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. The cloning and functional characterization of the mCCR6 and mMIP-3alpha will allow the study of the role of these proteins in mouse models of inflammation and immunity.

The RGD sequence in phage phi29 terminal protein is required for interaction with phi29 DNA polymerase

The RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif functions as a recognition site for adhesive proteins responsible for a number of cell-cell interactions. Certain viruses use this sequence as a receptor-binding site by interaction with cellular integrins. To elucidate the role of the RGD sequence of the phi29 terminal protein (TP), seven modified TPs were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Most of the TP mutants were not efficiently used as primers, leading to a reduction of the TP-dAMP complex formation in the presence of the phi29 TP-DNA template. Moreover, these mutant TPs were poorly deoxyadenylylated by phi29 DNA polymerase in the absence of template. Analysis of primer TP/DNA polymerase complex formation showed that the modified TPs were affected in the formation of the heterodimeric complex. These results indicate that the RGD sequence present in phi29 TP is primarily involved in interaction with the viral DNA polymerase.

Identification of CCR8 as the specific receptor for the human beta-chemokine I-309: cloning and molecular characterization of murine CCR8 as the receptor for TCA-3

Chemokine receptor-like 1 (CKR-L1) was described recently as a putative seven-transmembrane human receptor with many of the structural features of chemokine receptors. To identify the ligand of CKR-L1, we have studied chemokine-induced calcium mobilization in 293 cells transfected with CKR-L1. Of 20 different chemokines tested, only I-309 was able to elicit a significant calcium mobilization. In addition, I-309 induced the transfectants to migrate in vitro. As expected for chemokine receptor-mediated effects, pertussis toxin, but not cholera toxin, inhibited both the calcium flux and migration of the CKR-L1 transfectants in response to I-309. All of these data support the conclusion that I-309 is a functional ligand for CKR-L1. According to the current chemokine receptor nomenclature, we have designated this gene as CCR8. The murine CCR8 (mCCR8) gene was cloned, and its predicted amino acid sequence showed a 71% identity with that of human CCR8. As human CCR8, mCCR8 is expressed in thymus. Both I-309 and its murine homologue TCA-3 were able to induce calcium mobilization in transiently transfected 293-EBNA cells expressing mCCR8. The affinity of the binding of 125I-labeled TCA-3 to mCCR8 was high (Kd approximately 2 nM); the binding was prevented completely by an excess of cold TCA-3, and only partially competed (40%) by I-309. The identification of I-309 and TCA-3 as the functional ligands for CCR8 receptors will help to unravel the role of these proteins in physiologic and pathologic situations.

Identification of CCR8 as the Specific Receptor for the Human β-Chemokine I-309: Cloning and Molecular Characterization of Murine CCR8 as the Receptor for TCA-3

Chemokine receptor-like 1 (CKR-L1) was described recently as a putative seven-transmembrane human receptor with many of the structural features of chemokine receptors. To identify the ligand of CKR-L1, we have studied chemokine-induced calcium mobilization in 293 cells transfected with CKR-L1. Of 20 different chemokines tested, only I-309 was able to elicit a significant calcium mobilization. In addition, I-309 induced the transfectants to migrate in vitro. As expected for chemokine receptor-mediated effects, pertussis toxin, but not cholera toxin, inhibited both the calcium flux and migration of the CKR-L1 transfectants in response to I-309. All of these data support the conclusion that I-309 is a functional ligand for CKR-L1. According to the current chemokine receptor nomenclature, we have designated this gene as CCR8. The murine CCR8 (mCCR8) gene was cloned, and its predicted amino acid sequence showed a 71% identity with that of human CCR8. As human CCR8, mCCR8 is expressed in thymus. Both I-309 and its murine homologue TCA-3 were able to induce calcium mobilization in transiently transfected 293-EBNA cells expressing mCCR8. The affinity of the binding of 125I-labeled TCA-3 to mCCR8 was high (Kd ≈ 2 nM); the binding was prevented completely by an excess of cold TCA-3, and only partially competed (40%) by I-309. The identification of I-309 and TCA-3 as the functional ligands for CCR8 receptors will help to unravel the role of these proteins in physiologic and pathologic situations.

SA-1, a nuclear protein encoded by one member of a novel gene family: molecular cloning and detection in hemopoietic organs

We report the molecular cloning of a novel gene family. The first member of this family was cloned from a mouse lambda gt11 cDNA library using the B92 monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised against stromal cell extracts. This was followed by RACE-PCR using mRNA from the stromal cell line. A 4 kb cDNA was obtained encoding a unique protein sequence of 1258 aa, that we designate stromal antigen (SA)-1. The human SA-1 gene was cloned by homology from a thymus cDNA library and the sequence of the predicted protein was found to be highly homologous to the murine SA-1 (>98.9%). Another cDNA was cloned and the deduced protein (SA-2) was 71% homologous to SA-1. Northern blot and PCR analysis indicated that on the mRNA level the SA-1 gene is expressed in all tissues analyzed and probably encodes a single transcript. The identification of SA-1 protein in tissues and cells required combined immunoprecipitation and Western blotting using a polyclonal antiserum raised against a predicted peptide of SA-1 and the B92 mAb. Using this assay we identified a protein of about 120 kDa in hemopoietic organs. Subcellular fractionation indicated that SA-1 is a nuclear protein. Thus, despite the ubiquitous expression on the mRNA level, the protein was predominantly detected in hemopoietic organs and may therefore be controlled on a post-transcriptional level. The SA-1 gene described in this study is highly conserved between mouse and man. This implies a crucial function for this protein.

The amino-terminal domain of the CCR2 chemokine receptor acts as coreceptor for HIV-1 infection

The chemokines are a homologous serum protein family characterized by their ability to induce activation of integrin adhesion molecules and leukocyte migration. Chemokines interact with their receptors, which are composed of a single-chain, seven-helix, membrane-spanning protein coupled to G proteins. Two CC chemokine receptors, CCR3 and CCR5, as well as the CXCR4 chemokine receptor, have been shown necessary for infection by several HIV-1 virus isolates. We studied the effect of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and of a panel of MCP-1 receptor (CCR2)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on the suppression of HIV-1 replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We have compelling evidence that MCP-1 has potent HIV-1 suppressive activity when HIV-1-infected peripheral blood lymphocytes are used as target cells. Furthermore, mAb specific for the MCP-1R CCR2 which recognize the third extracellular CCR2 domain inhibit all MCP-1 activity and also block MCP-1 suppressive activity. Finally, a set of mAb specific for the CCR2 amino-terminal domain, one of which mimics MCP-1 activity, has a potent suppressive effect on HIV-1 replication in M- and T-tropic HIV-1 viral isolates. We conjecture a role for CCR2 as a coreceptor for HIV-1 infection and map the HIV-1 binding site to the amino-terminal part of this receptor. This concurs with results showing that the CCR5 amino terminus is relevant in HIV-1 infection, although chimeric fusion of various extracellular domains shows that other domains are also implicated. We discuss the importance of CCR2 structure relative to its coreceptor role and the role of anti-CCR2 receptor antibodies in the prevention of HIV-1 infection.

Post-transcriptional induction of beta 1-adrenergic receptor by retinoic acid, but not triiodothyronine, in C6 glioma cells expressing thyroid hormone receptors

Thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine; T3) has been shown to control the expression of beta 1-adrenergic receptors (beta 1-AR) in cardiac myocytes, but not in C6 glioma cells. This cell specificity has been attributed to low expression of T3 receptors and high expression of the c-erbA alpha 2 splice variant that interferes with the action of T3. To check this hypothesis we have expressed the c-erbA/thyroid hormone receptor (TR) alpha 1 gene in C6 glioma cells and investigated their response to thyroid hormone. Cells expressing TR alpha 1, but not wild-type cells, were responsive to T3 as shown by increased expression of mitochrondrial hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA synthase after T3 exposure. However, T3 had no effect on beta 1-AR gene expression in either set of cells. The beta 1-AR mRNA concentrations were, however, altered by retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Retinoic acid caused a rapid up-regulation of beta 1-AR mRNA levels that was blocked by cycloheximide. Retinoic acid did not increase the beta 1-AR gene transcription rate in run-on experiments. These results indicate an indirect post-transcriptional effect of RA. Control of beta 1-AR expression in C6 cells is also exerted at the translational level, because there was no correlation between mRNA and protein induction, as determined by radioligand binding studies. We conclude that lack of responsiveness of the beta 1-AR gene in C6 cells to T3 is not due to high expression of c-erbA alpha 2 but to undefined cell-specific factors.

Molecular cloning and RNA expression of two new human chemokine receptor-like genes

Two new human genes encoding putative G protein-coupled receptors were cloned from genomic DNA following a degenerate PCR strategy. The predicted amino acid sequences of the proteins encoded by these genes have the characteristic motifs of chemokine receptors. This prompted us to name these genes CKR-L1 and CKR-L3. Nevertheless, the identification of their ligands has not been possible using 16 human chemokines in three different assays. The RNA expression pattern of CKR-L1 and CKR-L3 is also similar to that generally found for chemokine receptors. To a different extent, these genes are expressed in spleen, lymph nodes, and CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocytes. CKR-L1 expression was also detected in monocyte/macrophages. The homology to chemokine receptors suggests that CKR-L1 belongs to the family of beta chemokine receptors, while CKR-L3 is more similar to alpha chemokine receptors.

Thyroid hormone-dependent transcriptional repression of neural cell adhesion molecule during brain maturation

Thyroid hormone (T3) is a main regulator of brain development acting as a transcriptional modulator. However, only a few T3-regulated brain genes are known. Using an improved whole genome PCR approach, we have isolated seven clones encoding sequences expressed in neonatal rat brain which are under the transcriptional control of T3. Six of them, including the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM, alpha-tubulin and four other unidentified sequences (RBA3, RBA4, RBB3 and RBB5) were found to be upregulated in the hypothyroid brain, whereas another (RBE7) was downregulated. Binding sites for the T3 receptor (T3R/c-erbA) were identified in the isolated clones by gel-shift and footprinting assays. Sites in the NCAM (in an intron), alpha-tubulin (in an exon) and RBA4 clones mediated transcriptional regulation by T3 when inserted upstream of a reporter construct. However, no effect of the NCAM clone was found when located downstream of another reporter gene. Northern blotting and in situ hybridization studies showed a higher expression of NCAM in the brain of postnatal hypothyroid rats. Since NCAM is an important morphoregulatory molecule, abnormal NCAM expression is likely to contribute to the alterations present in the brain of thyroid-deficient humans and experimental animals.

zhx-1: a novel mouse homeodomain protein containing two zinc-fingers and five homeodomains

A cDNA encoding the complete reading frame of a novel homeodomain-containing protein, named zhx-1, has been cloned from a mouse bone marrow stromal cell line. The ORF encodes a protein of 873 amino acids, in which two C2-H2 zinc-fingers and five homeodomains have been identified. These features classify zhx-1 as a member of the ZF class of homeodomain transcription factors, zhx-1 mRNA is widely expressed in adult mouse, although it is preferentially expressed in brain. At least, two homologous mRNAs are present in humans suggesting that zhx-1 is the first member of a novel subclass of homeodomain factors.

[Changes in the immunologic status related to the duration of the anesthesia/surgery procedure]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of the trauma of anesthesia and surgery, and their duration, on immune status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients undergoing cholecystectomy were studied in 2 groups. In group A surgery was of short duration ( < 60 min) and in group B surgery was longer ( > 60 min). Immunological analysis were performed at 5 times: t0 (before surgery), t1 (1 h), t2 (24 h), t3 (4 days) and t4 (7 days).

RESULTS

Group A patients experienced a non significant decrease in T lymphocytes, activated T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, with levels returning to normal after 7 days. T-suppression, on the other hand, decreased significantly in the first 24 h, but gradually returned to normal after 7 days. T lymphocytes, activated T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes decreased in group B and regressed after 7 days. The population of B lymphocytes decreased significantly and had not fully recovered 7 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The act of anesthesia/surgery depresses immune response in function of duration, with the effect being greater when surgery lasts longer.

[Impact of anesthetic technic (general anesthesia versus intradural anesthesia) on the immune status]

OBJECTIVE

To study changes in the immune system appearing after general and regional (intradural anesthesia).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients scheduled for elective surgery to repair inguinal hernias were studied. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group A patients received general anesthesia and group B patients received intradural anesthesia. Blood was extracted 5 times to determine levels of lymphocytes, activated T cells and B lymphocytes, and T-suppressant activity: t0 (before surgery), t1 (1 h), t2 (4 h), t3 (24 h) y t4 (7 days).

RESULTS

The patients in group A showed slight increases in T lymphocytes, activated T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, whereas T-suppressant activity decreased significantly. All lymphoid population decreased in group B. Baseline levels had recovered in both groups by 7 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Anesthetic procedures have an effect on immune responses but the impact is only temporary.

Identification of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) as a thyroid hormone regulated gene by whole genome PCR analysis

We previously described a modification of the whole genome PCR method which allowed us to characterize several genes whose expression is regulated by thyroid hormone in the mouse liver. Following this procedure, we now report the identification of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) gene as target of thyroid hormone. ND3 gene expression is regulated by thyroid hormone in rat brain and heart. Sequencing and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the presence of a thyroid hormone receptor (TR)/c-erbA specific binding site in the mitochondrial ND3 gene. Hypothyroidism decreases ND3 mRNA levels in several brain areas such as cortex and hippocampus during the early postnatal development. In line with the recent findings showing the presence of TR/c-erbA alpha and beta proteins inside the mitochondria, our results suggest the possibility of direct transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial genes by thyroid hormone.