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Yehya A, Youssef J, Hachem S, Ismael J, Abou-Kheir W. Tissue-specific cancer stem/progenitor cells: Therapeutic implications. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:323-341. [PMID: 37342220 PMCID: PMC10277968 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation are the standard therapeutic modalities for treating cancer. These approaches are intended to target the more mature and rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, they spare the relatively quiescent and intrinsically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation residing within the tumor tissue. Thus, a temporary eradication is achieved and the tumor bulk tends to revert supported by CSCs' resistant features. Based on their unique expression profile, the identification, isolation, and selective targeting of CSCs hold great promise for challenging treatment failure and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Yet, targeting CSCs is limited mainly by the irrelevance of the utilized cancer models. A new era of targeted and personalized anti-cancer therapies has been developed with cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as a tool for establishing pre-clinical tumor models. Herein, we discuss the updated and presently available tissue-specific CSC markers in five highly occurring solid tumors. Additionally, we highlight the advantage and relevance of the three-dimensional PDOs culture model as a platform for modeling cancer, evaluating the efficacy of CSC-based therapeutics, and predicting drug response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Yehya
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joe Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sana Hachem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jana Ismael
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Botros M, Alsaghayer A, Tanabe C, Armas K, Mabry M, Goodarzi A, Yau S, Youssef J, Huang H, Ren D, Suarez E. Extending Cold Ischemic Time Using LUNGguard: A Single Center Experience in Time Shifting. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.1442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Youssef D, Abbas LA, Issa O, Youssef J, Hassan H. Integrating Health Belief model to determine factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Lebanon: Differences between health care workers and non-healthcare workers. Int J Infect Dis 2022. [PMCID: PMC8884826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.12.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vaccine acceptance is critical to the success of immunization programs, especially for emerging infectious diseases. This study aims to assess the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the factors associated with this willingness among healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers in Lebanon. Methods & Materials A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above during November 2020 among Lebanese adults from all Lebanese provinces using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using an anonymous Arabic questionnaire that included sociodemographic, health-related variables, intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine, and the Health Belief Model covariates. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the 2 groups. Results A total number of 2802 participants completed the survey. The overall intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine among the Lebanese adult population was 51.5%. HCWs expressed a higher willingness of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 than non HCWs (65.8% vs. 47%, p< 0.001). The factors that are positively associated with the willingness to vaccinate among the general population, non HCWs and HCWs were: older age, being married, living in urban areas, receiving influenza vaccine for this season, higher perception of susceptibility and benefits, concerns related to availability and accessibility of vaccines and recommendation of vaccine from health authorities. However, the previous refusal of any vaccine, concerns about vaccine safety, and side effects impacted negatively this intention. Female gender, importance accounted to religiosity, and concerns about the reliability of the manufacturer were negatively associated with vaccine acceptance among non HCWs. Conversely, good knowledge, vaccine intake by the public, and self-motivation were positively associated with this willingness. Of note, these factors were not significantly associated with such willingness among HCWs. Conclusion To control COVID-19 effectively, efforts targeting modifiable factors driving COVID-19 vaccine acceptance are required to increase the acceptance rate among the Lebanese population.
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Khanna A, Ryan S, Youssef J, Mahmood A. P3.02-054 Prognostic Implications of ROS1 Positivity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Systematic Review of Published Literature. J Thorac Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2017.09.1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Owen D, Dawson K, Pierce B, Goodarzi A, Sinha N, Youssef J, Kaleekal T. Single-Center Experience with Epstein-Barr Virus Screening in Lung Transplant Recipients to Identify Patients with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder. J Heart Lung Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2017.01.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Sinha N, Scheinin S, Siddiqui A, Goodarzi A, Kaleekal T, Youssef J, Gaber A. A Strategy of Performing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Prior to Wait-Listing Candidates for Lung Transplantation (LT) Is Safe and Feasible. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.01.863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Peix C, Vandenhende MA, Bonnet F, Lacoste D, Bernard N, Youssef J, Hessamfar M, Pometan JP, Morlat P. [Adherence between antibiotic prescriptions and guidelines in an internal medicine ward: an evaluation of professional practices]. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:456-9. [PMID: 23318197 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is an evaluation of professional practices (EPP) on antibiotic therapy in an internal medicine ward. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 6-month prospective review of antibiotic prescriptions and their comparisons with local and national guidelines (drug, daily dose, administration, and duration) were performed. RESULTS Antibiotic therapy on 227 infectious episodes was collected. According to local guidelines, we found 56% of totally respected (lower respiratory tract infections: 38%, urinary tract infections: 88% and skin infections: 73%), 33% of partially respected and 11% of non-appropriate prescriptions. Considering national guidelines for lower respiratory tract infections as references, the results were: totally respected prescriptions 81%, partially respected prescriptions 16%, and non-appropriate prescriptions 3%. CONCLUSION This evaluation of the prescriptions allowed setting up long-lasting actions to improve clinical practice. This approach anticipates the procedures of EPP that will be needed for hospital accreditation and highlights the importance of considering several guidelines for the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Peix
- Pharmacie, groupe hospitalier Saint-André, 1 rue Jean-Burguet, Bordeaux cedex, France
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Peix C, Vandenhende MA, Bonnet F, Lacoste D, Bernard N, Youssef J, Hessamfar M, Pometan JP, Morlat P. Adéquation entre les prescriptions antibiotiques et les recommandations dans un service de médecine interne : une démarche d’évaluation des pratiques professionnelles (EPP). Rev Med Interne 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2011.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Malato L, Llavador V, Marmier E, Youssef J, Balick Weber C, Rozé H, Bessede E, Fleury HJ. Pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009: molecular characterisation and duration of viral shedding in intensive care patients in Bordeaux, south-west France, May 2009 to January 2010. Euro Surveill 2011; 16:19776. [PMID: 21284922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
From May 2009 to January 2010, the Virology Laboratory at the University Hospital of Bordeaux received more than 4,000 nasopharyngeal samples from the Aquitaine region (south-west France) for the diagnosis of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009. Eighty-three infected patients deteriorated and were admitted to intensive care units. Our study focused on 24 of these patients. Positivity for influenza A(H1N1)2009 was monitored by realtime PCR and duration of viral shedding was determined. The first available sample of each patient was analysed for bacterial, fungal and viral co-infection. We observed six bacterial (or bacterial/fungal) co-infections and one viral co-infection with respiratory syncytial virus. The samples were analysed for the presence of the neuraminidase H275Y (N1 numbering) mutation, which confers resistance to oseltamivir, by realtime PCR of the neuraminidase gene. No H275Y mutation was observed in any of the viral strains screened in this study. In parallel, a fragment of the haemagglutinin gene encoding amino acid residues 173 to 362 was sequenced to detect mutations that had been reported to increase the severity of the disease. Two patients were infected by strains bearing the D222G (H3 numbering) mutation. The viral shedding of A(H1N1)2009 in this study ranged from four to 28 days with a median of 11 days.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Comorbidity
- Female
- France/epidemiology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Hospitals, University
- Humans
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/drug effects
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification
- Influenza, Human/diagnosis
- Influenza, Human/drug therapy
- Influenza, Human/epidemiology
- Influenza, Human/virology
- Intensive Care Units
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neuraminidase/genetics
- Oseltamivir/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Time Factors
- Virus Shedding
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- L Malato
- Virology laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
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10
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Malato L, Llavador V, Marmier E, Youssef J, Balick Weber C, Rozé H, Bessede E, Fleury HJ. Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009: molecular characterisation and duration of viral shedding in intensive care patients in Bordeaux, south-west France, May 2009 to January 2010. Euro Surveill 2011. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.16.04.19776-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
From May 2009 to January 2010, the Virology Laboratory at the University Hospital of Bordeaux received more than 4,000 nasopharyngeal samples from the Aquitaine region (south-west France) for the diagnosis of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009. Eighty-three infected patients deteriorated and were admitted to intensive care units. Our study focused on 24 of these patients. Positivity for influenza A(H1N1)2009 was monitored by realtime PCR and duration of viral shedding was determined. The first available sample of each patient was analysed for bacterial, fungal and viral co-infection. We observed six bacterial (or bacterial/fungal) co-infections and one viral co-infection with respiratory syncytial virus. The samples were analysed for the presence of the neuraminidase H275Y (N1 numbering) mutation, which confers resistance to oseltamivir, by realtime PCR of the neuraminidase gene. No H275Y mutation was observed in any of the viral strains screened in this study. In parallel, a fragment of the haemagglutinin gene encoding amino acid residues 173 to 362 was sequenced to detect mutations that had been reported to increase the severity of the disease. Two patients were infected by strains bearing the D222G (H3 numbering) mutation. The viral shedding of A(H1N1)2009 in this study ranged from four to 28 days with a median of 11 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Malato
- These authors contributed equally to this work
- Virology laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - V Llavador
- Virology laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - E Marmier
- Virology laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - J Youssef
- Intensive care units (Hospitals St André, Pellegrin and Haut Lévèque), University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - C Balick Weber
- Intensive care units (Hospitals St André, Pellegrin and Haut Lévèque), University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - H Rozé
- Intensive care units (Hospitals St André, Pellegrin and Haut Lévèque), University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - E Bessede
- Bacteriology Laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - H J Fleury
- Virology laboratory, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
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Dimitriou E, Verhoek M, Altun S, Karabatsos F, Moraitou M, Youssef J, Boot R, Sarafidou J, Karagiorga M, Aerts H, Michelakakis H. Elevated plasma chemokine CCL18/PARC in β-thalassemia. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2005; 35:328-31. [PMID: 16137900 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2005.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2005] [Revised: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Plasma CCL18/PARC, a member of the CC chemokine family, has been found to be several ten-fold increased in symptomatic Gaucher type I patients. Elevated plasma chitotriosidase levels are a well-known abnormality in Gaucher patients, however, its diagnostic use is limited by the frequent genetic deficiency in the protein. Like the situation in Gaucher disease, lipids accumulate in macrophages of patients suffering from beta-thalassemia, and, in both conditions, increased chitotriosidase levels occur. We here report that plasma CCL18/PARC is also significantly increased in patients with beta-thalassemia major (range 76.8-4977.8, median=650.8 ng/ml, n=36 and control range 10-72, median=33 ng/ml n=36 respectively, P<0.001). The CCL18/PARC levels are lower than in Gaucher patients (range 174.8-10798.7, median 2538.2 ng/ml, n=28, P<0.001). In our cohort of beta-thalassemic patients, CCL18/PARC showed a significant negative correlation to iron chelation therapy and a significant positive correlation to ferritin and chitotriosidase levels, the latter only in the patients with the wild type genotype for the enzyme. Our study demonstrates that beta-thalassemic patients have increased CCL18/PARC levels that could be of value in monitoring iron overload and compliance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dimitriou
- Department of Enzymology and Cellular Function, Institute of Child Health, "The Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Wang C, Youssef J, Cunningham ML, Badr M. Correlation between thyroid hormone status and hepatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy caused by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist Wy-14,643. J Carcinog 2004; 3:9. [PMID: 15157275 PMCID: PMC434527 DOI: 10.1186/1477-3163-3-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 05/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The metabolic inhibitor rotenone inhibits hepatocellular proliferation and the incidence of liver cancer resulting from exposure to the PPARalpha agonist Wy-14,643, via unknown mechanisms. Since the absence of thyroid hormones diminishes hepatomegaly, an early biomarker for the hepatocarcinogenicity induced by PPARalpha agonists, this study was undertaken to investigate whether rotenone might interference with the ability of Wy-14,643 to alter the animal thyroid status. METHODS: Male B6C3F1 mice were given Wy-14,643 (100 ppm), rotenone (600 ppm) or a mixture of both, in the feed for 7 days. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU), marker of cell replication, was delivered through subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini-pumps. At the end of the experiment, sera were collected and corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels were measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay kits. In addition, liver tissue samples were stained immunohistochemically for BrDU to determine percentages of labeled cells. Further, cell surface area was determined from images generated by a Zeiss Axioplan microscope equipped with a plan Neofluar x40 0.75 na objective. Tracings of individual hepatocyte perimeters were then analyzed and cell-surface areas were calculated using MicroMeasure FL-4000. RESULTS: Wy-14,643 caused a significant increase in liver weights, hepatocyte BrDU labeling index (LI), and hepatocyte surface area. In animals which received both Wy-14,643 and rotenone simultaneously, all of these effects were significantly less pronounced compared with mice that received Wy-14,643 alone. Rotenone alone decreased liver weights, LI and surface area. The Free Thyroid Index (FTI), which provides an accurate reflection of the animal's thyroid status, was 5.0 +/- 0.3 in control mice. In animals exposed to rotenone, these values decreased to 2.0 +/- 0.9, but in animals which received Wy-14,643, levels increased significantly to 7.7 +/- 0.9. FTI values decreased to 3.4 +/- 0.8 in mice receiving both rotenone and Wy-14,643. CONCLUSION: A strong correlation was observed between the animal thyroid status and both, hepatocyte proliferation (r2 = 0.62), and hepatocyte surface area (r2 = 0.83). These results support the hypothesis that the thyroid status of the animal plays a role in PPARalpha-induced hepatocellular proliferation and liver cell enlargement. Both these events are known to contribute to the expression of liver cancer in response to the activation of PPARalpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wang
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - J Youssef
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - ML Cunningham
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Chemistry, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - M Badr
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Youssef J. Radiation-induced osteosarcoma of the maxillary sinus: report of a case. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0194-5998(03)01300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Zhu C, Ghabriel MN, Blumbergs PC, Reilly PL, Manavis J, Youssef J, Hatami S, Finnie JW. Clostridium perfringens prototoxin-induced alteration of endothelial barrier antigen (EBA) immunoreactivity at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Exp Neurol 2001; 169:72-82. [PMID: 11312560 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2001.7652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that the severe cerebral edema produced in experimental animals by Clostridium perfringens (Cl p) type D epsilon toxin can be prevented by prior treatment with its precursor prototoxin due to competitive binding to endothelial cells (ECs) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study we investigate the effects of the prototoxin on the BBB, without added toxin. The integrity of the BBB was assessed by its ability to prevent leakage of endogenous albumin. ECs at the BBB were studied by immunocytochemistry for any alteration in the endothelial barrier antigen (EBA), a molecular marker for the intact BBB. Immunocytochemistry showed rapid but mild opening of the BBB to endogenous albumin. Light and electron immunocytochemistry showed qualitative and quantitative reduction in EBA immunoreactivity, with a spectrum of changes at time intervals from 1 h to 14 days post-prototoxin injection. Some vessels with ultrastructural changes and widening of the perivascular space retained EBA immunoreactivity. Many vessels showed partial or complete loss of EBA staining with minimal widening of the perivascular space and edema. Recovery of EBA expression was still incomplete at 14 days postinjection. This is the first report to show endothelial cell damage, mild reversible cerebral edema, and alteration in BBB markers following administration of Cl p prototoxin. This model of mild brain edema may be useful for BBB studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zhu
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005
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15
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Konstantopoulos K, Theocharis S, Karagiorga M, Rombos Y, Youssef J, Karabatsos F, Sourdis J. Iron stores in multi-transfused thalassaemic patients seem not to be influenced by the HLA system. Haematologia (Budap) 2001; 30:319-23. [PMID: 11204031 DOI: 10.1163/156855900300109567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The HLA-A and -B antigens of 99 Greek patients with transfusion dependent homozygous beta thalassaemia were determined. The HLA antigen distribution in thalassaemic patients with a severe transfusion siderosis and in patients without signs of siderosis were compared to that of 400 healthy unrelated controls from the same population. There is an increase of HLA-B 14 antigen in both groups of thalassaemics as compared with the controls. No significant difference exists in the distribution of all the other HLA antigens between the two sub-groups of thalassaemics or with the controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Konstantopoulos
- Thalassaemia Clinic, First Department of Medicine University of Athens, School of Medicine at Laikon Hospital, Greece.
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Ekekezie II, Thibeault DW, Rezaeikhaligh MH, Mabry SM, Norberg M, Reddy GK, Youssef J, Truog WE. High-dose inhaled nitric oxide and hyperoxia increases lung collagen accumulation in piglets. Biol Neonate 2000; 78:198-206. [PMID: 11044769 DOI: 10.1159/000014271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), a pro-oxidant gas, is used with hyperoxia (O(2)) to treat neonatal pulmonary hypertension and recently bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but great concerns remain regarding NO's potential toxicity. Based on reports that exposure to oxidant gases results in pulmonary extracellular matrix injury associated with elevated lavage fluid levels of extracellular matrix components, we hypothesized that inhaled NO with or without hyperoxia will have the same effect. We measured alveolar septal width, lung collagen content, lavage fluid hydroxyproline, hyaluronan and laminin levels in neonatal piglets after 5 days' exposure to room air (RA), RA + 50 ppm NO (RA + NO), O(2) (FiO(2) > 0.96) or O(2) + NO. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and MMP-2 mRNA were also measured. In recovery experiments, we measured lung collagen content in piglets exposed to RA + NO or O(2) + NO and then allowed to recover for 3 days. The results show that lung collagen increased 4-fold in the RA + NO piglets, the O(2) and O(2) + NO groups had only a 2-fold elevation relative to RA controls. Unlike the RA + NO piglets, the O(2) and O(2) + NO groups had more than 20-fold elevation in lung lavage fluid hydroxyproline compared to the RA group. O(2) and O(2) + NO also had increased lung MMP activity, extravascular water, and lavage fluid proteins. MMP-2 mRNA levels were unchanged. After 3 days' recovery in room air, the RA + NO groups' lung collagen had declined from 4-fold to 2-fold above the RA group values. The O(2) + NO group did not decline. Alveolar septal width increased significantly only in the O(2) and O(2) + NO groups. We conclude that 5 days' exposure to NO does not result in pulmonary matrix degradation but instead significantly increases lung collagen content. This effect appears potentially reversible. In contrast, hyperoxia exposure with or without NO results in pulmonary matrix degradation and increased lung collagen content. The observation that NO increased lung collagen content represents a new finding and suggests NO could potentially induce pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Ekekezie
- Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Wang C, Youssef J, Saran B, Rothberg PG, Cunningham ML, Molteni A, Badr M. Diminished energy metabolism and enhanced apoptosis in livers of B6C3F1 mice treated with the antihepatocarcinogen rotenone. Mol Cell Biochem 1999; 201:25-32. [PMID: 10630619 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007024905046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Rotenone decreases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and lowers rates of hepatocellular proliferation. In an effort to delineate mechanisms involved, the in vivo effect of rotenone on liver mitochondrial metabolism, apoptotic machinery as well as elements of the hepatic signal transduction pathways were investigated. Mitochondria from livers of male B6C3F1 mice fed a standard diet containing 600 ppm rotenone for 7 days were uncoupled or inhibited when succinate or glutamate plus malate were used as the substrate, respectively. These livers also showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with control livers. Furthermore, rotenone increased the expression of c-myc mRNA to 5-fold of control values within 3 days, an effect which was still observed (3-fold) after 7 days. Levels of p53 mRNA were also increased 3-fold after 1 day, but declined to control levels by 7 days. Rotenone also caused a transient, yet marked increase in liver particulate glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein expression, while it did not alter the expression of the cytosolic form of the enzyme. Conversely, mRNA of the proto-oncogene H-ras showed a decline of 35% after 3 days of rotenone treatment, and remained diminished for the duration of the experiment. These data suggest that rotenone may act as an anticancer agent by diminishing mitochondrial bioenergetics which prevents basal hepatocyte proliferation and lowers the threshold for liver cells with DNA damage to undergo apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wang
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, 64108-2792, USA
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Abstract
Despite rising interest in the health problems of the elderly, information on senescence-related alterations in essential metabolic pathways and their responses to various chemicals is scarce. Although peroxisomal pathways are involved in a multitude of cellular functions, little attention has been given to the potential relationship between senescence of these organelles and the process of aging and disease. Although the prevailing experimental evidence points to a decline in liver peroxisomal enzyme activities and a muted response to peroxisome-proliferating chemicals in aged animals, it is also evident that aged animals are more susceptible, in comparison to their young counterparts, to the hepatocarcinogenic effects of these chemicals. Furthermore, little is known about extraperoxisomal effects of peroxisome proliferators in aged animals. This review evaluates published studies on the impact of aging on basal hepatic peroxisomal metabolism, response to peroxisome proliferators, and changes in signal transduction pathways involved in these processes, with the aim of stimulating research efforts in this important area. The potential intricate relationship among senescent peroxisomes, aged hepatocytes, and health are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Youssef
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO 64108-2792, USA
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19
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Aessopos A, Karabatsos F, Farmakis D, Katsantoni A, Hatziliami A, Youssef J, Karagiorga M. Pregnancy in patients with well-treated beta-thalassemia: outcome for mothers and newborn infants. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999; 180:360-5. [PMID: 9988801 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(99)70214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to investigate the course and outcome of pregnancy in women with well-treated beta-thalassemia. STUDY DESIGN Twenty-two pregnancies, including one twin pregnancy, in 19 women were studied. Pregnancy was advised when patients had received a prolonged intensive treatment with hypertransfusions and iron chelation and had echocardiographically normal resting left ventricular performance. All conceptions were spontaneous. Cardiac function, along with hematologic, endocrinologic, and hepatic parameters were initially assessed and monitored throughout pregnancy and for 2 to 9 years post partum. Babies were delivered by elective cesarean section. RESULTS Twenty-one healthy newborn infants were delivered. A spontaneous abortion and a case of exomphalos also occurred. Gestation, delivery, and recovery were surprisingly uneventful, and no significant cardiac complications were encountered. CONCLUSION Pregnancy can be safe for mothers and babies, provided that women with thalassemia have been started early on intensive treatment and have a normal resting cardiac performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aessopos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens School of Medicine and "Laiko" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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20
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Youssef J, Badr M. Extraperoxisomal targets of peroxisome proliferators: mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic effects. Implications for health and disease. Crit Rev Toxicol 1998; 28:1-33. [PMID: 9493760 DOI: 10.1080/10408449891344182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferators are a structurally diverse group of compounds that include the fibrate hypolipidemic drugs, the phthalate ester industrial plasticizers, the phenoxy acid herbicides, and the anti-wetting corrosion inhibitors perfluorinated straight-chain monocarboxylic fatty acids. Administration of these chemicals to rodents results in a number of effects, the most prominent being hepatomegaly and induction of peroxisomal enzyme activities. Several of these compounds have also been associated with the production of liver tumors in rodents and are classified as nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens. Experimental evidence suggests that humans are not susceptible to these effects following exposure to peroxisome-proliferating compounds. This has led to the proposal that an "actual threat to humans" from exposure to one of these compounds seems "rather unlikely". Indeed, recent reports suggest that peroxisome proliferators may prove valuable as antitumor agents in humans. However, this assessment is preliminary given that peroxisome proliferators also produce a myriad of extraperoxisomal effects in livers and other tissues of experimental animals. Such effects include both stimulation and inhibition of mitochondrial and microsomal metabolism and alteration of the activities of various cytosolic enzymes. These responses may be directly or indirectly related to the effects on peroxisomes or may be totally independent of these events. Whether the extraperoxisomal effects of these compounds occur in humans is not known and their potential impact on human health remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Youssef
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, 64108-2792, USA
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21
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Abstract
It has been suggested that peroxisome proliferators stimulate Kupffer cells, an effect which may be involved in their mechanism of action. To evaluate this hypothesis, this study was designed to investigate the effect of stimulating Kupffer cells on basal as well as induced peroxisomal enzyme activity. Twenty four hours following treatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats with the peroxisome proliferating agent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in corn oil or with corn oil alone, hepatic peroxisomal beta-oxidation was 4.6 +/- 0.2 and 1.8 +/- 0.1 U/g liver, respectively. As expected, PFOA did not influence the catalase activity. Stimulating Kupffer cells in vivo by zymosan A (25 mg/kg, i.v.) prior to treatment with corn oil or PFOA diminished basal as well as PFOA-induced peroxisomal beta-oxidation by 20-35%. Activation of Kupffer cells by zymosan A also diminished catalase activity by over 60%. Furthermore, PFOA reduced blood colloidal carbon clearance by 35% within 2 h of its administration. The data suggest that activation of Kupffer cells exerts a negative effect on basal as well as PFOA-induced peroxisomal enzyme activities. Data also suggest that PFOA inhibits Kupffer cells. Activated Kupffer cells may indeed produce factors which interfere with normal hepatic peroxisomal functions and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Youssef
- University of Missouri-Kansas City 64108, USA
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22
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Abstract
The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, enoximone, was previously shown to cause paradoxical effects on cardiac lipid metabolism. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of enoximone on the hepatic mitochondrial pathway of fatty acid oxidation. Results presented here show that in isolated rat liver mitochondria, palmitate oxidation was inhibited progressively by increasing concentrations of enoximone. Maximum inhibition (35%) of mitochondrial oxygen uptake was attained at 250 microM enoximone. At this concentration, enoximone did not affect the oxidation of either palmitoyl-CoA or palmitoyl carnitine. Also, enoximone did not inhibit the oxidation of the short-chain fatty acid, hexanoate, neither did it affect the respiratory chain in the mitochondria. These data suggest that enoximone specifically inhibits long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase activity. This was confirmed experimentally when the activity of this enzyme was determined in the absence and presence of enoximone. Discovering inhibitors of specific steps in lipid metabolism should provide a useful tool to investigate mechanisms regulating this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Youssef
- University of Missouri-Kansas City 64108-2792
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23
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Mattingly JR, Youssef J, Iriarte A, Martinez-Carrion M. Protein folding in a cell-free translation system. The fate of the precursor to mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase. J Biol Chem 1993; 268:3925-37. [PMID: 8440686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The precursor to rat mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (pmAspAT) can be expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli as a fully active enzyme with remarkable trypsin resistance. Only two sites within the presequence are readily hydrolyzed (Martinez-Carrion, M., Altieri, F., Iriarte, A., Mattingly, J. R., Youssef, J., and Wu, T. (1990) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 585, 346-356). In contrast, pmAspAT freshly synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate is significantly less resistant to proteolysis and is completely digested by trypsin. Extended incubation of the pmAspAT translation product slowly converts it to a species with qualitatively the same trypsin resistance as the purified pmAspAT. In addition, this species binds pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, exhibits catalytic activity, and loses its ability to be imported into mitochondria. This process appears to reflect protein folding. The rate of folding is unaffected by the addition of cofactor or the depletion of endogenous cofactor and is not significantly affected by the concentration of translation product in the reaction. Agents that decrease the availability of ATP partially inhibit the folding, whereas the sulfhydryl alkylating reagent N-ethylmaleimide and the detergent Triton X-100 completely prevent the conversion. Although the folding of pmAspAT in reticulocyte lysate is slow, folding is rapid once the translation product is sequestered within the mitochondria as the mature form of the enzyme. These results are presented as a model for the in vivo folding of pyridoxal-dependent, oligomeric mitochondrial precursors in the presence of cytoplasmic components and for the fate of true mitochondrial precursor proteins when not imported.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Mattingly
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City 64110-2499
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24
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Mattingly J, Youssef J, Iriarte A, Martinez-Carrion M. Protein folding in a cell-free translation system. The fate of the precursor to mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase. J Biol Chem 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)53561-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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25
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Abstract
The mechanism by which enoximone, a reported phosphodiesterase inhibitor, inhibits the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids was studied in isolated rat heart mitochondria using a series of 14C-labeled substrates. Enoximone decreased palmitate oxidation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Fifty percent inhibition of palmitate oxidation was achieved with 250 microM of enoximone. In contrast to its effect on palmitate, enoximone (250 microM) increased octanoate oxidation by 30%, whereas pyruvate oxidation was unaffected by enoximone. At that dose there was no effect on the oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA and palmitoyl carnitine. The degree of palmitate oxidation inhibited by enoximone was parallel to the inhibition of acyl-CoA synthetase in both rat heart mitochondria and microsomes. These results suggest that enoximone is a reversible inhibitor of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase. Moreover, the reaction, which is catalyzed by this enzyme, is a rate-limiting step in the pathway of fatty acid oxidation in rat heart mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Abdel-aleem
- Glaxo Inc. Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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26
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Thottassery J, Winberg L, Youssef J, Cunningham M, Badr M. Regulation of perfluorooctanoic acid--induced peroxisomal enzyme activities and hepatocellular growth by adrenal hormones. Hepatology 1992; 15:316-22. [PMID: 1735536 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840150223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A wide variety of compounds, including hypolipidemic drugs, plasticizers and other industrial chemicals, have been found to cause liver enlargement and hepatic peroxisome proliferation by mechanisms that are unclear. Although thyroid and sex hormones have been shown to modulate the hepatic response to these chemicals, the role of adrenal hormones in these phenomena is not clear, and a few studies have produced conflicting data. Therefore this study was undertaken to investigate the role of adrenal hormones in hepatomegaly and peroxisomal enzyme induction caused by peroxisomal proliferators and to further delineate the interrelationship between these parameters. Because adrenalectomy alters hepatic drug metabolism, we have used the nonmetabolizable proliferator perfluorooctanoic acid. Our data show that hepatomegaly caused by perfluorooctanoic acid depends on corticosterone, the major glucocorticoid in rodents. Liver growth caused by perfluorooctanoic acid appears to be predominantly hypertrophic in nature, and DNA synthesis in response to perfluorooctanoic acid predominates in periportal regions of the liver lobule. Data also show that although induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation by perfluorooctanoic acid is independent of adrenal hormones, induction of catalase is dependent on the presence of these hormones. This study supports the contention that induction of activities of various peroxisomal enzymes is controlled by different regulatory mechanisms.
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27
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Abstract
Although beta-oxidation of fatty acids occurs in both peroxisomes and mitochondria, beta-oxidizing enzymes in these organelles have distinct differences in their specifity and sensitivity to inhibitors. In this study, the effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor enoximone on hepatic peroxisomal and mitochondrial beta-oxidation were investigated. In liver homogenates from control rats, cyanide-insensitive peroxisomal beta-oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA was inhibited progressively by increasing concentrations of enoximone. Similar results were obtained in liver homogenates from rats pretreated with the known peroxisomal proliferator diethylhexylphthalate. In contrast, mitochondrial beta-oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA was not inhibited by enoximone. These data show that enoximone selectively inhibits basal as well as induced peroxisomal, but not mitochondrial, beta-oxidation of the CoA thioester of long-chain fatty acids. The availability of specific inhibitors of peroxisomal beta-oxidation should prove useful in elucidating regulatory mechanisms operative in this pathway in normal as well as in proliferated peroxisomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Abdel-Aleem
- Glaxo Research Institute, Glaxo Inc. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martinez-Carrion
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Basic Life Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City 64110
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29
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Altieri F, Mattingly JR, Rodriguez-Berrocal FJ, Youssef J, Iriarte A, Wu TH, Martinez-Carrion M. Isolation and properties of a liver mitochondrial precursor protein to aspartate aminotransferase expressed in Escherichia coli. J Biol Chem 1989; 264:4782-6. [PMID: 2647743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The precursor to rat liver mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase has been expressed in Escherichia coli JM105 using the pKK233-2 expression vector. This mammalian natural precursor has been isolated as a soluble dimeric protein. The amino-terminal sequence and the amino acid composition of the isolated protein correspond to those predicted from the inserted cDNA (Mattingly, J. R., Jr., Rodriguez-Berrocal, F. J., Gordon, J., Iriarte, A., and Martinez-Carrion, M. (1987) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 149, 859-865). The isolated precursor contains bound pyridoxal phosphate and shows catalytic activity with a specific activity equal to that of the mature form of the enzyme. This precursor can also be processed by mitochondria into a form with the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis mobility of mature enzyme. The isolation of this precursor as a stable and catalytically active entity indicates that the presequence peptide does not necessarily interfere with much of the folding and basic structural properties of the mature protein component.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Altieri
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Basic Life Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City 64110
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30
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Altieri F, Mattingly JR, Rodriguez-Berrocal FJ, Youssef J, Iriarte A, Wu TH, Martinez-Carrion M. Isolation and Properties of a Liver Mitochondrial Precursor Protein to Aspartate Aminotransferase Expressed in Escherichia coli. J Biol Chem 1989. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)83658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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