Lymphotoxin targeted to salivary and lacrimal glands induces tertiary lymphoid organs and cervical lymphadenopathy and reduces tear production

To investigate the role of lymphotoxin (LT) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and in mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-lymphoma, we made transgenic mice (Amy1-LTαβ) that targeted LTα and LTβ to the salivary and lacrimal glands. Amy1-LTαβ mice developed atrophic salivary and lacrimal glands that contained tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) and had reduced tear production. Amy1-LTαβ mice developed cervical lymphadenopathy but not MALT-lymphoma. TLO formation in the salivary and lacrimal glands of Amy1-LTαβ was not sufficient to induce autoimmunity as measured by autoantibody titres.

Lymphatic vessel function in head and neck inflammation

BACKGROUND

Serious infections of the head and neck cause lymphedema that can lead to airway compromise and oropharyngeal obstruction. Lymphangiogenesis occurs in the head and neck during infection and after immunization. The goal of this project was to develop tools to image lymphatic vessels in living animals and to be able to isolate individual lymphatic endothelial cells in order to quantify changes in single cells caused by inflammation.

METHODS

The ProxTom transgenic red-fluorescent reporter mouse was developed specifically for the purpose of imaging lymphatic vessels in vivo. Prox1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for lymphangiogenesis in development and for the maintenance of lymphatics in adulthood. Mice were immunized and their lymphatic vessels in lymph nodes were imaged in vivo. Individual lymphatic endothelial cells were isolated by means of their fluorescence.

RESULTS

The ProxTom transgene has the red-fluorescent reporter td-Tomato under the control of Prox1 regulatory elements. tdTomato was faithfully expressed in lymphatic vessels coincident with endogenous Prox1 expression. We show lymphangiogenesis in vivo after immunization and demonstrate a method for the isolation of lymphatic endothelial cells by their tdTomato red-fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

The faithful expression of the red-fluorescent reporter in the lymphatic vessels of ProxTom means that these mice have proven utility for in vivo study of lymphatic vessels in the immune response. ProxTom has been made available for distribution from the Jackson Laboratory: http://jaxmice.jax.org/strain/018128.html .

ProxTom lymphatic vessel reporter mice reveal Prox1 expression in the adrenal medulla, megakaryocytes, and platelets

Lymphatic vessels (LVs) are important structures for antigen presentation, for lipid metabolism, and as conduits for tumor metastases, but they have been difficult to visualize in vivo. Prox1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for lymphangiogenesis in ontogeny and the maintenance of LVs. To visualize LVs in the lymph node of a living mouse in real time, we made the ProxTom transgenic mouse in a C57BL/6 background using red fluorescent LVs that are suitable for in vivo imaging. The ProxTom transgene contained all Prox1 regulatory sequences and was faithfully expressed in LVs coincident with endogenous Prox1 expression. The progenies of a ProxTom × Hec6stGFP cross were imaged using two-photon laser scanning microscopy, allowing the simultaneous visualization of LVs and high endothelial venules in a lymph node of a living mouse for the first time. We confirmed the expression of Prox1 in the adult liver, lens, and dentate gyrus. These intensely fluorescent mice revealed the expression of Prox1 in three novel sites: the neuroendocrine cells of the adrenal medulla, megakaryocytes, and platelets. The novel sites identified herein suggest previously unknown roles for Prox1. The faithful expression of the fluorescent reporter in ProxTom LVs indicates that these mice have potential utility in the study of diseases as diverse as lymphedema, filariasis, transplant rejection, obesity, and tumor metastasis.

A yeast-based recombinogenic targeting toolset for transgenic analysis of human disease genes

Transgenic mouse models are valuable resources for analyzing functions of genes involved in human diseases. Mouse models provide critical insights into biological processes, including in vivo visualization of vasculature critical to our understanding of the immune system. Generating transgenic mice requires the capture and modification of large-insert DNAs representing genes of interest. We have developed a methodology using a yeast-bacterial shuttle vector, pClasper, that enables the capture and modification of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC)-sized DNA inserts. Numerous improvements and technical advances in the original pClasper vector have allowed greater flexibility and utility in this system. Examples of such pClasper mediated gene modifications include: Claspette-mediated capture of large-insert genomic fragments from BACs-human polycystic kidney disease-1 (PKD1); modification of pClasperA clones by the RareGap method-PKD1 mutations; Claspette-mediated modification of pClasper clones-mouse albumin-1 gene; and, of most relevance to our interest in lymph node vasculature-Claspimer-mediated modification of pClasper clones-high endothelial venule and lymphatic vessel genes. Mice that have been generated with these methods include mice with fluorescent high endothelial venules.

Direct cloning of genomic DNA by recombinogenic targeting method using a yeast-bacterial shuttle vector, pClasper

We have developed a method to clone genomic DNA selectively into a yeast-bacterial shuttle vector, pClasper, by recombinogenic targeting in yeast. A gene-specific pClasper targeting vector was constructed with small recombinogenic ends (500 bp) derived from flanking sequences of the genomic region to be cloned. Linearized, recombinogenic pClasper targeting vector and native genomic DNA were cotransformed into yeast. The gene of interest is selectively cloned by recombination between the recombinogenic ends in the targeting vector and homologous regions in the genomic DNA. Here we demonstrate direct cloning of a stably integrated Hoxc8-LacZ-Ura3 reporter gene construct from a mouse embryo fibroblast cell line and single-copy genes from total human genomic DNA. The frequency of capture of the recombinant insert was 0.05-3% of transformants. In contrast to previous reports, we were able to clone genomic DNA directly with a vector containing yeast autonomous replicating sequences. This approach provides a powerful method with which to clone and modify genes precisely for functional analysis.

pPAC-ResQ: A yeast-bacterial shuttle vector for capturing inserts from P1 and PAC clones by recombinogenic targeted cloning

We have developed a method to capture inserts from P1 and P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones into a yeast-bacteria shuttle vector by using recombinogenic targeting. We have engineered a vector, pPAC-ResQ, a derivative of pClasper, which was previously used to capture inserts from yeast artificial chromosome clones. pPAC-ResQ contains DNA fragments flanking the inserts in P1 and PAC vectors as recombinogenic ends. When linearized pPAC-ResQ vector and P1 or PAC DNA are cotransformed into yeast, recombination between the two leads to the transfer of inserts into pPAC-ResQ. pPAC-ResQ clones thus obtained can be further modified in yeast for functional analysis and shuttled to Escherichia coli to produce large quantities of cloned DNA. This approach provides a rapid method to modify P1/PAC clones for functional analysis.

Recombinogenic targeting: a new approach to genomic analysis--a review

Currently, recombinational cloning procedures based upon methods developed for yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are being exploited for targeted cloning and in-vivo modification of genomic clones. In this review, we will discuss the development of large-insert vectors, homologous recombination-based techniques for cloning and modification, and their application towards functional analysis of genes using transgenic mouse model systems.

Detailed analysis of a 17q21 microdissection library by sequence bioinformatics and isolation of region-specific clones

A region-specific microdissection library originating from human chromosome 17q21, was constructed using the MboI linker-adaptor microcloning technique. DNA sequencing of 241 microclones resulted in the identification of 74 novel coding sequences, paralogs of known genes, and known, but previously unmapped, genes or expressed sequence tags that were "virtually" mapped to chromosome 17q21. By pooling the microclones as multiplexed hybridization probes, and by virtue of their origin on 17q21, we were able to identify approximately 150 P1 clones from the human Reference Library Data Base P1 Library that potentially map to chromosome 17q21. Verification of the 17q21 location of 16 P1 clones was accomplished by PCR analysis with STS primer pairs to known 17q21 genes or by FISH. Our results demonstrate the substantial advantage of combining the sequence analysis of microclones with multiplex hybridization strategies for gene discovery and mapping specific gene rich regions of the genome.

Molecular haplotyping of genetic markers 10 kb apart by allele-specific long-range PCR

Haplotypes, combinations of polymorphic markers in a chromosome, are critical for genome diversity research. However, their utility in population samplings is compromised by uncertain linkage phase determinations from unrelated individuals. Molecular haplotyping accomplishes direct phase determination by generation of hemizygous templates from diploid genomic samples. We report molecular haplotyping by allele-specific long-range PCR of two markers 9.5 kb apart at the CD4 locus: a bi-allelic Alu deletion and a multi-allelic repeat. We verified CD4 molecular haplotypes by classical Mendelian analysis. Molecular haplotyping should prove useful in mapping disease genes and in establishing founder effects.

Human HOXB cluster and the nerve growth factor receptor gene: comparison with an orthologous chromosomal domain in mouse

The structural organization and nucleotide sequence similarity of mammalian Antennapedia-class homeobox genes support the view that the four homeobox clusters (HOXA, B, C, and D on human chromosomes 7, 17, 12, and 2, respectively) arose through a combination of gene duplication and divergence to form a cluster, followed by several cluster duplications. The duplication events that gave rise to the four clusters appear to have involved chromosomal domains extending well beyond the borders of the clusters in either direction. This evidence arises from the observation that many genes closely linked to the homeobox clusters on different chromosomes show sequence similarity. Here, we present a continuation of physical mapping studies to determine the extent and organization of the duplicated regions surrounding the four homeobox clusters in human. Southern blots prepared from pulsed-field gels of human DNA were probed with cloned segments of human HOXB genes and the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) gene on chromosome 17q21-q22. Restriction enzyme analysis revealed the close physical linkage of these genes within 100 kb. Two yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), 220 and 380 kb in size, were isolated using oligonucleotide primers specific for NGFR. Both YACs contained the entire HOXB cluster. Restriction mapping of the clones indicated that the distance separating these loci could not be greater than 50 kb. This result confirms and extends previous information on the proximity of these genes as determined by genetic linkage analysis and closely parallels the orthologous loci in the mouse.

Gene loss and gain in the evolution of the vertebrates

Homeobox cluster genes (Hox genes) are highly conserved and can be usefully employed to study phyletic relationships and the process of evolution itself. A phylogenetic survey of Hox genes shows an increase in gene number in some more recently evolved forms, particularly in vertebrates. The gene increase has occurred through a two-step process involving first, gene expansion to form a cluster, and second, cluster duplication to form multiple clusters. We also describe data that suggests that non-Hox genes may be preferrentially associated with the Hox clusters and raise the possibility that this association may have an adaptive biological function. Hox gene loss may also play a role in evolution. Hox gene loss is well substantiated in the vertebrates, and we identify additional possible instances of gene loss in the echinoderms and urochordates based on PCR surveys. We point out the possible adaptive role of gene loss in evolution, and urge the extension of gene mapping studies to relevant species as a means of its substantiation.

Gene loss and gain in the evolution of the vertebrates

Homeobox cluster genes (Hox genes) are highly conserved and can be usefully employed to study phyletic relationships and the process of evolution itself. A phylogenetic survey of Hox genes shows an increase in gene number in some more recently evolved forms, particularly in vertebrates. The gene increase has occurred through a two-step process involving first, gene expansion to form a cluster, and second, cluster duplication to form multiple clusters. We also describe data that suggests that non-Hox genes may be preferrentially associated with the Hox clusters and raise the possibility that this association may have an adaptive biological function. Hox gene loss may also play a role in evolution. Hox gene loss is well substantiated in the vertebrates, and we identify additional possible instances of gene loss in the echinoderms and urochordates based on PCR surveys. We point out the possible adaptive role of gene loss in evolution, and urge the extension of gene mapping studies to relevant species as a means of its substantiation.

Physical linkage of the murine Hox-b cluster and nerve growth factor receptor on yeast artificial chromosomes

Evidence derived from sequence comparisons and the genomic organization of the murine Antennapedia-class homeobox gene clusters suggest that they arose from a primordial cluster through a process of gene duplication and divergence followed by cluster duplication. A large chromosomal domain surrounding the ancestral homeobox cluster also appears to have been duplicated and has remained relatively stable since the divergence of humans and rodents. To test the extent of the duplicated chromosomal domain, we have initiated physical mapping studies of the regions surrounding the four murine homeobox clusters using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and yeast artificial chromosome cloning. In this study, we present a long-range restriction map of mouse chromosome 11 spanning 1500 kb in the region surrounding the Hox-b cluster. We have determined that the gene for the nerve growth factor receptor is tightly linked to the Hox-b complex and is located within 50 kb of the Hox-b 1 gene at the 3' end of the cluster. Four yeast artificial chromosomes have been isolated and characterized by the polymerase chain reaction, long-range restriction mapping, and Southern blotting. Two clones of 150 and 300 kb contain the entire Hox-b cluster and the nerve growth factor receptor gene. A 440-kb clone contains the 3' end of the Hox-b cluster, the nerve growth factor receptor gene, and extends downstream. A 210-kb clone contains the 5' end of the Hox-b cluster and extends upstream. These clones confirm the pulsed-field restriction map of uncloned mouse DNA and represent a contig of approximately 600 kb of cloned material from mouse chromosomes 11.

Localization of the ganglioside-binding site of fibronectin

It has been demonstrated via biological assays that fibronectin possesses a receptor for gangliosides that is involved in cell adhesion and restoration of the normal morphology of transformed cells. In this study, fluorescence polarization has been employed to monitor the binding of ganglioside oligosaccharide to fibronectin. Parameters involved in ganglioside oligosaccharide binding to fibronectin are described and compared to the interaction of heparin with fibronectin. A Kd of 1.4 X 10(-8) mol/liter has been calculated, and it is demonstrated that labeled ganglioside oligosaccharides can be eluted from fibronectin with either unlabeled ganglioside oligosaccharides or 4 M urea. Using the fluorescence polarization assay developed in this study for measurement of ganglioside binding to fibronectin, it is demonstrated that gangliosides bind to the 31,000-dalton amino terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin. A ganglioside-Sepharose affinity column has been constructed which specifically binds the 31,000-dalton amino terminal fragment of fibronectin. The localization of the ganglioside receptor to the amino terminal domain of fibronectin indicates that the ganglioside receptor is distinct from the putative fibronectin cell surface receptor which is located near the center of the fibronectin molecule.

Regulation of cell motility, morphology, and growth by sulfated glycosaminoglycans

Due to the recent observation that heparin binds to several growth factors and cell adhesion molecules, the effect of heparin on biological processes governed by growth factors and cell adhesion molecules was investigated. Pharmacological doses of heparin were found to alter cell growth rate, cellular morphology, and cell motility. Concentrations (microgram/ml) of heparin or dextran sulfate decreased cell growth rate, but not the final cell density attained in plateau phase. The effect of heparin on cell growth rate was most pronounced when cells were cultured in low concentrations of serum. A heparin-induced decrease in cell growth rate could be reversed by addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a heparin-binding growth factor. Heparin altered the morphology of all cell lines studied to various degrees. The effect of heparin on cell morphology was quantitated by measuring the heparin-induced change in cell surface area. HT-1080 and HeLa cells nearly doubled in surface area upon exposure to 10 micrograms/ml heparin. Since several heparin-binding cell adhesion proteins mediate both cell spreading and cell migration, the influence of heparin on cell migration was investigated with an improved version of the phagokinetic track technique. Low concentrations of heparin and dextran sulfate were found to increase the rate of cell migration in a dose-dependent fashion. Since the quantitative effect of heparin on cell growth rate, morphology, and migration depends on the cell line studied, it is suggested that three separate phenomena may be involved. The results presented indicate a central role for sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the control of both cell growth and cell-cell interactions.

Uptake by cells of nucleic acids promoted by compounds sharing the pleiotropic effects of poly(ethylene glycol)

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a member of a group of membrane active compounds that have pleiotropic effects on cells, eg, promotion of cell fusion, induction of erythroleukemia cell differentiation, and protection of cells from freezing damage. Since PEG has recently been shown to be an efficient promoter of genetic transformation in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells, studies were carried out to determine whether other PEG-related compounds could also promote genetic transformation. In this study, 24 compounds, which behave like PEG in other biological systems, are shown to promote transfection of human cells with isolated poliovirus RNA. That PEG and other commercially important compounds promote transfection indicates that such compounds may represent a biohazard to man.

Fibronectin binding properties of bacteriologic petri plates and tissue culture dishes

With the aid of a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA assay, the fibronectin binding properties of poly(styrene) bacteriologic and tissue culture petri plates were studied. After treatment of the plastics with serum, both the rate of fibronectin binding and the maximum amount of fibronectin bound were found to be lower for bacteriologic than tissue culture plates. In contrast, when treated with purified fibronectin rather than serum, bacteriologic and tissue culture plates bound fibronectin equally well. Thus, serum proteins are more effective in inhibiting fibronectin binding to bacteriologic petri plates than to tissue culture dishes. The fibronectin binding properties of plastic substrata could be enhanced by oxidation with H2SO4 or diminished by dissolution and recasting of tissue culture dishes. Thus, the fibronectin binding properties of bacteriologic and tissue culture dishes can be interconverted. Plastics with enhanced fibronectin binding properties (tissue culture plates) were found to be hydrophilic and good substrates for cell attachment and growth while plastics with decreased fibronectin binding characteristics were found to be hydrophobic and poor substrates for cell attachment and growth. The cell-adhesive properties of bacteriologic and tissue culture plastic substrata were found to vary during incubation with cells. While cells remained firmly attached and spread on tissue culture plastics over a period of 5 days or more, previously attached cells gradually detached from bacteriologic plastics at incubation times beyond 12 h. The gradual detachment of cells from bacteriologic plates probably explains the poor properties of bacteriologic plastics for the growth of anchorage-dependent cells, in particular.

Heparin binding is necessary, but not sufficient, for fibronectin aggregation. A fluorescence polarization study

Analysis of parameters governing heparin binding to fibronectin indicates that heparin binding is a necessary, but insufficient, condition for fibronectin cryoprecipitation. Heparin binding to fibronectin is a rapid, readily reversible event which can occur under several conditions which prohibit fibronectin cryoprecipitation. While cryoprecipitation of fibronectin is abolished at temperatures in excess of 10 degrees C, appreciable heparin binding to fibronectin does occur even at 40 degrees C. While increasing ionic strength and pH inhibit both heparin binding and cryoprecipitation of fibronectin, heparin binding can still occur at high ionic strengths and pH values which completely abolish cryoprecipitation. Scatchard analysis of fluorescent polarization data reveals a biphasic heparin binding curve with high and low affinity Kd values of 3.5 X 10(-8) and 10(-6) M, respectively. In contrast to heparin binding, fibronectin aggregation is a cooperative phenomenon. Fibronectin cryoprecipitation is greatly reduced at temperatures above 10 degrees C, at pH values above pH 10, and at ionic strengths above 0.3 M. Thus, heparin binding and protein aggregation are separate events which occur during fibronectin cryoprecipitation. Results obtained here via fluorescence polarization in conjunction with other physical measurements suggest that a decrease in flexibility of the fibronectin molecule is associated with the protein aggregation step of cryoprecipitation. The role of heparin in the mechanism of fibronectin cryoprecipitation is discussed.

Monoclonal antibody against human fibronectin which inhibits cell attachment

Monoclonal antibodies have been prepared against both human and bovine fibronectin. Evidence is provided which indicates that nine different antigenic determinants are recognized by the ten antihuman fibronectin monoclonal antibodies isolated. One monoclonal antibody was identified that blocked fibronectin mediated cell attachment without interfering with fibronectin binding to collagen. Sensitive ELISA assays for fibronectins derived from 32 mammalian species have been developed with the monoclonal reagents characterized in this study.

Adhesive substrates for fibronectin

In order to promote cell attachment, fibronectin must first undergo activation by a suitable substrate. In this study, 52 materials have been surveyed for their ability a) to bind fibronectin, b) to activate the cell-adhesive property of fibronectin, and c) to support the growth of cells. Many plastics, polysaccharides, metals, and ceramics were found to support cell growth as well as the fibronectin-dependent attachment of cells. Several other substrates have been identified that were inactive in promoting either cell attachment or growth. Hydrophobic substrates were found to be active in fibronectin activation, whereas hydrophilic substrates were found to be inactive. Since fibronectin binds to substrata of extremely varied chemical composition, it is clear that the binding of fibronectin to such substrata is nonspecific in nature. Since protein pretreatment of all substrata, except collagen and poly(L-lysine), abolished the physical binding of fibronectin, the binding of fibronectin to artificial substrata is probably ascribable to a nonspecific hydrophobic protein-substratum interaction. In contrast, several lines of evidence indicate that the interaction between fibronectin and collagen displays biological specificity. Poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)(poly(HEMA)), which has previously been shown to be nonadhesive for cells, is demonstrated here to be unique in its inability to bind fibronectin. Addition of one part per million of an adhesive polymer to poly(HEMA) permits fibronectin binding to occur.