Cell interactions between human progenitor-derived endothelial cells and human mesenchymal stem cells in a three-dimensional macroporous polysaccharide-based scaffold promote osteogenesis

Several studies have reported the benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for bone tissue engineering. However, vascularization remains one of the main obstacles that must be overcome to reconstruct large bone defects. In vitro prevascularization of the three-dimensional (3-D) constructs using co-cultures of human progenitor-derived endothelial cells (PDECs) with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) appeared as a potential strategy. However, the crosstalk between the two lineages has been studied in two-dimensional (2-D), but remains unknown in 3-D. The aim of this study is to investigate the cell interactions between PDECs and HBMSCs in a porous matrix composed of polysaccharides. This biodegradable scaffold promotes cell interactions by inducing multicellular aggregates composed of HBMSCs surrounded by PDECs. Cell aggregation contributes to the formation of junctional proteins composed of Connexin43 (Cx43) and VE-cadherin, and an activation of osteoblastic differentiation of HBMSCs stimulated by the presence of PDECs. Inhibition of Cx43 by mimetic peptide 43GAP27 induced a decrease in mRNA levels of Cx43 and all the bone-specific markers. Finally, subcutaneous implantations for 3 and 8 weeks in NOG mice revealed an increase in osteoid formation with the tissue-engineered constructs seeded with HBMSCs/PDECs compared with those loaded with HBMSCs alone. Taking together, these results demonstrate that this 3-D microenvironment favored cell communication, osteogenesis and bone formation.

A thermosensitive low molecular weight hydrogel as scaffold for tissue engineering

Hydrogels that are non-toxic, easy to use, cytocompatible, injectable and degradable are valuable biomaterials for tissue engineering and tissue repair. However, few compounds currently fulfil these requirements. In this study, we describe the biological properties of a new type of thermosensitive hydrogel based on low-molecular weight glycosyl-nucleosyl-fluorinated (GNF) compound. This gel forms within 25 min by self-assembly of monomers as temperature decreases. It degrades slowly in vitro and in vivo. It induces moderate chronic inflammation and is progressively invaded by host cells and vessels, suggesting good integration to the host environment. Although human adult mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ASC) cannot adhere on the gel surface or within a 3D gel scaffold, cell aggregates grow and differentiate normally when entrapped in the GNF-based gel. Moreover, this hydrogel stimulates osteoblast differentiation of ASC in the absence of osteogenic factors. When implanted in mice, gel-entrapped cell aggregates survive for several weeks in contrast with gel-free spheroids. They are maintained in their original site of implantation where they interact with the host tissue and adhere on the extracellular matrix. They can differentiate in situ into alkaline phosphatase positive osteoblasts, which deposit a calcium phosphate-rich matrix. When injected into subcutaneous sites, gel-encapsulated cells show similar biological properties as implanted gel-cells complexes. These data point GNF-based gels as a novel class of hydrogels with original properties, in particular osteogenic potential, susceptible of providing new therapeutic solutions especially for bone tissue engineering applications.

Thyroid hormone receptor β mediates acute illness-induced alterations in central thyroid hormone metabolism

Acute illness in mice profoundly affects thyroid hormone metabolism in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It remains unknown whether the thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-β is involved in these changes. In the present study, we investigated central thyroid hormone metabolism during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced illness in TRβ(-/-) mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice. We administered a sublethal dose of LPS or saline to TRβ(-/-) and WT mice. TRβ(-/-) mice displayed higher basal levels of serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) compared to WT, reflecting thyroid hormone resistance. In the periventricular area of the hypothalamus, we observed a marked decrease in thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA expression in TRβ(-/-) and WT mice at t = 4 h, coinciding with the peak in plasma corticosterone. The decrease in TRH mRNA persisted in WT, but not in TRβ(-/-) mice at t = 24 h. By contrast, the increase of type 2 deiodinase (D2) mRNA already present at 4 h after LPS remained significant at 24 h in TRβ(-/-), but not in WT mice. LPS decreased pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone β mRNA expression in WT at 24 h but not in TRβ(-/-) mice. The peak in pituitary D2 expression at t = 4 h in WT was absent in TRβ(-/-) mice. The relative decrease in plasma T(3) and T(4) upon LPS treatment was similar in both strains, although, at t = 24 h, plasma T(3) tended to be restored in TRβ(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that TRβ is involved in suppression of the central component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in acute illness.

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha plays an essential role in the normalisation of adult-onset hypothyroidism-related hypoexpression of synaptic plasticity target genes in striatum

Thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency leads to molecular changes resulting in behavioural deficits. TH action is mediated by two types of nuclear receptors (TRs), TRalpha and TRbeta, which control target gene transcription. The relative contributions of the two TR products in mediating adult TH responses are poorly understood. As TRalpha1 transcripts are widely distributed in the brain, they presumably mediate most of the TH effects. This report examines the role and specific functions of T3 receptor isoforms on regulation of striatal synaptic plasticity indicators using adult hypothyroid mutant mice that fail to express single or multiple TR gene products. We then evaluated the effect of this hypothyroidism, with or without subsequent administration of T3, on T3 nuclear receptor (TRalpha1, TRbeta) and synaptic plasticity gene expression in TRalpha(0/0), TRbeta(-/-) and wild-type 129/SV mice. Hypothyroid wild-type mice exhibited reduced TRbeta, RC3, CaMKII and Rhes expression. The mRNA levels of Rhes and CaMKII were the same in all three hypothyroid substrains. By contrast, hypothyroid TRbeta(-/-) mice had higher RC3 mRNA levels than wild-type. T3 administration restored TRbeta, RC3 and CaMKII levels in hypothyroid wild-type mice, without significant Rhes upregulation. T3 administration normalised expression of all genes studied in hypothyroid TRbeta(-/-) but not TRalpha(0/0) mice. Thus, TRalpha apparently plays an essential role in restoring the expression of the TH-regulated genes potentially involved in striatal synaptic plasticity.

Lacking thyroid hormone receptor beta gene does not influence alterations in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism during acute illness

The downregulation of liver deiodinase type 1 (D1) is supposed to be one of the mechanisms behind the decrease in serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) observed during non-thyroidal illness (NTI). Liver D1 mRNA expression is positively regulated by T3, mainly via the thyroid hormone receptor (TR)beta1. One might thus expect that lacking the TRbeta gene would result in diminished downregulation of liver D1 expression and a smaller decrease in serum T3 during illness. In this study, we used TRbeta-/- mice to evaluate the role of TRbeta in lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a bacterial endotoxin)-induced changes in thyroid hormone metabolism. Our results show that the LPS-induced serum T3 and thyroxine and liver D1 decrease takes place despite the absence of TRbeta. Furthermore, we observed basal differences in liver D1 mRNA and activity between TRbeta-/- and wild-type mice and TRbeta-/- males and females, which did not result in differences in serum T3. Serum T3 decreased rapidly after LPS administration, followed by decreased liver D1, indicating that the contribution of liver D1 during NTI may be limited with respect to decreased serum T3 levels. Muscle D2 mRNA did not compensate for the low basal liver D1 observed in TRbeta-/- mice and increased in response to LPS in TRbeta-/- and WT mice. Other (TRbeta independent) mechanisms like decreased thyroidal secretion and decreased binding to thyroid hormone-binding proteins probably play a role in the early decrease in serum T3 observed in this study.

Thyroid hormone-stimulated differentiation of primary rib chondrocytes in vitro requires thyroid hormone receptor beta

The active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T(3)), binds to thyroid hormone receptors (TR) and plays an essential role in the control of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Hypo- and hyperthyroidism alter the structure of growth plate cartilage and modify chondrocyte gene expression in vivo, whilst TR mutations or deletions in mice result in altered growth plate architecture. Nevertheless, the particular roles of individual TR isoforms in mediating T(3) action in chondrocytes have not been studied and are difficult to determine in vivo because of complex cellular and molecular interactions that regulate growth plate maturation. Therefore, we studied the effects of TRalpha and TRbeta on chondrocyte growth and differentiation in primary cultures of neonatal rib chondrocytes isolated from TRalpha- and TRbeta-deficient mice. T(3) decreased proliferation but accelerated differentiation of rib chondrocytes from wild-type mice. T(3) treatment resulted in similar effects in TRalpha-deficient chondrocytes, but in TRbeta-deficient chondrocytes, all T(3) responses were abrogated. Furthermore, T(3) increased TRbeta1 expression in wild-type and TRalpha-deficient chondrocytes. These data indicate that T(3)-stimulated differentiation of primary rib chondrocytes in vitro requires TRbeta and suggest that the TRbeta1 isoform mediates important T(3) actions in mouse rib chondrocytes.

Thyroid hormone regulates heparan sulfate proteoglycan expression in the growth plate

Thyroid hormone is essential for normal skeletal development. Hypothyroidism is associated with growth arrest, failure of chondrocyte differentiation, and abnormal matrix synthesis. Thyroid hormone modulates the Indian hedgehog/PTHrP feedback loop and regulates fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor signaling. Because heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (Prgs) (HSPGs) are absolutely required by these signaling pathways, we have investigated whether thyroid status affects HSPG expression within the growth plate. Tibial growth plate sections were obtained from 12-wk-old rats rendered euthyroid, thyrotoxic, or hypothyroid at 6 wk of age, 14-d-old congenitally hypothyroid Pax8-null mice, and TRalpha/TRbeta double-null mice lacking all thyroid hormone receptors. HS and chondroitin sulfate Prg expression was determined by immunohistochemistry using three monoclonal antibodies. There was increased HS staining in growth plates from hypothyroid animals predominantly within the extracellular matrix of reserve and proliferative zones. Cellular HS staining was also increased particularly in prehypertrophic chondrocytes. T3 regulation of HSPG core protein and HS synthetic and modification enzyme expression was studied in ATDC5 cells using semiquantitative RT-PCR. Thyroid hormone negatively regulated expression of the core protein Gpc6, the polymerase Ext1, and the modification enzyme Hs6st2. These studies demonstrate that the expression and distribution of growth plate Prgs are regulated by thyroid hormone, and the regulation of HSPG expression provides an important additional link between FGF and Indian hedgehog signaling and T3. These novel observations suggest that the cartilage matrix and especially HSPGs are critical mediators of the skeletal response to thyroid hormone.

Do unliganded thyroid hormone receptors have physiological functions?

Thyroid hormone (TH) is required for the development of vertebrates and exerts numerous homeostatic functions in adults. TH acts through nuclear receptors which control the transcription of target genes. Unliganded and liganded thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) have been shown to exert opposite effects on the transcription of target genes in vitro. However, the occurance of an aporeceptor activity in vivo and its potential physiological significance has not been clearly addressed. Several data generated using experimental hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis in wild type and TR knockout mice support the notion that apoTRs have an intrinsic activity in several tIssues. ApoTRs, and in particular TRalpha1, are predominant during the early stages of vertebrate development and must be turned into holoTRs for post-natal development to proceed normally. However, the absence of striking alterations of embryonic and fetal development in mice devoid of TRs indicates that apoTRs do not play a fundamental role. During development, as well as in adults, apoTRs rather appears as a system which increases the range of transcriptional responses to moderate variations of T3.

Thyroid function and effect of aging in combined hetero/homozygous mice deficient in thyroid hormone receptors alpha and beta genes

The maintenance of thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis is dependent on the synthesis and secretion of TH regulated by TSH. This is achieved, in turn, by the negative feedback of TH on TSH secretion and synthesis, which requires the interaction with TH receptors (TRs). Derived by alternative splicing of two gene transcription products, three TRs (TRbeta1, TRbeta2 and TRalpha1) interact with TH while another, TRalpha2, binds to DNA but not to TH. In this study we compare the results of thyroid function tests in mice with deletions of the TRalpha and TRbeta genes alone and present novel data on mice that are double homozygous and combined heterozygous. Homozygous deletions of both the TRalpha and TRbeta in the same mouse (TRalphao/o; TRbeta-/-) resulted in serum TSH values only slightly lower than those in athyreotic, Pax8 knockout mice. Whereas the absence of TRalpha alone does not cause resistance to TH, the absence of TRbeta in the presence of TRalpha results in a 205, 169, 544% increase in serum thyroxine (T(4)), triiodothyronine (T(3)) and TSH concentrations respectively. However, in the absence of TRbeta, loss of one TRalpha allele can worsen the resistance to TH with a 243 and 307% increase in T(4) and T(3) respectively. Similarly, while the heterozygous mouse with a single TRbeta allele shows no alteration in thyroid function, the concomitant deletion of TRalpha brings about mild but significant resistance to TH. Furthermore, the severity of the resistance to TH was noted to decrease with age in parallel with the decrease in serum free T(4) values also seen in wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that (1) unliganded TRalpha or TRbeta are not absolutely necessary for the upregulation of TSH; (2) TRbeta but not TRalpha is sufficient for TH-mediated downregulation of TSH; and (3) TRalpha may partially substitute for TRbeta in mediating a partial TH-dependent TSH suppression.

Functional interference between thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRalpha) and natural truncated TRDeltaalpha isoforms in the control of intestine development

Thyroid hormone is known to participate in the control of intestine maturation at weaning. Its action is mediated by the thyroid hormone nuclear receptors, encoded by the TRalpha and TRbeta genes. Since previous studies have shown that TRbeta plays a minor role in the gut, we focused here our analysis on the TRalpha gene. The TRalpha locus generates the TRalpha1 receptor together with the splicing variant TRalpha2 and the truncated products TRDeltaalpha1 and TRDeltaalpha2, which all lack an intact ligand binding domain. The TRDeltaalpha isoforms are transcribed from an internal promoter located in intron 7, and their distribution is restricted to a few tissues including those of the intestine. In order to define the functions of the different isoforms encoded by the TRalpha locus in the intestinal mucosa, we produced mice either lacking all known TRalpha products or harboring a mutation which inactivates the intronic promoter. We performed a detailed analysis of the intestinal phenotypes in these mice and compared it to that of the previously described TRalpha(-/-) mice, in which TRalpha isoforms are abolished but the TRDeltaalpha isoforms remain. This comparative analysis leads us to the following conclusions: (i) the TRalpha1 receptor mediates the T3-dependent functions in the intestine at weaning time and (ii) the TRDeltaalpha products negatively control the responsiveness of the epithelial cells to T3. Moreover, we show that TRDeltaalpha proteins can interfere with the transcription of the intestine-specific homeobox genes cdx1 and cdx2 and that their activity is regulated by TRalpha1. Altogether these data demonstrate that cooperation of TRalpha and TRDeltaalpha products is essential to ensure the normal postnatal development of the intestine and that mutations in the TRalpha locus can generate different phenotypes caused by the disruption of the equilibrium between these products.

Genetic analysis reveals different functions for the products of the thyroid hormone receptor alpha locus

Thyroid hormone receptors are encoded by the TRalpha (NR1A1) and TRbeta (NR1A2) loci. These genes are transcribed into multiple variants whose functions are unclear. Analysis by gene inactivation in mice has provided new insights into the functional complexity of these products. Different strategies designed to modify the TRalpha locus have led to strikingly different phenotypes. In order to analyze the molecular basis for these alterations, we generated mice devoid of all known isoforms produced from the TRalpha locus (TRalpha(0/0)). These mice are viable and exhibit reduced linear growth, bone maturation delay, moderate hypothermia, and reduced thickness of the intestinal mucosa. Compounding TRalpha(0) and TRbeta(-) mutations produces viable TRalpha(0/0)beta(-/-) mice, which display a more severe linear growth reduction and a more profound hypothermia as well as impaired hearing. A striking phenotypic difference is observed between TRalpha(0/0) and the previously described TRalpha(-/-) mice, which retain truncated TRDeltaalpha isoforms arising from a newly described promoter in intron 7. The lethality and severe impairment of the intestinal maturation in TRalpha(-/-) mice are rescued in TRalpha(0/0) animals. We demonstrate that the TRDeltaalpha protein isoforms, which are natural products of the TRalpha locus, are the key determinants of these phenotypical differences. These data reveal the functional importance of the non-T3-binding variants encoded by the TRalpha locus in vertebrate postnatal development and homeostasis.

Cardiac ion channel expression and contractile function in mice with deletion of thyroid hormone receptor alpha or beta

Cardiac myocytes express the two thyroid hormone receptors (T(3)Rs), T(3)Ralpha and T(3)Rbeta. However, which isoform contributes to specific, T(3)-induced alterations of cardiac function remains unclear. Here, we used individual T(3)R isoform knockout (KO) mice to study the effects of T(3)Ralpha and T(3)Rbeta in the heart. Our findings indicate that potassium channel genes that code for K(+) channels involved in action potential repolarization, like KV 4.2 and minK, are T(3)Ralpha targets. Both are markedly regulated by thyroid status. The recently identified cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, HCN2 and HCN4, are targets of T(3)Ralpha and are unchanged in a euthyroid T(3)Rbeta KO. However, these transcripts respond markedly to altered T(3) signaling concomitant with bradycardia in T(3)Ralpha KO and hypothyroid animals, as well as tachycardia in hyperthyroid T(3)Rss KO mice. SERCA2a and myosins are T(3) regulated and were also targets of T(3)Ralpha, and the papillary muscles of alphaKO animals showed a slowed rate of force development. Because of the absence of significant cardiac effects in euthyroid T(3)Rss KO mice, we determined messenger RNA levels for both T(3)Ralpha and T(3)Rss in the heart. We found that T(3)Rss is present at a 1:3 ratio to T(3)Ralpha1. We conclude that the cardiac phenotype regulated by T(3) is predominantly mediated by T(3)Ralpha and that the lack of T(3)Ralpha cannot be compensated by T(3)Rss in the heart.

Increased sensitivity to thyroid hormone in mice with complete deficiency of thyroid hormone receptor

Only three of the four thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms, alpha1, beta1, and beta2, bind thyroid hormone (TH) and are considered to be true TRs. TRalpha2 binds to TH response elements on DNA, but its role in vivo is still unknown. We produced mice completely deficient in TRalpha (TRalpha(o/o)) that maintain normal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration despite low serum thyroxine (T(4)), suggesting increased sensitivity to TH. We therefore examined the effects of TH (L-3,3',5-triiodothyronine, L-T3) given to TH-deprived and to intact TRalpha(o/o) mice. Controls were wild-type (WT) mice of the same strain and mice resistant to TH due to deficiency in TRbeta (TRbeta(-/-)). In liver, T3 produced significantly greater responses in TRalpha(o/o) and smaller responses in TRbeta(-/-) as compared with WT mice. In contrast, cardiac responses to L-T3 were absent or reduced in TRalpha(o/o), whereas they were similar in WT and TRbeta(-/-) mice, supporting the notion that TRalpha1 is the dominant TH-dependent TR isoform in heart. 5-Triiodothyronine (L-T3) given to intact mice produced a greater suppression of serum T(4) in TRalpha(o/o) than it did in WT mice and reduced by a greater amount the TSH response to TSH-releasing hormone. This is an in vivo demonstration that a TR deficiency can enhance sensitivity to TH. This effect is likely due to the abrogation of the constitutive "silencing" effect of TRalpha2 in tissues expressing the TRbeta isoforms.

Effects of T3R alpha 1 and T3R alpha 2 gene deletion on T and B lymphocyte development

Thyroid hormones bind to several nuclear receptors encoded by T3R alpha and T3R beta genes. There is now accumulating evidence that thyroid hormones act on the immune system. Indeed, mice deficient for thyroid hormones show a reduction in lymphocyte production. However, the mechanisms involved and, in particular, the role of the different thyroid hormone receptors in lymphocyte development have not been investigated. To address that question, we have studied lymphocyte development in mice deficient for the T3R alpha 1 and T3R alpha 2 gene products. A strong decrease in spleen cell numbers was found compared with wild-type littermates, B lymphocytes being more severely affected than T lymphocytes. A significant decrease in splenic macrophage and granulocyte numbers was also found. In bone marrow, a reduction in CD45+/IgM- pro/pre-B cell numbers was found in these mice compared with wild-type littermates. This decrease seems to result from a proliferation defect, as CD45+/IgM- cells incorporate less 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine in vivo. To define the origin of the bone marrow development defect, chimeric animals between T3R alpha-/- and Rag1-/- mice were generated. Results indicate that for B cells the control of the population size by T3R alpha 1 and T3R alpha 2 is intrinsic. Altogether, these results show that T3R alpha 1 or T3R alpha 2 gene products are implicated in the control of the B cell pool size.

Involvement of T3Ralpha- and beta-receptor subtypes in mediation of T3 functions during postnatal murine intestinal development

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Thyroid hormones are implicated in intestinal development. Their effects are mediated by nuclear receptors, which are transcriptional regulators activated upon binding of triiodothyronine. The aim of this study was to define the involvement of the receptor subtypes during intestinal development.

METHODS

We used strains of knockout mice lacking T3Ralpha, T3Rbeta, or both receptors, encoded by T3Ralpha and T3Rbeta genes.

RESULTS

Morphological features and expression of digestive enzymes and of two intestinal regulators, Cdx-1 and Cdx-2, were compared in wild-type and T3Ralpha, T3Rbeta, and T3Ralphabeta knockout animals. T3Ralpha-/- mice had abnormal intestinal morphology, assessed by a decrease in the number of epithelial cells along the crypt-villus axis and a decrease in proliferating crypt cells. Expression of Cdx-1 and Cdx-2, and of the digestive enzymes, was down-regulated. These parameters can be partially reversed by T3 injection. A similar (jejunum) or more severe (ileum) phenotype was found in T3Ralphabeta double mutants. In contrast, no changes occurred in T3Rbeta mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data describe for the first time a direct effect of TH through the T3Ralpha-receptor subtypes on postnatal intestinal mucosa maturation. They also suggest that T3Rbeta receptors are dispensable but can partially substitute for T3Ralpha.

Different functions for the thyroid hormone receptors TRalpha and TRbeta in the control of thyroid hormone production and post-natal development

The biological activities of thyroid hormones are thought to be mediated by receptors generated by the TRalpha and TRbeta loci. The existence of several receptor isoforms suggests that different functions are mediated by specific isoforms and raises the possibility of functional redundancies. We have inactivated both TRalpha and TRbeta genes by homologous recombination in the mouse and compared the phenotypes of wild-type, and single and double mutant mice. We show by this method that the TRbeta receptors are the most potent regulators of the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). However, in the absence of TRbeta, the products of the TRalpha gene can fulfill this function as, in the absence of any receptors, TSH and thyroid hormone concentrations reach very high levels. We also show that TRbeta, in contrast to TRalpha, is dispensable for the normal development of bone and intestine. In bone, the disruption of both TRalpha and TRbeta genes does not modify the maturation delay observed in TRalpha -/- mice. In the ileum, the absence of any receptor results in a much more severe impairment than that observed in TRalpha -/- animals. We conclude that each of the two families of proteins mediate specific functions of triiodothyronin (T3), and that redundancy is only partial and concerns a limited number of functions.

Identification of transcripts initiated from an internal promoter in the c-erbA alpha locus that encode inhibitors of retinoic acid receptor-alpha and triiodothyronine receptor activities

The thyroid hormone receptor-coding locus, c-erbA alpha, generates several mRNAs originating from a single primary transcript that undergoes alternative splicing. We have identified for the first time two new transcripts, called TRdelta alpha1 and TRdelta alpha2 [mRNA for isoform alpha1 and alpha2 of the T3 receptor (TR), respectively], whose transcription is initiated from an internal promoter located within intron 7 of the c-erbA alpha gene. These two new transcripts exhibit tissue-specific patterns of expression in the mouse. These two patterns are in sharp contrast with the expression patterns of the full-length transcripts generated from the c-erbA alpha locus. TR alpha1 and TRdelta alpha2 mRNAs encode N-terminally truncated isoforms of T3R alpha1 and T3R alpha2, respectively. The protein product of TRdelta alpha1 antagonizes the transcriptional activation elicited by T3 and retinoic acid. This protein inhibits the ligand-induced activating functions of T3R alpha1 and 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor-alpha but does not affect the retinoic acid-dependent activating function of retinoic acid receptor-alpha. We predict that these truncated proteins may work as down-regulators of transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors in vivo.

The T3R alpha gene encoding a thyroid hormone receptor is essential for post-natal development and thyroid hormone production

The diverse functions of thyroid hormones are thought to be mediated by two nuclear receptors, T3R alpha1 and T3R beta, encoded by the genes T3R alpha and T3R beta respectively. The T3R alpha gene also produces a non-ligand-binding protein T3R alpha2. The in vivo functions of these receptors are still unclear. We describe here the homozygous inactivation of the T3R alpha gene which abrogates the production of both T3R alpha1 and T3R alpha2 isoforms and that leads to death in mice within 5 weeks after birth. After 2 weeks of life, the homozygous mice become progressively hypothyroidic and exhibit a growth arrest. Small intestine and bones showed a strongly delayed maturation. In contrast to the negative regulatory function of the T3R beta gene on thyroid hormone production, our data show that the T3R alpha gene products are involved in up-regulation of thyroid hormone production at weaning time. Thus, thyroid hormone production might be balanced through a positive T3R alpha and a negative T3R beta pathway. The abnormal phenotypes observed on the homozygous mutant mice strongly suggest that the T3R alpha gene is essential for the transformation of a mother-dependent pup to an 'adult' mouse. These data define crucial in vivo functions for thyroid hormones through a T3R alpha pathway during post-natal development.

In vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells into glial cells and functional neurons

Mouse embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate in culture with retinoic acid. Putative precursors of neurons and glial cells (nestin-positive cells) were clearly identified as early as three days after the onset of differentiation. At day 6, neuron-like cells could be clearly identified, either as isolated cells or as cellular networks. Some of these cells were positive for astrocyte- or oligodendrocyte-specific antigens (GFAP or O4 antigens, respectively). Other cells were positive for neuron-specific antigens (cytoskeleton proteins MAP2, MAP5 and NF200, as well as synaptophysin). Some neuronal-like cells were also positive for acetylcholinesterase activity or glutamic acid decarboxylase expression, indicating that ES cells could differentiate into GABAergic and possibly cholinergic neurons. Electrophysiological analyses performed in voltage clamp conditions showed that cell membranes contained voltage-dependent channels. Overshooting action potentials could be triggered by current injection. Taken together, these data provide evidence that embryonic stem cells can differentiate first into neuron-glia progenitors, and later into glial cells and functional neurons, in vitro. This technique provides an unique system to study early steps of neuronal differentiation in vitro.

The human gene for diamine oxidase, an amiloride binding protein. Molecular cloning, sequencing, and characterization of the promoter

The amiloride binding protein (ABP) is detected in many epithelium-rich and/or hematopoietic tissues (Lingueglia, E., Renard, S., Voilley, N., Waldmann, R., Chassande, O., Lazdunski, M., and Barbry, P. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 216, 679-687). The protein binds amiloride and some of its derivatives, such as phenamil, benzamil, and ethylpropylamiloride. These properties have previously suggested that ABP might be associated with an amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel. It corresponds in fact to an amiloride-sensitive diamine oxidase (DAO) that catalyzes the degradation of compounds such as putrescine or histamine. The analysis of the organization of the sequence of the human ABP/DAO gene reveals that the 2.4-kilobase messenger RNA is transcribed from two close origins identifying the proximal promoter. After sequencing, some corrections within the initial cDNA sequence have been made. Human ABP/DAO corresponds to a 751-residue polypeptide. The promoter activity of 1800 base pairs upstream of the transcription start sites of the long form has been analyzed. Two bulks of cis-activating sequences have been identified. One of them constitutes the proximal promoter. It contains a palindromic sequence previously described as E-PAL. This motif is essential for the full activity of the promoter and behaves like a composite element. This first molecular cloning of a human gene coding for a diamine oxidase will allow us to further understand its regulation during cell growth and/or embryonic development.

Diamine oxidase is the amiloride-binding protein and is inhibited by amiloride analogues

Diamine oxidase (histaminase), an enzyme that oxidatively deaminates putrescine and histamine, was purified from human placenta and from pig kidney. Both NH2-terminal sequences are highly homologous to the human kidney amiloride-binding protein, previously thought to be a component of the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel. Monoclonal antibodies raised against the pig kidney amiloride-binding protein immunoprecipitate a polypeptide with the same M(r) (105,000) as that of pig kidney diamine oxidase. That polypeptide has both diamine oxidase activity and the capacity to bind [3H]phenamil, a tritiated amiloride derivative. Cells stably transfected with human kidney amiloride-binding protein cDNA express a high diamine oxidase activity. In transfected cells as well as with the purified enzyme, this activity was inhibited by amiloride and by some of its derivatives, such as phenamil and ethylpropylamiloride. Amiloride inhibition seems to be due to drug binding at the active site of the enzyme. These data indicate that human placental diamine oxidase is identical to the human kidney amiloride-binding protein and that amiloride analogues may have wider physiological effects besides those on epithelial ion transport.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of different molecular forms of rat amiloride-binding proteins

The colon and lung amiloride-binding proteins were cloned from rat tissues. Two sizes of transcripts were identified. The 2.7-kb transcript codes for an 85-kDa protein, whereas the 1.2-kb transcript codes for a 25-kDa polypeptide. The 2.7-kb transcript was detected in the proximal and distal colon and in duodenum, liver, placenta and thymus. The 1.2-kb transcript was the only form present in lung and spleen, and it was also detected in placenta and colon. The short form corresponds to the 3' terminus of the longer one. It is formed by alternative transcription under the control of an internal promoter. Cells stably transfected with cDNAs encoding these two proteins were used for binding studies using [3H]phenamil, a potent blocker of the epithelial Na+ channel, derived from amiloride. Both the long and short forms of the protein bind amiloride and some of its derivatives, but they have distinct pharmacologies. The order of potency of the different amiloride derivatives to inhibit [3H]phenamil binding was phenamil (K0.5 = 10 nM) > benzamil (K0.5 = 43 nM) > amiloride (K0.5 = 1.4 microM) approximately ethylisopropylamiloride (K0.5 = 1.6 microM) for the long form, whereas it was phenamil (K0.5 = 68 nM) > amiloride (K0.5 = 3.2 microM) approximately ethylisopropylamiloride (K0.5 = 4 microM) approximately benzamil (K0.5 = 6.3 microM) for the short form. Although the binding proteins described here are distinct from the pore-forming protein of the epithelial Na+ channel, the pharmacological profile of the long form of the ABP is identical to that described previously in pig and human kidney, and similar to that expected for an epithelial Na+ channel. The pharmacological profile of the short form resembles that previously described for an amiloride-binding protein in pneumocytes. Results presented in this paper suggest that previously purified preparations showing Na+ channel activity contain different forms of the amiloride-binding protein, possibly associated with other proteins. The similarity between amiloride-binding proteins and a protein identified in seminal vesicles suggests that amiloride-binding proteins are the first members of a new family of epithelia-specific proteins.

Conditional immortalization of normal and dysgenic mouse muscle cells by the SV40 large T antigen under the vimentin promoter control

We have created new mouse muscle cell lines of an immortalized type, expressing normal differentiation at the myotube stage: sarcomeric organization, functional excitation-contraction coupling, and triadic differentiation. The DNA immortalizing recombinant utilizes a deletion mutant of the regulatory region of the human vimentin promoter controlling the expression of a SV40 thermosensitive large T antigen, in which the small t sequence has been deleted. Skeletal mouse replicative myoblasts synthesized predominantly vimentin. After myoblast fusion the vimentin gene is strongly repressed in multinucleated syncytia. Furthermore, the normal activity of the vimentin promoter in myoblasts is increased in the large T antigen-expressing cells. We observed that continuous and rapid division of myoblasts occurs at permissive temperature, suggesting that immortalization is achieved even though the small t antigen is absent. When fusion is induced by changing media conditions, large T antigen expression is totally repressed by the vimentin promoter. When the temperature is elevated to 39 degrees C, the preexisting large T antigen is inactivated. The resulting myotubes from normal mouse differentiate totally normally as indicated by their morphology, ultrastructure, and electrophysiological properties. Mutant (muscular dysgenesis) immortalized cells express the same properties as mutant primary counterparts with no contraction, no slow Ca2+ current, and no triadic differentiation. These immortalized cell lines are potentially very useful for further pharmacology, transplantation, and cell biology studies. The vimentin promoter control of immortalizing recombinant DNA can be used for any mammalian normal and mutant muscle cell lines.

Human kidney amiloride-binding protein: cDNA structure and functional expression

Phenamil, an analog of amiloride, is a potent blocker of the epithelial Na+ channel. It has been used to purify the porcine kidney amiloride-binding protein. Synthetic oligonucleotides derived from partial sequences have been used to screen a human kidney cDNA library and to isolate the cDNA encoding the human amiloride-binding protein. The primary structure was deduced from the DNA sequence analysis. The protein is 713 residues long, with a 19-amino acid signal peptide. The mRNA was expressed in 293-S and NIH 3T3 cells, yielding a glycoprotein (i) that binds amiloride and amiloride analogs with affinities similar to the amiloride receptor associated with the apical Na+ channel in pig kidney membranes and (ii) that is immunoprecipitated with monoclonal antibodies raised against pig kidney amiloride-binding protein.

Localization of the gene for amiloride binding protein on chromosome 7 and RFLP analysis in cystic fibrosis families

The apical sodium channel is essential for sodium reabsorption by the kidney. Its activity is blocked by the diuretic amiloride. Using a human cDNA coding for the amiloride binding protein (ABP), the corresponding structural gene was mapped to human chromosome 7q34-q36 by in situ hybridization. This region flanks the region implicated in cystic fibrosis (7q32). Because an alteration of the amiloride sensitive sodium channel function has been suggested in cystic fibrosis, a possible link between the ABP gene and this disease was analyzed by restriction fragments length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. From this study, it appears that the gene coding for ABP is not directly modified by mutations causing cystic fibrosis.

[3H]phenamil binding protein of the renal epithelium Na+ channel. Purification, affinity labeling, and functional reconstitution

This paper describes a large-scale purification procedure of the amiloride binding component of the epithelium Na+ channel. [3H]Phenamil was used as a labeled ligand to follow the purification. The first two steps are identical with those previously described [Barbry, P., Chassande, O., Vigne, P., Frelin, C., Ellory, C., Cragoe, E. J., Jr., & Lazdunski, M. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 4836-4840]. A third step was a hydroxyapatite column. The purified material consisted of a homodimer of two 88-kDa proteins that migrated anomalously in SDS-PAGE to give an apparent Mr of 105,000. Deglycosylation by treatment with neuraminidase and endoglycosidase F or with neuraminidase and glycopeptidase F indicated that less than 5% of the mass of the native receptor was carbohydrate. Sedimentation analysis of the purified Na+ channel in H2O and D2O sucrose gradients and gel filtration experiments led to an estimated molecular weight of the [3H]phenamil receptor protein-detergent-phospholipid complex of 288,000 and of the native [3H]phenamil receptor protein of 158,000. [3H]Br-benzamil is another labeled derivative of amiloride that recognized binding sites that had the same pharmacological properties as [3H]phenamil binding sites and that copurified with them. Upon irradiation of kidney membranes, [3H]Br-benzamil incorporated specifically into a 185-kDa polypeptide chain under nonreducing electrophoretic conditions and a 105-kDa protein under reducing conditions. The same labeling pattern was observed at the different steps of the purification. Reconstitution of the purified phenamil receptor into large unilamellar vesicles was carried out. A low but significant phenamil- and amiloride-sensitive electrogenic Na+ transport was observed.

Biochemical identification of two types of phenamil binding sites associated with amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels

The existence of distinct forms of the epithelium Na+ channel that differ in their sensitivity to amiloride has been repeatedly suggested by physiological data. The biochemical basis for these differences was analyzed by using phenamil, the most potent inhibitor known so far for the epithelium Na+ channel. [3H]Phenamil of high radioactive specific activity (30 Ci/mmol) was prepared and used to titrate [3H]phenamil binding sites in pig kidney membranes. Kinetic experiments, equilibrium binding studies, and competition experiments indicated the presence in crude membrane preparations of two classes of independent binding sites. A first binding site was characterized by a high affinity for phenamil (Kd1 = 0.4 nM) and for amiloride (Kd1 = 0.1 microM). A second binding site recognized phenamil and amiloride with lower affinities [Kd2(phenamil) = 28 nM, Kd2(amiloride) = 4 microM]. The ratio of the respective amounts of low- and high-affinity binding sites was 14 +/- 2 in different membrane preparations (range: 6-22). The two types of binding sites for [3H]phenamil copurified and were still observed after purification of the epithelium Na+ channel to homogeneity. These results indicate that at least two types of pharmacologically distinguishable Na+ channels exist in the kidney. They correspond either to two isoforms of the apical Na+ channel or to one single type of channel under two different states of covalent regulation.

Amiloride and its analogs as tools to inhibit Na+ transport via the Na+ channel, the Na+/H+ antiport and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

Amiloride analogs inhibit a number of transmembrane Na+ transport systems: 1) the epithelium Na+ channel, 2) the Na+/H+ exchange system and 3) the Na+/Ca2+ exchange system. Structure--activity relationships using amiloride derivatives with selected modification of each of the functional groups of the molecule indicate that the 3 Na+ transporting systems have distinct pharmacological profiles. 5-N Disubstituted derivatives of amiloride, such as ethylisopropylamiloride are the most potent inhibitors of the Na+/H+ exchange system. Conversely, amiloride derivatives that are substituted on the guanidino moiety, such as phenamil, are potent inhibitors of the epithelium Na+ channel. It is thus possible, by using selected amiloride derivatives to inhibit selectively one or another of the Na+ transport systems.

The Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport in C6 glioma cells. Properties and role in volume regulation

The role of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter in the regulation of the volume of C6 astrocytoma cells was analyzed using isotopic fluxes and cell cytometry measurements of the cell volume. The system was inhibited by 'loop diuretics' with the following order of potency: benzmetanide greater than bumetanide greater than piretanide greater than furosemide. Under physiological conditions of osmolarity of the incubation media, equal rates of bumetanide-sensitive inward and outward K+ fluxes were observed. Blockade of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter with bumetanide did not lead to a modification in the mean cell volume. When C6 cells were incubated in an hyperosmotic solution, a cell shrinkage was observed. It was accompanied by a twofold increase in the activity of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport, which then catalyzed the net influx of K+. In spite of this increased activity, no cell swelling could be measured. Incubation of the cells in an iso-osmotic medium deprived of either Na+, K+ or Cl- also produced cell shrinkage. Large activations (up to tenfold) of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport together with a cell swelling back to the normal volume were observed upon returning ion-deprived C6 cells to a physiological solution. This cell swelling was completely prevented in the presence of bumetanide. It is concluded that the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport system is one of the transport systems involved in volume regulation of glial cells. The system can either be physiologically quiescent or active depending on the conditions used. A distinct volume regulating mechanism is the Na+/H+ exchange system.

Purification and subunit structure of the [3H]phenamil receptor associated with the renal apical Na+ channel

Sodium crosses the apical membrane of tight epithelia through a sodium channel, which is inhibited by the diuretic amiloride and by analogs such as phenamil. Target size analysis indicated that the functional size of the [3H]phenamil binding sites associated with the epithelial Na+ channel from pig kidney is 92 +/- 10 kDa. The [3H]phenamil receptor was solubilized by using 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate. The solubilized material displayed the same properties of interaction with amiloride and its derivatives as the membrane-bound receptor. A two-step purification of the epithelial Na+ channel was achieved by using QAE Sephadex chromatography and affinity chromatography on a Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin column. It results in an 1100-fold purification of the Na+ channel as compared to pig kidney microsomes with a yield of 15% +/- 5%. The maximal specific activity was 3.7 nmol/mg of protein. NaDodSO4/poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified Na+ channel under nonreducing conditions showed the presence of a single major polypeptide chain of apparent molecular mass 185 kDa. Under disulfide-reducing conditions, the purified epithelial Na+ channel migrated as a single band of apparent molecular mass 105 kDa. It is suggested that the epithelial Na+ channel from pig kidney has a total molecular mass of 185 kDa and consists of two nearly identical 90- to 105-kDa polypeptide chains crosslinked by disulfide bridges.

Biochemical characterization of the Na+/K+/Cl- co-transport in chick cardiac cells

Cultured chick cardiac cells possess a Na+K+Cl-co-transport system that is inhibited by the "loop diuretics" benzmetanide (IC50 = 0.3 microM), bumetanide (IC50 = 0.6 microM), piretanide (IC50 = 1.5 microM) and furosemide (IC50 = 5 microM). The K0.5 values for Cl- and Na+ activation of the bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake are 59 mM and 40mM respectively. Bumetanide also inhibits a 22Na+ uptake component that is suppressed when external Cl- or K+ are substituted by impermeant ions. The ratio of bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb+ to 22Na+ uptake is close to 1. The cardiac Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport is a major uptake pathway for Na+ and K+. It accounts for 50% of the initial rate of 86Rb+ uptake and 17% of the initial rate of 22Na+ uptake by chick cardiac cells. It is activated two-fold by an hyperosmotic shock produced with 200 mM mannitol.