Quantitative NAT for pathogen inactivation verification

A novel Quantitative Nucleic Acid Test (Q-NAT) technology has been developed to demonstrate, quantify and verify pathogen inactivation by methods that break pathogen nucleic acids, specifically, gamma irradiation. The Q-NAT technology provides significant advantages in cost, efficiency and broad applicability compared with traditional methods for pathogen inactivation detection and quantification such as cell culture.

Development of an animal model for assessment of the hemostatic efficacy of fibrin sealant in vascular surgery

PURPOSE

Sustained hemostatic function of fibrin sealant (FS) is crucial when it is used in cardiovascular surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that can determine the long-term hemostatic efficacy of tissue sealants in a vascular surgery.

METHODS

To determine the ability of the model to detect differences in FS performance, various concentrations of FS were prepared and tested. Tensile strength of FS clots was determined in vitro using a tensiometer. Laparotomy was performed on 49 anesthetized rabbits, and a segment of the aorta was occluded, transected, and then sutured in an end-to-end fashion with four or eight interrupted 9-O sutures. The four-suture repair was covered with FS or placebo, and blood flow restored. Spilled blood was absorbed with gauze and weighed to estimate blood loss. Four weeks after surgery the animals were euthanized and the vessels recovered for histology.

RESULTS

Average tensile strength of FS clots at 120, 90, and 60 mg/ml topical fibrinogen complex (TFC) concentration was 0.42 +/- 0.07 N, with no significant difference among them. The lowest TFC concentration, 30 mg/ml, produced weaker clots than either 120 or 90 mg/ml (P < 0.05). All rabbits with four-suture anastomoses that were treated with placebo bled to death after the vessel was unclamped (n = 6). Treatment of suture line with standard FS concentration (120 mg/ml TFC, n = 8) sealed the anastomosis and prevented blood loss. Hemostasis was sustained for 4 weeks, allowing vascular healing. All rabbits with the eight-suture anastomosis survived the operation but lost 42 +/- 9.2 ml blood (n = 5). Hemostatic efficacy of FS was unchanged when TFC was diluted to 90 mg/ml (n = 6) but further dilution to 60 mg/ml with water (n = 8) produced significantly less effective clots, with an average blood loss of 5.5 +/- 7.6 ml (P < 0.05) and two fatal clot failures postoperatively. When FS was diluted to 60 mg/ml TFC with a buffer, it maintained its hemostatic strength (n = 6). Further TFC dilution to 30 mg/ml led to consistent bleeding with an average blood loss of 35.3 +/- 10.3 ml (P < 0.001, n = 6).

CONCLUSIONS

The four-suture anastomosis of rabbit aorta offers a consistent and reliable method for evaluating the short- and long-term hemostatic efficacy of FS products. This model is not only able to determine the functional differences in various concentrations of FS, but it is also sensitive to detect the subtle changes in FS preparation (e.g., medium composition) that is not detected by in vitro testing.

Metabolic and hemodynamic effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum in a controlled hemorrhage model

BACKGROUND

Intracavity infusion of fibrin sealant-based agents, as a novel modality to control internal bleeding, is associated with an increase of pneumoperitoneum (PP) pressure. The safe limit of such increase has not been well defined in hypovolemic subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of increasing PP pressure and to define the limits of carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation in a controlled hemorrhage rat model.

METHODS

Ninety male rats (474 +/- 6 g, 37 degrees +/- 1 degrees C) were anesthetized, and mechanically ventilated. Animals were randomly distributed among 14 groups (n = 6-8) with an increasing amount of blood loss (0, 10, 15, and 17.5 mL/kg) and 15 minutes of CO2 insufflation at 0, 5, 10, and 15 mm Hg starting 15 minutes after hemorrhage, followed by desufflation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, and survival were recorded and arterial and venous blood samples were collected at baseline, at 15 minutes after hemorrhage, after insufflation, and after desufflation procedures to determine arterial blood gases and lactic acid levels.

RESULTS

In nonhemorrhaged animals, increasing PP pressure up to 15 mm Hg produced only transient changes in MAP and no increase in lactate level. A moderate hemorrhage (10 mL/kg) limited the safe abdominal pressure to 10 mm Hg with metabolic changes that were restored 15 minutes after desufflation. Higher PP pressure (15 mm Hg) at this hemorrhage level produced a significant decline in MAP (42%, p < 0.001) and progressive metabolic acidosis with a 2.1-fold increase (p < 0.01) in lactate level. The more severe hemorrhage (15 mL/kg) further reduced the limits of PP pressure such that 10 and 15 mm Hg resulted in a progressive decline of blood pressures (52% and 54%, respectively; p < 0.001) and severe metabolic acidosis as manifested by 3.3- and 3.1-fold rises in lactate levels, respectively. In the most severe hemorrhaged animals (17.5 mL/kg), the 50% mortality was primarily determined by the severity of the blood loss and the additional PP at 5 mm Hg had no significant impact.

CONCLUSION

The safe limit of PP pressurization with CO2 is dependent on the amount of blood loss. In this mechanically ventilated rat model, increasing the amount of blood loss from 0 to 15 mL/kg reduces the tolerable level of abdominal insufflation pressure from 15 mm Hg to 5 mm Hg. A 5-mm Hg PP pressure appears safe even in the most severely hemorrhaged animals.

Expression and purification of functional human alpha-1-Antitrypsin from cultured plant cells

Human alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), the most abundant protease inhibitor found in the blood, was expressed in rice embryonic tissue suspension cell culture. This was accomplished by cloning the codon-optimized AAT gene into a vector containing the rice RAmy3D promoter and its signal sequence. The synthetic gene incorporates codons synonymous with those found in highly expressed rice genes. Approximately 1000 stable transformed calli were produced by particle bombardment mediated transformation and were screened for high AAT expression using a porcine elastase inhibitory activity assay. The band shift assay also confirmed that rice-derived AAT is functional regarding its binding capability to the elastase substrate. Time course studies were conducted to determine the optimum, postinduction expression levels from cell culture. AAT expression equivalent to 20% of the total secreted proteins was achieved, and a purification scheme was developed that yielded active AAT with purity greater than 95%. The potential applications of purified plant-derived AAT for treatments of various AAT-deficient diseases are discussed.

Production of functional human alpha 1-antitrypsin by plant cell culture

Recombinant human alpha 1-antitrypsin (rAAT) was expressed and secreted from transgenic rice cell suspension cultures in its biologically active form. This was accomplished by transforming rice callus tissues with an expression vector, p3D-AAT, containing the cDNA for mature human AAT protein. Regulated expression and secretion of rAAT from this vector was achieved using the promoter, signal peptide, and terminator from a rice alpha-amylase gene Amy3D. The Amy3D gene of rice is tightly controlled by simple sugars such as sucrose. It was possible, therefore, to induce the expression of the rAAT by removing sucrose from the cultured media or by allowing the rice suspension cells to deplete sucrose catabolically. Although transgenic rice cell produced a heterogeneous population of the rAAT molecules, they had the same N-terminal amino acids as those found in serum-derived (native) AAT from humans. This result indicates that the rice signal peptidase recognizes and cleaves the novel sequence between the Amy3D signal peptide and the first amino acid of the mature human AAT. The highest molecular weight band seen on Western blots (AAT top band) was found to have the correct C-terminal amino acid sequence and normal elastase binding activity. Staining with biotin-concanavalin A and avidin horseradish peroxidase confirmed the glycosylation of the rAAT, albeit to a lesser extent than that observed with native AAT. The rAAT, purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, had the same association rate constant for porcine pancreatic elastase as the native AAT. Thermostability studies revealed that the rAAT and native AAT decayed at the same rate, suggesting that the rAAT is correctly folded. The productivity of rice suspension cells expressing rAAT was 4.6-5.7 mg/g dry cell. Taken together, these results support the use of rice cell culture as a promising new expression system for production of biologically active recombinant proteins.

Haemophilia and advanced fibrin sealant technologies

Fibrin sealant, which consists mainly of fibrinogen and thrombin, provides rapid haemostasis as well as tissue sealing and adhesion. Commercial, viral-inactivated products are available in Europe, Canada, and Japan. Liquid fibrin sealant (LFS) has been used clinically in haemophiliacs to perform dental procedures, orthopedic surgeries, non-orthopaedic surgeries, and circumcisions. LFS use is expected to increase as commercial products will soon be available in the US. Recombinant sources and transgenic animal bioreactor systems will replace plasma-derived products and become the predominant sources for this product in the next decade. Other areas of innovation include the development of fibrin sealant bandages or dressings, expandable foams, and spray powders which will provide the haemophiliac the ability to rapidly attain control of traumatic haemorrhages prior to hospital treatment with a significant reduction in the use of i.v. clotting factors. Fibrin sealant products have the potential to provide life-saving control of haemorrhage, reduction in factor dependency, lower viral exposure risk, and medical care cost reduction.

In vitro studies on the effect of activated protein C on platelet activation and thrombin generation

The effect of activated protein C (APC) on agonist-induced platelet activation and on thrombin generation after intrinsic (IA) and extrinsic (EA) activation of the coagulation system was studied by flow cytometry and by measuring levels of prothrombin fragment F1+2. In platelet activation studies blood drawn from healthy volunteers was anticoagulated with 10 micrograms/ml APC and incubated at 37 degrees C either with saline, recombinant tissue factor (r-TF), arachidonic acid (AA), ADP or collagen. At definite times aliquots were taken and processed for flow studies. Platelet activation was measured using fluorescent monoclonal antibodies to platelet surface receptors GPIIIa (CD-61) and P-selectin (CD-62). Flow cytometric analysis showed platelet activation after all agonists used. APC did not influence AA-, ADP- and collagen-induced platelet activation but completely inhibited activation of platelets induced by r-TF. The effect of APC on r-TF-mediated platelet activation was concentration-dependent in the range of 0.5 to 20 micrograms/ml showing an increase in CD-62 expression at lower concentrations. In citrated and APC-anticoagulated blood the generation of thrombin was studied after IA and EA. At 10 and 20 micrograms/ml APC effectively prevented blood clotting which rapidly occurred especially after EA. The amount of thrombin generated via the extrinsic pathway was reduced by APC whereas after IA F1+2 levels measured in the presence of APC were still strongly increased. These results indicate that small amounts of thrombin generated by r-TF are sufficient to activate platelets as well as blood coagulation. APC exerts strong concentration-dependent anticoagulant actions and effectively prevents activation of platelets.

Reusable, real-time, immuno-optical protein C biosensor

A Protein C (PC) biosensor can be used to diagnose PC deficiency, to monitor the PC level in the blood of PC deficient patients, and to measure the PC concentration in other PC-containing samples, such as PC producing animal cell culture broth or transgenic animal milk. A fully functional biosensor requires extremely high sensitivity and specificity, and real-time measurement. To satisfy these requirements, it is proposed to develop an immuno-optical fiber biosensor that utilizes PC-specific biomolecules (PC probes) tagged with fluorophores. The method involves immobilizing monoclonal antibody against PC (anti-PC) on the surface of an optical fiber. When PC in a sample is adsorbed to the anti-PC on the fiber, it can be reached with the fluorophore tagged PC-probe. The intensity of light transported through the optical fiber, therefore, can be correlated with the concentration of PC in the sample. The sensor will be designed so it can be reused, following a simple elution step, thus reducing diagnostic expense. The preliminary study shows encouraging future for the real-time optical PC biosensor.

Delivery of demineralized bone powder by fibrin sealant

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of fibrin sealant as a delivery vehicle for demineralized bone powder would result in bone induction in heterotopic and orthotopic sites. Rat demineralized bone powder alone or in different concentrations of fibrin sealant matrix (4, 8, 15, and 45 mg/ml) was bioassayed for bone induction by implantation in intramuscular sites. Distribution of treatment groups was as follows: demineralized bone powder alone (n = 12), demineralized bone powder plus 4 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 11), demineralized bone powder plus 8 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 11), demineralized bone powder plus 15 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 11), demineralized bone powder plus 45 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 10), 4 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 13), and 45 mg/ml fibrin sealant (n = 11). In a second group of rats, 8-mm critical-sized calvarial defects were created and treated with demineralized bone powder plus 30 mg/ml fibrin sealant. Intramuscular implants were retrieved after 28 days, while calvarial implants were retrieved at 28 days (n = 8), 3 months (n = 8), or 4 months (n = 5). Implants were then x-rayed and submitted for histology. Results showed bone formation as evidenced by radiopacity and histology. Radiopacity measurements of demineralized bone powder implants alone or in a fibrin sealant matrix were associated with immature woven bone at the implantation site. Fibrin sealant allowed bone formation by demineralized bone powder to occur, improved the handling of demineralized bone powder, and facilitated the shaping of implants.

Iodine-mediated inactivation of lipid- and nonlipid-enveloped viruses in human antithrombin III concentrate

Human plasma-derived protein concentrates intended for clinical use must be treated for viral inactivation to ensure patient safety. This study explored the use of liquid iodine for inactivation of several lipid- and nonlipid-enveloped viruses in an antithrombin III (AT-III) concentrate. Iodine at levels of 0.01% to 0.02% caused between 43% and 94% loss of AT-III activity, as well as degradation of AT-III as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. However, addition of up to 0.1% human albumin protected the AT-III against both inactivation and fragmentation. At albumin levels sufficient to retain greater than 75% of AT-III activity, greater than 6 logs of sindbis, encephalomyocarditis, and vesicular stomatitis viruses, greater than 4 logs of pseudorabies, and greater than 3 logs of human immunodeficiency virus were inactivated. Except with sindbis virus, this represented complete inactivation of all the viruses spiked into the AT-III concentrate.

FGF-1 affixation stimulates ePTFE endothelialization without intimal hyperplasia

The affixation of FGF-1 to porous vascular grafts has been reported to stimulate capillary ingrowth and surface endothelialization. The current study further characterizes responses to fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 affixation to 30-cm-long grafts followed 140 days. ePTFE grafts (30 cm x 8 mm i.d.), 60 microns internodal distance, were impregnated with fibrin glue (FG) suspensions containing FGF-1 and heparin. Two negative control groups were treated either with FG with heparin alone or left untreated. Grafts were explanted from the canine thoracoabdominal aortic position after 10, 30, or 140 days (n = 3/time/group) 10 hr after im injection of tritiated thymidine (0.5 muCi/kg). Specimens were studied by light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, morphometric analyses, and cross-sectional autoradiography. RNA preparations from inner capsule tissues were used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of FGF-1, FGF-2, transforming growth factor-beta 1, (TGF-beta 1) and FGF receptor mRNA species. Inner capsule collagen was quantitated by hydroxyproline colorimetry. Histologic analyses of perianastomotic regions were performed for comparison purposes. All explants were patent and without intimal hyperplasia. Progressive capillarization of the internodal spaces occurred over time and was significantly more extensive in the FGF-1-treated group. Endothelialization of the luminal surface increased with time, at 140 days covering 86.7 +/- 11.6% of the FGF-1 explants vs 46.1 +/- 7.5% and 48.1 +/- 13.3% in the other groups, P < 0.007 and P < 0.04, respectively. Inner capsule thickness at 140 days differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the FGF-1 group (138.8 microns) vs either control group (93 and 67 microns, respectively), which did not significantly differ from each other. Cross-sectional autoradiography demonstrated an FGF-1-induced mitotic index increase at 30 days, 9.6 +/- 4.4% compared to 2.5 +/- 1.0 and 0 +/- 0%, respectively, with both myofibroblasts and endothelial cells incorporating the [3H]thymidine label. The mitotic index returned to quiescent levels at 140 days (< 1% in all groups). Collagen content increased with time in all groups, significantly greater in both FG groups vs untreated controls at 30 and 140 days. RT-PCR analyses revealed FGF-1, FGF-2, FGFR-1 (flg), and TGF-beta 1 mRNA in all samples without evidence of modulation by FGF-1 affixation. These data demonstrate FGF-1-induced graft capillarization and surface endothelialization without functionally significant intimal hyperplasia in this model.

Enhanced endothelialization of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts by fibroblast growth factor type 1 pretreatment

BACKGROUND

Biomaterial pretreatment with endothelial cell mitogens may enhance endothelialization.

METHODS

Modified fibrin glue (FG) containing 1 ng/cm2 recombinant 125I-labeled fibroblast growth factor type 1 (125I-FGF-1), 20 micrograms/cm2 heparin, 2.86 mg/cm2 fibrinogen, and 2.86 x 10(-2) units/cm2 thrombin was pressure perfused into expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Grafts were interposed into infrarenal aortas of 24 New Zealand white rabbits and explanted after 0, 5, 30, and 60 minutes and 1, 7, 14, and 30 days. Residual radioactivity was determined by gamma-counting. Remaining 125I-FGF-1 is expressed as percent of value at time 0. To determine the effect of the FG/FGF-1 on graft healing, three groups of 50 x 4 mm 60 microns internodal-distance nonreinforced ePTFE grafts were implanted in the aortoiliac position of 12 dogs. Group I (n = 12) contained the complete modified FG, group II (n = 6) contained FG with heparin but no FGF-1, and group III (n = 6) contained untreated identical ePTFE. Tritiated thymidine (0.5 microCi/kg) was injected intramuscularly 10 hours before explantation after 7 and 28 days for light and electron microscopy and en face autoradiography.

RESULTS

Retention of 125I-FGF-1 showed rapid initial loss (delta %/delta min = -24.1) followed by slow loss after 1 hour (delta %/delta min = -0.03), with 13.4% +/- 6.9% remaining at 1 week and 3.8% +/- 1.1% at 30 days. Every FG/FGF-1 graft at 28 days showed extensive capillary ingrowth and confluent endothelialized luminal surfaces, not seen in any specimen of the other two groups. Autoradiography revealed a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in 3H-thymidine incorporation in the FG/FGF-1 grafts at 28 days versus all groups as a function of time and graft treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure perfusion of an FGF-1/FG suspension into 60 microns internodal-distance ePTFE grafts promotes endothelialization through capillary ingrowth and increased endothelial cell proliferation.

Physical and biochemical characterization of five commercial resins for immunoaffinity purification of factor IX

The American Red Cross has developed an immunoaffinity chromatography method to purify human coagulation factor IX (FIX) to homogeneity using monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that bind FIX in the presence of divalent cations. The MAb is immobilized on Sepharose CL2B, a soft gel with a low pressure tolerance as well as poor large-scale performance characteristics, including low reusability, and resin crumbling and deterioration. In this study, we examined several commercially available resin supports. Aside from Sepharose CL2B, we studied two other cross-linked agaroses, as well as two synthetic polymer supports. Immobilization chemistries included cyanogen bromide activation of agarose, 2-fluoro-2 methylpyridinium toluene-4-sulfonate activation of one of the synthetic polymer as well as aldehyde group reduction by NaCNBH3 to form secondary amine linkages on one of the cross-linked agaroses. To determine the feasibility of using the resins in large-scale immunoaffinity chromatographic purification of FIX, we studied physical and biochemical properties of the resins. The physical characteristics studied included the crushability of the resins under pressure as well as ability to support increasing flow-rates at increasing pressures. The biochemical examination of the various resins focused on efficiency of antigen capture by the immobilized antibody ligand and the effect of flow-rate on MAb efficiency, where we found that very low flow-rates slightly increased the capacity of the MAb. The results demonstrate a straightforward method of assessing the feasibility of using particular resins in large-scale affinity purification.

Evaluation of CNBr, FMP and hydrazide resins for immunoaffinity purification of factor IX

The American Red Cross has developed an immunoaffinity chromatography method to purify human coagulation Factor IX to high levels of purity for therapeutic treatment of hemophilia B. The resin currently used in this process is Sepharose CL2B, a cross-linked 2% agarose, which is activated with cyanogen bromide to immobilize an anti-Factor IX monoclonal antibody. This study evaluated two alternative resins and coupling chemistries, a synthetic polymer bead activated by 2-fluoro-1-methyl-pyridinium toluene 4-sulfonate (FMP) and a cross-linked 2% agarose bead with free hydrazide groups for site-specific coupling. The cyanogen bromide and FMP chemistries immobilize the monoclonal antibody in a random orientation. In hydrazide coupling, the monoclonal antibody is immobilized by the non-antigen-binding part of the molecule which, theoretically, should increase the amount of immobilized monoclonal antibody able to bind antigen. To examine this, the capacity of the resins to bind Factor IX and the purity and recovery of Factor IX eluted from the resins were measured. The FMP-activated resin exhibited the lowest capacity, binding only 2% of the Factor IX feed. Sepharose CL2B bound 87% of the loaded protein, while the hydrazide resin bound 43%. These results suggest that (a) hydrazide activation may be insufficient to orient monoclonal antibody and (b) other factors such as steric hindrances and diffusional resistances during immobilization may be important. Neither of the other resins tested demonstrated improved performance compared with cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose CL2B for the immunoaffinity purification of Factor IX.

Modulation of expression of the human gamma interferon gene in E. coli by site-directed mutagenesis

Plasmids expressing 2 forms of human immune interferon (IFN-gamma) in E. coli have been constructed: 1) pIFNTacI which expresses IFN-gamma with an N-terminal amino acid sequence of met-cys-tyr-cys-gln-, and 2) pIFNTacII which is a derivative of pIFNTacI from which the 9 base pairs (bp) coding for the cys-tyr-cys have been deleted. Quantitation of Western blots showed that approximately 10-fold more IFN-gamma was produced in cells harboring pIFNTacII (7.5% of total cellular protein) as compared to pIFNTacI. The IFN-gamma expressed in E. coli pIFNTacII is biologically active and routinely recoverable at 10(9) units per liter. When examined microscopically, IPTG induced E. coli harboring either plasmid construction contains prominent cytoplasmic inclusion bodies.

Optimizing gene expression in BPV-transformed cells: effects of cell type on enhancer/promoter interaction

We have compared several combinations of enhancers and promoters in expressing the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene in transient assays, in mouse C127, the most widely used host cell for the bovine papilloma virus (BPV) expression vector. Of the various combinations tested, the unit comprised of the SV40 enhancer and adenovirus type 2 major late promoter (MLP) was the most active in BPV transformed C127 cells. We further demonstrate that untransformed and BPV transformed C127 cells respond differently to the various enhancer/promoter combinations tested. Moving the SV40 enhancer closer to the cap site of a complete MLP (from -414 to -107) reduced potentiation to less than half in BPV transformed cells. The level of potentiation with enhancer at either site was similar in human HeLa cells. In BPV transformed C127 cells, the SV40 enhancer and the MLP (at the -414 site) supports 4-5 fold greater levels of expression than the murine sarcoma virus (MSV) enhancer/mouse metallothionein (MT) promoter which has previously been extremely effective in BPV vectors. Our findings provide a basis for the improvement of the BPV vector system in supporting increased levels of expression of proteins of important therapeutic application.

cDNA clones reveal differences between human glial and endothelial cell platelet-derived growth factor A-chains

Human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogenic polypeptide which is believed to be a heterodimer of A- and B-chains stabilized by interchain disulphide bonds. The B-chain of PDGF is encoded by the c-sis gene, the normal cellular homologue of the transforming gene of the simian sarcoma virus (SSV). cDNA clones of the B-chain from both normal and transformed cells have mutually consistent DNA sequences. Recently, an A-chain cDNA clone (D-1) was isolated from a transformed human glial cell cDNA library. We report the complete sequence of an A-chain cDNA clone (BT-1) isolated from a normal human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cell cDNA library. BT-1 differs from the sequence of the D-1 clone by a 69 base pair deletion containing the predicted carboxy terminus of the protein. The mRNA levels of the A- and B-chains of PDGF in HUVE cells were analysed and shown to respond differently to the endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF).

An angiogenic growth factor is expressed in human glioma cells

Progression to increased malignancy frequently occurs in human brain tumors of glial origin and usually involves neovascularization--a massive proliferation of endothelial cells into the tumor tissue. We have shown previously that subversion of a normal growth factor-related pathway is frequently associated with human gliomas. Here we show that human glioma cell lines express the gene encoding the angiogenic peptide endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) or acidic fibroblast growth factor (a-FGF) and that an ECGF-like polypeptide is produced by these cells. The glioma-derived growth factor was partially purified from cell extracts by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography where it eluted at 1.5 M sodium chloride. On reversed-phase h.p.l.c., growth factor activity for endothelial cells was eluted at the same concentration of acetonitrile as found for bovine brain-ECGF, also a potent mitogen for endothelial cells. Moreover, human glioma cells possess specific cell surface receptors for ECGF and are mitogenically stimulated by exogenous addition of this growth factor. Glioma derived-ECGF may therefore have a dual influence: first, by autocrine growth-stimulation of human gliomas and, second, by paracrine-stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation which results in neovascularization of the tumor tissue.

A three-dimensional model of an anti-lysozyme antibody

The primary amino acid structure of the lysozyme-binding antibody, HyHEL-10, as determined by amino acid and nucleotide sequencing was utilized to construct a scale model of the Fv (variable region domain of immunoglobulin) using energy-minimized torsional angles of the McPC603 Fv as a prototype template. This model was in turn used as a template for generating a computer-built set of co-ordinates, which were subjected to a total of 600 steps of Adopted Basis Newton-Raphson energy minimizations using the program CHARMM. Only minimal shifts of the backbone (root-mean-square 0.76 A) were required to give an energetically stable structure with a favorable van der Waals' energy. Several notable features were evident from both the scale model and the energy-minimized computer model: (1) the shape of the antibody combining region is that of a very shallow concavity approximately 20 A X 25 A; (2) the concavity is acidic and non-hydrophobic and is bordered by hydrophobic segments; (3) the lower portion of the combining site is dominated by a cluster of tyrosine residues over the L3 and H2 areas; (4) a somatic mutation encoded by the J region of the heavy chain (JH) may contribute significantly to the complementarity of heavy chain H3 to the epitope on hen egg white lysozyme. In addition, the space-filling energy-minimized model revealed that residue 49L, a framework residue, was prominently exposed and accessible in the center of the combining-site concavity. The model suggests that variation in length of complementarity-determining regions may function not only to change directly the shape of the antibody combining site, but may also influence indirectly the nature of the antibody surface by changing the accessibility of residues not usually involved in antigen binding.

Isolation and sequencing of a cDNA clone homologous to the v-sis oncogene from human endothelial cells

A clone containing the 3' end of the mRNA for the human c-sis gene (homologous to the B chain of platelet-derived growth factor) was isolated from a cDNA library derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and then sequenced. The analysis of possible translation products in all three reading frames indicated that the A chain of platelet-derived growth factor was not coded for within the 3' end of the c-sis mRNA. The 3' end of the mRNA for c-sis is contained in or adjacent to exon 6.

Modulation of the sis gene transcript during endothelial cell differentiation in vitro

Endothelial cells, which line the interior walls of blood vessels, proliferate at the site of blood vessel injury. Knowledge of the factors that control the proliferation of these cells would help elucidate the role of endothelial cells in wound healing, tumor growth, and arteriosclerosis. In vitro, endothelial cells organize into viable, three-dimensional tubular structures in environments that limit cell proliferation. The process of endothelial cell organization was found to result in decreased levels of the sis messenger RNA transcript and increased levels of the messenger RNA transcript for fibronectin. This situation was reversed on transition from the organized structure to a proliferative monolayer. These results suggest a reciprocity for two biological response modifiers involved in the regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

Detection and cloning of human DNA sequences related to the mouse mammary tumor virus genome

Sequences related to the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) genome have been detected in fragments of restricted human cellular DNA. These results were obtained by using recombinant DNA containing the MMTV proviral genome and lowering the stringency of blot-hybridization conditions. The MMTV genome also reacts with unique families of fragments in restricted cellular DNA from other mammalian species but not with salmon sperm DNA. A clone that reacted with labeled MMTV proviral DNA was selected from a human DNA library in Charon 4A. Under stringent conditions, a 3.7-kilobase MMTV-related EcoRI fragment of this clone hybridized with many of the same EcoRI restriction fragments of human cellular DNA detectable with MMTV proviral DNA under low-stringency conditions. Specific fragments of the human clone were shown to contain sequences related to the molecularly cloned gag, pol, and env regions of the MMTV genome.

Novel class of mouse mammary tumor virus-related DNA sequences found in all species of Mus, including mice lacking the virus proviral genome

Mice in breeding colonies of feral Mus musculus brevirostris (Azrou, Morocco), M. m. musculus (Studenec, Czechoslovakia), and M. m. molossinus (Fukuoka, Japan) were found to lack the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV-alpha) proviral genome in their germ line. MMTV-alpha proviral genomes have been found in all inbred strains of M. musculus by using high-stringency nucleic acid hybridization conditions. We conclude that feral mice in these colonies are heterozygous for a limited number of MMTV-alpha proviral genomes and that those lacking them arose as a result of random chromosomal segregation. All mice in another breeding colony of feral M. m. musculus (Sladeckovce, Czechoslovakia) lack MMTV proviral genes. By relaxing the conditions of nucleic acid hybridization, MMTV-related sequences (designated MMTV-beta) were detected in restricted cellular DNA from MMTV-negative mice and all other inbred strains and feral species of the genus Mus. The apparent ubiquity of the MMTV-beta DNA sequences in the genus Mus and the lack of variation in the pattern of restriction fragments containing these sequences within a species distinguishes them from MMTV-alpha. These results suggest that the MMTV-beta DNA sequences either are the evolutionary progenitors of the infectious MMTV genome or represent an accumulation of evolutionarily divergent MMTV-alpha insertions into the mouse germ line.

Correlation between the detection of specific mouse mammary tumor proviral sequences and the presence of pulmonary metastases in mice bearing spontaneous mammary tumors

Pulmonary metastases in C3H/He mice bearing spontaneous mammary tumors were detected and characterized by histological criteria and immunocytochemical staining for mouse mammary tumor virus antigens. The same lungs containing metastases were also positive when assayed for a specific subset of mouse mammary tumor virus proviral DNA sequences. These sequences, termed tumor-associated sequences, have previously been shown to be present in the DNA of spontaneous mammary tumors that arise before 1 yr of age in C3H/He mice but are absent in DNA's of apparently normal tissues of C3H/He mice. Reconstruction experiments demonstrated that the nucleic acid hybridization method will detect at least one mammary tumor cell/250 cells. While DNA from 13 lungs of apparently normal C3H/He mice did not contain sequences homologous to mouse mammary tumor virus tumor-associated-sequence RNA, DNA from lungs of 9 of 12 C3H/He mice bearing spontaneous mammary tumors did contain these sequences. Since the entire DNA content of the lung can be assayed as one sample, the hybridization method minimizes false negatives resulting from histological analysis of random biopsy sampling. The hybridization procedure described here thus represents a sensitive and quantitative element as an adjunct for the detection of micrometastatic lesions in mice bearing viral-mediated spontaneous mammary carcinomas.

Differential distribution of mouse mammary tumor virus-related sequences in the DNA's of rats

Radioactively labeled mouse mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) 60-70S RNA, obtained from virions grown In both murine and feline cells, was employed In molecular hybridization experiments to detect MuMTV-related sequences In the DNA’s of rats (Rattus norveglcus). With the use of relaxed conditions of hybridization and assay for RNA-DNA duplexes, all strains of laboratory rats and feral rats examined were shown to possess endogenous MuMTV-related DNA sequences In the low repetitive range. These sequences were related to approximately 20% of the MuMTV genome and exhibited a melting temperature (Tm) approximately 5° C lower than MuMTV-specific proviral sequences In murine (Mus musculus) DNA’s. Certain colonies of the F344 strain of rat (Fischer) contained animals whose DNA’s possessed additional MuMTV-related sequences. These sequences were related to the non-germ-line-transmitted, tumorassociated (TA) sequences of the highly oncogenic MuMTV (C3H). They were found In the DNA of some F344 rats and a cloned established F344 rat embryo cell line at a frequency of approximately one copy per haploid genome and exhibited a Tm 9° C lower than that of hybrid duplexes formed between radioactive MuMTV TA-sequence RNA and C3H mouse mammary tumor DNA. The DNA’s of rats, therefore, contained two sets of sequences that were related to sequences of the MuMTV genome: One set was germ-line transmitted, whereas the other set appeared to be transmitted in some rats via a non-germ line or infectious process.

Diversity of mammary tumor viral genes within the genus Mus, the species Mus musculus, and the strain C3H

Proviral sequences complementary to the C3H mouse mammary tumor virus RNA genome are present in the DNA of early occurring mammary tumors of C3H/HeN mice and are absent from apparently normal C3H/HeN tissues; these sequences are non-germ line transmitted in C3H/HeN mice and have been termed tumor-associated sequences; (W. Drohan et al., J. Virol. 21:986-995, 1977). We report here that tumor-associated sequences are present in the DNA of spontaneous mammary tumors that occur early in the life of several inbred, high-tumor-incidence mouse strains but are absent in mammary tumors that occur later in life in low- and moderate-tumor-incidence strains. These sequences are also absent in apparently normal organs tested from numerous laboratory mouse strains, feral mice, Mus musculus subspecies, and other Mus species. Sequences represented in tumor-associated sequence RNA, however, are present as endogenous provirus in GR mice (at approximately four copies per haploid genome) and in two of five substrains of C3H mice tested (at approximately one copy per haploid genome). The two substrains of C3H mice positive for endogenous tumor-associated sequence provirus were recently (circa 1930) separated from the negative substrains of C3H mice. The results may be explained by the unlikely chance segregation of proviral sequences or by the recent integration of viral genes (within the last few decades). Whereas radioactively labeled mouse mammary tumor virus 60-70S RNA or complementary DNA detected mouse mammary tumor virus-related proviral information in all laboratory mouse strains, feral mice, subspecies of M. musculus, and other species of Mus, the use of tumor-associated sequence RNA clearly revealed the genetic diversity that may exist between different colonies or substrains of "inbred" laboratory mice commonly used in cancer research.

Use of molecular hybridization to detect type D retrovirus markers in rhesus placentas and other tissues

We have shown previously that approximately 20% of the Mason-Pfizer virus (MPV) genome is present as endogenous provirus in rhesus monkeys. We report here that several full-term rhesus placentas examined contain additional MPV proviral sequences in their DNA. Competitive molecular hybridization experiments demonstrated that some of these placentas also contain RNA complementary to the entire MPV 60 to 70S RNA genome. Examination of internal organs of rhesus monkeys captured in the wild also revealed the presence of additional MPV proviral sequences and expression of MPV RNA in some tissues. These results provide further evidence that MPV is being transmitted via a non-germ line mechanism in the rhesus population and now demonstrate the placenta as a good source for the identification of retrovirus transcriptional products and proviral DNA.

Characterization of a retrovirus isolated from normal mink cells co-cultivated with a dog mammary tumour

A retrovirus antigenically distinct from known type C, B and D viruses was isolated from normal mink (Mustela vison) lung cells that had been co-cultivated with 5-iododeoxyuridine- and dexamethasone-treated dog mammary tumour cells. Cytogenetic studies of the virus-releasing co-culture showed mitotic figures identical to the normal mink cell line (MvlLu) with the exception of a low frequency of cells with extensive chromosomal breakage and uncoiling. The new virus bands at a buoyant density of 1.16 g/ml, contains 60S RNA and a reverse transcriptase which prefers Mn2+ over Mg2+ for the synthesis of DNA. This enzyme utilizes poly(rA).oligo(dT) more efficiently than poly(dA).oligo(dT) and is also able to synthesize DNA copies from the endogenous RNA. Morphologically, it is a typical type C virus. Filtered virus readily infects mink, dog and other mammalian cells indicating the amphotropic nature of its cell growth requirement. Hybridization studies showed that normal mink DNA contains multiple copies of proviral sequences of this newly isolated virus. Serological analyses indicate that the mink endogenous virus contains in its core protein, in addition to the interspecies type-C determinant, an antigenic component related to one of the determinants found in the feline leukaemia virus p30 protein. This determinant is not present in the Rauscher leukaemia virus, RD114 virus or simian sarcoma virus.

The use of standard and relaxed hybridization conditions to detect two classes of sequences related to type-D retroviruses in the DNAs of primates

Using standard hybridization conditions (68 degrees C and 0.4 M sodium phosphate) and assaying for RNAase-resistant RNA . DNA duplexes in the presence of 2 X SSC (1 X SSC is 0.15 M NaCl and 0.015 M sodium citrate), sequences representing approx. 20% of the Mason-Pfizer virus (MPV) genome have previously been shown to be endogenous in DNAs of all Old World monkeys examined (Drohan, W., Colcher, D., Schochetman, G. and Schlom, J. (1977) J. Virol. 23, 36--43). We now report that titration of both the temperature at which hybridizations are carried out and the Na+ concentration at which 125I-labeled MPV RNA . DNA hybrids are scored, reveals a second class of sequences related to the MPV genome in the DNAs of primates. These MPV-related sequences, which are similar to an additional 40% of the MPV genome, are detected when the temperature of hybridization is reduced to 54 degrees C and when the resulting 125I-labeled RNA . DNA duplexes are scored for RNAase resistance in 8 X SSC. These sequences are found in the DNAs of all Old World monkeys examined, and the Tm values of the hybrid duplexes are approx. 6--7 degrees C lower than those of the hybrid duplexes formed using standard conditions. These studies further demonstrate the wide distribution of type-D retrovirus sequences in primates.

Distribution of Mason-Pfizer virus-specific sequences in the DNA of primates

Iodinated Mason-Pfizer virus (MPV) 60-70S RNA has been used in molecular hybridization experiments to determine the distribution of MPV-specific proviral sequences in the DNAs of primates. Approximately 20% of the MPV genome is present as endogenous provirus in rhesus monkeys. Competitive hybridization experiments showed no homology between MPV 60-70S RNA and the 60-70S RNAs of M7, RD-114, and the simian sarcoma virus. No MPV-specific proviral sequences were detected in the DNAs of apparently normal tissues of various species of New World monkeys, apes, and humans. The part of the MPV genome that is endogenous to rhesus is also endogenous to the other species of Old World monkeys examined: baboon, African green, and patas. This was determined as a result of the following observations: (i) C(0)t(1/2) values and final extent of hybridization were the same for all four species. (ii) T(m) values of MPV 60-70S RNA and DNA of all four species were identical. (iii) The removal of MPV sequences endogenous to rhesus tissues by recycling against rhesus DNA resulted in the loss of any hybridizable MPV RNA to the DNAs of baboon, African green, and patas tissues. (iv) Mixing experiments of rhesus, African green, and baboon DNAs resulted in the same kinetics of hybridization as did rhesus DNA alone, when hybridized with MPV 60-70S RNA. These findings demonstrate that sequences that constitute an integral part of the MPV genome are conserved in the DNAs of several different species of Old World monkeys.

Differences in mouse mammary tumor viruses. Relationship to early and late occurring mammary tumors

The murine model has been used extensively to study the various factors involved in the etiology of mammary carcinoma. Inbred mouse strains have been classically categorized into (i) high incidence stains with tumors occurring relatively early in the life of the animal, or (ii) low or moderate incidence strains with tumors occurring later on in life. We have radioactively labeled the RNA genome of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) from each of several mouse strains. We report here, using the technique of molecular hybridization, that the class of MMTVs responsible for the early occurring mammary tumors in high incidence strains can be clearly distinguished from the MMTVs associated with late occurring mammary tumors in low or moderate incidence strains; we also demonstrate that minor differences in MMTV genomes can also exist within these classes. Our findings show that MMTVs are transmitted via the germ line (as a germinal provirus) in some mouse strains, whereas in other strains, a non-germ line transmission is clearly demonstrated. Biochemical techniques can thus be used to track the mode of transmission of oncogenic viruses. The relationship of these findings to an understanding of the etiology of mammary carcinoma is discussed.

Isolation of the mouse mammary tumor virus sequences not transmitted as germinal provirus in the C3H and RIII mouse strains

Radioactive 60-70S RNA from the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) produced by the C3H mouse mammary tumor cell line (Mm5mt) hybridized to a greater extent, and at a lower Cot1/2 value, to the DNA of C3H mammary tumor cells than to the DNA of C3H liver cells. The 125I-labeled MMTV (C3H) 60-40S RNA was annealed to a vast excess of DNA from C3H livers, and single-stranded RNA was eluted from hydroxylapatite and recovered. This "recycled RNA" did not hybridize to the DNA of the apparently normal organs tested from normal or from mammary tumor-bearing C3H mice, but hybridized extensively to both the DNA from the C3H mammary tumor cell line and the DNA from spontaneous C3H mammary tumors. This hybridization could be competed out by the addition of unlabeled MMTV 60-70S RNA but was unaffected by the addition of unlabeled 60-70S RNA of C3H type C virus. Similar experiments were conducted with the RIII mouse strain. We therefore report on the isolation of the sequences of the RNA genomes of the MMTVs from C3H and RIII mice that are transmitted by some mechanism other than via the germ line. These studies further define the differences, via molecular hybridization, between the MMTV-S and the MMTV-L in both C3H and RIII mice.

Mason-Pfizer virus RNA genome: relationship to the RNA of morphologically similar isolates and other oncornaviruses

The 60-70S RNA of Mason-Pfizer virus (MPV) was iodinated in vitro and used in both direct and competitive molecular hybridization studies. MPV proviral sequences are present at a frequency of approximately one to two copies per haploid genome in the DNA of experimentally infected human cells. By nucleic acid competition hybridization, MPV RNA was found to be indistinguishable from the RNA of a virus (X381) isolated from a rhesus mammary gland and from RNA isolated from the cytoplasm of AO cells (Parks et al., 1973) and HeLa cells (Gelderblom et al., 1974), both previously reported to produce MPV-related particles. No homology was observed, however, between MPV RNA and the RNA, or the DNA, from two clones of HeLa cells obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Hybridization of MPV 60-70S RNA to the DNA of normal tissues of humans and to the DNA of 11 other species revealed that MPV is not an endogenous virus of any of these species. Competition hybridization revealed no detectable sequence homology between the RNA of MPV and the RNAs of simian sarcoma virus, murine mammary tumor virus, murine leukemia virus, BUdR-induced guinea pig virus, or avian myeloblastosis virus. These nucleic acid studies substantiate previous ultrastructural and immunological findings that MPV and morphologically similar isolates constitute a distinct group of oncornavirus.