Lipoprotein(a) vascular accumulation in mice. In vivo analysis of the role of lysine binding sites using recombinant adenovirus.

Although the mechanism by which lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to vascular disease remains unclear, consequences of its binding to the vessel surface are commonly cited in postulated atherogenic pathways. Because of the presence of plasminogen-like lysine binding sites (LBS) in apo(a), fibrin binding has been proposed to play an important role in Lp(a)'s vascular accumulation. Indeed, LBS are known to facilitate Lp(a) fibrin binding in vitro. To examine the importance of apo(a) LBS in Lp(a) vascular accumulation in vivo, we generated three different apo(a) cDNAs: (a) mini apo(a), based on wild-type human apo(a); (b) mini apo(a) containing a naturally occurring LBS defect associated with a point mutation in kringle 4-10; and (c) human- rhesus monkey chimeric mini apo(a), which contains the same LBS defect in the context of several additional changes. Recombinant adenovirus vectors were constructed with the various apo(a) cDNAs and injected into human apoB transgenic mice. At the viral dosage used in these experiments, all three forms of apo(a) were found exclusively within the lipoprotein fractions, and peak Lp(a) plasma levels were nearly identical (approximately 45 mg/dl). In vitro analysis of Lp(a) isolated from the various groups of mice confirmed that putative LBS defective apo(a) yielded Lp(a) unable to bind lysine-Sepharose. Quantitation of in vivo Lp(a) vascular accumulation in mice treated with the various adenovirus vectors revealed significantly less accumulation of both types of LBS defective Lp(a), relative to wild-type Lp(a). These results indicate a correlation between lysine binding properties of Lp(a) and vascular accumulation, supporting the postulated role of apo(a) LBS in this potentially atherogenic characteristic of Lp(a).

Developmental expression of glycogenolytic enzymes in rabbit tissues: possible relationship to fetal lung maturation.

Glycogen can be degraded in mammalian tissues by one of three isozymes of glycogen phosphorylase, termed muscle (M), liver (L) and brain (B) after the tissues in which they are preferentially expressed in adult animals, or by members of the family of alpha-glucosidases. In the current study, we have examined the developmental expression of these enzymes and their respective mRNAs in rabbit tissues, with particular emphasis on the developing lung, a tissue in which glycogen serves as an important source of carbon for surfactant phospholipid biosynthesis. Native gel activity assays and RNA blot hybridization analysis revealed that the B isoform of glycogen phosphorylase predominates in fetal and adult lung tissues, accompanied by a low level of expression of the M isoform. Total B and M phosphorylase activities increased during fetal lung development, with a peak at day 28 of gestation, then decreased to the adult level at term. This peak in activity coincided with the peak period of glycogen degradation in developing lung. While the increase in M isozyme activity was correlated with an increase in the level of its mRNA, B isoform mRNA showed no significant alteration during development, suggesting that the increase in B isoform activity is determined by a posttranscriptional mechanism. Analysis of phosphorylase mRNA levels in developing liver, skeletal muscle, brain and heart revealed a diverse expression pattern. The L isozyme mRNA was predominant at all time points in liver, the M isozyme was predominant at all time points in muscle, the B isozyme was predominant at all time points in brain, and heart contained a mixture of B and M mRNA in roughly equal ratios at all time points. Thus, our studies of phosphorylase mRNA in the rabbit provide no evidence for general predominance of the B isozyme in fetal tissues, or for isozyme 'switching' from the B to the L or M forms during development, as has been suggested by others. In addition to the increase in phosphorylase activity, acid, but not neutral alpha-glucosidase activity was found to increase significantly during fetal lung development, again with a peak at day 28 of gestation. Interestingly, RNA blot hybridization analysis with a probe for lysosomal alpha-glucosidase revealed no change in the level of expression of its 4 kb transcript in developing lung. Instead, we observed induction of a structurally related mRNA of 7.4 kb that peaked at day 28 of gestation. Hybridization with a sucrase/isomaltase-specific oligonucleotide excluded the possibility that the 7.4 kb transcript encodes this protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Expression of reg/PSP, a pancreatic exocrine gene: relationship to changes in islet beta-cell mass.

A cDNA termed reg was recently isolated by differential screening of a library prepared from regenerating islets isolated from pancreatic remnants of rats subjected to 90% pancreatectomy and nicotinamide treatment. This led to speculation that this gene may be involved in expansion of beta-cell mass. In the current study we have measured reg expression after implantation and resection of a solid insulinoma tumor into rats, maneuvers known, respectively, to reduce and reexpand the volume of beta-cells in the islet. Animals with an implanted insulinoma tumor became profoundly hypoglycemic. Islet beta-cells declined from the normal 75% of total islet volume to less than 30%, in concert with a marked reduction in the reg mRNA level. Removal of the tumor resulted in a sharp increase in beta-cell replication, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation and a return to normal beta-cell volume within 4 days of tumor resection. This was associated with a transient induction in reg expression compared to that in tumor-bearing animals, effectively returning the amount of reg mRNA to the levels found in normal animals within 48 h; at later time points after tumor removal (3-7 days) reg expression declined, but then rose toward normal. In situ hybridization analysis localized the initial induction in reg mRNA expression to the exocrine pancreas. Continuous infusion of insulin into normal rats for 4 days, a maneuver that does not significantly reduce beta-cell mass, resulted in dramatically reduced insulin mRNA in islets, but no change in the levels of reg mRNA. We conclude that the diminution in pancreatic beta-cell mass caused by subcutaneous implantation of an insulinoma is associated with reduced reg gene expression and that the increase in beta-cell replication after resection of the tumor is preceded by return of reg gene expression toward normal.

Gene transfer of cytidine deaminase apoBEC-1 lowers lipoprotein(a) in transgenic mice and induces apolipoprotein B editing in rabbits.

Apolipoprotein (apo) B100 is an essential component of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. In mammals, apoB can be edited post-transcriptionally to encode a truncated form of apoB (apoB48) that is unable to form either of these atherogenic lipoproteins. To study the effect of increasing hepatic apoB editing activity on formation of Lp(a), a recombinant adenovirus encoding rat apoBEC-1, the cytidine deaminase component of the apoB mRNA editing complex, was administered to human apoB/apo(a) transgenic mice. This resulted in expression of apoBEC-1 in hepatocytes of these mice, increased hepatic editing of human apoB mRNA, and decreased plasma levels of human apoB100 and Lp(a). The apoBEC-1 recombinant adenovirus was also administered to rabbits, an animal which, like humans, naturally lacks hepatic apoB editing. Expression of the exogenous apoBEC-1 in rabbit liver resulted in editing of up to 10% of apoB mRNA. Hepatic apoB editing was associated with lower LDL levels in these rabbits relative to those treated with a control adenovirus. However, LDL levels were elevated significantly in both animals as a result of adenovirus injection. These studies demonstrate that introduction of the cytidine deaminase apoBEC-1 is sufficient to induce hepatic apoB editing in an animal lacking this activity, and that induction of editing could serve as a novel approach for lowering plasma concentrations of the atherogenic lipoproteins Lp(a) and LDL.

Analysis of the protein products encoded by variant glucokinase transcripts via expression in bacteria.

Five variant transcripts of the single rat glucokinase gene have been described that are naturally expressed in islets of Langerhans, liver and anterior pituitary. Four of these were prepared as cDNA and expressed in bacteria in order to begin to address their physiological roles. Expression of constructs pGKB1 (normal islet/pituitary glucokinase) and pGKL1 (normal liver glucokinase) resulted in a glucose-dependent, glucokinase-like activity, 7-fold and 45-fold, respectively, above background. Expression of pGKB3 (variant islet/pituitary glucokinase) and pGKL2 (variant liver glucokinase) in contrast, did not result in any glucokinase-like activity.

Vascular accumulation of Lp(a): in vivo analysis of the role of lysine-binding sites using recombinant adenovirus.

Despite the importance of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as an atherogenic risk factor, very little information, especially from in vivo studies, is available concerning which structural features of apo(a) contribute to the interactions of Lp(a) with the vessel wall and its proatherogenic properties. Nearly all the proposed and proven activities of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] focus on its high degree of sequence homology with plasminogen and the possibility that structural features shared by these two molecules contribute to the atherogenesis associated with high Lp(a) plasma levels in humans. In these studies, we examined the properties of three forms of Lp(a) differing at postulated lysine-binding domains contained in the constituent apo(a). We used the recombinant adenoviral gene delivery system to produce apo(a) in the plasma of human apoB transgenic mice, resulting in high levels of Lp(a) similar to those found in the plasma of humans. By comparison of in vitro lysine-binding properties of these forms of Lp(a) with measurements of Lp(a) vascular accumulation in the mice, we have demonstrated that lysine-binding defective forms of Lp(a) have a diminished capacity for vascular accumulation in vivo.

HDL deficiency in genetically engineered mice requires elevated LDL to accelerate atherogenesis.

In humans, a low HDL concentration is one of the strongest indicators of increased risk for coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic defects results in extremely low HDL levels and are frequently although not invariably associated with premature atherosclerosis. To investigate atherosclerosis susceptibility associated with HDL deficiency alone and in combination with other risk factors, such as high levels of LDL, we have quantified diet-induced atherogenesis in a series of genetically engineered mice, including mice with low HDL levels due to targeted disruption of both apo A-I alleles (AI KO mice), mice with high LDL levels due to expression of a human apolipoprotein B transgene (Btg mice), and mice with combined high LDL and low HDL levels due to the presence of the human apo B transgene and apo A-I knockout alleles, respectively (AI KO/Btg mice). After exposure to an atherogenic diet, AI KO and control mice had negligible lesions. All mice expressing the apo B transgene developed extensive lesions, but AI KO/Btg mice developed significantly larger lesions than Btg mice: 56, 260 +/- 4630 micron 2 for AI KO/Btg (n = 27) versus 38, 120 +/- 3350 micron 2 for Btg mice (n = 19) (P < .02). Results of this study, consistent with several human epidemiological studies, indicate that HDL deficiency in the mouse does not by itself lead to the development of atherosclerosis but does increase atherosclerosis susceptibility when accompanied by other risk factors, in this case elevated LDL.

Engineering of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and biosynthesis in non-islet cells.

The high-capacity glucose transporter known as GLUT-2 and the glucose phosphorylating enzyme glucokinase are thought to be key components of the "glucose-sensing apparatus" that regulates insulin release from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to changes in external glucose concentration. AtT-20ins cells are derived from anterior pituitary cells and are like beta cells in that they express glucokinase and have been engineered to secrete correctly processed insulin in response to analogs of cAMP, but, unlike beta cells, they fail to respond to glucose and lack GLUT-2 expression. Herein we demonstrate that stable transfection of AtT-20ins cells with the GLUT-2 cDNA confers glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose regulation of insulin biosynthesis and also results in glucose potentiation of the secretory response to non-glucose secretagogues. This work represents a first step toward creation of a genetically engineered "artificial beta cell."

Expression of normal and novel glucokinase mRNAs in anterior pituitary and islet cells.

The glucose-phosphorylating enzyme glucokinase likely plays an important role in regulating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from the islets of Langerhans and has previously been thought to be expressed only in that tissue and in liver. In this study, we demonstrate high levels of glucokinase mRNA in the anterior pituitary cell line AtT20ins, which has been engineered to secrete correctly processed insulin, as well as in primary anterior pituitary tissue. Unlike islet or liver cells, expression of glucokinase mRNA in anterior pituitary cells was not accompanied by expression of the high Km glucose transporter (GLUT-2) mRNA. The glucokinase transcript in anterior pituitary cells was similar in size to islet glucokinase mRNA, which has a unique, elongated 5'-end relative to the liver glucokinase message. Amplification and sequence analysis of the glucokinase mRNA expressed in islets, RIN1046-38 cells, and anterior pituitary cells confirmed that the glucokinase transcripts in these cell types contain the same 5'-sequence. In addition, a novel alternative transcript was identified that contains a 52-nucleotide deletion and that predicts a 58-amino acid peptide as a result of a frame shift. Both the deleted and undeleted transcripts were found in islets, RIN cells, and AtT20ins cells, whereas only the deleted product was identified in primary anterior pituitary tissue. An antibody prepared against a peptide found at the N terminus of the islet isoform of glucokinase easily detected a protein with a size predicted by the undeleted transcript in extracts prepared from islets, RIN1046-38 cells, and AtT20ins cells. Since both the glucokinase protein and mRNA are naturally expressed in AtT20ins and RIN1046-38 cells, we compared the effect of varying concentrations of glucose on insulin secretion from the two lines. Insulin secretion from RIN1046-38 cells was stimulated by glucose in a dose-dependent manner over the range 0-2.5 mM, where it reached a maximum. AtT20ins cells, in contrast, exhibited no response to glucose at any concentration tested, despite the fact that insulin secretion from both cell lines was stimulated by incubation with dibutyryl cAMP. We conclude that glucokinase expression in AtT20ins cells may be necessary, but is not sufficient to confer glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

Transfection of AtT-20ins cells with GLUT-2 but not GLUT-1 confers glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Relationship to glucose metabolism.

Glucose is thought to stimulate insulin release from islet beta-cells through generation of metabolic signals. In the current study we have introduced the genes encoding the facilitated glucose transporters known as GLUT-1 and GLUT-2 into AtT-20ins cells to assess their impact on glucose-stimulated insulin release and glucose metabolism. We find that transfection of AtT-20ins cells with GLUT-2, but not GLUT-1, confers glucose-stimulated insulin release in both static incubation and perifusion studies. Cells transfected with GLUT-1 have a Km for 3-O-methyl glucose uptake of 4 mM and a Vmax of 5-6 mmol/min/liter cell space. These values are increased compared to untransfected AtT-20ins cells (Km = 2 mM; Vmax = 0.5 mmol/min/liter cell space), but are less than observed in GLUT-2-transfected lines (Km = 16-17 mM; Vmax = 17-25 mmol/min/liter cell space). Despite these dramatic differences in glucose transport affinity and capacity, the rates of [5-3H]glucose usage are not different in the control and transfected lines over a range of glucose concentrations from 10 microM to 20 mM. We conclude that the specific effect of GLUT-2 on glucose-stimulated insulin release in AtT-20ins cells is not related to changes in the overall rate of glucose metabolism and may instead involve physical coupling of GLUT-2 with cellular proteins and/or structures involved in glucose signaling.

Apolipoprotein B RNA editing enzyme-deficient mice are viable despite alterations in lipoprotein metabolism.

RNA editing in the nucleus of higher eukaryotes results in subtle changes to the RNA sequence, with the ability to effect dramatic changes in biological function. The first example to be described and among the best characterized, is the cytidine-to-uridine editing of apolipoprotein B (apo-B) RNA. The editing of apo-B RNA is mediated by a novel cytidine deaminase, apobec-1, which has acquired the ability to bind RNA. The stop translation codon generated by the editing of apo-B RNA truncates the full-length apo-B100 to form apo-B48. The recent observations of tumor formation in Apobec-1 transgenic animals, together with the fact that Apobec-1 is expressed in numerous tissues lacking apo-B, raises the issue of whether this enzyme is essential for a variety of posttranscriptional editing events. To directly test this, mice were created with a null mutation in Apobec-1 using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Mice, homozygous for this mutation, were viable and made apo-B100 but not apo-B48. The null animals were fertile, and a variety of histological, behavioral, and morphological analyses revealed no phenotype other than abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism, which included an increased low density lipoprotein fraction and a reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. These studies demonstrate that neither apobec-1 nor apo-B48 is essential for viability and suggest that the major role of apobec-1 may be confined to the modulation of lipid transport.

GLUT-2 gene transfer into insulinoma cells confers both low and high affinity glucose-stimulated insulin release. Relationship to glucokinase activity.

The rat insulinoma cell line RIN 1046-38 loses glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as a function of time in culture. We found that the loss of glucose sensing in these cells was correlated with the loss of expression of GLUT-2 and glucokinase. Stable transfection of RIN cells with a plasmid containing the GLUT-2 cDNA conferred glucose-stimulated insulin release in intermediate but not high passage cells, with the near-maximal 3-fold increase occurring at 50 microM glucose. GLUT-2 expressing cells also exhibited a larger response to the combination of 5 mM glucose + 1 microM forskolin than untransfected cells (7.9 versus 1.6-2.7-fold, respectively). GLUT-2 expressing intermediate passage, but not high passage, RIN cells exhibited a 4-fold increase in glucokinase enzymatic activity relative to nonexpressing controls. Glucokinase activity was also increased by transfer of the GLUT-2 gene into intermediate passage RIN cells via recombinant adenovirus. Preincubation of GLUT-2 expressing intermediate passage RIN cells with 2-deoxyglucose to inhibit low Km hexokinases resulted in a glucose-stimulated insulin secretion response that was shifted toward the physiologic range. These studies indicate that GLUT-2 expression confers both a high and low affinity glucose-stimulated insulin secretion response to intermediate passage RIN cells.

Apolipoprotein(a) yeast artificial chromosome transgenic rabbits. Lipoprotein(a) assembly with human and rabbit apolipoprotein B.

The in vivo analysis of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an independent atherosclerosis risk factor in humans, has been limited in part by its restricted distribution among mammals. Although transgenic mice have been created containing Lp(a), the relatively small size of the mouse has precluded some studies. To examine the properties of this molecule in a significantly larger mammal, we have used a 270-kilobase yeast artificial chromosome clone containing the human apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) gene and a 90-kilobase P1 phagemid clone containing the human apolipoprotein B (apoB) gene to create transgenic rabbits that express either or both transgenes. Expression of both transgenes was tissue specific and localized predominantly to the liver. Average apolipoprotein plasma levels in the rabbits were 2.5 mg/dl for apo(a) and 17.6 mg/dl for human apoB. In contrast to observations in apo(a) transgenic mice, we found that apo(a) plasma levels in the rabbits were stable throughout sexual maturity. Also, apo(a) formed a covalent association with the endogenous rabbit apoB albeit with a lower efficiency than its association with human apoB. The analysis of Lp(a) transgenic rabbits has provided new insights into apo(a) expression and Lp(a) assembly. In addition, these transgenic rabbits potentially will provide an improved experimental model for the in vivo analysis of Lp(a) and its role in promoting atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Comparative hematological data from animals implanted with a total artificial heart containing different valves.

A review of animals receiving a TAH with 4 mechanical valves suggests that the least damage to the blood cell components is associated with the BS valve when compared with the MH valve at similar heart rates. Clinical anemia in varying stages was observed in most animals in this study. However, most calves compensated for the increased rate of hemolysis and none required blood transfusions. The BS valve would appear to combine minimal turbulence and mechanical crushing in a physiological setting.

Fibroblast growth factor-18 is a trophic factor for mature chondrocytes and their progenitors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of recombinant human Fgf18 on chondrocyte proliferation and matrix production in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the expressions of Fgf18 and Fgf receptors (Fgfr) in adult human articular cartilage were examined. METHODS: Adenovirus-mediated transfer of Fgf18 into murine pinnae and addition of FGF18 to primary cultures of adult articular chondrocytes were used to assess the effects of FGF18 on chondrocytes. In situ hybridization was used to examine the expression of Fgf18 and Fgfr s in adult human articular cartilage. RESULTS: Expression of Fgf18 by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in murine pinnae resulted in a significant increase in chondrocyte number. Chondrocytes were identified by staining with toluidine blue and a monoclonal antibody directed against type II collagen. Fgf18, Fgfr 2-(IIIc), Fgfr 3-(IIIc), and Fgfr 4 mRNAs were detected within these cells by in situ hybridization. The nuclei of the chondrocytes stained with antibodies to PCNA and FGF receptor (FGFR) 2. Addition of FGF18 to the culture media of primary articular chondrocytes increased the proliferation of these cells and increased their production of extracellular matrix. To assess the receptor selectivity of FGF18, BaF3 cells stably expressing the genes for the major splice variants of Fgfr1-3 were used. Proliferation of cells expressing Fgfr 3-(IIIc) or Fgfr 2-(IIIc) was increased by incubation with FGF18. Using FGFR-Fc fusion proteins and BaF3 cells expressing Fgfr 3-(IIIc), only FGFR 3-(IIIc)-Fc, FGFR 2-(IIIc)-Fc or FGFR 4-Fc reduced FGF18-mediated cell proliferation. Expression of Fgf18, Fgfr 3-(IIIc) and Fgfr 2-(IIIc) mRNAs was localized to chondrocytes of human articular cartilage by in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that Fgf18 can act as a trophic factor for elastic chondrocytes and their progenitors in vivo and articular chondrocytes cultured in vitro. Expression of Fgf18 and the genes for two of its receptors in chondrocytes suggests that Fgf18 may play an autocrine role in the biology of normal articular cartilage.