Heat shock induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human Achilles tendon tenocytes.

The aim of our study is to investigate the behaviour of healthy and tendinopathic human tenocytes after a heat shock. After we harvested tendinopathic and healthy human tendon samples, we split tenocytes into 4 groups: 3 groups were submitted to heat shock, followed by different periods of post-heating (2, 4 and 20 h). The other group represents our negative control. The target genes were analysed using Real Time PCR. IL-1ß and IL-6 expression were significantly increased in tendinopathic samples after heat shock. COL1 and COL3 expression were increased in non-stimulated tendinopathic tenocytes, but their levels significantly decreased after heat shock (p less than 0.01). COL3 levels increase in healthy samples after 20 h post-heating (p less than 0.01). COL1 and COL3 decreased after heat shock as a sign of the failure of repair mechanisms in tendinopathic tendons. Heat shock in in vitro models was insufficient to trigger pro-inflammatory cytokines in healthy human tenocytes.

NF-κB-dependent cytokine secretion controls Fas expression on chemotherapy-induced premature senescent tumor cells.

Induction of a senescent phenotype in tumor cells has been linked to anticancer immune response, however, the molecular mechanisms mediating these phenomenon have not yet been determined. In this study, we present evidence that induction of premature senescence in human cancer cell lines induces Fas expression, and loss of resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis. Triggering of Fas by using the agonistic antibody CH11 or the recombinant ligand APO010, activates an apoptotic pathway responsible for cell death. Secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the senescent cells, particularly TNF-α and IFN-γ, mediates Fas upregulation. Indeed, treatment of proliferating cancer cell lines with TNF-α and IFN-γ, upregulates Fas expression, while blocking TNF-α and IFN-γ by using neutralizing antibodies, decreases Fas expression in senescent cells. We also demonstrate that NF-κB has a central role in controlling the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) by the premature senescent cells, and that TNF-α and IFN-γ, transcriptionally controlled by NF-κB, are the main mediators of Fas upregulation. Our data suggest the existence of an NF-κB-dependent autocrine loop, mediated by TNF-α and IFN-γ, responsible for expression of Fas on the surface of senescent cells, and for their killing.

A novel insertional mutation in the prion protein gene: clinical and bio-molecular findings.

A young man, presenting with early onset of personality and behavioural changes followed by slowly progressive cognitive impairment associated with marked bi-parietal cerebral atrophy, was found to carry a novel seven extra-repeat insertional mutation in the prion protein gene (PRNP). In vitro, the mutated recombinant prion protein (PrP) showed biochemical properties that were consistent with pathological PrP variants. Our results further underline the heterogeneity of neurological pictures associated with insertional mutations of PRNP, indicating the diagnostic difficulties of sporadic cases with early-onset atypical dementia.

Nicotine induces tissue factor expression in cultured endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk to develop myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. However, the mechanisms responsible for these effects are still poorly understood. AIM: To investigate whether nicotine, the major component of cigarette smoking, and its main metabolite, cotinine, might induce a pro-thrombotic state via stimulation of tissue factor (TF) expression in two cell population widely represented in the arterial wall such as endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Incubation of ECs and SMCs with nicotine and cotinine induced TF expression in both cell types in a dose-dependent fashion, exerting its effect at the transcriptional level, as demonstrated by semiquantitative and by real-time PCR. Nicotine- and cotinine-induced TF expression was mediated by the activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and by the suppression of TF expression by the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithio carbamate ammonium. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that nicotine and cotinine exert direct effects on ECs and SMCs, shifting them toward a pro-thrombotic state via induction of TF expression. These effects on cells of the vessel wall might explain, at least in part, the deleterious cardiovascular consequences of cigarette smoking.

The expression of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases in thyroid and its down-regulation following neoplastic transformation.

Maintaining a high Ca(2+) concentration in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), by the action of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases (SERCAs), is important in many cellular processes, such as Ca(2+)-mediated cytosolic signaling in response to extracellular stimuli, cell growth and proliferation, and synthesis, processing and folding of ER-translated proteins. In the thyroid gland, SERCAs have not been studied yet, and there is little information available on general problems such as the expression of SERCAs following neoplastic transformation. In this study we investigated the expression of SERCA2b and SERCA3 in rat thyroid tIssue and, in addition, in normal and transformed rat thyroid cell lines. RT-PCR and Northern blot assays showed that SERCA2b is the SERCA form preferentially expressed in the thyroid. In rat thyroid, SERCA2b mRNA was expressed at a higher level than that of other non-muscle tIssues such as liver or spleen, but at much lower level than in brain. On the other hand, SERCA3 mRNA was not detected in thyroid by Northern blot analysis, or barely detected by RT-PCR assays. We also studied the SERCA2b expression pattern in PC Cl3 thyroid cells transformed by several oncogenes that induce different degrees of malignancy and dedifferentiation. RT-PCR and Northern blot assays showed that SERCA2b mRNA expression dramatically decreased in highly tumorigenic thyroid cells, while expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA, a housekeeping gene used as internal control, exhibited no variations. The dramatic down-regulation of SERCA2b expression in fully transformed thyroid cells was also evident by Western blot analysis. Also, following neoplastic transformation of thyroid cells, the enzymatic activity of SERCA2b was reduced in a measure which correlated with the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore, rat thyrocytes expressed intermediate levels of SERCAs, mostly the SERCA2b isoform. This pattern of expression was basically reproduced in fully differentiated thyroid cells in culture and was sensitive to neoplastic transformation.

Does holiday hypoglycaemia exist?

BACKGROUND: To determine whether an excessive, prolonged and, above all, unusual physical exertion could be associated with episodes of mild hypoglycaemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients treated with glibenclamide. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: 11 months of observation with retrospective analysis of patient personal diaries to determine the hypoglycaemic risk. SETTING: Diabetic Unit-Department of Medicine and Aging-Chieti University School of Medicine. PATIENTS: We enrolled 340 NIDDM outpatients adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, alcohol intake and oral treatment regimen with glibenclamide. PATIENTS were tested monthly for circadian blood glucose profiles and glycosylated hemoglobin. Mild hypoglycaemia was defined on the basis of blood glucose values < 2.8 mmol/l associated with mild autonomic symptoms, without requiring external assistance. Each diabetic patient filled personal diary indicating the therapy regimen and the characteristics of eventual hypoglycaemic episodes occurring during the observation period. RESULTS: 21.8% of NIDDM patients experienced one or two episodes of mild hypoglycaemia during the observation period. The analysis of the patients' diaries showed that 60% of the hypoglycaemic episodes was associated with excessive, prolonged and unexpected physical exertions. Within this group, about 70% of the episodes occurred during a holiday ("holiday hypoglycaemia"). After analyzing the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the diabetic patients reporting hypoglycaemic events, we found a higher risk for "holiday hypoglycaemia" in patients with a lower educational level, with a sedentary occupation or among the ex-farmers. CONCLUSIONS: As resulted in the present study, unexpected physical exertions may represent a relevant cause of mild hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients receiving oral antidiabetic therapy. However, this hypoglycaemic cause may have been underestimated in the literature. Educational programs conducted by general practitioners or diabetologists could be useful for the patients in reducing the number of mild hypoglycaemic episodes.

Validation of a new technique to assess exhaled hydrogen peroxide: results from normals and COPD patients.

Chronic airways inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induces the activation of several cell types with delivery of proteases and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Assessing oxidant content in the exhaled air of COPD patients has proven useful in monitoring airway inflammation. The present study was designed to confirm the usefulness of exhaled hydrogen peroxide concentration determination in COPD patients using a new technique which allows longer storage of the expired air condensate before the H2O2 assay. The technique was applied in 13 healthy nonsmoking subjects (six male, age range 22-40 yrs) and in seven patients (five male, age range 58-81 yrs) with mild or moderate COPD. Subjects breathed into a one-valve mouthpiece, and the exhaled air was directed into a vial kept at 0 degree C. After approximately 15 min of quiet breathing, 1 mL of expired air condensate was collected. An aliquot, 450 microL, of this sample was immediately added to an equal volume of a reaction mixture containing 2 mM 3,5,3',5'-tetramethylbenzidine and 40 microL of enzyme stock solution (0.5 mg.mL-1). After 15 min, 45 microL sulphuric acid was added (1 N final concentration), resulting in a reaction mixture pH of 1.0. After a further 10-min incubation, H2O2 concentration determination was performed spectrophotometrically at 450 nm. This solution, as well as the H2O2 assay, was stable for > or = 24 h if the sample was kept in the dark and at 4 degrees C. There was high stability on repeated measures, with a coefficient of variation equal to zero. The mean +/- SD H2O2 level in exhaled air from normal subjects was 0.12 +/- 0.09 microM, whereas it was significantly increased in COPD patients (0.50 +/- 0.11 microM; p = 0.0001 compared to healthy subjects). In three healthy control subjects, a normal H2O2 level in expired air increased to 0.70-0.80 microM during an acute upper respiratory tract infection. This new technique of hydrogen peroxide assay in expired air condensate greatly minimizes the inaccuracy deriving from the instability of hydrogen peroxide. The preliminary results obtained using this technique provide direct evidence for increased reactive oxygen species production in the airways of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. However, the specificity of the procedure could be reduced by the interference of upper respiratory tract infections.

The rat hepatic lectin-1 subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor is upregulated by thyrotropin and downregulated by neoplastic transformation of thyroid cells.

We have recently shown that the rat hepatic lectin (RHL)-1 subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) is expressed in the PC C13 differentiated thyroid cell line. To investigate in vivo the expression of RHL-1 and the ability of thyrotropin (TSH) to modulate its expression, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assays have been performed on thyroid extracts from rats treated with thyroxine (T4) or propylthiouracil (PTU), each of which modulates TSH levels. It is shown that RHL-1 expression is down-regulated by T4 (which decreases serum TSH) and upregulated by PTU (which increases serum TSH), at both mRNA and protein levels. The sensitivity of RHL-1 to neoplastic transformation of thyroid cells has been investigated. The RHL-1 expression pattern has been studied in PC C13 thyroid cells transformed by several oncogenes that induce different degrees of malignancy and dedifferentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot assays show that RHL-1 expression progressively decreases as PC C13 cells acquire a more transformed phenotype. Expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA, a housekeeping gene used as internal control to normalize RHL-1 mRNA content, exhibits no variations in the different PC C13 cell lines used. In addition, we show that both native and asialo-thyroglobulin (Tg) bind RHL-1 in vitro, and native Tg binds RHL-1 on the surface of PC C13 cells. After thyroid cells transformation, the surface expression of RHL-1 is inhibited in a measure that correlates with the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore, the RHL-1 inhibition at the mRNA, protein and plasma membrane expression follows a gradient that parallels the progressive acquisition of the fully transformed phenotype in the PC C13 system. The results reported in the present article, together with our previous data, suggest that RHL-1 expression could be regulated, at least in part, by the same transcription factors involved in the expression of the other molecules characteristic of the thyroid differentiated state.

The rat asialoglycoprotein receptor binds the amino-terminal domain of thyroglobulin.

We have previously reported that the rat hepatic lectin-1 (RHL-1) subunit of rat asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr), the endocytic receptor found on the basolateral surface of hepatocytes, was expressed in rat thyroid tissue and localized on the apical surface of polarized rat thyroid FRT cells. Here we show that PC Cl3 cells, a differentiated rat thyroid cell line, bound thyroglobulin (Tg) via ASGPr. In fact, both the bacterial recombinant carbohydrate recognition domain of RHL-1 (rCRD(RHL-1)) and the anti-rCRD(RHL-1) antibody markedly inhibited (125)I-Tg binding to the cell surface of PC Cl3 cells. Ligand blot assays with deglycosylated Tg show that the rCRD(RHL-1) was able to interact with Tg even after remotion of sugars. The region of Tg involved in the binding to RHL-1 was investigated by ligand blot assays with biotinylated rCRD(RHL-1) on thermolysin-digested native and desialated rat thyroglobulin. It is shown that the rCRD(RHL-1) specifically recognized a thyroglobulin fragment with an apparent M(r) of 68,000, corresponding to the amino-terminal part of the molecule. To our knowledge, this is the first report that attributes to the amino-terminal portion of Tg molecule, containing its earliest and major hormonogenic site, the function of binding to a cell surface receptor of the thyroid. Moreover, we show that oligosaccharides are not the only molecular signals for binding to RHL-1, but amino acidic determinants could also play a role.

Adhesion to fibronectin promotes the activation of the p125(FAK)/Zap-70complex in human T cells.

The beta1 integrins are a family of heterodimeric adhesion receptors involved in cell-to-cell contacts and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. Through their adhesive role, integrins participate in transduction of outside/inside signals and contribute to trigger a multitude of cellular events such as differentiation, cell activation, and motility. The fibronectin integrin receptors, alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1, can function as costimulatory molecules in T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent T-cell activation. In the current study the Jurkat T-cell line was used as a model system to investigate the TCR-independent role of cell adhesion to fibronectin in the activation of Zap-70, a central molecule in the signalling events in T cells. Upon adhesion to plastic immobilized fibronectin but not to bovine serum albumin (BSA) the phosphorylation of p125FAK, a protein kinase that localizes to focal adhesion sites, was induced. Moreover, clustering of fibronectin receptors led to the detection of a p125FAK/Zap-70 complex. Finally, while the complex between fak-B, another protein kinase localized to focal adhesion sites, and Zap-70 was detected in cells plated either on BSA or on fibronectin, the formation of the p125FAK/Zap-70 complex appeared specifically induced following fibronectin-mediated integrin clustering. These data suggest the existence of a high degree of specificity when the members of the beta1 integrin family mediate signalling pathways in T cells.

Comparative stability analysis of the thyroid transcription factor 1 and Antennapedia homeodomains: evidence for residue 54 in controlling the structural stability of the recognition helix.

The thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain (TTF-1 HD) shows a peculiar DNA-binding specificity which is partially dictated by several amino acids of the recognition helix. TTF-1 preferentially recognizes sequences containing the 5'-CAAG-3' core motif while most other homeodomains, such as Antennapedia (Antp), recognizes sites containing the 5'-TAAT-3' core motif. Since phenomena of 'induced fit' may occur during protein/DNA interaction, a primary role for high affinity binding and target discrimination has to be searched in the effect played by subtle structural determinants in these proteins. By using spectroscopic analysis in aqueous solution, we compared the structural stability of TTF-1 and Antp homeodomains. Although the three-dimensional structural architecture of homeodomains is conserved, some differences are detectable in terms of their structural stability. At 24 degrees C the TTF-1 HD is less structured than the Antp HD with 24 and 34% of the residues in the alpha-helical conformation, respectively. This poor folded structure reflects into different thermal and isothermal stability between the two homeodomains. TTF-1 HD exhibits a Tm of 39 degrees C and is stabilized by a delta GDH2O of +1487 cal/mol, calculated by Urea unfolding, while Antp HD exhibits a Tm of 48 degrees C and is stabilized by a delta GDH2O of +2742 cal/mol. By using mutants of both TTF-1 and Antp HDs we demonstrate that one of the major determinants in controlling the structural stability of the recognition helix is the residue at position 54. Since previous studies have shown that also residue at position 56 is involved in stabilization of the recognition helix, we conclude that the structure of this critical element is controlled by an interplay between residues at position 54 and 56 of the homeodomain.

Activated platelets and leucocytes cooperatively stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and proto-oncogene expression via release of soluble growth factors.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that platelets and leucocytes might contribute to the development of neointimal hyperplasia following arterial injury. The present study was aimed at further investigating the role of platelets and leucocytes, alone or in combination, in promoting vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in vitro, focusing on the relative contribution of different soluble growth factors released by these cells, and on the ability to induce proto-oncogene expression, such as c-fos. METHODS: SMCs from rabbit aortas, made quiescent by serum deprivation, were stimulated with either activated platelets, leucocytes, or both, separated from SMCs by a membrane insert. SMC proliferation was evaluated by measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. The relative contribution of different platelet-derived mediators to SMC growth was evaluated by adding either ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, R68070, a TxA2 receptor antagonist, BN52021, a platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, and trapidil, a platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor antagonist. The role of different leucocyte sub-populations (neutrophils and monocytes + lymphocytes) was also determined in additional experiments. RESULTS: SMC proliferation was significantly increased by activated platelets to 360 +/- 9% of control values (P < 0.05). This effect was reduced by ketanserin, R68070, BN 52021 or trapidil. Whole leucocytes, neutrophils or lymphocytes + monocytes also increased SMC proliferation with respect to control experiments. Simultaneous stimulation of SMCs by platelets and whole leucocytes was associated with a significant greater increase in SMC proliferation as compared to SMC stimulated with platelets or leucocytes alone. c-fos expression, almost undetectable in unstimulated SMCs, was markedly increased by activated platelets or leucocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Activated platelets promote SMC proliferation in vitro via release of soluble mediators, including serotonin, thromboxane A2 PAF and PDGF; activated leucocytes also induce a significant SMC proliferation and exert an additive effect when activated together with platelets; SMCs stimulated with activated platelets and leucocytes show an early expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos.

Follicular thyroglobulin (TG) suppression of thyroid-restricted genes involves the apical membrane asialoglycoprotein receptor and TG phosphorylation.

Follicular thyroglobulin (TG) decreases expression of the thyroid-restricted transcription factors, thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1, TTF-2, and Pax-8, thereby suppressing expression of the sodium iodide symporter, thyroid peroxidase, TG, and thyrotropin receptor genes (Suzuki, K., Lavaroni, S., Mori, A., Ohta, M., Saito, J., Pietrarelli, M., Singer, D. S., Kimura, S., Katoh, R., Kawaoi, A. , and Kohn, L. D. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 8251-8256). The ability of highly purified 27, 19, or 12 S follicular TG to suppress thyroid-restricted gene expression correlates with their ability to bind to FRTL-5 thyrocytes and is inhibited by a specific antibody to the thyroid apical membrane asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), which is related to the ASGPR of liver cells. Phosphorylating serine/threonine residues of TG, by autophosphorylation or protein kinase A, eliminates TG suppression and enhances transcript levels of the thyroid-restricted genes 2-fold in the absence of a change in TG binding to the ASGPR. Follicular TG suppression of thyroid-restricted genes is thus mediated by the ASPGR on the thyrocyte apical membrane and regulated by a signal system wherein phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues on the bound ligand is an important component. These data provide a hitherto unsuspected role for the ASGPR in transcriptional signaling, aside from its role in endocytosis. They establish a functional role for phosphorylated serine/threonine residues on the TG molecule.

Thyroglobulin regulates follicular function and heterogeneity by suppressing thyroid-specific gene expression.

Thyroglobulin (TG) is the primary synthetic product of the thyroid and the macromolecular precursor of thyroid hormones. TG synthesis, iodination, storage in follicles, and lysosomal degradation can each modulate thyroid hormone formation and secretion into the circulation. Thyrotropin (TSH), via its receptor (the TSHR), increases thyroid hormone levels by upregulating expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and TG genes. TSH does this by modulating the expression and activity of the thyroid-specific transcription factors, thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1, TTF-2, and Pax-8, which coordinately regulate NIS, TPO, TG, and the TSHR. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression, which is also regulated by TTF-1 and Pax-8 in the thyroid, is simultaneously decreased; this maintains self tolerance in the face of TSH-increased gene products necessary for thyroid hormone formation. We now show that follicular TG, 27S > 19S > 12S, counter-regulates TSH-increased thyroid-specific gene transcription by suppressing the expression of the TTF-1, TTF-2, and Pax-8 genes. This decreases expression of the TG, TPO, NIS and TSHR genes, but increases class I expression. TG action involves an apical membrane TG-binding protein; however, it acts transcriptionally, targeting, for example, a sequence within 1.15 kb of the start of TTF-1 transcription. TG does not affect ubiquitous transcription factors regulating TG, TPO, NIS and/or TSHR gene expression. TG activity is not duplicated by thyroid hormones or iodide. We hypothesize that TG-initiated, transcriptional regulation of thyroid-restricted genes is a normal, feedback, compensatory mechanism which regulates follicular function, regulates thyroid hormone secretion, and contributes to follicular heterogeneity.

Establishment and growth regulation of a novel ovarian cancer cell line from a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma: proposal for a new treatment.

A continuously growing cultured cell line has been obtained in vitro, starting from a specimen of ascites fluid obtained from a patient with ovarian cancer, in whom a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma was diagnosed. This cell line, named OC-A1, is routinely grown in standard, serum-supplemented culture medium and has been fully stabilized to long-term growth and characterized for both cultural and genetic parameters. OC-A1 cells express a set of characteristics, as determined in vitro which, when compared with the in vivo primary tumor, confirm the high malignity of this cancer. In addition, karyotype analysis showed a translocation of chromosome 8 which is correlated with the amplification of c-myc oncogene. However, the expression of this oncogene was found to be significantly inhibited by a new regulatory activity, recently found to be present in a liposarcoma cell line. Conditioned medium from these cells was indeed able to inhibit the growth of OC-A1 cells, arresting their cell cycle in the G1 phase and inducing them to apoptosis. Finally, the cell programmed death appeared to be related to the expression of antioncogene p53.

Thyroglobulin binding and TSH regulation of the RHL-1 subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in rat thyroid.

The ability of asialo-thyroglobulin to bind the thyroid RHL-1 subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor has been investigated. Ligand blot assays show that the recombinant carbohydrate recognition domain of the thyroid RHL-1 subunit specifically interacts with rat desialated thyroglobulin. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blot assays show that TSH deprivation decreases RHL-1 expression in PC C13 thyroid differentiated cells whereas insulin deprivation does not have any effect. The simultaneous absence of both TSH and insulin dramatically decreases the level of RHL-1 expression.

Depletion of divalent cations within the secretory pathway inhibits the terminal glycosylation of complex carbohydrates of thyroglobulin.

Newly synthesized thyroglobulin transiting the secretory pathway is posttranslationally modified by addition of oligosaccharides to asparagine N-linked residues. The effect of divalent cation depletion on oligosaccharide processing of Tg was studied in FRTL-5 cells. Treatment with an ionophore, A23187, or thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum ATPases delayed Tg secretion. These effects were accompanied by a normal distribution of the marker of the endoplasmic reticulum protein disulfide isomerase. Analysis of the thyroglobulin oligosaccharides by Bio-gel P4 chromatography showed that in the presence of A23187 and thapsigargin the addition of peripheral sialic acid and possibly galactose is inhibited. These findings were strengthened by experiments of exoglycosidase digestion and SDS-PAGE analysis of the resulting products. These results reveal a cellular mechanism of production of thyroglobulin with incompletely processed complex chains, i.e., the ligand of the recently described GlcNAc and asialoglycoprotein receptors of the thyroid. Since A23187 and thapsigargin inhibit biosynthetically the addition of peripheral sugars on N-linked oligosaccharides chains, the thyroglobulin molecules secreted in the presence of A23187 and thapsigargin should greatly facilitate studies on the function of the GlcNAc and asialoglycoprotein receptors of the thyroid.

Topology of the thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain-DNA complex.

The topology of the thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain (TTF-1HD)-DNA complex was investigated by a strategy which combines limited proteolysis and selective chemical modification experiments with mass spectrometry methodologies. When limited proteolysis digestions were carried out with the protein in the absence or presence of its target oligonucleotide, differential peptide maps were obtained from which the amino acid residues involved in the interaction could be inferred. Similarly, selective acetylation of lysine residues in both the isolated and the complexed homeodomain allowed us to identify the amino acids protected by the interaction with DNA. Surface topology analysis of isolated TTF-1HD performed at neutral pH was in good agreement with the three-dimensional structure of the molecule as determined by NMR studies under acidic conditions. Minor differences were detected in the C-terminal region of the protein which, contrary to NMR data, showed no accessibility to proteases. Analysis of the complex provided an experimental validation of the model proposed on the basis of the homology with the homeodomain structures described so far. An increased accessibility of the C-terminal region was observed following the interaction, suggesting its displacement from the protein core by the oligonucleotide molecule. Comparative experiments with DNA fragments differing in sequence and binding capabilities highlighted structural differences among the complexes, mainly located in the N-terminal region of the homeodomain, thus accounting for their different dissociation constants.

Fanconi's anemia cells are relatively resistant to H2O2-induced damage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fanconi's anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by skeletal abnormalities, late onset bone marrow failure and susceptibility to neoplasias. Reduced defense against oxidative stress is thought to be one of the cell damaging mechanisms. We investigated in vitro the effects of oxidative stress on red blood cells (RBC) and on hematopoietic progenitor growth of normal donors and of FA patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on RBC and hematopoietic progenitors were studied in vitro by erythrophagocytosis assay and by hematopoietic progenitor colony assay, respectively. RESULTS: In an erythrophagocytosis assay using normal monocytes, RBC from nine FA patients showed increased binding index (defined as the percentage of monocytes with adherent or phagocytosed RBC) compared to that obtained with RBC from nine normal controls. Upon exposure to H2O2, the binding index of normal RBC increased, while that of FA RBC remained unchanged. In a set of different experiments, H2O2 treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) caused a significant decrease of the number of colonies from circulating progenitor cells in all normal subjects; the inhibition was dose-dependent and direct as proven by using normal purified CD34+ cells. In nine FA patients colony assays from intact cells showed a decreased number of circulating progenitors as compared to normal subjects; however, H2O2 treatment of FA PBMNC did not cause any further decrease of the plating efficiency. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Untreated FA cells behave as normal cells after exposure to the toxic effects of H2O2. However, since H2O2 exposure is inoffensive to circulating FA RBC and hematopoietic progenitors, it seems that a selection for cells resistant to further oxidative stress has taken place in the residual hematopoiesis of FA patients. We may surmise that the survival of cells that have suffered from oxidative damage may have increased the risk of their leukemic transformation.