Design and in vitro characterization of a single regulatory module for efficient control of gene expression in both plasmid DNA and a self-inactivating lentiviral vector.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of transgene expression in target cells represents a critical and challenging aspect of gene therapy. Recently, a two-plasmid tetracycline-inducible system was developed in which the tetracycline repressor (tetR) alone, rather than the tetR-VP16 fusion derivative, was shown to function as a potent trans-modulator of a second plasmid that contains two tandem repeats of the tetracycline operator (tetO) inserted between the TATA box and the transcription start site of the hCMV major immediate-early promoter. A technological advance in this area would be the development of a single autoregulatory cassette that incorporates both of these components into nonviral and viral gene transfer vectors. For the latter, an inducible lentiviral vector that is capable of temporal and quantitative control of gene expression in either dividing or nondividing cells is highly desirable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A one-piece inducible (1Pi) autoregulatory cassette was constructed to provide IRES-mediated translation of the tetR as well as tight control over the tetO unit preventing transcription initiation of the first cistron in the absence of the tetracycline. To increase efficiency of tetR-mediated repression, a nuclear localization signal was incorporated at the 3' end of the tetR gene. Regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional and protein level was analyzed in transient transfection experiments using plasmid DNA. Construction of a self-inactivating lentiviral vector containing this 1Pi cassette allowed the study of its long-term effectiveness in primary human cells. RESULTS: The 1Pi autoregulatory cassette when incorporated into plasmid DNA allows efficient control of the secretable hEGF as well as eGFP expression in a variety of cell types. Transient transfection studies demonstrated that the time course of repression is different for the 1Pi and two-plasmid system (2Pi). In the 2Pi system, greater repression is seen with the first 24-48 hr; however, by 72 hr, similar levels of repression with the 1Pi and 2Pi systems are obtained. This regulation is reached three times faster when the tetR is modified with a nuclear localization signal to direct nascent proteins into the nuclear compartment. In addition, stable transduction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with a self-inactivating lentiviral vector incorporating this single regulator cassette provided tetracycline-inducible control of gene expression that is not diminished over time and is completely reversible upon removal of tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a model in which the 1Pi autoregulatory system reaches a steady state over time, the minimal amount of tetR produced by the basal activity of the CMV promoter and accumulated is adequate to replace the tetR that is lost over time. These studies also show that the inducible self-inactivating lentiviral vector can temporally and reversibly regulate transgene expression in HUVECs. The use of this transcriptional control unit in both nonviral and viral vector delivery systems will constitute an attractive technological advance for many gene therapy applications where temporal and quantitative control of gene expression is desired. The strengths and limitations of the 1Pi system are discussed.

The human cGMP-PDE beta-subunit promoter region directs expression of the gene to mouse photoreceptors.

PURPOSE: We previously demonstrated that 350 bp of the human rod cGMP phosphodiesterase beta-subunit (beta-PDE) gene promoter are sufficient to direct high levels of gene expression in human Y-79 retinoblastoma cells in vitro. In this study the cell specificity and expression pattern conferred by the short beta-PDE 5' flanking sequence in vivo were examined. METHODS: A construct containing the bacterial LacZ gene driven by a fragment of the beta-PDE 5' flanking region (-297 to +53) was used to generate transgenic mice. Gene expression was analyzed by measuring beta-galactosidase activity in tissue homogenates or visualizing enzymatic activity or protein production at a cellular level by in situ histochemistry or immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Three independently derived transgenic lines were generated carrying the -297 to +53 beta-PDE 5' flanking region fragment. Within the retina, the reporter gene was specifically expressed in photoreceptors, consistent with the localization of endogenous beta-PDE. Significant expression of LacZ was not observed in other ocular or peripheral tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Photoreceptor-specific reporter gene expression is driven in vivo by a 350-bp segment of the beta-PDE 5' flanking sequence. This study demonstrates the utility of the human beta-PDE promoter for directing the expression of foreign genes to photoreceptors and suggests that the -297 to +53 beta-PDE 5' flanking region fragment may have important implications for therapeutic gene delivery to the visual cells.

Estrogen receptor in the human eye: influence of gender and age on gene expression.

PURPOSE: Many epidemiologic studies indicate an increased incidence of certain vision threatening conditions in postmenopausal women. These data suggest that changes in sex steroid homeostasis may affect the physiology of the eye. To provide support to this hypothesis, the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in human eye tissues was investigated. METHODS: Complementary studies including RNA analysis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry were used to provide evidence of ERalpha expression. Protein detection was carried out using a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against an epitope located in the ligand binding domain of the human receptor. Cellular localization was studied on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded eye sections using conventional immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Gender and age differences in ERalpha mRNA expression were observed in retina. The 65-kDa ERalpha protein was detected in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of young female eyes but not in eye tissues dissected from men and postmenopausal women. Immunocytochemistry corroborated ERalpha staining of a young female neurosensory retina and RPE. In addition, ERalpha could be detected in the ciliary body, in the iris, and in the epithelium of the lens. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the ERalpha in the human eye suggests that the sex steroid hormone axis may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain ocular diseases.

Stage-specific substrate phosphorylation by a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in Trypanosoma cruzi.

The presence of Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent protein kinase (TcCaM K) and some stage-specific substrates that appeared during morphogenesis of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi were identified. Western blot analysis using a polyclonal antibody against rat brain CaM K type 11 recognized the same subunit composition (52, 59/62 kDa) observed for the mammalian enzyme, as well as the previously characterized TcCaM K found in epimastigote forms. Differential protein phosphorylation profiles were observed after enzyme activation in the stages of T. cruzi. Co-immunoprecipitation of stage-specific substrates with the TcCaM K suggested that the enzyme might be involved in the phosphorylation of a different set of proteins through the life cycle. Three phosphoproteins, pp105 and pp87 from epimastigotes and pp23 from trypomastigotes were identified as potential substrates for TcCaM K. The characterization of these endogenous stage markers might be a useful tool to understand the developmental cycles of these pathogenic protozoa.

Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms possess a Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase.

Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms showed a tightly bound Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity, which could be partially extracted from membranes and axonemes. The enzyme is constituted by subunits which were autophosphorylated in the absence of exogenous substrates. An antibody against CaM kinase II recognized a Ca(2+)- or Ca(2+)-CaM-dependent conformational epitope in these fractions. The detected bands were of molecular weights similar to the alpha and beta subunits of the corresponding bovine brain enzyme (60 and 50 kDa). Studies using [125I]CaM revealed the presence of a CaM-binding domain. These experiments confirm that the parasite possesses a particulate CaM kinase with characteristics similar to the bovine brain enzyme.

Participation of PBP 3 in the acquisition of dicloxacillin resistance in Listeria monocytogenes.

Purified membranes of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 contain at least five penicillin-binding proteins. In two dicloxacillin-resistant mutants, derived from a sensitive parent strain, a 16-fold increase in the MIC of dicloxacillin was observed. A less-significant increase was detected in the MICs of other beta-lactam drugs. In the mutants, PBP 3 lost its strong affinity for dicloxacillin, but remained fully susceptible to binding of 125I-penicillin X, as compared with the wild-type strain. PBP 2 could not be detected in one of the mutants. No decrease in affinity for the radioactive tracer or dicloxacillin was detected in any other PBP of the resistant mutants.

Production of Linnocuicina 819, a bacteriocin produced by Listeria innocua.

We studied the reciprocal antagonistic properties of 14 Listeria strains. Listeria innocua 29-CCM-A 819 (CIP 8011) produces a bacteriocin named Linnocuicina 819. This substance is mainly released in the exponential phase of growth and was isolated from the supernatant of TPB cultures. Thermal resistance and sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes was assayed. Linnocuicina 819 has a bactericidal mode of action producing a lytic effect.