An unusual presentation of propylthiouracil-induced anti-MPO and PR3 positive ANCA vasculitis with associated anti-GBM antibodies, IgA nephropathy and an IgG4 interstitial infiltrate: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A number of disease processes can culminate in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, including pauci-immune focal segmental necrotising glomerulonephritis, usually seen with positive serum antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Propylthiouracil (PTU) has been associated with drug-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), with antibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3) present individually and together having been recognised. 'Double-positive' vasculitis with ANCA and anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies has also been reported in association with PTU treatment. We present a case of PTU-induced anti-MPO and PR3 positive ANCA vasculitis with associated anti-GBM antibodies, IgA nephropathy and an IgG4 interstitial infiltrate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old man presented 2 weeks after re-commencing propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment for Graves' disease, with a severe acute kidney injury and haemato-proteinuria. He demonstrated positive titres for autoantibodies to PR3 (76.9 IU/mL), MPO (28.8 IU/mL) and GBM (94 IU/mL). Renal biopsy demonstrated numerous glomerular crescents, widespread IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and mesangial positivity for IgA. PTU was stopped and he was treated with steroids, plasma exchange and cyclophosphamide with sustained improvement in his renal function. CONCLUSIONS: This case of drug-induced AAV presented a unique and intriguing collection of serological and histological features. We propose that the PTU-induced AAV resulted in epiphenomena of anti-GBM antibody production and an IgG4-cell-rich tubulointerstitial infiltrate. It is uncertain whether the mesangial IgA deposition preceded or resulted from the AAV.

PR3 vasculitis presenting with symptomatic splenic and renal infarction: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: ANCA-associated vasculitis is a life-threatening, systemic autoimmune disease. There is an increased risk of organ infarction but in many cases this is asymptomatic. We described here the first reported case of PR3 vasculitis presenting with symptomatic bilateral renal wedge infarction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year old Caucasian woman with no past medical history presented on a number of occasions over a number of weeks with progressively more severe back pain, fevers and arthralgia. On the final presentation she was noted to have developed splinter haemorrhages and her blood tests revealed impaired renal function along with elevated inflammatory markers. She was subsequently found to have high titres of serum PR3 antibodies and focal necrotising glomerulonephritis on renal biopsy, consistent with a diagnosis of PR3 ANCA-associated vasculitis. Cross-sectional imaging revealed multiple wedge infarcts of her spleen and both kidneys, confirmed on contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Large vessel, cardiac and thrombophilic causes of thromboembolism were excluded. She was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and CD20 monoclonal antibodies (rituximab) and at time of writing, 4 months after initial presentation, has entered clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS: Here we describe the first reported case of PR3 vasculitis presenting with symptomatic renal wedge infarction. In patients with vasculitis who present with flank or back pain, infarction of abdominal organs should be considered in the differential. Both splenic and renal infarctions are likely underdiagnosed in the setting of ANCA-associated vasculitis but may have clinical impact in contributing to infection risk and the degree or renal recovery, respectively.

Carrier priming with CRM 197 or diphtheria toxoid has a different impact on the immunogenicity of the respective glycoconjugates: biophysical and immunochemical interpretation.

Glycoconjugate vaccines play an enormous role in preventing infectious diseases. The main carrier proteins used in commercial conjugate vaccines are the non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin (CRM197), diphtheria toxoid (DT) and tetanus toxoid (TT). Modern childhood routine vaccination schedules include the administration of several vaccines simultaneously or in close sequence, increasing the concern that the repeated exposure to conjugates based on these carrier proteins might interfere with the anti-polysaccharide response. Extending previous observations we show here that priming mice with CRM197 or DT does not suppress the response to the carbohydrate moiety of CRM197 meningococcal serogroup A (MenA) conjugates, while priming with DT can suppress the response to DT-MenA conjugates. To explain these findings we made use of biophysical and immunochemical techniques applied mainly to MenA conjugates. Differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism data revealed that the CRM197 structure was altered by the chemical conjugation, while DT and the formaldehyde-treated form of CRM197 were less impacted, depending on the degree of glycosylation. Investigating the binding and avidity properties of IgGs induced in mice by non-conjugated carriers, we found that CRM197 induced low levels of anti-carrier antibodies, with decreased avidity for its MenA conjugates and poor binding to DT and respective MenA conjugates. In contrast, DT induced high antibody titers able to bind with comparable avidity both the protein and its conjugates but showing very low avidity for CRM197 and related conjugates. The low intrinsic immunogenicity of CRM197 as compared to DT, the structural modifications induced by glycoconjugation and detoxification processes, resulting in conformational changes in CRM197 and DT epitopes with consequent alteration of the antibody recognition and avidity, might explain the different behavior of CRM197 and DT in a carrier priming context.

Comparison of CRM197, diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid as protein carriers for meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccines.

Glycoconjugate vaccines are among the most effective and safest vaccines ever developed. Diphtheria toxoid (DT), tetanus toxoid (TT) and CRM197 have been mostly used as protein carriers in licensed vaccines. We evaluated the immunogenicity of serogroup A, C, W-135 and Y meningococcal oligosaccharides conjugated to CRM197, DT and TT in naïve mice. The three carriers were equally efficient in inducing an immune response against the carbohydrate moiety in immunologically naïve mice. The effect of previous exposure to different dosages of the carrier protein on the anti-carbohydrate response was studied using serogroup A meningococcal (MenA) saccharide conjugates as a model. CRM197 showed a strong propensity to positively prime the anti-carbohydrate response elicited by its conjugates or those with the antigenically related carrier DT. Conversely in any of the tested conditions TT priming did not result in enhancement of the anti-carbohydrate response elicited by the corresponding conjugates. Repeated exposure of mice to TT or to CRM197 before immunization with the respective MenA conjugates resulted in a drastic suppression of the anti-carbohydrate response in the case of TT conjugate and only in a slight reduction in the case of CRM197. The effect of carrier priming on the anti-MenA response of DT-based conjugates varied depending on their carbohydrate to protein ratio. These data may have implications for human vaccination since conjugate vaccines are widely used in individuals previously immunized with DT and TT carrier proteins.

Repeat testing is essential when estimating chronic kidney disease prevalence and associated cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: Investigations into chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease in the CKD population may be misleading as they are often based on a single test of kidney function. AIM: To determine whether repeat testing at 3 months to confirm a diagnosis of CKD impacts on the estimated prevalence of CKD and the estimated 10-year general cardiovascular risk of the CKD population. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood and urine samples from presumed healthy volunteers were analysed for evidence of CKD on recruitment and again 3 months later. Estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk was calculated using criteria determined by the Framingham study. Preliminary study: 512 volunteers were screened for CKD. Of the initial results, 206 indicated CKD or eGFR within one standard deviation of abnormal, and 142 (69%) of these were retested. Validation study: 528 volunteers were recruited and invited to return for repeat testing. A total of 214 (40.5%) participants provided repeat samples. RESULTS: A single test indicating CKD had a positive predictive value of 0.5 (preliminary) and 0.39 (validation) for repeat abnormalities 3 months later. Participants with CKD confirmed on repeat testing had a significant increase in estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk over the population as a whole (preliminary: 16.5 vs. 11.9%, P < 0.05; validation: 18.1 vs. 9.2%, P < 0.01). Participants with a solitary test indicating CKD had no elevation in cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: Repeat testing for CKD after 3 months significantly reduces the estimated prevalence of disease and identifies a population with true CKD and a cardiovascular risk significantly in excess of the general population.

Single estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria measurement substantially overestimates prevalence of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Guidelines require repeatedly diminished estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or albuminuria to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD), and advise screening only in select populations. Many estimates of CKD prevalence have used single measurements. This longitudinal study assessed eGFR and albuminuria reproducibility, and impact on estimate of CKD prevalence, in factory workers. METHODS: A total of 512 white workers in a Belarusian industrial factory were initially tested, identifying 206 with abnormal (eGFR <59 ml/min/1.73 m(2) or albuminuria) or near-abnormal (eGFR up to 1 SD above abnormal) renal function. At 3 months, 142 of the abnormal/near-abnormal cohort were re-tested. RESULTS: Analysis of repeat samples revealed no significant change in eGFR in this population, however 21% individually changed CKD stage. Initial proteinuria was reproducible in only 48% at 3 months. This had a major impact on estimated CKD prevalence: a point prevalence of 8.2% halved with repeat testing. The predictive value of initially abnormal eGFR or albuminuria for repeat abnormality at 3 months was 0.5. CONCLUSION: Non-targeted screening for CKD is inaccurate and can overestimate prevalence. This study emphasises the importance of confirming abnormal eGFR and proteinuria on at least one further sample 3 months apart before categorising the individual as having CKD. This has wide implications for screening in European general populations.

Unraveling the hidden catalytic activity of vertebrate class IIa histone deacetylases.

Previous findings have suggested that class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) (HDAC4, -5, -7, and -9) are inactive on acetylated substrates, thus differing from class I and IIb enzymes. Here, we present evidence supporting this view and demonstrate that class IIa HDACs are very inefficient enzymes on standard substrates. We identified HDAC inhibitors unable to bind recombinant human HDAC4 while showing inhibition in a typical HDAC4 enzymatic assay, suggesting that the observed activity rather reflects the involvement of endogenous copurified class I HDACs. Moreover, an HDAC4 catalytic domain purified from bacteria was 1,000-fold less active than class I HDACs on standard substrates. A catalytic Tyr is conserved in all HDACs except for vertebrate class IIa enzymes where it is replaced by His. Given the high structural conservation of HDAC active sites, we predicted the class IIa His-Nepsilon2 to be too far away to functionally substitute the class I Tyr-OH in catalysis. Consistently, a Tyr-to-His mutation in class I HDACs severely reduced their activity. More importantly, a His-976-Tyr mutation in HDAC4 produced an enzyme with a catalytic efficiency 1,000-fold higher than WT, and this "gain of function phenotype" could be extended to HDAC5 and -7. We also identified trifluoroacetyl-lysine as a class IIa-specific substrate in vitro. Hence, vertebrate class IIa HDACs may have evolved to maintain low basal activities on acetyl-lysines and to efficiently process restricted sets of specific, still undiscovered natural substrates.

Preservation of embryonic kidneys for transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Long-term storage of embryonic kidneys is crucial for the organization of transplantation and organ banking. In this study, we investigated the effects of controlled-rate freezing and ice-free vitrification on metanephroi (MN) viability. METHODS: Metanephroi isolated from 15-day (E15) timed pregnant Lewis rats were either: (i) frozen, using a DMSO/FCS/RPMI solution and a controlled freezing rate of -0.3 degrees C/min, from -10 degrees to -40 degrees C; or (ii) cryopreserved in an ice-free state by rapid cooling to -100 degrees C in cryoprotectant (VS55), followed by vitrification to -120 degrees C. After cryopreservation, the metanephroi were stored at -135 degrees C for 48 hours. After storage the MN were rewarmed, resuspended in culture media, and their viability was assessed using the AlamarBlue assay and histology (light microscopy, TEM, and cryosubstitution). RESULTS: There was statistically no difference in embryonic kidney metabolic activity of either of the cryopreserved MN groups relative to the control untreated group. However, cryosubstitution demonstrated the presence of significant ice formation during controlled-rate freezing, yet in contrast the amount of ice was significantly reduced by vitrification. This was confirmed by TEM, where vacuolation of the cytoplasm of controlled-rate frozen metanephroi was observed, whereas vitrified metanephroi had little cytoplasmic disruption. However, vitrified metanephroi showed mitochondrial and nuclear injury at the cellular level. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for long-term storage of organs to make MN transplantation a reality. This study demonstrates that standard freezing methods are unsuitable for this purpose. Vitrification yielded more promising results, but further development is required.

Structural basis for recognition of the intron branch site RNA by splicing factor 1.

During spliceosome assembly, splicing factor 1 (SF1) specifically recognizes the intron branch point sequence (BPS) UACUAAC in the pre-mRNA transcripts. We show that the KH-QUA2 region of SF1 defines an enlarged KH (hn RNP K) fold which is necessary and sufficient for BPS binding. The 3' part of the BPS (UAAC), including the conserved branch point adenosine (underlined), is specifically recognized in a hydrophobic cleft formed by the Gly-Pro-Arg-Gly motif and the variable loop of the KH domain. The QUA2 region recognizes the 5' nucleotides of the BPS (ACU). The branch point adenosine acting as the nucleophile in the first biochemical step of splicing is deeply buried. BPS RNA recognition suggests how SF1 may facilitate subsequent formation of the prespliceosomal complex A.

Quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum: PDI mediates the ER retention of unassembled procollagen C-propeptides.

Quality control within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is thought to be mediated by the interaction of a folding protein with one or several resident ER proteins [1]. Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is one such ER resident protein that has been previously shown to interact with proteins during their folding and assembly pathways [2, 3]. It has been assumed that, as a consequence of this interaction, unassembled proteins are retained within the ER. Here, we experimentally show that this is indeed the case. We have taken advantage of our previous finding that PDI interacts with procollagen chains early on in their assembly pathway [2] to address the role of this protein in directly retaining unassembled chains within the ER. Our experimental approach involved expressing individual C-propeptide domains from different procollagen chains in mammalian cells and determining the ability of these domains to interact with PDI and to be secreted. The C-propeptide from the proalpha2(I) chain was retained within the cell, where it formed a complex with PDI. Conversely, the C-propeptide from the proalpha1(III) chain did not form a complex with PDI and was secreted. Both domains were secreted, however, from a stable cell line expressing a secreted form of PDI lacking its ER retrieval signal. Hence, we have demonstrated directly that the intracellular retention of one substrate for ER quality control is due to an interaction with PDI.

The SAND domain structure defines a novel DNA-binding fold in transcriptional regulation.

The SAND domain is a conserved sequence motif found in a number of nuclear proteins, including the Sp100 family and NUDR. These are thought to play important roles in chromatin-dependent transcriptional regulation and are linked to many diseases. We have determined the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the SAND domain from Sp100b. The structure represents a novel alpha/beta fold, in which a conserved KDWK sequence motif is found within an alpha-helical, positively charged surface patch. For NUDR, the SAND domain is shown to be sufficient to mediate DNA binding. Using mutational analyses and chemical shift perturbation experiments, the DNA binding surface is mapped to the alpha-helical region encompassing the KDWK motif. The DNA binding activity of wild type and mutant proteins in vitro correlates with transcriptional regulation activity of full length NUDR in vivo. The evolutionarily conserved SAND domain defines a new DNA binding fold that is involved in chromatin-associated transcriptional regulation.

Identification of polymorphisms within the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene: correlation with variation in VEGF protein production.

Dysregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has been implicated as a major contributor to the development of a number of common disease pathologies. The aim of this study was to establish the extent of genetic variability within the VEGF gene and to determine whether this genetic variation influenced levels of VEGF protein expression. The promoter region and exon 1 of the VEGF gene were screened for polymorphisms using single-stranded conformation (SSCP) polymorphism analysis and direct PCR-sequencing. We identified 15 novel sequence polymorphisms most of which were rare. Eleven of these polymorphisms were single base substitutions, three were single base insertions and one was a two base deletion. Thirteen of the polymorphisms were located within the promoter and two in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the gene. We established PCR-RFLP typing systems for ten of the polymorphisms. For the two common polymorphisms at -460 and +405, we developed a combined sequence specific priming (SSP) PCR typing system to determine the cis/trans orientation of each allele and hence, ascertain haplotypes. A significant correlation was observed between lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) VEGF protein production and genotype for the +405 polymorphism.

Refinement of the protein backbone angle psi in NMR structure calculations.

Cross-correlated relaxation rates involving the Calpha-Halpha dipolar interaction and the carbonyl (C') chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) have been measured using two complementary 3D experiments. We show that the protein backbone angle psi can be directly refined against such cross-correlated relaxation rates (gammaHalphaCalpha,C') and the three-bond H/D isotope effect on the Calpha chemical shifts (3 deltaCalpha(ND)). By simultaneously using both experimental parameters as restraints during NMR structure calculations, a unique value for the backbone angle psi is defined. We have applied the new refinement method to the alpha-Spectrin SH3 domain (a beta-sheet protein) and to the Sgs1p HRDC domain (an alpha-helical protein) and show that the quality of the NMR structures is substantially improved, judging from the atomic coordinate precision and the Ramachandran map. In addition, the psi-refined NMR structures of the SH3 domain deviate less from the 1.8 A crystal structure, suggesting an improved accuracy. The proposed refinement method can be used to significantly improve the quality of NMR structures and will be applicable to larger proteins.

Placenta growth factor (PlGF) induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion from mononuclear cells and is co-expressed with VEGF in synovial fluid.

The aims of this study were (i) to determine whether PlGF, VEGF and PlGF/VEGF heterodimers are detected in synovial fluid (SF) and plasma samples from patients with a range of arthropathies; (ii) to describe whether any correlation exists between SF PlGF, VEGF and PlGF/VEGF heterodimer levels and the total and differential SF leucocyte counts; and (iii) to investigate the regulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) VEGF secretion by stimuli relevant to inflammatory joints. PlGF, VEGF and PlGF/VEGF heterodimer levels were measured in the SF and plasma of patients with a range of arthropathies and normal controls by ELISA. Western blotting for PlGF was performed on SF from three patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary inflammatory arthropathies. VEGF was quantified in cell culture supernatants after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), PlGF or cobalt ions of PBMC isolated from RA patients and controls. PlGF and VEGF were detected in all SF samples. PlGF/VEGF heterodimers were detected in 10.2% of SF samples, most frequently in RA samples. Western blotting confirmed the presence of PlGF in RA SF. PlGF was detected in 52% of RA and 31% of control plasma samples, and VEGF was detected in 38% of RA and 38% of control plasma samples. PlGF/VEGF heterodimers were detected in 21% of RA samples and none of the control samples. In primary inflammatory arthropathy patients, SF PlGF and VEGF levels correlated significantly with the SF total leucocyte count and the neutrophil count. PlGF was the most potent inducer of PBMC VEGF production in both RA and control subjects. This is the first report of the detection of PlGF and PlGF/VEGF heterodimers in the SF of patients with inflammatory arthropathies, and we have shown for the first time that PlGF up-regulates PBMC VEGF production. PlGF may therefore play a key role in the production of VEGF in the inflammatory joint.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis spontaneously secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): specific up-regulation by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in synovial fluid.

This study was designed to investigate VEGF production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy controls and to identify the predominant cellular source in PBMC isolated from RA patients. The regulation of PBMC VEGF production by cytokines and synovial fluid (SF) was studied. PBMC were isolated from RA patients and healthy controls and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms for varying time points up to 72 h at 37 degrees C/5% CO2. The effect of SF on VEGF secretion by PBMC was also studied. Supernatant VEGF levels were measured using a flt-1 receptor capture ELISA. RA patients had significantly higher spontaneous production of VEGF compared with controls, and monocytes were identified as the predominant cellular source. RA PBMC VEGF production was up-regulated by TGF-beta isoforms and TNF-alpha and down-regulated by IL-4 and IL-10, with no effect observed with IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8. Antibody blocking experiments confirmed that TNF-alpha and not TGF-beta isoforms in SF increased VEGF secretion by RA PBMC. These results emphasize the importance of monocytes as a source of VEGF in the pathophysiology of RA. Several cytokines known to be present in SF can modulate the level of VEGF secretion, but the predominant effect of SF in VEGF up-regulation is shown to be dependent on TNF-alpha.

A novel NMR experiment for the sequential assignment of proline residues and proline stretches in 13C/15N-labeled proteins.

A new pulse sequence is described for the sequential assignment of proline residues in 13C/15N-labeled proteins by correlating C delta and C alpha chemical shifts of proline residues with the H alpha chemical shift of the preceding residue. Notably, the experiment can provide the sequential connectivities in poly-proline stretches, which cannot be determined using standard triple resonance experiments. Excellent solvent suppression is achieved by coherence selection via a heteronuclear gradient echo. The new pulse sequence has been successfully applied to the 11 kDa HRDC domain.

Endocytosis: How dynamin sets vesicles PHree!

The dynamin GTPase is required for clathrin-dependent, receptor-mediated endocytosis. Exciting new studies have shown that dynamin's pleckstrin homology domain binds to phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate in vivo, thus localising dynamin directly at the plasma membrane and ultimately enabling vesiculation.

Structural and biochemical evaluation of the interaction of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85alpha Src homology 2 domains with phosphoinositides and inositol polyphosphates.

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains exist in many intracellular proteins and have well characterized roles in signal transduction. SH2 domains bind to phosphotyrosine (Tyr(P))-containing proteins. Although tyrosine phosphorylation is essential for protein-SH2 domain interactions, the binding specificity also derives from sequences C-terminal to the Tyr(P) residue. The high affinity and specificity of this interaction is critical for precluding aberrant cross-talk between signaling pathways. The p85alpha subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) contains two SH2 domains, and it has been proposed that in competition with Tyr(P) binding they may also mediate membrane attachment via interactions with phosphoinositide products of PI 3-kinase. We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and biosensor experiments to investigate interactions between the p85alpha SH2 domains and phosphoinositides or inositol polyphosphates. We reported previously a similar approach when demonstrating that some pleckstrin homology domains show binding specificity for distinct phosphoinositides (Salim, K., Bottomley, M. J., Querfurth, E., Zvelebil, M. J., Gout, I., Scaife, R., Margolis, R. L., Gigg, R., Smith, C. I., Driscoll, P. C., Waterfield, M. D., and Panayotou, G. (1996) EMBO J. 15, 6241-6250). However, neither SH2 domain exhibited binding specificity for phosphoinositides in phospholipid bilayers. We show that the p85alpha SH2 domain Tyr(P) binding pockets indiscriminately accommodate phosphoinositides and inositol polyphosphates. Binding of the SH2 domains to Tyr(P) peptides was only poorly competed for by phosphoinositides or inositol polyphosphates. We conclude that these ligands do not bind p85alpha SH2 domains with high affinity or specificity. Moreover, we observed that although wortmannin blocks PI 3-kinase activity in vivo, it does not affect the ability of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins to bind to p85alpha. Consequently phosphoinositide products of PI 3-kinase are unlikely to regulate signaling through p85alpha SH2 domains.

Intermolecular interactions of the p85alpha regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

The regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p85, contains a number of well defined domains involved in protein-protein interactions, including an SH3 domain and two SH2 domains. In order to investigate in detail the nature of the interactions of these domains with each other and with other binding partners, a series of deletion and point mutants was constructed, and their binding characteristics and apparent molecular masses under native conditions were analyzed. The SH3 domain and the first proline-rich motif bound each other, and variants of p85 containing the SH3 and BH domains and the first proline-rich motif were dimeric. Analysis of the apparent molecular mass of the deletion mutants indicated that each of these domains contributed residues to the dimerization interface, and competition experiments revealed that there were intermolecular SH3 domain-proline-rich motif interactions and BH-BH domain interactions mediating dimerization of p85alpha both in vitro and in vivo. Binding of SH2 domain ligands did not affect the dimeric state of p85alpha. Recently, roles for the p85 subunit have been postulated that do not involve the catalytic subunit, and if p85 exists on its own we propose that it would be dimeric.

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor is not increased during relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: An uncharacterized circulating factor that increases vascular permeability has previously been described in childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The aim of this study was to determine whether this factor is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the recently described endothelial cell mitogen and enhancer of vascular permeability. METHODS: Plasma and urine VEGF levels were measured in children with SSNS in both relapse and remission and in normal age- and sex-matched controls. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies investigating VEGF mRNA expression were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from children with SSNS in relapse and controls. In two experimental models (one-hour and three-day follow-up postinfusion), Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously administered 50 microg rVEGF to determine whether this induced either proteinuria or glomerular histologic change. RESULTS: Plasma VEGF levels and urine VEGF/creatinine ratios were not elevated in SSNS relapse compared with remission and control samples. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell VEGF mRNA expression was no different in SSNS patients compared with controls. The administration of VEGF to rats induced an acute reversible fall in systemic blood pressure but did not result in the development of either proteinuria or glomerular histologic change. CONCLUSION: Increased circulating VEGF levels are not responsible for the proteinuria observed during relapses of SSNS. Further studies are warranted to investigate intrarenal VEGF expression.