Stable silencing of IGF1R using Lentiviral-mediated shRNA in HEK293T cells.

Insulin-like growth factors are among the peptide mitogens that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation as well as mediator of antiapoptotic signals. The imbalance between the expression and activities of these molecules may lead to malignancy in cells. Evidences have suggested the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in the management and treatment of cancer. In this present study, we have generated silencing stable clones of HEK cells using six different pGIPZ (lentiviral vector) shRNAs targeted to human IGF-1R gene and a pGIPZ non-silencing shRNAmir lentiviral vector (as negative control). The recombinant lentiviral vectors were separately transduced into human embryonic kidney 293 T (HEK293T) cell lines. The knockdown of IGF-1R was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the relative IGF-1R mRNA levels were expressed as a ratio of IGF-1R to ß-actin by REST software. The results showed significant reduction in the expression of IGF-1R mRNAs in cells transduced with all six pGIPZ-IGF-1R recombinant lentivirals compared to non-silencing negative control. No significant difference was observed among the six cassettes. Results indicated that recombinant lentiviral vectors provided an efficient and stable knockdown of IGF-1R providing useful tool for IGF-1R pathway studies.

Optimization of transfection methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells: comparative study.

Availability of an efficient transfection protocol is the first determinant in success of gene transferring studies in mammalian cells which is accomplished experimentally for every single cell type. Herein, we provide data of a comparative study on optimization of transfection condition by electroporation and chemical methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells. Different cell confluencies, DNA/reagent ratios and total transfection volumes were optimized for two chemical reagents including jetPEI and Lipofectamine 2000. Besides, the effects of electric field strength and pulse length were investigated to improve electroporation efficiency. Transfection of cells by pEGFP-N1 vector and tracking the expression of GFP by FACS and Fluorescence Microscopy analysis were the employed methods to evaluate transfection efficiencies. Optimized electroporation protocols yielded 63.73 +/- 2.36 and 73.9 +/- 1.6% of transfection in Huh-7 and Vero cells respectively, while maximum achieved level of transfection by jetPEI was respectively 14.2 +/- 0.69 and 28 +/- 1.11% for the same cells. Post transfectional chilling of the cells did not improve electrotransfection efficiency of Huh-7 cells. Compared to chemical based reagents, electroporation showed the superior levels of transfection in both cell lines. The presented protocols should satisfy most of the experimental applications requiring high transfection efficiencies of these two cell lines.

Cyclooxygenase 2 plays a role in Emdogain-induced proliferation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Enamel matrix proteins are involved in the development and regeneration of root cementum and in its attachment to dentin; however, the mechanisms through which this occurs have yet to be elucidated. The present study was therefore carried out to evaluate the mitogenic and proliferative responses of human periodontal fibroblast (HPLF) cells to Emdogain (EMD), and the potential role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in this process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of EMD on 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, colchicine freezing of mitosis, XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction and Trypan Blue dye exclusion, with or without celecoxibe, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor; we also evaluated the expression of COX-2 mRNA and COX-2 protein in response to EMD. RESULTS: EMD significantly enhanced mitosis in, and proliferation of, human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner; however, there was a small increase of DNA synthesis only in response to a high dose of EMD (200 µg/mL). EMD (100 and 200 µg/mL) elicited an increase in COX-2 expression (p ≤ 0.05). Celecoxibe (20 µm) diminished the EMD-induced mitosis and proliferation of HPLF cells (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Celecoxibe hampered EMD-induced mitosis and proliferation, which, in association with EMD-increased COX-2 expression, indicates that COX-2 may be involved in the proliferative response of HPLF cells to EMD.

The expression of p38, ERK1 and Bax proteins has increased during the treatment of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia with arsenic trioxide.

BACKGROUND: Promising reports exist regarding the use of arsenic trioxide (ATO) as first-line treatment in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Although the in vitro effect of ATO is extensively studied, the in vivo mechanism(s) of ATO action is mostly unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed APL patients were involved and received ATO (0.15 mg.kg/day) for 28 days as induction followed by consolidation therapy. Bone marrow (BM) aspirates were obtained on days 0, 14 and 28 of treatment for further molecular studies. Clinical findings and white blood cell counts were recorded as well. RESULTS: Complete remission was observed in 17 (85%) patients with the median duration of 28 days (18-38) and cumulative dosage of median 280 mg (180-350). Hyperleukocytosis and APL differentiation syndrome (63%), gastrointestinal disorders (30%), liver enzyme elevation and night sweating (50%) were the most prevalent side-effects. The expression of Bax, ERK1 and p38 proteins and caspase-3 activity increased significantly in promyelocytes of BM aspirates at days 14 and 28 of induction therapy. CONCLUSION(S): These findings point toward the role of p38 and Bax in the induction of apoptosis, which was confirmed by increase in caspase-3 activity. However, the increase in ERK1 expression with regard to leukocytosis could translate to a proliferative/differentiation effect.

Primary WWOX phosphorylation and JNK activation during etoposide induces cytotoxicity in HEK293 cells.

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Etoposide is an antineoplastic agent used in multiple cancers. It is known that etoposide induce cell death via interaction with topoisomerase II; however, the etopoisde cellular response is poorly understood. Upon etoposide induced DNA damage, many stress signaling pathways including JNK are activated. In response to DNA damage, it has been shown that WWOX, a recently introduced tumor suppressor, can be activated. In this study the activation of WWOX and JNK and their interaction following etoposide treatment were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HEK293 cells treated with etoposide were lysed in a time course manner. The whole cell lysates were used to evaluate JNK and WWOX activation pattern using Phospho specific antibodies on western blots. The viability of cells treated with etoposide, JNK specific inhibitor and their combination was examined using MTT assay. RESULTS: Findings of this study indicate that WWOX and JNK are activated in a simultaneous way in response to DNA damage. Moreover, JNK inhibition enhances etoposide induced cytotoxicity in HEK293. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicate that etoposide induces cytotoxicity and WWOX phosphorylation and the cytotoxicty is augmented by blocking JNK pathway.

The effect of full length and mature NAG-1 protein overexpression on cytotoxicity of celecoxib, tamoxifen and doxorubicin in HT1080.

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is involved in inflammation, apoptosis/survival and tumorigenesis as well as resistance to chemotherapy. NAG-1 protein is synthesized as pro-peptide, cleaved and secreted as mature protein. Regulation of NAG-1 is not completely discovered and increased level of NAG-1 has been reported in many cancers. The expression of NAG-1 in cancer cells could affect the progression of tumor growth. In addition the secretion of full length and mature forms of NAG-1 can influence cell proliferation in other cells. In this study the role of full length and mature forms of NAG-1 on viability of HT-1080 and MCF-7 cells were evaluated, and the cytotoxicity of celecoxib, indomethacin, tamoxifen and doxorubicin in HT1080 cells stably expressing NAG-1 were also tested. METHODS: Full length and mature NAG-1 was cloned from cDNA library of HCT116 cells and stably transfected in HT1080 cells. Cells were treated with different concentrations of indomethacin, celecoxib, tamoxifen and doxorubicin and viability was assessed by MTT assay. The effect of conditioned medium of NAG-1 expressing cells on proliferation of MCF-7 and HT1080 cells were also tested. RESULTS: The growth curves of HT1080 cells expressing full length and mature NAG-1 were not different. The viability of HT1080 cells expressing NAG-1 in the presence of indomethacin, doxorubicin and tamoxifen compared to untransfected cells was higher. The proliferation of HT1080 and MCF-7 cells were inhibited by conditioned medium of NAG-1 expressing cells in 24 and 48 hrs. MAJOR CONCLUSION: NAG-1 expression enhances drug resistance to tamoxifen, indomethacin and doxorubicin in HT1080. In addition, condition medium of NAG-1 expression cells inhibits proliferation in MCF-7 and HT1080 cells. Thus, NAG-1 expression can induce drug resistance in NAG-1 expressing cells and inhibition of viability in non expressing cells. Thus, NAG-1 is suggested as a marker for effective cancer chemotherapy and tumor progression.

ATP depletion as a consequence of hypoxia enhances tamoxifen antiproliferative effects in T47D breast carcinoma cells.

Tamoxifen causes a mitochondrial transmembrane potential dysfunction and ATP depletion, which may play a role in tamoxifen cytotoxicity. Administration of oligomycin-2 deoxy glucose (2DG) enhanced tamoxifen antiproliferative effects, which may be due to exacerbated ATP depletion following tamoxifen and oligomycin-2DG coadministration. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) did not significantly change tamoxifen responsiveness at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM; however, 2 mM SNP hampered tamoxifen effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle. Oligomycin-2DG neither changed iNOS expression nor altered its attenuated expression due to tamoxifen exposure, suggesting that ATP depletion-mediated sensitivity to tamoxifen seems to be apart from iNOS.

Expression profiling of plac1 in murine cancer cell lines

AIM: Placenta-specific 1 (PLAC1) is among recently-discovered placental antigens which exerts fundamental role in placental function and development. Increasing body of literature shows that PLAC1 is frequently activated and expressed in a wide variety of human cancers and promote cancer progression. However, no data is available regarding the expression of mouse orthologue, plac1, in murine cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: We investigated the expression of plac1 in a series of murine cell lines from different histological origins, mammary carcinoma (4T1), melanoma (B16F10), colorectal carcinoma (CT26), renal carcinoma (Renca), glioma (GL26), B-cell lymphoma (A20 and BCL1) and also two fibroblast cell lines (NIH3T3 and L929), using RT-PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. Results: Our data demonstrated that plac1 transcript and plac1 protein were expressed in all examined cell lines, as judged by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The molecular weight of mouse plac1 was experimentally observed to be approximately 24 kD. Flow cytometric analysis showed surface expression of plac1 in aforesaid cell lines ranging from 2% to 42.5%. Conclusion: Based on the ubiquitous expression of plac1, the investigated cancer cell lines or immortalized cell lines can be used to examine the role of plac1 in the process of immortalization.

Delivery of Exogenous miR-124 to Glioblastoma Multiform Cells by Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Decreases Cell Proliferation and Migration, and Confers Chemosensitivity.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are potential therapeutic targets in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), but the difficulties associated with their delivery to tumor target cells have hampered their widespread use. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate to the sites of cancers, including GBM and exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, it is shown that Wharton's jelly-MSCs (WJ-MSCs) have the ability to deliver exogenous miRs to GBM cells and the functional impact of this delivery is characterized. It is found that the labeled miR-124, as an example for miR of interest, can be successfully delivered with WJ-MSCs to U87 GBM cells via dependent or exosome-independent processes. It is demonstrated that the delivered exogenous miR-124 significantly decreases the luciferase activity of the target gene CDK6. In addition, the delivered miR-124 enhances the chemosensitivity of GBM cells to temozolomide and decreases the migration of GBM cells. These results suggest that the use of exogenous miRNA delivery with the derived exosomes from WJ-MSCs may provide a novel approach for miRNA replacement therapy in GBM cancers.

Distinct roles for Galpha(i)2 and Gbetagamma in signaling to DNA synthesis and Galpha(i)3 in cellular transformation by dopamine D2S receptor activation in BALB/c 3T3 cells.

Control of cell proliferation depends on intracellular mediators that determine the cellular response to external cues. In neuroendocrine cells, the dopamine D2 receptor short form (D2S receptor) inhibits cell proliferation, whereas in mesenchymal cells the same receptor enhances cell proliferation. Nontransformed BALB/c 3T3 fibroblast cells were stably transfected with the D2S receptor cDNA to study the G proteins that direct D2S signaling to stimulate cell proliferation. Pertussis toxin inactivates G(i) and G(o) proteins and blocks signaling of the D2S receptor in these cells. D2S receptor signaling was reconstituted by individually transfecting pertussis toxin-resistant Galpha(i/o) subunit mutants and measuring D2-induced responses in pertussis toxin-treated cells. This approach identified Galpha(i)2 and Galpha(i)3 as mediators of the D2S receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity; Galpha(i)2-mediated D2S-induced stimulation of p42 and p44 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) and DNA synthesis, whereas Galpha(i)3 was required for formation of transformed foci. Transfection of toxin-resistant Galpha(i)1 cDNA induced abnormal cell growth independent of D2S receptor activation, while Galpha(o) inhibited dopamine-induced transformation. The role of Gbetagamma subunits was assessed by ectopic expression of the carboxyl-terminal domain of G protein receptor kinase to selectively antagonize Gbetagamma activity. Mobilization of Gbetagamma subunits was required for D2S-induced calcium mobilization, MAPK activation, and DNA synthesis. These findings reveal a remarkable and distinct G protein specificity for D2S receptor-mediated signaling to initiate DNA synthesis (Galpha(i)2 and Gbetagamma) and oncogenic transformation (Galpha(i)3), and they indicate that acute activation of MAPK correlates with enhanced DNA synthesis but not with transformation.

Reduction of autophagy markers mediated protective effects of JNK inhibitor and bucladesine on memory deficit induced by Aß in rats.

Autophagy, the process of self-degradation of cellular components, has an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of SP600125 as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor and bucladesine as a cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) analog on spatial memory and expression of autophagic factors in Aß-injected rats. Male Wistar rats were used. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups as following: amyloid beta (Aß)-only group, Aß + SP600125 (30 µg/1 µ/side, n = 7) and/or bucladesine (100 µM/1 µl/side, n = 7), and the normal control (vehicle only) group. The treatments were administered bilaterally to the CA1 sub-region of the hippocampus stereotaxically. Spatial reference memory was performed using Morris Water Maze 21 days later. The expression of authophagy markers (beclin1, Atg7, Atg12, and LC3 II/LC3 I) in the hippocampus was evaluated using western blotting. Compared to the vehicle group, Aß administration reduced spatial reference learning (P < 0.001) and memory (P < 0.01) and upregulated the expression of beclin1, Atg7, Atg12, and LC3 II/I (P < 0.0001). Compare to Aß-only group, the administration of SP600125 and/or bucladesine improved spatial reference learning (P < 0.001) and memory (P < 0.01). Compared to the Aß-only group, the treatment with SP600125 and/or bucladesine also reduced beclin1, Atg7, Atg12, and LC3 II/I (P < 0.0001) which was similar to amount of normal rats. In summary, it seems that the improvement of spatial memory by SP600125 and/or bucladesine in Aß-injected rats is in relation with normalizing of autophagy to the physiologic level, possibly through neuroprotection and/or neuroplasticity.

Receptor selectivity of the cloned opossum G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in intact opossum kidney cells: role in desensitization of endogenous alpha2C-adrenergic but not serotonin 1B receptors.

To characterize the specificity of endogenously expressed G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) for endogenous Gi-coupled alpha2C-adrenergic and serotonin 1B (5-HT1B) receptors in the opossum kidney (OK) cell line, we have isolated a 3.073-kb OK-GRK2 clone encoding a 689-amino acid protein that shares 94.2% amino acid identity with rat GRK2. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of GRK2 mRNA transcripts of 5.0 and 3.0 kb in OK cells. In intact OK cells, preincubation (45 min) with agonist (5-HT or UK 14304, 1 microM) reduced the maximal inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation mediated by endogenous 5-HT1B and alpha2C-adrenergic receptors by 12 +/- 2% or 17 +/- 4%, respectively. In transfected OK cells overexpressing OK-GRK2, agonist-induced desensitization of the alpha2C-adrenergic receptor, but not the 5-HT1B receptor, was enhanced by 2- to 4-fold. Conversely, in cells overexpressing the kinase-inactive mutant OK-GRK2-K220R, alpha2C-adrenergic receptor desensitization was selectively abolished, whereas desensitization of the 5-HT1B receptor was slightly enhanced. Similarly, depletion of GRK-2 protein by stable transfection of full-length antisense OK-GRK2 cDNA blocked the desensitization of alpha2C-adrenergic receptors but not of 5-HT1B receptors. These results represent the first evidence of the coexistence of GRK2-dependent (for alpha2C receptors) and GRK2-independent (for 5-HT1B receptors) mechanisms of desensitization in intact cells and demonstrate the selectivity of GRK2 for distinct Gi-coupled receptors.

uPAR peptide antagonist alters regulation of MAP kinases and Bcl-2 family members in favor of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and its ligands play a major role in many tumors by mediating extracellular matrix degradation and signaling cascades leading to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Recently we introduced uPAR decapeptide antagonist with cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cell line. In this study we assessed the alteration in uPAR downstream signaling following treatment with the peptide antagonist. In this regard, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 from mitogen-activated protein kinase family and Bcl-2, Bim and Bax from Bcl-2 protein family were investigated. Our data revealed that the peptide caused p38 activation and low ERK activation. On the other hand, the peptide induced down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bim without Bax modulation. Changes in target protein expression/activation explain the apoptotic property of the peptide and highlight its potential to be used as a therapeutic agent in cancerous cells expressing high levels of uPAR.

Effect of mutations in putative hormone binding sites on V2 vasopressin receptor function.

The vasopressin V2 receptor belongs to the large family of the G-protein coupled receptors and is responsible for the antidiuretic effect of the neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP). Based on bioinformatic studies it seems that Ala300 and Asp297 of the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) are involved in receptor binding. Ala300Glu mutation resulted in lower energy while Asp297Tyr mutation resulted in higher energy in AVP-V2R docked complex rather than the wild type. Therefore we hypothesized that the Ala300Glu mutation results in stronger and Asp297Tyr mutation leads to weaker ligand-receptor binding. Site directed mutagenesis of Asp297Tyr and Ala300Glu was performed using nested polymerase chain reaction. After restriction enzyme digestion, the inserts were ligated into the pcDNA3 vector and Escherichia coli XL1-Blue competent cells were transformed using commercial kit and electroporation methods. The obtained colonies were analyzed for the presence and orientation of the inserts using proper restriction enzymes. After transient transfection of COS-7 cells using ESCORT™ IV transfection reagent, the adenylyl cyclase activity assay was performed for functional studies. The cell surface expression of V2R was analyzed by indirect ELISA method. Based on the obtained results, the Ala300Glu mutation of V2R led to reduced levels of cAMP production without a marked effect on the receptor expression and the receptor binding. Effect of Asp297Tyr mutation on cell surface expression of V2R was the same as the wild type receptor. Pretreatment with 1 nM vasopressin showed an increased level of Asp297Tyr mutant receptor internalization as compared to the wild type receptor, while the effect of 100 nM vasopressin was similar in the mutant and wild type receptors. These data suggest that alterations in Asp297 but not Ala300 would affect the hormone receptor binding.

Gabapentin Enhances Neurogenesis in E14 Rat Embryonic Neocortex Stem Cells.

Many anticonvulsant drugs have been studied for their non conventional therapeutic effects on neurodegerative diseases but merely a few demonstrated potential neurogenic characteristic. Gabapentin as a well-known mood stabilizer was studied for its potential capability to promote neurogenesis in embryonic rat cortical stem cells. Rat E14 cortical stem cells were exposed to gabapentin during differentiation for 7 days and subjected to immunocytochemistry. The phenotypic changes were evaluated in the ultimately survived and differentiated cells. Gabapentin (16 µg/ml) exposure significantly increased the number and percentage of MAP2 immunopositive neurons with no significant alterations in nestin or GFAP immunopositivity in neural or glial progenitors. The enhanced number of neurons by therapeutic doses of gabapentin via augmentation of the neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells may participate to the therapeutic properties of gabapentin in the treatment of mood disorder.

A putative alpha-helical G beta gamma-coupling domain in the second intracellular loop of the 5-HT1A receptor.

We have identified a conserved threonine residue in the second intracellular (i2) loop of the 5-HT1A receptor that when mutated to alanine prevents coupling to G beta gamma-mediated signaling, while preserving G alpha i-induced actions. In this review, we investigate the characteristics and potential role of the i2 domain in the coupling of the 5-HT1A receptor and other receptors to G proteins. The i2 domain, as well as portions of the i3 domain, is predicted to form an amphipathic alpha-helix with a positively charged face and a hydrophobic face. Mutagenesis experiments support a model in which the hydrophobic faces of these alpha-helical domains form an intracellular binding "pocket" for interaction with G proteins. Embedded in the hydrophobic face, Thr 149 is crucial for signaling through G beta gamma subunits, perhaps via interaction with its hydroxyl side-chain. Mutation of other residues of the i2 domain of Gi-coupled receptors is required to substantiate the importance of the alpha-helical i2 domain in receptor-G beta gamma signaling. If confirmed in other receptors, these results support a general model in which activated receptor and G beta gamma subunits remain associated to interact with effectors in a receptor-specific manner.

Optimization of transfection methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells: A comparative study.

Availability of an efficient transfection protocol is the first determinant in success of gene transferring studies in mammalian cells which is accomplished experimentally for every single cell type. Herein, we provide data of a comparative study on optimization of transfection condition by electroporation and chemical methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells. Different cell confluencies, DNA/reagent ratios and total transfection volumes were optimized for two chemical reagents including jetPEI™ and Lipofectamine™ 2000. Besides, the effects of electric field strength and pulse length were investigated to improve electroporation efficiency. Transfection of cells by pEGFP-N1 vector and tracking the expression of GFP by FACS and Fluorescence Microscopy analysis were the employed methods to evaluate transfection efficiencies. Optimized electroporation protocols yielded 63.73 ± 2.36 and 73.9 ± 1.6% of transfection in Huh-7 and Vero cells respectively, while maximum achieved level of transfection by jetPEI™ was 14.2 ± 0.69 and 28 ± 1.11% Huh-7 and Vero cells, respectively. Post transfectional chilling of the cells did not improve electrotransfection efficiency of Huh-7 cells. Compared to chemical based reagents, electroporation showed superior levels of transfection in both cell lines. The presented protocols should satisfy most of the experimental applications requiring high transfection efficiencies of these two cell lines.

Neurodegenerative, with expression ATF-2 by p38 in cortical neurons.

DNA damage, as an important initiator of neuronal cell death, has been implicated in numerous neurodegenerative conditions. We previously delineated several pathways that control embryonic cortical neuronal cell death evoked by the DNA-damaging agent, camptothecin. The topisomerase-1 inhibitor, camptothecin, has been shown to induce cortical neuronal cell death in a reproducible and synchronistic manner. Primary embryonic neuronal cell culture cortical neurons were prepared. In the study, the survival % of neurons in camptothecin P38 group, after 6 hours (85%), 24 hours (64%) and 48 hours (50%), compared to camptothecin ATF-2 and P38 group after 4 hours (97 and 95%), have been significantly lower, and the expression % of neurons in camptothecin P38 group , after 6 hours (20%), 24 hours (40%) and 48 hours (55%), compared to camptothecin ATF-2 and P38 group after 4 hours (5 and 3%) have been significant lower (p<0.05). The expression % of neurons in camptothecin P38 group, after 24 hours (40%), compared to camptothecin ATF-2 group after 24hours (30%), have been significant lower (p<0.05). This study revealed that camptothecin induces P38 expression and P38 in embryonic cortical neurons to determine the importance of the P38 pathway in neuronal death following DNA damage, and P38 is induce phosphorylation of ATF-2 in embryonic cortical neurons following DNA damage.

Developmental changes in morphine and clonidine sensitivity of isolated chick oesophagus.

1. Electrically evoked contractions of isolated newly-hatched and over 6 week-old chicks cervical oesophagus (pre-crop) were inhibited by morphine and clonidine in a dose-dependent manner. 2. The inhibitory effects of morphine and clonidine were antagonized by naloxone (3 x 10(-6) M) and yohimbine (10(-7) M), respectively. 3. IC50 for morphine was 1.01 x 10(-7) M for newly-hatched and 5.19 x 10(-6) M for adult chicks. 4. IC50 for clonidine was 2.34 x 10(-9) M for newly-hatched and 1.19 x 10(-8) M for adult chicks. 5. These findings indicate a significant decrease in inhibitory effect of morphine and clonidine during developmental stages.

A conserved threonine residue in the second intracellular loop of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor directs signaling specificity.

Productive interaction between receptors and G proteins involves multiple intracellular receptor domains, but the role of individual receptor amino acids in directing the selection of specific signaling pathways has not yet been identified. Sequence alignment of several G protein-coupled receptors identified a highly conserved threonine residue in the i2 loop of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor that is a putative protein kinase C phosphorylation consensus site and is located in a predicted amphipathic alpha-helical domain. To examine the role of this conserved threonine residue in 5-HT1A receptor coupling to Gi/Go proteins, this residue was mutated to alanine (T149A mutant). Wild-type and mutant 5-HT1A receptors were stably transfected into both Ltk- and GH4C1 cells to investigate receptor coupling to multiple signaling pathways. In both cell lines, the T149A mutant displayed similar agonist affinities as the wild-type receptor. In Ltk- cells, the T149A 5-HT1A receptor inhibited cAMP accumulation by 30% compared with wild-type (83%). A 2.6-fold increase in intracellular calcium (due to phospholipase C-mediated calcium mobilization) was observed for the wild-type receptor upon the addition of 100 nM 5-HT; whereas the T149A 5-HT1A receptor failed to mediate a calcium mobilization response at equivalent receptor levels to wild-type. When transfected in GH4C1 cells, the T149A receptor mutant fully inhibited basal cAMP and partially inhibited Gs-stimulated cAMP accumulation compared with wild-type receptor (57 +/- 14% versus 86 +/- 2%). In contrast, the T149A 5-HT1A receptor mutant failed to block the influx of calcium induced by calcium channel agonist (+/-)-Bay K8644, whereas the wild-type 5-HT1A receptor inhibited the calcium influx by 40%. Thus, the Thr149 residue is directly involved in G protein coupling to calcium mobilization (mediated by betagamma subunits of Gi2) and to inhibition of calcium channel activation (mediated by betagamma subunits of Go) but plays a minor role in coupling to alpha1-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation. The conserved i2 loop threonine may serve as a G protein contact site to direct the signaling specificity of multiple receptors.