Unsupervised explorative data analysis of normal human leukocytes and BCR/ABL positive leukemic cells mid-infrared spectra.

We proved the ability of Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (microFTIR) complemented by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to detect protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation in mammalian cells. We analyzed by microFTIR human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMNs) leukocytes, mouse-derived parental Ba/F3 cells (Ba/F3#PAR), Ba/F3 cells transfected with p210(BCR/ABL) (Ba/F3#WT) and expressing high levels of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), and human-derived BCR/ABL positive K562 leukemic cell sub-clones engineered to differently express receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase gamma (PTPRG). Synchrotron radiation (SR) and conventional (globar) IR sources were used to perform microFTIR respectively, on single cells and over several cells within the same sample. Ex vivo time-course experiments were run, inducing maximal protein phosphorylation in PMNs by 100 nM N-formylated tripeptide fMLP. Within the specific IR fingerprint 1800-850 cm(-1) frequency domain, PCA identified two regions with maximal signal variance. These were used to model and test the robustness of PCA in representing the dynamics of protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation processes. An IR signal ratio marker reflecting the homeostatic control by protein kinases and phosphatases was identified in normal leukocytes. The models identified by microFTIR and PCA in normal leukocytes also distinguished BCR/ABL positive Ba/F3#WT from BCR/ABL negative Ba/F3#PAR cells as well as K562 cells exposed to functionally active protein tyrosine phosphatase recombinant protein ICD-Tat transduced in cells by HIV-1 Tat technology or cells treated with the PTK inhibitor imatinib mesylate (IMA) from cells exposed to phosphatase inactive (D1028A)ICD-Tat recombinant protein and untreated control cells, respectively. The IR signal marker correctly reflected the degrees of protein phosphorylation associated with abnormal PTK activity in BCR/ABL positive leukemic cells and in general was inversely related to the expression/activity of PTPRG in leukemic sub-clones. In conclusion, we have described a new, reliable and simple spectroscopic method to study the ex vivo protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation balance in cell models: it is suitable for biomedical and pharmacological research labs but it also needs further optimization and its evaluation on large cohorts of patients to be proposed in the clinical setting of leukemia.

Generation of signals activating neutrophil functions by leukocyte integrins: LFA-1 and gp150/95, but not CR3, are able to stimulate the respiratory burst of human neutrophils.

To address the question whether leukocyte integrins are able to generate signals activating neutrophil functions, we investigated the capability of mAbs against the common beta chain (CD18), or the distinct alpha chains of CR3, LFA-1, or gp150/95, to activate neutrophil respiratory burst. These investigations were performed with mAbs bound to protein A immobilized to tissue culture polystyrene. Neutrophils plated in wells coated with the anti-CD18 mAbs IB4 and 60.3 released H2O2; H2O2 release did not occur when neutrophils were plated in wells coated with an irrelevant, isotype-matched mAb (OKDR), or with mAbs against other molecules (CD16, beta 2-microglobulin) expressed on the neutrophil surface at the same density of CD18. Four different mAbs, OKM1, OKM9, OKM10, 60.1, which recognize distinct epitopes of CR3 were unable to trigger H2O2 or O2- release from neutrophils. However, mAbs against LFA-1 or gp150/95 triggered both H2O2 and O2- release from neutrophils. Stimulation of neutrophils respiratory burst by both anti-CD18, and anti-LFA-1 or gp150/95 mAbs was totally inhibited by the microfilaments disrupting agent, cytochalasin B, and by a permeable cAMP analogue. While the capability to activate neutrophil respiratory burst was restricted to anti-LFA-1 and gp150/95 mAbs, we observed that mAbs against all members of leukocyte integrins, including CR3, were able to trigger neutrophil spreading. These findings indicate that, in neutrophils, all three leukocyte integrins can generate signals activating spreading, but only LFA-1 and gp150/95 can generate signals involved in activation of the respiratory burst. This observation can be relevant to understand the mechanisms responsible for the activation of neutrophil respiratory burst by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which has been shown to be strictly dependent on expression of leukocyte integrins (Nathan, C., S. Srimal, C. Farber, E. Sanchez, L. Kabbash, A. Asch, J. Gailit, and S. Wright. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 109:13411349.

Beta 2 integrin-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the FGR protein tyrosine kinase in human neutrophils.

Stimulation of adherent human neutrophils (PMN) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) triggers protein tyrosine phosphorylation (Fuortes, M., W. W. Jin, and C. Nathan. 1993. J. Cell Biol. 120:777-784). We investigated the dependence of this response on beta 2 integrins by using PMN isolated from a leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) patient, which do not express beta 2 integrins, and by plating PMN on surface bound anti-beta 2 (CD18) antibodies. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation increased in PMN plated on fibrinogen and this phosphorylation was enhanced by TNF. Triggering of protein tyrosine phosphorylation did not occur in LAD PMN plated on fibrinogen either in the absence or the presence of TNF. Surface bound anti-CD18, but not isotype-matched anti-Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, antibodies triggered tyrosine phosphorylation in normal, but not in LAD PMN. As the major tyrosine phosphorylated proteins we found in our assay conditions migrated with an apparent molecular mass of 56-60 kD, we investigated whether beta 2 integrins are implicated in activation of members of the src family of intracellular protein-tyrosine kinases. We found that the fgr protein-tyrosine kinase (p58fgr) activity, and its extent of phosphorylation in tyrosine, in PMN adherent to fibrinogen, was enhanced by TNF. Activation of p58fgr in response to TNF was evident within 10 min of treatment and increased with times up to 30 min. Also other activators of beta 2 integrins such as phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), induced activation of p58fgr kinase activity. Activation of p58fgr kinase activity, and phosphorylation in tyrosine, did not occur in PMN of a LAD patient in response to TNF. Soluble anti-CD18, but not anti-Class I MHC antigens, antibodies inhibited activation of p58fgr kinase activity in PMN adherent to fibrinogen in response to TNF, PMA, and FMLP. These findings demonstrate that, in PMN, beta 2 integrins are implicated in triggering of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and establish a link between beta 2 integrin-dependent adhesion and the protein tyrosine kinase fgr in cell signaling.

Both HIV- and EIAV-based lentiviral vectors mediate gene delivery to pancreatic cancer cells and human pancreatic primary patient xenografts.

Few effective treatments for pancreatic cancer exist, especially for patients with advanced disease. Gene therapy alone, or combined with current treatments, offers an alternative approach. Here we examined the potential of primate and nonprimate lentivectors to mediate gene delivery to this cancer type. VSV-G pseudotyped lentivectors based on human immunodeficiency type-1 virus (HIV-1) and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), containing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene were prepared and characterized for titer and RNA content. Vector-mediated gene delivery was examined in five pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro, and in MiaPaCa-2 cells as well as in five human primary patient biopsies xenografted subcutaneously in nude mice. While individual cell lines showed differential sensitivities to transduction with lentivectors, all cell lines were successfully transduced with both vector types. Similarly, both vectors transduced MiaPaCa-2 and all of the human primary patient xenografts. We observed 6-29% transduction with HIV-based vectors (n=3 xenografts) and 1.8-30% with EIAV-based vectors (n=4 xenografts). Long-term EIAV-mediated gene expression was recorded in cell lines for up to 6 months. We conclude that these vectors have potential as mediators of clinical gene therapy for pancreatic cancer treatment. Moreover, they are useful laboratory research tools for pancreatic cancer research.

Characterization of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase gene product PTP gamma: binding and activation by triphosphorylated nucleosides.

A full-length cDNA for a novel isoform of the human receptor tyrosine phosphatase gamma gene (PTPRG) was overexpressed in Sf9 insect cells, and the gene product, PTP gamma, was purified and characterized. The protein was expressed as a M(r) approximately 185,000 protein accompanied by a M(r) approximately 120,000 putative cleavage product on SDS-PAGE analysis. The protein undergoes N-linked glycosylation and constitutive phosphorylation of serine residues. When assayed for tyrosine-specific phosphatase activity, PTP gamma dephosphorylated myelin basic protein at a pH optimum of 7.5 and a Km of 12.6 microM; reduced carboxyamidomethylated and maleylated lysozyme (RCM-lysozyme) at a pH optimum of 6.0 and a Km of 12 microM; and p-nitrophenylphosphate with a pH optimum of 5.5 and a Km of 3.5 mM. Phosphatase activity was inhibited by ZnCl2 and sodium orthovanadate; Mg2+, Mn2+, and Ca2+ ions were ineffective. The partially purified form of the enzyme was allosterically activated by triphosphorylated nucleosides, with a preference for purines. This activation was prevented by Mg2+ addition and did not occur when a purified form of the enzyme was utilized, suggesting that its activation depends on specific activating factors or conformational constraints. Interestingly, PTP gamma protein was specifically bound by an ATP-agarose matrix through its intracellular domain, suggesting a link between binding of nucleotides and activation of the phosphatase.

The FHIT gene is expressed in pancreatic ductular cells and is altered in pancreatic cancers.

We examined 2 normal pancreata, 21 primary pancreatic ductal cancers, and 19 pancreatic cancer cell lines for Fhit expression and FHIT gene status. The normal pancreas expressed Fhit protein in the cytoplasm of ductular cells, whereas interlobular and larger ducts, acini, and insulae of Langerhans were negative. Fhit protein was detected by immunoblot assay in 11 pancreatic cancer cell lines; of the 8 cell lines lacking Fhit protein, 7 lacked FHIT mRNA and 1 showed an abnormally sized transcript. DNA from five of these eight cell lines showed homozygous loss of FHIT exon 5. In 8 of the 21 primary cancers, Fhit expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of 6 of the 13 cases lacking Fhit showed normal-sized FHIT product in 3 cases and a mixture of normal and abnormal products in the other 3. Sequencing showed that abnormal bands were missing variable numbers of exons. Loss of microsatellite DNA markers internal to the FHIT gene was observed in 10 of 13 primary cancers lacking Fhit protein (homozygous in two cases) and in only 1 of the 8 cancers expressing Fhit protein. In nine primary cancers, four expressing and five lacking Fhit protein, it was possible to obtain pure cancer DNA by microdissection. Three of the five microdissected cases lacking Fhit protein exhibited homozygous deletion of FHIT exon 5. In conclusion, the lack of Fhit protein in pancreatic cancers correlated with absence or alteration of FHIT mRNA and was often associated with FHIT gene anomalies.

The human ALL-1/MLL/HRX antigen is predominantly localized in the nucleus of resting and proliferating peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The ALL-1 gene is an important regulator of embryonal and hematopoietic development, and structural variants of the human gene generated by chromosomal translocations and other genomic alterations presumably act as oncogenes in the pathogenesis of acute leukemias and other hematological malignancies. Antisera against two different epitopes of the human ALL-1 protein (anti-ALL1-N and anti-ALL1-C) were produced. Both sera revealed indistinguishable patterns of antigen localization in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In resting PBMCs, the antigen was distributed in a speckled pattern across the nuclei, with an increased density at the nuclear envelope and the nuclear indentation. In mitotically stimulated PBMCs, the antigen surrounded the condensing chromosomes but did not colocalize with chromatin or the nuclear scaffold. The antigen is considered a marker for a novel nuclear subcompartment, a perichromosomal area termed the "chromosomal envelope." In Western blot experiments, the anti-ALL1-N serum reacted with a polypeptide corresponding to the expected full-length 430-kDa ALL-1 protein. Recombinant proteins representing the AT-hook and zinc binding subdomains of the ALL-1 protein interacted in vitro with a degenerate mixture of double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. Thus, the ALL-1 protein probably is a DNA-binding protein with both a sequence-unspecific (AT-hook) and a sequence-specific (zinc binding subdomains) double-stranded DNA binding mode.

Activation of human monocyte-derived macrophages by interferon gamma is accompanied by increase of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity.

We have investigated poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation processes in human monocyte-derived macrophages and the effect of the activating cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) on these processes. IFN-gamma was shown to increase the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in human macrophages. A 2-3-fold enhancement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity was observed after 3-4 h of incubation with IFN-gamma, whose effects were dose-dependent and maximal at 20-50 U/ml. Staining with anti-poly(ADP-ribose) antibodies and purification of ADP-ribosylated nuclear proteins by affinity chromatography over boronate agarose showed that enhancement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity by IFN-gamma was accompanied by accumulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymers in nuclear proteins. The effects of IFN-gamma on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity were not due to an enhanced accumulation of the message for the enzyme, indicating that the activation of the enzyme activity was due to post-transcriptional modifications. IFN-gamma was shown to induce DNA strand breaks in human macrophages. This phenomenon followed the same time-course and was evident with the same doses of IFN-gamma that increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity. Since poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is known to require DNA nicks for its activity, the capability of IFN-gamma to induce DNA strand breaks can explain its effects on poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation processes.

The CD4 molecule belongs to the phenotypic repertoire of most cases of acute myeloid leukemia.

In the present study fresh leukemic cells obtained from 23 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML; FAB subtypes: three M1, five M2, two M3, five M4, eight M5) were investigated for the membrane expression of the CD4 molecule by cytofluorimetric analysis with an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb). In 15 cases the presence of the CD4 mRNA was also investigated using Northern blot analysis. Membrane expression of the CD4 molecule was demonstrated in 19 out of 23 cases, and it was found to be weaker than in CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes obtained from normal controls. Full-length CD4 mRNA was detected in 12 out of 15 (80%) cases, and AML cells positive for CD4 mRNA expression also expressed the CD4 antigen. Since the CD4 molecule expressed by T cells is associated with p56lck, a member of the src family of intracellular tyrosine kinases, we investigated whether the CD4 molecule expressed by myeloid blasts is also associated with a tyrosine kinase activity. In vitro kinase assays performed on anti-CD4 immunoprecipitates from lysates of myeloid leukemia cells from four CD4+ cases were negative for the presence of a tyrosine kinase activity. This finding was not due to the lack of expression of members of the src family since we were able to detect at least p60src and p59fyn in myeloid leukemia cells. According to our results, the CD4 molecule seems to belong to the phenotypic repertoire of most AML, irrespective of their FAB subtypes. However, in myeloid blasts this molecule is not associated with a tyrosine kinase activity as it occurs in T lymphocytes.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha enhance p60src expression in human macrophages and myelomonocytic cell lines.

We investigated modulation of p60src expression in human mononuclear phagocytes. By analysis of [35S]methionine-labelled cells we found that synthesis of p60src is higher in human monocytes compared to macrophages derived from in vitro cultivation of monocytes. Western blot analysis showed that expression of p60src in monocyte-derived macrophages can be enhanced if monocytes are differentiated into macrophages in the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Enhanced p60src expression caused by IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha correlated with an enhanced autophosphorylating kinase activity assayed in anti-p60src immune precipitates. In vivo phosphorylation of p60src and analysis of phosphopeptides by tryptic digestion showed that treatment with cytokines did not affect the pattern of phosphorylation of distinct phosphopeptides. The human monocytic cell lines, U937 and HL-60, induced to differentiate along the monocytic pathway by IFN-gamma, or a combination of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, expressed higher amounts of the p60src, but not of the p59fyn or p62yes, kinase activity. These findings show that p60src is modulated in the course of differentiation of human monocytes to macrophages, and that macrophage-activating cytokines increase p60src expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Cloning and functional analysis of SEL1L promoter region, a pancreas-specific gene.

We examined the promoter activity of SEL1L, the human ortholog of the C. elegans gene sel-1, a negative regulator of LIN-12/NOTCH receptor proteins. To understand the relation in SEL1L transcription pattern observed in different epithelial cells, we determined the transcription start site and sequenced the 5' flanking region. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of consensus promoter elements--GC boxes and a CAAT box--but the absence of a TATA motif. Potential binding sites for transcription factors that are involved in tissue-specific gene expression were identified, including: activator protein-2 (AP-2), hepatocyte nuclear factor-3 (HNF3 beta), homeobox Nkx2-5 and GATA-1. Transcription activity of the TATA-less SEL1L promoter was analyzed by transient transfection using luciferase reporter gene constructs. A core basal promoter of 302 bp was sufficient for constitutive promoter activity in all the cell types studied. This genomic fragment contains a CAAT and several GC boxes. The activity of the SEL1L promoter was considerably higher in mouse pancreatic beta cells (beta TC3) than in several human pancreatic neoplastic cell lines; an even greater reduction of its activity was observed in cells of nonpancreatic origin. These results suggest that SEL1L promoter may be a useful tool in gene therapy applications for pancreatic pathologies.

Genetic profile of 22 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Analysis of K-ras, p53, p16 and DPC4/Smad4.

The K-ras, p53, p16 and DPC4 genes are among those most frequently altered in pancreatic ductal carcinoma. We analyzed 22 cell lines for alterations in these genes by direct sequence analysis and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. These cell lines showed mutations in K-ras and p53 at frequencies of 91% and 95%, respectively. Alterations in p16INK4a were found in all cases and included nine homozygous deletions, seven mutations and promoter methylation in six cases. Eight cell lines (36%) had an alteration of DPC4, including one mutation and seven homozygous deletions. The most typical mutational profile involved K-ras, p53, and p16INK4a, concurrently aberrated in 20 cases (91%). Eight cell lines had alterations in all four genes. Inactivation of DPC4 was always accompanied by alteration of all of the other three genes. This comprehensive data regarding the cumulative genetic alterations in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines will be of great value for studies involving drug sensitivity or resistance that may be associated with inactivation of a particular gene or molecular pathway.

Successful xenografting of cryopreserved primary pancreatic cancers.

In order to assess the suitability of cryopreserved neoplastic tissues for xenografting into nude (nu/nu) mice, we compared the take rate in 28 samples of pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Eleven fresh samples were implanted in nu/nu mice, and 17 were frozen in cryopreserving solution and implanted at a later time. All samples were examined for the presence of neoplastic tissue in cryostat sections. A total of 15 tumors grew in the animals; five from the freshly implanted samples and ten from those cryopreserved. Ten xenografted tumors were characterized for alterations in p53, K-ras, and p16 genes, which were found in six, eight, and nine cases, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the take rate for xenografting is comparable between cryopreserved and fresh tissue samples. The procedure allows for the exchange of tumor material between institutions and permits the establishment of centralized facilities for the storage of an array of different primary tumor samples suitable for the production of in vivo models of cancers.

Expression of transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase gamma (PTPgamma) in normal and neoplastic human tissues.

AIMS: To establish the conditions for protein tyrosine phosphatase gamma (PTPgamma) detection in paraffin tissues using two antibodies raised against its NH(2)- (anti-P4) and COOH-termini (gammaTL1); to analyse its expression in normal tissues and to perform an initial screening of neoplastic tissues. METHODS AND RESULTS: Membranous and/or cytoplasmic PTPgamma expression was detected in the majority of epithelial cell types and in endocrine cells, with the highest expression in adrenal medulla, endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic islets. Both antibodies stained the thyroid follicular epithelium, but only anti-P4 antibody stained the colloid matrix, suggesting shedding/secretion of the PTPgamma extracellular domain. Marked loss of PTPgamma immunoreactivity was detected in subsets of ovarian (21%), breast (56%) and lung (80%) neoplasms. Conversely, cytoplasmic positivity was found in 37% of lymphomas, mainly of high-grade histotypes, while normal lymphocytes were negative. Brain tissue showed PTPgamma expression in a few neuronal and glial elements and PTPgamma was overexpressed in the majority of high-grade astrocytomas. CONCLUSIONS: We have analysed PTPgamma expression in archival paraffin-embedded tissues for the first time, demonstrating particularly high expression in endocrine cells and both down- and up-regulation in neoplasia, the latter possibly reflecting the undifferentiated state of the neoplastic cells, suggesting a complex role for this phosphatase.

Protein myristoylation in human mononclear phagocytes: modulation by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Labelling of cells with [3H]myristic acid and analysis of labelled proteins by SDS-PAGE and fluorography, enabled the identification of a limited number of myristoylated proteins in human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. In human monocytes, cultivated for one to three days, major myristoylated proteins observed were of 18 kDa, 44 kDa, 60-62 kDa, 90 kDa, and a doublet of 38-40 kDa. Differentiation of monocytes to macrophages by in vitro cultivation was accompanied by a selective decrease in the 60-62 kDa protein. Cultivation of the cells in the presence of the macrophage-activating cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), prevented the decrease in the expression of the 60-62 kDa myristoylated protein. The effect of cytokines was observed when monocytes were treated with IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha for 24 or 48 h and protein myristoylation analyzed at day four of culture. Maintenance of monocytes in culture for up to nine days in the presence of cytokines prevented the decrease in the expression of the 60-62 kDa myristoylated protein. IFN-gamma had additional effects on myristoylation of macrophage proteins. Treatment of monocytes with IFN-gamma for a few hours caused the induction of a 66 kDa protein. Induction of this myristoylated protein by IFN-gamma was time-dependent and peaked at six hours. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of the 66 kDa protein induced by IFN-gamma showed that, analogously to other myristoylated proteins, most of it was associated with cell membranes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biosynthesis and secretion of complement component (C3) by activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

We tested the hypothesis that human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), bearing complement receptors CR1 and CR3, might also synthesize C3, particularly when activated by LPS or cytokines. Northern blot analysis of total RNA, obtained from purified PMN stimulated overnight with LPS or cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-1) showed the 5.3-kb RNA transcript reported for C3 in hepatocytes and monocytes. No transcripts for C4 and factor B were detected. Time course studies of C3 mRNA expression in PMN treated with LPS or TNF-alpha demonstrated a steady increase with a plateau at 24 h that correlated with secretion of C3, determined by ELISA. In contrast, IFN-gamma and IL-1 induced a transient increase in C3 transcript with a peak around 8 h after stimulation, which was not reflected in an increased rate of C3 secretion. The content of C3 protein in PMN culture media, measured by ELISA, was about 4 ng/ml/10(7) cells after overnight stimulation with LPS or TNF-alpha. A very small amount of C3 (about 0.7 ng/ml/10(7) cells) was detected in supernatants from unstimulated and IFN-gamma- or IL-1-induced PMN. Immunoprecipitation with a polyclonal anti-human C3, followed by SDS-PAGE analysis, from [35S]methionine labeled PMN, revealed the presence in culture supernatants of three major bands at 185, 115 and 70 kDa, corresponding to pro-C3, alpha and beta chains, respectively. Analysis of [14C]methylamine incorporation and of autolytic cleavage showed that the C3 produced in tissue culture by PMN contained an intact thiolester bond. The capacity of PMN to secrete functional C3 in response to LPS and TNF-alpha might be an important mechanism of host defense at sites of inflammation.

The monosialoganglioside GM1 induces internalisation and degradation of the CD4 antigen in U937 cells: evidence for a novel mechanism of CD4 down-modulation in a p56lck-negative cell line, which is independent of protein kinase C activation.

Sialated glycosphingolipids (gangliosides) were recently shown to induce internalisation of the CD4 Ag in lymphoid cells and dissociation of p56lck from CD4 (Repke et al. (1992) J. Immunol. 149, 2585-2591; Saggioro et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 1368-1375). The findings presented in this paper show that GM1 induces internalisation and the eventual degradation of the CD4 Ag also in the monocytic cell line U937. GM1 effects are independent of a possible activation of protein kinase C, as enzyme inhibitors which effectively blocked phorbol esters effects did not prevent GM1-induced CD4 internalisation and degradation. GM1 effects were also independent of a possible action on a CD4 associated kinase activity as we show that U937 cells lack any CD4-associated kinase activity.

Evidence for the involvement of distinct signal transduction pathways in the regulation of constitutive and interferon gamma-dependent gene expression of NADPH oxidase components (gp91-phox, p47-phox, and p22-phox) and high-affinity receptor for IgG (Fc gamma R-I) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

We recently showed that mRNA levels coding the high-affinity Fc gamma receptor for IgG (Fc gamma R-I, CD64) and two of the components of the phagocytic superoxide anion-generating system--the heavy-chain subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox) and the 47-Kd cytosolic factor (p47-phox)--are modulated by interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). In this study, we examined whether dexamethasone (DEX) affects gp91-phox and p47-phox mRNA expression of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), treated or not with IFN-gamma. We also investigated whether staurosporine, a general inhibitor of protein kinases, influences gp91-phox, p47-phox, and Fc gamma R-I gene expression in PMN treated with or without IFN-gamma. We found that (1) gp91-phox mRNA steady-state levels, expressed in control or IFN-gamma-treated PMN, were significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent fashion, by both DEX and staurosporine; (2) p47-phox mRNA steady-state levels, expressed in control or IFN-gamma-treated PMN, were not influenced by DEX, but were markedly depressed by staurosporine; (3) no changes of spectrophotometric cytochrome b558 were found in PMN treated for up to 20 hours with the inhibitors, regardless of the presence of IFN-gamma; (4) both DEX and staurosporine dose-dependently inhibited IFN-gamma-induced Fc gamma R-I mRNA and protein expression; and (5) stability of gp91-phox and Fc gamma R-I messages in IFN-gamma-treated PMN was not altered by the presence of DEX. Our results demonstrate that gp91-phox, p47-phox, and Fc gamma R-I gene expression of PMN is governed by specific and independent biochemical pathways. Moreover, IFN-gamma activates different signal transduction pathways to modulate mRNA expression of gp91-phox, p47-phox, and Fc gamma R-I.

Induction of differentiation of the human myeloid cell line, ML3, by tumour necrosis factor and interferon-gamma is accompanied by enhanced expression of the CD4 protein and messenger RNA.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induce differentiation of human myeloid cell lines along the monocytic lineage. In this study we investigated the effects of TNF and IFN-gamma on the expression of the CD4 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the two myeloid cell lines, ML3 and HL-60. We observed that CD4 antigen expression on ML3 cells is almost undetectable and that TNF and IFN-gamma induced CD4 antigen expression on these cells. HL-60 cells express surface CD4 antigen at high density and treatment with TNF and IFN-gamma caused a decrease of CD4 expression. We also investigated the expression of CD4 mRNA in ML3 and HL-60 cells. ML3 constitutively express, albeit at low levels, CD4 mRNA. TNF induced CD4 mRNA in ML3 cells and IFN-gamma synergistically potentiated the effect of TNF, thus indicating that the enhanced expression of the CD4 protein on ML3 cells is due, at least in part, to an enhanced accumulation of the CD4 mRNA. CD4 mRNA is constitutively expressed in HL-60 cells at high levels. TNF and IFN-gamma, alone or in combination, did not cause any significant change of CD4 mRNA expression in HL-60 cells, thus indicating that decrease of surface CD4, which accompanies differentiation with these cytokines, is likely due to alterations of the CD4 protein synthesis and/or transport to the plasma membrane. These results provide evidence that myeloid cell lines are heterogeneous in expression of CD4, and that in ML3 cells, which constitutively express low levels of CD4 mRNA and undetectable amounts of surface CD4, the predominant effect of the two cytokines is to induce both CD4 mRNA and protein.

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase gamma, Ptp gamma, regulates hematopoietic differentiation.

Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells have been a useful model system for the study of various aspects of hematopoietic differentiation. Because we had observed a sharp peak of expression of the receptor tyrosine phosphatase gamma (Ptp gamma) gene between 14 and 18 days of ES-derived embryoid body differentiation, we investigated the effect of perturbation of expression of the Ptp gamma gene on ES cell differentiation, first by analyzing the effect of Ptp gamma overexpression. The murine full-length Ptp gamma cDNA in an expression vector was transfected into ES-D3 cells and stably transfected clones were isolated. Ptp gamma was expressed as an approximately 230-kD cell surface protein, and differentiating ES clones that overexpressed Ptp gamma gave rise to a normal number of hematopoietic colonies, approximately 1 CFU per 100 cells. There was, however, a significant increase of expression of early hematopoietic markers in colonies from Ptp gamma overexpressing ES cells. To confirm that the pertubation of hematopoietic differentiation was a result of Ptp gamma overexpression, we isolated ES stem cell clones expressing Ptp gamma antisense constructs and assayed embryoid bodies for the presence of hematopoietic precursors. We observed a complete absence of methylcellulose colonies, indicating absence of hematopoietic lineages. Results of these experiments point to an essential role for Ptp gamma in hematopoietic differentiation.