Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.49 (reverse transcriptase)
31,746 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

At the time of human embryo implantation, large numbers of maternal CD56brightCD16- NK cells appear in the uterus. These unusual lymphocytes are believed to control the migration and differentiation of highly invasive fetally derived trophoblast cells, which infiltrate into the maternal uterus to remodel the spiral arteries during the first trimester. One possible mechanism of control is by cytokine production. In this study, highly purified (> 99%) populations of first trimester decidual CD56brightCD16- NK cells and CD3+ T lymphocytes were obtained by using a FACS. These cells were examined by reverse transcriptase PCR for their expression of mRNAs for the following cytokines: granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF, CSF-1, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta 1, leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF), and IL-2. Then, the expression was compared with that of resting PBL. The identity of the PCR products was verified by Southern blotting and hybridization with cytokine-specific probes. Both decidual CD56brightCD16- NK cells and CD3+ T cells were found to express mRNA for CSF-1, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma TGF-beta 1, and LIF, but GM-CSF mRNA was detected only in CD56bright NK cells. IL-2 mRNA was detected in only some decidual T cell samples, and then only after at least two rounds of amplification. In contrast, peripheral blood CD56brightCD16- NK cells, CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, and CD3+ T cells expressed mRNA only for TNF-alpha and TGF-beta 1, but not for GM-CSF, CSF-1, IFN-gamma, LIF, or IL-2. These results suggest that both decidual NK cells and decidual T cells produce a variety of cytokines that may be involved in the control of trophoblast migration and differentiation during pregnancy.
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PMID:Screening for cytokine messenger ribonucleic acids in purified human decidual lymphocyte populations by the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. 752 3

The distribution of four cytokines was analyzed in the endometrium and trophoblast of the horse between Days 30 and 55 of gestation. Endometrial tissues, invasive trophoblast (chorionic girdle), and noninvasive trophoblast (chorion and allantochorion) were examined separately. Cytokine expression was determined by amplification of specific mRNA via the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Messenger RNA for interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) was detected in endometrial tissues, unstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes, and control kidney tissue, but not in trophoblasts. leukocytes resident in the endometrium or traversing the uterus via blood vessels might be the source of these cytokines. Endometrial tissues and invasive and noninvasive trophoblasts expressed mRNA for tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF alpha). Immuonoreactive TNF alpha protein was detected in different cell types of the endometrium and in the invasive and noninvasive trophoblast. The ubiquitous expression of TNF alpha by the endometrium and trophoblasts suggests that this cytokine might have an important role in regulating placental growth and differentiation or maternal leukocyte responses to trophoblasts. IL-2, IL-4, and IFN gamma might have important immunoregulatory roles within the endometrium.
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PMID:Horse trophoblasts produce tumor necrosis factor alpha but not interleukin 2, interleukin 4, or interferon gamma. 753 96

The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) stimulates the release of several pituitary hormones, including ACTH, LH, and PRL. Although specific OT receptors have been identified in anterior pituitary membranes, the structure and cellular localization of these binding sites have not been elucidated. We previously cloned a rat OT receptor (OTR) gene and showed that its expression in rat uterus results in several transcripts ranging in size from 2.9-6.7 kilobases. In this study we show, by using Northern blot analysis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and ultrastructural in situ hybridization that the same OTR gene is also expressed in the pituitary, where it gives rise to a 6.7- and a 4.8-kilobase messenger RNA. Ultrastructural in situ hybridization combined with immunogold labeling indicated that pituitary OTR gene expression is highly cell-specific and restricted to lactotrophs. In accordance with this finding, only the lactotroph-derived cell line MMQ expressed the OTR gene among several pituitary cell lines tested. Northern blot analysis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization analysis indicated a dramatic increase in pituitary OTR gene expression at the end of gestation and after estrogen treatment. Our results suggest that the OT effect on lactotrophs is direct, whereas OT actions on gonadotrophs and corticotrophs are either indirect or mediated via different receptors. Moreover, our findings imply that OT exerts its full potential as a physiological PRL-releasing factor only towards the end of gestation, and that therefore the role of OT as a hypothalamic PRL-releasing factor may so far have been underestimated.
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PMID:Oxytocin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid: characterization, regulation, and cellular localization in the rat pituitary gland. 754 May 44

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors were characterized in rat uterus. The binding of [125I]ANP to uterine membranes was completely competed for by increasing concentrations of unlabeled ANP (Kd = 0.39 nM) and brain natriuretic peptide (Kd = 1.24 nM) and partially by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; Kd = 80.4 nM), but not by C-ANF. Also, [125I]Tyr-CNP bound to uterine membranes was completely competed by unlabeled CNP (Kd = 1.12 nM). Cross-linking of [125I]ANP to uterine membranes revealed the presence of one band of 130 kilodaltons, corresponding to the guanylyl cyclase (GC-A and/or GC-B) subtypes of natriuretic peptide receptors. The presence of messenger RNA coding for genes of both GC-A and GC-B receptors was shown by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, ANP and, to a lesser degree, CNP stimulated the production of cGMP in rat uterus. Autoradiographic studies localized the highest binding of [125I]ANP in the endometrium, whereas [125I]Tyr-CNP binding was distributed in the endometrium as well as in the myometrium. These results demonstrate that rat uterine ANP receptors are of the guanylyl cyclase-coupled subtypes. The uterus is a target of natriuretic peptides where ANP induces its biological effects through the production of cGMP.
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PMID:Characterization and distribution of natriuretic peptide receptors in the rat uterus. 766 42

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker that belongs to a family of closely related molecules with variable expression patterns. We have developed sets of oligonucleotide primers for the specific amplification of transcripts from individual CEA-family members using the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR). Specific primer sets were designed for CEA, non-specific cross-reacting antigen (NCA), biliary glycoprotein (BGP), carcinoembryonic antigen gene-family members 1, 6 and 7 (CGM1, CGM6 and CGM7), and one set for all pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) transcripts. Primers were first tested for their specificity against individual cDNA clones and product-hybridization with internal, transcript-specific oligonucleotides. Total RNA from 12 brain and 63 gynecological tumors were then tested for expression of CEA-related transcripts. None were found in tumors located in the brain, including various mesenchymal and neuro-epithelial tumors. CEA and NCA transcripts were, however, present in an adenocarcinoma located in the nasal sinuses. In ovarian mucinous adenocarcinomas, we always found co-expression of CEA and NCA transcripts, and occasionally BGP mRNA. CEA-related transcripts were also found in some serous, endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinomas. CEA, NCA and BGP transcripts were present in endometrial carcinomas of the uterus and cervical carcinomas, whereas uterine leiomyomas were completely negative. No transcripts were found from CGM1, CGM6, CGM7 or from PSG genes in any of the tumors tested. The PCR data were compared with immunohistochemical investigations of ovarian tumors at the protein level using CEA (26/3/13)-, NCA-50/90 (9A6FR) and NCA-95 (80H3)-specific monoclonal antibodies.
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PMID:A polymerase-chain-reaction assay for the specific identification of transcripts encoded by individual carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-gene-family members. 769 Mar 49

We recently characterized (Moebius, F. F., Burrows, G. G., Striessnig, J., and Glossmann H. (1993) Mol. Pharmacol. 43, 139-144) and purified (Moebius, F. F., Hanner, M., Knaus, H. G., Weber, F., Striessnig, J., and Glossmann, H. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 29314-29320) a binding protein for the phenylalkylamine Ca2+ antagonist emopamil. The emopamil-binding protein (EBP) acts as a high affinity acceptor for several antiischemic drugs and thus represents a potential common molecular target for antiischemic drug action. Degenerate oligonucleotides were synthesized according to the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified EBP and used to amplify a guinea pig cDNA with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and to clone full-length cDNAs from guinea pig and human liver cDNA libraries. The cDNAs coded for 229 (guinea pig) and 230 (human) amino acid 27-kDa polypeptides without significant sequence homology with any known protein. However, EBP shared structural features with pro- and eukaryotic drug transport proteins. The amino acid identity between human and guinea pig EBP was 73%. Hydrophobicity plots predicted four transmembrane segments. The C terminus contained a lysine-rich consensus sequence for the retrieval of type I integral membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. The heterologous expression of human and guinea pig EBP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated that the expression of EBP alone is sufficient to form high affinity drug- and cation-binding domains identical to the [3H]-emopamil-binding site of guinea pig liver. Northern and Western blot analysis revealed high abundance of EBP in guinea pig epithelial tissues as liver, bowel, adrenal gland, testis, ovary, and uterus and low densities in brain, cerebellum, skeletal muscle, and heart. EBP is suggested to be the first structurally characterized member of a family of high affinity microsomal drug acceptor proteins carrying so called sigma-binding sites.
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PMID:Phenylalkylamine Ca2+ antagonist binding protein. Molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and heterologous expression. 770 2

The estrogen receptor (ER) mediates the effects of its cognate ligand on important cellular processes such as development of female secondary sexual characteristics, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, progression of breast cancer, and maintenance of bone mass. We have previously demonstrated that the human ER (hER) gene is transcribed from two promoters, suggesting that tissue- and cell-specific expression patterns of this gene may, at least in part, be regulated by differential promoter usage. Here we show, by using a reverse transcriptase coupled polymerase chain reaction assay, that transcripts initiated from both hER gene promoters were expressed in breast and uterus. In contrast, only transcripts originating from the distal promoter could be detected in human primary osteoblasts. Furthermore, determination of the expression levels of the two hER transcripts by quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated an almost 30-fold increase of the transcripts originating from the proximal promoter in breast cancer cell lines over that detected in normal breast tissue. Taken together, our results demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism for regulation of hER gene expression by tissue-specific differential promoter utilization. In addition, our results suggest that estrogen-dependent cell transformation may be accompanied by a change in the relative expression levels of the two hER transcripts.
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PMID:Estrogen target tissue determines alternative promoter utilization of the human estrogen receptor gene in osteoblasts and tumor cell lines. 772 Jun 71

The most common mode of HIV transmission in the world is heterosexual transmission. New and more effective preventive efforts are needed to stem the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a pandemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). HIV infection and STDs exacerbate each other. Most effective modern contraceptives do not protect against HIV or STD transmission. The male condom, the most effective means to protect against transmission of STDs and HIV, has a high failure rate. Deterioration of the latex over time, as a result of incorrect storage, and use of an oil-based lubricant are the main reasons for condom rupture. Many men do not use condoms because they reduce penile sensitivity. Loose-fitting plastic condoms could increase condom use. Some plastic condoms should reach the market soon. A plastic female condom allows women to be in control, but clinical trials show that many women do not like it and it has a high one-year failure rate (15%). They are expensive. A levonorgestrel-releasing IUD has a lower rate of pelvic inflammatory disease and endometritis than the copper IUD; thus, the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD reduces susceptibility to HIV infection. Since it reduces menstrual blood loss and maintains a cervical mucus plug, its use by HIV positive women would reduce infectivity for their partners and the women's susceptibility to ascending opportunistic infections. Postcoital penile treatment with bactericides and virucides may be a way to prevent STD or HIV infection for men. Women also need topical chemical methods that will protect from STDs or HIV infection. Cholic acid, in high concentrations in the uterus during the luteal phase, exhibits strong spermicidal and antiviral activity. It inhibits the reverse transcriptase enzyme in HIV and reduces the ability of HIV to infect lymphocytes. An already developed vaginal sponge with cholic acid that protects against pregnancy, HIV, and STDs would be a great breakthrough.
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PMID:Contraceptives of the future in the light of HIV infection. 784 10

The expression of mRNAs encoding endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors (ETA-R and ETB-R) as well as the ET degrading enzyme, neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP), was determined in tissue samples of endometrium, myometrium and leiomyoma by using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. ET-1 mRNA was detected in all samples studied. The level of ET-1 mRNA was higher in endometrium than in myometrium (p < 0.01) and leiomyoma (p < 0.001). The ETA-R mRNA was more abundant in endometrium than in myometrium (p < 0.001). For ETB-R mRNA there was no difference between these tissues. In contrast to ETA-R mRNA, which was more abundant in leiomyoma than in myometrium (p < 0.01), the ETB-R mRNA was less abundant in leiomyoma (p < 0.01). The NEP mRNA was detected in all endometrial samples but not in myometrium and leiomyoma. Our results show that the expression and relative levels of mRNAs encoding ET-1, ETA-R, ETB-R, and NEP vary in different tissue compartments of the human uterus. Since the net biological action of ET-1 in a particular cell type presumably depends on the balance between the peptide itself, its receptors and degrading enzymes, these results suggest different roles for ET-1 action in uterine endometrium, myometrium and leiomyoma. The difference in relative abundance of ETA-R and ETB-R mRNAs between myometrium and leiomyoma suggests that an altered ET-R gene expression may be a contributing factor in myomal growth.
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PMID:Differential expression of mRNAs for endothelin-related proteins in human endometrium, myometrium and leiomyoma. 795 93

PTH-related peptide (PTHrP), the factor mediating the syndrome of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is also expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the urinary bladder and uterus in response to mechanical distention and fetal occupancy, respectively. Vascular SMC also produce PTHrP, and its expression is induced by serum and vasoconstrictors, such as angiotensin-II. To determine whether mechanical distension affected vascular PTHrP gene expression, the abdominal aorta of adult male rats was balloon-distended, and aortae were collected at various times after the intervention. PTHrP mRNA was determined by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, using sequential dilutions of a cloned internally truncated PTHrP RNA fragment as standard. The molar concentration of PTHrP mRNA was obtained by extrapolating at a standard/wild-type band intensity ratio of 1:1. Aortic PTHrP mRNA was induced from a basal level of 19, to 22, 46, 36, 13, 12, 22, and 20 attamoles/mg total RNA 1, 2, 12, 24, and 48 h and 7 and 48 days after balloon distension, respectively. To determine whether mechanical events directly regulate vascular PTHrP gene expression, primary rat aortic SMC were plated and placed on a rocking device at 20 oscillations/min to create a gentle flowing motion of the culture medium. Rocking induced PTHrP mRNA of SMC exposed to either serum-free medium or 10% serum by 2.5-and 4.0-fold at 4 h, and 2.9- and 3.7-fold at 24 h, respectively. These effects were oscillation rate dependent, potentiated by angiotensin-II, and specific, as similar changes were not observed in alpha-actin mRNA content. Flow motion-induced PTHrP mRNA at 24 h was partially decreased by 10(-6) M colchicine (which inhibits microtubule assembly), but not by cytochalasin-E (which disrupts actin polymerization). As PTHrP is a known vasorelaxant, we propose that mechanical events induce the release of PTHrP by SMC, possibly to serve as a compliance factor or an agent for vascular remodeling.
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PMID:Mechanical stimuli induce vascular parathyroid hormone-related protein gene expression in vivo and in vitro. 815 26


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