Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.6 (RNA polymerase)
34,946 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Introduction of genes for cytokine receptors into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/HPC) may be of clinical use in the future. We recently reported that retroviral-mediated transduction of either the human erythropoietin receptor (hEpoR) or interleukin-9 receptor (hIL-9R) genes into highly purified HSC/HPC from cord blood (CB) resulted in increased numbers of detectable cytokine-responsive erythroid progenitors (burst-forming units-erythroid [BFU-E]). In the present study, we evaluated if this increase could be further enhanced by cotransducing both these genes into single isolated HSC/HPC. Single CD34++CD33-or low-expressing cells from CB were transduced with viral supernatant containing the hEpoR or hIL-9R genes or cotransduced with both genes. In the presence of Steel factor (SLF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), erythropoietin (Epo), and IL-9, the numbers of erythroid colonies formed were significantly increased after transduction of cells with either the hIL-9R or hEpoR gene compared to mock-transduced cells. This increase was significantly enhanced in cells cotransduced with both genes compared with either gene alone. Integration and expression of both genes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR analysis, respectively. The data demonstrate that myeloid progenitors can be transduced at the single-cell level with both hEpoR and hIL-9R genes with resultant enhanced proliferation of these progenitors in the erythroid lineage by combinations of cytokines including Epo and IL-9.
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PMID:Influence of retroviral-mediated gene transduction of both the recombinant human erythropoietin receptor and interleukin-9 receptor genes into single CD34++CD33-or low cord blood cells on cytokine-stimulated erythroid colony formation. 864 64

Members of the Janus kinase (Jak) family of protein tyrosine kinases have recently been implicated in the proximal signal transduction events of cytokine receptors. Jak3, a newly discovered member of this family, is believed to be normally limited in its expression to cells of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Herein we show that Jak3 is expressed in primary human vascular cells, as well as other non-lymphoid and non-myeloid cell types. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis revealed that Jak3 mRNA was expressed at low levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC), A549 (human lung carcinoma), and DLD-1 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cells. Higher basal levels of Jak3 mRNA were detected in HMEC-1 (human microvascular cell line) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. Jak3 mRNA expression was induced in HUVEC, HMEC-1, and HASMC by treatment with interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and lipopolysaccharide. Jak3 protein was detectable at low levels in untreated HMEC-1, and these levels increased significantly with cytokine treatment. Furthermore, Jak3 protein was phosphorylated upon treatment of these cells with interleukin-4. This work shows that Jak3 is expressed or inducible in human vascular endothelial, vascular smooth muscle, and other non-lymphoid and non-myeloid cells, suggesting a broader role for Jak3 in the cytokine signal transduction of these cells.
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PMID:Expression of Janus kinase 3 in human endothelial and other non-lymphoid and non-myeloid cells. 866 78

Methods for isolation and cultivation of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) have facilitated their use in autologous transplantation and as potential targets for gene therapy. In this work, we present the possibility of using these isolated cells to study lineage-specific hematopoietic differentiation. We have shown that differentiating PBPCs faithfully replicate transcriptional events that occur during maturation of the eosinophil lineage; messenger RNAs encoding the five eosinophil granule proteins were detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after 2-3 days of cytokine-stimulated growth. Only three of the five proteins were detected by immunofluorescence staining after 14 days of cytokine-stimulated growth; the percentage of Charcot-Leyden crystal protein (CLC)-containing cells (16-18%) exceeded that of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)-containing cells (7-8%), which in turn exceeded that of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN)-containing cells (2-4%). While the electrophoretic mobilities of both CLC and EPO synthesized by differentiating PBPCs were similar to those of their normal counterparts, immunoreactive EDN was found to be heterogeneous and of higher molecular weight that EDN found in mature eosinophils. It is not clear whether our results, which show progressive, but incomplete, differentiation of PBPCs into eosinophils, reflect a lack of knowledge as to what factors are essential for complete differentiation in vitro or relate to the inherent capacity of PBPCs to differentiate along this lineage.
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PMID:Characterization of eosinophils generated in vitro from CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells. 869 47

We determined the expression of Th-2 type cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5, and of the Th-1 type cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), in the Brown-Norway rat. Rats were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin and 21 days later were either exposed to ovalbumin or saline aerosol. The value -log PC300 (PC300 = concentration of acetylcholine needed to increase baseline lung resistance by 300%) was 2.49 +/- 0.15 in sensitized, exposed rats, was higher than in sensitized, saline-exposed or naive rats (1.54 +/- 0.27 and 1.63 +/- 0.06 respectively, P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in airway submucosal airway tissues in the sensitized exposed group. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed on total lung RNA using primers for IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and beta-actin. IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels in control and sensitized saline-exposed rats were not detectable, but increased levels were found in sensitized and ovalbumin-exposed rats with levels of 0.25 +/- 0.01 and 0.98 +/- 0.02% of beta-actin mRNA as assessed by densitometric measurements. Expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was significantly reduced in sensitized and ovalbumin-exposed rats. As in asthmatic airways, there is an increased expression of Th-2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, together with a reduction in the Th-1 cytokine, IFN-gamma, thus supporting a role for Th-2 cytokines in allergic eosinophilic inflammation.
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PMID:Expression of Th-2 cytokines interleukin-4 and -5 and of Th-1 cytokine interferon-gamma in ovalbumin-exposed sensitized Brown-Norway rats. 869 Apr 57

We have analysed the expression of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) on a panel of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. None of the 11 SCLC cell lines studied expressed detectable surface IL-2R alpha or beta chains by indirect immunofluorescence. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses indicated that only one out of 11 cell lines expressed detectable IL-2R beta mRNA while two expressed a weak positivity for IL-2R gamma. Five SCLC cell lines were transfected with the plasmid vector RSV.5 neo containing IL-2 cDNA coding sequence. Stable transfectants secreted biologically active IL-2 (ranging from 25 to 100 U ml-1 in the culture supernatant). IL-2 transfection did not produce significant modifications in the expression of surface molecules such as IL-2R alpha and beta chains, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), CD44, HLA class I and II or in IL-2R beta or gamma mRNA. More importantly, IL-2-transfected N592 and NCI H69 cell lines completely lost their tumorigenic potential in nude mice after subcutaneous injection, whereas experimental controls transfected with RSV.5 neo vector only, displayed an in vivo growth pattern identical to that of untransfected cells. In addition, in the N592 model, IL-2-producing N592 inhibited the growth of wild-type N592 injected at the same site, while injection of parental cells on the opposite side did not significantly affect the growth of wild-type tumour cells. Histopathological analysis of the rejection process of IL-2-transfected cells demonstrated the presence of MAC-1+, MAC-3+ macrophages and of RB68C5+ granulocytes, whereas T cells were undetectable and NK cells were scarcely represented. In addition, a reduction of the tumour blood vessels was observed. The possible relevance of these data for the development of vaccination strategies using cytokine-engineered tumour cells in SCLC is discussed.
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PMID:Analysis of IL-2 receptor expression and of the biological effects of IL-2 gene transfection in small-cell lung cancer. 879 83

1. Induction of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) results in overproduction of nitric oxide (NO), which may be a principal cause of the massive vasodilatation and hypotension observed in septic shock. Since NO-induced vasorelaxation is mediated via the soluble isoform of guanylate cyclase (sGC), the regulation of sGC activity during shock is of obvious importance, but yet poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activation of sGC by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) before and after exposure of rat aortic smooth muscle cells to endotoxin (LPS) or interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). 2. Exposure of rat aortic smooth muscle cells to SNP (10 microM) elicited up to 200 fold increases in cyclic GMP. This effect was attenuated by 30-70% in IL-1 beta- or LPS-pretreated cells, in a pretreatment time-and IL-1 beta- or LPS-concentration-dependent manner. When, however, cells were exposed to IL-1 beta or LPS and then stimulated with the particulate guanylate cyclase activator, atriopeptin II, no reduction in cyclic GMP accumulation was observed. 3. Pretreatment of rats with LPS (5 mg kg-1, i.v.) for 6 h led to a decrease in aortic ring SNP-induced cyclic GMP accumulation. 4. The IL-1 beta-induced reduction in SNP-stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation in cultured cells was dependent on NO production, as arginine depletion abolished the downregulation of cyclic GMP accumulation in response to SNP. 5. Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the ratio of steady state mRNA for the alpha, subunit of sGC to glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase was decreased in LPS- or IL-1 beta-treated cells, as compared to vehicle-treated cells. 6. Protein levels of the alpha 1 sGC subunit remained unaltered upon exposure to LPS or IL-1 beta, suggesting that the early decreased cyclic GMP accumulation in IL-1 beta- or LPS-pretreated cells was probably due to reduced sGC activation. Thus, the observed decreased responsiveness of sGC to NO stimulation following cytokine or LPS challenge may represent an important homeostatic mechanism to offset the extensive vasodilatation seen in sepsis.
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PMID:Downregulation of nitrovasodilator-induced cyclic GMP accumulation in cells exposed to endotoxin or interleukin-1 beta. 883 57

The role of cytokines in the regulation and function of the immune system is of great importance. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with progressive deterioration of cell-mediated immune response, cytokines are dysregulated. We have therefore investigated cytokine mRNA expression in type-1 and type-2 helper T cells of HIV-seropositive (HIV+) individuals, stimulated with mitogen (leukoagglutinin) and HIV-1 Tat and Rev peptides, previously found to induce proliferative T-cell responses in these individuals. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-4, and IL-10 mRNAs. There was no difference in the mRNA expression of these cytokines when the cells of HIV-infected or noninfected individuals were polyclonally stimulated with the mitogen, as all cytokine mRNAs were detected in both groups. Baseline cytokine expression of unstimulated cells was, however, different in these two groups: the cells of HIV+ persons did not show comparable expression of mRNAs to HIV-seronegative (HIV+) individuals. When the cells of HIV+ individuals were stimulated with the peptides, 70% of the cases showed IL-10 mRNA expression, 20% IFN-gamma, and 10% IL-2, with no detection of IL-4 mRNA in any of the cases. Our results thus show that HIV-specific T-cell antigens induce production of IL-10 in HIV-infected individuals. The increase in IL-10 demonstrated here may have a role in hyperactivation of B cells, as well as in immunosuppression of T cells often seen in HIV-infected individuals.
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PMID:Interleukin-10 gene expression induced by HIV-1 Tat and Rev in the cells of HIV-1 infected individuals. 889 65

Activated human and rat T cells as well as mouse T-cell clones have been reported to synthesize and express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. However, the capacity of class II+ antigen (Ag) presenting T cells to induce proliferation of Ag-specific cloned T cells has been controversial. We analysed whether the failure of some T-cell clones to proliferate in response to Ag presented by class II+ T cells is because of a lack of costimulatory cytokine production by the antigen-presenting cells (APC). As a model system the mouse class II+ cloned BI/O4.1 T cells were used as APC in order to activate the T cell clone KIII5. This T-helper 1 (Th1) type, GAT (synthetic copolymer of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine and L-tyrosine)-specific clone is characterized by an efficient downregulation of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) with time following antigenic stimulation. KIII5 cells respond to GAT-presenting splenic antigen-presenting cells (APC) by IL-2 production, IL-2R upregulation and proliferation. When BI/O4.1 T cells were used as APC, KIII5 cells produced IL-2, but did not proliferate. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed a lack of IL-12 production by BI/O4.1 cells. Addition of IL-12 to a coculture of Ag-presenting BI/O4.1 cells and KIII5 cells fully reconstituted a proliferative response. IL-12 in synergy with IL-2 upregulated IL-2R alpha chain expression and enhanced proliferation of KIII5 cells. Our data suggest, that class II+ T cells are not functional in inducing Ag-mediated expansion of resting Th1 cells owing to their failure to produce IL-12, but rather that they play a role in amplification loops during an ongoing immune response.
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PMID:Costimulatory signalling potential of murine MHC class II-positive T-clone cells. 895 51

The ancient drug colchicine has repeatedly been proposed as a novel drug for therapy of pulmonary fibrosis. The present study was undertaken to add to the knowledge on colchicine's antiinflammatory and antifibrotic properties and thus help determine its actual rank in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro cell culture experiments with stimulated and unstimulated normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNC) and a human lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38) were used to determine the effects of colchicine on PMNC cytokine release (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) as well as on fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis rates. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain amplifications of alpha 1 (III) collagen were done to detect collagen messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression. Colchicine did not significantly modulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release of PMNC. Colchicine inhibited fibroblast proliferation and total collagen synthesis significantly at concentrations obtainable in serum in vivo. Transcription of the alpha 1 (III) collagen gene into mRNA continued under colchicine. We conclude that colchicine is a potent in vitro inhibitor of fibroblast functions in terms of proliferation and collagen synthesis. The mechanism of collagen inhibition is more likely an inhibition of cellular collagen secretion than a switch off of collagen mRNA transcription. On the other hand, although colchicine is known to inhibit many leukocyte functions, it is a poor inhibitor of cytokines known to be important for fibrogenesis (e.g. IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta). This makes colchicine, at least from a theoretical standpoint and as concluded from in vitro studies, a preferable candidate for a combined therapeutic strategy.
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PMID:Antiinflammatory and antifibrotic properties of colchicine: implications for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. 895 72

The recently cloned cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) shares several functional activities with IL-2 in different cell systems. Although IL-15 does not show sequence homology with IL-2, it uses components of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) for binding and signal transduction, namely, p75 (beta) and the p64 (gamma) chains of IL-2R. To evaluate whether IL-15 is involved in the activation of granular lymphocytes (GL) in patients with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL), we evaluated the ability of IL-15 to stimulate GL proliferation, cytotoxic function, and the role of IL-2R beta and gamma molecules on relevant cells. Our results show that IL-15 stimulates cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity of GL in LDGL patients. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and phenotypic analyses using the anti-IL-2R gamma-chain-specific TUGh4 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) indicate that both CD3+ and CD3- GL express the p64 IL-2R, a result previously unknown. IL-15 activity was inhibited by antibodies against p75 and p64 IL-2R chains, while no inhibitory effects are detectable with anti-p55 IL-2R antibody. The association of anti-p75 and anti-p64 IL-2R MoAbs resulted in a nearly complete (95%) inhibition of IL-15-induced GL proliferation. Using RT-PCR analysis, we demonstrated that highly purified CD3+ and CD3- GL did not express mRNA for IL-15 or IL-2. By contrast, a clear-cut IL-15 mRNA signal was detected by RT-PCR in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with monocytes likely accounting for the source of IL-15 in LDGL patients. However, even in concentrated supernatants from enriched monocyte populations, we could not demonstrate the presence of IL-15 protein. Using anti-IL-15 specific MoAbs, a membrane-bound form of this cytokine was demonstrated both on CD3+ and CD3- LDGL cells. By RT-PCR analysis, purified GL from these patients were found to express the message for IL-15 receptor alpha chain. Taken together, these results indicate that both CD3+ and CD3- GL are stimulated by IL-15 and that this cytokine mediates its activity through the beta and gamma chains of the IL-2R, providing further suggestions for the interpretation of the mechanisms that lead to cell expansion in patients with LDGL.
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PMID:Interleukin-15 triggers the proliferation and cytotoxicity of granular lymphocytes in patients with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes. 897 93


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