Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P01189 (beta-endorphin)
 21,003 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The complete 5'-terminal nucleotide sequence of the MRNA coding for the bovine common precursor of corticotropin and beta-lipotropin has been determined. The 5'-32P-labelled, 21-nucleotides-long, single-stranded DNA fragment complementary to a portion of the 5'-noncoding region of the mRNA was prepared from a cDNA clone and elongated by reverse transcriptase reaction with the mRNA as template. The DNA transcript formed was sequenced by the procedure of Maxam and Gilbert, and the resultant sequence was cross-checked by two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of the partial alkaline digest of the 5'-32P-labelled mRNA. The 5'-terminal nucleotide residue was determined by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography of the complete hydrolysis product of the 5'-32P-labelled mRNA. The nucleotide sequence determined, which partially overlaps the known sequence of the cloned cDNA, reveals the complete 5'-terminal sequence of the mRNA. This, in conjunction with our previous data, defines the complete primary structure of the mRNA. The mRNA is composed of 1098 nucleotides, including an unusually long 5'-noncoding sequence of 128 nucleotides. The presence of a 'cap' structure at the 5' terminus of the mRNA is suggested. The 5'-terminal 48 nucleotide residues of the mRNA are extremely purine-rich, having an A + G content of 83%, whereas all pyrimidine-rich segments are located downstream from there. Because the 5'-noncoding region of the mRNA contains three segments of potential secondary structure which partially overlap, it can exist in a number of alternative base-pairing configurations. However, its interaction with the 3'-terminal segment of 18-S rRNA at the site of maximal complementarity would fix the mRNA configuration in such a way as to bring the possible site of ribosome binding near the initiation codon.
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PMID:5'-terminal nucleotide sequence of the messenger RNA coding for bovine corticotropin/beta-lipotropin precursor. 626 Apr 86

Following three 24 hourly serial injections of 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (4-APP) to rats, the levels of plasma corticotropin (ACTH) and of adrenal HMG-CoA reductase, the cholesterol side chain cleavage system, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 21-hydroxylase, and adrenodoxin increased after an initial lag of 17 h. In contrast the mRNA level of 11 beta-hydroxylase was differently regulated since it was elevated after 17 and 24 h and decreased thereafter to basal values. These increases appear to be related to ACTH secretion since they were blocked by the coadministration of dexamethasone (Dex) and 4-APP. Also 3 h after the administration of Dex to 4-APP treated rats rapid decreases in plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels were accompanied by decreases in mRNA levels of HMG-CoA reductase and low density lipoprotein receptor, two components involved in the synthesis and transport of cholesterol. The mRNA level of the electron donor adrenodoxin was also decreased, suggesting that this component participates in the short term regulation of corticosterone synthesis in the rat adrenal. The adrenal response was more readily observed with components involved in the steps preceding cholesterol biosynthesis than in those subsequent to cholesterol in the corticosteroid pathway. However, the effects of 4-APP on the latter pathway were well documented with mRNA analysis performed by Northern blot, a more sensitive technique than the Western blot used for protein quantification. The entire metabolism of the corticosterone biosynthetic pathway was thus affected in rats treated with 4-APP. Taken collectively these results indicate that under acute lipoprotein depletion rat adrenals developed a compensatory mechanism enabling them to synthesize and utilize cholesterol for corticosteroid synthesis.
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PMID:Effects of dexamethasone on the levels of adrenal steroidogenic enzyme mRNA in rats treated with 4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine. 839 95

The intron of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (corticoliberin; CRH) gene contains a sequence of over 100 bp of alternating purine/pyrimidine residues. We have used binding of a Z-DNA-specific antibody in metabolically active, permeabilized nuclei to study the formation of Z-DNA in this sequence at various levels of transcription. In the NPLC human primary liver carcinoma cell line, activation of cAMP-dependent pathways increased the level of transcription, while adding glucocorticoids inhibited transcription of the CRH gene. These cells respond in a manner similar to hypothalamic cells. Z-DNA formation in this sequence was detected at the basal level of transcription, as well as after stimulation with forskolin. Inhibition of transcription by dexamethasone abolished Z-DNA formation. Z-DNA formation in the WC gene (c-myc) was affected differently in the same experiment. Thus, changes in Z-DNA formation in the CRH gene are gene specific and are linked to the transcription of the gene.
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PMID:Transcription of the human corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in NPLC cells is correlated with Z-DNA formation. 862 93

Uncontrollable shock produces a constellation of behavioral changes that are not observed after equivalent escapable shock. These include interference with escape and potentiation of fear conditioning. The activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptors within the caudal dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) during inescapable tailshock (IS) has been shown to be critical for the development of these behavioral changes. CRH binds to two receptor subtypes, both of which are found in the DRN. The present set of studies examined which CRH receptor subtype mediates the effects of IS. Intra-DRN administration of the CRH(2) receptor antagonist anti-sauvagine-30 before IS dose-dependently blocked IS-induced behavioral changes; the CRH(1) receptor antagonist 2-methyl-4-(N-propyl-N-cycloproanemethylamino)-5-chloro-6-(2,4,6-trichloranilino)pyrimidine (NBI27914), administered in the same manner, did not. Moreover, the highly selective CRH(2) receptor agonist urocortin II (Ucn II) dose-dependently caused behavioral changes associated with IS in the absence of shock. Ucn II was effective at doses 100-fold lower than those previously required for CRH. The relationship between CRH(2) receptors and DRN 5-HT is discussed.
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PMID:Corticotropin releasing hormone type 2 receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus mediate the behavioral consequences of uncontrollable stress. 1257 32

Ultraviolet radiation is a well established epidemiologic risk factor for malignant melanoma. This observation has been linked to the relative resistance of normal melanocytes to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced apoptosis, which consequently leads to accumulation of UVB radiation-induced DNA lesions in melanocytes. Therefore, identification of physiologic factors regulating UVB radiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage of melanocytes is of utmost biological importance. We show that the neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) blocks UVB radiation-induced apoptosis of normal human melanocytes in vitro. The anti-apoptotic activity of alpha-MSH is not mediated by filtering or by induction of melanin synthesis in melanocytes. alpha-MSH neither leads to changes in the cell cycle distribution nor induces alterations in the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins Bcl(2), Bcl(x), Bax, p53, CD95 (Fas/APO-1), and CD95L (FasL). In contrast, alpha-MSH markedly reduces the formation of UVB radiation-induced DNA damage as demonstrated by reduced amounts of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, ultimately leading to reduced apoptosis. The reduction of UV radiation-induced DNA damage by alpha-MSH appears to be related to induction of nucleotide excision repair, because UV radiation-mediated apoptosis was not blocked by alpha-MSH in nucleotide excision repair-deficient fibroblasts. These data, for the first time, demonstrate regulation of UVB radiation-induced apoptosis of human melanocytes by a neuropeptide that is physiologically expressed within the epidermis. Apart from its ability to induce photoprotective melanin synthesis, alpha-MSH appears to exert the capacity to reduce UV radiation-induced DNA damage and, thus, may act as a potent protection factor against the harmful effects of UV radiation on the genomic stability of epidermal cells.
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PMID:alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone protects from ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage. 1556 80

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and Urocortin are important neurotransmitters in the regulation of physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Centrally administered CRF or Urocortin produces anxiety-like responses in numerous animal models of anxiety disorders. Previous studies in our lab have shown that Urocortin infused into the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala produces anxiety-like responses in the social interaction test. Subsequently, in the current study we prepared a specific CRF1 receptor antagonist (N-Cyclopropylmethyl-2,5-dimethyl-N-propyl-N'-(2,4,6-trichloro-phenyl)-pyrimidine-4,6-diamine, NBI3b1996) to examine in this paradigm. This CRF1 receptor antagonist inhibited the ex vivo binding of 125I-sauvagine to rat cerebellum with an ED50 of 6 mg/kg, i.p. NBI3b1996 produced a dose-dependent antagonism of Urocortin-induced anxiety-like behavior in Social Interaction test with an ED50 of 6 mg/kg, i.p. The compound had no effect on baseline social interaction. In addition, the CRF1 receptor antagonist prevented the stress-induced decrease in social interaction. These results provide further support for the CRF1 receptor in anxiety-like behavior and suggest this pathway is quiescent in unstressed animals.
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PMID:Stress and central Urocortin increase anxiety-like behavior in the social interaction test via the CRF1 receptor. 1573 49

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure induces an up-regulation of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expression in human skin and the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) may reduce UVB-induced DNA damage in normal human melanocytes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, we investigated the formation and repair of DNA lesions in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells stably transfected with the wild type MC1R gene (HaCaT-MC1R). Similar levels of 8 bipyrimidine photoproducts including cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) (T<>T, T<>C, C<>T), (6-4) photoproducts ((6-4)PPs) (TT-(6-4)PPs, TC-(6-4)PPs) and their Dewar valence isomers together with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) were found to be generated in both non-transfected and HaCaT-MC1R cells after UVB exposure. Time-course studies of DNA photoproduct yields indicated that the DNA repair ability depended upon radiation doses. It was shown that (6-4)PPs were removed from the DNA of UVB-irradiated cells much more efficiently than CPDs. The repair efficiency of 8-oxodGuo, CPDs and (6-4)PPs was relatively similar in both cell lines and was not modified by stimulation with alpha-MSH before UVB-exposure. In conclusion, cell surface-enforced expression of MC1Rs on HaCaT keratinocytes and alpha-MSH stimulation do not affect the formation of UVB-induced DNA photoproducts and their subsequent repair.
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PMID:Cell surface expression of melanocortin-1 receptor on HaCaT keratinocytes and alpha-melanocortin stimulation do not affect the formation and repair of UVB-induced DNA photoproducts. 1748 13

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MCIR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily in melanocytes and is known to play a pivotal role in the regulation of pigmentation in mammals. In humans MC1R has been found to be highly polymorphic with several functional variants associated with the phenotype of red hair color and fair skin, cutaneous UV sensitivity, and increased risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Recent evidence suggests that MC1R plays a photo-protective role in melanocytes in response to UV irradiation. Relatively few genetic targets of MC1R signaling have been identified independent of the pigmentation pathway. Here we show that MC1R signaling in B16 mouse melanoma cells and primary human melanocytes rapidly, and transiently, induces the transcription of the NR4A subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors. Furthermore, primary human melanocytes harboring homozygous RHC variant MC1R alleles exhibited an impaired induction of NR4A genes in response to the potent MC1R agonist (Nle4,D-Phe7)-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Using small interference RNA-mediated attenuation of NR4A1 and NR4A2 expression in melanocytes, the ability to remove cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers following UV irradiation appeared to be impaired in the context of MC1R signaling. These data identify the NR4A receptor family as potential mediators of an MC1R-coordinated DNA damage response to UV exposure in melanocytic cells.
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PMID:Melanocortin-1 receptor signaling markedly induces the expression of the NR4A nuclear receptor subgroup in melanocytic cells. 1829 87

The contraction of gallbladders (GBs) with cholesterol stones is impaired due to high cholesterol concentrations in caveolae compared with GBs with pigment stones. The reduced contraction is caused by a lower cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 binding to CCK-1 receptors (CCK-1R) due to caveolar sequestration of receptors. We aimed to examine the mechanism of cholesterol-induced sequestration of receptors. Muscle cells from human and guinea pig GBs were studied. Antibodies were used to examine CCK-1R, antigens of early and recycling endosomes, and total (CAV-3) and phosphorylated caveolar-3 protein (pCAV-3) by Western blots. Contraction was measured in muscle cells transfected with CAV3 mRNA or clathrin heavy-chain small-interfering RNA (siRNA). CCK-1R returned back to the bulk plasma membrane (PM) 30 min after CCK-8 recycled by endosomes, peaking at 5 min in early endosomes and at 20 min in recycling endosomes. Pretreatment with cholesterol-rich liposomes inhibited the transfer of CCK-1R and of CAV-3 in the endosomes by blocking CAV-3 phosphorylation. 4-Amino-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (inhibitor of tyrosine kinase) reproduced these effects by blocking pCAV-3 formation, increasing CAV-3 and CCK-1R sequestration in the caveolae and impairing CCK-8-induced contraction. CAV-3 siRNA reduced CAV-3 protein expression, decreased CCK-8-induced contraction, and accumulated CCK-1R in the caveolae. Abnormal concentrations of caveolar cholesterol had no effect on met-enkephalin that stimulates a delta-opioid receptor that internalizes through clathrin. We found that impaired muscle contraction in GBs with cholesterol stones is due to high caveolar levels of cholesterol that inhibits pCAV-3 generation. Caveolar cholesterol increases the caveolar sequestration of CAV-3 and CCK-1R caused by their reduced recycling to the PM.
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PMID:Effects of cholesterol on CCK-1 receptors and caveolin-3 proteins recycling in human gallbladder muscle. 2055 63