Human Embryonic Kidney Cells (human + embryonic_kidney_cell)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Advanced glycation end products-induced apoptosis attenuated by PPAR, activation and epigallocatechin gallate through NF-,B pathway in human embryonic kidney cells and human mesangial cells

DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 5 2010
Yao-Jen Liang
Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy has attracted many researchers' attention. Because of the emerging evidence about the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptor of AGE (RAGE) on the progression of diabetic nephropathy, a number of different therapies to inhibit AGE or RAGE are under investigation. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor , (PPAR,) agonist (L-165041) or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) alters AGE-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and apoptosis in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human mesangial cells (HMCs). Methods The HEK cells and HMC were separated into the following groups: 100 µg/mL AGE alone for 18 h; AGE treated with 1 µM L-165041 or 10 µM EGCG, and untreated cells. Inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-,B pathway, RAGE expression, superoxide dismutase and cell apoptosis were determined. Results AGE significantly increased tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), a major pro-inflammatory cytokine. The mRNA and protein expression of RAGE were up-regulated. These effects were significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with L-165041 or EGCG. AGE-induced nuclear factor-,B pathway activation and both cells apoptosis were also inhibited by L-165041 or EGCG. Furthermore, both L-165041 and EGCG increased superoxide dismutase levels in AGE-treated HEK cells and HMC. Conclusions This study demonstrated that PPAR, agonist and EGCG decreased the AGE-induced kidney cell inflammation and apoptosis. This study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms of EGCG and PPAR, agonist in attenuation of kidney cell inflammation and may serve as a therapeutic modality to treat patients with diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Regulated recycling and plasma membrane recruitment of the high-affinity choline transporter

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2007
Fabiola M. Ribeiro
Abstract The high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1) is responsible for uptake of choline from the synaptic cleft and supplying choline for acetylcholine synthesis. CHT1 internalization by clathrin-coated vesicles is proposed to represent a mechanism by which high-affinity choline uptake can be modulated. We show here that internalized CHT1 is rapidly recycled back to the cell surface in both human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293 cells) and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. This rapidly recycling pool of CHT1 comprises about 10% of total CHT1 protein. In the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line K+ -depolarization promotes Ca2+ -dependent increase in the rate of CHT1 recycling to the plasma membrane without affecting the rate of CHT1 internalization. K+ -depolarization also increases the size of the pool of CHT1 protein that can be mobilized to the plasma membrane. Thus, the activity-dependent increase in plasma membrane CHT1 localization appears to be regulated by two mechanisms: (i) an increase in the rate of externalization of the intracellular CHT1 pool; and (ii) the recruitment of additional intracellular transporters to the recycling pool. [source]


The Drosophila cacts2 mutation reduces presynaptic Ca2+ entry and defines an important element in Cav2.1 channel inactivation

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2006
G. T. Macleod
Abstract Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in nerve terminals open in response to action potentials and admit Ca2+, the trigger for neurotransmitter release. The cacophony gene encodes the primary presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channel in Drosophila motor-nerve terminals. The cacts2 mutant allele of cacophony is associated with paralysis and reduced neurotransmission at non-permissive temperatures but the basis for the neurotransmission deficit has not been established. The cacts2 mutation occurs in the cytoplasmic carboxyl tail of the ,1 -subunit, not within the pore-forming trans-membrane domains, making it difficult to predict the mutation's impact. We applied a Ca2+ -imaging technique at motor-nerve terminals of mutant larvae to test the hypothesis that the neurotransmission deficit is a result of impaired Ca2+ entry. Presynaptic Ca2+ signals evoked by single and multiple action potentials showed a temperature-dependent reduction. The amplitude of the reduction was sufficient to account for the neurotransmission deficit, indicating that the site of the cacts2 mutation plays a role in Ca2+ channel activity. As the mutation occurs in a motif conserved in mammalian high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, we used a heterologous expression system to probe the effect of this mutation on channel function. The mutation was introduced into rat Cav2.1 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Patch-clamp analysis of mutant channels at the physiological temperature of 37 °C showed much faster inactivation rates than for wild-type channels, demonstrating that the integrity of this motif is critical for normal Cav2.1 channel inactivation. [source]


Diamond Transistor Array for Extracellular Recording From Electrogenic Cells

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2009
Markus Dankerl
Abstract The transduction of electric signals from cells to electronic devices is mandatory for medical applications such as neuroprostheses and fundamental research on communication in neuronal networks. Here, the use of diamond with its advantages for biological applications as a new material for biohybrid devices for the detection of cell signals is investigated. Using the surface conductivity of hydrogen-terminated single-crystalline diamond substrates, arrays of solution-gate field-effect transistors were fabricated. The characterization of the transistors reveals a good stability in electrolyte solutions for at least 7 days. On these devices, cardiomyocyte-like HL-1 cells as well as human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), which were stably transfected with potassium channels, are cultured. Both types of cells show healthy growth and good adhesion to the substrate. The diamond transistors are used to detect electrical signals from both types of cells by recording the extracellular potential. For the HL-1 cells, the shape of action potentials can be resolved and the propagation of the signal across the cell layer is visible. Potassium currents of HEK293 cells are activated with the patch-clamp technique in voltage-clamp mode and simultaneously measured with the field-effect transistors. The ion sensitivity of the diamond surface enables the detection of released potassium ions accumulated in the cleft between transistor and cell. [source]


Galectin 3-binding protein is a potential contaminant of recombinantly produced factor IX

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 6 2007
M. BLOSTEIN
Summary., Haemophilia B, or factor IX (FIX) deficiency, represents 15% of the hereditary haemophilias. The serious morbidity from the transmission of infectious agents in plasma-derived material has mandated a need for the production of recombinant product. The rate-limiting step for the production of recombinant FIX is ,-carboxylation, a post-translational modification carried out only in mammalian cells. To test the carboxylation efficiency of recombinantly produced FIX in vitro and to improve the isolation of the pure active product, we produced FIX in a transfected human cell line (293 human embryonic kidney cells) and isolated material by immunoaffinity chromatography followed by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Unexpectedly, during hydroxyapatite chromatography, we discovered that purified FIX was contaminated by a heretofore unknown protein. Further analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) sequencing revealed this protein to be galectin-3-binding protein (G3BP). The above results raise an important note of caution regarding the production of recombinant FIX and, indeed, other proteins produced recombinantly in mammalian cells. [source]


14-3-3 epsilon modulates the stimulated secretion of endopeptidase 24.15

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2005
Flávia R. Carreño
Abstract Endopeptidase 24.15 (ep24.15: EC3.4.24.15), a secreted protein involved in peptide metabolism, is unusual in that it does not contain a signal peptide sequence. In this work, we describe the physical interaction between ep24.15 and 14-3-3 epsilon, one isoform of a family of ubiquitous phosphoserine/threonine-scaffold proteins that organizes cell signaling and is involved in exocytosis. The interaction between ep24.15 and 14-3-3 epsilon increased following phosphorylation of ep24.15 at Ser644 by protein kinase A (PKA). The co-localization of ep24.15 and 14-3-3 epsilon was increased by exposure of HEK293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) to forskolin (10 µm). Overexpression of 14-3-3 epsilon in HEK293 cells almost doubled the secretion of ep24.15 stimulated by A23187 (7.5 µm) from 10%[1.4 ± 0.24 AFU/(min 106 cells)] to 19%[2.54 ± 0.24 AFU/(min 106 cells)] (p < 0.001) of the total intracellular enzyme activity. Treatment with forskolin had a synergistic effect on the A23187-stimulated secretion of ep24.15 that was totally blocked by the PKA inhibitor KT5720. The ep24.15 point mutation S644A reduced the co-localization of ep24.15 and 14-3-3 in stably transfected HEK293 cells. Indeed, secretion of the ep24.15 S644A mutant from these cells was only slightly stimulated by A23187 and insensitive to forskolin, in contrast to that of the wild type enzyme. Together, these data suggest that prior interaction with 14-3-3 is an important step in the unconventional stimulated secretion of ep24.15. [source]


Cloning and pharmacological characterization of the equine adenosine A2A receptor: a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of equine endotoxemia

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2006
C. I. BRANDON
The aim of the current study was to clone the equine adenosine A2A receptor gene and to establish a heterologous expression system to ascertain its pharmacologic profile via radioligand binding and functional assays. An eA2A -R expression construct was generated by ligation of the eA2A cDNA into the pcDNA3.1 expression vector, and stably transfected into human embryonic kidney cells (HEK). Binding assays identified those clones expressing the eA2A -R, and equilibrium saturation isotherm experiments were utilized to determine dissociation constants (KD), and receptor densities (Bmax) of selected clones. Equilibrium competition binding revealed a rank order of agonist potency of ATL > CV-1808 > NECA > 2-CADO > CGS21680, and a rank order of antagonist potency as ZM241385 > 8-phenyltheophylline > p -sulfophenyltheophylline > caffeine. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase assays using selective A2A -R agonists revealed that the eA2A -R functionally coupled to G,s as indicated by an increase in intracellular [3H]cAMP upon receptor activation. Finally, NF- ,B reporter gene assays revealed a CGS21680 concentration-dependent inhibition of NF- ,B activity. These results indicate that the heterologously expressed eA2A -R has a pharmacological profile similar to that of other mammalian A2A receptors and thus can be utilized for further characterization of the eA2A -R to ascertain whether it can serve as a suitable pharmacological target for equine inflammatory disease. [source]


High-level expression and purification of Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels in a tetracycline-inducible stable mammalian cell line: GABAA and serotonin receptors

PROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 9 2010
Zuzana Dostalova
Abstract The human neuronal Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily of ion channels are important determinants of human behavior and the target of many drugs. It is essential for their structural characterization to achieve high-level expression in a functional state. The aim of this work was to establish stable mammalian cell lines that enable high-level heterologous production of pure receptors in a state that supports agonist-induced allosteric conformational changes. In a tetracycline-inducible stable human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293S) cell line, GABAA receptors containing ,1 and ,3 subunits could be expressed with specific activities of 29,34 pmol/mg corresponding to 140,170 pmol/plate, the highest expression level reported so far. Comparable figures for serotonin (5-HT3A) receptors were 49,63 pmol/mg and 245,315 pmol/plate. The expression of 10 nmol of either receptor in suspension in a bioreactor required 0.3,3.0 L. Both receptor constructs had a FLAG epitope inserted at the N-terminus and could be purified in one step after solubilization using ANTI-FLAG affinity chromatography with yields of 30,40%. Purified receptors were functional. Binding of the agonist [3H]muscimol to the purified GABAAR was enhanced allosterically by the general anesthetic etomidate, and purified 5-hydroxytryptamine-3A receptor supported serotonin-stimulated cation flux when reconstituted into lipid vesicles. [source]


Gene Transfer of TRPC6DN (Dominant Negative) Restores Erectile Function in Diabetic Rats

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010
Jae Hun Jung MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play an important role in modulating intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels. Aim., We examined the hypothesis that overexpression of TRPC6DN (dominant negative) may contribute to decreased [Ca2+]i levels in corporal smooth muscle (CSM). We also investigated whether gene transfer of TRPC6DN could restore erectile function in diabetic rats. Methods., For the in vitro study, the KCa, KATP, and TRPC6DN channel genes were transferred using cDNA, into cultured human CSM cells and human embryonic kidney cells. For the in vivo study, young adult rats were divided into three groups: normal controls; diabetic controls transfected with vector only; and a diabetic group transfected with pcDNA of the TRPC6DN gene. Main Outcome Measures., After gene transfer, the effects of reducing [Ca2+]i levels were assessed by Fura-2-based imaging analysis. The intracavernosal pressure (ICP) response to cavernosal nerve stimulation was assessed after intracorporal injection of TRPC6DN pcDNA. The transgene expression of the TRPC6DN was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in rats transfected with TRPC6DN pcDNA. Results., Gene transfer of ion channels effectively reduced [Ca2+]i. Among these channels, transfer of the TRPC6DN gene resulted in the greatest reduction of [Ca2+]i in human CSM. The mean (±standard error of the mean) ratio of ICP to mean arterial pressure (BP) in the gene-transfer rats was 79.4 ± 2.4% (N = 8). This was significantly higher than that in control rats (55.6 ± 3.7% [N = 8]), and similar to that in the young control rats (83 ± 2.2% [N = 12]). The RT-PCR showed expression of TRPC6DN genes in the transfected rats. Conclusion., Gene transfer of TRPC6DN not only reduced [Ca2+]i in human CSM but also restored erectile function in diabetic rats. These results suggest that pcDNA transfer of TRPC6DN may represent a promising new form of therapy for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in the future. Jung JH, Kim BJ, Chae MR, Kam SC, Jeon J-H, So I, Chung KH, and Lee SW. Gene transfer of TRPC6DN (dominant negative) restores erectile function in diabetic rats. J Sex Med 2010;7:1126,1138. [source]


Crystallization and X-ray structure of full-length recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 9 2007
Michelle N. Ngamelue
Human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been shown to function as an endogenous scavenger of diverse poisons. BChE is a 340,kDa tetrameric glycoprotein that is present in human serum at a concentration of 5,mg,l,1. The well documented therapeutic effects of BChE on cocaine toxicity and organophosphorus agent poisoning has increased the need for effective methods of producing recombinant therapeutic BChE. In order to be therapeutically useful, BChE must have a long circulatory residence time or associate as tetramers. Full-length recombinant BChE produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or human embryonic kidney cells has been shown to associate as monomers, with a shorter circulatory residence time than the naturally occurring tetrameric serum protein. Based on the preceding observation as well as the need to develop novel methodologies to facilitate the mass production of therapeutic recombinant BChE, studies have been initiated to determine the structural basis of tetramer formation. Towards these ends, full-length monomeric recombinant BChE has been crystallized for the first time. A 2.8,Å X-ray structure was solved in space group P4212, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 156, c = 146,Å. [source]


Cell-death-inducing monoclonal antibodies raised against DT40 tumor cells: Identification of chicken transferrin receptor as a novel cell-death receptor

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008
Yoshiya Ohno
We obtained unique cell-death-inducing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) named D18 and D19 against chicken DT40 cells. D18 and D19 caused several signs of apoptosis, such as exposed phosphatidyl serine on the cell surface, a sub G0/G1 peak, and DNA fragmentation, and inhibited the proliferation of DT40 cells. Flow cytometric and immunohistological analyses of various normal chicken tissues revealed the expression of the antigen recognized by these mAbs to be restricted to cells in lymphoid organs including bone marrow and bursa of fabricius, and to cells in some epithelial tissues. The cell death induced by the mAbs progressed through a mitochondrial pathway with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Apoptosis is generally characterized by cell shrinking; however, D18 and D19 elicited swelling, which preceded the cell death. We analyzed the antigen immunoprecipitated by the mAbs, and identified a 90- to 100-kDa cell-surface glycoprotein as the chicken transferrin receptor (TfR). Epitopes recognized by the two mAbs were confirmed to be different by the binding inhibition assay. The reactivity of the mAbs against DT40 cells was not inhibited by excess chicken serum, suggesting that the cell death induced by D18 and D19 was not caused by inhibition of the binding of transferrin (Tf) to chicken TfR. Since D18 and D19 have induced cell death in human embryonic kidney cells transfected with cDNA of the full-length chicken TfR, we expect human TfR to be a promising target in antibody therapy for various human malignancies. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 894,900) [source]