mRNA Stability (mrna + stability)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences


Selected Abstracts


In vivo post-transcriptional regulation of CD154 in mouse CD4+ T cells

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2009
Stefano Vavassori
Abstract Interactions between CD40 and its ligand CD154 are involved in the progression of both cell mediated and innate immunity. These interactions are brought about by the transient expression of CD154 on activated CD4+ T cells, which is regulated, in part, at the level of mRNA turnover. Here we have focused on analyzing the pattern of post-transcriptional regulation in mouse CD4+ T cells in response to activation. Initial experiments identify a region of the murine CD154 mRNA that binds a polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-containing complex (mComplex I), which is activation-dependent and binds to a single CU-rich site within the 3, uTR Subsequent findings demonstrate that in vivo polyclonal activation of T cells leads to a pattern of differential CD154 mRNA stability that is directly dependent on extent of activation. Furthermore, in vitro activation of antigen-primed T cells shows that the CD154 mRNA half-life increases relative to that of unprimed cells. Importantly, this is the first report demonstrating that the regulation of CD154 in vivo is connected to an activation-induced program of mRNA decay and thus provides strong evidence for post-transcriptional mechanisms having a physiological role in regulating CD154 expression during an ongoing immune response. [source]


Maintenance of CCL5 mRNA stores by post-effector and memory CD8 T cells is dependent on transcription and is coupled to increased mRNA stability

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Antoine Marçais
Abstract Immunological memory is associated with the display of improved effector functions by cells of the adaptive immune system. The storage of untranslated mRNA coding for the CCL5 chemokine by CD8 memory cells is a new process supporting the immediate display of an effector function. Here, we show that, after induction during the primary response, high CCL5 mRNA levels are specifically preserved in CD8 T cells. We have investigated the mechanisms involved in the long-term maintenance of CCL5 mRNA levels by memory CD8 T cells. We demonstrate that the CCL5 mRNA half-life is increased in memory CD8 T cells and that these cells constitutively transcribe ccl5 gene. By inhibiting ccl5 transcription using IL-4, we demonstrate the essential role of transcription in the maintenance of CCL5 mRNA stores. Finally, we show that these stores are spontaneously reconstituted when the inhibitory signal is removed, indicating that the transcription of ccl5 is a default feature of memory CD8 T cells imprinted in their genetic program. [source]


The MHC class,II transactivator (CIITA) mRNA stability is critical for the HLA class,II gene expression in myelomonocytic cells

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
Andrea De Lerma Barbaro
Abstract The human promyelocytic U937 cells express detectable levels of MHC class,II (MHC-II) molecules. Treatment with 12-o- - tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), inducing macrophage-like differentiation, produces a dramatic decrease of MHC-II expression as result of down-modulation of the activation of immune response gene,1 (AIR-1)-encoded MHC-II transactivator (CIITA). This event is specific, as MHC class,I remains unaffected. Similar results are observed with U937 cells expressing an exogenous full-length CIITA. Molecular studies demonstrate that TPA treatment affects the stability of CIITA mRNA rather than CIITA transcription. Importantly, cis -acting elements within the distal 650,bp of the 1035-bp 3,,untranslated region (3,UTR, nucleotides 3509,4543) are associated to transcript instability. Transcription inhibitors actinomycin,D and 5,6-dichlororibofuranosyl benzimidazole, and the translation inhibitor cycloheximide significantly rescue the accumulation of CIITA mRNA in TPA-treated cells. A similar effect is also observed after treatment with staurosporine and the PKC-specific inhibitor GF109203X. The instability of CIITA mRNA produced by TPA in U937 cells is not seen in B,cells. These results demonstrate the presence of an additional level of control of MHC-II expression in the macrophage cell lineage depending upon the control of CIITA mRNA stability, most likely mediated by differentiation-induced, 3,UTR-interacting factors which require kinase activity for their destabilizing function. [source]


Nuclear factor TDP-43 can affect selected microRNA levels

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2010
Emanuele Buratti
TDP-43 has recently been described as the major component of the inclusions found in the brain of patients with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. TDP-43 is a ubiquitous protein whose specific functions are probably crucial to establishing its pathogenic role. Apart from its involvement in transcription, splicing and mRNA stability, TDP-43 has also been described as a Drosha-associated protein. However, our knowledge of the role of TDP-43 in the microRNA (miRNA) synthesis pathway is limited to the association mentioned above. Here we report for the first time which changes occur in the total miRNA population following TDP-43 knockdown in culture cells. In particular, we have observed that let-7b and miR-663 expression levels are down- and upregulated, respectively. Interestingly, both miRNAs are capable of binding directly to TDP-43 in different positions: within the miRNA sequence itself (let-7b) or in the hairpin precursor (miR-663). Using microarray data and real-time PCR we have also identified several candidate transcripts whose expression levels are selectively affected by these TDP-43,miRNA interactions. [source]


Conformational stability and multistate unfolding of poly(A)-specific ribonuclease

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2009
Guang-Jun He
Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) specifically catalyzes the degradation of the poly(A) tails of single-stranded mRNAs in a highly processive mode. PARN participates in diverse and important intracellular processes by acting as a regulator of mRNA stability and translational efficiency. In this article, the equilibrium unfolding of PARN was studied using both guanidine hydrochloride and urea as chemical denaturants. The unfolding of PARN was characterized as a multistate process, but involving dissimilar equilibrium intermediates when denatured by the two denaturants. A comparison of the spectral characteristics of these intermediates indicated that the conformational changes at low concentrations of the chemical denaturants were more likely to be rearrangements of the tertiary and quaternary structures. In particular, an inactive molten globule-like intermediate was identified to exist as soluble non-native oligomers, and the formation of the oligomers was modulated by electrostatic interactions. An active dimeric intermediate unique to urea-induced unfolding was characterized to have increased regular secondary structures and modified tertiary structures, implying that additional regular structures could be induced by environmental stresses. The dissimilarity in the unfolding pathways induced by guanidine hydrochloride and urea suggest that electrostatic interactions play an important role in PARN stability and regulation. The appearance of multiple intermediates with distinct properties provides the structural basis for the multilevel regulation of PARN by conformational changes. [source]


Biochemical insights into the mechanisms central to the response of mammalian cells to cold stress and subsequent rewarming

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009
Anne Roobol
Mammalian cells cultured in vitro are able to recover from cold stress. However, the mechanisms activated during cold stress and recovery are still being determined. We here report the effects of hypothermia on cellular architecture, cell cycle progression, mRNA stability, protein synthesis and degradation in three mammalian cell lines. The cellular structures examined were, in general, well maintained during mild hypothermia (27,32 °C) but became increasingly disrupted at low temperatures (4,10 °C). The degradation rates of all mRNAs and proteins examined were much reduced at 27 °C, and overall protein synthesis rates were gradually reduced with temperature down to 20 °C. Proteins involved in a range of cellular activities were either upregulated or downregulated at 32 and 27 °C during cold stress and recovery. Many of these proteins were molecular chaperones, but they did not include the inducible heat shock protein Hsp72. Further detailed investigation of specific proteins revealed that the responses to cold stress and recovery are at least partially controlled by modulation of p53, Grp75 and eIF3i levels. Furthermore, under conditions of severe cold stress (4 °C), lipid-containing structures were observed that appeared to be in the process of being secreted from the cell that were not observed at less severe cold stress temperatures. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms involved and activated in mammalian cells upon cold stress and recovery. [source]


Downregulation of protease-activated receptor-1 in human lung fibroblasts is specifically mediated by the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 through cAMP elevation and protein kinase A

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 14 2008
Elena Sokolova
Many cellular functions of lung fibroblasts are controlled by protease-activated receptors (PARs). In fibrotic diseases, PAR-1 plays a major role in controlling fibroproliferative and inflammatory responses. Therefore, in these diseases, regulation of PAR-1 expression plays an important role. Using the selective prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist butaprost and cAMP-elevating agents, we show here that prostaglandin (PG)E2, via the prostanoid receptor EP2 and subsequent cAMP elevation, downregulates mRNA and protein levels of PAR-1 in human lung fibroblasts. Under these conditions, the functional response of PAR-1 in fibroblasts is reduced. These effects are specific for PGE2. Activation of other receptors coupled to cAMP elevation, such as ,-adrenergic and adenosine receptors, does not reproduce the effects of PGE2. PGE2 -mediated downregulation of PAR-1 depends mainly on protein kinase A activity, but does not depend on another cAMP effector, the exchange protein activated by cAMP. PGE2 -induced reduction of PAR-1 level is not due to a decrease of PAR-1 mRNA stability, but rather to transcriptional regulation. The present results provide further insights into the therapeutic potential of PGE2 to specifically control fibroblast function in fibrotic diseases. [source]


FGF-2, IL-1, and TGF-, regulate fibroblast expression of S100A8

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 11 2005
Farid Rahimi
Growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) regulate fibroblast function, differentiation and proliferation. S100A8 and S100A9 are members of the S100 family of Ca2+ -binding proteins and are now accepted as markers of inflammation. They are expressed by keratinocytes and inflammatory cells in human/murine wounds and by appropriately activated macrophages, endothelial cells, epithelial cells and keratinocytes in vitro. In this study, regulation and expression of S100A8 and S100A9 were examined in fibroblasts. Endotoxin (LPS), interferon , (IFN,), tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) and TGF-, did not induce the S100A8 gene in murine fibroblasts whereas FGF-2 induced mRNA maximally after 12 h. The FGF-2 response was strongly enhanced and prolonged by heparin. Interleukin-1, (IL-1,) alone, or in synergy with FGF-2/heparin strongly induced the gene in 3T3 fibroblasts. S100A9 mRNA was not induced under any condition. Induction of S100A8 in the absence of S100A9 was confirmed in primary fibroblasts. S100A8 mRNA induction by FGF-2 and IL-1, was partially dependent on the mitogen-activated-protein-kinase pathway and dependent on new protein synthesis. FGF-2-responsive elements were distinct from the IL-1,-responsive elements in the S100A8 gene promoter. FGF-2-/heparin-induced, but not IL-1,-induced responses were significantly suppressed by TGF-,, possibly mediated by decreased mRNA stability. S100A8 in activated fibroblasts was mainly intracytoplasmic. Rat dermal wounds contained numerous S100A8-positive fibroblast-like cells 2 and 4 days post injury; numbers declined by 7 days. Up-regulation of S100A8 by FGF-2/IL-1,, down-regulation by TGF-,, and its time-dependent expression in wound fibroblasts suggest a role in fibroblast differentiation at sites of inflammation and repair. [source]


A combined stress response analysis of Spirulina platensis in terms of global differentially expressed proteins, and mRNA levels and stability of fatty acid biosynthesis genes

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2008
Wattana Jeamton
Abstract Changes in gene expression play a critical role in enhancing the ability of cyanobacteria to survive under cold conditions. In the present study, Spirulina platensis cultures were grown at the optimal growth temperature, in the light, before being transferred to dark conditions at 22 °C. Two dimensional-differential gel electrophoresis was then performed to separate differentially expressed proteins that were subsequently identified by MS. Among all differentiated proteins identified, a protein involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, (3R)-hydroxymyristoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein]-dehydratase encoded by fabZ, was the most up-regulated protein. However, the fatty-acid desaturation proteins were not significantly differentiated. This raised the question of how the unsaturated fatty acid, especially ,-linolenic acid, content in the cells in the cold,dark shift remained stable compared with that of the cold shift. Thus, a study at the transcriptional level of these desaturase genes, desC, desA and desD, and also of the fabZ gene was conducted. The results indicated that in the dark, where energy is limited, mRNA stability was enhanced by exposure to low temperatures. The data demonstrate that when the cells encounter cold stress with energy limitation, they can maintain their homeoviscous adaptation ability via mRNA stability. [source]


hnRNP K interacts with RNA binding motif protein 42 and functions in the maintenance of cellular ATP level during stress conditions

GENES TO CELLS, Issue 2 2009
Toshiyuki Fukuda
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is a conserved RNA-binding protein that is involved in multiple processes of gene expression, including chromatin remodeling, transcription, RNA splicing, mRNA stability and translation, together with diverse groups of molecular partners. Here we identified a previously uncharacterized protein RNA binding motif protein 42 (RBM42) as hnRNP K-binding protein. RBM42 directly bound to hnRNP K in vivo and in vitro. RBM42 also directly bound to the 3, untranslated region of p21 mRNA, one of the target mRNAs for hnRNP K. RBM42 predominantly localized within the nucleus and co-localized with hnRNP K there. When cells were treated with agents, puromycin, sorbitol or arsenite, which induced the formation of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic aggregates of stalled translational pre-initiation complexes, both hnRNP K and RBM42 localized at SGs. Depletion of hnRNP K by RNA interference decreased cellular ATP level following release from stress conditions. Simultaneous depletion of RBM42 with hnRNP K enhanced the effect of the hnRNP K depletion. Our results indicate that hnRNP K and RBM42 are components of SGs and suggest that hnRNP K and RBM42 have a role in the maintenance of cellular ATP level in the stress conditions possibly through protecting their target mRNAs. [source]


Oncostatin M enhances the expression of prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in astrocytes: Synergy with interleukin-1,, tumor necrosis factor-,, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide

GLIA, Issue 4 2003
Pavle Repovic
Abstract Oncostatin M (OSM), a cytokine of the interleukin-6 family, is expressed in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, multiple myeloma, and other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an eicosanoid also associated with inflammation and cancer, has recently been shown to induce OSM expression. We report here that OSM in turn induces PGE2 production by astrocytes and astroglioma cells. More importantly, in combination with the inflammatory mediators IL-1,, tumor necrosis factor-,, and lipopolysaccharide, OSM exhibits a striking synergy, resulting in up to 50-fold higher PGE2 production by astrocytes, astroglioma, and neuroblastoma cell lines. Enhanced PGE2 production by OSM and IL-1, treatment is explained by their effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that catalyzes the committed step in PGE2 synthesis. Of the enzymes involved in PGE2 biosynthesis, only COX-2 mRNA and protein levels are synergistically amplified by OSM and IL-1,. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrate that OSM and IL-1, synergistically upregulate transcription of the COX-2 gene, and the mRNA stability assay indicates that COX-2 mRNA is posttranscriptionally stabilized by OSM and IL-1,. To effect synergy on the PGE2 level, OSM signals in part through its gp130/OSMR, receptor, since neutralizing antibodies against gp130 and OSMR,, but not LIFR,, decrease PGE2 production in response to OSM plus IL-1,. SB202190 and U0126, inhibitors of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 activation, respectively, inhibit IL-1, and OSM upregulation of COX-2 and PGE2, indicating that these MAPK cascades are utilized by both stimuli. This mechanism of PGE2 amplification may be active in brain pathologies where both OSM and IL-1, are present, such as glioblastomas and multiple sclerosis. GLIA 42:433,446, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Toxicogenomics: a pivotal piece in the puzzle of toxicological research

JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
Elisavet T. Gatzidou
Abstract Toxicogenomics, resulting from the merge of conventional toxicology with functional genomics, being the scientific field studying the complex interactions between the cellular genome, toxic agents in the environment, organ dysfunction and disease state. When an organism is exposed to a toxic agent the cells respond by altering the pattern of gene expression. Genes are transcribed into mRNA, which in turn is translated into proteins that serve in a variety of cellular functions. Toxicogenomics through microarray technology, offers large-scale detection and quantification of mRNA transcripts, related to alterations in mRNA stability or gene regulation. This may prove advantageous in toxicological research. In the present review, the applications of toxicogenomics, especially to mechanistic and predictive toxicology are reported. The limitations arising from the use of this technology are also discussed. Additionally, a brief report of other approaches, using other -omic technologies (proteomics and metabonomics) that overcome limitations and give global information related to toxicity, is included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


High glucose levels upregulate upstream stimulatory factor 2 gene transcription in mesangial cells

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2008
Lihua Shi
Abstract Previously, we demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) mediates high glucose-induced thrombospondin1 (TSP1) gene expression and TGF-, activity in glomerular mesangial cells and plays a role in diabetic renal complications. In the present studies, we further determined the molecular mechanisms by which high glucose levels regulate USF2 gene expression. In primary rat mesangial cells, we found that glucose treatment time and dose-dependently up-regulated USF2 expression (mRNA and protein). By using cycloheximide to block the de novo protein synthesis, similar rate of USF2 degradation was found under either normal glucose or high glucose conditions. USF2 mRNA stability was not altered by high glucose treatment. Furthermore, high glucose treatment stimulated USF2 gene promoter activity. By using the luciferase-promoter deletion assay, site-directed mutagenesis, and transactivation assay, we identified a glucose-responsive element in the USF2 gene promoter (,1,740 to ,1,620, relative to the transcription start site) and demonstrated that glucose-induced USF2 expression is mediated through a cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated CREB knock down abolished glucose-induced USF2 expression. Taken together, these data indicate that high glucose levels up-regulate USF2 gene transcription in mesangial cells through CREB-dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1952,1961, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Role of atypical protein kinase C isozymes and NF-,B in IL-1,-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human myometrial smooth muscle cells

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Sara V. Duggan
Increased myometrial expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) at term results from elevated local levels of inflammatory cytokines, and its inhibition provides a potential route for intervention in human pre-term labor. We have identified a role for atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in IL-1,-induced Cox-2 expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HMSMC). The PKC inhibitor GF109203X (10 µM) inhibited IL-1,-induced Cox-2 protein and RNA expression, which were also reduced by MAPK and nuclear factor ,B (NF-,B) inhibitors. GF109203X did not affect MAPK activities, and neither did it replicate the effect of p38 MAPK inhibition on Cox-2 mRNA stability, suggesting that PKC operates through an independent mechanism. The effect of GF109203X remained intact after depletion of conventional and novel PKC isozymes by phorbol ester pre-treatment. In contrast LY379196 (10 µM), which at micromolar concentrations inhibits all but atypical PKCs, did not affect Cox-2 expression. A peptide corresponding to the pseudosubstrate sequence of atypical PKCs blocked Cox-2 protein expression, whereas the sequence from conventional PKCs was ineffective. GF109203X did not affect NF-,B binding to nuclear proteins, but strongly reduced NF-,B-dependent transcription in luciferase reporter assays. Our findings indicate that IL-1,-induced Cox-2 expression in HMSMC in culture requires p38-MAPK-mediated mRNA stabilization and an independent activation of Cox-2 transcription which is dependent on the action of atypical PKCs, probably through direct stimulation of the transactivating activity of NF-,B. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 637,643, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Glycogen synthase kinase-3,: homologous regulation of cell surface insulin receptor level via controlling insulin receptor mRNA stability in adrenal chromaffin cells

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2007
Hiroki Yokoo
Abstract In cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, 48 h-treatment with 20 mmol/L LiCl, 1 mmol/L valproic acid, 30 ,mol/L SB216763, 30 ,mol/L SB415286, or 100 nmol/L insulin, a condition that inhibits constitutive active glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), decreased cell surface 125I-insulin binding capacity by ,39%, without altering the Kd value; LiCl, SB216763 or insulin decreased insulin receptor (IR) and IR precursor levels, attenuating insulin-induced Tyr-autophosphorylation of IR. LiCl increased inhibitory Ser9-phosphorylation of GSK-3, at 6 h, decreasing 125I-insulin binding at 24 h. SB216763-induced 125I-insulin binding reduction (IC50 = 3 ,mol/L) was preceded by ,-catenin level increase by SB216763 (EC50 = 11 ,mol/L), a hallmark of GSK-3 inhibition. Insulin-induced rapid (> 1 min) Ser9-phosphorylation of GSK-3, (Nemoto et al. 2006) was followed by ,48% decrease of IR level. LiCl did not stimulate endocytosis, nor proteolysis of IR. LiCl destabilized IR mRNA (t1/2 = 9.3 vs. 6.5 h), decreasing IR mRNA level by ,47%, without altering IR gene transcription. Decreases of 125I-insulin binding and IR level, as well as increased Ser9-phosphorylation of GSK-3, were restored to the control levels by washing the test compound-treated cells. Thus, GSK-3, regulates IR level via controlling IR mRNA stability. [source]


Interleukin-1, Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis in Human Neuroblastoma Cells

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2000
Involvement of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor-
Abstract: Prostaglandins (PGs), which are generated by the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2, modulate several functions in the CNS such as the generation of fever, the sleep/wake cycle, and the perception of pain. Moreover, the neuronal induction of COX-2 has been linked to neuroinflammatory aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The regulation of COX expression in neuronal cells is only partly understood and has been mainly linked to synaptic activity. In pathophysiological situations, however, cytokines may be potent stimulators of neuronal COX expression. Here we show that interleukin (IL)-1, induces COX-2 mRNA and protein synthesis and the release of PGE2 in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. We further demonstrate that both a free radical scavenger and an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduce IL-1,-induced synthesis of COX-2. IL-1, induces p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation of the nuclear factor-,B independently from each other. Our data suggest that IL-1,-induced COX-2 expression in SK-N-SH cells is regulated by different mechanisms, presumably involving mRNA transcription and mRNA stability. The ability of p38 MAPK to augment COX-2 expression in human neuroblastoma cells, as shown here, suggests that p38 MAPK may be involved in neuronal expression of COX-2 in AD. [source]


Potential mechanisms for astrocyte-TIMP-1 downregulation in chronic inflammatory diseases

JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 7 2006
Jessica Gardner
Abstract The pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 associated dementia, is exacerbated by an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In the context of disease, TIMP-1 has emerged as an important multifunctional protein capable of regulating inflammation. We previously reported differential TIMP-1 expression in acute versus chronic activation of astrocytes. This study investigates possible mechanisms underlying TIMP-1 downregulation in chronic neuroinflammation. We used interleukin (IL)-1, as a model pro-inflammatory stimulus and measured TIMP-1 binding to extracellular matrix, cell death, receptor downregulation, TIMP-1 mRNA stability and transcriptional regulation in activated astrocytes. TIMP-1 remained localized to the cell body or was secreted into the cell supernatant. DNA fragmentation ELISA and MTT assay showed that prolonged IL-1, activation of astrocytes induced significant astrocyte death. In acute and chronic IL-1,-activated astrocytes, IL-1 receptor levels were not significantly different. TIMP-1 mRNA stability was measured in astrocytes and U87 astroglioma cells by real-time PCR, and TIMP-1 promoter activation was studied using TIMP-1-luciferase reporter constructs in transfected astrocytes. Our results indicated that TIMP-1 expression is regulated through multiple mechanisms. Transcriptional control and loss of mRNA stabilization are, however, the most likely primary contributors to chronic downregulation of TIMP-1. These data are important for unraveling the mechanisms underlying astrocyte responses during chronic neuroinflammation and have broader implications in other inflammatory diseases that involve MMP/TIMP imbalance. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Ethanol Modulation of TNF-alpha Biosynthesis and Signaling in Endothelial Cells: Synergistic Augmentation of TNF-alpha Mediated Endothelial Cell Dysfunctions by Chronic Ethanol

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2005
Corinne Luedemann
Despite reported cardio-protective effects of low alcohol intake, chronic alcoholism remains a risk factor in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Dose related bimodal effects of alcohol on cardiovascular system might reflect contrasting influences of light versus heavy alcohol consumption on the vascular endothelium. Chronic ethanol induced damage to various organs has been linked to the increased release of TNF-alpha (TNF). We have previously shown that TNF, expressed at the sites of arterial injury, suppresses re-endothelialization of denuded arteries and inhibits endothelial cell (EC) proliferation in vitro. Here we report that in vitro chronic ethanol exposure enhances agonist-induced TNF mRNA and protein expression in EC. Ethanol-mediated increment in TNF expression involves increased de novo transcription without affecting mRNA stability. DNA binding assays revealed that ethanol-induced TNF up regulation was AP1 dependent. Functionally, TNF induced EC dysfunction, including reduced proliferation, migration and cyclin A expression, were all markedly enhanced in the presence of ethanol. Additionally, expression of cyclin D1 was significantly attenuated in cells co-treated with TNF and ethanol while each treatment alone had little effect on cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, exposure to ethanol potentiated and prolonged agonist-induced activation of JNK. Inhibition of JNK by over-expression of dominant negative JNK1 substantially reversed ethanol/TNF-mediated inhibition of cyclin A expression and EC proliferation, suggesting modulation of JNK1 signaling as the mechanism for ethanol/TNF-induced EC dysfunctions. Taken together, these data indicate that chronic ethanol consumption may negatively influence post angioplasty re-endothelialization thereby contributing to the development of restenosis. [source]


Clara cell 10-kDa protein expression in chronic rhinosinusitis and its cytokine-driven regulation in sinonasal mucosa

ALLERGY, Issue 1 2009
Z. Liu
Background:, Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) is a multifunction protein with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects; hence we compared the CC10 expression between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with and without nasal polyps (NPs), analyzed its association with disease severity and response to surgery, and explored its regulation via cytokines. Methods:, The plasma and tissue CC10 levels were compared between controls and CRS patients with and without NPs by means of quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Computed tomography (CT) scan and endoscopy findings and symptoms were scored. Nasal explant culture was used to explore the effect of TNF-,, IL-1,, IL-4, INF-,, and IL-10 on CC10 gene regulation. Results:, Compared with controls, the CC10 expression in sinonasal mucosa was significantly inhibited in both CRS patients with and without NPs. There was a significant further decrease of CC10 expression in patients with NPs and asthma. No difference in CC10 plasma levels was found between controls and patients. CC10 levels inversely correlated with preoperative CT scores, and postoperative endoscopy and symptom scores. TNF-,, IL-1, and IL-4 inhibited, whereas INF-, and IL-10 promoted CC10 production in nasal mucosa. A significantly faster decay of CC10 transcripts was seen after IL-1, treatment. IL-1, and IL-10 induced thyroid transcription factor-1 expression. INF-, increased, whereas IL-4 inhibited hepatocyte nuclear factor-3, expression. Conclusion:, CC10 may take part in the pathogenesis of CRS and correlates with disease severity and response to surgery. Different cytokines can regulate CC10 expression in nasal mucosa differentially through modulating mRNA stability and certain transcriptional factors expression. [source]


RNase R affects gene expression in stationary phase: regulation of ompA

MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
José Marques Andrade
Summary In nature, bacteria remain mostly in the stationary phase of the life cycle. Although mRNA is a major determinant of gene expression, little is known about mRNA decay in the stationary phase. The results presented herein demonstrate that RNase R is induced in stationary phase and is involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of ompA mRNA. This work is the first report of RNase R activity on a full length mRNA. In the absence of RNase R in a single rnr mutant, higher levels of ompA mRNA are found as a consequence of the stabilization of ompA full transcript. This effect is growth-phase-specific and not a growth-rate-dependent event. These higher levels of ompA mRNA were correlated with increases in the amounts of OmpA protein. We have also analysed the role of other factors that could affect ompA mRNA stability in stationary phase. RNase E was found to have the most important role, followed by polyadenylation. PNPase also affected the decay of the ompA transcript but RNase II did not seem to contribute much to this degradation process. The participation of RNase R in poly(A)-dependent pathways of decay in stationary phase of growth is discussed. The results show that RNase R can be a modulator of gene expression in stationary phase cells. [source]


Riboregulation by DsrA RNA: trans -actions for global economy

MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
MicroReview
DsrA is an 87 nucleotide Escherichia coli RNA with extraordinary regulatory properties. The profound impact of its actions stems from DsrA regulating translation of two global transcription regulators, H-NS and RpoS (,s), by sequence-specific RNA,RNA interactions. H-NS is a major nucleoid-structuring and global repressor protein, and RpoS is the stationary phase and stress response sigma factor of RNA polymerase. DsrA changes its conformation to bind to these two different mRNA targets and thereby inhibits H-NS translation, while stimulating that of RpoS in a mechanistically distinct fashion. DsrA apparently binds both the start and the stop codons of hns mRNA and sharply decreases the mRNA half-life. DsrA also binds sequences in the 5,-untranslated leader region of rpoS mRNA, enhancing rpoS mRNA stability and RpoS translation. A cohort of genes, governed by H-NS repression and RpoS activation, are thus regulated. Low temperatures increase the levels of DsrA, with differential effects on H-NS and RpoS. Additionally, the RNA chaperone protein Hfq is involved with DsrA regulation, as well as with other small RNAs that also act on RpoS to co-ordinate stress responses. We address the possible functions of this genetic regulatory mechanism, as well as the advantages of using small RNAs as global regulators to orchestrate gene expression. [source]


Proteomic analysis of cells in the early stages of herpes simplex virus type-1 infection reveals widespread changes in the host cell proteome

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 15 2009
Robin Antrobus
Abstract During infection by herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) the host cell undergoes widespread changes in gene expression and morphology in response to viral replication and release. However, relatively little is known about the specific proteome changes that occur during the early stages of HSV-1 replication prior to the global damaging effects of virion maturation and egress. To investigate pathways that may be activated or utilised during the early stages of HSV-1 replication, 2-DE and LC-MS/MS were used to identify cellular proteome changes at 6,h post infection. Comparative analysis of multiple gels representing whole cell extracts from mock- and HSV-1-infected HEp-2 cells revealed a total of 103 protein spot changes. Of these, 63 were up-regulated and 40 down-regulated in response to infection. Changes in selected candidate proteins were verified by Western blot analysis and their respective cellular localisations analysed by confocal microscopy. We have identified differential regulation and modification of proteins with key roles in diverse cellular pathways, including DNA replication, chromatin remodelling, mRNA stability and the ER stress response. This work represents the first global comparative analysis of HSV-1 infected cells and provides an important insight into host cell proteome changes during the early stages of HSV-1 infection. [source]


Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase is Regulated Post-transcriptionally at the Level of RNA Stability

THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
MINU CHAUDHURI
ABSTRACT In the bloodstream form of African trypanosomes, trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO), the non-cytochrome ubiquinol:oxidoreductase, is the only terminal oxidase of the mitochondrial electron transport system. TAO is developmentally regulated during mitochondrial biogenesis in this parasite. During in vitro differentiation of Trypanosoma bmcei from the bloodstream to the procyclic form, the overall rate of oxygen consumption decreased about 80%. The mode of respiration changed over a 2- to 3-wk period from a cyanide-insensitive, SHAM-sensitive pathway to a predominantly cyanide-sensitive pathway. The TAO protein level gradually decreased to the level present in the procyclic forms during this 3-wk period. However, within the first week of differentiation, the TAO transcript level decreased about 90% and then in the following weeks it reached the level present in the established procyclic form, that is about 20% of that in bloodstream forms. Like other trypanosomatid genes TAO transcript synthesis remains unaltered in fully differentiated bloodstream and procyclic trypanosomes. The half-life of the TAO mRNA was about 3.2 h in the procyclic trypanosomes, whereas the TAO transcript level remained unaltered even after 4 h of incubation with actinomycin D in bloodstream forms. Inhibition of protein synthesis resulted in about a four-fold accumulation of the TAO transcript in the procyclic trypanosomes, comparable to the level present in the bloodstream forms. Thus, TAO is regulated at the level of mRNA stability and de novo protein synthesis is required for the reduction of the TAO mRNA pool in the procyclic form. [source]


A dominant nuclear mutation in Chlamydomonas identifies a factor controlling chloroplast mRNA stability by acting on the coding region of the atpA transcript

THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2002
Dominique Drapier
Summary We have characterized a nuclear mutation, mda1 -ncc1, that affects mRNA stability for the atpA gene cluster in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas. Unlike all nuclear mutations altering chloroplast gene expression described to date, mda1 -ncc1 is a dominant mutation that still allows accumulation of detectable amounts of atpA mRNAs. At variance with the subset of these mutations that affect mRNA stability through the 5, UTR of a single chloroplast transcript, the mutated version of MDA1 acts on the coding region of the atpA message. We discuss the action of MDA1 in relation to the unusual pattern of expression of atpA that associates particularly short lived-transcripts with a very high translational efficiency. [source]


Resistin induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human articular chondrocytes via transcription and messenger RNA stabilization

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2010
Zhiqi Zhang
Objective To elucidate the effects of resistin on human articular chondrocytes and to generate a picture of their regulation at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Methods Human articular chondrocytes were cultured with resistin. Changes in gene expression were analyzed at various doses and times. Cells were also treated with the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D after resistin treatment or with the NF-,B inhibitor IKK-NBD before resistin treatment. Gene expression was tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Computational analysis for transcription factor binding motifs was performed on the promoter regions of differentially expressed genes. TC-28 chondrocytes were transfected with CCL3 and CCL4 promoter constructs, pNF-,B reporter, and NF-,B and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein , (C/EBP,) expression vectors with or without resistin. Results Resistin-treated human articular chondrocytes increased the expression of cytokines and chemokines. Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4 also increased, while type II collagen ,1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan were down-regulated. The cytokine and chemokine genes could be categorized into 3 groups according to the pattern of mRNA expression over a 24-hour time course. One pattern suggested rapid regulation by mRNA stability. The second and third patterns were consistent with transcriptional regulation. Computational analysis suggested the transcription factors NF-,B and C/EBP, were involved in the resistin-induced up-regulation. This prediction was confirmed by the cotransfection of NF-,B and C/EBP, and the IKK-NBD inhibition. Conclusion Resistin has diverse effects on gene expression in human chondrocytes, affecting chemokines, cytokines, and matrix genes. Messenger RNA stabilization and transcriptional up-regulation are involved in resistin-induced gene expression in human chondrocytes. [source]


HuR expression in the nucleus correlates with high histological grade and poor disease-free survival in ovarian cancer

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Xiaofang YI
Background: HuR, a nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, plays an important role in mRNA stability as well as cellular differentiation. Recently, HuR expression, particularly in the cytoplasm, was thought to be associated with the prognosis of several cancers including ovarian cancer. Aims: To study the clinical significance of nuclear HuR expression in ovarian cancer. Methods: Primary epithelial ovarian carcinomas (102) and ovarian low malignant potential tumours (11) were assessed for HuR protein expression by immunohistochemistry. HuR scoring accounted for both intensity and percentage of cells stained, and ranged from 0 to 300. Results: HuR was found to be present predominantly in the nucleus, where it was expressed in 85.8% of cases. Nuclear HuR was associated with the invasive cancers (P = 0.004), high grade (P < 0.0001), large residual disease (P = 0.045) and poor disease-free survival (P = 0.0009). Among those 91 specimens with high grade, 76.9% had a high nuclear HuR score, while in those 22 cases with low grade, only 31.8% had a high HuR score (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that nuclear HuR intensity was an independent prognostic factor for poor disease-free survival (P = 0.0484). When the invasive cancers were analysed separately, only the association between nuclear HuR and high grade remained (P = 0.0089). Conclusions: Our results support the clinical significance of nuclear HuR in ovarian carcinoma and suggest that nuclear HuR may also play a role in the biology of ovarian cancer. These data suggest a more complex model for HuR in ovarian cancer than one limited to cytoplasmic localisation. [source]


Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the second RRM of Pub1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009
Yingji Cui
mRNA stability is elaborately regulated by elements in the mRNA transcripts and their cognate RNA-binding proteins, which play important roles in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in eukaryotes. Poly(U)-binding protein 1 (Pub1), which is a major nuclear and cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA-binding protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is involved in the regulation of mRNA turnover as a trans -acting factor. It binds to transcripts containing the AU-rich element in order to protect them from degradation. Pub1 contains three RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs) which play significant roles in mRNA binding at AU-rich elements and stabilizer elements. In this study, the second RRM of Pub1 was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 4000 as a precipitant at 283,K. An X-ray diffraction data set was collected using a single flash-cooled crystal that belonged to space group H3. [source]


Cell line-specific control of recombinant monoclonal antibody production by CHO cells,

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 6 2010
Peter M. O'Callaghan
Abstract In this study we compare the cellular control of recombinant human IgG4 monoclonal antibody (Mab) synthesis in different CHO cell lines. Based on comprehensive empirical analyses of mRNA and polypeptide synthetic intermediates we constructed cell line-specific mathematical models of recombinant Mab manufacture in seven GS-CHO cell lines varying in specific production rate (qMab) over 350-fold. This comparative analysis revealed that control of qMab involved both genetic construct and cell line-specific factors. With respect to the former, all cell lines exhibited excess production of light chain (LC) mRNA and polypeptide relative to heavy chain (HC) mediated by more rapid LC transcription and enhanced LC mRNA stability. Downstream of this, cell lines differed markedly in their relative rates of recombinant mRNA translation, Mab assembly and secretion although HC mRNA abundance and the rate of HC translation generally exerted most control over qMab,the latter being directly proportional to qMab. This study shows that (i) cell lines capable of high qMab exceed a threshold functional competency in all synthetic processes, (ii) the majority of cells in parental and transfected cell populations are functionally limited and (iii) cell engineering strategies to increase Mab production should be cell line specific. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 938,951. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Combinatorial, selective and reversible control of gene expression using oligodeoxynucleotides in a cell-free protein synthesis system,

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009
Jung-Won Keum
Abstract Herein we describe the methods for selective and reversible regulation of gene expression using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) in a cell-free protein synthesis system programmed with multiple DNAs. Either a complete shut down or controlled level of gene expression was attained through the antisense ODN-mediated regulation of mRNA stability in the reaction mixture. In addition to the primary control of gene expression, we also demonstrate that the inhibition of protein synthesis can be reversed by using an anti-antisense ODN sequence that strips the antisense ODN off the target sequence of mRNA. As a result, sequential additions of the antisense and anti-antisense ODNs enabled the stop-and-go expression of protein molecules. Through the on-demand regulation of gene expression, presented results will provide a versatile platform for the analysis and understanding of the complicated networks of biological components. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 577,582. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Gene transcription acceleration: main cause of hepatitis B surface antigen production improvement by dimethyl sulfoxide in the culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 3 2007
Wenying Wang
Abstract The production and specific productivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were increased by 81% and threefold, respectively, when supplemented with 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the culture medium. To investigate the mechanism of DMSO effect on HBsAg production improvement, HBsAg mRNA level was measured by real-time PCR. HBsAg mRNA was increased by about 1.5-fold at 1.5% DMSO. The increase could derive from the increase of HBsAg gene copy number, the improvement of HBsAg mRNA stability, or the acceleration of HBsAg gene transcription. It was found that HBsAg gene copy number was not significantly changed in the cells stimulated with DMSO. HBsAg mRNA stability of cells with DMSO treatment was also not obviously different from control, and the mRNA half-life of 5.58 h in the cells at 1.5% DMSO was comparable to that of 5.36 h in the control culture. DMSO resulted in 80% increase in HBsAg gene transcription activity assessed using a nuclear run-on transcription assay. It could be deduced that the acceleration of HBsAg gene transcription is the main cause of HBsAg production improvement. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 526,535. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]