Molecular analysis of the prostate-specific antigen upstream gene enhancer

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to identify factors other than androgen receptor that bind to and regulate the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) upstream gene enhancer (PSE). METHODS: DNAse I footprinting and electromobility shift assays (EMSA) were performed over the PSE using lysates from PSA-producing cell lines, LNCaP and LAPC4, and nonproducing PSA cell lines, PC-3 cells, U937 monocytes, and Namalwa B cells. Mutational analysis and transient transfection assays were used to determine the contributions made by different elements towards the regulation of the enhancer. RESULTS: Three distinct regions surrounding androgen response elements of the PSE were found to bind unknown ubiquitous and cell type-specific proteins. These regions, when mutated in a PSE reporter construct, were shown to be required for maximal activation in LNCaP cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results correlate unknown sequence-specific DNA binding proteins with androgen-mediated regulation of a prostate-specific gene, thus providing further insight into the mechanism of PSA gene expression.     

Expression from a Dlx gene enhancer marks adult mouse cortical GABAergic neurons.

In this paper we analyse the expression pattern of a zebrafish dlx4/6 enhancer/reporter construct in embryonic transgenic mice. We show that the pattern of LacZ/beta-galactosidase in cells that tangentially migrate from the ganglionic eminences to the cerebral cortex is identical to that of various subpallial markers, namely Dlx and GAD genes, that are known to label this population. Because beta-galactosidase activity persists long after expression of the Dlx genes and the transgene becomes undetectable, we were able to analyse the beta-galactosidase-positive cell population of the mature cortex through X-gal staining and immunohistochemistry. We show that this population is largely identical with the adult cortical and hippocampal interneuron population, providing further evidence for their subpallial origin.     

骨关节炎生物标记物COMP的研究进展

血清寡聚基质蛋白(COMP)是骨性关节炎的一个潜在的生物标记物,迄今为止COMP是最先研究的且一直被认为能较好反映骨性关节炎发生、进展及预后情况的生物学指标。本文简要阐述其多重用途,并总结先前的研究报道以促进对COMP的进一步研究。     

Zeste基因增强子同源物2基因对于人多发性骨髓瘤细胞的影响及其机制

目的:研究Zeste基因增强子同源物2(EZH2)在人多发性骨髓瘤细胞系RPMI8226中的作用和分子机制。方法:采用实时定量反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)法检测3株人多发性骨髓瘤细胞和20名多发性骨髓瘤患者骨髓单个核细胞中EZH2的表达水平。以RPMI8226细胞为代表,采用小干扰RNA(siRNA)沉默EZH...     

Prostate-specific suicide gene therapy using the prostate-specific membrane antigen promoter and enhancer

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is abundantly expressed in virtually 100% of prostate cancers and metastases. In addition, unlike prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSMA is upregulated under conditions of androgen deprivation. Therefore, PSMA is an attractive therapeutic target for advanced prostate cancer. Recently, both the promoter and the enhancer driving prostate-specific expression of the PSMA gene were cloned. We describe here our analysis of the PSMA enhancer for the most active region(s) and present a way of using the enhancer in combination with the E. coli cytosine deaminase gene for suicide-driven gene therapy that converts the nontoxic prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in prostate cancer cells. METHODS: Deletion constructs of the full-length PSMA enhancer were subcloned into a luciferase reporter vector containing either the PSMA or SV-40 promoter. The most active portion of the enhancer was then determined via luciferase activity in the C4-2 cell line. We then replaced the luciferase gene with the E. coli cytosine deaminase gene in the subclone that showed the most luciferase activity. The specificity of this technique was examined in vitro, using the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, its androgen-independent derivative C4-2, and a number of nonprostatic cell lines. The toxicity of 5-FC and 5-FU on transiently transfected cell lines was then compared. RESULTS: The enhancer region originally isolated from the PSMA gene was approximately 2 kb. Deletion constructs revealed that at least two distinct regions seem to contribute to expression of the gene in prostate cancer cells, and therefore the best construct for prostate-specific expression was determined to be 1, 648 bp long. The IC(50) of 5-FC was similar in all cell lines tested (>10 mM). However, transfection with the 1648 nt PSMA enhancer and the PSMA promoter to drive the cytosine deaminase gene enhanced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner more than 50-fold, while cells that did not express the PSMA gene were not significantly sensitized by transfection. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide gene therapy using the PSMA enhancer may be of benefit to patients who have undergone androgen ablation therapy and are suffering a relapse of disease.     

Chondrocyte cell death and intracellular distribution of COMP and type IX collagen in the pseudoachondroplasia growth plate.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a large extracellular matrix protein expressed in cartilage, ligament and tendon. Mutations in the COMP gene cause two dominantly inherited skeletal dysplasias, pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED/EDM1). We report on a novel point mutation D511Y in the seventh calcium-binding repeat of the COMP gene and the resulting iliac crest growth plate pathology. The PSACH iliac crest growth plate is comprised of a large region of resting chondrocytes above a narrow region composed of clusters of disorganized proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Chondrocytes in all zones show massive intracellular retention of COMP and the surrounding extracellular matrix is deficient in COMP. Moreover, the 511Y COMP mutation selectively affects type IX collagen as little is found in the growth plate matrix whereas type II collagen and aggrecan are abundant in the matrix. Chondrocyte remnants are observed in the chondrocyte clusters and dead cells are found throughout the growth plate. Apoptosis studies demonstrate an unusual pattern of TUNEL staining in the PSACH chondrocytes compared to the control growth plate. These in vivo findings support our previous observation that retention of COMP leads to chondrocyte death. These results also add to the increasing evidence that PSACH and EDM1 are rER storage diseases and that impaired linear growth and joint erosion are caused by the disruptive effect of massive amounts of COMP within the chondrocytes.     

人甲胎蛋白增强子驱动自杀基因靶向杀伤肝癌细胞的实验研究

目的 探讨人AFP增强子驱动的单纯疱疹病毒胸苷激酶(HSV-TK)/丙氧鸟苷自杀基因系统体内外靶向杀伤肝癌细胞的效应.方法 构建人AFP增强子驱动的pAFP-cDNA3.1-TK自杀基因真核表达质粒;利用脂质体将质粒转染入AFP阳性肝癌细胞株HcpG2和AFP阴性肝癌细胞株SMMC7721;采用RT-PCR和Western blot检测TK mRNA和蛋白表达;MTT检测细胞的存活率;观察丙氧鸟苷对肝癌细胞体外增殖、生长曲线和细胞凋亡的作用,以及丙氧鸟苷体内抑制肿瘤生长的效应.采用t检验分析相关数据.结果 成功构建pAFP-cDNA3.1-TK自杀基因真核表达质粒并转染入肝癌细胞;AFP阳性肝癌细胞株HepG2中能检测到TKmRNA和蛋白表达;丙氧鸟苷呈剂量和时间依赖性抑制转染后肝癌细胞株HepG2的生长并诱导其凋亡;AFP阴性肝癌细胞株SMMC7721中没有TKmRNA和蛋白表达,细胞增殖、生长曲线和凋亡均不受影响,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(t=2.58,2.73,3.12,P＜0.05).丙氧鸟苷可以特异性地抑制转染后肝癌细胞株HepG2治疗组中肿瘤的生长,肿瘤抑制率为46%,而在转染后肝癌细胞株SMMC7721治疗组中,对肿瘤生长无明显抑制作用,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(t=3.36,P＜0.05).结论 人AFP增强子驱动的HSV-TK/丙氧鸟苷自杀基因系统可以靶向杀伤AFP阳性肝癌细胞,抑制肿瘤生长.     

Enhanced concentration of COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) in osteochondral fractures from racing Thoroughbreds.

The aim of the present study was to correlate the levels of COMP and aggrecan as indicators of tissue damage, in synovial fluid (sf) from carpal joints of acutely lame racehorses, with macroscopical lesions of articular cartilage (OA), osteochondral fractures and ligament tears found at arthroscopy. Sixty-three lame horses [49 Standardbred trotters (STB) and 14 Thoroughbreds (TB)] in conventional training and racing that underwent arthroscopy of their middle carpal or radiocarpal joints were included in the study. Intact as well as fragmented COMP and aggrecan released into the synovial fluid were quantified by western blot analyses and ELISA. The expression of COMP in tissues was estimated by mRNA in situ hybridisation and protein immunolocalisation in cartilage and osteochondral fractures. The concentration of sf-COMP was higher in TB with an osteochondral fracture than in STB with osteochondral fractures and TB and STB with OA. The chondrocytes in middle and deep zones of the articular cartilage of the osteochondral fragments (from a TB) expressed COMP mRNA, in contrast to the cartilage on the opposite side of the fracture where no expression was detected. In the synovial fluid from a joint (TB) with osteochondral fractures only intact COMP was present, whereas, fragmented COMP was more prominent in synovial fluid from a joint with OA. The concentration of sf-aggrecan did not differ between the two breeds, or between different lesions. The increased concentration of sf-COMP in TB with osteochondral fractures, but not in synovial fluid from equine joints with OA, is a novel finding. The results from this study indicate that elevated sf-COMP concentration in the joints of Thoroughbreds may be a useful marker for carpal joint osteochondral fragments.     

Chondrocyte-specific knockout of the G protein G(s)alpha leads to epiphyseal and growth plate abnormalities and ectopic chondrocyte formation.

G(s)alpha is a ubiquitously expressed G protein alpha-subunit that couples receptors to adenylyl cyclase. Mice with chondrocyte-specific ablation of the G(s)alpha gene had severe epiphyseal and growth plate abnormalities and ectopic cartilage formation within the metaphyseal region of the tibia. These results show that G(s)alpha negatively regulates chondrocyte differentiation and is the critical signaling mediator of the PTH/PTH-rP receptor in growth plate chondrocytes. INTRODUCTION: G(s)alpha is a ubiquitously expressed G protein alpha-subunit that mediates signaling through G protein-coupled receptors to activate the cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway. Although studies suggest an important role for G(s)alpha in regulating growth plate development, direct in vivo results examining this role are lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The G(s)alpha gene was ablated in murine cartilage by mating mice with loxP sites surrounding the G(s)alpha promoter and first exon with collagen 2a1 promoter-Cre recombinase transgenic mice. Skeletal tissues were studied by gross and microscopic pathology, and gene expression was determined by in situ hybridization. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Mice with complete chondrocyte-specific G(s)alpha deficiency (homozygotes) died within minutes after birth and had severe epiphyseal and growth plate defects with shortening of the proliferative zone and accelerated hypertrophic differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes, a phenotype similar to that of PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor knockout mice. Indian hedgehog and PTH/PTHrP receptor expression in prehypertrophic chondrocytes was unaffected in mutant mice. PTHrP expression in periarticular cartilage was increased in the mutant mice, probably because of the closer proximity of Ihh-secreting chondrocytes to the periarticular zone. In addition, these mice developed ectopic cartilage at the anterior side of the metaphyseal region in the tibia. Mice with partial G(s)alpha deficiency (heterozygotes) exhibited no phenotype. These results show that G(s)alpha negatively regulates chondrocyte differentiation and is the critical signaling mediator of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in epiphyseal and growth plate chondrocytes.     

Expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) by embryonic and adult osteoblasts.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein has been implicated as an important component of endochondral ossification because of its direct effects on chondrocytes. The importance of this protein for skeletal development and growth has been recently illustrated by the identification of mutations in cartilage oligomeric protein genes in two types of inherited chondrodysplasias and osteoarthritic phenotypes: multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and pseudoachondroplasia. In the present study, we report the presence of cartilage oligomeric protein in embryonic and adult osteoblasts. A foot from a 21-week-old human fetus, subchondral bone obtained from knee replacement surgery in an adult patient, and a limb from a 19-day-postcoital mouse embryo were analyzed with immunostaining and in situ hybridization. In the human fetal foot, cartilage oligomeric protein was localized to osteoblasts of the bone collar and at the newly formed bone at the growth plate and bone diaphyses. Immunostaining was performed on the adult subchondral bone and showed positive intracellular staining for cartilage oligomeric protein of the osteoblasts lining the trabecular bone. There was no staining of the osteocytes. Immunostaining of the mouse limb showed the most intense staining for cartilage oligomeric protein in the hypertrophic chondrocytes and in the surrounding osteoblast cells of the developing bone. Cartilage oligomeric protein mRNA and protein were detected in an osteoblast cell line (MG-63), and cartilage oligomeric protein mRNA was detected from human cancellous bone RNA. These results suggest that the altered structure of cartilage oligomeric protein by the mutations seen in pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia may have direct effects on osteoblasts, contributing to the pathogenesis of these genetic disorders.     

Changes in knee cartilage volume and serum COMP concentration after running exercise

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the relationship between running induced joint loading at the knee, changes in cartilage volume and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentration. DESIGN: Serum COMP levels and knee cartilage volumes of experienced runners were tested before and after running. Joint loading was determined using a biomechanical model of the lower extremity. BACKGROUND: To date no biomechanical rationale has been identified to explain the role of mechanical load in the aetiology of running injuries. METHODS: Blood samples and magnetic resonance imaging scans were taken before and following a 1h training run. Knee cartilage volume and serum COMP concentration were determined. Individual knee joint loading parameters were calculated from positional data and ground reaction forces. Electromyography was employed to quantify activity of main muscle groups crossing the knee joint. RESULTS: Changes in cartilage volume and COMP showed significant correlations. Net joint forces did not explain the differences in cartilage changes. Multiple regression revealed that resting COMP, COMP change after exercise and the time of co-activation of flexor and extensor muscles explain the variance of cartilage volume changes. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular co-activation was the main mechanical parameter related to cartilage changes. The current investigation elucidates the interaction of factors related to cartilage degeneration on an individual basis. Applications to altered loading conditions such as equipment or training methods offer an auspicious way of quantifying effects of interventions.     

An experimental study of COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) in the rabbit menisci

Introduction  

Secondary knee osteoarthritis (OA) is currently associated with meniscal injuries, but the pathogenesis is unclear. We analyzed the distribution of cells and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and its changes in the early stages of degeneration in meniscus.     

前列腺特异性膜抗原启动子增强子调控重组质粒的构建及鉴定

目的探讨前列腺特异性膜抗原(PSMA)启动子和增强子调控目的基因表达的前列腺细胞特异性，了解增强子增强转录效率的能力。方法采用PCR方法从前列腺癌细胞DNA中分别扩增PSMA启动子和增强子序列，先后克隆到含有报告基因绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)的质粒载体，脂质体介导基因转染不同癌细胞并观察GFP在不同细胞的表达情况。结果成功构建质粒pEGFP—PS—MAPro和pEGFP-PSMAEP，转染结果显示PSMA表达阳性的LNCaP细胞中存在GFP的有效表达，且pEGFP—PSMAEP的调控转录能力较pEGFP—PSMAPro强20倍。结论PSMA启动子增强子调控GFP表达的重组质粒的构建证明该调控序列具有前列腺细胞特异性，增强子能够明显增强启动子的转录效率，增加了目的基因的表达水平。PSMA启动子和增强子的共调控可以保证基因表达的强度和细胞特异性，为前列腺癌基因靶向性治疗研究提供实验依据。     

Urine cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) measurement is useful in discriminating the osteoarthritic Thoroughbreds

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the urinary concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and to evaluate the relationship between urinary COMP concentration and the catabolic activity of synovial fluid (SF) in diseased horses. METHODS: COMP in horse urine was detected by immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody (mAb; 14G4) raised against equine COMP from articular cartilage. Urine and serum samples were obtained from 83 Thoroughbred horses with aseptic joint diseases (AJD, 79 horses) or septic joint diseases (SJD, four horses) at the time of anesthesia induction, and samples of SF were obtained during surgery. Control samples of urine (n=111) were collected from normal horses free of any orthopedic diseases after they had been racing. COMP concentration was determined in all samples using inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with mAb 14G4. SF samples were also used for the quantification of gelatinase activity. RESULTS: Positive bands of COMP fragments were determined on the immunoblots with mAb 14G4. The urinary COMP concentrations in AJD and SJD horses (1.02+/-0.75 and 1.55+/-1.17 microg/100mg creatinine, respectively) were significantly higher than normal (0.57+/-0.29 microg/100mg creatinine). In 55 horses with fractures in the AJD group there was a logarithmic relationship (r=-0.45, P<0.001) between the urinary and SF COMP measurements, while the urinary COMP level was positively correlated with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activities (r=0.30, P<0.05 and r=0.51, P<0.001, respectively) in SF. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary COMP assay with mAb 14G4 is useful for discriminating horses with osteoarthritis. The higher COMP levels in urine from such horses would be indicative of enhanced proteolytic activity, in addition to the increased COMP levels in the diseased joints.