scholarly journals Loss of keratin 6 (K6) proteins reveals a function for intermediate filaments during wound repair

2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Wong ◽  
Pierre A. Coulombe

The ability to heal wounds is vital to all organisms. In mammalian tissues, alterations in intermediate filament (IF) gene expression represent an early reaction of cells surviving injury. We investigated the role of keratin IFs during the epithelialization of skin wounds using a keratin 6α and 6β (K6α/K6β)-null mouse model. In skin explant culture, null keratinocytes exhibit an enhanced epithelialization potential due to increased migration. The extent of the phenotype is strain dependent, and is accompanied by alterations in keratin IF and F-actin organization. However, in wounded skin in vivo, null keratinocytes rupture as they attempt to migrate under the blood clot. Fragility of the K6α/K6β-null epidermis is confirmed when applying trauma to chemically treated skin. We propose that the alterations in IF gene expression after tissue injury foster a compromise between the need to display the cellular pliability necessary for timely migration and the requirement for resilience sufficient to withstand the rigors of a wound site.

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 3773-3784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich auf dem Keller ◽  
Marcel Huber ◽  
Tobias A. Beyer ◽  
Angelika Kümin ◽  
Christina Siemes ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The Nrf2 transcription factor is a key player in the cellular stress response through its regulation of cytoprotective genes. In this study we determined the role of Nrf2-mediated gene expression in keratinocytes for skin development, wound repair, and skin carcinogenesis. To overcome compensation by the related Nrf1 and Nrf3 proteins, we expressed a dominant-negative Nrf2 mutant (dnNrf2) in the epidermis of transgenic mice. The functionality of the transgene product was verified in vivo using mice doubly transgenic for dnNrf2 and an Nrf2-responsive reporter gene. Surprisingly, no abnormalities of the epidermis were observed in dnNrf2-transgenic mice, and even full-thickness skin wounds healed normally. However, the onset, incidence, and multiplicity of chemically induced skin papillomas were strikingly enhanced, whereas the progression to squamous cell carcinomas was unaltered. We provide evidence that the enhanced tumorigenesis results from reduced basal expression of cytoprotective Nrf target genes, leading to accumulation of oxidative damage and reduced carcinogen detoxification. Our results reveal a crucial role of Nrf-mediated gene expression in keratinocytes in the prevention of skin tumors and suggest that activation of Nrf2 in keratinocytes is a promising strategy to prevent carcinogenesis of this highly exposed organ.


2007 ◽  
Vol 189 (7) ◽  
pp. 2629-2636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jung Lee ◽  
So Hyun Bang ◽  
Kyu-Ho Lee ◽  
Soon-Jung Park

ABSTRACT In pathogenic bacteria, the ability to acquire iron, which is mainly regulated by the ferric uptake regulator (Fur), is essential to maintain growth as well as its virulence. In Vibrio vulnificus, a human pathogen causing gastroenteritis and septicemia, fur gene expression is positively regulated by Fur when the iron concentration is limited (H.-J. Lee et al., J. Bacteriol. 185:5891-5896, 2003). Footprinting analysis revealed that an upstream region of the fur gene was protected by the Fur protein from DNase I under iron-depleted conditions. The protected region, from −142 to −106 relative to the transcription start site of the fur gene, contains distinct AT-rich repeats. Mutagenesis of this repeated sequence resulted in abolishment of binding by Fur. To confirm the role of this cis-acting element in Fur-mediated control of its own gene in vivo, fur expression was monitored in V. vulnificus strains using a transcriptional fusion containing the mutagenized Fur-binding site (fur mt::luxAB). Expression of fur mt::luxAB showed that it was not regulated by Fur and was not influenced by iron concentration. Therefore, this study demonstrates that V. vulnificus Fur acts as a positive regulator under iron-limited conditions by direct interaction with the fur upstream region.


Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.L. Ang ◽  
J. Rossant

We have developed germ layer explant culture assays to study the role of mesoderm in anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning of the mouse neural plate. Using isolated explants of ectodermal tissue alone, we have demonstrated that the expression of Engrailed-1 (En-1) and En-2 genes in ectoderm is independent of mesoderm by the mid- to late streak stage, at least 12 hours before their onset of expression in the neural tube in vivo at the early somite stage. In recombination explants, anterior mesendoderm from headfold stage embryos induces the expression of En-1 and En-2 in pre- to early streak ectoderm and in posterior ectoderm from headfold stage embryos. In contrast, posterior mesendoderm from embryos of the same stage does not induce En genes in pre- to early streak ectoderm but is able to induce expression of a general neural marker, neurofilament 160 × 10(3) M(r). These results provide the first direct evidence for a role of mesendoderm in induction and regionalization of neural tissue in mouse.


2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle A Hardyman ◽  
Stephen J Fuller ◽  
Daniel N Meijles ◽  
Kerry A Rostron ◽  
Sam J Leonard ◽  
...  

Introduction: Raf kinases lie upstream of ERK1/2 with BRaf being the most highly expressed and having the highest basal activity. V600E BRaf mutations constitutively activate ERK1/2 and are common in cancer. The role of BRaf in the adult heart is yet to be established. ERK1/2 regulate cardiomyocyte gene expression, promoting cardiac hypertrophy and cardioprotection, but effects of ERK1/2 may depend on signal strength. Hypothesis: Our hypotheses are that BRaf is critical in regulating ERK1/2 signaling in cardiomyocytes and, whilst moderate ERK1/2 activity is beneficial, excessive ERK1/2 activity is detrimental to the heart. Methods: We generated heterozygote mice for tamoxifen- (Tam-) inducible cardiomyocyte-specific knockin of V600E in the endogenous BRaf gene. Mice (12 wks) received 2 injections of Tam or vehicle on consecutive days (n=4-10 per group). Kinase activities and mRNA expression were assessed by immunoblotting and qPCR. Echocardiography was performed (Vevo2100). M-mode images (short axis view) were analyzed; data for each mouse were normalized to the mean of 2 baseline controls. Results: V600E knockin did not affect overall BRaf or cRaf levels in mouse hearts, but significantly increased ERK1/2 activities within 48 h (1.51±0.05 fold). Concurrently, mRNAs for hypertrophic gene markers including BNP and immediate early genes (IEGs) increased signficantly. At 72 h, expression of BNP, Fosl1, Myc, Ereg and CTGF increased further, other IEGs (Jun, Fos, Egr1, Atf3) declined, and ANF was upregulated. In contrast, expression of α and β myosin heavy chain mRNAs was substantially downregulated (0.46/0.41±0.05 relative to controls). Within 72 h, left ventricular (LV) mass and diastolic LV wall thickness had increased (1.23±0.05 relative to controls), but cardiac function was severely compromised with significant decreases in ejection fraction and cardiac output (0.53/0.68±0.09 relative to controls) associated with increased LV internal diameters and cardiac volumes. Conclusions: Endogenous cardiomyocyte BRaf is sufficient to activate ERK1/2 in mouse hearts and induce cardiac hypertrophy associated with dynamic temporal changes in gene expression. However, excessive activation of ERK1/2 in isolation is detrimental to cardiac function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 249 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-41
Author(s):  
Rachel A Davey ◽  
Michele V Clarke ◽  
Suzanne B Golub ◽  
Patricia K Russell ◽  
Jeffrey D Zajac

The physiological role of calcitonin, and its receptor, the CTR (or Calcr), has long been debated. We previously provided the first evidence for a physiological role of the CTR to limit maternal bone loss during lactation in mice by a direct action on osteocytes to inhibit osteocytic osteolysis. We now extend these findings to show that CTR gene expression is upregulated two- to three-fold in whole bone of control mice at the end of pregnancy (E18) and lactation (P21) compared to virgin controls. This was associated with an increase in osteoclast activity evidenced by increases in osteoclast surface/bone surface and Dcstamp gene expression. To investigate the mechanism by which the CTR inhibits osteocytic osteolysis, in vivo acidification of the osteocyte lacunae during lactation (P14 days) was assessed using a pH indicator dye. A lower pH was observed in the osteocyte lacunae of lactating Global-CTRKOs compared to controls and was associated with an increase in the gene expression of ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D2 (Atp6v0d2) in whole bone of Global-CTRKOs at the end of lacation (P21). To determine whether the CTR is required for the replacement of mineral within the lacunae post-lactation, lacunar area was determined 3 weeks post-weaning. Comparison of the largest 20% of lacunae by area did not differ between Global-CTRKOs and controls post-lactation. These results provide evidence for CTR activation to inhibit osteocytic osteolysis during lactation being mediated by regulating the acidity of the lacunae microenvironment, whilst the CTR is dispensable for replacement of bone mineral within lacunae by osteocytes post-lactation.


2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (4) ◽  
pp. C822-C833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystyna E. Rys-Sikora ◽  
Raymond L. Konger ◽  
John W. Schoggins ◽  
Rama Malaviya ◽  
Alice P. Pentland

PGE2 levels are altered in human epidermis after in vivo wounding; however, mechanisms modulating PGE2 production in activated keratinocytes are unclear. In previous studies, we showed that PGE2 is a growth-promoting autacoid in human primary keratinocyte cultures, and its production is modulated by plating density, suggesting that regulated PGE2 synthesis is an important component of wound healing. Here, we examine the role of phospholipase A2(PLA2) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in modulation of PGE2 production. We report that the increased PGE2 production that occurs in keratinocytes grown in nonconfluent conditions is also observed after in vitro wounding, indicating that similar mechanisms are involved. This increase was associated with coordinate upregulation of both COX-2 and secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) proteins. Increased sPLA2 activity was also observed. By RT-PCR, we identified the presence of type IIA and type V sPLA2, along with the M-type sPLA2 receptor. Thus the coordinate expression of sPLA2 and COX-2 may be responsible for the increased prostaglandin synthesis in activated keratinocytes during wound repair.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
K. K. Menzies ◽  
K. L. Macmillan ◽  
K. R. Nicholas ◽  
C. Lefevre ◽  
C. Ormandy

The mammary explant culture model has been frequently used to mimic lactation and to examine the endocrine control of milk protein gene expression. Studies in the mouse show the expression of the milk protein genes in explants requires insulin in the presence of prolactin and cortisol. The role of insulin in milk protein synthesis in the dairy cow is not as clear. The bovine mammary explant culture model has been utilised to show that insulin is essential for alpha-s1-casein gene expression and the synthesis of the casein proteins. In addition, mouse culture experiments were undertaken to provide an insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of insulin action in hte mammary gland. A global analysis of the genes induced in the cultured explants was done using Affymetrix microarray and showed 132 genes, including the major milk protein genes, required the complement of insulin, cortisol and prolactin for maximal expression. Twenty-seven genes showed a 3-fold change in gene expression in response to insulin. The function of these genes can be largely categorised into maintenance of cell integrity, signal transduction, transport mechanisms, cellular metabolism and a direct effect on gene transcription in the nucleus. The requirement for insulin in milk protein synthesis is highlighted by its role in inducing the STAT5 gene, known to be a key transcription factor for the milk protein genes. Interestingly, dairy cows of high genetic merit have unusually low serum concentrations of insulin. This has occured in association with a high selection pressure for milk volume that has altered the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis. Our study indicates that this intensity of selection for high milk volume could be compromising the dairy cow’s potential for milk protein production: Has selecting for milk volume in many populations of dairy cows been achieved by lowering circulating insulin levels with consequent effects on the efficiency for milk protein yield as well as compromised reproductive performance.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wlaa Assi ◽  
Tomoya Hirose ◽  
Satoshi Wada ◽  
Ryosuke Matsuura ◽  
Shin-nosuke Takeshima ◽  
...  

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis, which is the most common neoplastic disease of cattle and is closely related to human T-cell leukemia viruses. We investigated the role of a new host protein, PRMT5, in BLV infection. We found that PRMT5 is overexpressed only in BLV-infected cattle with a high proviral load, but not in those with a low proviral load. Furthermore, this upregulation continued to the lymphoma stage. PRMT5 expression was upregulated in response to experimental BLV infection; moreover, PRMT5 upregulation began in an early stage of BLV infection rather than after a long period of proviral latency. Second, siRNA-mediated PRMT5 knockdown enhanced BLV gene expression at the transcript and protein levels. Additionally, a selective small-molecule inhibitor of PRMT5 (CMP5) enhanced BLV gene expression. Interestingly, CMP5 treatment, but not siRNA knockdown, altered the gp51 glycosylation pattern and increased the molecular weight of gp51, thereby decreasing BLV-induced syncytium formation. This was supported by the observation that CMP5 treatment enhanced the formation of the complex type of N-glycan more than the high mannose type. In conclusion, PRMT5 overexpression is related to the development of BLV infection with a high proviral load and lymphoma stage and PRMT5 inhibition enhances BLV gene expression. This is the first study to investigate the role of PRMT5 in BLV infection in vivo and in vitro and to reveal a novel function for a small-molecule compound in BLV-gp51 glycosylation processing.


2002 ◽  
Vol 366 (2) ◽  
pp. 633-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanfang LIU ◽  
Wei SHEN ◽  
Patricia L. BRUBAKER ◽  
Klaus H. KAESTNER ◽  
Daniel J. DRUCKER

Members of the Forkhead box a (Foxa) transcription factor family are expressed in the liver, pancreatic islets and intestine and both Foxa1 and Foxa2 regulate proglucagon gene transcription. As Foxa proteins exhibit overlapping DNA-binding specificities, we examined the role of Foxa3 [hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3γ] in control of proglucagon gene expression. Foxa3 was detected by reverse transcriptase PCR in glucagon-producing cell lines and binds to the rat proglucagon gene G2 promoter element in GLUTag enteroendocrine cells. Although Foxa3 increased rat proglucagon promoter activity in BHK fibroblasts, augmentation of Foxa3 expression did not increase proglucagon promoter activity in GLUTag cells. Furthermore, adenoviral Foxa3 expression did not affect endogenous proglucagon gene expression in islet or intestinal endocrine cell lines. Although Foxa3-/- mice exhibit mild hypoglycaemia during a prolonged fast, the levels of proglucagon-derived peptides and proglucagon mRNA transcripts were comparable in tissues from wild-type and Foxa3-/- mice. These findings identify Foxa3 as a member of the proglucagon gene G2 element binding-protein family that, unlike Foxa1, is not essential for control of islet or intestinal proglucagon gene expression in vivo.


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