Integration of embryonic nephrogenic cells carrying a reporter gene into functioning nephrons

1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (3) ◽  
pp. C550-C554 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Koseki ◽  
D. Herzlinger ◽  
Q. al-Awqati

We developed a procedure to introduce and stably express foreign genes into the kidney. The Lac Z reporter gene encoding the bacterial protein beta-galactosidase was introduced by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into rat nephrogenic mesenchymal cells, which were induced for 24 h with embryonic spinal cord in vitro. The Lac Z-tagged mesenchymal cells were subsequently transplanted underneath the capsule of the neonatal kidney. Two weeks after transplantation, the Lac Z-tagged cells derived from transplants were identified by their beta-galactosidase expression. Well-differentiated Lac Z positive cells were observed in glomerulus and proximal and distal nephron segments. To determine if the tagged mesenchymal cells developed into functional nephrons, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran was infused into transplanted animals before death. We observed that fluorescent apical vesicles were colocalized to beta-galactosidase positive proximal tubular cells, indicating that the transplanted mesenchymal cells were integrated into reabsorbing nephrons. These results show the feasibility of introducing foreign genes into epithelia of functioning nephron segments.

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (5) ◽  
pp. F1617-F1625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzur Rosenberg ◽  
Catherine Shachaf ◽  
Maty Tzukerman ◽  
Karl Skorecki

Levels of the type IIa Na/Pi (Na/Pi-IIa) cotransporter, which serves as the principal mediator of phosphate reabsorption in the kidney, can be modulated through posttranscriptional or posttranslational mechanisms by dietary, hormonal, and pharmacological influences. Previous studies have not demonstrated clear-cut evidence for modulation of Na/Pi-IIa cotransporter levels through transcriptional mechanisms. We have previously demonstrated that a 4.7-kb rat genomic fragment upstream of the rodent Npt2 gene encoding the Na/Pi-IIa cotransporter, is sufficient to mediate its transcriptional activity in vitro (Shachaf C, Skorecki KL, Tzukerman M. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 278: F406–F416, 2000). Accordingly, we have established an in vivo experimental model in which this Npt2 genomic fragment fused upstream of a Lac Z reporter gene was expressed as a transgene in mice. The nine independent transgenic founder lines generated exhibited Lac Z reporter gene expression specifically in the renal cortex. This renal cortical-specific expression driven by the Npt2 promoter was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR, histochemistry, and Lac Z enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the expression of the transgene correlated with expression of the endogenous Npt2 gene during embryonic and early postnatal development. Thus we have generated a transgenic mouse model which will enable in vivo investigation of the contribution of transcriptional mechanisms to the overall regulation of Na/Pi-IIa expression under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2104-2112
Author(s):  
A S Alberts ◽  
T Deng ◽  
A Lin ◽  
J L Meinkoth ◽  
A Schönthal ◽  
...  

The involvement of serine/threonine protein phosphatases in signaling pathways which modulate the activity of the transcription factor AP-1 was examined. Purified protein phosphatase types 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) were microinjected into cell lines containing stably transfected lacZ marker genes under the control of an enhancer recognized by AP-1. Microinjection of PP2A potentiated serum-stimulated beta-galactosidase expression from the AP-1-regulated promoter. Similarly, transient expression of the PP2A catalytic subunit with c-Jun resulted in a synergistic transactivation of an AP-1-regulated reporter gene. PP2A, but not PP1, potentiated serum-induced c-Jun expression, which has been previously shown to be autoregulated by AP-1 itself. Consistent with these results, PP2A dephosphorylated c-Jun on negative regulatory sites in vitro, suggesting one possible direct mechanism for the effects of PP2A on AP-1 activity. Microinjection of PP2A had no effect on cyclic AMP (cAMP)-induced expression of a reporter gene containing a cAMP-regulated promoter, while PP1 injection abolished cAMP-induced gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest a specific role for PP2A in signal transduction pathways that regulate AP-1 activity and c-Jun expression.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2104-2112 ◽  
Author(s):  
A S Alberts ◽  
T Deng ◽  
A Lin ◽  
J L Meinkoth ◽  
A Schönthal ◽  
...  

The involvement of serine/threonine protein phosphatases in signaling pathways which modulate the activity of the transcription factor AP-1 was examined. Purified protein phosphatase types 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) were microinjected into cell lines containing stably transfected lacZ marker genes under the control of an enhancer recognized by AP-1. Microinjection of PP2A potentiated serum-stimulated beta-galactosidase expression from the AP-1-regulated promoter. Similarly, transient expression of the PP2A catalytic subunit with c-Jun resulted in a synergistic transactivation of an AP-1-regulated reporter gene. PP2A, but not PP1, potentiated serum-induced c-Jun expression, which has been previously shown to be autoregulated by AP-1 itself. Consistent with these results, PP2A dephosphorylated c-Jun on negative regulatory sites in vitro, suggesting one possible direct mechanism for the effects of PP2A on AP-1 activity. Microinjection of PP2A had no effect on cyclic AMP (cAMP)-induced expression of a reporter gene containing a cAMP-regulated promoter, while PP1 injection abolished cAMP-induced gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest a specific role for PP2A in signal transduction pathways that regulate AP-1 activity and c-Jun expression.


2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi R. Lee ◽  
Yeon J. Kim ◽  
Dae Y. Hwang ◽  
Tae S. Kang ◽  
Jin H. Hwang ◽  
...  

The dose and time effect of nine xenobiotics, including 17β-estradiol, corticosterone, dexamethasone, progesterone, nifedipine, bisphenol A, rifampicin, methamphetamine, and nicotine were investigated, in vitro, using human steroid and xenobiotics receptor (SXR)-binding sites on the human CYP3A4 promoter, which can enhance the linked lac Z reporter gene transcription. To test this, liver-specific SAP (human serum amyloid P component)-SXR (SAP/SXR) and human CYP3A4 promoter-regulated lac Z (h CYP3A4/lac Z) constructs were transiently transfected into Hep G2 and NIH3T3 cells to compare the xenobiotic responsiveness between human and nonhuman cell lines. In the Hep G2 cells, rifampicin, followed by corticosterone, nicotine, methamphetamine, and dexamethasone, exhibited enhanced levels of the lac Z transcript, whereas those of bisphenol A and nifedipine were found to be reduced. No significant responses were observed with 17β-estradiol or progesterone. In addition, 17β-estradiol and progesterone did not change the levels of the lac Z transcripts in the Hep G2 cells, but did induce significant increases in the transcripts of the NIH3T3 cells. Treatment with corticosterone and dexamethasone, which were highly expressed in the Hep G2 cells, did not affect the levels of the lac Z transcript in NIH3T3 cells. These results show that lac Z transcripts can be measured, rapidly and reproducibly, using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the expression of the h CYP3A4/lac Z reporter gene, and was mediated by the SXR. Thus, this in vitro reporter gene bioassay is useful for measuring xenobiotic activities, and is a means to a better relevant bioassay, using human cells, human genes and human promoters, in order to get a closer look at actual human exposure.


Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Pomeraniec ◽  
Dafna Benayahu

Mesenchymal stem cells serve as the body’s reservoir for healing and tissue regeneration. In cases of severe tissue trauma where there is also a need for tissue organization, a scaffold may be of use to support the cells in the damaged tissue. Such a scaffold should be composed of a material that can biomimic the mechanical and biological properties of the target tissues in order to support autologous cell-adhesion, their proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we developed and assayed a new biocomposite made of unique collagen fibers and alginate hydrogel that was assessed for the ability to support mesenchymal cell-proliferation and differentiation. Analysis over 11 weeks in vitro demonstrated that the scaffold was biocompatible and supports the cells viability and differentiation to produce tissue-like structures or become adipocyte under differentiation medium. When the biocomposite was enriched with nano particles (NPs), mesenchymal cells grew well after uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled NPs, maintained their viability, migrated through the biocomposite, reached, and adhered to the tissue culture dish. These promising findings revealed that the scaffold supports the growth and differentiation of mesenchymal cells that demonstrate their full physiological function with no sign of material toxicity. The cells’ functionality performance indicates and suggests that the scaffold is suitable to be developed as a new medical device that has the potential to support regeneration and the production of functional tissue.


1992 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Alexander ◽  
Z Werb

The metalloproteinase family of proteolytic enzymes can degrade extracellular matrix and facilitate invasive migration. This class of enzymes is specifically inhibited by the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1). Using homologous recombination, we have disrupted the gene encoding TIMP-1 in pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Because the TIMP-1 gene is X linked and is hemizygous in embryonic stem cells, we have been able to study the effect of this mutation in culture. Using a basement membrane invasion assay, we found that the mutant cells, differentiated in low concentrations of serum with retinoic acid, were more invasive than their normal cell counterparts, and that this was specifically reversed by adding exogenous TIMP-1 protein. The invasive cell population had characteristics of an early population of primitive mesenchymal cells, including expression of vimentin and a transient period of invasiveness from 4-8 d after initiation of differentiation. Therefore, metalloproteinase activity can be rate limiting for cell invasion.


2004 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 1425-1433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Pritchett ◽  
Jun Kai Zhang ◽  
William W. Metcalf

ABSTRACT A new genetic technique for constructing mutants of Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A by using hpt as a counterselectable marker was developed. Mutants with lesions in the hpt gene, encoding hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, were shown to be >35-fold more resistant to the toxic base analog 8-aza-2,6-diaminopurine (8ADP) than was the wild type. Reintroduction of the hpt gene into a Δhpt host restored 8ADP sensitivity and provided the basis for a two-step strategy involving plasmid integration and excision for recombination of mutant alleles onto the M. acetivorans chromosome. We have designated this method markerless exchange because, although selectable markers are used during the process, they are removed in the final mutants. Thus, the method can be repeated many times in the same cell line. The method was validated by construction of ΔproC Δhpt mutants, which were recovered at a frequency of 22%. Additionally, a Methanosarcina-Escherichia shuttle vector, encoding the Escherichia coli proC gene as a new selectable marker, was constructed for use in proC hosts. Finally, the markerless exchange method was used to recombine a series of uidA reporter gene fusions into the M. acetivorans proC locus. In vitro assay of β-glucuronidase activity in extracts of these recombinants demonstrated, for the first time, the utility of uidA as a reporter gene in Methanosarcina. A >5,000-fold range of promoter activities could be measured by using uidA: the methyl-coenzyme M reductase operon fusion displayed ∼300-fold-higher activity than did the serC gene fusion, which in turn had 16-fold-higher activity than did a fusion to the unknown orf2 gene.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Hidalgo‐Garcia ◽  
José Alberto Molina‐Tijeras ◽  
Francisco Huertas‐Peña ◽  
Antonio Jesús Ruiz‐Malagón ◽  
Patricia Diez‐Echave ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1005
Author(s):  
Olga Chervyakova ◽  
Elmira Tailakova ◽  
Nurlan Kozhabergenov ◽  
Sandugash Sadikaliyeva ◽  
Kulyaisan Sultankulova ◽  
...  

Capripoxviruses with a host range limited to ruminants have the great potential to be used as vaccine vectors. The aim of this work was to evaluate attenuated sheep pox virus (SPPV) vaccine strain NISKHI as a vector expressing several genes. Open reading frames SPPV020 (ribonucleotide kinase) and SPPV066 (thymidine kinase) were selected as sites for the insertion of foreign genes. Two integration plasmids with expression cassette were designed and constructed. Recombinant SPPVs expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (rSPPV(RRΔ)EGFP and rSPPV(TKΔ)EGFP), Foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid protein (VP1), and Brucella spp. outer membrane protein 25 (OMP25) (rSPPV(RRΔ)VP1A-(TKΔ)OMP25) were generated under the transient dominant selection method. The insertion of foreign genes into the SPPV020 and SPPV066 open reading frames did not influence the replication of the recombinant viruses in the cells. Successful foreign gene expression in vitro was assessed by luminescent microscopy (EGFP) and Western blot (VP1 and OMP25). Our results have shown that foreign genes were expressed by rSPPV both in permissive (lamb testicles) and non-permissive (bovine kidney, saiga kidney, porcine kidney) cells. Mice immunized with rSPPV(RRΔ)VP1A-(TKΔ)OMP25 elicited specific antibodies to both SPPV and foreign genes VP1 and OMP25. Thus, SPPV NISKHI may be used as a potential safe immunogenic viral vector for the development of polyvalent vaccines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S7-S8
Author(s):  
Safina Gadeock ◽  
Cambrian Liu ◽  
Brent Polk

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a highly expressed cytokine in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although TNF can induce colonic epithelial dysfunction and apoptosis, recent studies suggest that TNF signalling promotes epithelial wound repair and stem cell function. Here we investigated the role of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) in mediating TNF’s effects on colonic epithelial stem cells, integral to mucosal healing in colitis. We demonstrate that Tnfr1-/- mice exhibit loss in Lgr5 expression (-52%, p<0.02; N=6) compared to wildtype (WT) controls. However, the opposite result was found in vitro, wherein murine Tnfr1-/- colonoids demonstrated a significant increase in Lgr5 expression (66%, p<0.007; N=6) compared to WT colonoids. Similarly, human colonoids treated with an anti-TNFR1 antibody also demonstrated an increase in Lgr5 expression, relative to IgG controls. To resolve the contradiction in the in vivo versus in vitro environment, we hypothesized that mesenchymal TNFR1 expression regulates the epithelial stem cell niche. To determine the relationships between these cell types, we co-cultured WT or Tnfr1-/- colonoids with WT or Tnfr1-/- colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs). We found that epithelial Lgr5 expression was significantly higher (by 52%, p<0.05; N=3) when co-cultured with WT compared to TNFR1-/- myofibroblasts. The loss of TNFR1 expression in vivo increases the number of αSMA+ mesenchymal cells by nearly 56% (N=6) but considerably reduces the pericryptal PDGFRα+ cells, suggesting modifications in mesenchymal populations that contribute to the epithelial stem cell niche. Functionally, primary Tnfr1-/--CMFs displayed PI3k (p<0.001; N=3) and MAPK (p<0.01; N=3)-dependent increases in migration, proliferation, and differentiation, but RNA profiling demonstrated by diminished levels of stem cell niche factors, Rspo3 (-80%, p<0.0001; N=6) and Wnt2b (-63%, p<0.008; N=6) compared to WT-CMFs. Supplementation with 50ng recombinant Rspo3 for 5 d to Lgr5-GFP organoids co-cultured with TNFR1-/--CMFs restored Lgr5 expression to wildtype levels. Therefore, TNFR1-mediated TNF signalling in mesenchymal cells promotes their ability to support an epithelial stem cell niche. These results should motivate future studies of the stem cell niche in the context of long-term treatment with anti-TNF therapies.


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