Triple-helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind in the major groove of double-stranded DNA at oligopyrimidine⅐oligopurine sequences and therefore are candidate molecules for artificial gene regulation, in vitro and in vivo. We recently have described oligonucleotide analogues containing N3-P5 phosphoramidate (np) linkages that exhibited efficient inhibition of transcription elongation in vitro. In the present work we provide conclusive evidence that np-modified TFOs targeted to the HIV-1 polypurine tract (PPT) sequence can inhibit transcriptional elongation in cells, either in transient or stable expression systems. The same constructs were used in transient expression assays (target sequence on transfected plasmid) and in the generation of stable cell lines (target sequence integrated into cellular chromosomes). In both cases the only distinguishable feature between the cellular systems is the presence of an insert containing the wild-type PPT͞HIV-1 sequence, a mutated version with two mismatches, or the absence of the insert altogether. The inhibitory action induced by np-TFOs was restricted to the cellular systems containing the complementary wild-type PPT͞HIV-1 target, and consequently can be attributed only to a triple-helix-mediated mechanism. As a part of this study we also have applied an imaging technique to quantitatively investigate the dynamics of TFO-mediated specific gene silencing in single cells.
Kinins are vasoactive oligopeptides generated upon proteolytic cleavage of low and high molecular weight kininogens by kallikreins. These peptides have a well established signaling role in inflammation and homeostasis. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that bradykinin and other kinins are stored in the central nervous system and may act as neuromediators in the control of nociceptive response. Here we show that the kinin-B2 receptor (B2BKR) is differentially expressed during in vitro neuronal differentiation of P19 cells. Bradykinin (BK)1 and kallidin are biological active peptides generated by the proteolytic cleavage of kininogens by serine proteases of the kallikrein family. High molecular weight kininogens are precursors of BK, whereas low molecular weight kininogens give origin to kallidin. Along with other kinins, BK and kallidin elicit a wide range of physiological responses, being classically involved in the control of cardiovascular homeostasis and inflammation. As a matter of fact, altered function of the kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in the development of various pathological conditions such as arthritis, pancreatitis, and asthma (for a review see Refs. 1 and 2). Emerging evidence shows that kinins are stored in neuronal cells of the central nervous system and may act as neuromediators in various functions, including the control of nociceptive information (for a review see Ref.3). Expression of kallikrein in developing rat brains (4) supports the notion that kinin-induced receptor activity might be required during neuronal development. BK has also been shown to enhance the release of neurotransmitters such as noradrenalin and neuropeptide Y by sympathetic neurons, chromaffin cells, and pheochromocytoma cells (5-8). Moreover, BK implication in the control of calcium homeostasis has already been demonstrated in adult sensory neurons (9).Most of the biological actions of BK and kallidin are mediated by a serpentine receptor coupled to a G-protein, the kinin-B2 receptor (B2BKR), which is constitutively expressed and widely distributed throughout central and peripheral tissues under physiological conditions. However, there is evidence that expression of B2BKRs during development is regulated. For instance, B2BKR expression has been shown to be involved in the development of the urinary and cardiovascular systems (10). Inhibition of B2BKR activity in rat embryos resulted in animals with disturbed kidney development (11). Besides being regulated during the ontogenesis of cardiovascular and urinary systems, a large set of evidence exists showing that modulation of B2 receptor expression and function also appears during neuronal development. Thus, it has been detected in central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons, in the spinal cord, in neuronal differentiating PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, and in neuroblastoma and glia-derived cell lines (12-18). A cross-talk between the B2BKR and other hormone and neurotransmitter
SUMMARYArteriogenesis requires growth of pre-existing arteriolar collateral networks and determines clinical outcome in arterial occlusive diseases. Factors responsible for the development of arteriolar collateral networks are poorly understood. The Notch ligand Deltalike 4 (Dll4) promotes arterial differentiation and restricts vessel branching. We hypothesized that Dll4 may act as a genetic determinant of collateral arterial networks and functional recovery in stroke and hind limb ischemia models in mice. Genetic lossand gain-of-function approaches in mice showed that Dll4-Notch signaling restricts pial collateral artery formation by modulating arterial branching morphogenesis during embryogenesis. Adult Dll4 +/− mice showed increased pial collateral numbers, but stroke volume upon middle cerebral artery occlusion was not reduced compared with wild-type littermates. Likewise, Dll4 +/− mice showed reduced blood flow conductance after femoral artery occlusion, and, despite markedly increased angiogenesis, tissue ischemia was more severe. In peripheral arteries, loss of Dll4 adversely affected excitation-contraction coupling in arterial smooth muscle in response to vasopressor agents and arterial vessel wall adaption in response to increases in blood flow, collectively contributing to reduced flow reserve. We conclude that Dll4-Notch signaling modulates native collateral formation by acting on vascular branching morphogenesis during embryogenesis. Dll4 furthermore affects tissue perfusion by acting on arterial function and structure. Loss of Dll4 stimulates collateral formation and angiogenesis, but in the context of ischemic diseases such beneficial effects are overruled by adverse functional changes, demonstrating that ischemic recovery is not solely determined by collateral number but rather by vessel functionality.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.