Modulation of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization in cultured rat hepatocytes

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 1238-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Normand Marceau ◽  
Andrée Grenier ◽  
Micheline Noel ◽  
Donald Mailhot ◽  
Anne Loranger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfoxide ◽  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Actin Gene ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cultured Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Hepatocyte Spheroids

Intermediate filaments of rat hepatocytes are composed of cytokeratins 8 and 18 (CK8 and CK18, respectively). Recent work from our laboratory has indicated a close relationship between the synthesis of these cytokeratins, their organization into intermediate filaments, and the promotion of growth and differentiation of cultured rat hepatocytes by insulin, epidermal growth factor, and dexamethasone. In the present study, we examined the mRNA expression, level of protein synthesis, and fibrillar distribution of cytokeratins 8 and 18 and actin in hepatocytes, isolated from normal and dexamethasone-injected rats and cultured as monolayers or spheroids in the presence of insulin, or from normal rat hepatocytes, cultured as monolayers in the presence of dexamethasone, insulin, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The CK8 mRNA level was lower in hepatocytes isolated from noninjected rats and cultured as either monolayers or spheroids, than in those from dexamethasone-injected rats. However, the CK18 mRNA level varied in a manner that was different from that of CK8 mRNA, showing that the modes of expression of the two genes were independent. The various changes in hepatocyte culture conditions led to variations in albumin mRNA levels that largely followed those observed in CK8 mRNA levels. In the case of actin, the amount of mRNAs varied from relatively high levels in hepatocyte monolayers to extremely low levels in hepatocyte spheroids, even though in both cases the cells were isolated from dexamethasone-injected rats. These changes in mRNA levels did not necessarily correlate with changes in the synthesis of cytokeratins 8 and 18, and actin. Changes in culture conditions induced a major reorganization in the distribution of cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament between the region near the surface membrane and the cytoplasm. The most divergent patterns in cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament distributions were observed between hepatocytes cultured as spheroidal aggregates and as monolayers in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. The former condition resulted in patterns of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization that best matched those in situ. In the latter condition, inappropriate patterns were obtained, in spite of the fact that dimethyl sulfoxide treated hepatocytes are known to exhibit survival and functional activities equivalent to that of hepatocyte spheroids. These results demonstrate for the first time that the survival and functional activity (i.e., albumin production) of rat hepatocytes in vitro is not necessarily correlated with a particular pattern of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar arrangement.Key words: gene expression, cytokeratins, intermediate filaments, cytoskeleton, hepatocytes.

scholarly journals Differential regulation of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy and light subunit gene expression

1997 ◽  
Vol 326 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxin CAI ◽  
Zong-Zhi HUANG ◽  
Shelly C. LU
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Subunit Mrna ◽  
Glutamylcysteine Synthetase ◽  
Steady State Mrna Level

γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of glutathione and is composed of a heavy and a light subunit. Although the heavy subunit is enzymically active alone, the light subunit plays an important regulatory role by making the holoenzyme function more efficiently. In the current study we examined whether conditions which are known to influence gene expression of the heavy subunit also influence that of the light subunit, and the mechanisms involved. Treatment of cultured rat hepatocytes with hormones such as insulin and hydrocortisone, or plating hepatocytes under low cell density increased the steady-state mRNA level of the heavy subunit only. Treatment with diethyl maleate (DEM), buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) and t-butylhydroquinone (TBH) increased the steady state mRNA level and gene transcription rates of both subunits. These treatments share in common their ability to induce oxidative stress and activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Treatment with protease inhibitors 7-amino-1-chloro-3-tosylamido-2-heptanone (TLCK) or L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) had no influence on the basal NF-κB and GCS subunit mRNA levels, but blocked the activation of NF-κB by DEM, BSO and TBH, and the increase in GCS heavy subunit mRNA level by BSO and TBH. On the other hand, the DEM-, BSO- and TBH-induced increase in GCS light-subunit mRNA level was unaffected by TLCK and TPCK. Thus only the heavy subunit is hormonally regulated and growth sensitive, whereas both subunits are regulated by oxidative stress. Signalling through NF-κB is involved only in the oxidative-stress-mediated changes in the heavy subunit gene expression.

scholarly journals Impairment by interleukin 1β and tumour necrosis factor α of the glucagon-induced increase in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression and gluconeogenesis in cultured rat hepatocytes

1996 ◽  
Vol 320 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno CHRIST ◽  
Annegret NATH
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Tumour Necrosis Factor Α ◽  
Maximal Increase ◽  
Cultured Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Glucose Formation ◽  
Necrosis Factor

The influence of the inflammatory mediators interleukin 1β (IL1β) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) on the glucagon-induced expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) and on glucose formation via gluconeogenesis was investigated in cultured rat hepatocytes. Gene expression was monitored by determination of mRNA levels and of enzyme activity. Glucose formation was estimated with newly synthesized radioactive glucose derived from a radiolabelled lactate precursor. Glucagon (0.1 or 1 nM) induced PCK mRNA transiently to a maximum 2 h after its application. In the presence of recombinant human (rh) IL1β or rhTNFα the increase in PCK mRNA levels was totally inhibited at 0.1 nM glucagon, whereas at 1 nM glucagon the maximal increase was inhibited by only 25%. Glucagon (0.1 or 1 nM) induced PCK activity to a maximum after 4 h (4-fold and 6-fold over prestimulatory activity respectively). In the presence of rhIL1β or rhTNFα the maximal increase was inhibited by approx. 50%. Addition of rhIL1β or rhTNFα 2 h after glucagon, at the maximal glucagon-induced PCK mRNA levels, accelerated the decay of PCK mRNA. Glucagon (0.1 or 1 nM) increased glucose formation from lactate by 1.3-fold and 1.7-fold respectively over unstimulated rates. In the presence of rhIL1β or rhTNFα this increase in glucose formation was inhibited by 60–90%. At 0.1 nM, glucagon doubled the intracellular cAMP concentration. This increase was prevented by rhIL1β or rhTNFα. At 1 nM, glucagon increased cAMP concentrations by 10-fold. In the presence of rhIL1β or rhTNFα this increase was inhibited by 70%. From the results it is suggested that rhIL1β and rhTNFα prevented glucagon-stimulated PCK gene expression and gluconeogenesis at least in part by inhibition of the glucagon-stimulated increase in cAMP concentrations.

scholarly journals Differential Gene Expression of Steroid 5α-Reductase 2 in Core Needle Biopsies from Malignant and Benign Prostatic Tissue1

1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2210-2214
Author(s):  
Catarina Bjelfman ◽  
Torbjörn G. Söderström ◽  
Einar Brekkan ◽  
Bo Johan Norlén ◽  
Lars Egevad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Prostate Hyperplasia ◽  
Noncancerous Tissue ◽  
Core Needle ◽  
Total Rna ◽  
Prostate Diseases

Androgens are implicated in the development of prostate cancer (CAP) and benign prostate hyperplasia. The conversion of testosterone to the more potent metabolite dihydrotestosterone by prostate-specific steroid 5α-reductase type 2 (5α-red2) is a key mechanism in the action of androgens in the prostate and is important in the promotion and progression of prostate diseases. Manipulation of the turnover of androgens is thus fundamental in the pharmacological treatment strategy. We have developed a sensitive solution hybridization method for quantification of the gene expression of 5α-red2 in core needle biopsies of the prostate. The 5α-red2-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in 50 human prostate transrectal ultrasound-guided core biopsies obtained from 31 outpatients (median age 72, range 57–88 yr) undergoing biopsy for diagnostic purposes. Significant differences were observed in the gene expression of 5α-red2 between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. In the 14 biopsies judged cancerous, the median 5α-red mRNA levels were 3.5 amol/ng total RNA compared with 12.0 amol/ng total RNA in the biopsies showing no cancer (P = 0.0018). The median 5α-red2 mRNA level in noncancerous tissue was thus 3.4 times higher than in the cancerous specimens.

Developmental expression of pIgR gene in sheep mammary gland and hormonal regulation

2002 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
AURORE RINCHEV-ALARNOLD ◽  
LUCETTE BELAIR ◽  
JEAN DJIANE
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Secretory Iga ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Immunoglobulin Receptor ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

Secretory IgA found in external secretions are constituted by polymeric IgA (pIgA) bound to the extra-cellular part of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). The receptor mediates transcytosis of pIgA across epithelial cells. The aim of the present study was to analyse the evolution of pIgR expression in the sheep mammary gland during the development of the mammary gland and to analyse its hormonal regulation. Gene expression of the pIgR was analysed in sheep mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation. By Northern Blot analysis, we observed that low levels of pIgR mRNA are expressed until day 70 of pregnancy. Accumulation of pIgR mRNA started during the third part of pregnancy and intensified 3 d after parturition to reach highest levels during established lactation (day 70). In situ hybridization analysis was used to confirm the increase in pIgR gene expression per mammary epithelial cell. In order to examine the hormonal regulation of the pIgR expression, virgin ewes were hormonally treated. Treatment with oestradiol and progesterone increased pIgR mRNA levels slightly. Subsequent addition of glucocorticoids induced a significant accumulation of pIgR mRNA in the mammary gland of the treated animals. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to verify that the increase of pIgR mRNA level was associated with enhancement of the pIgR protein in mammary cells. No increase of pIgR mRNA levels were observed if PRL secretion was blocked by bromocryptine injections throughout the hormonal procedure. In conclusion, the present experiments suggest that the enhancement of pIgR levels during lactation result from combined effects of both prolactin and glucocorticoids.

scholarly journals Temporal Gene Expression Analysis of Monolayer Cultured Rat Hepatocytes

2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1218-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K. Baker ◽  
Mark A. Carfagna ◽  
Hong Gao ◽  
Ernst R. Dow ◽  
Qingqin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Expression Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Analysis ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Temporal Gene Expression ◽  
Cultured Rat Hepatocytes

scholarly journals Treatment with PPARαAgonist Clofibrate Inhibits the Transcription and Activation of SREBPs and Reduces Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels in Liver of Broiler Chickens

PPAR Research ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijun Zhang ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Shenghua Zhou ◽  
Mingjun Shangguan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Nuclear Protein ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Regulation Mechanisms

PPARαagonist clofibrate reduces cholesterol and fatty acid concentrations in rodent liver by an inhibition of SREBP-dependent gene expression. In present study we investigated the regulation mechanisms of the triglyceride- and cholesterol-lowering effect of the PPARαagonist clofibrate in broiler chickens. We observed that PPARαagonist clofibrate decreases the mRNA and protein levels of LXRαand the mRNA and both precursor and nuclear protein levels of SREBP1 and SREBP2 as well as the mRNA levels of the SREBP1 (FASNandGPAM) and SREBP2 (HMGCRandLDLR) target genes in the liver of treated broiler chickens compared to control group, whereas the mRNA level ofINSIG2, which inhibits SREBP activation, was increased in the liver of treated broiler chickens compared to control group. Taken together, the effects of PPARαagonist clofibrate on lipid metabolism in liver of broiler chickens involve inhibiting transcription and activation of SREBPs and SREBP-dependent lipogenic and cholesterologenic gene expression, thereby resulting in a reduction of the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in liver of broiler chickens.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document