Related Articles

Background

All mucosal epithelia, including those of the tubotympanium, are secreting a variety of antimicrobial innate immune molecules (AIIMs). In our previous study, we showed the bactericidal/bacteriostatic functions of AIIMs against various otitis media pathogens. Among the AIIMs, human β-defensin 2 is the most potent molecule and is inducible by exposure to inflammatory stimuli such as bacterial components or proinflammatory cytokines. Even though the β-defensin 2 is an important AIIM, the induction mechanism of this molecule has not been clearly established. We believe that this report is the first attempt to elucidate NTHi induced β-defensin expression in airway mucosa, which includes the middle ear.

Methods

Monoclonal antibody blocking method was employed in monitoring the TLR-dependent NTHi response. Two gene knock down methods – dominant negative (DN) plasmid and small interfering RNA (siRNA) – were employed to detect and confirm the involvement of several key genes in the signaling cascade resulting from the NTHi stimulated β-defensin 2 expression in human middle ear epithelial cell (HMEEC-1). The student's t-test was used for the statistical analysis of the data.

Results

The experimental results showed that the major NTHi-specific receptor in HMEEC-1 is the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Furthermore, recognition of NTHi component(s)/ligand(s) by TLR2, activated the Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR)-MyD88-IRAK1-TRAF6-MKK3/6-p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway, ultimately leading to the induction of β-defensin 2.

Conclusion

This study found that the induction of β-defensin 2 is highest in whole cell lysate (WCL) preparations of NTHi, suggesting that the ligand(s) responsible for this up-regulation may be soluble macromolecule(s). We also found that this induction takes place through the TLR2 dependent MyD88-IRAK1-TRAF6-p38 MAPK pathway, with the primary response occurring within the first hour of stimulation. In combination with our previous studies showing that IL-1α-induced β-defensin 2 expression takes place through a MyD88-independent Raf-MEK1/2-ERK MAPK pathway, we found that both signaling cascades act synergistically to up-regulate β-defensin 2 levels. We propose that this confers an essential evolutionary advantage to the cells in coping with infections and may serve to amplify the innate immune response through paracrine signaling.

Defensins and surfactant protein A (SP-A) and SP-D are antimicrobial components of the pulmonary innate immune system. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which parainfluenza type 3 virus infection in neonatal lambs alters expression of sheep beta-defensin 1 (SBD-1), SP-A, and SP-D, all of which are constitutively transcribed by respiratory epithelia. Parainfluenza type 3 viral antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the bronchioles of all infected lambs 3 days postinoculation and at diminished levels 6 days postinoculation, but it was absent 17 days postinoculation. At all times postinoculation, lung homogenates from parainfluenza type 3 virus-inoculated animals had increased SBD-1, SP-A, and SP-D mRNA levels as detected by fluorogenic real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Protein levels of SP-A in lung homogenates detected by quantitative-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and protein antigen of SP-A detected by IHC were not altered. These studies demonstrate that parainfluenza type 3 virus infection results in enhanced expression of constitutively transcribed innate immune factors expressed by respiratory epithelia and that this increased expression occurs concurrently with decreased viral replication.

Objective: The aim of this study was to visualize and localize the sheep antimicrobials, β-defensins 1, 2, and 3, (SBD-1, SBD-2, SBD-3), sheep neutrophil defensin alpha (SNP-1), and the cathelicidin LL-37 in sheep small intestine after burn injury, our hypothesis being that these compounds would be upregulated in an effort to overcome a compromised endothelial lining. Response to burn injury includes the release of proinflammatory cytokines and systemic immune suppression that, if untreated, can progress to multiple organ failure and death, so protective mechanisms have to be initiated and implemented. Methods: Tissue sections were probed with antibodies to the antimicrobials and then visualized with fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies and subjected to fluorescence deconvolution microscopy and image reconstruction. Results: In both the sham and burn samples, all the aforementioned antimicrobials were seen in each of the layers of small intestine, the highest concentration being localized to the epithelium. SBD-2, SBD-3, and SNP-1 were upregulated in both enterocytes and Paneth cells, while SNP-1 and LL-37 showed increases in both the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscle layers of the muscularis externa following burn injury. Each of the defensins, except SBD-1, was also seen in between the muscle layers of the externa and while burn caused slight increases of SBD-2, SBD-3, and SNP-1 in this location, LL-37 content was significantly decreased. Conclusion: That while each of these human antimicrobials is present in multiple layers of sheep small intestine, SBD-2, SBD-3, SNP-1, and LL-37 are upregulated in the specific layers of the small intestine.

Preterm infants have increased susceptibility to severe manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The cause(s) for this age-dependent vulnerability is/are not well-defined, but alterations in innate immune products have been implicated. In sheep, RSV disease severity has similar age-dependent characteristics and sheep have several related innate molecules for study during pulmonary infection including surfactant protein A (SP-A), surfactant protein D (SP-D), sheep beta defensin 1 (SBD1), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the in vivo cellular gene expression as a response to RSV infection is poorly understood. In this study, the effect of RSV infection on expression of these innate immune genes was determined for bovine RSV-infected (bRSV + fluorescence) epithelial cells, adjacent cells lacking bRSV antigen (adjoining cells lacking fluorescence), and control cells from non-infected lung using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and real-time RT-PCR. Control lambs had increased expression of innate immune molecules in full term (term) compared to preterm epithelia with statistical significance in SBD1, SP-D, and TLR4 mRNA. Infected cells (bRSV + fluorescent cells) had consistently higher mRNA levels of SP-A (preterm and term), MCP1 (preterm and term), and SP-D (preterm). Interestingly, bRSV − cells of infected term lambs had significantly reduced SP-D mRNA expression compared to bRSV + and control epithelia, suggesting that RSV infected cells may regulate the adjacent epithelial SP-D expression. This study defines specific innate immune components (e.g., SBD1, SP-D, and TLR4) that have differential age-dependent expression in the airway epithelia. Furthermore, cellular bRSV infection enhanced certain innate immune components while suppressing adjacent cellular SP-D expression in term animals. These in vivo gene expression results provide a framework for future studies on age-dependent susceptibility to RSV and RSV pathogenesis.

Purpose: To evaluate the responses of cultured oviduct mucosal cells to exogenous estradiol treatment in regulating the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors.

Methods: The mucosal layer of the ampullary regions of the human oviduct was isolated and cultured with (study groups) or without (control group) the addition of exogenous estradiol in five different concentrations. Semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed on the oviduct mucosal cells before and after the 6-day culture.

Results: There were no significant differences in the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors, both KDR and flt-1, between the five study groups and the control group.

Conclusions: The mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors is not altered by exogenous estradiol treatment in cultured oviduct. This helps to explain the mechanism of temporal regulation of VEGF in human oviduct, which reaches the peak level in the peri-ovulatory stage when both the serum estradiol and gonadotropins concentrations are high.

Preterm infants experience enhanced susceptibility and severity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Terminal airway epithelium is an important site of RSV infection and the extent of local innate immune gene expression is poorly understood. In this study, expression of surfactant proteins A and D (SP-AD), sheep beta defensin 1 (SBD1), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA were determined in whole lung homogenates from lambs. SP-AD and TLR4 mRNA expression increased (p<0.05) from late gestation to term birth. In addition, gene expression of LCM-retrieved type II pneumocytes (CD208+), adjacent epithelium (CD208−) and bronchial epithelium demonstrated that bronchiole-alveolar junction epithelium (combined CD208+/−) had significant (p<0.05) developmental increases in SP-AD, SBD1 and TLR4 mRNA, whereas CD208+ cells had statistically significant increases only with SP-A mRNA. Using immunofluorescence, SP-AD antigen distribution and intensity were also greater with developmental age. These studies show reduced SBD1, SP-AD, and TLR4 expression in the preterm lung and this may underlie enhanced RSV susceptibility.

The ovine genome contains 15 to 20 copies of endogenous retroviruses (enJSRVs) highly related to the oncogenic jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and enzootic nasal tumor virus. enJSRVs are highly expressed in the endometrial lumenal epithelia (LE) and glandular epithelia (GE) of the ovine uterus. The effects of neonatal age, estrous cycle, pregnancy, and progesterone on expression of enJSRVs in the ovine uterus were determined. Expression of enJSRV RNAs was absent from the uterus of ewes at birth, but enJSRV RNAs were expressed specifically in the LE and developing GE from postnatal day (PND) 7 to PND 56. In adult ewes, enJSRV RNAs were detected only in the epithelia of the uterine endometrium, as well as epithelia of the oviduct, cervix, and vagina. In cyclic ewes, endometrial enJSRV RNA abundance was lowest on day 1, increased 12-fold between days 1 and 13, and then decreased to day 15. In pregnant ewes, levels of endometrial enJSRV RNAs were high on day 11, increased to day 13, and then decreased to day 19. In day 17 and 19 conceptuses, enJSRV RNAs were also detected in binucleate cells of the trophectoderm. Immunoreactive JSRV capsid and envelope proteins were detected in the endometrial LE and GE, as well as in the binucleate cells of the conceptus. In transfection assays utilizing ovine endometrial LE cells, progesterone increased transcriptional activity of several enJSRV long terminal repeats. Collectively, these results indicate that transcription of enJSRVs in the endometrial epithelia of the ovine uterus is increased by progesterone and might support a role for enJSRVs in conceptus-endometrium interactions during the peri-implantation period and early placental morphogenesis.

Background

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) colonizes the ovary and oviduct of chickens without causing overt clinical signs which can lead to SE-contamination of the content and membrane of shell-eggs as well as hatchery eggs. The organism utilizes the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island-2 encoded type III secretion system (T3SS-2) to promote persistence in the oviduct of laying hens. In this study, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to determine the expression profiles of 14 known avian beta defensins (AvBDs) in primary chicken oviduct epithelial cells (COEC) before and after infections with a wild type SE strain and T3SS mutant SE strains carrying an inactivated sipA or pipB gene.

Results

Based on the expression levels in uninfected COEC, AvBDs can be loosely grouped into three categories with AvBD4-5 and AvBD9-12 being constitutively expressed at high levels; AvBD1, AvBD3, and AvBD13-14 at moderate levels; and AvBD2 and AvBD6-8 at minimal levels. Infection with the wild type SE strain temporarily repressed certain highly expressed AvBDs and induced the expression of minimally expressed AvBDs. The pipB mutant, compared to the wild type strain, had reduced suppressive effect on the expression of highly expressed AvBDs. Moreover, the pipB mutant elicited significantly higher levels of the minimally expressed AvBDs than the wild type SE or the sipA mutant did.

Conclusion

Chicken oviduct epithelial cells express most of the known AvBD genes in response to SE infection. PipB, a T3SS-2 effector protein, plays a role in dampening the β-defensin arm of innate immunity during SE invasion of chicken oviduct epithelium.

Background

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the SBDS gene. SDS is clinically characterized by pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal abnormalities and bone marrow dysfunction. The hematologic abnormalities include neutropenia, neutrophil chemotaxis defects, and an increased risk of developing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Although several studies have suggested that SBDS as a protein plays a role in ribosome processing/maturation, its impact on human neutrophil development and function remains to be clarified.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We observed that SBDS RNA and protein are expressed in the human myeloid leukemia PLB-985 cell line and in human hematopoietic progenitor cells by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. SBDS expression is downregulated during neutrophil differentiation. Additionally, we observed that the differentiation and proliferation capacity of SDS-patient bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells in a liquid differentiation system was reduced as compared to control cultures. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that SBDS co-localizes with the mitotic spindle and in vitro binding studies reveal a direct interaction of SBDS with microtubules. In interphase cells a perinuclear enrichment of SBDS protein which co-localized with the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) was observed. Also, we observed that transiently expressed SDS patient-derived SBDS-K62 or SBDS-C84 mutant proteins could co-localize with the MTOC and mitotic spindle.

Conclusions/Significance

SBDS co-localizes with the mitotic spindle, suggesting a role for SBDS in the cell division process, which corresponds to the decreased proliferation capacity of SDS-patient bone marrow CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells in our culture system and also to the neutropenia in SDS patients. A role in chromosome missegregation has not been clarified, since similar spatial and time-dependent localization is observed when patient-derived SBDS mutant proteins are studied. Thus, the increased risk of myeloid malignancy in SDS remains unexplained.

Background

Mating changes the mode of action of 17beta-estradiol (E2) to accelerate oviductal egg transport from a nongenomic to a genomic mode, although in both pathways estrogen receptors (ER) are required. This change was designated as intracellular path shifting (IPS).

Methods

Herein, we examined the subcellular distribution of ESR1 and ESR2 (formerly known as ER-alpha and ER-beta) in oviductal epithelial cells of rats on day 1 of cycle (C1) or pregnancy (P1) using immunoelectron microscopy for ESR1 and ESR2. The effect of mating on intraoviductal ESR1 or ESR2 signaling was then explored comparing the expression of E2-target genes c-fos, brain creatine kinase (Ckb) and calbindin 9 kDa (s100g) in rats on C1 or P1 treated with selective agonists for ESR1 (PPT) or ESR2 (DPN). The effect of ER agonists on egg transport was also evaluated on C1 or P1 rats.

Results

Receptor immunoreactivity was associated with the nucleus, cytoplasm and plasma membrane of the epithelial cells. Mating affected the subcellular distribution of both receptors as well as the response to E2. In C1 and P1 rats, PPT increased Ckb while both agonists increased c-fos. DPN increased Ckb and s100g only in C1 and P1 rats, respectively. PPT accelerated egg transport in both groups and DPN accelerated egg transport only in C1 rats.

Conclusion

Estrogen receptors present a subcellular distribution compatible with E2 genomic and nongenomic signaling in the oviductal epithelial cells of C1 and P1 although IPS occurs independently of changes in the distribution of ESR1 and ESR2 in the oviductal epithelial cells. Mating affected intraoviductal ER-signaling and induced loss of functional involvement of ESR2 on E2-induced accelerated egg transport. These findings reveal a profound influence on the ER signaling pathways exerted by mating in the oviduct.

Purpose: To examine changes in the ratio of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression throughout the ovulatory cycle in the ampullary region of the human oviduct.

Methods: The mucosal layer was isolated from the human oviduct tissue and semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of mRNA of Bax and Bcl-2 was performed. Immunohistochemistry provided the cellular localization of the Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. The ratio of expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA was examined in the ampullary region of the oviduct in samples obtained in the follicular, periovulatory, and luteal phases of the ovulatory cycle.

Results: Bax expression was constant in the follicular and periovulatory phase but showed a significant increase in the luteal phase. The Bax protein was present in all oviduct mucosal epithelial cells and the intensity of staining increased in luteal phase samples. Bcl-2 was expressed at a relatively constant level throughout the ovulatory cycle. The Bcl-2 protein was present in some but not all mucosal epithelial cells and the proportion of positive cells remained constant throughout the ovulatory cycle.

Conclusion: The proapoptotic gene Bax shows a significant increase in mRNA expression in the luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle while the expression level of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 remains constant throughout the ovulatory cycle. The ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 increases significantly in the luteal phase consistent with cells undergoing apoptosis.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects thousands of children every year. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of vasculogenesis, pulmonary maturation, and immunity. In order to test the extent to which VEGF may alter RSV infection, 4 groups of lambs received either human recombinant VEGF (rhVEGF) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pretreatment followed by inoculation with human RSV strain A2 or sterile medium. Lambs in each group were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 6 days post infection. Expression of surfactant protein-A (SP-A), surfactant protein-D (SP-D), sheep β-defensin-1 (SBD-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, interferon β, and endogenous VEGF were measured to determine effect of rhVEGF pretreatment. RSV lambs pretreated with rhVEGF had reduced viral mRNA and decreased pulmonary pathology at day 6. Pretreatment with rhVEGF increased mRNA expression of SP-A, SBD-1, and TNFα, with alteration of expression in RSV lambs. Endogenous VEGF mRNA levels were increased at day 2 regardless of pretreatment. Pretreatment with rhVEGF increased pulmonary cellular proliferation in RSV lambs at day 4 post infection. Overall, these results suggest that pretreatment with rhVEGF protein may have therapeutic potential to decrease RSV viral load, decrease pulmonary lesion severity, and alter both epithelial innate immune responses and epithelial cell proliferation.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited disease caused by mutations in the SBDS gene. Hematopoietic defects, exocrine pancreas dysfunction and short stature are the most prominent clinical features. To gain understanding of the molecular properties of the ubiquitously expressed SBDS protein, we examined its intracellular localization and mobility by live cell imaging techniques. We observed that SBDS full-length protein was localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas patient-related truncated SBDS protein isoforms localize predominantly to the nucleus. Also the nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking of these patient-related SBDS proteins was disturbed. Further studies with a series of SBDS mutant proteins revealed that three distinct motifs determine the intracellular mobility of SBDS protein. A sumoylation motif in the C-terminal domain, that is lacking in patient SBDS proteins, was found to play a pivotal role in intracellular motility. Our structure-function analyses provide new insight into localization and motility of the SBDS protein, and show that patient-related mutant proteins are altered in their molecular properties, which may contribute to the clinical features observed in SDS patients.

The regulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER, PR) expression by estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the oviduct, uterus and cervix of female lambs was studied. The animals received three intramuscular injections of E2, P4 or vehicle with an interval of 24 h and they were slaugthered 24 h after the third injection. Determinations of ER and PR were performed by binding assays and mRNAs of ERα and PR by solution hybridization. High levels of ER and PR in both cervix and oviduct were found in the female lamb, differing from other mammalian species. No significant effects by either E2 or P4 treatment on ER and PR levels in the cervix and oviduct could be observed. E2 treatment increased the mRNA levels of ERa and PR more than 3-fold in the cervix, while P4 treatment increased the mRNA levels of ERa and PR in the uterus. The results show differential effects of gonadal steroids on sex steroid receptor expression along the reproductive tract in female lambs, suggesting that steroid target tissues can modulate responses to the same circulating levels of steroid hormones.

Estradiol-17beta (E2) is the major regulator of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) gene expression and number during the periovulatory period; however, the mechanisms underlying E2 regulation of the GNRHR gene remain undefined. Herein, we find that E2 conjugated to BSA (E2-BSA) mimics the stimulatory effect of E2 on GnRH binding in primary cultures of ovine pituitary cells. The time course for maximal GnRH analog binding was similar for both E2 and E2-BSA. The ability of E2 and E2-BSA to increase GnRH analog binding was blocked by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780. Also, increased GnRH analog binding in response to E2 and the selective ESR1 agonist propylpyrazole triol was blocked by expression of a dominant-negative form of ESR1 (L540Q). Thus, membrane-associated ESR1 is the likely candidate for mediating E2 activation of the GNRHR gene. As cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is an established target for E2 activation in gonadotrophs, we next explored a potential role for this protein as an intracellular mediator of the E2 signal. Consistent with this possibility, adenoviral-mediated expression of a dominant-negative form of CREB (A-CREB) completely abolished the ability of E2 to increase GnRH analog binding in primary cultures of ovine pituitary cells. Finally, the presence of membrane-associated E2 binding sites on ovine pituitary cells was demonstrated using a fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate of E2-BSA. We suggest that E2 regulation of GnRHR number during the preovulatory period reflects a membrane site of action and may proceed through a nonclassical signaling mechanism, specifically a CREB-dependent pathway.

Estradiol increases numbers of GnRH receptors in the ovine pituitary via a nonclassical signaling mechanism.

Shwachman Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome caused by biallelic SBDS gene mutations. Here we examined SBDS protein levels in human bone marrow. SBDS protein expression was high in neutrophil progenitors, megakaryocytes, plasma cells and osteoblasts. In contrast, SBDS protein levels were low in all hematopoietic cell lineages from patients harboring the common SBDS mutations. We conclude that SBDS protein levels vary widely between specific marrow lineages. Uniformly low SBDS protein expression levels distinguish the majority of SDS patients from controls or other marrow failure syndromes.

In ruminants, respiratory disease is multifactorial and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary innate immunity is the first line of defense for the respiratory tract. Alteration of regulation, expression, and function of these factors may be important to disease development and resolution. Many antimicrobial peptides and surfactant proteins are constitutively expressed in the respiratory tract and expression levels are regulated. Beta-defensins are cationic peptides with broad antimicrobial activity against bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens. Beta-defensins are primarily expressed in mucosal epithelia (and in some species leukocytes); where they may also participate in chemotaxis, wound repair and adaptive immune responses. Surfactant proteins A and D are secreted pulmonary surfactant proteins that have antimicrobial and immune regulatory activity. Anionic peptide is a constitutively expressed, aspartate-rich peptide that has antimicrobial activity and is most prominent during reparative epithelial hyperplasia. Regulation of these immune defense components by stress, pathogens, and inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the susceptibility to, severity and resolution of respiratory infection. The expression patterns of these molecules can be specific for host-species, class of pathogen and stage of infection. Understanding the regulation of antimicrobial peptide/protein expression will further enhance the potential for novel prophylactic and therapeutic modalities to minimize the impact of respiratory disease.

Mutations in SBDS are responsible for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), a disorder with clinical features of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bone marrow failure, and skeletal abnormalities. SBDS is a highly conserved protein whose function remains largely unknown. We identified and investigated the expression pattern of the murine ortholog. Variation in levels was observed, but Sbds was found to be expressed in all embryonic stages and most adult tissues. Higher expression levels were associated with rapid proliferation. A targeted disruption of Sbds was generated in order to understand the consequences of its loss in an in vivo model. Consistent with recessive disease inheritance for SDS, Sbds+/− mice have normal phenotypes, indistinguishable from those of their wild-type littermates. However, the development of Sbds−/− embryos arrests prior to embryonic day 6.5, with muted epiblast formation leading to early lethality. This finding is consistent with the absence of patients who are homozygous for early truncating mutations. Sbds is an essential gene for early mammalian development, with an expression pattern consistent with a critical role in cell proliferation.

Background

Mating changes the mechanism by which E2 regulates oviductal egg transport, from a non-genomic to a genomic mode. Previously, we found that E2 increased the expression of several genes in the oviduct of mated rats, but not in unmated rats. Among the transcripts that increased its level by E2 only in mated rats was the one coding for an s100 calcium binding protein G (s100 g) whose functional role in the oviduct is unknown.

Methods

Herein, we investigated the participation of s100 g on the E2 genomic effect that accelerates oviductal transport in mated rats. Thus, we determined the effect of E2 on the mRNA and protein level of s100 g in the oviduct of mated and unmated rats. Then, we explored the effect of E2 on egg transport in unmated and mated rats under conditions in which s100 g protein was knockdown in the oviduct by a morpholino oligonucleotide against s100 g (s100 g-MO). In addition, the localization of s100 g in the oviduct of mated and unmated rats following treatment with E2 was also examined.

Results

Expression of s100 g mRNA progressively increased at 3-24 h after E2 treatment in the oviduct of mated rats while in unmated rats s100 g increased only at 12 and 24 hours. Oviductal s100 g protein increased 6 h following E2 and continued elevated at 12 and 24 h in mated rats, whereas in unmated rats s100 g protein increased at the same time points as its transcript. Administration of a morpholino oligonucleotide against s100 g transcript blocked the effect of E2 on egg transport in mated, but not in unmated rats. Finally, immunoreactivity of s100 g was observed only in epithelial cells of the oviducts of mated and unmated rats and it was unchanged after E2 treatment.

Conclusions

Mating affects the kinetic of E2-induced expression of s100 g although it not changed the cellular localization of s100 g in the oviduct after E2 . On the other hand, s100 g is a functional component of E2 genomic effect that accelerates egg transport. These findings show a physiological involvement of s100 g in the rat oviduct.

Epithelial cells play an important role in host defense as sentinels for invading microbial pathogens. Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that replicates in reproductive tract epithelium. Epithelial cells lining the reproductive tract likely play a key role in triggering inflammation and adaptive immunity during Chlamydia infections. For this report a murine oviduct epithelial cell line was derived in order to determine how epithelial cells influence innate and adaptive immune responses during Chlamydia infections. As expected, oviduct epithelial cells infected by Chlamydia muridarum produced a broad spectrum of chemokines, including CXCL16, and regulators of the acute-phase response, including interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. In addition, infected epithelial cells expressed cytokines that augment gamma interferon (IFN) production, including IFN-α/β and IL-12-p70. To my knowledge this is the first report of a non-myeloid/lymphoid cell type making IL-12-p70 in response to an infection. Equally interesting, infected epithelial cells significantly upregulated transforming growth factor alpha precursor expression, suggesting a mechanism by which they might play a direct role in the pathological scarring seen as a consequence of Chlamydia infections. Data from these in vitro studies predict that infected oviduct epithelium contributes significantly to host innate and adaptive defenses but may also participate in the immunopathology seen with Chlamydia infections.

The ratio of the active progesterone receptor B isoform is higher in the ampullary region of the oviduct.

Purpose: To examine mRNA expression of progesterone receptor isoforms AB and B in oviduct mucosal tissue during the ovulatory cycle and in the different functional regions of the human oviduct.

Methods: The mucosal layer was isolated from human oviduct tissue and semi-quantitative RT-PCR for progesterone isoforms AB and B was performed. The RT-PCR results were verified by immunohistochemistry.

Results: The isthmic region showed no mRNA expression of either progesterone receptor isoform while the relative ratio of the B isoform was significantly higher in the ampullary region compared to the fimbrial region. There was a significant increase in the ratio of PRB to PRAB in the ampullary region compared to the fimbrial region in all samples.

Conclusions: We found an increase in the relative abundance of the progesterone receptor B isoform in the ampullary region which is the site of fertilization and early embryo cleavage. Our results indicate that progesterone responsive genes are more likely to be activated in the ampullary region of the oviduct due to the difference in PRAB to PRB ratio. Providing support for the hypothesis that progesterone may play a specific role in providing an appropriate environment for sperm capacitation, fertilization and early embryo cleavage.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Shwachman Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome that affects multiple organ systems. Mutations in the SBDS gene are found in the majority of patients, but the molecular function of the SBDS protein product remains unclear. Here, we review recent progress in the clinical and molecular characterization of SDS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emerging data support a multifunctional role for the SBDS protein. Current studies indicate that SBDS functions in 60S large ribosomal subunit maturation and in mitotic spindle stabilization. Recent data suggest it may also affect actin polymerization, vacuolar pH regulation and DNA metabolism. SBDS loss results in both hematopoietic cell-intrinsic defects as well as marrow stromal abnormalities.

SUMMARY

SDS is a multisystemic disease arising from defects in a protein that participates in several essential cellular processes. Elucidating the molecular function of SBDS will provide important insights into how defects in ribosome biogenesis and mitotic spindle stabilization result in hematopoietic failure, cancer predisposition, and abnormalities.

ABSTRACT

Myosalpinx contractions are critical for oocyte transport along the oviduct. A specialized population of pacemaker cells—oviduct interstitial cells of Cajal—generate slow waves, the electrical events underlying myosalpinx contractions. The ionic basis of oviduct pacemaker activity is unknown. We examined the role of a new class of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs)—anoctamin 1, encoded by Tmem16a—in oviduct slow wave generation. RT-PCR revealed the transcriptional expression of Tmem16a-encoded CaCCs in the myosalpinx. Intracellular microelectrode recordings were performed in the presence of two pharmacologically distinct Cl− channel antagonists, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid and niflumic acid. Both of these inhibitors caused membrane hyperpolarization, reduced the duration of slow waves, and ultimately inhibited pacemaker activity. Niflumic acid also inhibited propagating calcium waves within the myosalpinx. Slow waves were present at birth in wild-type and heterozygous oviducts but failed to develop by birth in mice homozygous for a null allele of Tmem16a (Tmem16atm1Bdh/tm1Bdh). These data suggest that Tmem16a-encoded CaCCs contribute to membrane potential and are responsible for the upstroke and plateau phases of oviduct slow waves.

Pacemaker activity in the mouse oviduct is dependent upon a calcium activated chloride conductance channel encoded by transmembrane protein-16a and is absent in mice lacking this gene.

Proteins present in the outer membrane of chlamydiae that are involved in mucosal epithelial cell infection must clearly be identified and characterized if we are to understand and modify the pathogenic mechanisms utilized by these organisms. We have identified and isolated a family of four genes encoding putative outer membrane proteins (POMPs), a group of proteins of approximately 90 kDa present in the outer membrane of the subtype of Chlamydia psittaci that causes ovine enzootic abortion (strain S26/3). These proteins, although minor components, are major immunogens, as shown by the immunoblotting of chlamydial outer membrane complexes with postabortion sheep sera, and are therefore potential diagnostic and/or protective antigen candidates. Immunoblotting of the expressed amino- and carboxy-terminal halves of one of the POMPs with postabortion sheep sera showed that the major humoral immune response appeared to be directed solely against the amino-terminal half. This result, in combination with the positive immunofluorescence staining of S26/3-infected cells using POMP-specific (specific to the amino-terminal half of the proteins) monoclonal antibodies, suggests the probable surface localization of the POMPs and, more specifically, the surface exposure of the amino-terminal half of these proteins. The four pomp genes are highly homologous, sharing 82 to 100% similarity with each other (two of the genes are identical). Genes with strong and weak homologies were also detected in C. psittaci avian and feline pneumonitis strains, respectively. No pomp homologs were found in strains of C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae, but this does not preclude their existence. The absence of homology with various subtypes of C. pecorum, which complicate the diagnosis of the ovine abortion subtype, indicates the possible suitability of the these 90-kDa proteins as serodiagnostic antigens.

Background

Although chicken oviduct is a useful model and target tissue for reproductive biology and transgenesis, little is known because of the highly specific hormonal regulation and the lack of fundamental researches, including lectin-binding activities and glycobiology. Because lectin is attached to secreted glycoproteins, we hypothesized that lectin could be bound to secretory egg-white proteins, and played a crucial role in the generation of egg-white protein in the oviduct. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the structural, histological and lectin-binding characteristics of the chicken oviductal magnum from juvenile and adult hens.

Methods

The oviductal magnums from juvenile and adult hens were prepared for ultrastructural analysis, qRT-PCR and immunostaining. Immunohistochemistry of anti-ovalbumin, anti-ESR1 and anti-PGR, and mRNA expression of egg-white genes and steroid hormone receptor genes were evaluated. Lectin histochemical staining was also conducted in juvenile and adult oviductal magnum tissues.

Results

The ultrastructural analysis showed that ciliated cells were rarely developed on luminal surface in juvenile magnum, but not tubular gland cells. In adult magnum, two types of epithelium and three types of tubular gland cells were observed. qRT-PCR analysis showed that egg-white genes were highly expressed in adult oviduct compared with the juvenile. However, mRNA expressions of ESR1 and PGR were considerably higher in juvenile oviduct than adult (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical analysis showed that anti-ovalbumin antibody was detected in adult oviduct not in juvenile, unlikely anti-ESR1 and anti-PGR antibodies that were stained in both oviducts. In histological analysis, Toluidine blue was stained in juvenile and adult oviductal epithelia, and adult tubular glands located in the outer layer of oviductal magnum. In contrast, PAS was positive only in adult oviductal tubular gland. Lectins were selectively bound to oviductal epithelium, stroma, and tubular gland cells. Particularly, lectin-ConA and WGA were bound to electron-dense secretory granules in tubular gland.

Conclusions

The observation of ultrastructural analysis, mRNA expression, immunohistochemistry and lectin staining showed structural and physiological characterization of juvenile and adult oviductal magnum. Consequently, oviduct study could be helped to in vitro culture of chicken oviductal cells, to develop epithelial or tubular gland cell-specific markers, and to understand female reproductive biology and endocrinology.