Laminin isoforms in human embryonic stem cells : synthesis, receptor usage and growth support

Sanna Vuoristo, Ismo Virtanen, Minna Takkunen, Jaan Palgi, Yamato Kikkawa, Patricia Rousselle, Kiyotoshi Sekiguchi, Timo Tuuri, and Timo Otonkoski, "Laminin isoforms in human embryonic stem cells: synthesis, receptor usage and growth support", Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 13, 8b, pp. 2622-2633, Wiley, 200

Liddle's syndrome associated with a point mutation in the extracellular domain of the epithelial sodium channel gamma subunit

OBJECTIVE: To characterize novel type of mutations of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) or subunits in patients with Liddle's syndrome, an autosomal dominant form of hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DNA samples from two probands with early-onset, treatment-resistant hypertension and suppressed plasma renin activity were initially screened for mutations in the C-terminal exons of the ENaC or subunit genes, using amplification by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Two novel mutations causing Liddle's syndrome were identified. One mutation due to a single nucleotide insertion in the exon 13 of ENaC results in a frameshift at codon 601 and abrogates the PY motif similar to all the previously described ENaC mutations causing Liddle's syndrome. The other mutation, substituting serine for asparagine at codon 530 (Asn530Ser) of the extracellular loop of ENaC subunit, was found in a 25-year-old man with hypertension, hypokalemia, low plasma renin activity and low serum aldosterone levels. Hypertension and hypokalemia favorably responded to amiloride or triamterene administration both in the proband and his affected mother. Expression of the mutant Asn530Ser ENaC subunit in oocytes demonstrated a two-fold increase in ENaC activity, compared with the wild-type, without a significant change in cell surface expression of ENaC. This suggests that the gammaENaC Asn530Ser mutation increases the channel open probability, and is consistent with an abnormally high sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the first mutation located in the extracellular domain of an ENaC subunit associated with an increased ENaC activity and Liddle's syndrome

Antisense inhibition of laminin-8 expression reduces invasion of human gliomas in vitro

Using gene array technology, we recently observed for the first time an up-regulation of laminin alpha4 chain in human gliomas. The data were validated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR for RNA expression and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Moreover, increase of the alpha4 chain-containing laminin-8 correlated with poor prognosis for patients with brain gliomas. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibition of laminin-8 expression by a new generation of highly specific and stable antisense oligonucleotides (Morpholino) against chains of laminin-8 could slow or stop the spread of glioma and its recurrence and thus might be a promising approach for glioma therapy. We next sought to establish an in vitro model to test the feasibility of this approach and to optimize conditions for Morpholino treatment. To develop a model, we used human glioblastoma multiforme cell lines M059K and U-87MG cocultured with normal human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVEC). Using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, we confirmed that antisense treatment effectively blocked laminin-8 protein synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotides against both alpha4 and beta1 chains of laminin-8 were able to block significantly the invasion of cocultures through Matrigel. On average, the invasion was blocked by 62% in cocultures of U-87MG with HBMVEC and by 53% in cocultures of M059K with HBMVEC. The results show that laminin-8 may contribute to glioma progression and recurrence not only as part of the neovascularization process but also by directly increasing the invasive potential of tumor cells

Pathogenic Mechanisms in Lupus Nephritis: Nucleosomes Bind Aberrant Laminin β1 With High Affinity and Colocalize in the Electron-Dense Deposits.

Apoptotic nucleosomes are structurally and immunologically involved in lupus nephritis. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression and function of laminins and their interactions with nucleosomes in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis

Strength at the extracellular matrix-muscle interface

Mechanical force is generated within skeletal muscle cells by contraction of specialized myofibrillar proteins. This paper explores how the contractile force generated at the sarcomeres within an individual muscle fiber is transferred through the connective tissue to move the bones. The initial key point for transfer of the contractile force is the muscle cell membrane (sarcolemma) where force is transferred laterally to the basement membrane (specialized extracellular matrix rich in laminins) to be integrated within the connective tissue (rich in collagens) before transmission to the tendons. Connections between (1) key molecules outside the myofiber in the basement membrane to (2) molecules within the sarcolemma of the myofiber and (3) the internal cytoplasmic structures of the cytoskeleton and sarcomeres are evaluated. Disturbances to many components of this complex interactive system adversely affect skeletal muscle strength and integrity, and can result in severe muscle diseases. The mechanical aspects of these crucial linkages are discussed, with particular reference to defects in laminin-alpha 2 and integrin-alpha 7. Novel interventions to potentially increase muscle strength and reduce myofiber damage are mentioned, and these are also highly relevant to muscle diseases and aging muscle