We have previously shown that short-term treatment (30 minutes) with follistatin (FST), a glycoprotein inhibitor of activins, reduced contraction caused by potassium (KCl) in vessels of the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) model of essential hypertension. This study specifically investigates the mechanisms through which FST inhibits KCl-induced vessel contraction in the SHR. Resistance mesenteric arteries taken from SHR or normotensive control WKY rats were tested in response to KCl using wire myography. Primary vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cultures were established from WKY and SHR vessels. The fluorescent calcium sensor dye Fluo-4 AM and potassium tracking dye IPG-1 were then used to examine ion levels in the VSMCs. To determine whether FST effects were activin-mediated, neutralizing antibodies against activin A and B were used. Only activin A neutralization in the SHR reduced KCl-induced contraction as well as intracellular calcium rise, similarly to FST. Activin A (30 minute treatment) augmented KCl-induced contraction in both WKY and SHR vessels, but this was more pronounced in the SHR. There was an augmented KCl induced-intracellular calcium rise in SHR VSMC compared to WKY, which was decreased by FST. Inhibiting release of intracellular calcium stores did not attenuate KCl-induced calcium influx that was augmented by activin A or reduced by FST, but both of these effects were inhibited in calcium-free conditions. FST also significantly lowered the augmented KCl-induced intracellular potassium increase seen in SHR VSMC. Overall, FST reduces augmented KCl-induced contraction and rise in calcium and potassium levels in SHR vessels and VSMC. Taken together, these data suggest that FST may modulate L-type voltage gated Ca2+ channel (LTCC) or K-ATP channel activity. Neutralization studies support an important role for activin A, but not activin B, in mediating FST effects. Further studies will examine the mechanism by which FST modulates calcium influx. / Thesis / Master of Health Sciences (MSc) / We had shown that a protein called follistatin can reduce high blood pressure in rats. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that can lead to health problems such as heart failure, kidney disease and death, if not managed properly. We focused on a type of rat called the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR), which has high blood pressure similar to what people experience. Our goal was to understand how follistatin works to lower blood pressure. To do this, we looked at how the blood vessels in these rats responded to a substance called potassium chloride (KCl), which causes blood vessels to contract as they do with high blood pressure. We found that follistatin reduced contraction of blood vessels caused by KCl. We also observed that calcium and potassium levels inside muscle cells of the blood vessels were lowered with follistatin, which could be one way follistatin prevents contraction and relaxes blood vessels. A better understanding of how drugs affect blood vessels will help us to create new treatments for high blood pressure.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Case Western Reserve University, 2004. / [School of Medicine] Department of Neurosciences. Includes bibliographical references. Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of TGFbeta family members in the induction of cell growth arrest and apoptosis in immune cell types. The TGFbeta superfamily is a large group of evolutionary conserved polypeptide growth factors, involved in different physiological processes. Any deregulation of the different components of the TGFbeta signaling pathway, has been largely implicated in multiple human critical disorders including cancer. Activin, originally isolated from gonadal fluid, and more recently described as an antiproliferative and proapoptotic factor in different cell types has been implicated in different immune functions. In particular, activin and TGFbeta play an important role in the haematopoietic tissue. They are critical death inducers in the immune system contributing to the elimination of different activated immune cell types. Control of immune cell proliferation, activation and subsequent elimination of activated cell populations by cell growth arrest and apoptosis are critical events for controlling infections and preventing autoimmune disease. However, very limited information about the downstream target genes and their signaling mechanism that relay on the inhibitory effects on cell growth by activin and TGFbeta ligands. Using a screen for genes that are differentially regulated by activin and TGFbeta in haematopoietic cells, we found that the phospholipids phosphatase SHIP-1 was strongly upregulated by activin and TGFbeta. Thus, we hypothesized that TGFbeta and activin induce cell growth arrest in immune cells through up-regulation of SHIP-1 with a significant and subsequent decrease in PtdIns 3,4,5-P3 levels affecting cell survival. Furthermore, we attempted to characterize the different intracellular signalling pathways downstream of these serine/threonine kinase receptors that lead to SHIP-1 overexpression as well as the transcription factors involved in the mediation of transcriptional regulation of the SHIP-1 gene promoter. / Chapter 1 provides a broad introduction to the field of TGFbeta signaling focusing on TGFbeta-induced apoptosis in immune cell types and the biology of inositol phosphatases involved in phospholipide metabolism, mainly focused on SHIP-1. Chapter 2 contains data demonstrating that the activin/TGFbeta-induced cell growth arrests and apoptosis through expression of SHIP-1. Data in chapter 3 proved evidences about the cross-talk between the Smad and JNK MAP kinase signalling pathways and their role in the transcriptional regulation of the SHIP-1 gene promoter. Finally, chapter 4, is focused on the discussion and the propose model of how activin/TGFbeta-induced SHIP-1 expression blocks induction of cell survival signals. As a dynamic cellular and molecular process the induction of SHIP-1 by TGFbeta ligands might be in co-association with other apoptosis molecules leading to cell growth arrest and apoptosis in different cell populations of the immune system.

No description available.

Pang Yee Man Flora. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-128). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract (in English) --- p.ii / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iv / Acknowledgement --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.xii / Symbols and Abbreviations --- p.xv / Scientific Names --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Vitellogenesis --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Vitellogenin --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Structure --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Vitellogenin synthesis in the liver --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Regulation of vitellogenin synthesis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Estradiol --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Mechanism of action --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Estradiol-stimulated vitellogenin expression --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.1.3 --- Memory effects --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Testosterone --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Cortisol --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Progesterone --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Growth Hormone --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.6 --- Prolactin --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.7 --- Thyroid hormone --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- Growth factors --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Activin --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.1.1 --- Structure --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.1.2 --- Functions --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Epidermal growth factors (EGF) --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.2.1 --- Structure --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4.2.2 --- Functions --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- Objectives of the present study --- p.20 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Expression of Goldfish Vitellogenin in vivo and in vitro --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Materials --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Sequencing --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Cell culture --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- RNA extraction --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Northern hybridization --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Slot blot hybridization --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Data analysis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- SDS-PAGE analysis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- in situ hybridization --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Validation of vitellogenin mRNA detection --- p.37 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Basal and estradiol-stimulated vitellogenin expression and production invivo --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Localization of vitellogenin expression in the liver --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Expression of vitellogenin in vitro --- p.40 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.54 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Effects of Steroids on the Expression of Goldfish Vitellogenin in vitro --- p.60 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Materials --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Animal --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Primary culture of dispersed hepatic cells --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Drug treatment --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Total RNA isolation --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Messenger RNA isolation --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Slot blot analysis --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Data analysis --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.9 --- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.10 --- Cloning of aromatase cDNA --- p.69 / Chapter 3.2.11 --- Sequencing --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effect of 17-β estradiol on vitellogenin mRNA expression --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effect of testosterone on vitellogenin mRNA expression --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Detection of aromatase mRNA expression in the liver by RT-PCR --- p.72 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effect of aromatase inhibitors on testosterone-stimulated vitellogenin expression --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.81 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Activin on the Expression of Vitellogenin in the Goldfish Hepatic Cells in vitro --- p.86 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Materials --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Primary culture of dispersed hepatic cells --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Slot blot analysis --- p.91 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Data analysis --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.92 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Effect of activin on vitellogenin mRNA expression --- p.92 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effect of EGF and TGF-α on vitellogenin mRNA expression --- p.93 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.99 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- General Discussion --- p.104 / Chapter 5.1 --- Overview --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2 --- Contribution of the present study --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Expression of goldfish vitellogenin in vivo and in vitro --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Effects of steroids on the expression of goldfish vitellogenin in vitro --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Effects of EGF and activin on the expression of vitellogenin in the goldfish hepatic cells in vitro --- p.107 / Chapter 5.3 --- Future prospects --- p.108

Yuen Chi Wai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-106). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract (in English) --- p.ii / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iv / Acknowledgement --- p.vi / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.xii / Symbols and Abbreviations --- p.xv / Scientific names --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Pituitary --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Gonadotropins (GTHs) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Structure --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Function --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Regulation --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- Neuroendocrine hypothalamic regulators --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3.1.1 --- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3.1.2 --- Dopamine (DA) --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.3.2 --- Endocrine regulators from the gonads --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.3.2.1 --- Gonadal steroids (T and E2) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.3.2.2 --- Negative steroid effect on pituitary GTH regulation --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.3.2.3 --- Positive steroid effect on pituitary GTH regulation --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.3.3 --- Paracrine regulators from within the pituitary --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3 --- Activin --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Structure --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Function --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Follistatin (FS) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Structure --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Function --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- Temporal Variations in the GTH Expressional and Releasing Profile and Sex Steroid Level in the Goldfish --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Hormone changes during annual cycle --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Hormone changes during ovulatory cycle --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objectives of the Present Study --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- "Effects of Dopamine on the Expression of Gonadotropin (GTH) Subunits in the Dispersed Pituitary Cells of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus" --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Materials --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Primary culture of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- mRNA analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Data analysis --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Effects of DA on GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ expression --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Effects of DA D1 and D2 agonists on GTH-Iβ expression --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Effects of DA D1 and D2 antagonists on DA- inhibited GTH-Iβ expression --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Effects of α-adrenergic agonists on GTH-Iβ expression --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.37 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Seasonal Variation of Activin-regulated Goldfish Pituitary GTH-Ip and GTH-IIβ Expression and Evidence for the Involvement of Gonadal Steroids --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Materials --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Gonadectomy of the goldfish --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Primary culture of dispersed pituitary cells --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- mRNA analysis --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Data analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effects of goldfish activin B on the expression of GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Seasonal variation of activin-regulated expression of GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effects of gonadectomy on basal and activin- regulated expression of GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effects of sex steroids on basal and activin- regulated expression of GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ in vitro --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Evidence for the Autocrine/Paracrine Regulation of Gonadotropin Expression by Activin in the Goldfish Pituitary --- p.61 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- RNA isolation --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Primary culture of goldfish pituitary cells --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Slot-blot analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Data analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.65 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Expression of activin βB subunit and activin type IEB receptor in the goldfish pituitary --- p.65 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effects of human activin A on goldfish GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ expression --- p.65 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effects of follistatin on basal and activin- regulated GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ expression --- p.69 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.69 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- General Discussion --- p.77 / Chapter 5.1 --- Overview --- p.77 / Chapter 5.2 --- Contribution of the Present Study --- p.78 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Dopamine as a potential neuroendocrine regulator in the differential regulation of GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ expression --- p.78 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Seasonal variation of the effects of activin on GTH-Iβ and GTH-IIβ expression --- p.79 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Autocrine/paracrine regulation of GTH expression by activin --- p.79 / Chapter 5.3 --- Future Prospects --- p.81 / References --- p.84

Orientador: Eliana Pereira de Araujo / Texto em português e inglês / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T05:27:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gomes_FabianadeSouza_M.pdf: 1469055 bytes, checksum: 01ebfd4043c839e80e30bebeeb9bef95 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: O desenvolvimento de métodos que tem por objetivo acelerar e melhorar a qualidade do processo de cicatrização de feridas tem impacto positivo na condução de distúrbios de cicatrização associados a inúmeras condições médicas. Neste estudo, avaliamos os efeitos moleculares, celulares e clínicos da aplicação tópica de 5-azacitidina na cicatrização de feridas em ratos. De acordo com estudos pregressos, a 5-azacitidina reduz a expressão de folistatina, que é um regulador negativo das ativinas. Estas, por sua vez, promovem o crescimento de células em diferentes tecidos, incluindo a pele. Ratos Wistar machos com oito semanas de vida foram submetidos a um ferimento cutâneo com punch de oito milímetros na região dorsal. A seguir os ratos foram aleatoriamente separados em grupo controle (veículo) ou submetidos à aplicação tópica de 5-azacitidina (10 mM), uma vez por dia por até 12 dias, iniciando-se no terceiro dia após a lesão. A documentação fotográfica e coleta de amostras ocorreram nos dias 5, 9 e 15. O emprego desta droga resultou em aceleração da cicatrização da ferida, (99,7±7,0% versus 71,2±2,8% no dia 15, p <0,01). Este resultado clínico foi acompanhado pela redução de aproximadamente três vezes na expressão protéica de folistatina. O exame histológico da pele revelou re-epitelização eficiente com aumento da expressão de queratinócitos e aumento significativo na expressão do gene de TGF-? além da diminuição significativa de citocinas, tais como TNF-? e IL-10. Analisamos também a proliferação celular na lesão de pele através do método de incorporação de BrdU. O número de células positivas para BrdU aumentou significativamente quando comparado ao controle. No entanto, quando folistatina exógena foi aplicada na pele em paralelo ao tratamento tópico de 5-azacitidina a maioria dos benefícios do medicamento foi perdida. Assim, 5-azacitidina atua, pelo menos em parte, através da via folistatina/ativina para melhorar a cicatrização de feridas em ratos. Este trabalho pertence à linha de pesquisa Processo de Cuidar em Saúde e Enfermagem / Abstract: The development of new methods aimed at improving wound healing may have an impact on the outcomes of a number of medical conditions. Here we evaluate the molecular and clinical effects of topical 5-azacytidine, a compound used in myelodysplasia, on the wound healing in rats. According to previous studies, 5-Azacytidine decreases the expression of follistatin 1, which is a negative regulator of activins. Activins, in turn, promote cell growth in different tissues, including the skin. Eight-week old male Wistar rats were submitted to an 8 mm punchwound in the dorsal region. After three days, rats were randomly assigned to either control or topical application of a solution containing 5-azacytidine (10mM), once a day. Photo documentation and collection of samples occurred at days 5, 9 and 15. Overall, 5-azacytidine resulted on a significant acceleration of complete wound healing (99.7% ±0.7.0 vs. 71.2%±2.8 on days 15; n=10; p<0,01). This was accompanied by an up to 3-fold reduction in follistatin expression. Histological examination of the skin revealed efficient reepithelization with increase in gene expression of TGF-? and keratinocytes markers, involucrin and citokeratin, besides the significant decrease of cytokines such as TNF-? and IL-10. In addition, we analyzed cell proliferation in injured skin employing the BrdU incorporation method. The treatment with 5-azacytidine led to a progressive increase of BrdU positive cells. Finally when recombinant follistatin was employed in the skin in parallel to topical 5-azacytidine most of the benefits of the drug were lost. Thus, 5-azacytidine acts, at least in part, through the follistatin/activin pathway to improve wound healing in rats. This study belongs to online research process Caring in Nursing and Health / Mestrado / Enfermagem e Trabalho / Mestra em Ciências da Saúde

Lin Sze-Wah. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-127). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract (in English) --- p.i / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.v / Abbreviations --- p.x / Scientific Names --- p.xii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- GENERAL INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Gonadotropins --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Structure --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Function --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Regulation --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Dopamine --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Sex steroids --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.1 --- Functions --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3.3.2 --- Working mechanism´ؤEstrogen signaling pathway --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Gonadal peptides --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.3.4.1 --- Functions --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.3.4.2 --- Working mechanism一Activin signaling pathway --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2 --- Transcriptional regulation of pituitary gonadotropin subunit genes at the promoter level --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Transcriptional regulation of mammalian glycoprotein a subunits --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- GnRH --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- Activin --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.1.3 --- Steroids --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Transcriptional regulation of mammalian FSHβ and LHβ subunits --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Regulation of LHβ expression by GnRH --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.1 --- Roles of SP-1 binding sites on LHβ promoter --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.2 --- Effect of SF-1 on LHp expression --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.3 --- Effect of Egr-1 on LHp expression --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.4 --- "Synergistic effect ofSP-1, SF-1 and Egr-1 on LHp expression." --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.5 --- Effect of Pitx-1 on LHβ expression --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.6 --- "Effect of SF-1, Egr-1 and Pitx-1 on LHβ expression of other mammalian counterparts" --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.2.1.7 --- Effect of other transcription factors on mammalian LHβ expression --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Regulation of LHβ expression by steroids and activin --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Regulation of FSHβ expression by activin and GnRH --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Regulation of FSHβ expression by steroids --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.2.5 --- Regulation of FSHβ expression by other transcription factors --- p.22 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Transcriptional regulation of fish FSHβ and LHβ subunits --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3 --- The project objectives and long-term significance --- p.24 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- CLONING OF ZEBRAFISH FSHB AND LHB PROMOTERS. --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Animals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Isolation of genomic DNA --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Cloning of promoters of zebrafish FSHβ and LHβ from the genomic DNA --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Construction of the reporter plasmids containing zebrafish FSHβ and LHβ promoters --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Cell culture and transient transfection --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- SEAP reporter gene assay --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- β-galactosidase reporter gene assay --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Data analysis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Cloning of zebrafish FSHβ and LHβ promoters --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Sequence characterization of zebrafish FSHβ and LHβ promoters --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Basal FSHp and LHβ promoter activities in LβT2 cells --- p.35 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.36 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- ROLES OF ACTIVIN/SMADS AND ESTROGEN/ERS IN THE REGULATION OF ZEBRAFISH FSHB AND LHB PROMOTER ACTIVITY --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Animals --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Isolation of total RNA --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Rapid amplification of full-length cDNA (RACE) --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Construction of expression plasmids --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- cell culture and transient transfection --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- SEAP reporter gene assay --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- p-galactosidase reporter gene assay --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.9 --- Data analysis --- p.59 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Cloning and sequence characterization of zebrafish Smad 4 (zfSmad 4) --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Smads regulate FSHβ transcription in LβT2 cells --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Smads regulate LHβ transcription in LPβT2 cells --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Functionality of the two forms of Smad 4 cloned --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Estrogen and ERs regulate zJFSHβ transcription in LβT2 cells --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Estrogen and ERs regulate zfLHβ transcription in LβT2 cells --- p.63 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.64 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- PROMOTER ANALYSIS FOR SMAD RESPONSIVE ELEMENT AND ESTROGEN RESPONSIVE ELEMENT IN ZEBRAFISH FSHB AND LHB PROMOTERS --- p.82 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.83 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Chemicals and animals --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Construction of SEAP reporter plasmids containing different lengths of zfFSHβ promoter --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Construction of SEAP reporter plasmids containing different lengths of zfLHβ promoter --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Site-directed mutagenesis --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- cell culture and transient transfection --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- SEAP reporter gene assay --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- P-galactosidase reporter gene assay --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Data analysis --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Localization of Smad-responsive element (SRE) on zfFSHβ promoter --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Localization of estrogen-responsive element (ERE) on zfLHβ promoter --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Localization of estrogen-responsive element (ERE) on zfFSHβ promoter --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Confirmation of SRE by site-directed mutagenesis --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Confirmation of ERE by site-directed mutagenesis --- p.92 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.92 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- GENERAL DISCUSSION --- p.106 / Chapter 5.1 --- Overview --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2 --- Contribution of the present research --- p.107 / Chapter 5.3 --- Future research direction --- p.108 / REFERENCE: --- p.111

The amphibian species Xenopus laevis, along with mouse and chicken is a very important model system, used widely to dissect the molecular intricacies of various aspects of vertebrate development. Study with Xenopus has clear advantages in terms of various technical considerations including the ease of handling early stage of embryos and due to the remarkable documentation of several early molecular events during development. The concept of inductive interactions between various cell types during early development was first revealed by the studies performed in Xenopus, and among the various factors proposed for mesoderm induction, the members of transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) superfamily have been considered to be the most probable candidates. About forty different members of the TGF-β superfamily have been cloned and characterized from various organisms. The superfamily members like activins and BMPs have been studied extensively with respect to their functional role during development. While BMPs were assigned as candidates for inducing ventral mesoderm, activins oppose the role of BMPs by inducing dorsal mesoderm. Studies that helped in delineating their roles were performed using three approaches that utilized the ligands, receptors or down stream signaling components (Smads). All the three components were studied with respect to their endogenous expression pattern and effects of ectopic expressions of the wild type or dominant negative mutants. These approaches led to the accumulation of evidences supporting the importance of these signaling molecules. All the above mentioned studies were only possible due to the cloning and characterization of cDNAs of the various proteins involved in the signaling pathway including the ligands. TGF-β2 and 5 are the two isoforms of TGF-β cloned from the amphibian system. We have earlier cloned and characterized the promoter for TGF-β5 gene, which suggested possible regulation of this factor by tissue specific transcription factors. Messenger RNA in situ hybridization analysis to study the TGF-β5-expression pattern during Xenopus development, showed spatial and temporal expression pattern. The expression was confined to specific regions that include notochord, somites, and tail bud among others, in the various stages analyzed. This suggested a possible role for TGF-β5 in organogenesis during the amphibian development. To better understand the role of TGF-β in Xenopus development, studies to examine the specific receptor expression pattern for this growth factor is very essential. With the lack of any reports on cloning of TGF-β receptors from this system, the aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize the receptors for TGF-β from Xenopus laevis. PCR cloning using degenerate primers based on the conserved kinase domains of this class of receptors, coupled to library screenings enabled the identification of two novel receptor cDNAs of the TGF-β receptor superfamily. Characterization of the isolated cDNAs suggested that one of them codes for a type II receptor for TGF-β. Further the cDNAs were found to be ubiquitously expressed during development, as judged by RT-PCR analysis. The cloned cDNAs can now be employed as tools, to study the expression pattern by means of mRNA in situ hybridization, on the various developmental stage embryos and to perform studies using antisense and dominant negative mRNA injection experiments in vivo. Such studies will greatly assist in delineating the role of TGF-β ligands and receptors during amphibian development.

No / BMP signaling has a crucial role in skin development and homeostasis, whereas molecular mechanisms underlying its involvement in regulating gene expression programs in keratinocytes and fibroblasts remain largely unknown. We show here that several BMP ligands, all BMP receptors, and BMP-associated Smad1/5/8 are expressed in human primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Treatment of both cell types by BMP-4 resulted in the activation of the BMP-Smad, but not BMP-MAPK pathways. Global microarray analysis revealed that BMP-4 treatment induces distinct and cell type-specific changes in gene expression programs in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are far more complex than the effects of BMPs on cell proliferation/differentiation described earlier. Furthermore, our data suggest that the potential modulation of cell adhesion, extracellular matrix remodeling, motility, metabolism, signaling, and transcription by BMP-4 in keratinocytes and fibroblasts is likely to be achieved by the distinct and cell-type-specific sets of molecules. Thus, these data provide an important basis for delineating mechanisms that underlie the distinct effects of the BMP pathway on different cell populations in the skin, and will be helpful in further establishing molecular signaling networks regulating skin homeostasis in health and disease.