Cell type- and isotype-specific expression and regulation of β-tubulins in primary olfactory ensheathing cells and Schwann cells in vitro.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and Schwann cells (SCs) are closely-related cell types with regeneration-promoting properties. Comparative gene expression analysis is particularly relevant since it may explain cell type-specific effects and guide the use of each cell type into special clinical applications. In the present study, we focused on β-tubulin isotype expression in primary adult canine glia as a translational large animal model.

Highly malignant behavior of a murine oligodendrocyte precursor cell line following transplantation into the demyelinated and nondemyelinated central nervous system.

Understanding the basic mechanisms that control CNS remyelination is of direct clinical relevance. Suitable model systems include the analysis of naturally occurring and genetically generated mouse mutants and the transplantation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) following experimental demyelination. However, aforementioned studies were exclusively carried out in rats and little is known about the in vivo behavior of transplanted murine OPCs.

Axonopathy is associated with complex axonal transport defects in a model of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease characterized by myelin and axonal pathology. In a viral model of MS, we tested whether axonopathy initiation and development are based on an impaired transport of neurofilaments. Spinal cords of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)-infected and mock-infected mice and TMEV infected neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells were analyzed by microarray analysis, light microscopy and electron and laser confocal microscopy.

Impact of beta-galactosidase mutations on the expression of the canine lysosomal multienzyme complex.

beta-galactosidase (GLB1) forms a functional lysosomal multienzyme complex with lysosomal protective protein (PPCA) and neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) which is important for its intracellular processing and activity. Mutations in the beta-galactosidase gene cause the lysosomal storage disease G(M1)-gangliosidosis. In order to identify additional molecular changes associated with the presence of beta-galactosidase mutations, the expression of canine lysosomal multienzyme complex components in GLB1(+/+), GLB1(+/-) and GLB1(-/-) fibroblasts was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and enzymatic assays.

Transfection of adult canine Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells at early and late passage with human TERT differentially affects growth factor responsiveness and in vitro growth.

Adult canine Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are closely related cell types that are considered attractive candidates for translational studies of neural repair. To establish a reliable cell source by comparing the in vitro properties of immortalized Schwann cells and OECs for transplantation purposes, we transfected both cell types with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Ectopic hTERT expression has been shown to induce immortalization of various cell types without substantial alterations of their phenotypes.

Similar behaviour and primate-like properties of adult canine Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells in long-term culture.

Adult canine Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have been shown to promote neural regeneration in vivo. Since the majority of studies have been performed in rodents, it is not yet clear in how far OECs from large animals and humans share the reported properties. Moreover, due to the lack of comparative studies, it remains to be established whether Schwann cells and OECs display cell type-specific characteristics.

Rapid and accurate G M1-gangliosidosis diagnosis using a parentage testing microsatellite.

The G M1-gangliosidosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by structural defects of the beta-galactosidase gene (GLB1) which lead to a severe phenotypical impairment in homozygous individuals, whereas heterozygous carriers remain clinically normal. Currently employed DNA parentage tests include the analysis of microsatellites, which also have a diagnostic predictive value. The aim of this study was to provide a reliable tool for genotyping the canine GLB1 which can be effectively integrated in parentage testing investigations.

Specific components of prostanoid-signaling pathways are present in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

In the present study, we measured prostanoid synthesis and the expression of genes associated with prostanoid signaling in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines and in primary human tumors. Consistent with the proposed growth promoting role of PGE2, we found that NSCLC cell lines frequently co-expressed the genes encoding cyclooxygenase-2 and the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors EP1, 2 and 4 concomitant with the synthesis of PGE2. In contrast, NSCLC cells did not synthesize appreciable amounts of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2, prostacyclin), lacked PGI2 synthase (PGIS) and did not express the gene coding for the PGI2 receptor IP at detectable levels.

Induction of PPARbeta and prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis by Raf signaling: failure of PGI2 to activate PPARbeta.

A role for the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta (PPARbeta) in oncogenesis has been suggested by a number of observations but its precise role remains elusive. Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2, prostacyclin), a major arachidonic acid (AA) derived cyclooxygenase (Cox) product, has been proposed as a PPARbeta agonist. Here, we show that the 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) mediated activation of a C-Raf-estrogen receptor fusion protein leads to the induction of both the PPARbeta and Cox-2 genes, concomitant with a dramatic increase in PGI2 synthesis.