Jane E. Barker

Identification of a ferrireductase required for efficient transferrin-dependent iron uptake in erythroid cells

The reduction of iron is an essential step in the transferrin (Tf) cycle, which is the dominant pathway for iron uptake by red blood cell precursors. A deficiency in iron acquisition by red blood cells leads to hypochromic, microcytic anemia. Using a positional cloning strategy, we identified a gene, six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 3 (Steap3), responsible for the iron deficiency anemia in the mouse mutant nm1054. Steap3 is expressed highly in hematopoietic tissues, colocalizes with the Tf cycle endosome and facilitates Tf-bound iron uptake. Steap3 shares homology with F420H2:NADP+ oxidoreductases found in archaea and bacteria, as well as with the yeast FRE family of metalloreductases. Overexpression of Steap3 stimulates the reduction of iron, and mice lacking Steap3 are deficient in erythroid ferrireductase activity. Taken together, these findings indicate that Steap3 is an endosomal ferrireductase required for efficient Tf-dependent iron uptake in erythroid cells.

Cdk5rap2 regulates centrosome function and chromosome segregation in neuronal progenitors.

Microcephaly affects ∼1% of the population and is associated with mental retardation, motor defects and, in some cases, seizures. We analyzed the mechanisms underlying brain size determination in a mouse model of human microcephaly. The Hertwigs anemia (an) mutant shows peripheral blood cytopenias, spontaneous aneuploidy and a predisposition to hematopoietic tumors. We found that the an mutation is a genomic inversion of exon 4 of Cdk5rap2, resulting in an in-frame deletion of exon 4 from the mRNA. The finding that CDK5RAP2 human mutations cause microcephaly prompted further analysis of Cdk5rap2an/an mice and we demonstrated that these mice exhibit microcephaly comparable to that of the human disease, resulting from striking neurogenic defects that include proliferative and survival defects in neuronal progenitors. Cdk5rap2an/an neuronal precursors exit the cell cycle prematurely and many undergo apoptosis. These defects are associated with impaired mitotic progression coupled with abnormal mitotic spindle pole number and mitotic orientation. Our findings suggest that the reduction in brain size observed in humans with mutations in CDK5RAP2 is associated with impaired centrosomal function and with changes in mitotic spindle orientation during progenitor proliferation.

Spectrin deficient inherited hemolytic anemias in the mouse: Characterization by spectrin synthesis and mRNA activity in reticulocytes

We have investigated spectrin synthesis and mRNA activity in mice homozygous and heterozygous for six mutations occurring at three distinct loci (nb, ja, sph). When homozygous, these mutations cause severe hemolytic anemias that are characterized by specific spectrin deficiencies. Our results indicate that the primary effect of the nb mutation is a deficiency of another erythrocyte membrane skeletal protein, ankyrin. The severe deficiency of spectrin in the red blood cells of ja/ja mice is the result of a beta spectrin defect. Analysis of spectrin synthesis in mice homozygous and heterozygous for several alleles of sph indicates that the sph locus is the structural gene locus for alpha spectrin. We have mapped the sph locus to mouse Chromosome 1.

Chemotactic action of prostaglandin E2 on mouse mast cells acting via the PGE2 receptor 3

Mast cells are long-lived cells that are principally recognized for their effector function in helminth infections and allergic reactions. These cells are derived from pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow that give rise to committed mast cell progenitors in the blood and are recruited to tissues, where they mature. Little is known about the chemotactic signals responsible for recruitment of progenitors and localization of mature mast cells. A mouse model was set up to identify possible mast cell progenitor chemoattractants produced during repeated allergen challenge in vivo. After the final challenge, the nasal mucosa was removed to produce conditioned medium, which was tested in chemotaxis assays against 2-wk murine bone marrow-derived c-kit+ mast cells (BMMC). A single peak of chemotactic activity was seen on reverse-phase HPLC with a retention time and electrospray mass spectrum consistent with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This lipid was found to be a highly potent chemoattractant for immature (2-wk) and also mature (10-wk) BMMC in vitro. Fluorescently labeled 2-wk c-kit+ BMMC, when injected intravenously, accumulated in response to intradermally injected PGE2. Analysis using TaqMan showed mRNA expression of the PGE2 receptors 3 (EP3) and 4 (EP4) on 2- and 10-wk BMMC. Chemotaxis induced by PGE2 was mimicked by EP3 agonists, blocked by an EP3 receptor antagonist, and partially inhibited by a MAPKK inhibitor. These results show an unexpected function for PGE2 in the chemotaxis of mast cells.

Thrombosis in heritable hemolytic disorders.

Thromboses are a serious complication in patients with sickle cell disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, beta-thalassemia major, or thalassemia intermedia. Despite prophylaxis, thrombotic events can continue and can result in severe physical or mental debilitation or death of the patient. The fact that thrombosis does not occur in all patients with hemolytic anemias suggests that multiple factors interact to cause the coagulation crisis. Genetic modifiers, associated diseases, nutritional status, infections, environment, and treatment modalities are variables implicated in thrombophilia. The complexity confounds attempts to identify single causative agents in humans with hemolytic anemias. In the past year, mutations in putative genetic modifiers of the coagulation response have been examined as risk factors in patients with a history of thromboses; red cell binding sites on endothelial cells have been identified; and mouse models of thrombogenesis that permit experimental manipulation of single factors on a defined genetic background have been described.

Brain α erythroid spectrin: identification, compartmentalization, and β spectrin associations

Using isoform and subunit specific antibodies we have determined the presence, localization, and β spectrin associations of α erythroid spectrin, αSpIΣ∗, as well as ga non-erythroid spectrin, αSpIIΣ1, in mouse brain. Peptide spcific antibodies against unique sequences within the βSpIIΣ1, non-erythroid β spectrin isoform, and within βSpIΣ1, erythrocyte β spectrin isoform were used to compare the immunolocalization of β spectrin subunit isoforms with that of α spectrin subunit isoforms and to immunoprecipitate spectrin tetramers in order to identify the subunit components by immunoblot analysis. The specificity and sensitivity of antibodies for isoform specific α and β subunits was determined by immunodot and immunoblot methods. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that βSpIΣ2 is located in neuronal somata and dendrites in mouse cerebellum. βSpIIΣ1 is located in the medullary layer, chiefly composed of axonal tracts. Parallel immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies for the α and β spectrin isoforms revealed that antibodies specific for the α subunit of erythrocyte spectrin (αSpIΣ1) localized antigen to the somata and dendrites of cerebellar granule cell neurons, a pattern similar to that for the localization of the erythroid β subunit (βSpIΣ2). In contrast antibodies specific for the non-erythroid α subunit (αSpIIΣ1) localized antigen to axons in the cerebellum corresponding to the pattern for the non-erythroid β subunit (βSpIIΣ1). The distinct localization of antigens by antisera which recognize either the α subunit of red blood cell spectrin or the α subunit of non-erythroid brain spectrin, together with the correspondence of their localization with appropriate β subunits, clearly indicate that brain contains at least two species of spectrin each with distinct α and β subunits. Immunoprecipitation experiments of cerebellar extracts using β spectrin peptide specific antibodies follwoed by immunoblotting analysis confirmed the association of an erythroid α subunit isoform with a β erythroid subunit isoform, as well as the association of non-erythroid α and β subunits. In addition the immunoblot analysis of the immunoprecipitated material suggested there are minor populations of various hybrid tetramers in brain consisting of mixed erythroid and non-erythroid subunits. In summary these data collectively demonstrate that in mouse brain there are at least two α spectrin subunits, one erythroid αSpIΣ∗ and one non-erythroid αSpIIΣ1; these associate with an erythroid βSpIΣ1, and a non-erythroid βSpIIΣ1 in the cerebellum of mouse. Although mixed tetramers occur, spectrin tetramers occur predominantly as (αSpIΣ∗/βSpIΣ1)2, a purely erythroid tetramer, and as (αSpIIΣ1/βSpIΣ1)2, a purely non-erythroid tetramer.

Spontaneous fracture (sfx): a mouse genetic model of defective peripubertal bone formation.

A new mouse model of stage-specific bone growth failure and fracture has been recovered as an autosomal recessive mutation, designated spontaneous fracture (sfx). The sfx/sfx mice are phenotypically normal until shortly after weaning, when reduced mobility and impaired somatic growth are first noted. By 6 weeks of age, body, spleen, and thymus weights, as well as hematocrits and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, total alkaline phosphatase, insulin-like growth factor-I, and osteocalcin levels are decreased. The sfx/sfx mice also show reduced femoral cortical density and diaphyseal circumference, as well as a paucity of mature osteoblasts on bone surfaces. Histological analyses of the femur and tibia in the mutants show subtle reduction of chondrocyte numbers in epiphyseal-plate columns, reduction of matrix, and near absence of osteoid below the differentiated chondrocytes. Trabeculae in proximal tibiae, iliacs, and vertebral bodies are sparse and thin. Cortical bone thickness of mutants is markedly thinned in all sites examined. By 7-8 weeks, radiographic films routinely show spontaneous impact fractures of the distal femur accompanied by callus formation, whereas complete fractures are less commonly observed. Volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) of mutant femurs is similar to +/? littermates in the center of the femoral diaphysis, but BMD declines as either end of the femoral diaphysis is approached. We have mapped the gene responsible for this phenotype to central Chromosome 14. Reduced bone mass, impaired bone formation, abnormalities of bone architecture, and a disposition to spontaneous fracture identify sfx/sfx mice as a useful model for understanding the mechanisms responsible for peripubertal bone formation.

Novel inheritance of the murine severe combined anemia and thrombocytopenia (Scat) phenotype.

The phenotype of the autosomal recessive mutation scat includes severe intermittent bleeding, depletion of platelets, and circulating anti-platelet antibodies. In this study, we have mapped the scat mutation to mouse chromosome 8 and shown that the immune component is a secondary consequence of the gene defect. Surprisingly, the phenotype of the scat/scat pups depends on the genotype of the mother. Maternal homozygosity prevents disease transmission; crosses between scat homozygotes produce few affected young, while the expected frequency is generated from normal (+/+) mice bearing scat/scat ovaries. The results suggest a novel method of maternal-fetal interaction that relies neither on transfer of maternal mitochondria nor on parental imprinting. We conclude that contribution from the maternal wild-type allele is required for expression of the scat phenotype in homozygotes.

A genetically myeloablated MPS VII model detects the expansion and curative properties of as few as 100 enriched murine stem cells

Causes of transplantation failures are often difficult to assess due to our inability to monitor hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homing, distribution, and amplification in situ. We have developed a mouse model that permits histochemical localization of 1000-fold enriched HSC and quantification of their long-term expanded progeny in situ. The mice are genetically myeloablated (c-kit receptor mutated, W41/W41) and are beta-glucuronidase null (GUSB ; gus(mps)/gus(mps)). The GUSB- mice with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII), like a large number of human patients with similar diseases, have systemic lysosomal storage disease that leads to premature death. Congenic GUSB+, Lineage(lo), Sca-1(hi), c-Kit(hi), Hoechst(lo) HSC, at doses of 30, 100, 250, and 425 cells, implanted and amplified in adult W41/W41, gus(mps)/gus(mps) recipients in a dose-dependent manner. At autopsy, primary recipients of 100 and 425 donor cells had histologically identifiable donor GUSB+ cells in multiple sites and showed both myeloid and lymphoid expansion in bone marrow. Donor cells were rare in the liver and spleen of 100-cell recipients, but lysosomal storage was significantly reduced. The life span was significantly extended in engrafted recipients of 250 (36.7 +/- 3.84 weeks,p = 0.0316) and 425 (40.7 +/-1.53 weeks,p = 0.0033) cells compared to untreated mice (26.4 +/- 1.53 weeks). Secondary hosts of marrow from the recipients of 425 cells demonstrated continued expansion of the GUSB+ cells. Results indicate the genetically myeloablated MPS VII mice can be used to trace and enumerate donor cells long-term and to follow early engraftment events in situ.

Murine erythrocyte ankyrin cDNA: highly conserved regions of the regulatory domain

Ankyrin is an essential link between cytoskeletal proteins, such as spectrin, and membrane bound proteins, such as protein 3, the erythrocyte anion exchanger. Although the amino acid structure of human ankyrin is known, the functional regions have been only partially defined. Sequence comparisons between mouse and human ankyrin offer one mechanism of identifying highly conserved regions that probably have functional significance. We report the isolation and sequencing of a series of overlapping murine erythroid ankyrin (Ank-1) cDNAs from spleen and reticulocyte libraries (total span 6238 bp) and identify potentially important regions of murine-human reticulocyte ankyrin homology. Comparison of the predicted peptide sequences of mouse and human erythroid ankyrins shows that these ankyrins are highly conserved in both the N-terminal, protein 3 binding domain (96% amino acid identity) and in the central spectrin-binding domain (97% identity), but differ in the C-terminal regulatory domain (79% identity). However, the C-terminal regulatory domain contains two regions of peptide sequence that are perfectly conserved. We postulate these regions are important in the regulatory functions of this domain.