Michael D. Bates

Responsiveness of Naive CD4 T Cells to Polarizing Cytokine Determines the Ratio of Th1 and Th2 Cell Differentiation

The intrinsic features of naive CD4 T cells that affect their ability to respond to polarizing signals for Th cell differentiation are not well understood. In this study, we show that naive CD4 T cells from mice transgenic for the Hlx gene expressed lower levels of IL-4Rα. The down-regulation of IL-4Rα diminished IL-4 signaling and the Th2 response and enhanced the Th1 response under suboptimal polarizing conditions. In nontransgenic CD4 T cells, blocking IL-4Rα with Abs had the same effect in an Ab dose-dependent manner. Conversely, Hlx haploinsufficiency caused higher expression of IL-4Rα to favor Th2 cell differentiation. Thus, the IL-4Rα level on naive CD4 T cells is genetically controlled by Hlx and determines the ratio of Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation.

Molecular Insights into Congenital Disorders of the Digestive System

AbstractRecent work is providing new insights into molecular mechanisms of digestive system development and their alteration in clinically significant disorders. An understanding of these mechanisms has largely been gained through the use of animal models, because many of the basic processes required in embryogenesis are functionally conserved among species. Such conserved factors include cell–cell signaling pathways and the regulation of gene expression. Disruption of these pathways have been implicated in several congenital disorders of the digestive system, including Hirschsprung disease, malrotation, altered sphincter development, Meckel diverticulum, biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, pancreatic heterotopias, and pancreatic agenesis. In this review, we highlight recent studies in digestive system development, which elucidate mechanisms underlying congenital disorders of the human digestive system.

Identification of Hlx homeobox transcription factor downstream targets in Hlx knockout mesenchymal cell lines using retroviral vectors and microarrays

Identification of I.IIx Homeobox Transcription Factor Downstream Targets in ttlx Knockout Mesenchymal Cell Lines Using Retroviral Vectors and Microarrays Michael D. Bates, Childrens Hosp Medical Ctr, Cincinnati, OH; Derek A. Persons, St Jude Childrens Research Hosp, Memphis, TN; Lynn C. Schatzman, Childrens Hosp Medical Ctr, Cincinnati, OH; Richard P. Harvey, St Vincents Hosp, Darlinghurst Australia; S Steven Potter, Childrens Hosp Medical Ctr, Cincinnati, OH