Publications (26) View all
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Article: Molecular cloning, characterization, and promoter analysis of the mouse Crp2/SmLim gene. Preferential expression of its promoter in the vascular smooth muscle cells of transgenic mice.
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ABSTRACT: Several members of the LIM protein family have important roles in development and differentiation. We recently isolated a rat cDNA encoding a new member of this family, CRP2/SmLIM, that contains two LIM domains and is expressed preferentially in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). To study the molecular mechanisms that regulate VSMC-specific transcription of the Crp2/SmLim gene, we cloned the cDNA and gene of mouse Crp2/SmLim. Mouse Crp2/SmLim is a single copy gene of six exons and five introns spanning approximately 20 kilobases of genomic DNA. By 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends and S1 nuclease protection assay, we determined that the transcription start site is an A residue 80 base pairs 5' of the translation initiation codon. A TATA-like sequence is located 27 base pairs 5' of the transcription start site, and there are potential cis-acting elements (GATA, Sp1, AP-2, E box, CCAC box, and GArC motif) in the 5'-flanking sequence. In transient transfection assays in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in primary culture, 5 kilobases of the Crp2/SmLim 5'-flanking sequence generated a high level of luciferase reporter gene activity. By deletion analysis and gel mobility shift assay, we found that the region between bases -74 and -39 of this 5 kilobase DNA fragment binds Sp1 and confers basal promoter activity in the Crp2/SmLim gene. In vitro, the 5-kilobase fragment was active in multiple cell types. In vivo, however, the 5-kilobase fragment directed high level expression of the lacZ reporter gene preferentially in the VSMC of transgenic mice, indicating the presence of VSMC-specific element(s) in this fragment.Journal of Biological Chemistry 04/1998; 273(17):10530-7. · 4.77 Impact Factor -
Article: Human EZF, a Krüppel-like zinc finger protein, is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and contains transcriptional activation and repression domains.
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ABSTRACT: Members of the erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) multigene family contain three C-terminal zinc fingers, and they are typically expressed in a limited number of tissues. EKLF, the founding member, transactivates the beta-globin promoter by binding to the CACCC motif. EKLF is essential for expression of the beta-globin gene as demonstrated by gene deletion experiments in mice. Using a DNA probe from the zinc finger region of EKLF, we cloned a cDNA encoding a member of this family from a human vascular endothelial cell cDNA library. Sequence analysis indicated that our clone, hEZF, is the human homologue of the recently reported mouse EZF and GKLF. hEZF is a single-copy gene that maps to chromosome 9q31. By gel mobility shift analysis, purified recombinant hEZF protein bound specifically to a probe containing the CACCC core sequence. In co-transfection experiments, we found that sense but not antisense hEZF decreased the activity of a reporter plasmid containing the CACCC sequence upstream of the thymidine kinase promoter by 6-fold. In contrast, EKLF increased the activity of the reporter plasmid by 3-fold. By fusing hEZF to the DNA-binding domain of GAL4, we mapped a repression domain in hEZF to amino acids 181-388. We also found that amino acids 91-117 of hEZF confer an activation function on the GAL4 DNA-binding domain.Journal of Biological Chemistry 02/1998; 273(2):1026-31. · 4.77 Impact Factor -
Article: The StrongWomen-Healthy Hearts program: reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural sedentary, overweight, and obese midlife and older women.
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ABSTRACT: We tested a community-based intervention designed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in sedentary midlife and older women who were overweight or obese. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in 8 counties in Arkansas and Kansas, counties were assigned to the intervention (a 12-week twice-weekly heart health program) group or to the delayed-intervention control group. Ten to fifteen women were selected from each site, and participants' weight, waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and self-efficacy were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with multiple regressions. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group had a significant decrease in body weight (-2.1 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.2, -1.0), waist circumference (-2.3 in; 95% CI = -4.2, -0.5), and energy intake (-390 kcal/day; 95% CI = -598, -183); an increase in activity (+1637 steps/day; 95% CI = 712, 2562); and an increase in self-efficacy for dietary and physical activity behaviors. Our results suggest that a community-based program can improve self-efficacy, increase physical activity, and decrease energy intake, resulting in decreased waist circumference and body weight among at-risk women.American Journal of Public Health 06/2009; 99(7):1271-7. · 3.93 Impact Factor -
Article: Watching children watch food advertisements on TV.
Preventive Medicine 03/2008; 46(2):177-8. · 3.22 Impact Factor -
Article: Factors related to cardiovascular disease risk reduction in midlife and older women: a qualitative study.
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ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. A healthy diet and appropriate physical activity can help reduce the risk for CVD. However, many women do not follow recommendations for these behaviors. In this study, we used qualitative methods to better understand knowledge and awareness about CVD in women, perceived threat of CVD, barriers to heart-healthy eating and physical activity, and intervention strategies for behavior change. We conducted four focus groups with 38 white women aged 40 years or older in Kansas and Arkansas. We also interviewed 25 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service agents in those states. Environmental audits of grocery stores and the physical environment were done in three communities. Most women were aware of the modifiable risk factors for CVD. Although they realized they were susceptible, they thought CVD was something they could overcome. Common barriers to achieving a heart-healthy diet included time and concern about wasting food. Most women had positive attitudes toward physical activity and reported exercising in the past, but found it difficult to resume when their routine was disrupted. The environmental audits suggested that there are opportunities to be physically active and that with the exception of fresh fish in Kansas, healthful foods are readily available in local food stores. Interventions to change behavior should be hands-on, have a goal-setting component, and include opportunities for social interaction. It is especially important to offer interventions as awareness increases and women seek opportunities to build skills to change behavior.Preventing chronic disease 02/2008; 5(1):A06. · 1.82 Impact Factor
