Chromatographic separation of proteins on metal immobilized iminodiacetic acid-bound molded monolithic rods of macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate)

Continuous rod of macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) was prepared by a free radical polymerization within the confines of a stainless-steel column. The epoxide groups of the rod were modified by a reaction with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) that affords the active site to form metal IDA chelates used for immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The efficiency of coupling of IDA to the epoxide-contained matrix was studied as a function of reaction time and temperature. High-performance separation of proteins, based on immobilized different metals on the column, were described. The influence of pH on the adsorption capacity of bovine serum albumin on the Cu2+-IDA continuous rod column was investigated in the range from 5.0 to 9.0. Purification of lysozyme from egg white and human serum albumin (HSA) on the commercially available HSA solution were performed on the naked IDA and Cu2+-IDA continuous rod columns, respectively; and the purity of the obtained fractions was detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Identification of potential substrate-binding sites in yeast and human acyl-CoA sterol acyltransferases by mutagenesis of conserved sequences

In mammals, the esterification of sterols by ACAT plays a critical role in eukaryotic lipid homeostasis. Using the predominant isoform of the yeast ACAT-related enzyme family, Are2p, as a model, we targeted phylogenetically conserved sequences for mutagenesis in order to identify functionally important motifs. Deletion, truncation, and missense mutations implicate a regulatory role for the amino-terminal domain of Are2p and identified two carboxyl-terminal motifs as required for catalytic activity. A serine-to-leucine mutation in the (H/Y)SF motif (residues 338-340), unique to sterol esterification enzymes, nullified the activity and stability of yeast Are2p. Similarly, a tyrosine-to-alanine change in the FYxDWWN motif of Are2p (residues 523-529) produced an enzyme with decreased activity and apparent affinity for oleoyl-CoA. Mutagenesis of the tryptophan residues in this motif completely abolished activity. In human ACAT1, mutagenesis of the corresponding motifs (residues 268-270, and 403-409, respectively) also nullified enzymatic activity. On the basis of their critical roles in enzymatic activity and their sequence conservation, we propose that these motifs mediate sterol and acyl-CoA binding by this class of enzymes.

Study of tea polyphenol as a reversal agent for carcinoma cell lines' multidrug resistance (study of TP as a MDR reversal agent)

The aim of this study was to examine MDR1 expression product P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and study the effect and mechanism of tea polyphenol (TP) in reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR) in carcinoma cell lines. Immunocytochemical method was used for qualitative detection of Pgp. A comparative study of cytotoxicity and multidrug resistance reversion effect was made by MTT assay for tea polyphenol and quinidine in MCF-7 and MCF-7/Adr cell lines. The multidrug resistance reversion effect and mechanism were studied by measuring the uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in the carcinoma cell lines. (1) The Pgp overexpression in MCF-7/Adr cells was found to be strong positive, while the Pgp expression of MCF-7 was negative. (2) Although both tea polyphenol and quinidine could not remarkably change the toxicity of adriamycin to MCF-7, they could improve the sensitivity of MCF-7/Adr to adriamycin. The reversion index of tea polyphenol and quinidine was 3 and 10 respectively. (3) The cellular uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin was remarkably lower in MCF-7/Adr than in MCF-7. The uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in MCF-7/Adr exhibited a 4, 13, 16 fold increase in the presence of 200, 400 and 500 microg/ml of tea polyphenol respectively. The uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in MCF-7/Adr exhibited only a 4-fold increase in the presence of 200 microM of quinidine. Immunocytochemistry can detect P-glycoprotein expression level qualitatively. Tea polyphenol is not only an anti-tumor agent, but also a multidrug resistant modulator similar to quinidine. The multidrug resistance reversion mechanism of tea polyphenol seems to be its inhibition of the activity of P-glycoprotein. Tea polyphenol has the advantage of very low toxicity in tumor treatment.

Targeted delivery of a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand-gemcitabine conjugate to brain tumors in a xenograft model

PURPOSE

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) are overexpressed in brain tumors compared to normal brain, and could serve as a target to selectively increase anticancer drug delivery through a PBR ligand-drug conjugate system. We have previously synthesized PBR ligand-gemcitabine conjugates based on the model PBR ligand, PK11195. The goal of the current study was to examine this new drug delivery strategy in an intracerebral xenograft model by measurement of steady-state drug distribution following administration of gemcitabine (GEM) and PK11195-GEM.

METHODS

In vitro PBR receptor binding and cytotoxicity assays were used to screen three different PK11195-GEM conjugates (GG01, GG02, GG03) in human SF126 glioma cells. Based on these findings and the favorable chemical stability of GG01, here referred as PK11195-GEM, pharmacokinetic investigations of PK11195-GEM and GEM were conducted in male rats. These studies consisted of single-dose and steady-state dosing regimen studies, the latter to assess drug distribution in normal brain and brain tumors. PK11195-GEM and GEM were measured in blood and tissue samples by HPLC.

RESULTS

All PBR-GEM conjugates demonstrated appreciable receptor binding affinity and cytotoxicity with mean IC50 values ranging from 248 to 376 nM and 5.6 to 29.1 nM, respectively. The cytotoxicity of GEM was comparable with a mean IC50 value of 5.9 nM. Following administration of single 8 mg/kg doses of PK11195-GEM to rats (n=4), PK11195-GEM had a mean total clearance of 126.3 +/- 29.6 ml/min per kg, and a volume of distribution at steady-state of 1,261.9 +/- 31.05 ml/kg that resulted in a very short elimination half-life of 16.1 +/- 5.8 min. In comparison GEM had a similar volume of distribution (993.8 +/- 131.6 ml/kg), reduced clearance (3.4 +/- 0.8 ml/ min per kg), and longer half-life (235.6 +/- 26.7 min). In nude rats bearing intracerebral tumors, mean steady-state tumor/plasma, tumor/right brain, and tumor/left brain PK 11195-GEM concentration ratios were 1.75 +/- 0.46, 5.49 +/- 5.2, and 9.96 +/- 3.2, respectively. The analogous values following GEM administrations were 0.81 0.5, 3.67 1.57, and 5.21 +/- 1.95, respectively. These values indicate a minimum twofold increase in tumor target selectivity for the conjugate delivery system compared to GEM treatment.

CONCLUSION

Targeting intracellular PBRs is a new drug delivery strategy based on the use of low molecular weight drug conjugates that can be administered systemically. It was demonstrated under steady-state conditions that PK11195-GEM possessed a twofold enhancement in brain tumor selectivity compared to GEM alone. This type of target selectivity would allow higher tumor concentrations to be achieved in conjunction with lower drug concentrations in normal or non-target tissues.

The anti-ageing action of dietary restriction

Over 60 years ago, McCay's laboratory showed that dietary or calorie-restriction dramatically increased the lifespan of rats. Since then, numerous laboratories with a variety of strains of rats and mice have confirmed this initial observation and have shown that reducing calorie intake (without malnutrition) significantly increases both the mean and maximum survival of rodents. Currently, dietary restriction is the only experimental manipulation that has been shown to retard ageing of mammals. Although mechanism whereby dietary restriction retards ageing is currently unknown, much of the emerging data suggest that the calorie-restricted rodents live longer and age more slowly because they are more resistant to stress and have an enhanced ability to protect cells against damaging agents.

[Eight cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in head and neck]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment level of rhabdomyosarcoma in head and neck.

METHOD

It was based on the documents that 8 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in head and neck had been diagnosed by pathological diagnosis.

RESULT

The 8 cases were treated by operation. Among 8 patients, 5 took radiotherapy after operation. 1 took chemotherapy after operation. We kept in touch with 7 patients, the survival rate of 5 years was 57.1% (4/7).

CONCLUSION

We must pay attention to the painful or painless phyma in the otolaryngology and head and neck. It has the possibility of being rhabdomyosarcoma. We diagnose the rhabdomyosarcoma through biopsy and immuohistochemistry and with the references from the examination of CT, MR. In order to improve the survival rate of patients of rhabdomyosarcoma, we should use the comprehensive treatment, including operation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Radiologically guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of pelvic and retroperitoneal masses: a retrospective study of 68 cases

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the pelvis and retroperitoneum (excluding the pancreas, kidney, and adrenal masses) has not achieved its full potential as a diagnostic modality. We reviewed 68 percutaneous, radiologically guided FNAs from these locations to assess the clinical utility and complication rate of this procedure. Satisfactory material was obtained in 66 cases (97.1%), of which 37 were deemed positive (55%), 3 suspicious (4%), 4 atypical (6%), and 22 negative (32%) for malignancy; two cases (3%) were unsatisfactory. Compared to biopsy (36 patients) and clinical information, the sensitivity and specificity of FNA for malignancy were 90.2% and 100%, respectively, yielding a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 86.6%. The four false-negative cases (5.9%) were due to sampling error. One patient had a minor complication (hematoma) from the procedure. We conclude that FNA is the procedure of choice for detecting most malignancies in these two locations.

Discrete-ordinates solution of short-pulsed laser transport in two-dimensional turbid media

The discrete-ordinates method is formulated to solve transient radiative transfer with the incorporation of a transient term in the transfer equation in two-dimensional rectangular enclosures containing absorbing, emitting, and anisotropically scattering media subject to diffuse and/or collimated laser irradiation. The governing equations resulting from the discrete-ordinates discretization of the angular directions are further discretized in the spatial and the temporal domains by the finite-volume approach. The current formulation is suitable for solving transient laser transport in turbid media as well as for steady-state radiative transfer in many engineering problems. The method is applied to several example problems and compared with existing steady-state solutions and Monte Carlo transient solutions. Good agreement is found in all cases. Short-pulsed laser interaction and propagation in a turbid medium with high scattering albedo are studied. The imaging of an inhomogeneous zone inside a turbid medium is demonstrated.

The essential role of MEKK3 in TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation

Activation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) is the key step in stimulation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, which regulates many genes in the inflammatory response pathway. The molecular mechanism that underlies IKK activation in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is still unknown. Using mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3)-deficient fibroblast cells, we found that MEKK3 plays a critical role in TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation. We have shown that MEKK3 is required for IKK activation and functions downstream of receptor-interacting protein (RIP) and TNF receptor- associated factor 2. We have also shown that MEKK3 interacts with RIP and directly phosphorylates IKK. The kinase activity of MEKK3 is pivotal to its function and, therefore, MEKK3 links RIP and IKK in TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation.

Mosaic pattern of maternal and paternal keratinocyte clones in normal human epidermis revealed by analysis of X-chromosome inactivation

During early development of the female embryo, one X-chromosome is randomly inactivated in each cell. As a result of growth, migration, and differentiation, the adult female becomes a mosaic of cells with either the paternal or the maternal X-chromosome inactivated. It is not known what structure the X-chromosome inactivation pattern has in skin of normal individuals. We investigated normal skin from four healthy females, heterozygous for the HUMARA microsatellite on the X-chromosome. Following careful microdissection, DNA from adjacent epidermal samples consisting of approximately 35 basal keratinocytes was digested with the methylation-sensitive enzyme HpaII. The inactivated X-chromosome remained intact due to extensive methylation. The enzyme-digested DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction and fragments were analyzed for size. Through examination of adjacent samples and consecutive sections, we found normal human skin to be composed of a fine mosaic of tiles with either maternal or paternal X-chromosome inactivated. The sizes of these tiles were between 20 and 350 basal cells. The method described has the potential to resolve the clonal status in normal as well as pathologic conditions.

Allelic losses in OraTest-directed biopsies of patients with prior upper aerodigestive tract malignancy

Genetic alterations at critical chromosome loci have been shown to be predictors of the progression of oral premalignancy-to-invasive cancer. We obtained a unique group of oral biopsies, initially collected during a prospective study designed to test the ability of OraTest (toluidine blue), to identify recurrent oral neoplastic lesions in patients with definite therapy for head and neck or upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer. A total of 46 cases, including 13 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 11 carcinoma-in situ or dysplasia, and 22 morphologically normal oral biopsies, were analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 9p21, 3p21, and 17p13(TP53) by microsatellite analysis. LOH at one or more tested markers in at least one biopsy was detected in 76% (35 of 46) cases. All of the SCC and carcinoma-in situ cases showed LOH, and, strikingly, more than one-half (69%, 13 of 22) of morphologically normal epithelia also harbored LOH in at least one tested marker. The most frequent LOH was found on chromosome 9p21 (69%, 31 of 45). LOH was observed at 3p21, 17p13(TP53), or in multiple chromosomal arms significantly more often in SCC than in normal epithelia. In the majority of cases, two oral biopsies, one from an OraTest-staining positive area and another from a negative area adjacent to the stain, were collected. Among 25 LOH positive cases with two biopsies, identical allelic losses were confirmed between stained and nonstained biopsies in 16 cases. In the remaining nine cases with discordant LOH patterns between two biopsies, eight cases showed LOH at more genetic loci in OraTest-stained areas. Our data confirm that clonal genetic alterations, especially 9p21 deletion, are often present in the oral epithelia of patients with previous UADT malignancy and, combined with previous studies, suggest that genetic analysis will help stratify patients at risk of developing a secondary oral cancer. In addition to detecting cancer, our study suggests that OraTest can detect clinically occult lesions in the progression pathway to oral cancer.

Relation between commuting, leisure time physical activity and serum lipids in a Chinese urban population

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between both commuting and leisure time physical activity and serum lipids in a Chinese population.

POPULATION

A total of 1786 males and 1922 females aged 20-49 years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 1989 in urban area of the city of Tianjin, China. Commuting and leisure time physical activity, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were determined.

RESULTS

Daily walking or cycling to and from work was inversely associated with serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations among men and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations among women as compared to travelling to and from work by bus.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed a significant association between serum lipids and commuting physical activity, but no relation with leisure time sports.

Sampling the intramyocellular triglycerides from skeletal muscle

To determine the extent and microanatomical distribution of extramyocellular adipocytes associated with skeletal muscle, histological, biochemical, nuclear magnetic resonance proton spectroscopic and microcomputed tomography techniques were employed to analyze skeletal muscle samples from lean and obese Sprague-Dawley rats. Significant amounts of extramyocellular adipocytes were found on the exterior surface of rat gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles. The triglyceride content of these exterior adipocytes in these muscle groups was 2- to 3-fold greater than that of the respective intramyocellular triglyceride pool (P = 0.01). Thus, the exterior adipocytes associated with skeletal muscle samples are an abundant source of extramyocellular fat potentially contaminating the intramyocellular triglyceride pool if not carefully and completely removed. On the other hand, no adipocytes were found in the interfascicular space (between muscle bundles) or the intrafascicular space (between muscle fibers) in any of the three rat muscles. The feasibility of and procedures for removing extramyocellular fat by microdissection techniques to obtain pure muscle sample were also evaluated. Complete removal of the extramyocellular adipocytes from rat skeletal muscle, using microdissection with a stereo microscope, was found to be practical and effective. It is concluded that pure muscle samples free of contamination by extramyocellular fat can be obtained, but only if microdissection techniques are utilized.

Changes in expression of antioxidant enzymes affect cell-mediated LDL oxidation and oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis in mouse aortic cells

Transgenic mice overexpressing Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (hSod1Tg(+/0)) or catalase (hCatTg(+/0)) and knockout mice underexpressing manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2(+/)(-)) or glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1(-/-)) were used to study the effect of antioxidant enzymes on cell-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and oxidized LDL (oxLDL)-induced apoptosis. Incubation of LDL with mouse aortic segments or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) resulted in a significant increase in LDL oxidation. However, LDL oxidation was significantly reduced when LDL was incubated with aortic segments and SMCs obtained from hSod1Tg(+/0) and hCatTg(+/0) mice compared with those obtained from wild-type mice. In contrast, LDL oxidation was significantly increased when LDL was incubated with aortic segments and SMCs obtained from Sod2(+/)(-) and Gpx1(-/-) mice. CuSO(4)-oxidized LDL increased DNA fragmentation and caspase activities in the primary cultures of mouse aortic SMCs. However, oxLDL-induced DNA fragmentation and caspase activities were reduced 50% in SMCs obtained from hSod1Tg(+/0) and hCatTg(+/0) mice compared with wild-type control mice. In contrast, oxLDL-induced DNA fragmentation and caspase activities were significantly increased in SMCs obtained from Sod2(+/)(-) and Gpx1(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that overexpression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase or catalase reduces cell-mediated LDL oxidation and oxLDL-induced apoptosis, whereas underexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase-1 increases cell-mediated LDL oxidation and oxLDL-induced apoptosis.

Immunotherapy with nondepleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies but not CD28 antagonists protects islet graft in spontaneously diabetic nod mice from autoimmune destruction and allogeneic and xenogeneic graft rejection

BACKGROUND

T-cell activation and the subsequent induction of effector functions require not only the recognition of antigen peptides bound to MHC molecules by T-cell receptor (TCR) for antigen but also a costimulatory signal provided by antigen presenting cells. CD4 T-cell activation and function require the CD4 molecule as a coreceptor of TCR. The CD28/B7 pathway is a major costimulatory signal for T-cell activation and differentiation.

METHODS

The effect of targeting CD4 by nondepleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) versus blocking CD28/B7 by CTLA4Ig, anti-CD80 mAbs, and anti-CD86 mAbs on the prevention of recurrence of autoimmune diabetes after MHC-matched nonobese diabetes-resistant (NOR) islet transplantation in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were compared. Whether nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs prolong allogeneic islet graft survival and xenogeneic pig islet graft survival in diabetic NOD mice were studied. Furthermore, the effect of nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs combined with CTLA4Ig on allogeneic islet graft survival in NOD mice was investigated.

RESULTS

Recurrence of autoimmune diabetes can be prevented by nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs. Blocking the CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway by CTLA4Ig or by anti-CD80 mAbs and anti-CD86 mAbs cannot prevent recurrence of autoimmune diabetes after islet transplantation. Short-term treatment with nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs significantly prolongs allogeneic islet graft survival and xenogeneic pig islet graft survival in diabetic NOD mice. But nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs combined with CTLA4Ig decreased allogeneic islet graft survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs but not CD28 antagonists protect islet grafts in diabetic NOD mice from autoimmune destruction and allogeneic and xenogeneic graft rejection. The efficacy of nondepleting anti-CD4 mAbs is compromised when it combines with CTLA4Ig.

A reliable assessment of 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine levels in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA using the sodium iodide method to isolate DNA

A major controversy in the area of DNA biochemistry concerns the actual in vivo levels of oxidative damage in DNA. We show here that 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (oxo8dG) generation during DNA isolation is eliminated using the sodium iodide (NaI) isolation method and that the level of oxo8dG in nuclear DNA (nDNA) is almost one-hundredth of the level obtained using the classical phenol method. We found using NaI that the ratio of oxo8dG/10(5 )deoxyguanosine (dG) in nDNA isolated from mouse tissues ranged from 0.032 +/- 0.002 for liver to 0.015 +/- 0.003 for brain. We observed a significant increase (10-fold) in oxo8dG in nDNA isolated from liver tissue after 2 Gy of gamma-irradiation when NaI was used to isolate DNA. The turnover of oxo8dG in nDNA was rapid, e.g. disappearance of oxo8dG in the mouse liver in vivo after gamma-irradiation had a half-life of 11 min. The levels of oxo8dG in mitochondrial DNA isolated from liver, heart and brain were 6-, 16- and 23-fold higher than nDNA from these tissues. Thus, our results showed that the steady-state levels of oxo8dG in mouse tissues range from 180 to 360 lesions in the nuclear genome and from one to two lesions in 100 mitochondrial genomes.

Copper(II) ion induced monolayer formation of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene at the air-water interface

The monolayer properties of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (TCA) at the air-water interface was investigated by the measurements of surface pressure-area isotherms. However, TCA only exists as a trimmer aggregate on the subphase of deionized water. Copper(II) ion in the subphase can induce the monolayer formation of TCA. The UV-Vis spectra and FTIR spectra of the transferred films suggested that the monolayer forrmation was fulfilled through the coordination of copper(II) ion to TCA at the air-water surface.

Suppression of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders by dietary restriction and environmental enrichment: molecular mechanisms

Dietary restriction (reduced calorie intake with nutritional maintenance) can extend lifespan and may increase the resistance of the nervous system to age-related diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. An environment enriched in intellectual and physical activities can also allay many of the adverse effects of aging on the brain. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of dietary restriction and environmental enrichment on the brain involve stimulation of the expression of neurotrophic factors and 'stress proteins'. The neurotrophic factors and stress proteins induced by dietary restriction may protect neurons by suppressing oxyradical production, stabilizing cellular calcium homeostasis and inhibiting a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis. Interestingly, dietary restriction and environmental enrichment also increase numbers of newly-generated neural cells in the adult brain suggesting that these behavioral modifications can increase the brain's capacity for plasticity and self-repair. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects of diet and behavior on the brain is leading to novel therapeutic agents that mimick their beneficial effects.

CD8 T cell-mediated rejection of intestinal allografts is resistant to inhibition of the CD40/CD154 costimulatory pathway

BACKGROUND

Disruption of the CD40/CD154 pathway inhibits rejection in numerous models. The importance of this pathway on intestinal allograft rejection was examined in this study.

METHODS

Intestinal grafts from B6C3F1 mice transplanted into C57BL/6 recipients were assessed histologically for rejection.

RESULTS

The monoclonal antibody to CD154, MR1, failed to inhibit rejection in wild-type mice. Similarly, CD154-/- recipient mice rejected intestinal allografts. MR1 did inhibit early rejection in CD8-/- mice, but had no effect in CD4-/- recipients. All MR1-treated CD8-/- recipients eventually developed rejection. No benefit was observed when blockade of the CD40/CD154 pathway by MR1 was combined with blockade of the CD28/B7 pathway by mCTLA4Ig.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that CD4+ T cells mediating intestinal allograft rejection may be more dependent upon the CD40/CD154 pathway than CD8+ T cells. This finding highlights the importance of identifying agents that suppress CD8+ T cell-mediated rejection.

MEKK2 is required for T-cell receptor signals in JNK activation and interleukin-2 gene expression

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family and are essential for cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Previously we found that activation of JNK in T-cells required costimulation of both T-cell receptor and auxiliary receptors such as CD28. In this study, we cloned a full-length human MEK kinase (MEKK) 2 cDNA from Jurkat T-cells and demonstrated that it was a major upstream MAPK kinase kinase for the JNK cascade in T-cells. The human MEKK2 cDNA encoded a polypeptide of 619 amino acids and was the human counterpart of the reported murine MEKK2. It was 94% homologous with human and murine MEKK3 at the catalytic domains and 60% homologous at the N-terminal noncatalytic region. Northern blot analysis showed that MEKK2 was ubiquitously expressed, with the highest level in peripheral blood leukocytes. In T cells, MEKK2 was found to be a strong activator of JNK but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPKs and to activate JNK-dependent AP-1 reporter gene expression. MEKK2 also synergized with anti-CD3 antibody to activate JNK in T cells, and stimulation of T cells led to induction of MEKK2 tyrosine phosphorylation. Significantly, the JNK activation induced by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, but not by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, was inhibited by dominant negative MEKK2 mutants. AP-1 and interleukin-2 reporter gene induction in T-cells was also inhibited by dominant negative MEKK2 mutants. Taken together, our results showed that human MEKK2 is a key signaling molecule for T-cell receptor/CD3-mediated JNK MAPK activation and interleukin-2 gene expression.

HPV-related cancer susceptibility and p53 codon 72 polymorphism

Conflicting results regarding the association of a polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 tumour suppressor gene and susceptibility to develop human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cervical cancer have been published over the last year, implicating differences in ethnic background, sample origin, sample size and/or detection assay. The material for this study was collected in the identical geographical region as for 2 previous reports with contradictory results regarding the association of codon 72 genotype with squamous cell cancer (SCC). We have used an alternative detection assay, based on pyrosequencing technology, that interrogates the variable position by the accuracy of DNA polymerase. In addition to cervical clinical specimens from SCC, HPV16- and HPV18-infected adenocarcinoma cases as well as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were investigated. No significant association was found between p53 codon 72 genotype and the risk to develop adenocarcinoma, SCC or CIN in the Swedish population.

Different mechanisms of cardiac allograft rejection in wildtype and CD28-deficient mice

Although CD28 blockade results in long-term cardiac allograft survival in wildtype mice, CD28-deficient mice effectively reject heart allografts. This study compared the mechanisms of allogeneic responses in wildtype and CD28-deficient mice. Adoptive transfer of purified CD28-deficient T cells into transplanted nude mice resulted in graft rejection. However, this model demonstrated that the allogeneic T cell function was severely impaired when compared with wildtype T cells, despite similar survival kinetics. Cardiac allograft rejection depended on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in CD28-deficient mice, whereas only CD4+ T cells were necessary in wildtype recipients. These results suggested that CD8+ T cells were more important in CD28-deficient than wildtype mice. In addition to the CD8+ T cell requirement, allograft rejection in CD28-deficient mice was dependent on a sustained presence of CD4+ T cells, whereas it only required the initial presence of CD4+ T cells in wildtype mice. Taken together, these data suggest that CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient mice have impaired responses to alloantigen in vivo, thus requiring long-lasting cooperation with CD8+ T cell responses to facilitate graft rejection. These results may help to explain the failure to promote graft tolerance in some preclinical and clinical settings.

Oligonucleotide arrays for high resolution HLA typing

The methodology and applications of oligonucleotide array technology are reviewed. An oligonucleotide array system for typing HLA-B alleles is described. Oligonucleotide probes representing all known polymorphisms in exons 2 and 3 of HLA-B are immobilized on glass slides. Exons 2 and 3 are amplified from human genomic DNA using fluorescent-labeled primers and subsequently allowed to hybridize to an oligonucleotide array on glass supports. The presence of positive hybridization is detected by fluorescence scanning. HLA-B alleles are assigned by quantitative analysis of hybridization patterns. Proof of principle has been established in blinded testing of heterozygous DNA samples.

A synthetic inhibitor of p53 protects neurons against death induced by ischemic and excitotoxic insults, and amyloid beta-peptide

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is essential for neuronal death in several experimental settings and may participate in human neurodegenerative disorders. Based upon recent studies characterizing chemical inhibitors of p53 in preclinical studies in the cancer therapy field, we synthesized the compound pifithrin-alpha and evaluated its potential neuroprotective properties in experimental models relevant to the pathogenesis of stroke and neurodegenerative disorders. Pifithrin-alpha protected neurons against apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents, amyloid beta-peptide and glutamate. Protection by pifithrin-alpha was correlated with decreased p53 DNA-binding activity, decreased expression of the p53 target gene BAX and suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. Mice given pifithrin-alpha exhibited increased resistance of cortical and striatal neurons to focal ischemic injury and of hippocampal neurons to excitotoxic damage. These preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of a p53 inhibitor in models of stroke and neurodegenerative disorders, and suggest that drugs that inhibit p53 may reduce the extent of brain damage in related human neurodegenerative conditions.