The A-kinase anchor protein MAP2B and cAMP-dependent protein kinase are associated with class C L-type calcium channels in neurons

Phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) increases the activity of class C L-type Ca(2+) channels which are clustered at postsynaptic sites and are important regulators of neuronal functions. We investigated a possible mechanism that could ensure rapid and efficient phosphorylation of these channels by PKA upon stimulation of cAMP-mediated signaling pathways. A kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs) bind to the regulatory R subunits of PKA and target the holoenzyme to defined subcellular compartments and substrates. Class C channels isolated from rat brain extracts by immunoprecipitation contain an endogenous kinase that phosphorylates kemptide, a classic PKA substrate peptide, and also the main phosphorylation site for PKA in the pore-forming alpha(1) subunit of the class C channel complex, serine 1928. The kinase activity is inhibited by the PKA inhibitory peptide PKI(5-24) and stimulated by cAMP. Physical association of the catalytic C subunit of PKA with the immunoisolated class C channel complex was confirmed by immunoblotting. A direct protein overlay binding assay performed with (32)P-labeled RIIbeta revealed a prominent AKAP with an M(r) of 280,000 in class C channel complexes. The protein was identified by immunoblotting as the microtubule-associated protein MAP2B, a well established AKAP. Class C channels did not contain tubulin and MAP2B association was not disrupted by dilution or addition of nocodazole, two treatments that cause dissociation of microtubules. In vitro experiments show that MAP2B can directly bind to the alpha(1) subunit of the class C channel. Our findings indicate that PKA is an integral part of neuronal class C L-type Ca(2+) channels and suggest that the AKAP MAP2B may mediate this interaction. Neither PKA nor MAP2B were detected in immunoprecipitates of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid-type glutamate receptors or class B N-type Ca(2+) channels. Accordingly, MAP2B docked at class C Ca(2+) channels may be important for recruiting PKA to postsynaptic sites.

The phage T4-coded DNA replication helicase (gp41) forms a hexamer upon activation by nucleoside triphosphate

Sedimentation and high performance liquid chromatography studies show that the functional DNA replication helicase of bacteriophage T4 (gp41) exists primarily as a dimer at physiological protein concentrations, assembling from gp41 monomers with an association constant of approximately 10(6) M-1. Cryoelectron microscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and protein-protein cross-linking studies demonstrate that the binding of ATP or GTP drives the assembly of these dimers into monodisperse hexameric complexes, which redissociate following depletion of the purine nucleotide triphosphatase (PuTP) substrates by the DNA-stimulated PuTPase activity of the helicase. The hexameric state of gp41 can be stabilized for detailed study by the addition of the nonhydrolyzable PuTP analogs ATP gamma S and GTP gamma S and is not significantly affected by the presence of ADP, GDP, or single-stranded or forked DNA template constructs, although some structural details of the hexameric complex may be altered by DNA binding. Our results also indicate that the active gp41 helicase exists as a hexagonal trimer of asymmetric dimers, and that the hexamer is probably characterized by D3 symmetry. The assembly pathway of the gp41 helicase has been analyzed, and its structure and properties compared with those of other helicases involved in a variety of cellular processes. Functional implications of such structural organization are also considered.

Non-Rabl patterns of centromere and telomere distribution in the interphase nuclei of plant cells

At the anaphase of cell divisions, the divided chromosomes move to the two poles, with the centromeres as heads and telomeres as tails. Such a polarized orientation of centromeres and telomeres is believed to be preserved in the interphase and is known as Rabl model. We analyzed the distributions of centromeres and telomeres in interphase nuclei from several plant species. Although Rabl polarity was observed in wheat, rye, barley and oats, non-Rabl patterns were discovered in sorghum, rice and maize. In the non-Rabl patterns, both centromeres and telomeres were dispersed throughout the interphase nucleus, except in the area occupied by the nucleolus. Both Rabl and non-Rabl distribution patterns of centromeres and telomeres were consistent in interphase nuclei derived from meristematic root tip cells, microspore mother cells and differentiated leaf cells. Our study demonstrated that there is a diversity of interphase chromatin organization and that the classical Rabl model is not universal in plant species.

Impaired cardiac contractile function in ventricular myocytes from leptin-deficient ob/ob obese mice

The level of the obese gene product leptin is often positively correlated with body weight, supporting the notion that hyperleptinemia contributes to obesity-associated cardiac dysfunction. However, a link between leptin levels and cardiac function has not been elucidated. This study was designed to examine the role of leptin deficiency (resulting from a point mutation of the leptin gene) in cardiomyocyte contractile function. Mechanical properties and intracellular Ca(2+) transients were evaluated in ventricular myocytes from lean control and leptin-deficient ob/ob obese mice at 12 weeks of age. Cardiac ultrastructure was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. ob/ob mice were overtly obese, hyperinsulinemic, hypertriglycemic, hypoleptinemic and euglycemic. Ultrastructural examination revealed swelling and disorganization of cristae in mitochondria from ob/ob mouse ventricular tissues. Cardiomyocytes from ob/ob mice displayed reduced expression of the leptin receptor Ob-R, larger cross-sectional area, decreased peak shortening and maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening, and prolonged relengthening but not shortening duration compared with lean counterparts. Consistent with mechanical characteristics, myocytes from ob/ob mice displayed reduced intracellular Ca(2+) release upon electrical stimulus associated with a slowed intracellular Ca(2+) decay rate. Interestingly, the contractile aberrations seen in ob/ob myocytes were significantly improved by in vitro leptin incubation. Contractile dysfunction was not seen in age- and gender-matched high fat-induced obese mice. These results suggested that leptin deficiency contributes to cardiac contractile dysfunction characterized by both systolic and diastolic dysfunction, impaired intracellular Ca(2+) hemostasis and ultrastructural derangement in ventricular myocytes.

Nucleosome positioning is determined by the (H3-H4)2 tetramer

It is demonstrated that the histone (H3-H4)2 tetramer can find specific positions on DNA, even in the absence of other histones. Purified histone (H3-H4)2 tetramers were reconstituted onto 208-base-pair (bp) DNA molecules containing a nucleosome-positioning sequence by using salt-gradient dialysis. The stoichiometry of histone tetramer to DNA was shown to be 1:1. Digestion with micrococcal nuclease led to formation of protected DNA fragments of approximately 73 bp. Cleavage of the 73-bp DNA with restriction enzymes produced a small set of defined bands, demonstrating positioning of the (H3-H4)2 tetramer on DNA. Analysis of the restriction digests shows that the 73-bp DNA corresponds mainly to two fragments, one lying on either side of the pseudo-dyad axis of the major position adopted by complete histone octamers on this DNA. This result means that a single (H3-H4)2 histone tetramer can fold approximately 146 bp of DNA with the same positioning as the complete octamer but that a region near the pseudo-dyad is only weakly protected against micrococcal nuclease attack in the absence of histones H2A and H2B.

Complications of foreign bodies in the esophagus

Major complications of foreign bodies in the esophagus carry significant morbidity and mortality risks. A retrospective case control study was performed to assess the factors associated with major complications. In total, 273 patients seen within a 7-year period were divided into 2 groups; 253 had no or minor complications, and 20 had major complications. Age, sex, duration of the foreign body, total white cell count (TWC), and nature and site of the foreign body were analyzed in the 2 groups. The major complication rate was 7.3%. Duration of the foreign body and TWC were the only statistically significant factors associated with major complications. Six patients required open neck exploration, 1 had an open thoracotomy, and 13 were treated by endoscopic removal. There were 2 deaths. Given the significant morbidity and mortality risks, we conclude that patients with a prolonged history of a foreign body in the esophagus and a raised TWC should be treated urgently.

Effectiveness of home blood pressure telemonitoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies

To summarise evidence about the effectiveness of home blood pressure telemonitoring (HBPT) and identify the key components of intervention. We comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. The authors were contacted for additional information. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. 46 randomised controlled trials including a total of 13 875 cases were identified. Compared with usual care, HBPT improved office systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP by 3.99 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.06-2.93; P<0.001) and 1.99 mm Hg (95% CI: -2.60 to -1.39; P<0.001), respectively. A larger proportion of patients achieved BP normalisation in the intervention group (relative risk (RR): 1.16; 95% CI: 1.08-1.25; P<0.001). For HBPT plus additional support (including counselling, education, behavioural management, medication management with decision, adherence contracts and so on) versus HBPT alone (or plus less intense additional support), the mean changes in systolic and diastolic BP were 2.44 mm Hg (95% Cl, 4.88 to 0.00 mm Hg; P=0.05) and 1.12 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.34 to 0.1 mm Hg; P=0.07), respectively. For those surrogate outcomes, low-strength evidence failed to show difference. In subgroup analysis, high strength evidence supported a lower BP with HBPT that lasted for 6 or 12 months and was accompanied with counselling support from study personnel. HBPT can improve BP control in the hypertensive patients. It may be more efficacious when a proactive additional support is provided during the intervention process.

Beta interferon and oncostatin M activate Raf-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase through a JAK1-dependent pathway

Activation of early response genes by interferons (IFNs) and other cytokines requires tyrosine phosphorylation of a family of transcription factors termed signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats). The Janus family of tyrosine kinases (Jak1, Jak2, Jak3, and Tyk2) is required for cytokine-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and dimerization of the Stat proteins. In order for IFNs to stimulate maximal expression of Stat1alpha-regulated genes, phosphorylation of a serine residue in the carboxy terminus by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is also required. In HeLa cells, both IFN-beta and oncostatin M (OSM) stimulated MAPK and Raf-1 enzyme activity, in addition to Stat1 and Stat3 tyrosine phosphorylation. OSM stimulation of Raf-1 correlated with GTP loading of Ras, whereas IFN-beta activation of Raf-1 was Ras independent. IFN-beta- and OSM-induced Raf-1 activity could be coimmunoprecipitated with either Jak1 or Tyk2. Furthermore, HeLa cells lacking Jak1 displayed no activation of STAT1alpha, STAT3, and Raf-1 by IFN-beta or OSM and also demonstrated no increase in the relative level of GTP-bound p21ras in response to OSM. The requirement for Jak1 for IFN-beta- and OSM-induced activation of Raf-1 was also seen in Jak1-deficient U4A fibrosarcoma cells. Interestingly, basal MAPK, but not Raf-1, activity was constitutively enhanced in Jak1-deficient HeLa cells. Transient expression of Jak1 in both Jak-deficient HeLa cells and U4A cells reconstituted the ability of IFN-beta and OSM to activate Raf-1 and decreased the basal activity of MAPK, while expression of a kinase-inactive form of the protein showed no effect. Moreover, U4A cells selected for stable expression of Jak1, or COS cells transiently expressing Jak1 or Tyk2 but not Jak3, exhibited enhanced Raf-1 activity. Therefore, it appears that Jak1 is required for Raf-1 activation by both IFN-beta and OSM. These results provide evidence for a link between the Jaks and the Raf/MAPK signaling pathways.

Cucumber-like V2O5/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)&MnO2 nanowires with enhanced electrochemical cyclability

Inspired by the cucumber-like structure, by combining the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization with facile soaking process, we designed the heterostructured nanomaterial with PEDOT as the shell and MnO(2) nanoparticles as the protuberance and synthesized the novel cucumber-like MnO(2) nanoparticles enriched vanadium pentoxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coaxial nanowires. This heterostructured nanomaterial exhibits enhanced electrochemical cycling performance with the decreases of capacity fading during 200 cycles from 0.557 to 0.173% over V(2)O(5) nanowires at the current density of 100 mA/g. This method is proven to be an effective technique for improving the electrochemical cycling performance and stability of nanowire electrodes especially at low rate for application in rechargeable lithium batteries.

Identification of ALK Rearrangements in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Importance

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive tumor arising from the peritoneal lining, induced by asbestos, therapeutic radiation, or germline mutations. Nevertheless, the molecular features remain largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements in a large series of peritoneal mesothelioma and characterize the mutational landscape of these tumors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We studied 88 consecutive patients (39 men, 49 women; median age 61, range 17-84 years) with peritoneal mesotheliomas diagnosed at a single institution between 2005 and 2015. We identified ALK-positive mesotheliomas by immunohistochemistry and confirmed ALK rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In ALK-rearranged cases, we characterized the fusion partners using targeted next-generation sequencing of both tumor DNA and RNA. In select cases, we quantified asbestos fibers by combined scanning electron microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy. We also explored ALK rearrangement in a separate series of 205 patients with pleural mesothelioma.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Identification and characterization of novel ALK rearrangements and correlations with clinicopathologic characteristics.

Results

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase was positive by immunohistochemistry in 11 (13%) peritoneal mesotheliomas (focal weak in 8, diffuse strong in 3). In focal weak ALK-positive cases, no ALK rearrangement was detected by FISH or next-generation sequencing. In strong diffuse ALK-positive cases, FISH confirmed ALK rearrangements, and next-generation sequencing identified novel fusion partners ATG16L1, STRN, and TPM1. Patients with ALK-rearranged peritoneal mesotheliomas were women and younger than patients without ALK rearrangement (median age 36 vs 62; Mann-Whitney test, P = .02), but all other clinicopathologic characteristics (size of tumor nodules, histology, treatment, and survival) were not different. No asbestos fibers were detected in ALK-rearranged cases. Furthermore, loss of chromosomal region 9p or 22q or genetic alterations in BAP1, SETD2, or NF2 typically present in peritoneal mesothelioma were absent in the ALK-rearranged cases. All pleural mesotheliomas were ALK-negative by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions and Relevance

We identified unique ALK rearrangements in a subset of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, each lacking asbestos fibers, therapeutic radiation, and cytogenetic and molecular alterations typically found in these tumors. Identification of clinically actionable ALK rearrangements may represent a novel pathogenetic mechanism of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with promise for targeted therapy.

Dynamics and fragmentation of van der Waals clusters: (H2O)n, (CH3OH)n, and (NH3)n upon ionization by a 26.5eV soft x-ray laser

A tabletop soft x-ray laser is applied for the first time as a high energy photon source for chemical dynamics experiments in the study of water, methanol, and ammonia clusters through time of flight mass spectroscopy. The 26.5 eV/photon laser (pulse time duration of approximately 1 ns) is employed as a single photon ionization source for the detection of these clusters. Only a small fraction of the photon energy is deposited in the cluster for metastable dissociation of cluster ions, and most of it is removed by the ejected electron. Protonated water, methanol, and ammonia clusters dominate the cluster mass spectra. Unprotonated ammonia clusters are observed in the protonated cluster ion size range 2< or =n< or =22. The unimolecular dissociation rate constants for reactions involving loss of one neutral molecule are calculated to be (0.6-2.7)x10(4), (3.6-6.0)x10(3), and (0.8-2.0)x10(4) s(-1) for the protonated water (9< or =n< or =24), methanol (5< or =n< or =10), and ammonia (5< or =n< or =18) clusters, respectively. The temperatures of the neutral clusters are estimated to be between 40 and 200 K for water clusters (10< or =n< or =21), and 50-100 K for methanol clusters (6< or =n< or =10). Products with losses of up to five H atoms are observed in the mass spectrum of the neutral ammonia dimer. Large ammonia clusters (NH(3))(n) (n>3) do not lose more than three H atoms in the photoionization/photodissociation process. For all three cluster systems studied, single photon ionization with a 26.5 eV photon yields near threshold ionization. The temperature of these three cluster systems increases with increasing cluster size over the above-indicated ranges.

Modulation of miR-29 expression by α-fetoprotein is linked to the hepatocellular carcinoma epigenome

Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 70%-85% of primary liver cancers and ranks as the second leading cause of male cancer death. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), normally highly expressed in the liver only during fetal development, is reactivated in 60% of HCC tumors and associated with poor patient outcome. We hypothesize that AFP+ and AFP- tumors differ biologically. Multivariable analysis in 237 HCC cases demonstrates that AFP level predicts poor survival independent of tumor stage (P<0.043). Using microarray-based global microRNA (miRNA) profiling, we found that miRNA-29 (miR-29) family members were the most significantly (P<0.001) down-regulated miRNAs in AFP+ tumors. Consistent with miR-29's role in targeting DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), a key enzyme regulating DNA methylation, we found a significant inverse correlation (P<0.001) between miR-29 and DNMT3A gene expression, suggesting that they might be functionally antagonistic. Moreover, global DNA methylation profiling reveals that AFP+ and AFP- HCC tumors have distinct global DNA methylation patterns and that increased DNA methylation is associated with AFP+ HCC. Experimentally, we found that AFP expression in AFP- HCC cells induces cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overexpression of AFP, or conditioned media from AFP+ cells, inhibits miR-29a expression and induces DNMT3A expression in AFP- HCC cells. AFP also inhibited transcription of the miR-29a/b-1 locus, and this effect is mediated through c-MYC binding to the transcript of miR-29a/b-1. Furthermore, AFP expression promotes tumor growth of AFP- HCC cells in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

Tumor biology differs considerably between AFP+ HCC and AFP- HCC; AFP is a functional antagonist of miR-29, which may contribute to global epigenetic alterations and poor prognosis in HCC.

Synthesis of MoS2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the removal of nitric oxide (NO)

Molybdenum disulfide and graphitic carbon nitride (MoS₂-g-C₃N₄) nanocomposites with visible-light induced photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized by a facile ultrasonic dispersion method. The crystalline structure and morphology of the MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microcopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical property of the as-prepared nanocomposites was studied by ultraviolet visible diffusion reflection (UV-vis) and photoluminescence(PL) spectrum. It could be observed from the TEM image that the MoS₂ nanosheets and g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles were well combined together. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ composites was evaluated by the removal of nitric oxide under visible light irradiation (>400nm). The experimental results demonstrated that the nanocomposites with the MoS₂ content of 1.5 wt% exhibited optimal photocatalytic activity and the corresponding removal rate of NO achieved 51.67%, higher than that of pure g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles. A possible photocatalytic mechanism for the MoS₂-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the hetero-structure of MoS₂ and g-C₃N₄.

Kruppel-like factor 2 regulates endothelial barrier function

OBJECTIVE

A central function of the endothelium is to serve as a selective barrier that regulates fluid and solute exchange. Although perturbation of barrier function can contribute to numerous disease states, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating this aspect of endothelial biology remains incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence implicates the Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) as a key regulator of endothelial function. However, its role in vascular barrier function is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess the role of KLF2 in vascular barrier function in vivo, we measured the leakage of Evans blue dye into interstitial tissues of the mouse ear after treatment with mustard oil. By comparison with KLF2(+/+) mice, KLF2(+/-) mice exhibited a significantly higher degree of vascular leak. In accordance with our in vivo observation, adenoviral overexpression of KLF2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells strongly attenuated the increase of endothelial leakage by thrombin and H(2)O(2) as measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans (FITC-dextran) passage. Conversely, KLF2 deficiency in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and primary endothelial cells derived from KLF2(+/-) mice exhibited a marked increase in thrombin and H(2)O(2)-induced permeability. Mechanistically, our studies indicate that KLF2 confers barrier-protection via differential effects on the expression of key junction protein occludin and modification of a signaling molecule (myosin light chain) that regulate endothelial barrier integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations identify KLF2 as a novel transcriptional regulator of vascular barrier function.

Molecular and clinicopathologic features of gliomas harboring NTRK fusions

Fusions involving neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) genes are detected in ≤2% of gliomas and can promote gliomagenesis. The remarkable therapeutic efficacy of TRK inhibitors, which are among the first Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapies for NTRK-fused gliomas, has generated significant clinical interest in characterizing these tumors. In this multi-institutional retrospective study of 42 gliomas with NTRK fusions, next generation DNA sequencing (n = 41), next generation RNA sequencing (n = 1), RNA-sequencing fusion panel (n = 16), methylation profile analysis (n = 18), and histologic evaluation (n = 42) were performed. All infantile NTRK-fused gliomas (n = 7) had high-grade histology and, with one exception, no other significant genetic alterations. Pediatric NTRK-fused gliomas (n = 13) typically involved NTRK2, ranged from low- to high-histologic grade, and demonstrated histologic overlap with desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, ganglioglioma, and glioblastoma, among other entities, but they rarely matched with high confidence to known methylation class families or with each other; alterations involving ATRX, PTEN, and CDKN2A/2B were present in a subset of cases. Adult NTRK-fused gliomas (n = 22) typically involved NTRK1 and had predominantly high-grade histology; genetic alterations involving IDH1, ATRX, TP53, PTEN, TERT promoter, RB1, CDKN2A/2B, NF1, and polysomy 7 were common. Unsupervised principal component analysis of methylation profiles demonstrated no obvious grouping by histologic grade, NTRK gene involved, or age group. KEGG pathway analysis detected methylation differences in genes involved in PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and other pathways. In summary, the study highlights the clinical, histologic, and molecular heterogeneity of NTRK-fused gliomas, particularly when stratified by age group.

Mutational Analysis of 472 Urothelial Carcinoma Across Grades and Anatomic Sites

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to characterize the mutational landscape across the spectrum of urothelial carcinoma (UC) to identify mutational features and potential therapeutic targets.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Using targeted exome sequencing (n = 237 genes), we analyzed the mutation spectra of 82 low-grade nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancers (LG-NMIBC), 126 high-grade (HG) NMIBC, 199 muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBC), 10 LG-upper tract urothelial cancers (LG-UTUC), and 55 HG-UTUC.

RESULTS

FGFR3 and KDM6A mutations were significantly more common in LG-NMIBC (72% and 44%, respectively) versus other bladder subtypes. FGFR3 alterations were also enriched in LG-UTUC versus HG-UTUC tumors (80% vs. 16%). In contrast, TP53 and RB1 mutations were significantly more frequent in all 3 HG urothelial carcinoma subtypes than in LG-NIMBC (45%-58% vs. 4%; 9%-22% vs. 0; respectively). Among LG-NMIBC tumors, KDM6A mutations were more common in women than in men (71% vs. 38%). HG-NMIBC and MIBC had higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) than LG-NMIBC (P = 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). DNA-damage repair (DDR) alterations were associated with a higher TMB in HG-NMIBC and MIBC tumors, and these two tumor types were also enriched for an APOBEC mutational signature compared with LG-NMIBC and HG-UTUC. Alterations in FGFR3, PIK3CA, and EP300 correlated with worse overall survival in HG-UTUC and occurred concurrently.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that a fraction of MIBCs likely arise from precursor lesions other than LG-NMIBC. KDM6A mutations are twice as common in women with LG-NIMBC than those in men. DDR gene mutations and APOBEC mutagenesis drive mutations in HG-NMIBC and MIBC. UTUC has a distinct mutation profile from bladder cancer.

Early liver transplantation for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis: public views and the effects on organ donation

Patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis may not survive to fulfill the standard 6 months of abstinence and counseling prior to transplantation. A prospective study demonstrated that early liver transplantation in such patients improved 2 year survival from 23% to 71% and only 3 of 26 patients returned to drinking after 1140 days; graft function was unaffected. Nonetheless, this treatment protocol may raise public concerns and affect organ donation rates. A total of 503 participants took a survey made available at an online crowdsourcing marketplace. The survey measured attitudes on liver transplantation generally and early transplantation for this patient population, in addition to measuring responses to nine vignettes describing fictional candidates. The majority of respondents (81.5%, n = 410) was at least neutral toward early transplantation for these patients; only a minority (26.3%) indicated that transplantation in any vignette would make them hesitant to donate their organs. Middle-aged patients with good social support and financial stability were viewed most favorably (p < 0.001). Age was considered the most important selection factor and financial stability the least important factor (each p < 0.001). Results indicate early transplantation for carefully selected patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis may not be as controversial to the public as previously thought.

DREADD in parvalbumin interneurons of the dentate gyrus modulates anxiety, social interaction and memory extinction

Parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons in the hippocampus play a critical role in animal memory, such as spatial working memory. However, how PV-positive interneurons in the subregions of the hippocampus affect animal behaviors remains poorly defined. Here, we achieved specific and reversible activation of PV-positive interneurons using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology. Inducible DREADD expression was demonstrated in vitro in cultured neurons, in which co-transfection of the hM3D-Gq-mCherry vector with a Cre plasmid resulted in a cellular response to hM3Dq ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) stimulation. In addition, the dentate gyrus (DG) of PV-Cre mice received bilateral injection of control lentivirus or lentivirus expressing double floxed hM3D-Gq-mCherry. Selective activation of PV-positive interneurons in the DG did not affect locomotor activity or depression-related behavior in mice. Interestingly, stimulation of PV-positive interneurons induced an anxiolytic effect. Activation of PVpositive interneurons appears to impair social interaction to novelty, but has no effect on social motivation. However, this defect is likely due to the anxiolytic effect as the exploratory behavior of mice expressing hM3DGq is significantly increased. Mice expressing hM3D-Gq did not affect novel object recognition. Activation of PV-positive interneurons in the DG maintains intact cued and contextual fear memory but facilitates fear extinction. Collectively, our results demonstrated that proper control of PV interneurons activity in the DG is critical for regulation of the anxiety, social interaction and fear extinction. These results improve our fundamental understanding of the physiological role of PV-positive interneurons in the hippocampus.

Interlaboratory comparison of ultrasonic backscatter, attenuation, and speed measurements

In a study involving 10 different sites, independent results of measurements of ultrasonic properties on equivalent tissue-mimicking samples are reported and compared. The properties measured were propagation speed, attenuation coefficients, and backscatter coefficients. Reasonably good agreement exists for attenuation coefficients, but less satisfactory results were found for propagation speeds. As anticipated, agreement was not impressive in the case of backscatter coefficients. Results for four sites agreed rather well in both absolute values and frequency dependence, and results from other sites were lower by as much as an order of magnitude. The study is valuable for laboratories doing quantitative studies.

Prostate cancer volume at biopsy predicts clinically significant upgrading

PURPOSE

A significant proportion of patients with prostate cancer with Gleason score 6 disease at biopsy is upgraded to Gleason score 7 or higher after radical prostatectomy, increasing the risk of adverse outcome. We identified clinical and pathological parameters that predict pathological upgrading in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 268 patients with biopsy Gleason score 6 prostate cancer who underwent biopsy and radical prostatectomy between October 1999 and January 2007 were included in the study. Pretreatment characteristics were used to identify predictors of pathological upgrading. Upgrading significance was established by comparing radical prostatectomy pathology between cases that were and were not upgraded.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients (50%) were upgraded postoperatively to Gleason score 7 or higher. Preoperative prostate specific antigen greater than 5.0 ng/ml (p = 0.036), prostate weight 60 gm or less (p = 0.004) and more cancer volume at biopsy, defined by cancer involving greater than 5% of the biopsy tissue (p = 0.002), greater than 1 biopsy core (p <0.001) or greater than 10% of any core (p = 0.014), were associated with pathological upgrading. Upgraded patients were more likely to have extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy (p <0.001 and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate specific antigen, prostate volume and biopsy cancer volume predict clinically significant upgrading in patients diagnosed with Gleason score 6 disease. These parameters may be valuable in the pretreatment risk assessment of this patient population.

Standardized decision support in next generation sequencing reports of somatic cancer variants

Of hundreds to thousands of somatic mutations that exist in each cancer genome, a large number are unique and non-recurrent variants. Prioritizing genetic variants identified via next generation sequencing technologies remains a major challenge. Many such variants occur in tumor genes that have well-established biological and clinical relevance and are putative targets of molecular therapy, however, most variants are still of unknown significance. With large amounts of data being generated as high throughput sequencing assays enter the clinical realm, there is a growing need to better communicate relevant findings in a timely manner while remaining cognizant of the potential consequences of misuse or overinterpretation of genomic information. Herein we describe a systematic framework for variant annotation and prioritization, and we propose a structured molecular pathology report using standardized terminology in order to best inform oncology clinical practice. We hope that our experience developing a comprehensive knowledge database of emerging predictive markers matched to targeted therapies will help other institutions implement similar programs.

Molecular characterization of a cDNA that encodes six isoforms of a novel murine A kinase anchor protein

We have cloned cDNA that encodes six novel A kinase anchor proteins (collectively named AKAP-KL). AKAP-KL diversity is generated by alternative mRNA splicing and utilization of two translation initiation codons. AKAP-KL polypeptides are evident in lung, kidney, and cerebellum, but are absent from many tissues. Different isoforms predominate in different tissues. Thus, AKAP-KL expression is differentially regulated in vivo. All AKAP-KL isoforms contain a 20-residue domain that avidly binds (Kd approximately 10 nM) regulatory subunits (RII) of protein kinase AII and is highly homologous with the RII tethering site in neuronal AKAP75. The distribution of AKAP-KL is strikingly asymmetric (polarized) in situ. Anchor protein accumulates near the inner, apical surface of highly polarized epithelium in tubules of nephrons. Both RII and AKAP-KL are enriched at an intracellular site that lies just below the plasma membrane of alveolar epithelial cells in lung. AKAP-KL interacts with and modulates the structure of the actin cytoskeleton in transfected cells. We also demonstrate that the tethering domain of AKAP-KL avidly ligates RII subunits in intact cells. AKAP-KL may be involved in (a) establishing polarity in signaling systems and (b) physically and functionally integrating PKAII isoforms with downstream effectors to capture, amplify, and precisely focus diffuse, trans-cellular signals carried by cAMP.