Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Metarrestin, a perinucleolar compartment inhibitor, effectively suppresses metastasis

Metastasis remains a leading cause of cancer mortality due to the lack of specific inhibitors against this complex process. To identify compounds selectively targeting the metastatic state, we used the perinucleolar compartment (PNC), a complex nuclear structure associated with metastatic behaviors of cancer cells, as a phenotypic marker for a high-content screen of over 140,000 structurally diverse compounds. Metarrestin, obtained through optimization of a screening hit, disassembles PNCs in multiple cancer cell lines, inhibits invasion in vitro, suppresses metastatic development in three mouse models of human cancer, and extends survival of mice in a metastatic pancreatic cancer xenograft model with no organ toxicity or discernable adverse effects. Metarrestin disrupts the nucleolar structure and inhibits RNA polymerase (Pol) I transcription, at least in part by interacting with the translation elongation factor eEF1A2. Thus, metarrestin represents a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of metastatic cancer.

A PLPPV sequence in the p8 region of Gag provides late domain function for mouse mammary tumor virus

The late (L) domain sequence used by mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) remains undefined. Similar to other L domain-containing proteins, MMTV p8 and p14NC proteins are monoubiquitinated, suggesting L domain function. Site-directed mutagenesis of p8, PLPPV, and p14NC, PLPPL, sequences in MMTV Gag revealed a requirement only for the PLPPV sequence in virion release in a position-dependent manner. Electron microscopy of a defective Gag mutant confirmed an L domain budding defect morphology. The equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) YPDL core L domain sequence and PLPPV provided L domain function in reciprocal MMTV and EIAV Gag exchange mutants, respectively. Alanine scanning of the PLPPV sequence revealed a strict requirement for the valine residue but only minor requirements for any one of the other residues. Thus, PLPPV provides MMTV L domain function, representing a fourth type of retroviral L domain that enables MMTV Gag proteins to co-opt cellular budding pathways for release.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 1 modulates ciliogenesis via an interaction with Dishevelled

Our study reveals Drg1 as a new binding partner of Dishevelled. The Drg1–Dishevelled association regulates Daam1 and RhoA interactions and activity, leading to polymerization and stability of the actin cytoskeleton, a process that is essential for proper multiciliation.

Cilia are critical for proper embryonic development and maintaining homeostasis. Although extensively studied, there are still significant gaps regarding the proteins involved in regulating ciliogenesis. Using the Xenopus laevis embryo, we show that Dishevelled (Dvl), a key Wnt signaling scaffold that is critical to proper ciliogenesis, interacts with Drg1 (developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 1). The loss of Drg1 or disruption of the interaction with Dvl reduces the length and number of cilia and displays defects in basal body migration and docking to the apical surface of multiciliated cells (MCCs). Moreover, Drg1 morphants display abnormal rotational polarity of basal bodies and a decrease in apical actin and RhoA activity that can be attributed to disruption of the protein complex between Dvl and Daam1, as well as between Daam1 and RhoA. These results support the concept that the Drg1–Dvl interaction regulates apical actin polymerization and stability in MCCs. Thus, Drg1 is a newly identified partner of Dvl in regulating ciliogenesis.

Condensate refractory inclusions from the CO3.00 chondrite Dominion Range 08006: Petrography, mineral chemistry, and isotopic compositions

We have found two refractory inclusions in the CO3.00 carbonaceous chondrite Dominion Range (DOM) 08006 that appear to be primary condensates from the early solar nebula. One, inclusion 56-1, contains the first four phases predicted to form by equilibrium gas-solid condensation: corundum; hibonite; grossite; and perovskite. The other, 31-2, contains nine predicted condensate phases: hibonite; grossite; perovskite; melilite; spinel; FeNi metal; diopside; forsterite; and enstatite. Except for melilite/spinel, the phases occur in the predicted sequence from core to rim of the inclusion, which has an irregular shape inconsistent with a molten stage. This inclusion preserves the most complete record of condensation in the early solar nebula that has yet been found. The physical evidence reported here supports equilibrium condensation calculations that predict the observed sequence as well as the assumptions upon which they are based, such as total pressure (~10-3 atm), bulk system composition (solar), and C-O-H proportions. All phases in both inclusions and the associated ferromagnesian silicates are 16O-rich, with ∆17O between -25 and -20‰, implying that this is the original composition of the vast majority of primary condensates and that 16O-poor compositions observed in many isotopically heterogeneous inclusions are largely due to subsequent isotopic exchange. While the nebula was well-mixed with respect to oxygen isotopic composition, clearly resolved anomalies in Ca and Ti isotopic compositions indicate that some isotopic heterogeneity existed early and was preserved during condensation. Inclusion 31-2 did not incorporate live 26Al and has nucleosynthetic anomalies in the heavy Ca and Ti isotopes (i.e., δ48Ca = 4.3 ± 1.9‰; δ50Ti = 8.8 ± 2.0‰). In contrast, inclusion 56-1 has radiogenic 26Mg excesses yielding a (26Al/27Al)0 ratio of (1.0 ± 0.1) × 10-5 and negative nucleosynthetic isotopic anomalies in Ca (δ48Ca = -10.3 ± 4.2‰) and Ti (δ50Ti = -4.3 ± 2.9‰). Thus, it represents a deviation from the mutual exclusivity relationship between 26Al incorporation and large nucleosynthetic anomalies. The reservoirs in which these inclusions formed had similar O-isotopic and different Al-, Ca- and Ti-isotopic compositions, suggesting that while the CAI-forming region was well-mixed with respect to oxygen isotopic composition, clearly resolved anomalies in Ca and Ti isotopic compositions indicate that some isotopic heterogeneity existed and was preserved during condensation.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Analysis of the National Database of Japan

This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The National Database of Japan, in which insurance claim data have been comprehensively accumulated, was utilized. The subjects were 76 641 RA patients who were plausibly initiated on immunosuppressive therapy from April 2013 to March 2014. Laboratory tests of the hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B virus surface antibody, and anti-hepatitis B virus core antibody were performed in 28.23%, 12.52% and 14.63% of patients, respectively, when the therapy was initiated. We found that HBV reactivation and fulminant hepatitis occurred in both the patients with and without HBV DNA monitoring, indicating insufficient monitoring in Japan during the study. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation over 24 months was 1.57% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28%-1.92%) in the monitoring group, which consisted of those with resolved HBV infection. Glucocorticoid administration was a potent risk factor for HBV reactivation (hazard ratio [HR]  = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.26-2.29, P = .001 in all subjects, and HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.18-2.81, P = .007 in the nonmonitoring group), although it was not statistically significant in the monitoring group (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.99-2.26 and P = .057). No significant risk difference was observed between single administration of methotrexate and biological drugs.

Defective cortex glia plasma membrane structure underlies light-induced epilepsy in cpes mutants

Seizures induced by visual stimulation (photosensitive epilepsy; PSE) represent a common type of epilepsy in humans, but the molecular mechanisms and genetic drivers underlying PSE remain unknown, and no good genetic animal models have been identified as yet. Here, we show an animal model of PSE, in Drosophila, owing to defective cortex glia. The cortex glial membranes are severely compromised in ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase (cpes)-null mutants and fail to encapsulate the neuronal cell bodies in the Drosophila neuronal cortex. Expression of human sphingomyelin synthase 1, which synthesizes the closely related ceramide phosphocholine (sphingomyelin), rescues the cortex glial abnormalities and PSE, underscoring the evolutionarily conserved role of these lipids in glial membranes. Further, we show the compromise in plasma membrane structure that underlies the glial cell membrane collapse in cpes mutants and leads to the PSE phenotype.

IL-27 induces autophagy during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation through a novel LC3-independent pathway

IL-27, a member of the IL-12 cytokine family composed of IL-12, IL-23 and IL-35, has previously been shown to be an antiviral cytokine inhibiting infection of several viruses, among which HIV-1, HIV-2, HSV, HCV, HBV and Influenza virus. We have already reported that IL-27 induces HIV-1 inhibition in macrophages and dendritic cells in an IFN-independent manner, and that the cytokine enhances potential reactive oxygen species induction from cells. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that IL-27 triggers autophagy induction in human AB serum-induced macrophages, while other IL-12 cytokine family members did not have such effect on these cells; IL-27 was able to induce autophagy both in terminally differentiated macrophages, causing a 2 to 5-fold increase in autophagosome accumulation, as well as during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, where IL-27 effect was even stronger (generating a 20-fold increase in autophagosome formation). Furthermore, we also determined that two key autophagy proteins, mTOR and LC3, were not involved in this phenomenon: while we were able to assess autophagosome accumulation in IL-27-treated cells via electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, this was not linked to either mTOR dephosphorylation nor LC3 lipidation, implying that IL-27 induces autophagy through a novel non-canonical pathway. Finally, we established that blocking IL-27 signaling during macrophage differentiation using both Ruxoliotinib or Tofacitinib, respectively JAK1/2 and JAK3 inhibitors, successfully inhibited autophagy triggering together with STAT3 phosphorylation, which suggests that the JAK-STAT pathway is responsible for regulating IL-27-induced autophagy.

ONC201 kills breast cancer cells in vitro by targeting mitochondria

We report a novel mechanism of action of ONC201 as a mitochondria-targeting drug in cancer cells. ONC201 was originally identified as a small molecule that induces transcription of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and subsequently kills cancer cells by activating TRAIL death receptors. In this study, we examined ONC201 toxicity on multiple human breast and endometrial cancer cell lines. ONC201 attenuated cell viability in all cancer cell lines tested. Unexpectedly, ONC201 toxicity was not dependent on either TRAIL receptors nor caspases. Time-lapse live cell imaging revealed that ONC201 induces cell membrane ballooning followed by rupture, distinct from the morphology of cells undergoing apoptosis. Further investigation found that ONC201 induces phosphorylation of AMP-dependent kinase and ATP loss. Cytotoxicity and ATP depletion were significantly enhanced in the absence of glucose, suggesting that ONC201 targets mitochondrial respiration. Further analysis indicated that ONC201 indirectly inhibits mitochondrial respiration. Confocal and electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that ONC201 triggers mitochondrial structural damage and functional impairment. Moreover, ONC201 decreased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). RNAseq analysis revealed that ONC201 suppresses expression of multiple mtDNA-encoded genes and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and other mitochondrial functions. Importantly, fumarate hydratase deficient cancer cells and multiple cancer cell lines with reduced amounts of mtDNA were resistant to ONC201. These results indicate that cells not dependent on mitochondrial respiration are ONC201-resistant. Our data demonstrate that ONC201 kills cancer cells by disrupting mitochondrial function and further suggests that cancer cells that are dependent on glycolysis will be resistant to ONC201.

In Vitro Modeling Using Ciliopathy-Patient-Derived Cells Reveals Distinct Cilia Dysfunctions Caused by CEP290 Mutations

Mutations in CEP290, a transition zone protein in primary cilia, cause diverse ciliopathies, including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and Joubert-syndrome and related disorders (JSRD). We examined cilia biogenesis and function in cells derived from CEP290-LCA and CEP290-JSRD patients. CEP290 protein was reduced in LCA fibroblasts with no detectable impact on cilia; however, optic cups derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of CEP290-LCA patients displayed less developed photoreceptor cilia. Lack of CEP290 in JSRD fibroblasts resulted in abnormal cilia and decreased ciliogenesis. We observed selectively reduced localization of ADCY3 and ARL13B. Notably, Hedgehog signaling was augmented in CEP290-JSRD because of enhanced ciliary transport of Smoothened and GPR161. These results demonstrate a direct correlation between the extent of ciliogenesis defects in fibroblasts and photoreceptors with phenotypic severity in JSRD and LCA, respectively, and strengthen the role of CEP290 as a selective ciliary gatekeeper for transport of signaling molecules in and out of the cilium.

Abstract P1-07-23: The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer

Background: Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with inferior levels of chemosensitivity and overall prognosis for breast cancer (BC) treatment. Recent studies suggest that the quality and quantity of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) play a significant role in adipocyte function, and are related to insulin resistance. We therefore tested the hypothesis that high amount and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes via insulin resistance mechanisms.

Patients and Methods: We examined two independent studies: a cross-sectional study (cohort 1) and a retrospective study (cohort 2). Cohort 1 included 106 women with early-stage BC who were undergoing surgery. Patients with normal weight (17.5&lt; body mass index [BMI, kg/m2] ≤25, n = 53) and overweight/obese patients (BMI &gt;25, n = 53) were selected by a pair-matching method. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-R: fasting insulin (microU/L) × fasting glucose (nmol/L)/22.5. And insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family including IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were measured before beginning treatment. The amounts of visceral fat (aVAT) was measured by 3-dimensional volumetric software using the stocked computed tomography (CT) imaging data. The quality of VAT was assessed based on the mode value of CT Hounsfield Unit of VAT (VAT-HU) at navel level of CT axial view. The association between the former variables and the quality and quantity of VAT was analyzed. Cohort 2 included 271 patients who received chemotherapy in the neo-adjuvant (NAC) or adjuvant setting. Imaging analysis was performed in the same way, and the association between those values and survival outcome after chemotherapy was analyzed by retrospective chart review.

Results: In cohort 1, aVAT was significantly correlated with serum insulin and HOMA-R levels (Pearson's R 0.44 and 0.42, respectively; P&lt;0.05). On comparing the two groups divided by BMI, the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were not significantly different between the normal weight and the overweight/obese groups (P = 0.31 and 0.77, respectively). However, the overweight/obese group demonstrated significantly higher HOMA-R (P&lt;0.05). In cohort 2, aVAT was significantly correlated with BMI (P&lt;0.05). In a multivariate analysis, pathological complete responses were not associated with aVAT (P = 0.60). After a median follow-up of 112 months, tertile stratification revealed that the third tertile of aVAT had a significantly shorter distant disease free survival (DDFS) in the NAC setting (p&lt;0.05). When adjusted by covariates in the Cox proportional regression model, aVAT and VAT-HU demonstrated significant contribution to a worsened DDFS ([p&lt;0.05, hazard ratio {HR} 1.39; 95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11 to 1.75] and [p&lt;0.05, HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.43], respectively).

Conclusions: Our study found that high amounts and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we found that insulin resistance was related to those two factors. Although further validation is needed, our present work suggests the importance of evaluating the quality and quantity of visceral fat for estimating insulin resistance and treatment outcomes after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage BC.

Citation Format: Iwase T, Sangai T, Nagashima T, Sakakibara M, Fujimoto H, Sawabe Y, Nagashima K, Otsuka M. The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-23.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.