Gene expression profiles predictive of cold-induced sweetening in potato

Cold storage (2-4 °C) used in potato production to suppress diseases and sprouting during storage can result in cold-induced sweetening (CIS), where reducing sugars accumulate in tuber tissue leading to undesirable browning, production of bitter flavors, and increased levels of acrylamide with frying. Potato exhibits genetic and environmental variation in resistance to CIS. The current study profiles gene expression in post-harvest tubers before cold storage using transcriptome sequencing and identifies genes whose expression is predictive for CIS. A distance matrix for potato clones based on glucose levels after cold storage was constructed and compared to distance matrices constructed using RNA-seq gene expression data. Congruence between glucose and gene expression distance matrices was tested for each gene. Correlation between glucose and gene expression was also tested. Seventy-three genes were found that had significant p values in the congruence and correlation tests. Twelve genes from the list of 73 genes also had a high correlation between glucose and gene expression as measured by Nanostring nCounter. The gene annotations indicated functions in protein degradation, nematode resistance, auxin transport, and gibberellin response. These 12 genes were used to build models for prediction of CIS using multiple linear regression. Nine linear models were constructed that used different combinations of the 12 genes. An F-box protein, cellulose synthase, and a putative Lax auxin transporter gene were most frequently used. The findings of this study demonstrate the utility of gene expression profiles in predictive diagnostics for severity of CIS.

Abstract B43: Reversible linkage of two distinct small molecule inhibitors of MYC generates a more potent and selective dimeric inhibitor that is active in cancer cell lines over-expressing MYC

Up to 70% of all human cancers have deregulated or elevated levels of MYC, making MYC a high profile cancer drug target. The disordered structure of the MYC protein has made identifying small molecule inhibitors of this target very challenging, however recent reports have identified molecules that bind to MYC and block its function. Here we describe the successful application of a novel approach for generating selective dimeric MYC inhibitors by modifying and reversibly linking two previously described small molecule inhibitors of MYC (10058-F4 and 10074-G5) that bind to distinct sites in the bHLHZip domain of the protein. We synthesized two directed libraries of monomers based on each of these molecules to identify the optimal dimer configuration required to inhibit MYC activity. Each monomer contains one of the respective ligands, a connector of varying length, and a bioorthogonal linker element that allows reversible dimerization. We identified specific combinations of monomers (termed active dimers), which displayed synergistic inhibition of MYC in biochemical and cellular assays. Through SPR, ELISA and EMSA we demonstrate that these dimers directly bind to MYC, block its interaction with Max and thus its binding to DNA, respectively. These dimeric inhibitors have superior anti-proliferative activity in MYC over-expressing cell lines compared to their monomeric components, and this activity is correlated with a decrease in MYC protein levels and an inhibition of MYC-dependent gene expression. Control combinations that lack a linker element, and thus are unable to form a dimer, do not show any synergistic effects in these assay systems. Collectively, these data validate our new approach to generate selective inhibitors of MYC assembled from smaller, lower affinity components. This approach provides an opportunity for developing novel therapeutics against MYC and other challenging intracellular drug target classes.

Citation Format: Jutta Wanner, Darlene Romashko, Douglas S. Werner, Earl W. May, Yue Peng, Ryan Schulz, Kenneth W. Foreman, Suzanne Russo, Lee D. Arnold, Maneesh Pingle, Donald E. Bergstrom, Francis Barany, Stuart Thomson. Reversible linkage of two distinct small molecule inhibitors of MYC generates a more potent and selective dimeric inhibitor that is active in cancer cell lines over-expressing MYC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Myc: From Biology to Therapy; Jan 7-10, 2015; La Jolla, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2015;13(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B43.

Telehealth on heart failure: results of the Recap project

Telehealth has become a very important tool that allows the monitoring of heart failure patients in a home environment. However, little is known about the effect that such monitoring systems have on patients' compliance, evolution and self-care behaviour. In particular, the effect that the selected user interface has on these factors is unknown. This study aims to investigate this, and to determine some practicalities that must be considered when designing and implementing a telehealth programme for heart failure. To achieve this, daily measurements of blood pressure, pulse, SpO2 and weight were collected from 534 patients suffering from heart failure. In addition, they were asked to fill in the European heart failure self-care behaviour scale questionnaire and the EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire, before and after the monitoring period. Two telehealth systems were used, the Motiva platform provided by Philips and the standalone unit provided by Docobo, the Doc@Home system. Significant differences were found between both systems concerning the compliance and adherence of patients. Moreover, a general, positive effect of telehealth was identified due to the fact that patients showed an increased self-awareness when managing their condition. These findings are supported by behavioural changes and a better understanding of heart failure from the patients' perspective.

Polar vortices on Earth and Mars: A comparative study of the climatology and variability from reanalyses

Polar vortices on Mars provide case-studies to aid understanding of geophysical vortex dynamics and may help to resolve long-standing issues regarding polar vortices on Earth. Due to the recent development of the first publicly available Martian reanalysis dataset (MACDA), for the first time we are able to characterise thoroughly the structure and evolution of the Martian polar vortices, and hence perform a systematic comparison with the polar vortices on Earth. The winter atmospheric circulations of the two planets are compared, with a specific focus on the structure and evolution of the polar vortices. The Martian residual meridional overturning circulation is found to be very similar to the stratospheric residual circulation on Earth during winter. While on Earth this residual circulation is very different from the Eulerian circulation, on Mars it is found to be very similar. Unlike on Earth, it is found that the Martian polar vortices are annular, and that the Northern Hemisphere vortex is far stronger than its southern counterpart. While winter hemisphere differences in vortex strength are also reported on Earth, the contrast is not as large. Distinctions between the two planets are also apparent in terms of the climatological vertical structure of the vortices, in that the Martian polar vortices are observed to decrease in size at higher altitudes, whereas on Earth the opposite is observed. Finally, it is found that the Martian vortices are less variable through the winter than on Earth, especially in terms of the vortex geometry. During one particular major regional dust storm on Mars (Martian year 26), an equatorward displacement of the vortex is observed, sharing some qualitative characteristics of sudden stratospheric warmings on Earth.

From parent to 'peer facilitator': a qualitative study of a peer-led parenting programme

BACKGROUND

Peer-led interventions are increasingly common in community health settings. Although peer-led approaches have proven benefits for service users, relatively little is known about the process and outcomes of participation for peer leaders. This study investigated experiences of parents who had participated as 'peer facilitators' in Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC), a peer-led programme designed to improve access to evidence-based parenting support in socially disadvantaged communities.

METHOD

A qualitative cross-sectional design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 peer facilitators and scrutinized using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Peer facilitators developed their knowledge and skills through personal experience of receiving parenting support, participation in formal training and supervised practice, access to an intervention manual, and peer modelling. Peer facilitators described positive changes in their own families, confidence and social status. Transformative personal gains reinforced peer facilitators' role commitment and contributed to a cohesive 'family' identity among EPEC staff and service users. Peer facilitators' enthusiasm, openness and mutual identification with families were seen as critical to EPEC's effectiveness and sustainability. Peer facilitators also found the training emotionally and intellectually demanding. There were particular difficulties around logistical issues (e.g. finding convenient supervision times), managing psychosocial complexity and child safeguarding.

CONCLUSIONS

The successful delivery and sustained implementation of peer-led interventions requires careful attention to the personal qualities and support of peer leaders. Based on the findings of this study, support should include training, access to intervention manuals, regular and responsive supervision, and logistical/administrative assistance. Further research is required to elaborate and extend these findings to other peer-led programmes.

Farmer decision-making and risk perceptions towards outwintering cattle

Increasing financial pressures has led farmers to manage cattle outside for the winter months. In temperate areas the environmental risks of outwintering cattle are exacerbated by cooler and wetter weather and identifying how farmers perceive these risks is essential to understanding how potential hazards could be mitigated. A series of workshops were conducted with cattle producers in England and Wales to understand their perceptions of the risks, their decision-making with respect to outwintering and their options for mitigating these risks. A range of risks were identified, but emphasis was placed on environmentally-related risks, such as soil damage, and on social risks, such as public perception of their treatment of the animals. The uncertainties due to the weather were highlighted as the most unmanageable risk. Another significant barrier to mitigating environmental impacts emerged from the lack of options towards choosing appropriate fields in which to conduct outwintering. We argue that the farmer-led nature of outwintering and the development of a wide range of systems is evidence of outwintering being a systems-innovation. We conclude that there is a role for Government intervention through the provision of information which clarifies cross-compliance breaches, but also encourages farmer-led innovation to develop more responsive outwintering systems.

A field evaluation of a footbathing solution for the control of digital dermatitis in cattle

Footbathing is one of the most commonly used methods for controlling digital dermatitis (DD). A farm-based trial was undertaken using six dairy herds involving over 600 cubicle-housed Holstein-Friesian cattle. Split footbaths (length 2.2m) were used to compare the efficacy of two dips, namely, a positive control (5% copper sulphate) and a non-heavy metal-based proprietary dip. The dips were used from early January 2009 for a minimum of 103 days, bathing twice a day for 3 consecutive days every week, using one footbath (three herds) or two in line (three herds). The lesions of DD on the hind feet of cattle were scored by borescope while the animals were being milked, on three occasions (at approximately days 0, 55 and 110) and then compared both directly and by calculating the change in severity from the previous examination (when possible). Data from the 408 cows that had their feet examined for lesions on all three occasions were analysed separately. A reduction in lesion score was seen for both footbath products, but feet bathed in 5% copper sulphate improved more (OR=1.6, CI: 1.14-2.32; P<0.01), and, irrespective of solution, there was a significantly greater improvement in those herds where two footbaths were used (OR=3.39, CI: 2.07-5.19; P<0.001). Lesion improvement over time also increased with lactation number (OR=1.13, CI: 1.02-1.25; P<0.05).

Abstract A2: Selective inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 sensitizes prostate cancer cells to the effects of AR or IGF-1R/IR antagonists, providing an approach to overcome intrinsic mechanisms of resistance

Prostate cancer is a complex disease primarily characterized by dependence on androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Androgen deprivation therapy is efficacious; however, prostate tumors which initially respond to castration or androgen antagonists eventually progress. These castration-resistant tumors may develop hypersensitivity to low levels of androgens and AR overexpression or may adapt to rely on alternate signaling pathways such as the PI3K/mTOR axis. Deregulation of the PI3K/mTOR axis is a feature of prostate cancer, as evidenced by the fact that 40% of primary and 70% of metastatic prostate tumors exhibit loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN. Recent publications have shown that crosstalk between the AR and PTEN/PI3K/mTOR pathways plays a role in prostate cancer development and progression (1,2). Building upon these data, we evaluated the effects of ASP7486 (OSI-027), a selective inhibitor of mTORC1/mTORC2 as monotherapy and combined with bicalutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist.

ASP7486 inhibited proliferation across a panel of prostate cancer cell lines, including those refractory to bicalutamide, supporting the hypothesis that tumors which have acquired androgen independence may rely upon mTOR signaling for survival. ASP7486 but not rapamycin, an allosteric mTORC1 inhibitor, induced apoptosis, implying that mTORC2 signaling is an important regulator of survival in prostate cancer. ASP7486, but not rapamycin, significantly upregulated AR expression which may serve to sensitize cells to the effect of an antiandrogen while limiting sensitivity to mTOR inhibition as a monotherapy. Consistent with this, the combination of ASP7486 and bicalutamide synergistically inhibited proliferation in vitro.

In prostate tumors which have acquired resistance to androgen antagonists, activation of alternate RTKs may provide a survival mechanism in the absence of functional AR. PI3K pathway alterations and increased expression of IFG-1R are observed in castrate-resistant tumors (3,4). Treatment of prostate cancer cells with ASP7486 leads to increased phosphorylation of multiple RTKs, including IGF-1R and IR. We reasoned that ASP7486-mediated activation of IGF-1R and IR would sensitize these cells to the effects of OSI-906, a selective IGF-1R/IR inhibitor. The combination of ASP7486 and OSI-906, a selective inhibitor of IGF-1R/IR, synergistically inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. The combination of the two drugs provided greater inhibition of key signaling effectors than either monotherapy. These effects are not limited to prostate cancer. We have observed ASP7486-induced upregulation of RTK expression and phosphorylation in multiple tumor types, and the combination of ASP7486 and OSI-906 synergistically inhibited proliferation in the majority of cell lines tested.

Together these data demonstrate that combinations of ASP7486 with targeted inhibitors can attenuate crosstalk between signaling networks and provide synergistic efficacy in vitro. The importance of AR and IGF-1R/PI3K/mTOR signaling in prostate cancer provides a rationale for targeting the disease and its intrinsic mechanisms of resistance with inhibitors of these pathways or in combination.