Heritability estimates for racing performance in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses using linear and non-linear model analyses

This study evaluated the differences between linear and non-linear modelled heritability estimates of racing performance based on lifetime earnings (LE) and lifetime ranking (LR) in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses. The heritability estimate (h(2) = 0.25) obtained from a non-linear model based on formal Japan Racing Association ranking was much higher than that obtained from a linear model based on the original trait phenotype (h(2) = 0.11). The linear models showed slightly higher heritability estimates under the trait categorizations than under the original phenotypes, while the non-linear categorical trait models showed much higher heritability estimates than the linear models, especially for binary trait categorizations (h(2) = 0.34) with non-winning and winning horses. The binary trait categorizations were consistent with the case and control classifications in the previous genome-wide association study (GWAS), which identified possible sequence variants on ECA18 that affect racing performance in Japanese Thoroughbred racehorses. Those findings suggested that the different heritability estimates obtained from several trait categorizations would reflect the possible presence of susceptibility gene segregations in the analyzed population, indicating that heritability estimates from non-linear models are useful for the selection of case and control populations in GWAS.

Functional interactions between Choline kinase α, epidermal growth factor receptor and c-Src in breast cancer cell proliferation

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members and c-Src are co-overexpressed in many cancers. The synergistic effect of EGFR and c-Src has been shown in the tumorigenesis of breast and other cancers. Reported mechanisms of synergy include transcriptional regulation by STAT5b and the regulation of cellular ATP production by mitochondrial protein COX II. Here, we report a new mechanism of EGFR-c-Src synergy through choline kinase α (CHKA). The first enzyme of the phosphatidyl choline production pathway, CHKA, is overexpressed in many cancers, and the product of the enzyme, phosphocholine, is also increased in tumor cells. In this report, we find that CHKA forms a complex with EGFR in a c-Src-dependent manner. Endogenous CHKA and EGFR co-immunoprecipitated from a variety of breast cancer cell lines and immortalized mammary epithelial cells. CHKA interacted with the EGFR kinase domain upon c-Src co-overexpression and was phosphorylated in a c-Src-dependent manner on Y197 and Y333. Overexpression of EGFR and c-Src increased total cellular activity and protein levels of CHKA. Mutation of CHKA Y197 and Y333 reduced complex formation, EGFR-dependent activation of CHKA enzyme activity and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent DNA synthesis. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of CHKA in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells reduced EGF-dependent cell proliferation. Together, these results strongly implicate a new c-Src-dependent link between CHKA and EGFR, which contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Empirical Growth Curve Estimation Using Sigmoid Sub-functions that Adjust Seasonal Compensatory Growth for Male Body Weight of Thoroughbred Horses

Thoroughbred horses are seasonal mating animals, raised in northern regions or countries. Foals born yearly in spring generally show a typical seasonal compensatory growth pattern, in which their growth rate declines in the first winter and increases in the next spring. In this study, a new empirical adjustment approach is proposed to adjust for this compensatory growth when growth curve equations are estimated, by using 1,633 male body weights of Thoroughbreds as an illustrating example. Based on general Richards growth curve equation, a new growth curve equation was developed and fit to the weight-age data. The new growth curve equation had a sigmoid sub-function that can adjust the compensatory growth, combined with the Richards biological parameter responsible for the maturity of animals. The unknown parameters included in the equations were estimated by SAS NLMIXED procedure. The goodness of fit was examined by using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). The AIC values decreased from 13,053 (general Richards equation) to 12,794 (the newly developed equation), indicating the better fit of the new equation to the weight-age data. The shape of the growth curve was improved during the period of compensatory growth. The proposed method is one of the useful approaches for adjusting seasonal compensatory growth in growth curve estimations for Thoroughbreds, and for their management during the compensatory period. Based on this approach, the optimal growth curve equations can be estimated also for female body weight of Thoroughbreds or other growth traits affected by seasonal compensatory growth.

Effects of the Sex Ratio Organism on IN VITRO Differentiation of Drosophila Embryonic Cells

Effects of Sex Ratio Organism (SRO) on the development of embryonic cells of Drosophila melanogaster were studied in vitro. The single embryo culture technique and a histochemical staining method were employed to distinguish male embryo cultures from female ones. SRO-infected Zw(n) females were crossed to wild-type males, and their embryos were separately dissociated and cultured in vitro. Cell growth and differentiation in each culture were examined by phase contrast microscopy and described both qualitatively and quantitatively. Neurons, imaginal disk cells and plasmatocyte-like cells barely differentiated in male (Zw( n)/Y) cultures, whereas muscle and fatbody cells were not so severely affected. These symptoms were generally specific to male cultures. Female (Zw(n)/+) cultures were relatively normal. These observations are consistent with the results of mosaic analysis. The susceptibility of cells to SRO is discussed in relation to the dose of X chromosome in the cells.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in ribosomal protein L27a gene with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

Marbling, defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat, is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. The c2-11#2 expressed sequence tag (EST) has been previously shown to possess expression difference in musculus longissimus muscle between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups, and to be located within genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for marbling. Thus, the ribosomal protein L27a (RPL27A) gene containing the c2-11#2 EST sequence was considered as a positional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. In the present study, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the RPL27A, referred to as g.3109537C>T, was detected between the 2 steer groups. The SNP was associated with the predicted breeding value for beef marbling standard number by the analyses using Japanese Black beef cattle population. The effect of genotypes of the SNP on the predicted breeding value for subcutaneous fat thickness was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the RPL27A SNP may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the levels of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle.

Novel SNP in 5' flanking region of EDG1 associated with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

Marbling, defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat, is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. The endothelial differentiation, sphingolipid G-protein-coupled receptor, 1 (EDG1) gene has been considered as a positional functional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. We have recently reported that 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), c.-312A>G in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and c.*446G>A in the 3' UTR in EDG1 were associated with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle, but this was not functional and a causal mutation for marbling. In the present study, we detected 2 novel SNPs, referred to as g.1475435G>A and g.1471620G>T, in the 5' flanking region of the EDG1 between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups, which were previously shown to have EDG1 expression differences in musculus longissimus muscle. The g.1475435G>A SNP seemed not to segregate in Japanese Black beef cattle. The g.1471620G>T SNP was associated with the predicted breeding value for beef marbling standard number by the analyses using Japanese Black beef cattle population. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the g.1471620G>T SNP might have an impact on EDG1 expression and also marbling.

Relative fitness of females and hermaphrodites in a natural gynodioecious population of wild radish, Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicaceae): comparison based on molecular genotyping

In many gynodioecious species, sex determination involves both cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS) genes and nuclear genes that restore male function. Differences in fitness among genotypes affect the dynamics of those genes, and thus that of gynodioecy. We used a molecular marker to discriminate between hermaphrodites with and without a CMS gene in gynodioecious Raphanus sativus. We compared fitness through female function among the three genotypes: females, hermaphrodites with the CMS gene and those without it. Although there was no significant difference among the genotypes in seed size, hermaphrodites without the CMS gene produced significantly more seeds, and seeds with a higher germination rate than the other genotypes, suggesting no fitness advantage for females and no benefit to bearing the CMS gene. Despite the lack of fitness advantage for females in the parameter values we estimated, a theoretical model of gynodioecy shows it can be maintained if restorer genes impose a cost paid in pollen production. In addition, we found that females invest more resources into female reproduction than hermaphrodites when they become larger. If environmental conditions enable females to grow larger this would facilitate the dynamics of CMS genes.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in akirin 2 gene with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

Background

Marbling defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat, so-called Shimofuri, is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. The c17-25 expressed sequence tag (EST) has been previously shown to possess expression difference in musculus longissimus muscle between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups, and to be located within genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for marbling. Thus, the akirin 2 (AKIRIN2) gene containing the c17-25 EST sequence was considered as a positional functional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. In this study, we explored single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AKIRIN2 and analyzed association of the SNP with marbling.

Findings

A SNP in the 3' untranslated region of the AKIRIN2, referred to as c.*188G>A, was the only difference detected between high- and low-marbled steer groups. The SNP was associated with marbling in 3 experiments using 100 sires (P = 0.041), 753 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 4 sires heterozygous for the c.*188G>A (P = 0.005), and 730 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 3 sires homozygous for the A allele at the c.*188G>A (P = 0.047), in Japanese Black beef cattle. The effect of genotypes of the SNP on subcutaneous fat thickness was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the AKIRIN2 SNP polymorphism is associated with marbling and may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the levels of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in titin gene with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

BACKGROUND

Marbling defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. We have recently reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the endothelial differentiation, sphingolipid G-protein-coupled receptor, 1 (EDG1) gene were associated with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle. As well as EDG1, the titin (TTN) gene, involved in myofibrillogenesis, has been previously shown to possess expression difference in musculus longissimus muscle between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups, and to be located within genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for marbling. Thus TTN was considered as a positional functional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. In this study, we explored SNP in TTN and analyzed association of the SNP with marbling.

FINDINGS

A SNP in the promoter region of TTN, referred to as g.231054C>T, was the only difference detected between high- and low-marbled steer groups. The SNP was associated with marbling in 3 experiments using 101 sires (P = 0.004), 848 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 5 sires heterozygous for the g.231054C>T (P = 0.046), and 820 paternal half-sib progeny steers from 3 sires homozygous for C allele at the g.231054C>T (P = 0.051), in Japanese Black beef cattle. The effect of genotypes of the SNP on subcutaneous fat thickness was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that in addition to the EDG1 SNPs, the TTN SNP polymorphism is associated with marbling and may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the levels of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle. Further replicate studies will be needed to confirm the allelic association observed here, and to expand the results to evaluate all possible genotypic combinations of alleles.

Downfolded self-energy of many-electron systems

Starting from the full many-body Hamiltonian of interacting electrons the effective self-energy acting on electrons residing in a subspace of the full Hilbert space is derived. This subspace may correspond to, for example, partially filled narrow bands, which often characterize strongly correlated materials. The formalism delivers naturally the frequency-dependent effective interaction (the Hubbard U) and provides a general framework for constructing theoretical models based on the Green's function language. It also furnishes a general scheme for first-principles calculations of complex systems in which the main correlation effects are concentrated on a small subspace of the full Hilbert space.

Quasiparticle band structure of vanadium dioxide

Vanadium dioxide is insulating below 340 K in experiments, whereas the band structure calculated in the local density approximation (LDA) is gapless. We study the self-energy effects using the ab initio GW method. We found that the self-energy depends strongly on the energy, and proper treatment of the dynamical effect is essential for getting precise quasiparticle energies. Off-diagonal matrix elements in the Kohn-Sham basis are also important for disentangling bands. Inclusion of the two effects opens up a direct gap. Our results also suggest that one-shot GW on top of LDA is not enough, and the impact of self-consistency is significant.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the endothelial differentiation sphingolipid G-protein-coupled receptor 1 gene with marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle

Marbling defined by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat, so-called Shimofuri, is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. The endothelial differentiation sphingolipid G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (EDG1) gene, involved in blood vessel formation, has been previously shown to be expressed at different levels in musculus longissimus muscle between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups. It is located within the genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for marbling, and thus was considered as a positionally functional candidate for the gene responsible for marbling. In this study, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and the 3' UTR of EDG1, referred to as c.-312A>G and c.*446G>A, respectively, were detected between the two steer groups. The two SNPs were associated with the predicted breeding value for beef marbling standard number by analyses using a population of Japanese Black beef cattle. The effect of genotypes at each of the SNPs on the predicted breeding value for subcutaneous fat thickness was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Reporter gene assays revealed no significant differences in gene expression between alleles at each of the SNPs. These findings suggest that EDG1 SNPs, although they may not be regarded as a causal mutation, may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the levels of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle.

Impaired dendritic cell functions because of depletion of natural killer cells disrupt antigen-specific immune responses in mice: restoration of adaptive immunity in natural killer-depleted mice by antigen-pulsed dendritic cell

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the role of natural killer (NK) cells on antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. After analysing the mechanism of impaired adaptive immune responses of NK-depleted mice, an immune interventional approach was developed to restore adaptive immunity in NK-depleted mice. NK cells were depleted from mice by administration of anti-asialo GM1 antibody (100 mul/mouse), twice, at an interval of 48 h. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was administered intraperitoneally to normal C57BL/6 mice (control mice) and NK-depleted mice. The levels of antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in the sera and HBsAg-specific lymphocytes in the spleen were assessed. The functions of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) were evaluated in vitro. HBsAg-pulsed DCs were prepared by culturing spleen DCs with HBsAg for 48 h and administered once to NK-depleted mice. The levels of anti-HBs in the sera and HBsAg-specific lymphocytes were significantly lower in NK-depleted mice compared with control mice (P < 0.05). The functions of T and B lymphocytes were similar between control mice and NK-depleted mice. However, the functions of spleen DC and liver DC were significantly lower in NK-depleted mice compared with control mice (P < 0.05). Administration of HBsAg-pulsed DCs, but not HBsAg, induced HBsAg-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in NK-depleted mice. Our study suggests that cross-talk between NK cells and DCs regulates the magnitude of adaptive immunity. In addition, antigen-pulsed immunogenic DCs represent potent immune modulator even if subjects with diminished innate immunity.

Prevention of graft-versus-host disease by intrabone marrow injection of donor T cells: involvement of bone marrow stromal cells

We have developed a new and effective method for bone marrow transplantation (BMT): bone marrow cells (BMCs) are injected directly into the bone marrow (BM) cavity of recipient mice. The intrabone marrow injection of BMCs (IBM-BMT) greatly facilitates the engraftment of donor-derived cells, and IBM-BMT can attenuate graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR), in contrast to conventional intravenous BMT (i.v.-BMT). Here, we examine the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of IBM-BMT on GVHR using animal models where GVHR is elicited. Recipient mice (C57BL/6) were irradiated and splenic T cells (as donor lymphocyte infusion: DLI) from major histocompatibility complex-disparate donors (BALB/c) were injected directly into the BM cavity (IBM-DLI) or injected intravenously (i.v.-DLI) along with IBM-BMT. The BM stromal cells (BMSCs) from these recipients were collected and related cytokines were examined. The recipient mice that had been treated with IBM-BMT + i.v.-DLI showed severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in contrast to those treated with IBM-BMT + IBM-DLI. The suppressive activity of BMSCs in this GVHD model was determined. The cultured BMSCs from the recipients treated with IBM-BMT + IBM-DLI suppressed the proliferation of responder T cells remarkably when compared with those from the recipients of IBM-BMT + i.v.-DLI in mixed leucocyte reaction. Furthermore, the level of transforming growth factor-beta and hepatocyte growth factor in cultured BMSCs from IBM-BMT + IBM-DLI increased significantly when compared with those from the recipients of IBM-BMT + i.v.-DLI. Thus, the prevention of GVHD observed in the recipients of IBM-BMT + IBM-DLI was attributable to the increased production of immunosuppressive cytokines from BMSCs after interaction with host reactive T cells (in DLI).

[Off-pump coronary artery bypass and right ventricular branch translocation for coronary aneurysm; report of a case]

The successful surgical treatment for a coronary artery aneurysm was reported. A 38-year-old female presented with angina pectoris due to right coronary artery stenosis. Angiography revealed a right coronary artery aneurysm and 90% stenosis at a site just proximal to the aneurysm, accompanied by the relatively large right ventricular (RV) branch originating from a mid portion of the aneurysm. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to the right coronary artery (RCA) #3, translocation of RV branch to RCA #3, and ligation of RCA proximal and distal to the aneurysm were successfully performed. Post-operative course had been uneventful with satisfactory angiographic results. Coronary translocation with CABG could be a treatment option for coronary artery aneurysms.

Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation for behavioural responses by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse

Genetic variation of the behaviour of racehorses is one of the major concerns for racehorse breeders. In this study, the heritabilities of behavioural responses to the inspections of conjunctiva, auscultation and blood sampling and the genetic correlations among them were estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The estimation was done with Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the univariate or bivariate threshold animal models. The behavioural responses were scored with four categories at the first entrance quarantine in Miho Training Center of Japan Racing Association from 1993 to 1995. The behavioural responses were treated as categorical or binary traits, with both showing similar results. The estimated heritabilities were in the range of 0.23-0.28, suggesting a genetic component in the variation on these traits. The estimated genetic correlations among the traits were very high (approximately 0.9), suggesting that these behavioural responses may be measures of the same trait. Because of the high genetic correlations, repeatability threshold model was applied assuming the responses to be a genetically identical trait measured with three different tests. The estimated heritabilities (approximately 0.23) were at the lower bound of the former estimates. The revealed high repeatabilities (0.97-0.98) suggest a strong contribution of the individual temperament on the behaviour of racehorses.

Effectiveness of adjusting for heterogeneity of variance in genetic evaluation of Japanese Black cattle

Heterogeneity of variance among subclasses of an effect is a potential source of bias in genetic evaluation. The objectives of this study were to quantify the heterogeneity of variance in carcass weight in Japanese Black cattle, to develop an adjustment method to account for the heterogeneity, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the method. A total of 96,950 records were collected from steers and heifers slaughtered from 1997 to 2005. These records were grouped into 2,767 farm-market-year-sex subclasses. Fourteen log-linear models for the variances were set up to estimate the heterogeneous phenotypic variances within subclasses. Schwarz's Bayesian information criterion was used for model selection. The preadjustment of records to a baseline variance was based on maximum likelihood estimates obtained from the selected model. As a result of adjustment, the SD, the CV, and the Gini coefficient for the phenotypic variance decreased by 68.6, 69.8, and 70.1%, respectively. When the top 5% of sires and top 1% of dams were selected, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between the adjusted and unadjusted data were 0.95 for the selected sires and 0.78 for the selected dams. The effectiveness of the adjustment was evaluated in terms of the ability to predict breeding values, using the results of the successive genetic evaluations. Mean squared error between the parent averages and actual predicted values of the genetic merit for the sires whose progeny had a carcass record only from 2003 to 2005 was significantly reduced by the adjustment (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the genetic evaluation becomes more accurate by adjusting the data using the procedure developed in this study.

Extensive Studies on Perfusion Method Plus Intra-Bone Marrow-Bone Marrow Transplantation Using Cynomolgus Monkeys

The collection of bone marrow cells (BMCs) using a perfusion method has been advantageous not only because of the low contamination of BMCs with T cells from the peripheral blood but also the enrichment of stromal cells, which support hemopoiesis. Before the application of this new method to humans, its safety needed to be confirmed using cynomolgus monkeys. We therefore performed the perfusion method on more than 100 cynomolgus monkeys using the long bones (such as the humerus and femur) and also the iliac bones (for human application); in the more than 150 trials to date, there have been no accidental deaths. Furthermore, the technical safety of a new method for the intra-bone marrow (IBM) injection of BMCs (termed IBM-bone marrow transplantation) has also been confirmed using 30 monkeys. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

Treatment of autoimmune diseases in MRL/lpr mice by allogenic bone marrow transplantation plus adult thymus transplantation

MRL/lpr mice (H-2(k)) with Fas gene mutation develop severe autoimmune diseases, and their haematolymphoid cells such as bone marrow and spleen cells showed a low apoptotic activity by irradiation. Therefore, conventional bone marrow transplantation (BMT) cannot be used to treat autoimmune diseases in these mice (chimeric resistance). In the present study, we examine the effects of additional adult thymus transplantation (TT) from the same donor on successful BMT. When the MRL/lpr mice were lethally irradiated (9 x 5Gy) and reconstituted with 3 x 10(7) of C57BL/6 mouse (H-2b) bone marrow cells (BMCs) in conjunction with TT, the mice significantly survived long term and showed a high donor-derived chimerism in comparison with those treated with BMT alone. Interestingly, the numbers of not only donor-derived T cells but also B cells increased significantly in the mice treated with BMT plus TT, even at the early phase of BMT. The number of aberrant CD3+B220+ cells decreased significantly, and the numbers of lymphocyte subsets were also normalized 4 weeks after the treatment. Finally, the autoimmune diseases in MRL/lpr mice could be cured by BMT with TT. These results indicate that the combination of BMT plus TT can overcome the chimeric resistance and treat the autoimmune diseases in MRL/lpr mice.

[Dissection of descending aorta with spinal paralysis]

A 56-year-old man had undergone ascending aorta and total arch replacement because of aortic dissection (Stanford type A) in 1997. He had onset of diplegia of the lower limb and vesicorectal disability. Computed tomography (CT) showed serpentine aneurysm in the descending aorta, it was seen between the left subclavian artery and diaphragm level. It was 80 mm of maximum diameter. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for identified Adamkiewicz artery, but we could not identify it. We performed a graft replacement. The 8th intercostal artery was reconstructed with a branch graft. The postoperative course was uneventful. We conclude that graft replacement for spinal ischemia can be effective.

c-Src modulates ErbB2 and ErbB3 heterocomplex formation and function

Overexpression and/or gene amplification of c-Src and members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) family have been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Although members of the EGFR family are known to form heterocomplexes with one another, c-Src has also been shown to physically interact with members of this family in breast cancer cell lines and tumors. This paper investigates the role of c-Src in modulating the physical and functional interaction between ErbB2 and ErbB3, two family members that preferentially associate with one another and together exhibit high oncogenic potential. We show that overexpressed wild-type c-Src enhances heterocomplex formation of ErbB2 and ErbB3 that results in increased basal and/or heregulin-induced activation of receptors, and their downstream intracellular effectors. Expression of a kinase-inactive form of c-Src (K(-) c-Src) or pharmacological inhibition of c-Src by PP2 negatively affects these events. Furthermore, cellular motility and anchorage-independent growth promoted by the ErbB2/ErbB3 heterocomplex are dependent upon c-Src, as demonstrated by the effects of K(-) c-Src overexpression or treatment with PP2. In contrast to previous studies that defined a role for c-Src downstream of ErbB2/ErbB3, the current work suggests an upstream mechanism, whereby c-Src enhances ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling and biological functions by positively modulating the association between ErbB2 and ErbB3.

Exploration of genes showing intramuscular fat deposition-associated expression changes in musculus longissimus muscle

Marbling, as defined by the amount of intramuscular fat, is an economically important trait in beef cattle. Intramuscular fat deposition is postulated to arise mainly from a series of adipogenic events in intramuscular adipocyte-lineage cells and in the physiological or anatomical milieux surrounding them. This study was designed to investigate gene-expression patterns associated with fat deposition in musculus longissimus muscle, including adipocyte-lineage cells and part of the milieux. Differential-display PCR (ddPCR) was used to examine expression differences between low-marbled and high-marbled steer groups at 8, 10, 12 and 14 months of age, encompassing the time that marbling starts to appear. Seventy-four of 2114 total bands on ddPCR gel-bands were significant (P < 0.05) for the group effect, the interaction effect between group and age, or both the group and the interaction effects. Sequence analysis of 72 of these bands revealed 77 genes, including 35 annotated genes and 42 novel sequences. Among the 35 annotated genes, 6 (BTG2, PDHB, SORBS1, TRDN, TTN and MGP) have been related to changes in intramuscular fat deposition, possibly by exerting effects on adipocyte-lineage cells or on the milieux surrounding them.

Prevention of abdominal aortic aneurysms by simultaneous inhibition of NFkappaB and ets using chimeric decoy oligonucleotides in a rabbit model

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the major vascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis. Because treatment for AAA mainly consists of surgery to prevent deaths from AAA rupture and there is a conspicuous absence of alternative therapeutic strategies, the development of minimally invasive treatment is needed. To develop a novel therapeutic approach, we examined the simultaneous inhibition of the transcription factors NFkappaB and ets, which regulate inflammation and matrix degradation, in a rabbit AAA model. In this study, we employed chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), containing the consensus sequences of both the NFkappaB- and ets-binding sites, to inhibit both the transcription factors simultaneously. Using a delivery sheet, we examined the inhibitory effect of chimeric decoy ODN on aortic dilatation. Ultrasound and angiographic analysis demonstrated that treatment with chimeric decoy ODN significantly prevented the progression of elastase-induced aortic dilatation. The inhibitory effect of chimeric decoy ODN on aortic dilatation was also confirmed by histological studies. Treatment with chimeric decoy ODN reduced the activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and markedly inhibited the proteolysis of elastin as compared to scrambled decoy ODN. Interestingly, treatment with chimeric decoy ODN also suppressed VCAM-1 and MCP-1 gene expression, leading to inhibition of macrophage infiltration in the adventitia and media. The present study in a rabbit model provides a novel strategy to treat AAA by the simultaneous inhibition of both NFkappaB and ets using chimeric decoy ODN. Further modification of chimeric decoy ODN would be useful to treat AAA as a decoy-based therapy.

Successful treatment with allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and granulocyte transfusion for severe aplastic anemia with sinusitis

A 43-year-old woman with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) received anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A (CyA) and achieved hematological remission. Although she had maintained hematological remission, the disease relapsed 10 months after arbitrary discontinuance of maintenance therapy with CyA. Resumption of CyA therapy was not effective, and her condition became complicated with progressive sinusitis with bone destruction, which was refractory to antibiotics, antifungal agents, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and surgical drainage. Because of the necessity for early neutrophil recovery (to resolve the infection), we proceeded with a combination therapy using allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) promptly followed by granulocyte transfusion (GTX) from the same human leukocyte antigen-identical donor rather than carrying out a second immunosuppressive therapy. The patient showed temporal resolution of infection on the second day after a single GTX. Although the patient had pneumonia on day 11, it was resolved promptly after engraftment on day 16. This report suggests the clinical utility of a salvage therapy with allogeneic PBSCT followed by GTX in a particular case of recurrent SAA with refractory infections.

A phase II study of combination CPT-11 and docetaxel in patients with ovarian carcinoma refractory or resistant to combination paclitaxel and carboplatin

15036

Background: To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of combination irinotecan and docetaxel in patients with ovarian carcinoma refractory (not responded) or resistant (relapsed within 6 months after the last chemotherapy) to the first line chemotherapy with combination paclitaxel (175mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC=5). Methods: 30 refractory patients and 28 resistant patients with measurable disease were treated with combination irinotecan (60 mg/m2) and docetaxel (30 mg/m2) at days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for more than 2 courses. Results: The average number of courses administered was 2.6 for refractory cases and 3.4 for resistant cases. The average number of courses administered was 2.6 for refractory cases and 3.4 for resistant cases. Using RECIST criteria, 2/28 (7%) resistant cases responded completely, 6/30 (20%) of refractory cases and 6/28 (21%) resistant cases were responded partially. 16/30 refractory cases and 14/28 cases progressed. Grade 3–4 toxicities were leukopenia (31%) neutropenia (36%) thrombocytopenia (8%) and diarrhea (6%). Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy of CPT-11 and Docetaxel at days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks is a regimen with moderate toxicity and good compliance, and shows some response to those patients who are refractory or resistant to the first-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin with a response rate of 20% and 29%, respectively.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Anti-cancer activity of NVP-TAE226, a potent dual FAK/IGF-IR kinase inhibitor, against pancreatic carcinoma

13162

Background: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that regulates multiple cell functions. Elevated expression levels of FAK have been detected in various tumor samples and are closely correlated with invasive potential. Activation of integrins and the growth factor receptors result in FAK autophosphorylation at Y397 and the presentation of suitable binding sites for proteins containing either SH2 or phosphotyrosine binding domains. Recent evidences suggest that FAK plays important roles in cancer cell proliferation and survival. IGF-IR function is required for tumor cell survival, but dispensable for survival of normal cells. Therefore, a dual inhibitor of both kinases may selectively block the growth, migration, and survival of FAK- and IGF-IR- expressing tumor cells compared to proliferating and migrating normal cells. Methods: In this study, anti-cancer activity of NVP-TAE226 that is identified as a potent and selective FAK inhibitor was evaluated in cancer cell lines panel and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma in vivo model. Results: Mean GI50 value of NVP-TAE226 against 37 cancer cell lines was 0.76 μmole/L. Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation was not affected by expression of P-glycoprotein, suggesting that NVP-TAE226 is not served as a substrate of P-glycoprotein. Oral administration of NVP-TAE226 efficiently inhibited MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic tumor growth at all doses tested. Tumor stasis was observed at a dose of 30 mg/kg, qd for 7×/week and tumor regression was observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg, qd for 5×/week. All animals tolerated NVP-TAE226 treatment up to 100 mg/kg, 5×/wk, qd, po for 2 weeks with no body weight loss. Inhibition of downstream signaling such as phosphorylation of Akt at Serine473 was accompanied by inhibition of FAK phosphorylation in human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Conclusions: NVP-TAE226 is a novel class of selective and small molecule kinase inhibitors with a potent in vivo activity and potential therapeutic application.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Relationship of p53, Bcl-2, Ki-67 index and E-cadherin expression in early invasive breast cancers with comedonecrosis as an accelerated apoptosis

AIMS

To study the relationship between comedonecrosis formation and morphology, apoptosis, and p53, Bcl-2, Ki-67 index and E-cadherin expression in early invasive breast cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Early invasive breast cancers were first divided into two groups according to the presence (CN+ tumours) or absence (CN- tumours) of comedonecrosis. The histological grade, apoptosis, and expression of E-cadherin, Ki-67, p53 and Bcl-2 in the cancer-affected area, and in normal ducts from the specimen, were then examined.

RESULTS

Less tubule and gland formation was seen in CN+ tumours than in CN- tumours, although the histological grade between the groups was not different. During early comedonecrosis, cells undergo apoptosis and subsequent necrosis. p53 was higher in CN+ tumours than in CN- tumours and normal ducts, whereas Bcl-2 was lower in CN+ tumours than in CN- tumours and normal ducts. Both tumours had higher Ki-67 than in normal ducts, but no difference was evident between the tumours. CN+ tumours had slightly higher E-cadherin than that in CN- tumours, but lower than that in normal ducts. The level of comedonecrosis was positively correlated with p53, but inversely correlated with Bcl-2 in all tumours, and p53 and Bcl-2 were inversely correlated with each other. Furthermore, comedonecrosis and p53 were correlated with Ki-67 in CN+ tumours, and Bcl-2 was correlated with Ki-67 in CN- tumours.

CONCLUSION

Comedonecrosis may be actively regulated through an apoptotic procedure in massive cancers for their survival and progression, and the above proteins may be associated cooperatively in this process. CN+ and CN- tumours may have opposite proliferative systems under the p53-Bcl-2 pathway.

Comparison of genetic gains per year for carcass traits among breeding programs in the Japanese Brown and the Japanese Black cattle1

The breeding program for beef cattle in Japan has changed dramatically over 4 decades. Visual judging was done initially, but progeny testing in test stations began in 1968. In the 1980s, the genetic evaluation program using field records, so-called on-farm progeny testing, was first adopted in Oita, Hyogo, and Kumamoto prefectures. In this study, genetic trends for carcass traits in these 3 Wagyu populations were estimated, and genetic gains per year were compared among the 3 different beef cattle breeding programs. The field carcass records used were collected between 1988 and 2003. The traits analyzed were carcass weight, LM area, rib thickness, s.c. fat thickness, and beef marbling standard number. The average breeding values of reproducing dams born the same year were used to estimate the genetic trends for the carcass traits. For comparison of the 3 breeding programs, birth years of the dams were divided into 3 periods reflecting each program. Positive genetic trends for beef marbling standard number were clearly shown in all populations. The genetic gains per year for all carcass traits were significantly enhanced by adopting the on-farm progeny testing program. These results indicate that the on-farm progeny testing program with BLUP is a very powerful approach for genetic improvement of carcass traits in Japanese Wagyu beef cattle.

Inhibition of ets, an essential transcription factor for angiogenesis, to prevent the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a rat model

The pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is considered to be complicated. As matrix degradation contributes to the progression of AAA, the destruction and degradation of elastin fibers caused by an increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a pivotal role in the development of AAA. Although ets, an essential transcription factor for angiogenesis, regulates MMPs, the role of ets in the development of AAA has not yet been clarified. Thus, we evaluated the role of ets in a rat AAA model using a decoy strategy. Transfection of ODN into AAA was performed by transient aortic perfusion of elastase and by wrapping the AAA in a delivery sheet containing decoy ODN. The inhibitory effect of ets decoy ODN on ets binding activity was confirmed by gel mobility shift assay. MMPs expression was decreased in the aorta transfected with ets decoy ODN as compared to scrambled decoy ODN. Also, ultrasound study demonstrated that elastase-induced aneurismal dilation was significantly suppressed by transfection of ets decoy ODN at 4 weeks after treatment as compared to scrambled decoy ODN. Moreover, the destruction of elastin fibers was inhibited in the aorta transfected with ets decoy ODN, accompanied by a reduction of MMPs expression. An inhibitory effect of decoy ODN on MMP expression was confirmed by ex vivo experiments showing that transfection of decoy ODN into an organ culture of human aorta resulted in significant inhibition of the secretion of both MMP-1 and MMP-9. Here, we demonstrated that ets may play a pivotal role in the progression of AAA through the activation of MMPs in a rat model. Ets might be a potential target to develop pharmacotherapy/gene therapy to treat AAA through the inhibition of MMPs.

Estimation of heritability for Tying-up syndrome in the Thoroughbred racehorse by Gibbs sampling

Tying-up is a condition that primarily affects the muscles of horses. In this study, the heritability of the Tying-up syndrome in the Thoroughbred racehorse was estimated by Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the threshold model for binary traits. The data used were the clinical data in racehorses diagnosed by veterinarians of the Racehorse Clinics of Japan Racing Association from 2000 to 2003. The health status of the Tying-up was treated as a binary trait. In the genetic analysis, the effect of changing the amount of the pedigree or inbreeding information on the estimation of heritability was investigated, too. The heritability estimates with non-zero probability in the posterior densities were approximately 0.16-0.18 in minimum, suggesting that the heritability of the Tying-up is not zero at least. The posterior density distributions of the heritability estimates were generally more pointed and sharp with using inbreeding coefficients than without using it, suggesting that more stable estimations were obtained when inbreeding coefficients were used. Among the different amounts of pedigree and inbreeding information, the heritabilities obtained with three or four generations of pedigree using inbreeding coefficients seems to be preferable, i.e. heritability of 0.42 or 0.43 for Tying-up.

Follow-up assessment of the collateral circulation in patients with Kawasaki disease who underwent dipyridamole stress technetium-99m tetrofosmin scintigraphy

To assess the alteration of myocardial ischemic findings and the role of collateral vessels in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), we used dipyridamole stress technetium-99m tetrofosmin (Tf) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A comparison study of coronary angiography and dipyridamole stress (0.70 mg/kg) Tf-SPECT was repeated at least twice in 20 patients. The subjects included 7 patients with coronary stenosis, 1 with pre- and post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to coronary stenosis, 1 with progression to coronary stenosis, and 11 with persistent coronary aneurysms. In the stenosis group, Tf-SPECT revealed that 6 of the 7 patients had some degree of ischemic findings, and 5 of these 6 did not show any change in their ischemic findings during follow-up. In 1 patient, the ischemic findings changed according to the collateral circulation changes. The patient who underwent CABG had pre-CABG ischemic changes that disappeared after CABG. In the patient whose coronary arteries progressed to stenosis, the ischemic findings progressed as the coronary stenosis progressed. In the persistent aneurysm group, there were no ischemic findings. In the future Tf-SPECT may become one of the most useful methods for monitoring the progressive changes of myocardial ischemia in KD.

The expression of platelet-derived growth factor and connective tissue growth factor in different types of abdominal aortic aneurysms

AIM

An atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAA) differ from inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA), which are characterized by a non specific inflammatory reaction leading to considerable aneurysmal wall thickness from the media to adventitia and retroperitoneal fibrosis in the surrounding tissue. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor have been localized to specific cell types within atherosclerotic plaques. Human connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine rich polypeptide that has similar structures to PDGF and has been implicated in connective tissue formation. PDGF and CTGF may play a role in the development of aneurysmal walls in both AAAA and IAAA.

METHODS

Using in situ hybridization technique with DIG-labeled RNA probes and immunostaining, we investigated CTGF gene expression, and expression of PDGF and its receptor protein, in human aneurysmal walls.

RESULTS

Expression of CTGF mRNA was found on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in specimens from AAAA and IAAA. Strong CTGF expression was localized in VSMC around calcification in AAAA. In IAAA, strong expression of CTGF was observed around inflammatory cells. In the aneurysmal walls of AAAA, PDGF A and B chains were strongly stained on small vessels, and the PDGF beta receptor was also strongly stained on VSMC around calcification. In the aneurysmal wall of IAAA, weak expressions of PDGF A and B chains were observed in endothelial cells of vessel walls around the inflammatory cells, but the intensity of expression was much weaker than that on the vessel walls in AAAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Such differences in fibrogenic cytokine expression may be involved in characteristic aneurysmal formation.