Phytoremediation of toxic aromatic pollutants from soil

The enormous growth of industrialization, and the use of numerous aromatic compounds in dyestuffs, explosives, pesticides and pharmaceuticals has resulted in serious environmental pollution and has attracted considerable attention continuously over the last two decades. Many aromatic hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, diauxins and their derivatives are highly toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic to natural microflora as well as to higher systems including humans. The increasing costs and limited efficiency of traditional physicochemical treatments of soil have spurred the development of new remediation technologies. Phytoremediation is emerging as an efficient treatment technology that uses plants to bioremediate pollutants from soil environments. Various modern tools and analytical devices have provided insight into the selection and optimization of remediation processes by various plant species. Sites heavily polluted with organic contaminants require hyperaccumulators, which could be developed by genetic engineering approaches. However, efficient hyperaccumulation by naturally occurring plants is also feasible and can be made practical by improving their nutritional and environmental requirements. Thus, phytoremediation of organics appears a very promising technology for the removal of contaminants from polluted soil. In this review, certain aspects of plant metabolism associated with phytoremediation of organic contaminants and their relevant phytoremediation efforts are discussed.

Degradation and detoxification of endosulfan isomers by a defined co-culture of two Bacillus strains

The degradation of alpha and beta isomers of endosulfan by a two-member bacterial co-culture was studied. Results were similar whether the two isomers were present individually or together, as in technical endosulfan. The degradation of both isomers was accompanied by the formation of endosulfan diol and endosulfan lactone. Accumulation of the metabolite, endosulfan sulfate was, however, not observed during the reaction with either of the isomers. The microbial degradation of endosulfan isomers was also accompanied by a decrease in its toxicity to the test organism Tubifex tubifex Müller.

D-Ala-D-lac binding is not required for the high activity of vancomycin dimers against vancomycin resistant enterococci

Covalent dimerization and oligomerization of vancomycin is an important and extensively used strategy to develop analogues active against vancomycin resistant enteroccoci (VRE). Here, we have carried out investigations to probe the role of peptide binding (Lys-d-Ala-d-Lac) in the high anti-VRE activities of covalently linked vancomycin dimers. Covalent dimers of damaged vancomycin (desleucyl) were prepared, and their anti-VRE activities and binding affinities toward various model peptides were measured. Despite the dramatic loss in affinity toward several model peptides in comparison to the corresponding intact vancomycin dimers, these damaged dimers maintained good activity against VRE. These results strongly suggest that the high anti-VRE activities of covalent vancomycin dimers are conferred from mechanisms other than Lys-d-Ala-d-Lac binding.

Phytoremediation: an overview of metallic ion decontamination from soil

In recent years, phytoremediation has emerged as a promising ecoremediation technology, particularly for soil and water cleanup of large volumes of contaminated sites. The exploitation of plants to remediate soils contaminated with trace elements could provide a cheap and sustainable technology for bioremediation. Many modern tools and analytical devices have provided insight into the selection and optimization of the remediation process by plant species. This review describes certain factors for the phytoremediation of metal ion decontamination and various aspects of plant metabolism during metallic decontamination. Metal-hyperaccumulating plants, desirable for heavily polluted environments, can be developed by the introduction of novel traits into high biomass plants in a transgenic approach, which is a promising strategy for the development of effective phytoremediation technology. The genetic manipulation of a phytoremediator plant needs a number of optimization processes, including mobilization of trace elements/metal ions, their uptake into the root, stem and other viable parts of the plant and their detoxification and allocation within the plant. This upcoming science is expanding as technology continues to offer new, low-cost remediation options.

First Report of Natural Infection of Luffa acutangula by Watermelon bud necrosis virus in India

In August 2002, ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) plant samples exhibiting yellowing of leaves were collected from the experimental farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. Mechanical inoculations of ridge gourd seedlings using the above samples resulted in chlorotic spots on inoculated leaves and vein clearing followed by chlorotic rings and yellow netting along veins of newly developed leaves. The virus was reisolated from the chlorotic spots of the seedlings. Extracts from the field samples as well as mechanically inoculated seedlings reacted with antiserum to Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) in direct antigen coating enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, suggesting the association of a tospovirus belonging to WSMoV serogroup (2). Symptomatic leaves from the second mechanical passage exhibiting yellow netting along the veins were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (1) to identify the genus Tospovirus. Using the primer pair (5'TCTGTCCT(C/T) TTGAA (G/T) GTCCA3' and 5'AGAGCAATCGAGGCGCT3') derived from the conserved sequences of Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) and WSMoV, part of the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene and the complete noncoding region upstream of the N gene's coding sequence were cloned and sequenced. Comparative sequence analysis of 291-bp region of the N gene revealed that the genus Tospovirus infecting ridge gourd shared maximum identity both at nucleotide (94%) and amino acid (97%) levels with the corresponding region of Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV), which is a distinct species of WSMoV serogroup infecting watermelon in India (1). In contrast, only 76 to 81% and 82% identity at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively, was observed with the corresponding region of the N genes of GBNV and WSMoV. Natural infection of WBNV in cucurbits except watermelon in India is not known. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of ridge gourd by WBNV. References: (1) R. K. Jain et al. Arch. Virol. 143:1637, 1998. (2) J. W. Moyer. Tospoviruses (Bunyaviridae). Pages 1803-1807 in: Encyclopedia of Virology. A. Granoff and R. G. Webster, eds. Academic Press, New York, 1999.

Directed denaturation: room temperature and stoichiometric unfolding of cytochrome C by a metalloporphyrin dimer

Using circular dichroism, UV-vis, and trypsin proteolysis, we have shown how a metalloporphyrin dimer induces the unfolding of a protein, cytochrome c, under physiologically relevant conditions and accelerates its rate of proteolytic degradation.

Histoid leprosy with ENL reaction

A 23-year old man presented with firm cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules of histoid leprosy. Some of the nodules suppurated after multidrug therapy (MDT) and these nodules showed features of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) on histopathological examination. ENL is a rare phenomenon observed in histoid leprosy.

Comparison of IgG diffusion and extracellular matrix composition in rhabdomyosarcomas grown in mice versus in vitro as spheroids reveals the role of host stromal cells

The tumour extracellular matrix acts as a barrier to the delivery of therapeutic agents. To test the hypothesis that extracellular matrix composition governs the penetration rate of macromolecules in tumour tissue, we measured the diffusion coefficient of nonspecific IgG in three rhabdomyosarcoma subclones growing as multicellular spheroids in vitro or as subcutaneous tumours in dorsal windows in vivo. In subcutaneous tumours, the diffusion coefficient decreased with increasing content of collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycans. When grown as multicellular spheroids, no differences in either extracellular matrix composition or diffusion coefficient were found. Comparison of in vitro vs in vivo results suggests an over-riding role of host stromal cells in extracellular matrix production subjected to modulation by tumour cells. Penetration of therapeutic macromolecules through tumour extracellular matrix might thus be largely determined by the host organ. Hence, caution must be exercised in extrapolating drug penetrability from spheroids and multilayer cellular sandwiches consisting of only tumour cells to tumours in vivo.

Solid stress facilitates spheroid formation: potential involvement of hyaluronan

When neoplastic cells grow in confined spaces in vivo, they exert a finite force on the surrounding tissue resulting in the generation of solid stress. By growing multicellular spheroids in agarose gels of defined mechanical properties, we have recently shown that solid stress inhibits the growth of spheroids and that this growth-inhibiting stress ranges from 45 to 120 mmHg. Here we show that solid stress facilitates the formation of spheroids in the highly metastatic Dunning R3327 rat prostate carcinoma AT3.1 cells, which predominantly do not grow as spheroids in free suspension. The maximum size and the growth rate of the resulting spheroids decreased with increasing stress. Relieving solid stress by enzymatic digestion of gels resulted in gradual loss of spheroidal morphology in 8 days. In contrast, the low metastatic variant AT2.1 cells, which grow as spheroids in free suspension as well as in the gels, maintained their spheroidal morphology even after stress removal. Histological examination revealed that most cells in AT2.1 spheroids are in close apposition whereas a regular matrix separates the cells in the AT3.1 gel spheroids. Staining with the hyaluronan binding protein revealed that the matrix between AT3.1 cells in agarose contained hyaluronan, while AT3.1 cells had negligible or no hyaluronan when grown in free suspension. Hyaluronan was found to be present in both free suspensions and agarose gel spheroids of AT2.1. We suggest that cell-cell adhesion may be adequate for spheroid formation, whereas solid stress may be required to form spheroids when cell-matrix adhesion is predominant. These findings have significant implications for tumour growth, invasion and metastasis.

Serological and coat protein sequence studies suggest that necrosis disease on sunflower in India is caused by a strain of Tobacco streak ilarvirus

Serological and coat protein sequence studies were conducted to identify an ilarvirus associated with necrosis disease on sunflower in India. In electroblot immunoassay, sunflower ilarvirus reacted strongly only with antiserum to Tobacco streak virus (TSV). The coat protein gene of sunflower ilarvirus was cloned and sequenced. The sequence analyses also showed that the CP gene was most closely related to TSV, the member of subgroup I of Ilarvirus. The sunflower ilarvirus CP shared 90% amino acid sequence identity with TSV. On the basis of serological relatedness and sequence identity, it is proposed that the sunflower ilarvirus from India should be considered a strain of TSV belonging to subgroup I and designated as TSV-SF. This is the first report of the molecular characterization of TSV on sunflower from the Indian subcontinent.

Transport of molecules, particles, and cells in solid tumors

Extraordinary advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to the development of a vast number of therapeutic anti-cancer agents. To reach cancer cells in a tumor, a blood-borne therapeutic molecule, particle, or cell must make its way into the blood vessels of the tumor and across the vessel wall into the interstitium, which it then must migrate through. Unfortunately, tumors often develop in ways that hinder these steps. The goal of research in this area is to analyze each of these steps experimentally and theoretically and integrate the resulting information into a unified theoretical framework. This paradigm of analysis and synthesis has fostered a better understanding of physiological barriers in solid tumors and aided in the development of novel strategies to exploit and/or overcome these barriers for improved cancer detection and treatment.

Oligomerization of green fluorescent protein in the secretory pathway of endocrine cells

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is used extensively as a reporter protein to monitor cellular processes, including intracellular protein trafficking and secretion. In general, this approach depends on GFP acting as a passive reporter protein. However, it was recently noted that GFP oligomerizes in the secretory pathway of endocrine cells. To characterize this oligomerization and its potential role in GFP transport, cytosolic and secretory forms of enhanced GFP (EGFP) were expressed in GH4C1 and AtT-20 endocrine cells. Biochemical analysis showed that cytosolic EGFP existed as a 27 kDa monomer, whereas secretory forms of EGFP formed disulphide-linked oligomers. EGFP contains two cysteine residues (Cys(49) and Cys(71)), which could play a role in this oligomerization. Site-directed mutagenesis of Cys(49) and Cys(71) showed that both cysteine residues were involved in disulphide interactions. Substitution of either cysteine residue resulted in a reduction or loss of oligomers, although dimers of the secretory form of EGFP remained. Mutation of these residues did not adversely affect the fluorescence of EGFP. EGFP oligomers were stored in secretory granules and secreted by the regulated secretory pathway in endocrine AtT-20 cells. Similarly, the dimeric mutant forms of EGFP were still secreted via the regulated secretory pathway, indicating that the higher-order oligomers were not necessary for sorting in AtT-20 cells. These results suggest that the oligomerization of EGFP must be considered when the protein is used as a reporter molecule in the secretory pathway.

LYVE-1 is not restricted to the lymph vessels: expression in normal liver blood sinusoids and down-regulation in human liver cancer and cirrhosis

Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE)-1 is thought to be restricted to lymph vessels and has been used as such to show that tumor lymphangiogenesis occurs on overexpression of lymphangiogenic factors in mouse tumor models. However, these studies have not yet been corroborated in human tumors. Here we show, first, that LYVE-1 is not exclusive to the lymph vessels. Indeed, LYVE-1 is also present in normal hepatic blood sinusoidal endothelial cells in mice and humans. Surprisingly, LYVE-1 is absent from the angiogenic blood vessels of human liver tumors and only weakly present in the microcirculation of regenerative hepatic nodules in cirrhosis, though both vessels are largely derived from the liver sinusoids. Second, we propose a novel approach to identify lymphatics in human and murine liver. By combining LYVE-1 and Prox 1 (a transcription factor) immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that lymphatics are abundant in cirrhosis. In contrast, in human hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases, they are restricted to the tumor margin and surrounding liver. The absence of intratumor lymphatics in hepatocellular carcinomas and liver metastases may impair molecular and cellular transport in these tumors. Finally, the presence of LYVE-1 in liver sinusoidal endothelia suggests that LYVE-1 has functions beyond the lymph vascular system.

Vascular morphogenesis and remodeling in a human tumor xenograft: blood vessel formation and growth after ovariectomy and tumor implantation

To determine mechanisms of blood vessel formation and growth in solid tumors, we used a model in which LS174T human colon adenocarcinomas are grown in the isolated ovarian pedicle of nude mice. Reconstruction of 3500 histological serial sections demonstrated that a new vascular network composed of venous-venous loops of varying sizes grows inside the tumor from the wall of the adjacent main vein. Loops elongate and remodel to establish complex loop systems. The mechanisms of loop formation and remodeling correspond to intussusceptive microvascular growth (IMG). In the tissue surrounding the tumor segmentation, another mechanism of IMG is prevalent in venous vessels. Comparison to vascular morphogenesis in the ovariectomized pedicle not only confirms the existence of corresponding mechanisms in both systems, but also reveals numerous sprouts that are superimposed onto loop systems and pathological deviations of loop formation, remodeling, and segmentation in the tumor. These pathological mechanisms interfere with vessel patency that likely cause heterogenous perfusion and hypoxia thus perpetuating angiogenesis. Blood vessel formation based on IMG was also detected in a large thrombus that completely occluded a part of an ovarian artery branch.

Vascular morphogenesis and remodeling in a model of tissue repair: blood vessel formation and growth in the ovarian pedicle after ovariectomy

To investigate mechanisms of vascular morphogenesis in tissue repair, we performed ovariectomy with resection of the corresponding branches of the ovarian vessels in nude mice. This induces a vascular network remodeling response in the healing ovarian pedicle. Reconstruction of 2000 histological serial sections demonstrated that a new vascular network composed of venous-venous loops forms in the wall of the dilated ovarian vein. Preexisting veins of all sizes, including a branch of the main artery, are subjected to segmentation. Loop formation and segmentation are based on intussusceptive microvascular growth. Loop formation is followed by elongation. Loop remodeling occurs also by intussusception and results in the formation of compound loop systems. All loop systems observed were completely patent. Blind-ending sprouts were extremely rare. Anastomoses between the preexisting vessels subjected to segmentation and the loop systems were established to include the newly formed vessels into the preexisting vascular network. The formation of an increasing number of patent loop systems likely decreases hypoxia and subsequently arrests angiogenesis with transformation of the granulation tissue into a scar. Loop formation also occurred inside a large thrombus that occluded a part of the lumen of the main vein.

Pancreas microenvironment promotes VEGF expression and tumor growth: novel window models for pancreatic tumor angiogenesis and microcirculation

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, and treatment strategies based on preclinical research have not succeeded in significantly extending patient survival. This failure likely stems from the general lack of information on pancreatic tumor physiology, attributable to the difficulties in developing relevant, orthotopic models that accurately reflect pancreatic cancer in the clinic. To overcome this limitation, we developed abdominal wall windows suitable for intravital microscopy that allowed us to monitor angiogenesis and microvascular function noninvasively during tumor growth in vivo. We used two complementary tumor models in mice: orthotopic (human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, PANC-1, grown in the pancreas), and ectopic (PANC-1 grown in the abdominal wall). We found that orthotopic PANC-1 tumors grew faster than the ectopic tumors and exhibited metastatic spread in the late stage similar to advanced pancreatic cancer in the clinic. Orthotopic PANC-1 tumors expressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)(121) and VEGF(165), contained higher levels of tumor cell-derived VEGF protein, and maintained vascular density and hyperpermeability during exponential tumor growth. Orthotopic PANC-1 tumors showed lower leukocyte-endothelial interactions in the early stage of growth. In addition, both VEGF(121) and VEGF(165) promoted the growth of PANC-1 cells in vitro. Finally, Anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth of PANC-1 tumors in both sites. We conclude that the orthotopic pancreas microenvironment enhances VEGF expression, which stimulates growth of PANC-1 tumors (compared with ectopic tumors). The mechanism is autocrine and/or paracrine and also is involved in the maintenance of blood vessels. This comparative system of orthotopic and ectopic pancreatic cancer will provide the rigorous understanding of pancreatic tumor pathophysiology needed for development of novel therapeutic strategies.

A novel gene encoding a 54 kDa polypeptide is essential for butane utilization by Pseudomonas sp. IMT37

Twenty-three propane- and butane-utilizing bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected from oilfields. Three of them have been identified as Rhodococcus sp. IMT35, Pseudomonas sp. IMT37 and Pseudomonas sp. MT40. SDS-PAGE analysis of the membrane of Rhodococcus sp. IMT35 revealed the presence of at least four polypeptides induced by propane. Polyclonal antibody raised against a 58 kDa polypeptide from Rhodococcus sp. IMT35 specifically detected bacteria which were actively utilizing propane or butane. Immunoscreening of a genomic library in lambdagt11 with this antibody resulted in isolation of a clone containing a 4.9 kb EcoRI genomic DNA fragment. This 4.9 kb DNA fragment was found to hybridize specifically with organisms which could grow on propane or butane. This fragment could therefore be used as a probe for detection of such bacteria. A 2.3 kb fragment having an ORF encoding a polypeptide of 54 kDa was identified by screening a genomic library of Pseudomonas sp. IMT37 with this 4.9 kb EcoRI fragment. The sequence of the ORF (designated orf54) was found to be novel. Primer extension and S1 nuclease mapping showed that transcription of the ORF starts at base 283 and it had sequences upstream similar to that of a Pseudomonas promoter (-12, -24 type). Disruption of the ORF by a kanamycin ('kan') cassette prevented the organism from growing on any alkane but did not affect its ability to utilize the respective alkanols and acids, indicating that alcohol dehydrogenase and subsequent steps in the pathway remained unaltered. The mutants had no detectable level of butane monooxygenase activity. Therefore, the product of this gene plays a crucial role in the first step of the pathway and is an essential component of monooxygenase. The findings imply that this bacterium either employs a common genetic and metabolic route or at least shares the product of this gene for utilization of many alkanes.

Interspecific hybridization in Brassica juncea and Brassica tournefortii through embryo rescue and their evaluation for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance

Interspecific hybrids were obtained in an otherwise incompatible cross Brassica juncea x Brassica tournefortii through in vitro culture of hybrid embryos. The best response was observed from culture of embryos excised 20 days after pollination on MS medium supplemented with kinetin, alpha-naphthylacetic acid, gibberellic acid, glutamine and casein hydrolysate. One hybrid plant had many distinct or intermediate characters. It was tolerant to aphid attack, exhibited irregularities in meiotic events and was partially fertile. The F2 open pollinated and BC1 progenies showed a large diversity in their morphological traits and some promising plants with less aphid infection, drought tolerance and high yield were selected.

Modulation of A-NK cell rigidity: In vitro characterization and in vivo implications for cell delivery

The delivery of cells to specific regions of the vasculature is a critical step in many therapeutic strategies. These include the packaging of DNA or RNA in cell "vehicles" for delivery to tissues, the reconstitution of differentiated cells to an organ using embryonic stem cells, and the enhancement of the immune response using effector lymphocytes. In most cases, these cells must be injected systemically. Unfortunately, ex vivo manipulation or activation can affect cell visco-elastic properties, making it difficult for the injected cells to traverse capillary beds. Compounding the problem is the fact that common agents used in the laboratory for increasing cell deformability generally have adverse side effects on the therapeutic potential of the cells. Using micropipet aspiration techniques, cytotoxicity assays and in vivo trafficking studies we show that: (1) the rigidity of injected effector cells directly affects resistance to passage through tissue; (2) modulation of cytoskeletal organization can be used to decrease cell rigidity, but can also compromise therapeutic efficacy; and (3) thioglycollate, an agent which does not influence effector lymphocyte cytotoxic activity, reduces cell rigidity and entrapment in the lungs.

Hypoxia and acidosis independently up-regulate vascular endothelial growth factor transcription in brain tumors in vivo

Hypoxia and acidosis are hallmarks of tumors as well as critical determinants of response to treatments. They can upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro. However, the relationship between tissue oxygen partial pressure (pO(2))/pH and VEGF transcription in vivo is not known. Thus, we developed a novel in vivo microscopy technique to simultaneously measure VEGF promoter activity, pO(2), and pH. To monitor VEGF expression in vivo, we engineered human glioma cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the VEGF promoter. These cells were implanted into the cranial windows in severe combined immunodeficient mice, and VEGF promoter activity was assessed by GFP imaging. Tissue pO(2) and pH were determined by phosphorescence quenching microscopy and ratio imaging microscopy, respectively. These techniques have allowed us to show, for the first time, that VEGF transcription in brain tumors is independently regulated by the tissue pO(2) and pH. One week after tumor implantation, significant angiogenesis was observed, with increased GFP fluorescence throughout the tumor. Under hypoxic or neutral pH conditions, VEGF-promoter activity increased, with a decrease in pO(2) and independent of pH. Under low pH or oxygenated conditions, VEGF-promoter activity increased, with a decrease in pH and independent of pO(2). In agreement with the in vivo findings, both hypoxia and acidic pH induced VEGF expression in these cells in vitro and showed no additive effect for combined hypoxia and low pH. These results suggest that VEGF transcription in brain tumors is regulated by both tissue pO(2) and pH via distinct pathways.

Delivery of molecular medicine to solid tumors: lessons from in vivo imaging of gene expression and function

Extraordinary advances in molecular medicine and biotechnology have led to the development of a vast number of anti-cancer therapeutic agents. To reach cancer cells in a tumor, a blood-borne therapeutic molecule, particle or cell must make its way into the blood vessels of the tumor and across the vessel wall into the interstitium and finally migrate through the interstitium. Unfortunately, tumors often develop in ways that hinder each of these steps. Our research goals are to analyze each of these steps experimentally and theoretically and then integrate the resulting information in a unified theoretical framework. This paradigm of analysis and synthesis has allowed us to obtain a better understanding of microcirculatory barriers in solid tumors and to develop novel strategies to exploit and/or to overcome these barriers for improved cancer detection and treatment.

In vivo measurement of gene expression, angiogenesis and physiological function in tumors using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy

Intravital microscopy coupled with chronic animal window models has provided stunning insight into tumor pathophysiology, including gene expression, angiogenesis, cell adhesion and migration, vascular, interstitial and lymphatic transport, metabolic microenvironment and drug delivery. However, the findings to date have been limited to the tumor surface (< 150 microm). Here, we show that the multiphoton laser-scanning microscope can provide high three-dimensional resolution of gene expression and function in deeper regions of tumors. These insights could be critical to the development of novel therapeutics that target not only the tumor surface, but also internal regions.

Decorin inhibits endothelial migration and tube-like structure formation: role of thrombospondin-1

Interactions between endothelial cell receptors and the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a critical, yet poorly understood role in angiogenesis. Based on the anti-adhesive role of decorin, we hypothesized that decorin binding to ECM molecules such as thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) plays a regulatory role in endothelial tube-like structure (TLS) formation. To test this hypothesis, endothelial cells were plated on TSP-1, decorin, or mixed substrates of TSP-1 plus decorin. TLS formation was induced by applying type I collagen on the confluent endothelial monolayer. Cartilage decorin inhibited the formation of TLSs in a concentration-dependent manner. On substrates of high decorin concentrations (2.5 and 5.0 microg/cm(2)) the reduction in TLSs was due either to a reduction in the number of adhering cells or to decreased cell migration. At low decorin concentrations (0.05 and 0.25 microg/cm(2)) the reduction in TLSs was independent of the number of attached cells. Time-lapse video microscopy revealed that decorin substrates facilitated homotypic aggregation and isolated cord formation at the expense of endothelial migration and TLS formation. Consistent with the reduced migration, endothelial cells formed fewer vinculin-positive focal adhesions and actin-stress fibers on decorin substrates. Endothelial migration and TLS formation were also significantly inhibited by skin decorin and the protein core of cartilage decorin. The inhibition of TLS formation by the protein core of cartilage decorin was potentiated by TSP-1. These findings suggest that decorin alone or in combination with TSP-1 interferes with the activation of endothelial cell receptors by ECM molecules, thus blocking intracellular signals that induce cytoskeletal reorganization, migration, and TLS formation.

Epidemic dropsy: a study of cutaneous manifestations with histopathological correlation

Clinical and histopathological features of epidemic dropsy were studied in 19 patients. Bilateral pitting pedal oedema, erythrocyanosis and tachycardia without fever were the predominant clinical features. Histology revealed deposition of hyaline material on the walls of dermal blood vessels.

Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase results in neurodegenerative changes in the axotomised dorsal root ganglion neurons: evidence for a neuroprotective role of nitric oxide in vivo

In axotomised adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG), many neurons show a marked increase in expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It has been established that NO functions as a neuron-glial signalling molecule by generating cGMP in glia cells that surround the neuron in DRG. Furthermore, in cultures of dissociated DRG deprived of nerve growth factor, many neurons expressed nNOS and cGMP and subsequently died if either enzyme's activity was inhibited suggesting that NO-cGMP pathway could be neuroprotective in stressed DRG neurons. This has now been tested in vivo. It was found, 10 days after sciatic axotomy that nNOS was expressed in 36% of DRG neurons in the L5 and L6 ganglia giving rise to the damaged nerve, compared with 6% in contralateral ganglia. Almost all nNOS neurons and 24% of non-nNOS neurons expressed c-Jun in their nuclei. Ten days following axotomy, treatment with the relatively selective nNOS-blocker, 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM), caused morphology changes in approximately 50% of neurons that consisted of vacuolations, blebbing and highly irregular cell boundaries. Sham operated, TRIM treated, nerve-sectioned, vehicle treated, and controls did not show these changes. These observations further support the view that NO could be neuroprotective in some injured/stressed primary sensory neurons.

Efficiency of naphthalene and salicylate degradation by a recombinant Pseudomonas putida mutant strain defective in glucose metabolism

Metabolically engineered microorganisms may have tremendous potential in removing toxic compounds from nature. In general, microorganisms prefer to utilize simpler carbon sources over toxic compounds when both are present in an environment and, therefore, the presence of simpler carbon sources may greatly reduce the efficiency of a microorganism towards toxic compounds. If a microorganism is prevented from utilizing simpler carbon sources, thereby making it totally dependent upon the toxic compounds, it should increase the specificity for and efficiency of degradation of the toxic compounds in the presence of other, simpler carbon sources. To test this hypothesis, the efficiency of naphthalene and salicylate degradation in the presence of glucose by a recombinant Pseudomonas putida strain mutated in glucose metabolism was determined and compared to the non-mutated strain. Results obtained indicate that the impairment of glucose metabolism leads to better degradation of naphthalene and salicylate in the presence of glucose.

Role of tumor-host interactions in interstitial diffusion of macromolecules: cranial vs. subcutaneous tumors

The large size of many novel therapeutics impairs their transport through the tumor extracellular matrix and thus limits their therapeutic effectiveness. We propose that extracellular matrix composition, structure, and distribution determine the transport properties in tumors. Furthermore, because the characteristics of the extracellular matrix largely depend on the tumor-host interactions, we postulate that diffusion of macromolecules will vary with tumor type as well as anatomical location. Diffusion coefficients of macromolecules and liposomes in tumors growing in cranial windows (CWs) and dorsal chambers (DCs) were measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. For the same tumor types, diffusion of large molecules was significantly faster in CW than in DC tumors. The greater diffusional hindrance in DC tumors was correlated with higher levels of collagen type I and its organization into fibrils. For molecules with diameters comparable to the interfibrillar space the diffusion was 5- to 10-fold slower in DC than in CW tumors. The slower diffusion in DC tumors was associated with a higher density of host stromal cells that synthesize and organize collagen type I. Our results point to the necessity of developing site-specific drug carriers to improve the delivery of molecular medicine to solid tumors.

Isolation of an Isometric Virus Causing Sunflower Necrosis Disease in India

Sunflower necrosis disease (SND) is becoming a potential threat to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivation in the Indian subcontinent. The disease was first recorded in parts of Karnataka state in 1997. Since then the disease has become increasingly important in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, the four major sunflower-growing states of India, and is a limiting factor in sunflower production; up to 80% of the plants of some open pollinated and hybrids were affected during the 1999 survey in sunflower growing areas. Field symptoms of the disease include extensive necrosis of leaf lamina, petiole, stem and floral calyx and severe stunting with malformation of flowering head when plants are infected early. The association of a tospovirus, antigenically related to groundnut bud necrosis (GBNV) and watermelon silver mottle (WSMV) viruses, with the disease has been reported (1). However, the etiology of the disease remains unaddressed. In this study a sap-transmissible isometric virus was transferred to cowpea (cvs. Pusa Komal and C152) inciting localized chlorotic and necrotic lesions and systemic veinal necrosis. Electron-microscopic studies of leaf-dip preparations from field samples revealed two types of particles (isometric measuring 25 to 28 nm in diameter and flexuous rods with a length of about 600 nm). The sap-inoculated cowpea and sunflower contained only the isometric particles. Some preparations also showed the presence of tubules containing virus particles. The presence of flexuous particles in field samples could be due to mixed infection as the mosaic disease, known to be caused by a flexuous virus, was common in the sunflower fields surveyed in the present investigations. Extracts from the field collected samples or sap-inoculated plants did not react with antisera to cucumber mosaic (CMV) or potato Y (PVY) viruses in direct antigen-coated (DAC)-ELISA and immunosorbent electron microscopy tests. The isometric virus isolated from sunflower was purified from sap-inoculated cowpea plants by differential and sucrose density-gradient centrifugations. The virus was sap transmitted back to sunflower (cv. Morden), which developed symptoms identical to those observed under field conditions. Disease symptoms were also reproduced on sunflower upon mechanical inoculation with the purified virus. Polyclonal antiserum raised in rabbits using purified virus preparations, detected the virus from field and glasshouse collected sunflower plants in DAC-ELISA tests. This will help in epidemiological studies and breeding for disease resistance. The particle size and structure and the presence of tubule containing virus particles in plant extracts suggest that the virus belongs to ILAR group. An ILAR virus is reported to infect sunflower (2), but details of its natural occurrence are not known. This is the first report on the etiology of the sunflower necrosis disease in India. Further studies are in progress. References: (1) Anon. 2000. Annual Report (1999-2000), Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. (2) A. A. Brunt et al. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1210, 1996.

Mice lacking E-selectin show normal numbers of rolling leukocytes but reduced leukocyte stable arrest on cytokine-activated microvascular endothelium

OBJECTIVE

Previous work indicated that E-selectin mediates transient interactions between leukocytes and cytokine-activated endothelium in vitro. Here we examine the role of E-selectin in blood leukocyte interactions with microvascular endothelium in vivo.

METHODS

E-selectin-deficient (E-/-) mice were produced by gene targeting. The effect of this null mutation on leukocyte-endothelial interactions was determined by intravital microscopy before and 4 to 5 hours after local administration of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in dermal microvessels with low blood flow (dorsal skin-fold chambers, intact ear skin), and after endotoxin activation in exteriorized mesenteric microvessels with higher blood flow.

RESULTS

E-/- mice were viable, fertile with normal circulating leukocyte and platelet profiles. Approximately 60% of circulating leukocytes rolled in dermal microvessels of both normal (E+/+) and E-/- mice without inflammatory stimulation. After local administration of TNF alpha, rolling increased modestly and equivalently in both genotypes. The main effect of TNF alpha was a dramatic increase in leukocyte stable adhesion and, unlike rolling, this manifestation of endothelial activation was significantly reduced in E-/- animals. This reflected fewer dermal microvessels supporting higher adhesion densities in E-/- mice, and a similar trend was observed in mesenteric microvessels.

CONCLUSIONS

E-selectin plays a previously unappreciated role in facilitating and/or mediating stable adhesion of leukocytes to inflamed microvascular endothelium.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C differentially affects tumor vascular function and leukocyte recruitment: role of VEGF-receptor 2 and host VEGF-A

Unlike vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, the effect of VEGF-C on tumor angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and leukocyte recruitment is not known. To this end, we quantified in vivo growth and vascular function in tumors derived from two VEGF-C-overexpressing (VC+) and mock-transfected cell lines (T241 fibrosarcoma and VEGF-A-/- embryonic stem cells) grown in murine dorsal skinfold chambers. VC+ tumors grew more rapidly than mock-transfected tumors and exhibited parallel increases in tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, VEGF-C overexpression elevated vascular permeability in T241 tumors, but not in VEGF-A-/- tumors. Surprisingly, unlike VEGF-A, VEGF-C did not increase leukocyte rolling or adhesion in tumor vessels. Administration of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 neutralizing antibody DC101 reduced vascular density and permeability of both VC+ and mock-transduced T241 tumors. These data suggest that VEGFR-2 signaling is critical for tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability and that VEGFR-3 signaling does not compensate for VEGFR-2 blockade. An alternate VEGFR, VEGFR-1 or neuropilin-1, may modulate adhesion of leukocytes to tumor vessels.

Delivery of molecular and cellular medicine to solid tumors

To reach cancer cells in a tumor, a blood-borne therapeutic molecule or cell must make its way into the blood vessels of the tumor and across the vessel wall into the interstitium, and finally migrate through the interstitium. Unfortunately, tumors often develop in ways that hinder each of these steps. Our research goals are to analyze each of these steps experimentally and theoretically, and then integrate the resulting information in a unified theoretical framework. This paradigm of analysis and synthesis has allowed us to obtain a better understanding of physiological barriers in solid tumors, and to develop novel strategies to exploit and/or to overcome these barriers for improved cancer detection and treatment.

Kinetics of placenta growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor synergy in endothelial hydraulic conductivity and proliferation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was originally discovered as vascular permeability factor because of its ability to increase microvascular permeability to plasma proteins. Since then, it has been shown to induce proliferation and migration in endothelial cells. Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the VEGF family of growth factors, but has little or undetectable mitogenic activity on endothelial cells. Intriguingly, however, PlGF was able to potentiate the action of low concentrations of VEGF on endothelial cell growth and macromolecule permeability in vitro. Here we show that PlGF can potentiate the effects of VEGF on the hydraulic conductivity of certain endothelial cells and that the duration of pretreatment with PlGF determines the resulting response. Hydraulic conductivity (Lp) was calculated from the water flux across the monolayer of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). After 2 h of exposure to VEGF(165), the Lp of BAEC monolayers increased threefold, but the Lp of HUVEC monolayers did not increase. PlGF alone induced a small (63%) increase in Lp in BAECs, but not in HUVECs. BAEC, but not HUVEC, monolayers exposed first to PlGF and then to VEGF exhibited a seven- to eightfold increase in Lp. This enhancement in BAEC Lp could be observed for 4 h after the administration of PlGF. PlGF also potentiated the effect of VEGF on BAEC proliferation. Thus, augmentation of VEGF action by PlGF depends on the duration of PlGF exposure and on the origin of endothelial cells.

Predominant role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis and vascular hyperpermeability. However, the relative contribution of different NO synthase (NOS) isoforms to these processes is not known. Here, we evaluated the relative contributions of endothelial and inducible NOS (eNOS and iNOS, respectively) to angiogenesis and permeability of VEGF-induced angiogenic vessels. The contribution of eNOS was assessed by using an eNOS-deficient mouse, and iNOS contribution was assessed by using a selective inhibitor [l-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl) lysine, l-NIL] and an iNOS-deficient mouse. Angiogenesis was induced by VEGF in type I collagen gels placed in the mouse cranial window. Angiogenesis, vessel diameter, blood flow rate, and vascular permeability were proportional to NO levels measured with microelectrodes: Wild-type (WT) > or = WT with l-NIL or iNOS(-/-) > eNOS(-/-) > or = eNOS(-/-) with l-NIL. The role of NOS in VEGF-induced acute vascular permeability increase in quiescent vessels also was determined by using eNOS- and iNOS-deficient mice. VEGF superfusion significantly increased permeability in both WT and iNOS(-/-) mice but not in eNOS(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that eNOS plays a predominant role in VEGF-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Thus, selective modulation of eNOS activity is a promising strategy for altering angiogenesis and vascular permeability in vivo.

Comparative sorting of neuroendocrine secretory proteins: a search for common ground in a mosaic of sorting models and mechanisms

Endocrine, neuroendocrine and exocrine cells store regulated secretory proteins in secretory granules, while constitutive and constitutive-like secretory proteins are secreted directly without storage. Sorting of secretory proteins takes place in the trans-Golgi network (sorting for entry) or immature secretory granules (sorting by retention). The relative contribution of these sorting steps and the sorting signals and mechanisms involved in each step has been the subject of intense studies and debate in recent years. New evidence now suggests that: (1) two proteins with structurally similar sorting signals can use different sorting mechanisms; (2) one protein with multiple sorting signals can be sorted differently in different cell types; and (3) one cell type can recognize different sorting signals and use different sorting mechanisms. The latter finding suggests that sorting must be a regulated event. While the current image of sorting is complex, recent findings are pointing to common features that form a mosaic of related sorting mechanisms.

Lateral view flow system for studies of cell adhesion and deformation under flow conditions

Physical interactions between circulating cells and the vascular wall play a central role in inflammation, metastasis, atherosclerosis, and therapeutic cell delivery. Unfortunately, traditional in vitro flow assays cannot be used to visualize the details of cell-surface interactions in blood flow because of inappropriate geometry and the poor penetration of light in erythrocyte solutions. To overcome these obstacles, we have developed an agarose-cast cylindrical vessel system to examine the profiles of cells interacting with surfaces under flow conditions. This design allows observation and quantification of cell deformation as cells adhere to surfaces under dynamic flow conditions without modifying the microscope or optical path. Furthermore, our flow system is uniquely suited for monitoring the profiles of adherent leukocytes deforming in response to erythrocyte suspension flow. We have used this flow system to study the role of erythrocytes in leukocyte-substrate interactions. Our results show that the cell deformation index (the ratio of the cell length to cell height) is higher in erythrocyte solutions compared to erythrocyte-free saline. This novel lateral view flow system provides a powerful technique for visualizing and quantifying the morphological changes of cells in contact with substrates exposed to shear stress.

Abdominal hernia following abdominal herpes zoster

We report a case of abdominal hernia in TIO and 11 segments following herpes zoster at T11 segment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2-blocking antibody potentiates radiation-induced long-term control of human tumor xenografts

Antiangiogenic therapy can enhance radiation-induced tumor growth inhibition. However, the effects of combined antiangiogenic and radiation therapy on long-term tumor control and normal tissue response have not been reported. We treated mice bearing two different human tumor xenografts with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antibody (DC101) and five dose fractions of local radiation and followed them for at least 6 months. DC101 significantly decreased the dose of radiation necessary to control 50% of tumors locally. The decrease was 1.7- and 1.3-fold for the moderately radiosensitive small cell lung carcinoma 54A and the highly radioresistant glioblastoma multiforme U87, respectively. In contrast to tumors, no increase in skin radiation reaction by the antibody was detected. Surprisingly, 44% of mice bearing 54A tumor developed clear ascites after DC101 treatment at its highest dose; this was fatal to 20% of mice. This adverse effect was seen only in mice that received whole-body irradiation 1 day before tumor implantation. The encouraging results on two human tumor xenografts suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 blockade merits further investigation to assess its potential as an enhancer of radiation therapy in the clinic.

Mosaic blood vessels in tumors: frequency of cancer cells in contact with flowing blood

The presence of "mosaic" vessels in which both endothelial cells and tumor cells form the luminal surface has profound implications for metastasis, drug delivery, and antivascular therapy. Yet little is known of the frequency, and thus importance, of mosaic vessels in tumors. Using CD31 and CD105 to identify endothelial cells and endogenous green fluorescent protein labeling of tumor cells, we show that approximately 15% of perfused vessels of a colon carcinoma xenografted at two different sites in mice were mosaic vessels having focal regions where no CD31/CD105 immunoreactivity was detected and tumor cells appeared to contact the vessel lumen. These regions occupied approximately 25% of the perimeter of the mosaic vessels, or approximately 4% of the total vascular surface area in these colon carcinomas. In addition, we found similar numbers of mosaic vessels in human colon carcinoma biopsies. Our results are consistent with the observation that approximately 10(6) cells are shed daily per g of tumor. More importantly, our data offer a possible explanation for the antivascular effects of cytotoxic agents and suggest potential strategies for targeting the tumor vasculature.