Depinning of domain walls in permalloy nanowires with asymmetric notches

Effective control of the domain wall (DW) motion along the magnetic nanowires is of great importance for fundamental research and potential application in spintronic devices. In this work, a series of permalloy nanowires with an asymmetric notch in the middle were fabricated with only varying the width (d) of the right arm from 200 nm to 1000 nm. The detailed pinning and depinning processes of DWs in these nanowires have been studied by using focused magneto-optic Kerr effect (FMOKE) magnetometer, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and micromagnetic simulation. The experimental results unambiguously exhibit the presence of a DW pinned at the notch in a typical sample with d equal to 500 nm. At a certain range of 200 nm < d < 500 nm, both the experimental and simulated results show that the DW can maintain or change its chirality randomly during passing through the notch, resulting in two DW depinning fields. Those two depinning fields have opposite d dependences, which may be originated from different potential well/barrier generated by the asymmetric notch with varying d.

[Effects of pelvic balance after posterior reduction of balanced L5-S1 Ⅲ-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes in pelvic balance after posterior reduction of balanced L5-S1 Ⅲ-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults.

METHODS

A total of 18 adult patients with balanced L5-S1 Ⅲ-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis were retrospectively studied after successful treatment by posterior decompression, reduction and L5-S1 interbody fusion in Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from October 2009 to October 2014.L5-S1 of eight patients were fixed with pedical strews, while others were fixed upgrade to L4.Spino-pelvic parameters: slipping percentage (SP), spondy slip angle (SSA), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured on standing lateral view radiograms.The changes in pelvic balance were analyzed after posterior reduction.

RESULTS

All the patients experienced significant changes in SP and SSA with (42.4%±8.3)% and (9.8±4.9)°improved significantly while no significant differences were recorded in PI, PT, SS and LL. PI, PT, SS and LL passed from an average(61.1±6.2)°, (16.2±4.5)°, (44.8±2.9)°, (51.3±9.3)°preoperatively to (61.4±6.1)°, (14.9±4.0)°, (46.5±3.0)°, (48.6±7.0)°respectively.According to K-means cluster analysis, pelvic balance improved postoperatively.No significant correlation was found for ΔPT, ΔSS with ΔSP, while ΔPT and ΔSS had a significant correlation with ΔSSA (correlation coefficient -0.77 and 0.82 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Posterior SSA reduction in adults with balanced L5-S1 Ⅲ-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis can improve the former pelvic balance.

Comparison of two methods for RNA extraction from the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs

RNA extraction from the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs has been extensively used in orthopedic studies. We compared two methods for extracting RNA from the nucleus pulposus: liquid nitrogen grinding and enzyme digestion. The RNA was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis, and the purity was evaluated by absorbance ratio using a spectrophotometer. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thirty human lumbar intervertebral discs were used in this study. The liquid nitrogen-grinding method was used for RNA extraction from 15 samples, and the mean RNA concentration was 491.04 ± 44.16 ng/mL. The enzyme digestion method was used on 15 samples, and the mean RNA concentration was 898.42 ± 38.64 ng/mL. The statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in concentration between the different methods. Apparent 28S, 18S, and 5S bands were detectable in RNA extracted using the enzyme digestion method, whereas no 28S or 18S bands were detected in RNA extracted using the liquid nitrogen-grinding method. The GAPDH band was visible, and no non-specific band was detected in the RT-PCR assay by the enzyme digestion method. Therefore, the enzyme digestion method is an efficient and easy method for RNA extraction from the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs for further intervertebral disc degeneration-related studies.

Assembly of NiO/Ni(OH)2/PEDOT Nanocomposites on Contra Wires for Fiber-Shaped Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Fiber-shaped solid-state supercapacitors have aroused much interest in the fields of portable devices because of their attractive features such as high flexibility and safety, tiny volume, and high power density. In this work, NiO/Ni(OH)2 nanoflowers encapsulated in three-dimensional interconnected poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been fabricated on contra wires through a mild electrochemical route. The as-formed hybrid electrode made of NiO/Ni(OH)2/PEDOT delivered a high specific capacitance of 404.1 mF cm(-2) (or 80.8 F cm(-3)) at a current density of 4 mA cm(-2) and a long cycle life with 82.2% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, a fiber-shaped flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on the resulting hybrid electrode was assembled. The energy density of 0.011 mWh cm(-2) at a power density of 0.33 mW cm(-2) was achieved under an operating voltage window of 1.45 V. This work provides an effective strategy to fabricate high-performance electrodes for fiber-shaped flexible asymmetric supercapacitors through a facile and low-cost route.

Pure spin-Hall magnetoresistance in Rh/Y3Fe5O12 hybrid

We report an investigation of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and anomalous Hall resistance (AHR) of Rh and Pt thin films sputtered on epitaxial Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ (YIG) ferromagnetic insulator films. For the Pt/YIG hybrid, large spin-Hall magne toresistance (SMR) along with a sizable conventional anisotropic magnetoresistance (CAMR) and a nontrivial temperature dependence of AHR were observed in the temperature range of 5–300 K. In contrast, a reduced SMR with negligible CAMR and AHR was found in Rh/YIG hybrid. Since CAMR and AHR are characteristics for all ferromagnetic metals, our results suggest that the Pt is likely magnetized by YIG due to the magnetic proximity effect (MPE) while Rh remains free of MPE. Thus the Rh/YIG hybrid could be an ideal model system to explore physics and devices associated with pure spin current.

Abstract LB-B03: miR-24 acts as a tumor suppressor and radiosensitizer by targeting Jab1/CSN5 functions

Radiotherapy is the standard therapy for head and neck cancer; however, radioresistance can hinder successful treatment and is likely to give rise to local recurrence and distant metastatic relapse. Recent studies revealed the role of microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA mediated regulation in tumorigenesis; however, whether specific miRNAs regulate tumor radioresistance and can be exploited as radiosensitizing agents remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify an miRNA signature from differentially expressed miRNAs in radioresistance. Here, we report that miR-24 acts as a tumor suppressor and radiosensitizer in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and mouse models by targeting Jab1/CSN5 and that loss of miR-24 is highly associated with poor survival. When combined with irradiation, miR-24 acted as a radiosensitizer in NPC cells. Jab1/CSN5 functioned in a manner opposite that of miR-24 in NPC tumorigenesis and radioresistance. We demonstrated that miR-24 inhibits Jab1/CSN5 translation, leading to tumor growth inhibition, and sensitizes NPC tumors to radiation in vivo. Moreover, miR-24 inhibits DNA damage repair by targeting JAB1/CSN5. Finally, comparative analysis of paired samples of primary and matched recurrent NPC tissues showed that miR-24 levels were significantly lower and Jab1/CSN5 levels were higher in recurrent NPC than in primary NPC. Our findings identify miR-24 as a tumor suppressor and radiosensitizer miRNA and reveal a new therapeutic strategy for radioresistant tumors.

Citation Format: Francois X. Claret, Sumei Wang, Yunbao Pan, Huiling Yang. miR-24 acts as a tumor suppressor and radiosensitizer by targeting Jab1/CSN5 functions. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr LB-B03.

Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Saxifraga egregia (Saxifragaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Saxifraga egregia (Saxifragaceae) is a perennial herb that is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We developed 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for S. egregia to investigate its population genetics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-eight pairs of microsatellite primers (including 36 monomorphic loci) were isolated and characterized by magnetic bead enrichment. Twelve of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 14 across 50 individuals from three populations of S. egregia. No linkage disequilibrium was detected in any pair of loci.

CONCLUSIONS

These polymorphic markers are expected to be helpful in further studies on the systematics and phylogeography of S. egregia in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

DAMGO depresses inhibitory synaptic transmission via different downstream pathways of μ opioid receptors in ventral tegmental area and periaqueductal gray

Opioid-induced rewarding and motorstimulant effects are mediated by an increased activity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. The excitatory mechanism of opioids on VTA-DA neurons has been proposed to be due to the depression of GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons. However, how opioids depress GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons remain to be studied. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of [D-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4), Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) on GABAergic synaptic transmission in VTA-DA neurons using multiple approaches and techniques. Our results showed that (1) DAMGO inhibits GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons at presynaptic sites; (2) effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons is inhibited by potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and Gi protein inhibitor N-ethylmaleimide (NEM); (3) phospholipase A2 (PLA2) does not mediate the effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons, but mediates it in the periaqueductal gray (PAG); (4) multiple downstream signaling molecules of μ receptors do not mediate the effect of DAMGO on GABAergic inputs in VTA-DA neurons. These results suggest that DAMGO depresses inhibitory synaptic transmission via μ receptor-Gi protein-Kv channel pathway in VTA-DA neurons, but via μ receptor-PLA2 pathway in PAG neurons.

Isolation of microsatellite loci for Rhodiola alsia (Crassulaceae), an important ethno-medicinal herb endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Rhodiola alsia, which has been used widely in traditional Chinese medicine for a considerable time, grows on moist habitats at high altitude near the snow line. Microsatellite loci were developed for R. alsia to investigate its population genetics. In total, 17 polymorphic microsatellites were developed based on ESTs from the Illumina HiSeq(TM) 2000 platform. The microsatellite loci were checked for variability using 80 individuals of R. alsia sampled from four locations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 10 to 20, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000. The null allele frequency ranged from 0.000 to 0.324. These microsatellites are expected to be helpful in future studies of population genetics in R. alsia and related species.

IRX1 hypomethylation promotes osteosarcoma metastasis via induction of CXCL14/NF-κB signaling

Osteosarcoma is a common malignant bone tumor with a propensity to metastasize to the lungs. Epigenetic abnormalities have been demonstrated to underlie osteosarcoma development; however, the epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in metastasis are not yet clear. Here, we analyzed 2 syngeneic primary human osteosarcoma cell lines that exhibit disparate metastatic potential for differences in epigenetic modifications and expression. Using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and microarray expression analysis to screen for metastasis-associated genes, we identified Iroquois homeobox 1 (IRX1). In both human osteosarcoma cell lines and clinical osteosarcoma tissues, IRX1 overexpression was strongly associated with hypomethylation of its own promoter. Furthermore, experimental modulation of IRX1 in osteosarcoma cell lines profoundly altered metastatic activity, including migration, invasion, and resistance to anoikis in vitro, and influenced lung metastasis in murine models. These prometastatic effects of IRX1 were mediated by upregulation of CXCL14/NF-κB signaling. In serum from osteosarcoma patients, the presence of IRX1 hypomethylation in circulating tumor DNA reduced lung metastasis-free survival. Together, these results identify IRX1 as a prometastatic gene, implicate IRX1 hypomethylation as a potential molecular marker for lung metastasis, and suggest that epigenetic reversion of IRX1 activation may be beneficial for controlling osteosarcoma metastasis.

Lack of genetic associations between PPAR-γ gene rs1801282 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease in general population: a meta-analysis

Published studies have evaluated the association between PPAR-γ rs1801282 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility. However, a definitive conclusion remains elusive. The aim of this study was to derive a more precise estimation of this association. We searched PubMed, Embase, Alzgene database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biological Medicine Database and Wanfang Databases for related studies. Twelve case-control studies with a total of 4874 cases and 5439 controls were finally identified to be eligible studies in this meta-analysis. The association was assessed by summarizing the odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, there was no significant association between PPAR-γ rs1801282 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease risk in all genetic models (the allele model G vs. C: OR=1.09, 95% CI 0.99-1.19, p=0.07; the homozygous model GG vs. CC: OR=1.04, 95% CI 0.75-1.44, p=0.80; heterozygote model GC vs. CC: OR=1.11, 95% CI 1,00-1.22, p=0.05; the dominant model GG+GC vs. CC: OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.22, p=0.05; the recessive model GG vs. GC+CC: OR=1.02, 95% CI 0.74-1.41, p=0.90). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant difference was found in both Asians and Caucasians. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests that the PPAR-γ rs1801282 polymorphism may not be associated with genetic susceptibility of AD in general population.

Molecular markers to assess short-term disease local recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

An important challenge in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) research is to develop effective predictors of tumor recurrence following treatment to determine whether immediate adjuvant therapy is necessary. We retrospectively analyzed archived specimens collected from 45 patients with paired samples of primary NPC (pNPC) and recurrent NPC (rNPC). Clinical samples were collected from the Cancer Center Databases of the First People’s Hospital of Foshan and Shantou Central Hospital (affiliates of Sun Yat-Sen University) between 2001 and 2012. Expression levels of phosphor-Stat3 (p-Stat3), signalosome complex subunit 5 (Jab1/Csn5), Akt1, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), Ki-67, and apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemistry in pNPC and rNPC samples from the same patients. Differences in these markers between the short-term interval to recurrence (ITR) group (ITR <18 months) and long-term ITR group (ITR ≥18 months) were further analyzed. In Cox’s regression analysis, the ITR was significantly associated as an independent-negative prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.211; 95% confidence interval, 0.053–0.841; P=0.027). p-Stat3 was increased in the short-term ITR group (ITR <18 months) and tended to be lower in the long-term ITR group (ITR ≥18 months). In the short-term ITR group, nuclear Akt expression was significantly increased in paired rNPC (P=0.028). In the long-term ITR group, the expression of nuclear Jab1/Csn5 (P=0.047) and assessment of apoptosis measured with TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) (P=0.003) was significantly increased in paired rNPC. The results suggest that differences between short- and long-term ITR may predict outcome in rNPC. Furthermore, the overexpression of Jab1/Csn5 and Akt may contribute to the carcinogenesis of rNPC, and Akt seems to promote the progression of short-term ITR. Intra-individual changes of Jab1/Csn5, Akt, and TUNEL may help to identify short-term ITR.

Clinical implications of hepatitis B viral infection in Epstein-Barr virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the clinical implication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with newly-diagnosed NPC with HBV infection.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 722 patients with pathologically-diagnosed NPC who received comprehensive treatment at First People's Hospital of Foshan between June 2006 and December 2011 were enrolled in this retrospective study; 79 and 643 patients were HBsAg(+) and HBsAg(-), respectively. The correlations between HBV (HBsAg status and HBV DNA load) and EBV DNA were analyzed, further long-term survival and prognostic factors also were explored.

RESULTS

We reported NPC patients with HBsAg(+) represented worse outcome, and distant-failure especially liver metastasis was more common in these patients. HBV infection was more frequent in younger patients and male patients. No correlation was observed between the pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA load (cutoff, 1500 copies/ml) and HBsAg status (positive or negative; r=-0.036, P=0.392), or the pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA load and HBV DNA load (r = 0.042, P = 0823).

CONCLUSIONS

Both HBV and EBV infection is an independent negative prognostic factor for long-term survival, distant metastasis, especially liver metastasis, was more common in NPC patients with HBsAg(+), and it seemed no link between EBV DNA load and HBsAg status in NPC.

Redox control of manumycin A-induced apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells: Involvement of the xenobiotic apoptotic pathway

Our previous studies demonstrated that manumycin A, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, induced apoptosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediated DNA damage. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the mechanism of apoptosis induced by manumycin in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells fits the general pattern of the "xenobiotic apoptosis pathway," the hallmarks of which are induction of oxidative stress, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and cytochrome c release, which activates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. We found that manumycin reduced intracellular glutathione and generated ROS: nitric oxide and superoxide anions. Manumycin-induced apoptosis correlated with increase in ROS. Quenching of ROS with N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevented cytochrome c release by manumycin. Manumycin induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which was blocked by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. p38 MAPK may be an important signaling mediator in the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by manumycin because the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 inhibited cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-3 by manumycin. In conclusion, manumycin activated the intrinsic apoptosis pathway via activation of p38 MAPK by oxidative stress. The mechanism of apoptosis induced by manumycin fits the emerging general pattern for apoptosis induced by xenobiotics.

Involvement of microRNA-24 and DNA methylation in resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to ionizing radiation

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the epithelium. Radiotherapy is the standard therapy, but tumor resistance to this treatment reduces the 5-year patient survival rate dramatically. Studies are urgently needed to elucidate the mechanism of NPC radioresistance. Epigenetics--particularly microRNAs (miRNA) and DNA methylation--plays an important role in carcinogenesis and oncotherapy. We used qRT-PCR analysis and identified an miRNA signature from differentially expressed miRNAs. Our objectives were to identify the role of miR24 in NPC tumorigenesis and radioresistance and to identify the mechanisms by which miR24 is regulated. We found that miR24 inhibited NPC cell growth, promoted cell apoptosis, and suppressed the growth of NPC xenografts. We showed that miR24 was significantly downregulated in recurrent NPC tissues. When combined with irradiation, miR24 acted as a radiosensitizer in NPC cells. One of the miR24 precursors was embedded in a CpG island. Aberrant DNA methylation was involved in NPC response to radiotherapy, which linked inactivation of miR24 through hypermethylation of its precursor promoter with NPC radioresistance. Treating NPC cells with the DNA-hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine compensated for the reduced miR24 expression. Together, our findings showed that miR24 was negatively regulated by hypermethylation of its precursor promoter in NPC radioresistance. Our findings defined a central role for miR24 as a tumor-suppressive miRNA in NPC and suggested its use in novel strategies for treatment of this cancer.

Candidate tumour suppressor CCDC19 regulates miR-184 direct targeting of C-Myc thereby suppressing cell growth in non-small cell lung cancers

We previously reported and revised the nasopharyngeal epithelium specific protein CCDC19 and identified it as a potential tumour suppressor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of CCDC19 in the pathogenesis of human non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Down-regulated CCDC19 expression was observed in NSCLC tissues and cells compared to normal tissues. However, reduced protein expression did not correlate with the status of NSCLC progression. Instead, we observed that patients with lower CCDC19 expression had a shorter overall survival than did patients with higher CCDC19 expression. Lentiviral-mediated CCDC19 overexpression significantly suppressed cell proliferation and cell cycle transition from G1 to S and G2 phases in NSCLC cells. Knocking down CCDC19 expression significantly restored the ability of cell growth in CCDC19 overexpressing NSCLC cells. Mechanistically CCDC19 functions as a potential tumour suppressor by stimulating miR-184 suppression of C-Myc thus blocking cell growth mediated by the PI3K/AKT/C-Jun pathway. Our studies are the first to demonstrate that reduced expression of CCDC19 is an unfavourable factor in NSCLC.

Cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphisms and cervical cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on ten case-control studies

Many studies have evaluated the association between cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism and cervical cancer susceptibility. However, these studies showed inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to derive a more precise estimation of this association. We searched PubMed and Embase for related studies that had been published in English, and ten case-control studies with a total of 2,864 cases and 3,898 controls were finally identified to be eligible studies in the meta-analysis. The association was assessed by summarizing the odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, there was no significant association between cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism and cervical cancer risk (for the allele model A vs. G: OR = 1.02, 95 % CI 0.88-1.19, p = 0.76; for the co-dominant model AA vs. GG: OR = 1.03, 95 % CI 0.75-1.41, p = 0.85; for the dominant model AA + GA vs. GG: OR = 1.00, 95 % CI 0.78-1.28, p = 0.99; for the recessive comparison AA vs. GA + GG: OR = 1.06, 95 % CI 0.85-1.32, p = 0.62). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant difference was found in both Asians and Caucasians. In summary, the present meta-analysis provides evidence that genotypes for the cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism may be not associated with genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer.

Long-term effects of evodiamine on expressions of lipogenesis and lipolysis genes in mouse adipose and liver tissues

Evodiamine, the major alkaloid component isolated from the fruit of dried, unripened Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham, affects the plasma levels of cholecystokinin and various biological events such as gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit; these effects of evodiamine were previously investigated in male rats. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of evodiamine on average daily weight gain, rectal temperature, and expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. Evodiamine was added as a supplement, comprising 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06% of the diet fed to mice for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Results showed that average daily weight gain and rectal temperature decreased significantly over time in a dose-dependent manner. Evodiamine changed expressions of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPARg) in mouse adipose and liver tissues in time- and dose-dependent manners. We found that evodiamine decreased mRNA expression of the sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase in adipose tissue. In addition, evodiamine increased expressions of hormone-sensitive lipase in both liver and adipose tissues. Interestingly, evodiamine increased the expression of triglyceride hydrolase only in adipose tissue. In conclusion, evodiamine could influence lipid metabolism through regulation of the expressions of its key genes, as well as reduce body heat and body weight.

Highly potent HCV NS4B inhibitors with activity against multiple genotypes

The exploration of novel inhibitors of the HCV NS4B protein that are based on a 2-oxadiazoloquinoline scaffold is described. Optimization to incorporate activity across genotypes led to a potent new series with broad activity, of which inhibitor 1 displayed the following EC50 values: 1a, 0.08 nM; 1b, 0.10 nM; 2a, 3 nM; 2b, 0.6 nM, 3a, 3.7 nM; 4a, 0.9 nM; 6a, 3.1 nM.

Emerging roles of Jab1/CSN5 in DNA damage response, DNA repair, and cancer

Jab1/CSN5 is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in integrin signaling, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the regulation of genomic instability and DNA repair. Dysregulation of Jab1/CSN5 activity has been shown to contribute to oncogenesis by functionally inactivating several key negative regulatory proteins and tumor suppressors. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the relationship between Jab1/CSN5 and DNA damage and summarize recent findings regarding opportunities for and challenges to therapeutic intervention.

Nuclear expression of CDK4 correlates with disease progression and poor prognosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between nuclear expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and clinicopathological data in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including patient survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, the expression of CDK4 was examined in NPC and nasopharyngeal (NP) tissues. We observed that mRNA expression of CDK4 was elevated significantly in NPC tissues compared to NP tissues. Further, we found that CDK4 protein was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Nuclear expression of CDK4 was correlated positively with clinical stage (P = 0.048), but not associated with other clinical features. Patients with tumours showing nuclear expression of CDK4 had poorer overall survival rates than those without nuclear tumour expression of CDK4. Nuclear expression of CDK4 was associated inversely with survival time for NPC patients in stages T1-2, stages N2-3 and clinical stages III-IV, and after treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Nuclear expression of CDK4 was an independent and unfavourable prognostic factor for patients with NPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that nuclear expression of CDK4 is a potential marker for the progression and poor prognosis of NPC.

Decreased P27 protein expression is correlated with the progression and poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background

To determine the correlation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27) expression with clinicopathologic features in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including patient prognosis.

Methods

Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the mRNA and protein expressions of p27 in NPC and nasopharyngeal tissues. The relationship of p27 expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NPC patients was analyzed.

Results

The expression level of p27 mRNA was markedly lower in NPC tissues than that in the nasopharyngeal tissues (P = 0.0006). Specific p27 protein staining by immunohistochemistry was found in the nuclei and cytoplasm of nasopharyngeal and malignant epithelial cells but decreased expression was observed in NPC samples compared to normal epithelium samples (P = 0.002). In addition, low levels of p27 protein were inversely correlated with the status of T classification (p = 0.002) and clinical stage (p = 0.019) of NPC patients. Patients with lower p27 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did patients with high p27 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of p27 expression was not an independent prognostic indicator (p = 0.682) for NPC survival.

Conclusion

Low level of p27 expression is a potential unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with NPC.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide (s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1915282782109343.