Enrichment analysis of phosphorylated proteins as a tool for probing the phosphoproteome

The current progression from genomics to proteomics is fueled by the realization that many properties of proteins (e.g., interactions, post-translational modifications) cannot be predicted from DNA sequence. Although it has become feasible to rapidly identify proteins from crude cell extracts using mass spectrometry after two-dimensional electrophoretic separation, it can be difficult to elucidate low-abundance proteins of interest in the presence of a large excess of relatively abundant proteins. Therefore, for effective proteome analysis it becomes critical to enrich the sample to be analyzed in subfractions of interest. For example, the analysis of protein kinase substrates can be greatly enhanced by enriching the sample of phosphorylated proteins. Although enrichment of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins has been achieved through the use of high-affinity anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies, the enrichment of phosphoserine/threonine-containing proteins has not been routinely possible. Here, we describe a method for enriching phosphoserine/threonine-containing proteins from crude cell extracts, and for subsequently identifying the phosphoproteins and sites of phosphorylation. The method, which involves chemical replacement of the phosphate moieties by affinity tags, should be of widespread utility for defining signaling pathways and control mechanisms that involve phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of serine/threonine residues.

Relative quantitation of p53 and MDM2 gene expression in leiomyosarcoma; real-time semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction

To investigate the etiology of leiomyosarcoma, we examined abnormalities of p53 and its regulation in 13 cases of leiomyosarcoma using fresh tumor specimens. We estimated p53 and MDM2 mRNA level and MDM2 gene amplification using a real-time semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the TaqMan fluorescence method. We also used immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p53 and MDM2 protein overexpression, polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing to detect p53 mutation. Eight of the 13 cases (62%) showed an overexpression of p53 protein on IHC and eight of 13 cases (62%) had p53 gene point mutations. Five of the 13 cases (38%) showed positive staining for MDM2 protein and only one case (7.7%) demonstrated MDM2 gene amplification. The relative p53 mRNA level of the tumors compared with normal tissue ranged from 1.14 to 12.19 arbitrary units (AU), and the MDM2 mRNA level ranged from 1.06 to 17.17 AU. The mRNA level in the p53-positive cases was higher than in the negative cases (positive: 7.70 AU on average; negative: 3.38 AU on average; P=0.0344). However, there was no significant correlation between the MDM2 mRNA level and other factors, such as p53 IHC, p53 mutation status, p53 mRNA level and MDM2 IHC. Our results indicate that p53 abnormalities are major events and that an increasing level of p53 mRNA is associated with an overexpression of p53 protein in leiomyosarcoma and they may play an important role in the tumorigenesis in this tumor.

Glomangiopericytoma causing oncogenic osteomalacia. A case report with immunohistochemical analysis

A 47-year-old woman suffered from gait disturbance due to back pain and muscle weakness. Laboratory data showed serum hypophosphatemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and a normal level of ionized calcium. Radiological examinations revealed multiple pathologic fractures in the ribs and pubic rami. She had had no episode of familial or any other notable disorder, and so she was initially treated with medication for adult-onset osteomalacia. However, 19 years later (when she was 66 years old), she noticed a soft-tissue tumor in her buttock. The tumor was excised. The histological features were those of glomangiopericytoma characterized by both glomus tumor-like and hemangiopericytoma-like structures. After removal of the tumor, her symptoms disappeared immediately. Laboratory data normalized 8 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first report of oncogenic osteomalacia caused by glomangiopericytoma.

Involvement of human liver cytochrome P4502B6 in the metabolism of propofol

AIMS

To determine the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms involved in the oxidation of propofol by human liver microsomes.

METHODS

The rate constant calculated from the disappearance of propofol in an incubation mixture with human liver microsomes and recombinant human CYP isoforms was used as a measure of the rate of metabolism of propofol. The correlation of these rate constants with rates of metabolism of CYP isoform-selective substrates by liver microsomes, the effect of CYP isoform-selective chemical inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies on propofol metabolism by liver microsomes, and its metabolism by recombinant human CYP isoforms were examined.

RESULTS

The mean rate constant of propofol metabolism by liver microsomes obtained from six individuals was 4.2 (95% confidence intervals 2.7, 5.7) nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein. The rate constants of propofol by microsomes were significantly correlated with S-mephenytoin N-demethylation, a marker of CYP2B6 (r = 0.93, P < 0.0001), but not with the metabolic activities of other CYP isoform-selective substrates. Of the chemical inhibitors of CYP isoforms tested, orphenadrine, a CYP2B6 inhibitor, reduced the rate constant of propofol by liver microsomes by 38% (P < 0.05), while other CYP isoform-selective inhibitors had no effects. Of the recombinant CYP isoforms screened, CYP2B6 produced the highest rate constant for propofol metabolism (197 nmol min-1 nmol P450-1). An antibody against CYP2B6 inhibited the disappearance of propofol in liver microsomes by 74%. Antibodies raised against other CYP isoforms had no effect on the metabolism of propofol.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP2B6 is predominantly involved in the oxidation of propofol by human liver microsomes.

Humanized antibody to human interleukin-6 receptor inhibits the development of collagen arthritis in cynomolgus monkeys

In the present study, we demonstrated the anti-arthritic effect of humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody, MRA, in cynomolgus monkey. MRA can react with monkey IL-6R and block signal transduction of IL-6. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced by twice immunizing with bovine type II collagen (CII) emulsified with complete adjuvant. MRA was intravenously injected once a week, from the day of the first collagen immunization, for 13 weeks. The symptoms of arthritis were evaluated using a visual scoring system and radiography. Inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and concentrations of anti-CII antibody, anti-MRA antibody, and MRA were monitored regularly. At the end of the study, histological evaluation was carried out. MRA, at a dose of 10 mg/kg, gave rise to statistically significant suppression. The elevation of serum CRP and fibrinogen levels and ESR were also inhibited. Furthermore, radiographic and histological examination showed that MRA treatment suppressed joint destruction. Our results demonstrate that IL-6 plays an important role in monkey CIA and that MRA may be an attractive agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Reactivity of thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies with the thyrotropin receptor on western blots

Affinity purified recombinant human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) was run on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels and subjected to a renaturing and blotting procedure. Twenty sera from thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies (TRAb)-positive patients with a history of hyperthyroidism and 20 sera with high levels of TSH blocking activity were analyzed. Four of 20 sera with blocking-type of TRAb (i.e., TSH antagonist activity) were able to recognize the mature, fully glycosylated 120-kd form of the receptor on blots of gels run under reducing conditions. No sera recognized the 100-kd high mannose precursor form of the TSHR. Three of the four recognized a 74-kd band and 2 of the 4 recognized a 50-kd band. These bands are probably proteolytic cleavage fragments of the mature 120-kd TSHR. In the absence of reducing agent the same 4 of 20 sera described above together with a further serum sample (i.e., 5/20 in total) reacted with the 120-kd form of the receptor. No specific reaction with the TSHR was observed on Western blots with the remaining 15 sera with TSH blocking activity, nor with 20 sera from patients with a history of hyperthyroidism, nor with sera from 10 healthy blood donors, 10 Hashimoto sera (negative for TRAb) and 10 systemic lupus erythematosus sera. No clear differences were observed in the TRAb positive sera that were reactive and nonreactive on Western blots in terms of their ability to inhibit TSH binding or to immunoprecipitate 125I-labeled TSHR. Overall, our results indicate that the mature 120-kd form of the TSHR that is principally responsible for binding TSH is also responsible for binding TRAb (when this binding can be detected). These observations together with immunoprecipitation and TSH binding inhibition studies, emphasize the close relationship between the receptor's binding sites for TSH and TRAb.

Casting accuracy of experimental Ti-Cu alloys

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the casting accuracy and the dimensional change of experimental titanium-copper alloys (3.0 and 5.0 mass% Cu; hereafter, only "%" will be used) and to compare the findings with those of pure titanium. Castings were made using an argon-arc melting/pressure difference-casting unit. The fit of the metals cast in both full crown and MOD inlay dies was evaluated by measuring the distance between the shoulder margin and the cervical shoulder of the die. The changes in the inner diameter of castings were determined. In addition, surface roughness measurements inside the castings were carried out using a conventional profilometer, and thermal expansion measurements were made on cast cylindrical specimens using a differential dilatometer. There were no significant differences in dimensional change between pure titanium and the titanium-copper alloys. The fit of the titanium-copper alloys was inferior to pure titanium. The results of surface roughness measurements showed significance differences between the roughness of the pure titanium and titanium-copper alloys.

Primary structure and phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein of a Toyama isolate of tobacco necrosis virus

The amino acid sequence of the coat protein (CP) of a tobacco necrosis virus (TNV) strain, Toyama isolate, was determined by a combination of peptide and cDNA sequencing. The deduced sequence of 276 residues was compared with CPs of other TNV isolates and other plant virus isolates of Tombusviridae. It showed the highest similarity to the TNV Nebraska isolate with 92% identity and moderate similarity to the TNV strain A with 51% identity, confirming the previous serological analysis. It also showed overall similarity with CPs of mostly genera Necrovirus and Sobemovirus, and partial similarity with CPs of genera Tombusvirus and Carmovirus. Among 13 CPs that showed overall similarity, there were 10 completely conserved residues. These included three residues that participate in Ca2+ ligation at the interfaces of virion subunits in TNV crystal structure, suggesting that similar metal binding occur in the viruses of genera Necrovirus and Sobemovirus.

Presacral ganglioneuroma arising in an elderly man with persistent constipation

Presacral ganglioneuroma in a 70-year-old man with persistent constipation and its features on computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and endoscopic ultrasonography are presented. Barium enema study and laparotomy showed that constipation was caused mainly by extrinsic compression from this tumor. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance, endoscopic ultrasonographic features such as well-defined solid tumor with a cystic component and punctate calcifications may facilitate early diagnosis of this rare tumor.

Low expression of p27(Kip1), a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, is a marker of poor prognosis in synovial sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Low expression of p27(kip1), a dominant cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor involved in G1-S transition of the cell cycle, recently has been reported to be associated with aggressive tumor growth. It has been shown that active cell proliferation alludes to poor prognosis in patients with synovial sarcoma. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known about the clinicopathologic significance of p27(kip1) in synovial sarcoma.

METHODS

p27(kip1) expression was examined immunohistochemically in 55 cases of primary synovial sarcoma, and the relations between p27(kip1) expression and several cell proliferation markers, i.e., mitotic index (MI), Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI), and clinicopathologic parameters related to poor prognosis, were determined. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of p27(kip1) expression in synovial sarcomas.

RESULTS

p27(kip1) labeling index (p27(kip1) LI) correlated inversely with MI (r = -0.44, P = 0.0007) and Ki-67 LI (r = -0.63, P < 0.0001). Of the clinicopathologic parameters examined, tumor necrosis (P = 0.019) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (P = 0.021) correlated significantly with p27(kip1) LI. Survival analysis showed that p27(kip1) LI was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with synovial sarcoma (P = 0.0031).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggested that low expression of p27(kip1) may be useful as a marker of poor-prognosis synovial sarcoma.

Light response of the circadian waves of the APRR1/TOC1 quintet: when does the quintet start singing rhythmically in Arabidopsis?

We previously identified a novel class of proteins, named A:rabidopsis pseudo-response regulators (APRRs), each of which (APRR1/TOC1, APRR3, APRR5, APRR7, APRR9) has an intriguing structural design containing an N-terminal pseudo-receiver domain and a C-terminal CONSTANS motif. Expression of these APRR1/TOC1 family members is under the control of a coordinate circadian rhythm at the level of transcription such that the APRR-mRNAs start accumulating sequentially after dawn with 2 to 3 h intervals in the order of APRR9-->APRR7-->APRR5-->APRR3-->APRR1/TOC1 in a given 24 h photo-period. Based on these data, we previously proposed that these sequential and rhythmic events of transcription, termed 'circadian waves of APRR1/TOC1 quintet', may be a basis of a presumed Arabidopsis biological clock (named 'bar code clock') [Matsushika et al. (2000) Plant and Cell Physiol. 41: 1002]. Here we further characterized the event of circadian waves, by demonstrating that certain light stimuli are crucial determinants to induce the robust circadian waves, and accordingly, the first-boosted and light-induced APRR9 appears to be primarily responsible for this light response of the circadian waves. Also, as such a light stimulus, a red light pulse that is presumably perceived by phytochromes appears to be sufficient to induce (or synchronize) the APRR1/TOC1 circadian waves.

H-ras oncogene mutation in dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis

Point mutations of the ras gene family (K-ras, H-ras, and N-ras) are thought to be involved in the development of a variety of human tumors. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is characterized by the coexistence of well-differentiated (WD) and high-grade anaplastic (HG) components. The presence of point mutations at codons 12 and 13 of the H-ras gene was studied in 34 liposarcomas, comprising 15 well-differentiated liposarcomas and 19 dedifferentiated liposarcomas, and in 8 storiform-pleomorphic type malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing analysis. The 2 components of dedifferentiated liposarcoma were analyzed independently. H-ras mutations were seen only in dedifferentiated liposarcomas (4/19 [21%]), 1 in WD components and 3 in HG components. The mutation was not seen in any of 15 cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma. MFHs showed an H-ras mutation in 1 (12%) of 8 cases. Our results seem to suggest that the H-ras mutation is a relatively uncommon event in dedifferentiated liposarcoma, which may demonstrate an epiphenomenon of dedifferentiation in dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

Application of sintered titanium alloys to metal denture bases: a study of titanium powder sheets for complete denture base

The purpose of this study was the fabrication of titanium powder sheets to enable the application of sintered titanium alloys as metal denture bases. The effects of titanium particle shape and size, binder content, and plasticizer content on the surface smoothness, tensile strength and elongation of titanium powder sheets was investigated. To select a suitable ratio of powdered metal contents for application as a metal denture base, the effects of aluminum content in Ti sheets and various other powder metal contents in Ti-Al sheets on the density, sintering shrinkage, and bending strength were evaluated. Based on the results of the above experiments, we developed a mixed powder sheet composed of 83Ti-7Al-10Cr with TA45 titanium powder (atomized, -45 microm), and 8 mass% binder content. This titanium alloy sheet had good formability and ductility. Its sintered titanium alloy had a density of 3.2 g/cm3, sintering shrinkage of 3.8%, and bending strength of 403 MPa. The titanium alloy sheet is clinically acceptable for fabricating denture bases.

Cytokeratin subunits of inclusion bodies in rhabdoid cells: immunohistochemical and clinicopathological study of malignant rhabdoid tumor and epithelioid sarcoma

Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), which is recognized as being histologically similar to renal MRT, is characterized by the presence of "rhabdoid cell" (RC) and a highly aggressive biological behavior. Recently it has been proposed that "proximal variant" of epithelioid sarcoma (ES), whose morphology is similar to that of MRT, actually has a more aggressive clinical course than classical type ES. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis of cytokeratin (CK) subunits was performed in 3 cases of extrarenal MRT, 3 cases of renal MRT, and 11 cases of ES comprising 2 "proximal variants" and 9 classical types. Renal and extrarenal MRTs showed positive immunoreactivity for both CK8 and CK18. Classical type ESs were diffusely positive, not only for CK8 and CK18, but also for other cytokeratin subunits including CK4, 6, 10, 13, 16, 17, and "high-molecular-weight" CKs (CK1, 5, 10, and 14). On the other hand, proximal ES revealed limited immunohistochemical reactivity for cytokeratins, compared with classical ES. In conclusion, the inclusion bodies of RCs show immunoreactivity confined to CK8, CK18, and vimentin. Furthermore, ES has additional CK expressions, while proximal ES possesses characteristics intermediate between those of classical ES and those of external MRT.

The flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composite with light-polymerized polymer matrix

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to measure the flexural strength and the elastic modulus of composite resin with and without reinforcing fibers and to evaluate the reinforcing effect of various fibers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A polyethylene fiber (Ribbond), a polyaramid fiber (Fibreflex), and three glass fibers (FibreKor, GlasSpan, Vectris) were used to reinforce composite resins. The flexural strength and elastic modulus of specimens in the three-point bending mode were measured using a universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min after storage in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. All tests were carried out in a water bath at 37 degrees C. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Sheffé test at P= 0.05. After testing, the fractured surface was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope at 50x, 500x, and 3,000x magnifications.

RESULTS

Yield flexural strengths of nonreinforced resins were 48 to 56 MPa, and those of reinforced resins were 56 to 134 MPa. Ultimate flexural strengths of nonreinforced specimens were 96 to 119 MPa, and those of reinforced ones were 203 to 386 MPa. Elastic modulus of nonreinforced resin was 6 to 9 GPa, and fiber reinforcing increased the value to 9 to 15 GPa, while it had no effect in Ribbond.

CONCLUSION

Most of the fibers used in this study increased both yield and ultimate flexural strengths of composite resins, with the exception of the yield strength of Vectris. GlasSpan, Fibreflex, and FibreKor were effective in reinforcing elastic modulus, while Ribbond had no effect on it. Unidirectional glass fibers and polyaramid fiber were effective in reinforcing both flexural strength and elastic modulus of composite resin.

Establishment and characterization of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney

Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) is a highly aggressive tumor which occurs in childhood and which is histologically characterized by the existence of eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions. We established and characterized a cell line from this tumor with histological, immunohistochemical and cytogenetical analysis. Histologically, the tumor cells demonstrate typical eosinophilic inclusions, while immunohistochemically the cells demonstrate common mesenchymal and epithelial differentiation. Although the conventional karyotyping of this tumor lacked the abnormalities of 22q chromosome, Southern blot analysis and microsatellite analysis verified abnormalities of the BCR gene and of the hSNF5/INI1 gene. Despite the variety of locations, these common genetic abnormalities appear to contribute to distinguish rhabdoid tumor from such other small round cell tumors as primitive neuroectodermal tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumor.

Intraspecific divergence of Saccharomyces kluyveri as revealed by the nucleotide sequences of 18S-28S rRNA spacer regions and alpha-galactosidase MEL genes

In the five strains classified as the yeast Saccharomyces kluyveri, several substitutions were observed in the two internal transcribed spacer regions between 18S and 28S rRNA. A PCR reaction with primers targeted to the MEL1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae amplified fragments of the expected size, and those sequences showed significant divergence in the strains of S. kluyveri.

Improvement of in-gel digestion protocol for peptide mass fingerprinting by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

High-sensitivity, high-throughput analysis of proteins for proteomics studies is usually performed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in combination with mass spectrometry. However, the quality of the data obtained depends on the in-gel digestion procedure employed. This work describes an improvement in the in-gel digestion efficiency for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis. A dramatic improvement in the coverage of tryptic peptides was observed when n-octyl glucoside was added to the buffer. Whole cell extracted proteins from S. cerevisiae were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and stained with silver. Protein spots were identified using our improved in-gel digestion method and MALDI-TOFMS. In addition, the mass spectra obtained by using the matrix alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) were compared with those obtained using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). The DHB matrix usually gave more peaks, which led to higher sequence coverage and, consequently, to higher confidence in protein identification. This improved in-gel digestion protocol is simple and useful for protein identification by MALDI-TOFMS.

Salivary growth factors in health and disease

The salivary gland is considered to be a reservoir of many growth factors in rodents. In humans, the epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and insulin and insulin-like growth factor family have also been detected in this gland, but their physiological role remains unclear. In this study, we focused on bFGF, which is a well-known mitogen for various types of cells, and is present in the salivary gland as well as in saliva. The roles of bFGF in the salivary gland were investigated by three different procedures. First, the effects of bFGF on the salivary gland cells were investigated with a monolayer culture of normal submandibular gland cells. The effects of different concentrations of bFGF on the second passage of these cultured cells were examined. In both human and rat cultured submandibular gland cells, bFGF accelerated the cell proliferation at a concentration of 100 ng/mL or higher. Next, an atrophic model of the rat submandibular gland was used to examine the ability of bFGF to accelerate tissue repair. Two weeks after ductal ligation, the ligature was removed, and various amounts of bFGF, isoproterenol, or saline were administered via a retrograde duct instillation. Both isoproterenol and bFGF increased acinar and ductal cell proliferation significantly. To determine the role of bFGF in saliva, we investigated its effect on the healing process of oral mucosal defects. Four-millimeter mucosal defects were made to the depth of the periosteum in the rat palate under anesthesia. bFGF or vehicle alone was applied once only at the time of surgery as a suspension. At days 3, 5, and 7 in the bFGF group, significant increases in the degree of re-epithelialization were found in treated groups. These results indicate that its action as a mitogen stimulus is the major effect of bFGF on salivary gland cells and mucosal epithelium.

Direct intra-cardiomuscular transfer of beta2-adrenergic receptor gene augments cardiac output in cardiomyopathic hamsters

In chronic heart failure, down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) occurs in cardiomyocytes, resulting in low catecholamine response and impaired cardiac function. To correct the irregularity in the beta-AR system, beta-AR gene was transduced in vivo into failing cardiomyocytes. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based plasmid vector carrying human beta2-AR gene was injected into the left ventricular muscle of Bio14.6 cardiomyopathic hamsters whose beta-AR is down-regulated in the cardiomyocytes. The echocardiographic examinations revealed that stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were significantly elevated at 2 to 4 days after the beta2-AR gene transfer. Systemic loading of isoproterenol increased the cardiac parameters more significantly on day 2 to day 7, indicating that the adrenergic response was augmented by the genetic transduction. The same procedure did not affect the cardiac function of normal hamsters. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated human beta2-AR expression in failing cardiomyocytes transduced with the gene. RT-PCR analysis detected mRNA for the transgene in the heart but not in the liver, spleen, or kidney. The procedures may provide a feasible strategy for gene therapy of severe heart failure. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 2087-2093.

[Recurrence of cerebral aneurysms in the long-term follow-up after aneurysm surgery]

We investigated late aneurysmal recurrence in 71 patients who underwent direct operations for intracranial aneurysms during the period from 1981 to 1988 and were under 50 years old at the time of operation with ADL rating of 1 or 2 at discharge. And out of the 71 patients, four had already sustained reattack of SAH and been confirmed to have recurrent anuerysms. Another two had been diagnosed as harboring unruptured recurrent aneurysms. Cerebral angiography was carried out for nine patients in the remaining 63, revealing aneurysmal recurrence in four patients. Overall, 14 recurrent aneurysms, 11 de novo and 3 regrowth aneurysms, have been found in 10 patients. Considering the high risk of aneurysmal recurrence, postoperative long-term follow-up including MRA and angiography is mandatory, especially for relatively young patients.

Involvement of adipokinetic hormone in the homeostatic control of hemolymph trehalose concentration in the larvae of Bombyx mori

Prior to wandering, 5th instar larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, maintain constant hemolymph titers of trehalose. Head ligation of day 3, 5th instar larvae significantly decreased the hemolymph trehalose concentrations, but the concentrations did not decrease in starved larvae. After being diluted by replacement of larval hemolymph with insect Ringer's solution, the trehalose concentrations recovered the initial levels in 90 min in the non-ligated larvae, while they were not restored in 90 min in the neck-ligated larvae. These results suggest that a head factor(s) with hypertrehalosemic activity is involved in the homeostatic control of hemolymph trehalose concentration. When adipokinetic hormone (AKH) was injected into neck-ligated larvae, the trehalose concentrations increased in 2 h and decreased thereafter. Repeated injections of AKH every 4 h maintained the concentrations for 12 h. These findings suggest that AKH induces a hypertrehalosemic response and is involved in the homeostasis of hemolymph trehalose concentration in the larval feeding period.

Epitope analysis of the human thyrotropin (TSH) receptor using monoclonal antibodies

A panel of thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSHR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), produced using highly purified Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-produced TSHR, has been used to study TSHR structure. All 41 mAbs recognized full-length TSHR containing complex carbohydrate (120 kDa), and 40 mAbs recognized full-length precursor-containing high mannose sugars (100 kDa). The mAbs also recognized TSHR cleavage products with three types of reactivity: type 1 mAbs reacting with bands at 70 kDa and 58 kDa, type 2 with bands at 70 kDa and 52 kDa, and type 3 with bands at 52 kDa and 40 kDa. Deglycosylation studies showed that the 70-kDa and 58-kDa bands contained complex carbohydrate, whereas the 52-kDa and 40-kDa bands were unglycosylated. These results are consistent with TSHR cleavage occurring at two sites. Cleavage at both sites gives rise to glycosylated A subunit (58 kDa) corresponding to the extracellular domain of the receptor and nonglycosylated B subunit (40 kDa) corresponding to the C-terminal transmembrane domain. Cleavage only at site 1 gives rise to the 58-kDa A subunit and a large B subunit (52 kDa). Cleavage only at site 2 gives rise to a large A subunit (70 kDa) and the B subunit (40 kDa). Four of the mAbs inhibited 125I-labeled TSH binding to solubilized full-length TSHR. TSH binding was inhibited by (a) two type 3 mAbs reactive with the N-terminal region of the B subunit (epitopes between amino acids 381 and 385 and between 380 and 418, respectively) and (b) two type 2 mAbs reactive with epitopes on the A subunit (between amino acids 246 and 260). These results together with previous studies on the direct binding of TSH to the TSHR A subunit suggest that at least two distinct regions of the TSHR sequence, including one region on the A subunit and one region on the B subunit, fold together to form part of a complex TSH binding site.

Characterization of a mutant from Lactobacillus amylovorus JCM 1126(T) with improved utilization of sucrose

A strain YF43, which can grow on sucrose as rapidly as glucose, was isolated by mutation from Lactobacillus amylovorus JCM 1126, the type strain defective in sucrose utilization. Exogenous sucrose stimulated the production of invertase by strains YF43 and JCM 1126 simultaneously. In a medium containing fructooligosaccharide as the sole carbon source, the cells of strain YF43 showed high invertase activity in spite of poor growth. The two invertases produced in the cells grown on sucrose and fructooligosaccharide were an identical beta-fructofuranosidase, as judged from properties of partially purified enzymes. These observations indicated that strain YF43 is a mutant improved for permeation of sucrose and not derepressed for the synthesis of invertase.

Is RE1/NRSE a common cis-regulatory sequence for ChAT and VAChT genes?

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the biosynthetic enzyme of acetylcholine, and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) are both required for cholinergic neurotransmission. These proteins are encoded by two embedded genes, the VAChT gene lying within the first intron of the ChAT gene. In the nervous system, both ChAT and VAChT are synthesized only in cholinergic neurons, and it is therefore likely that the cell type-specific expression of their genes is coordinately regulated. It has been suggested that a 2336-base pair genomic region upstream from the ChAT and VAChT coding sequences drives ChAT gene expression in cholinergic structures. We investigated whether this region also regulates VAChT gene transcription. Transfection assays showed that this region strongly represses the activity of the native VAChT promoters in non-neuronal cells, but has no major effect in neuronal cells whether or not they express the endogenous ChAT and VAChT genes. The silencer activity of this region is mediated solely by a repressor element 1 or neuron-restrictive silencer element (RE1/NRSE). Moreover, several proteins, including RE1-silencing transcription factor or neuron-restrictive silencer factor, are recruited by this regulatory sequence. These data suggest that this upstream region and RE1/NRSE co-regulate the expression of the ChAT and VAChT genes.

Migration of the shunt tube after lumboperitoneal shunt--two case reports

A 60-year-old male and a 36-year-old female suffered shunt migration after lumboperitoneal shunt procedures, upward into the spinal subarachnoid space and downward into the abdominal cavity, respectively. Defects of the fixation devices in the shunt system are considered the main cause in both cases. Upward migration of the lumbar tube in the subarachnoid space is extremely rare. We suppose that raised abdominal pressure is related to this unusual complication.

Influence of surface modifications to titanium on oral bacterial adhesion in vitro

The influence of surface modifications to titanium on the initial adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277 and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans ATCC43718 was evaluated. Surface modifications were performed with dry processes including ion implantation (Ca(+), N(+), F(+)), oxidation (anode oxidation, titania spraying), ion plating (TiN, alumina), and ion beam mixing (Ag, Sn, Zn, Pt) with Ar(+) on polished pure titanium plates. Comparatively large amounts of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans adhered to polished titanium plates. The degree of P. gingivalis adhesion showed a positive correlation with surface energy and the amount of calcium-ion adsorption. Adherence of both P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans increased on calcium-implanted surfaces compared with polished titanium surfaces, whereas adherence of P. gingivalis was remarkably decreased on alumina-coated surfaces. These findings indicate that titanium implants exposed to the oral cavity require surface modification to inhibit the adherence of oral bacteria, and that surface modification with a dry process is useful in controlling the adhesion of oral bacteria as well as ensuring resistance against wear.

Rhabdoid features in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue: with special reference to aggressive behavior

The presence of rhabdoid cells has been reported in various types of malignant neoplasms and has been determined to be a predictor of aggressive behavior of neoplasms regardless of tumor histogenesis. One hundred and thirteen cases of leiomyosarcoma, selected from 1800 soft tissue sarcomas, were reviewed on hematoxylin and eosin sections, and immunohistochemical staining when available, and seven cases with rhabdoid features were retrieved. Clinicopathologic differences were analyzed to compare between cases with rhabdoid features and those without rhabdoid features. In the seven cases with rhabdoid features, two were intra-abdominal, and the others arose in external soft tissues including muscle, subcutis, and cutis. Patient age ranged from 33 to 84 years, three were female, and four were male. Tumor size ranged from 3 to 22 cm. Clinical evidence showed no differences from those cases without rhabdoid features. Histologically, one of the abdominal cases was epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. Two of the 7 cases were better subclassified as pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma, in which rhabdoid cells are diffusely scattered. In cases other than those with pleomorphic leiomyosarcomas, foci of anaplastic areas were observed, and collections of rhabdoid cells were present in those areas. Immunohistochemical examination of the cases confirmed myogenic differentiation, and showed rhabdoid cells being positive for vimentin and desmin in the inclusion bodies, and diffusely so for muscle actin in the cytoplasm. After dividing all the cases of leiomyosarcoma by their location, prognostic analysis was performed. Leiomyosarcoma of external soft tissue with rhabdoid cells showed a tendency for poorer prognoses than cases without rhabdoid features. On the contrary, retroperitoneal cases did not. This study indicates that rhabdoid features are associated with aggressive biological behavior in leiomyosarcoma of the external soft tissue.

Purple glove syndrome caused by oral administration of phenytoin

A severely handicapped boy had been treated with phenytoin and his seizures were controlled well. At 10 years of age, a pharmacy gave about 1000 mg of phenytoin instead of the prescribed 100 mg of the drug per day. Several hours after the initial administration, the patient became drowsy and his hands and feet turned dark purple with marked swelling. Four days later, his mother stopped administering the phenytoin to him and took him to hospital. After fluid therapy was started, the swelling and discoloration of both his hands and feet improved gradually and disappeared 11 days after drug discontinuation. Purple glove syndrome is defined as the edema, discoloration, and pain occurring in the distal limb where intravenous phenytoin has been administered. This might be the first report of purple glove syndrome caused by the oral administration of a large quantity of phenytoin.

Prognostic value of the preserved expression of the E-cadherin and catenin families of adhesion molecules and of beta-catenin mutations in synovial sarcoma

This study addresses the immunohistochemical expression of the E-cadherin and catenin families and mutations of the beta-catenin gene detected by PCR-SSCP in synovial sarcoma. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for 72 cases, with follow-up data available on 62. The prognostic value of the expression of these proteins was evaluated. Reduced immunoreactivity for E-cadherin and alpha-catenin was significantly correlated with a poor survival rate (p=0.0040 and 0.0053, respectively). According to multivariate analysis, low AJC stage (stages I and II: p<0.0001), the preservation of alpha-catenin expression (p=0.0001), and a low necrotic rate (<50%: p=0.0139) were independent favourable prognostic factors. Widespread aberrant staining of beta-catenin protein within cytoplasm and/or nuclei was observed in 28 cases (38.9%) and was significantly correlated with poor survival (p=0.0122). In addition, there was a trend towards a correlation between widespread aberrant staining of beta-catenin and the MIB-1 labelling index (p=0.0535). Mutational analysis of exon 3 of the beta-catenin gene was performed for 49 cases. Nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed that four (8.2%) contained point mutations (three in codon 32, GAC to TAC; one in codon 37, TCT to TTT). Survival data were available for three out of four cases with beta-catenin mutations; two of these patients died within 1 year (died of disease at 6 and 11 months, respectively). These results suggest that E-cadherin and alpha-catenin undertake important roles as intercellular adhesion molecules; their preserved expression is associated with a better overall survival rate in synovial sarcoma and may have prognostic value. Abnormal levels of beta-catenin, with or without mutation, could contribute to the development and progression of synovial sarcoma, through increasing the proliferative activity of the tumour cells.

Screening search for organic fluorophores: syntheses and fluorescence properties of 3-azolyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin derivatives

In order to find a highly sensitive fluorophore, 3-azolyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin derivatives were synthesized. Both the absorption and fluorescence maxima of the coumarin-thiazole compounds showed red shifts with increases of the molar absorptivities and fluorescence intensities, in comparison with those of the corresponding coumarin-oxazole compounds. Among them, 3-(5-ethoxycarbonyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-7-diethylamino-2H-chromen -2-one (3e) was one of the most promising candidates as a fluorophore accessible for analytical purposes in the fields of analytical and biological chemistry.

Egg white protein-bonded columns and their applications

Egg white protein-bonded columns were developed for HPLC. These columns can be used under aqueous mobile phase and separate various kinds of drug enantiomers. Hyphenated techniques using protein-bonded columns with LC/MS and/or column switching have been recognized as integral methods in pharmaceutical research to analyze drug enantiomers. Therefore, these methods are very useful for research fields of pharmacokinetics and pharmacology.

The effectiveness of administering a minimal dose of octreotide long-term prior to surgery for insulinoma: report of a case

We report herein the case of an 80-year-old woman with insulinoma who was regarded as an unsuitable candidate for immediate surgery due to her advanced age and obesity, for whom octreotide, a long-acting analogue of somatostatin, was used to improve her hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia without hyperalimentation. Administering a minimal dose of octreotide for a long period resulted in the improvement of leg edema, weight control, and cardiopulmonary function, and resection of the pancreatic tumor was safely carried out without any complications.

Disappearance of a white matter lesion in incontinentia pigmenti

We report a 12-month-old Japanese female with incontinentia pigmenti, in whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a small transient lesion in the white matter. After birth, she developed some vesicular skin eruptions that mainly involved the lower extremities. These skin lesions increased in size and number and became hyperpigmented within 2 weeks. At 1 month of age, MRI revealed a small hypointense lesion on T(1)-weighted imaging, with water density on T(2)-weighted imaging, in the right centrum semiovale. At 4 months of age, her hyperpigmented lesions had faded, and at 7 months of age, MRI disclosed the disappearance of the previously observed abnormality. She exhibited no neurologic abnormalities. No cases have been reported concerning a transient lesion in the white matter revealed by MRI in incontinentia pigmenti. Although the pathogenesis is unknown, transient central nervous system involvement might have occurred in early infancy as did the fading skin lesions.

Genetic variation in the gene encoding calpain-10 is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is the most common form of diabetes worldwide, affecting approximately 4% of the world's adult population. It is multifactorial in origin with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. A genome-wide screen for type 2 diabetes genes carried out in Mexican Americans localized a susceptibility gene, designated NIDDM1, to chromosome 2. Here we describe the positional cloning of a gene located in the NIDDM1 region that shows association with type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans and a Northern European population from the Botnia region of Finland. This putative diabetes-susceptibility gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed member of the calpain-like cysteine protease family, calpain-10 (CAPN10). This finding suggests a novel pathway that may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Liposteroid therapy for refractory seizures in children

Liposteroid is dexamethasone palmitate incorporated into liposomes and was developed as an anti-inflammatory drug for targeting therapy mainly for rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, it was reported that liposteroid might be effective for the treatment of West syndrome, with fewer side effects than those of corticotropin therapy. We describe three patients, a 2-month-old boy with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, a 4-month-old girl with symptomatic West syndrome, and a 2-year-old girl with symptomatic localization-related epilepsy, whose refractory seizures were treated with liposteroid according to the original method reported by Yamamoto and colleagues in 1998. Uncontrollable seizures ceased completely in two patients and the seizure frequency decreased markedly in the other patient. Electroencephalograms revealed marked improvement in all patients. They showed no relapse of the seizures, and all showed no adverse effects except for mild brain shrinkage in one patient. Our experience with these three patients suggests that liposteroid therapy might be a new option for the treatment of refractory seizures in children, as well as for West syndrome.

Molecular abnormalities of p53, MDM2, and H-ras in synovial sarcoma

Forty-nine cases of synovial sarcoma were evaluated for mutation of the p53 gene, amplification of the MDM2 gene and mutation of the H-ras gene, and for the relation of these factors to overall survival and clinicopathologic parameters. All investigations were carried out on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded materials. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of p53 protein, MDM2, and p21(WAF1/CIP1) immunohistochemically in these cases, together with an assessment of proliferative activities using monoclonal antibody MIB-1. Nine of the 49 cases (18.4%) had p53 gene alteration detected by polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing. Eleven cases (24%) showed nuclear accumulation of p53 protein in more than 10% of the tumor cells. Among them, only three cases contained gene mutations. There was no correlation between p53 nuclear accumulation and p53 gene alteration. MDM2 gene amplification, as shown by differential PCR, was observed in 19 out of 47 cases (40%). Nineteen out of 49 cases (38.8%) showed immunoreactivity for MDM2. MDM2 gene amplification and the expression of MDM2 protein showed a significant positive relationship (P = 0.0004). Moreover, MDM2 immunoreaction was significantly correlated with nuclear accumulation of p53 protein (P = 0.023). Positive immunoreaction for p21(WAF1/CIP1) was observed in 21 out of 48 cases (43.8%). p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression was correlated with p53 protein expression. H-ras gene mutations were seen in only three cases (6.1%). All mutations were in codon 12 (one GGC-to-AGC [Gly-to-Ser] mutation and two GGC-to-GAC [Gly-to-Ap] mutations). The gene alteration of p53, MDM2, and H-ras did not affect the patients' prognosis. Although the cases with positive immunoreaction for p53 tended to have a worse prognosis, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.13). No correlation was observed between MIB-1 LI and the immunohistochemical expression of p53, MDM2, and p21(WAF1/CIP1) or the mutation status of p53 and H-ras. On the other hand, high MIB-1 LI (more than 10) significantly correlated with poor prognosis (P < 0.0001). Our results suggest that p53 gene mutation does not appear to be a major prognostic factor and H-ras mutations are infrequent in synovial sarcoma.

Nucleotide sequence of alpha-galactosidase MEL gene from Zygosaccharomyces mrakii

The region encompassing the alpha-galactosidase MELr gene was amplified from Zygosaccharomyces mrakii IFO 1835(T) by inverse-PCR and then sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of this region revealed a single open reading frame of 1410 bp encoding a 470 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 51,909. The similarity of the deduced mature protein to other yeast alpha-galactosidases was 63.3% to Zygosaccharomyces cidri, 71.5% to Torulaspora delbrueckii, and 70. 7-73.9% to Saccharomyces species. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences are deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank database under Accession Number AB030209.

Crocus sativus lectin recognizes Man3GlcNAc in the N-glycan core structure

Crocus sativus lectin (CSL) is one of the truly mannose-specific plant lectins that has a unique binding specificity that sets it apart from others. We studied sugar-binding specificity of CSL in detail by a solution phase method (fluorescence polarization) and three solid phase methods (flow injection, surface plasmon resonance, and microtiter plate), using a number of different glycopeptides and oligosaccharides. CSL binds the branched mannotriose structure in the N-glycan core. Substitution of the terminal Man in the Manalpha(1-3)Man branch with GlcNAc drastically decreases binding affinity much more than masking of the terminal Man in the Manalpha(1-6)Man branch. Most interestingly, the beta-Man-linked GlcNAc in N-glycan core structure contributes greatly to the binding. The effect of this GlcNAc is so strong that it can substantially offset the negative effect of substitution on the nonreducing terminal Man residues. On the other hand, the GlcNAc that is usually attached to Asn in N-glycans and the l-Fuc linked at the 6-position of the GlcNAc are irrelevant to the binding. A bisecting GlcNAc neither contributes to nor interferes with the binding. This unique binding specificity of CSL offers many possibilities of its use in analytical and preparative applications.

Fluorometric determination of mucin-type glycoproteins by the galactose oxidase-peroxidase method

We developed a convenient and specific method for the determination of mucin-type glycoproteins using galactose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase on the basis of the contents of galactosyl and N-acetylgalactosaminyl residues in glycoproteins. Galactose and galactosamine residues released from glycoproteins after hydrolysis were oxidized with galactose oxidase and subsequently the resultant hydrogen peroxide was determined by a combination of horseradish peroxidase and 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid as a fluorogenic substrate. The contents of galactose/galactosamine residues in N- and O-glycans, as determined by the galactose oxidase-peroxidase method, were in good agreement with those described in the previous reports. We applied the present method to determine mucin-type glycoproteins secreted from rat gastric mucosa by stimulation with misoprostol, a prostaglandin E(1) analogue in vivo. Thus, the galactose oxidase-peroxidase method is useful for the determination of mucin-type glycoproteins in biological materials.

Cryoprotective activities of group 3 late embryogenesis abundant proteins from Chlorella vulgaris C-27

The nucleotide sequence of hiC12, isolated as a cDNA clone of hardening-induced Chlorella (hiC) genes, was identified. The clone encodes a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein having six repeats of a 11-mer amino acid motif, although in a slightly imperfect form. To overexpress the hiC61) and hiC12 genes, their coding regions were PCR amplified and subcloned into a pGEX-1lambdaT vector. The HIC6 and HIC12 proteins were expressed as GST fusion proteins in E. coli, then purified. The two HIC proteins were found to be effective in protecting a freeze-labile enzyme, LDH, against freeze-inactivation. On a molar concentration basis, they were about 3.1 x 10(6) times more effective in protecting LDH than sucrose and as effective as BSA. Cryoprotection tests with five kinds of chain-shortened polypeptides, synthesized based on the 11-mer amino acid motif of the HIC6 protein showed that the cryoprotective activity decreased with a decrease in the repeating units of the 11-mer motif. In fact, cryoprotective activities of three kinds of single 11-mer amino acids were very low even at high concentrations. All the results suggested that the sufficiently repeated 11-mer motif is required for the cryoprotective activities of Chlorella LEA proteins.

Changes in HOXB6 homeodomain protein structure and localization during human epidermal development and differentiation

HOX homeodomain proteins are master developmental regulators, which are now thought to function as transcription factors by forming cooperative DNA binding complexes with PBX or other protein partners. Although PBX proteins exhibit regulated subcellular localization and function in the nucleus in other tissues, little data exists on HOX and PBX protein localization during skin development. We now show that the HOXB6 protein is expressed in the suprabasal layer of the early developing epidermis and throughout the upper layers of late fetal and adult human skin. HOXB6 signal is cytoplasmic throughout fetal epidermal development, but substantially nuclear in normal adult skin. HOXB6 protein is also partially nuclear in hyperproliferative skin conditions, but appears to be cytoplasmic in basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Although all three PBX genes are expressed in fetal epidermis, none of the three PBX proteins exhibit nuclear co-localization with HOXB6 in either fetal or adult epidermis. RNA and protein data suggest that a truncated HOXB6 protein, lacking the homeodomain, is expressed in undifferentiated keratinocytes and that the full-length protein is induced by differentiation. GFP-fusion proteins were used to demonstrate that the full-length HOXB6 protein is localized to the nucleus while the truncated protein is largely cytoplasmic. Taken together, these data suggest that during epidermal development the truncated HOXB6 isoform may function by a mechanism other than as DNA binding protein, and that most of the nuclear, homeodomain-containing HOXB6 protein does not utilize PBX proteins as DNA binding partners in the skin. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Inhibition of in vitro fertilization of mouse gametes by sulfated sialic acid polymers

The effect of sialic acid (N-acetyl neuraminic acid), sialic acid dimer, sialic acid polymers (colominic acid) and sulfated colominic acid on the activity of hyaluronidase, on the dispersion of cumulus cells by mouse sperm and on in vitro mouse fertilization (sperm penetration of zona pellucida) were evaluated. Bovine testicular hyaluronidase activity was significantly inhibited by colominic acid and sulfated colominic acid, but not by sialic acid and its dimer. The dispersion of cumulus cells from eggs by mouse sperm was also inhibited by colominic acid and sulfated colominic acid. In vitro fertilization of mouse gametes was inhibited by sulfated colominic acid. The IC50 value of sulfated colominic acid-induced inhibition of fertilization was 0.3 mg/ml (ca. 0.9 mM). The value changed from 0.9 mM for cumulus-surrounded egg to 1.5 mM for cumulus free-egg. On the other hand, colominic acid showed little or no inhibitory effect on mouse in vitro fertilization at 0.5 mg/ml (ca. 1.6 mM). This antifertility activity by sulfated colominic acid did not appear to be due to an effect on sperm motility or on the oocytes. These results suggest that (1) the cumulus cells surrounding the eggs were dispersed by sperm hyaluronidase, (2) hyaluronidase was inhibited by colominic acid and by sulfated colominic acid, (3) sulfated colominic acid inhibits sperm penetration of zona pellucida by the inhibition of hyaluronidase and/or some enzymes required for mouse gametes fertilization.

Isolated cardiac metastasis from sacral chordoma

A 64-year-old woman presented with right heart failure caused by a cardiac tumor centered in the free wall of the right ventricle, accompanied by pericardial effusion. A match between the biopsy specimen and tissue removed 4 years earlier resulted in the diagnosis of a cardiac metastasis from a chordoma. Immunohistochemical staining was also useful in establishing the diagnosis. To alleviate the right ventricular outflow obstruction, a palliative operation was planned, resecting the tumor and performing a right ventriculoplasty, which was cancelled due to the extent of infiltration of the tumor, and instead a right atrium to pulmonary artery shunt was attempted using a vascular prosthesis, only to fail due to an inability to maintain blood flow through the prosthesis. Presently there are no definitive treatment options available, and some palliative chemotherapy is being performed. Single cardiac metastases from a chordoma are extremely rare.