Activin receptor patterning of foregut organogenesis

Foregut development produces a characteristic sequence of gastrointestinal and respiratory organs, but the signaling pathways that ensure this developmental order remain largely unknown. Here, mutations of activin receptors ActRIIA and ActRIIB are shown to disrupt the development of posterior foregut-derived organs, including the stomach, pancreas, and spleen. Foregut expression of genes including Shh and Isl1 is shifted in mutant mice. The endocrine pancreas is particularly sensitive to the type and extent of receptor inactivation. ActRIIA(+/-)B(+/-) animals lack axial defects, but have hypoplastic pancreatic islets, hypoinsulinemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. Thus, activin receptor-mediated signaling regulates axial patterning, cell differentiation, and function of foregut-derived organs.

Binding of retinol induces changes in rat cellular retinol-binding protein II conformation and backbone dynamics

The structure and backbone dynamics of rat holo cellular retinol-binding protein II (holo-CRBP II) in solution has been determined by multidimensional NMR. The final structure ensemble was based on 3980 distance and 30 dihedral angle restraints, and was calculated using metric matrix distance geometry with pairwise Gaussian metrization followed by simulated annealing. The average RMS deviation of the backbone atoms for the final 25 structures relative to their mean coordinates is 0.85(+/-0.09) A. Comparison of the solution structure of holo-CRBP II with apo-CRBP II indicates that the protein undergoes conformational changes not previously observed in crystalline CRBP II, affecting residues 28-35 of the helix-turn-helix, residues 37-38 of the subsequent linker, as well as the beta-hairpin C-D, E-F and G-H loops. The bound retinol is completely buried inside the binding cavity and oriented as in the crystal structure. The order parameters derived from the (15)N T(1), T(2) and steady-state NOE parameters show that the backbone dynamics of holo-CRBP II is restricted throughout the polypeptide. The T(2) derived apparent backbone exchange rate and amide (1)H exchange rate both indicate that the microsecond to second timescale conformational exchange occurring in the portal region of the apo form has been suppressed in the holo form.

Association of p130CAS with phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase mediates adenovirus cell entry

The Crk-associated substrate, p130(CAS), has been implicated in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton following ligation of cell integrins with the extracellular matrix. Integrin-mediated cell adhesion involves p130(CAS) association with focal adhesion kinase (p125(FAK)). Internalization/cell entry of type 2 and type 5 adenoviruses (Ad) is also mediated by alpha(v) integrins. However, expression of dominant negative forms of p125(FAK) does not alter virus entry, and Ad entry occurs normally in p125(FAK)-deficient fibroblasts. We now provide evidence that Ad internalization, a process which is mediated by alpha(v) integrins, also requires p130(CAS) and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI 3-kinase). Ad induces p130(CAS) phosphorylation and inhibition of p130(CAS) phosphorylation by tyrphostin and genistein, or expression of the substrate domain deleted p130(CAS) blocks Ad internalization. p130(CAS) was also found to associate with the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase through its proline-rich domain during virus internalization and expression of p130(CAS) containing a deleted proline-rich domain (PRD) inhibited adenovirus cell entry. We showed further that the RPLPSPP motif in the proline-rich region of p130(CAS) interacts with the SH3 domain of p85/PI 3-kinase. These studies reveal the molecular basis by which p130(CAS) coordinates the signaling pathways involved in integrin-mediated Ad endocytosis.

MEK kinase 1 is critically required for c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation by proinflammatory stimuli and growth factor-induced cell migration

Exposure of eukaryotic cells to extracellular stimuli results in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades composed of MAPKs, MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks), and MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks). Mammals possess a large number of MAP3Ks, many of which can activate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK cascade when overexpressed, but whose biological function is poorly understood. We examined the function of the MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) in proinflammatory signaling. Using MEKK1-deficient embryonic stem cells prepared by gene targeting, we find that, in addition to its function in JNK activation by growth factors, MEKK1 is required for JNK activation by diverse proinflammatory stimuli, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1, double-stranded RNA, and lipopolysaccharide. MEKK1 is also essential for induction of embryonic stem cell migration by serum factors, but is not required for activation of other MAPKs or the IkappaB kinase signaling cascade.

[Effect of yangxue antai granule in preventing and treating habitual abortion and its effect on short life T-suppressor cell]

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of T-suppressor cell (Ts cell) on habitual abortion (HA) and to observe the regulatory effect of Yangxue Antai Granule (YXATG) on Ts cell and its effect on fetus preservation.

METHODS

Ts cell activity of 56 pregnant women with HA history was tested with method of shot life Ts cell activity (MTT method) during early pregnancy, and were followed up in middle and late pregnancy in 20 cases of them. All the 56 patients received YXATG treatment. Groups of normal early pregnant, normal non-pregnant and non-pregnant women but with history of habitual abortion were involved in this study as control.

RESULTS

Ts cell activity in early pregnancy was lower than that of middle and late pregnancy (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and also lower than that of the control groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The successful rate of fetus preservation of YXATG was 98.2%, and 98.0% of the cases got a normal delivery.

CONCLUSION

Low Ts cell activity might be the immunologic etiology of HA. The fetus preservative effect of YXATG might be due to its regulatory effect on Ts cell.

Activin receptor-like kinase 1 modulates transforming growth factor-beta 1 signaling in the regulation of angiogenesis

The activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is a type I receptor for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family proteins. Expression of ALK1 in blood vessels and mutations of the ALK1 gene in human type II hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia patients suggest that ALK1 may have an important role during vascular development. To define the function of ALK1 during development, we inactivated the ALK1 gene in mice by gene targeting. The ALK1 homozygous embryos die at midgestation, exhibiting severe vascular abnormalities characterized by excessive fusion of capillary plexes into cavernous vessels and hyperdilation of large vessels. These vascular defects are associated with enhanced expression of angiogenic factors and proteases and are characterized by deficient differentiation and recruitment of vascular smooth muscle cells. The blood vessel defects in ALK1-deficient mice are reminiscent of mice lacking TGF-beta1, TGF-beta type II receptor (TbetaR-II), or endoglin, suggesting that ALK1 may mediate TGF-beta1 signal in endothelial cells. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate that ALK1 in endothelial cells binds to TGF-beta1 and TbetaR-II. Furthermore, the ALK1 signaling pathway can inhibit TGF-beta1-dependent transcriptional activation mediated by the known TGF-beta1 type I receptor, ALK5. Taken together, our results suggest that the balance between the ALK1 and ALK5 signaling pathways in endothelial cells plays a crucial role in determining vascular endothelial properties during angiogenesis.

Asymmetry of brain functional activation: fMRI study under language and music stimulation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the asymmetry of the human brain functional activation.

METHODS

With the help of GE Signa Horizon MRI system, 14 cases of right-handed volunteers were examined and the blood oxygenation level dependent method was used. The T1-weighted images were obtained with spin echo pulse sequence and the functional imaging (T2*-weighted) was performed using a single shot echo planar imaging pulse sequence. Data analysis was done with Sun Sparc Workstation and by the method of student t test or correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Most of activation areas were in the left hemisphere under language stimulation, while they were in the right side under music stimulation. Besides, a few brain areas in the contralateral cerebral cortex were also activated under both stimulations.

CONCLUSION

The present study supported the hypothesis of the asymmetry of brain functional activation and many brain areas of the cerebral cortex as well as both hemispheres worked in coordination. In addition, it also proved that fMRI is a feasible method in the study of human brain in vivo.

Caspase-12 mediates endoplasmic-reticulum-specific apoptosis and cytotoxicity by amyloid-beta

Apoptosis, or cellular suicide, is important for normal development and tissue homeostasis, but too much or too little apoptosis can also cause disease. The family of cysteine proteases, the so- called caspases, are critical mediators of programmed cell death, and thus far 14 family members have been identified. Some of these, such as caspase-8, mediate signal transduction downstream of death receptors located on the plasma membrane. Others, such as caspase-9, mediate apoptotic signals after mitochondrial damage. Stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can also result in apoptosis. Here we show that caspase-12 is localized to the ER and activated by ER stress, including disruption of ER calcium homeostasis and accumulation of excess proteins in ER, but not by membrane- or mitochondrial-targeted apoptotic signals. Mice that are deficient in caspase-12 are resistant to ER stress-induced apoptosis, but their cells undergo apoptosis in response to other death stimuli. Furthermore, we show that caspase-12-deficient cortical neurons are defective in apoptosis induced by amyloid-beta protein but not by staurosporine or trophic factor deprivation. Thus, caspase-12 mediates an ER-specific apoptosis pathway and may contribute to amyloid-beta neurotoxicity.

[Effect of kidney-replenishing herbs on ovarian function of dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Kidney-replenishing herbs (KRH) on ovarian function of experimental rats with dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis (OP).

METHODS

Radioimmunoassay was used to analyse blood level of growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) of animals and data of three groups, the normal control group, the pathologic control group (non-treated OP model) and the treated group (model rats treated with KRH) were compared. Weight and histomorphological features of ovary and uterus of the rats were also observed.

RESULTS

As compared with the normal control group, levels of GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P in the pathologic control group were significantly lowered (P < 0.05), and the weight of ovary and uterus decreased (P < 0.05). In comparison of the treated group and the pathologic group, GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P levels were significantly higher and weight of ovary and uterus heavier in the treated group (P < 0.05). No obvious changes occurred in T and PRL levels. KRH showed markedly improving effect on the ovarian and uterine morphological construction of rats.

CONCLUSIONS

KRH could elevate the level of GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P, increase the weight and improve the histomorphologic features of ovary and uterus in OP rats, it demonstrated that KRH has therapeutic effect in treating dexamethasone-induced OP rats.

Neuroendocrine differentiation in ovarian mucinous tumors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between neuroendocrine differentiation in ovarian mucinous tumors and its genesis.

METHODS

A morphologic study of seventy-three cases of ovarian mucinous tumors (32 benign, 20 borderline, 21 malignant) using immunohistochemical and immunohistochemical/histochemical double staining techniques.

RESULTS

The study showed that in tumors of benign, borderline and malignant types, the incidence of chromogranin A (CgA) positive cells was 62.5%, 75%, 76% and that of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) positive cells was 31.3%, 40% and 39%, respectively. Neuroendocrine cells (NEC) were not evenly distributed in any tumor. In four cases of the benign tumors, the number of CgA positive cells was more than 30 percent, localizing between the glandular basement membrane and the mucinous epithelial cells, with many intermediate cells containing both CgA and periodic acid-schiff (PAS) positive granules.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of both neuroendocrine and exocrine granules within the same cell has been previously described as "intermediate" in pancreatic hyperplasia, pancreatic tumors and lung signet-ring cell carcinoids. This has not previously been observed in benign ovarian mucinous tumors. Finding both endocrine and exocrine granules within a single cell seems to indicate a histogenetic relationship between the ovarian endocrine and exocrine cells. The four cases of the benign tumors might be originated from a common stem cell, such as the so-called amphocrine cell. The relationship between these four tumors and neuroendocrine differentiation in ovarian mucinous tumors needs to be further clarified.

A case-control study of galactose consumption and metabolism in relation to ovarian cancer

Consumption or metabolism of dairy sugar and ovarian cancer have been linked based on evidence that galactose may be toxic to ovarian germ cells and that ovarian cancer is induced in animals by depletion of oocytes. We assessed consumption of dairy products and obtained blood for biochemical and molecular genetic assessment of galactose metabolism in 563 women with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer and 523 control women selected either by random digit dialing or through lists of residents in eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We observed no significant differences between cases and controls in usual consumption of various types of dairy products or total daily lactose (the principal source of galactose in the diet); nor did we find that RBC activity of either galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) or galactokinase differed. The mean (and SE) activity of uridine diphospho-galactose 4'-epimerase (in micromoles per hour per gram of hemoglobin) was, however, significantly lower (P < 0.005) in cases compared with controls, 20.32 (0.31) versus 21.64 (0.36). Ovarian cancer cases were also more likely to carry the N314D polymorphism of the GALT gene, generally predisposing to lower GALT activity. The difference was most evident for endometrioid and clear cell types of ovarian cancer, in which 3.9% of cases were found to be homozygous for N314D compared with 0.4% of controls, yielding an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 14.17 (2.62-76.60). We conclude that, whereas adult consumption of lactose carries no clear risk for the disease, certain genetic or biochemical features of galactose metabolism may influence disease risk for particular types of ovarian cancer.

The natural history of a posteriorly dislocated total hip replacement

A retrospective review was conducted to delineate the natural history of the posteriorly dislocated total hip replacement. A total of 1,036 consecutive total hip replacements were performed between 1989 and 1992. Forty (3.9%) were known to have dislocated posteriorly. Twenty-four of these dislocations occurred after primary replacements, and 16 occurred after revision. Eighty-five percent of the dislocations occurred within 2 months and were reduced closed. No statistical differences were noted between these 2 groups with respect to height, weight, sex, age, and femoral and acetabular anteversion. Nonunion of the greater trochanter, modular femoral neck length, and operative approach appeared to affect hip stability. Twenty-three of the 40 dislocated hips (57.5%) redislocated. Sixteen of the 40 hips (40%) required reoperation for recurrent dislocation. Thirteen of the 16 revisions (81.3%) were successful. A dislocated total hip replacement that has been rendered stable does not preclude one from having a successful total hip replacement, and it does not appear to affect survivorship at intermediate follow-up.

Capillary array electrophoretic NMR of proteins in biological buffer solutions

The capillary array electrophoretic NMR (CA-ENMR) was developed to study protein mixtures in biological buffer solutions of high ionic strength. By enhancing the strength of the effective electric field across the sample, the technique permits the detection of the electrophoretic motion of 1 mM lysozyme in 50 mM NaH(2)PO(4) aqueous solution, which was previously not achievable using conventional ENMR. Heat-induced convection was dramatically reduced by blocking convective current loops and by improving the efficiency of heat exchange. Thus, the capability of ENMR study of electrolyte solutions was extended from low to high ionic strength. In addition, capillary walls reduced rf-induced electrical eddy current, thereby maintaining good probe Q factors. Because of its parallel configuration to the static magnetic field, the capillary array chamber produced no susceptibility distortions of the ENMR signal. The technique offers great potential in characterizing multiple protein conformations and protein interactions in solution.

Atp6i-deficient mice exhibit severe osteopetrosis due to loss of osteoclast-mediated extracellular acidification

Solubilization of bone mineral by osteoclasts depends on the formation of an acidic extracellular compartment through the action of a V-proton pump that has not yet been characterized at the molecular level. We previously cloned a gene (Atp6i, for V-proton pump, H+ transporting (vacuolar proton pump) member I) encoding a putative osteoclast-specific proton pump subunit, termed OC-116kD (ref. 4). Here we show that targeted disruption of Atp6i in mice results in severe osteopetrosis. Atp6i-/- osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) lose the function of extracellular acidification, but retain intracellular lysosomal proton pump activity. The pH in Atp6i-/- liver lysosomes and proton transport in microsomes of Atp6i-/- kidney are identical to that in wild-type mice. Atp6i-/- mice exhibit a normal acid-base balance in blood and urine. Our results demonstrate that Atp6i is unique and necessary for osteoclast-mediated extracellular acidification.

The nitric oxide-producing properties of Solanum lyratum

We examined the effect of Solanum lyratum Thunb. (Solanaceae) (SL) on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with SL after the treatment of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) resulted in increased NO synthesis. SL had no effect on NO synthesis by itself. When SL was used in combination with rIFN-gamma, there was a marked cooperative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal effect of SL on NO synthesis was shown 6 h after treatment with rIFN-gamma. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus SL-stimulated cells was decreased by the treatment with staurosporin. In addition, synergy between rIFN-gamma and SL was mainly dependent on SL-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. All the preparations of SL were endotoxin free. The present results indicate that the capacity of SL to increase NO production from rIFN-gamma-primed mouse peritoneal macrophages is the result of SL-induced TNF-alpha secretion via the signal transduction pathway of PKC activation.

DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are essential for de novo methylation and mammalian development

The establishment of DNA methylation patterns requires de novo methylation that occurs predominantly during early development and gametogenesis in mice. Here we demonstrate that two recently identified DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are essential for de novo methylation and for mouse development. Inactivation of both genes by gene targeting blocks de novo methylation in ES cells and early embryos, but it has no effect on maintenance of imprinted methylation patterns. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b also exhibit nonoverlapping functions in development, with Dnmt3b specifically required for methylation of centromeric minor satellite repeats. Mutations of human DNMT3B are found in ICF syndrome, a developmental defect characterized by hypomethylation of pericentromeric repeats. Our results indicate that both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b function as de novo methyltransferases that play important roles in normal development and disease.

DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are essential for de novo methylation and mammalian development

The establishment of DNA methylation patterns requires de novo methylation that occurs predominantly during early development and gametogenesis in mice. Here we demonstrate that two recently identified DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are essential for de novo methylation and for mouse development. Inactivation of both genes by gene targeting blocks de novo methylation in ES cells and early embryos, but it has no effect on maintenance of imprinted methylation patterns. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b also exhibit nonoverlapping functions in development, with Dnmt3b specifically required for methylation of centromeric minor satellite repeats. Mutations of human DNMT3B are found in ICF syndrome, a developmental defect characterized by hypomethylation of pericentromeric repeats. Our results indicate that both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b function as de novo methyltransferases that play important roles in normal development and disease.

Targeted disruption of mouse Yin Yang 1 transcription factor results in peri-implantation lethality

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor and a target of viral oncoproteins. To determine the biological role of YY1 in mammalian development, we generated mice deficient for YY1 by gene targeting. Homozygosity for the mutated YY1 allele results in embryonic lethality in the mouse. YY1 mutants undergo implantation and induce uterine decidualization but rapidly degenerate around the time of implantation. A subset of YY1 heterozygote embryos are developmentally retarded and exhibit neurulation defects, suggesting that YY1 may have additional roles during later stages of mouse embryogenesis. Our studies demonstrate an essential function for YY1 in the development of the mouse embryo.

The type II activin receptors are essential for egg cylinder growth, gastrulation, and rostral head development in mice

The type II activin receptors, ActRIIA and ActRIIB, have been shown to play critical roles in axial patterning and organ development in mice. To investigate whether their function is required for mesoderm formation and gastrulation as implicated in Xenopus studies, we generated mice carrying both receptor mutations by interbreeding the ActRIIA and ActRIIB knockout mutants. We found that embryos homozygous for both receptor mutations were growth arrested at the egg cylinder stage and did not form mesoderm. Further analyses revealed that ActRIIA(-/-)ActRIIB(+/-) and about 15% of the ActRIIA(-/-) embryos failed to form an elongated primitive streak, resulting in severe disruption of mesoderm formation in the embryo proper. Interestingly, we observed similar gastrulation defects in ActRIIA(-/-)nodal(+/-) double mutants, which, if they developed beyond the gastrulation stage, displayed rostral head defects and cyclopia. These results provide genetic evidence that type II activin receptors are required for egg cylinder growth, primitive streak formation, and rostral head development in mice.

Cloning, expression and chromosome locations of the human DNMT3 gene family

DNA methylation plays an important role in animal development and gene regulation. In mammals, several genes encoding DNA cytosine methyltransferases have been identified. DNMT1 is constitutively expressed and is required for the maintenance of global methylation after DNA replication. In contrast, the murine Dnmt3 family genes appear to be developmentally regulated and behave like de novo DNA methyltransferases in vitro. In this study, we have cloned human DNMT3A and DNMT3B that encode full-length DNMT3A and DNMT3B proteins with 98% and 94% amino acid sequence identity to their murine homologues. The DNMT3A and DNMT3B show high homology in the carboxy terminal catalytic domain and contain a conserved cysteine-rich region, which shares homology with the X-linked ATRX gene of the SNF2/SWI family. We have mapped human DNMT3A and DNMT3B to chromosomes 2p23 and 20q11.2 respectively, and determined the DNMT3B genomic structure. We further show that DNMT3A expression is ubiquitous and can be readily detected in most adult tissues, whereas DNMT3B is expressed at very low levels in most tissues except testis, thyroid and bone marrow. Significantly, both DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression is elevated in several tumor cell lines to levels comparable to DNMT1. The cloning of the human DNMT3 genes will facilitate further biochemical and genetic studies of their functions in establishment of DNA methylation patterns, regulation of gene expression and tumorigenesis.

The nitric oxide-producing activities of Scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) has antibacterial and antiviral activities. Nitric oxide (NO) as a potent macrophage-derived effector molecule against a variety of bacteria, viruses and tumors has received increasing attention. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of SB on the production of NO. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with SB after the treatment of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) resulted in the increased NO production. SB had no effect on NO production by itself. When SB was used in combination with rIFN-gamma, there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal effect of SB on NO production was shown 6 h after treatment with rIFN-gamma. NO production by SB was inhibited by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine. The increased production of NO from rIFN-(gamma) plus SB-stimulated cells was decreased by the treatment of protein kinase C inhibitor such as staurosporin. In addition, synergy between rIFN-gamma and SB was mainly dependent on SB-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. All the preparations of SB were endotoxin free. These results suggest that the capacity of SB to increase NO production from rIFN-gamma-primed mouse peritoneal macrophages is the result of SB-induced TNF-gamma secretion.

Microbial transformation of sampangine

Microbial transformation studies of the antifungal alkaloid sampangine (2) have revealed that it is metabolized by a number of microorganisms. Using a standard two-stage fermentation technique, Beauvaria bassiana (ATCC 7159), Doratomyces microsporus (ATCC 16225), and Filobasidiella neoformans (ATCC 10226) produced the 4'-O-methyl-beta-glucopyranose conjugate (3), while Absidia glauca (ATCC 22752), Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 9245), Cunninghamella species (NRRL 5695), and Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 11145) produced the beta-glucopyranose conjugate (4). Metabolites 3 and 4 have been characterized on the basis of spectral data. Both 3 and 4 had significant in vitro activity against Cryptococcus neoformans but were inactive against Candida albicans. Metabolite 4 was inactive in vivo in a mouse model of cryptococcosis.

The type I serine/threonine kinase receptor ActRIA (ALK2) is required for gastrulation of the mouse embryo

ActRIA (or ALK2), one of the type I receptors of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, can bind both activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in conjunction with the activin and BMP type II receptors, respectively. In mice, ActRIA is expressed primarily in the extraembryonic visceral endoderm before gastrulation and later in both embryonic and extraembryonic cells during gastrulation. To elucidate its function in mouse development, we disrupted the transmembrane domain of ActRIA by gene targeting. We showed that embryos homozygous for the mutation were arrested at the early gastrulation stage, displaying abnormal visceral endoderm morphology and severe disruption of mesoderm formation. To determine in which germ layer ActRIA functions during gastrulation, we performed reciprocal chimera analyses. (1) Homozygous mutant ES cells injected into wild-type blastocysts were able to contribute to all three definitive germ layers in chimeric embryos. However, a high contribution of mutant ES cells in chimeras disrupted normal development at the early somite stage. (2) Consistent with ActRIA expression in the extraembryonic cells, wild-type ES cells failed to rescue the gastrulation defect in chimeras in which the extraembryonic ectoderm and visceral endoderm were derived from homozygous mutant blastocysts. Furthermore, expression of HNF4, a key visceral endoderm-specific transcription regulatory factor, was significantly reduced in the mutant embryos. Together, our results indicate that ActRIA in extraembryonic cells plays a major role in early gastrulation, whereas ActRIA function is also required in embryonic tissues during later development in mice.

The effects of economic reform on health insurance and the financial burden for urban workers in China

Since 1980, Chinese enterprises have been undergoing reforms in employment practice, taxation, and workers' health/welfare benefits coverage. In particular, Chinese businesses have been facing a major challenge with respect to the financial burden of providing medical benefits to their workers. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of enterprise reform on workers' health care benefits and their financial burden due to medical expenses. This study is based on a 1992 survey conducted in 22 cities, and included 406 enterprises and 5920 workers. It was found that there were wide variations of coverage for health care benefits among urban Chinese workers. It was also found that workers with partial coverage were as likely to incur out-of-pocket medical expenditures as workers without coverage. These out-of-pocket medical expenditures could reach as high as 25% of a worker's annual income. Policy recommendations are discussed at the end of the paper.