Embryonic protective role of folate in arsenic-induced cardiac malformations in rats

BACKGROUND

To investigate impacts of sodium arsenic (NaAsO₂) on embryonic cardiac development in rats and evaluate the protective role of folate in NaAsO₂ exposure rats.

METHODS

We divided 90 female rats randomly into 9 groups. Group A was the control; group B-F were the animals fed with NaAsO₂ in a series of increased doses, corresponding to 9.4 mg/L, 18.8 mg/L, 37.5 mg/L, 75 mg/L and 150 mg/L, respectively; group G-I were fed with 75 mg/L of NaAsO₂, in addition of folate with doses of 0.53 mg/kg, 5.3 mg/kg, and 10.6 mg/kg, respectively. Their fetus' general development and cardiovascular systems were examined. Nkx2.5, GATA4, TBX5 gene and protein expression were measured.

RESULTS

Relatively to group A, arsenic treated group C-F rats generated significantly lower weight of fetus and placenta (P<0.05), whereas the folate-treated groups H and I were significantly heavier than the arsenic-treated group E (P<0.05). We observed that incidences of cardiac malformations were significantly greater in arsenic-treated group E and F than group A (P<0.05). We found that the Nkx2.5 and GATA4 protein expression in the fetal hearts were downregulated in group B-F compared to group A. But the expression of them was significantly upregulated in group H-I relatively to group E (P<0.05). Moreover, the TBX5 gene expression was increased in both group D-F and G-I when they were compared to group A or group E, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

NaAsO₂ induce embryonic cardiac defection and folate supplement alleviate this impairment through modulation of the Nkx2.5, GATA4 and TBX5 gene expression.

Triple therapy versus amphotericin B plus flucytosine for the treatment of non-HIV- and non-transplant-associated cryptococcal meningitis: retrospective cohort study

Objectives Amphotericin B plus flucytosine is the most widely used induction therapy regimen for non-HIV-infected and non-transplant patients; however, the therapeutic outcomes are unsatisfactory, especially when two antifungal drugs are at sub-therapeutic doses. Methods In this study of induction therapy, all non-HIV-infected, non-transplant patients with a first episode of cryptococcal meningitis were divided into two groups. In group I, the patients received amphotericin B plus 5-flucytosine. In group II, in addition to amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine, the patients also received fluconazole. Results In this study, 32 patients were included in group I, and the other 30 were in group II. Although patients from group II had higher fungal burdens with approximately 2100 Cryptococci/ml CSF before treatment, they had a significantly higher frequency of satisfactory outcomes (80% vs. 50%, respectively, P = 0.014). Less time for more patients in group II to have CSF sterilization (P = 0.021; P = 0.046). And more patients in group II had improved neurological function circumstances evaluated by comparing the BMRC staging between patients at discharge and follow-up 10 weeks (P = 0.032). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion Triple therapy a superior alternative induction regimen for patients with non-HIV- and non-transplant-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

A novel mutation of WFS1 gene in a Chinese patient with Wolfram syndrome: a case report

Background

Wolfram syndrome (WS), caused by mutations of the Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) gene on chromosome 4p16.1, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diabetes insipidus (DI), neuro-psychiatric disorders, hearing deficit, and urinary tract anomalies.

Case presentation

Here we report a 11-year-old Chinese boy who presented with visual loss, was suspected with optic neuritis (ON) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and referred to our department for further diagnosis. Finally he was diagnosed with WS because of diabetes mellitus (DM) and optic atrophy (OA). Eight exons and flanking introns of WFS1 gene were analyzed by sequencing. A novel mutation c.1760G > A in WFS1 gene of exon 8 was identified.

Conclusion

This report reviews a case of WS associated with a novel mutation, c.1760G > A in WFS1 gene of exon 8, and emphasizes that WS should be taken into account for juveniles with visual loss and diabetes mellitus.

Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Ilex kudingcha C. J. tseng by using UPLC and UHPLC-qTOF-MS/MS

In this study, a systematic method was established for the holistic quality control of Ilex kudingcha C. J. Tseng, a popular functional drink for adjuvant treatment of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. For qualitative analysis, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-qTOF-MS) method was established for rapid separation and structural identification of the constituents in Ilex kudingcha. Samples were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3C₁₈ column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) by gradient elution using 0.1% (v/v) formic acid (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B) as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.25 mL min^-1. The chromatographic profiling of Ilex kudingcha by UHPLC-qTOF-MS/MS resulted in the characterization of 53 compounds, comprising 18 compounds that were unambiguously identified by comparison with reference standards. For quantitative analysis, 18 major compounds from 15 batches of Ilex kudingcha samples were simultaneously detected by UPLC-DAD at wavelengths of 210 nm, 260 nm, and 326 nm. The method was validated with respect to precision, linearity, repeatability, stability, accuracy, and so on. The contents of the 18 target compounds were applied for hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to differentiate between the samples. The results of HCA and PCA were consistent with each other. Sample No. 1 differed significantly based on HCA and PCA, and the differentiating components were confirmed to originate from different batches of samples. Phenolic acids and triterpenes were found to be the main ingredients in Ilex kudingcha. This strategy was effective and straightforward, and provided a potential approach for holistic quality control of Ilex kudingcha.

Comprehensive analysis of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) combined with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and seropositive for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody

Previous research indicated the association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection/vaccination and the onset of demyelinating diseases. However, most of these studies were single case reports, and comprehensive data are still scarce. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of 10 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) combined with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and seropositive for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, outcome, and follow-up data of the 10 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The median age at the onset of NMOSD was 35 years (range 25-43). Nine patients were female (90%). All patients were positive for HBsAg and had been diagnosed with CHB earlier than with NMOSD. One patient had an autoimmune disease. All patients had normal thyroid function. Paresthesia and visual impairment were the most common clinical symptoms. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters (protein and glucose) were normal in 10 cases, whereas slightly higher CSF white blood cell count was detected in 3 patients. The brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging findings were abnormal in 8 patients. All patients were treated with hormone and immunosuppressive therapy, and anti-HBV agents. Patients with detectable serum HBV DNA were more prone to liver damage after receiving high doses of corticosteroids. In 8 patients, the symptoms improved before they were discharged. Two patients with optic neuritis (ON) maintained the symptoms. A month later, 1/8 patient had recurrence of symptoms, and one ON patient progressed to NMO. Overall, the characteristics of NMOSD patients with CHB and seropositive for AQP4-Ab are usually nonspecific. Abnormal liver function test results in NMOSD patients should be a warning of possible CHB infection, and the treatment should be modified accordingly.

Abstract P4-06-19: Understanding factors associated with uptake of BRCA genetic testing among Orthodox Jewish women using a mixed-methods approach

Background: The prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations among Ashkenazi Jews is 1 in 40. Compared to family history-based BRCA testing, population-based testing has been shown to detect more mutation carriers in this population. Orthodox Jews (OJ) are the largest and fastest-growing Jewish population in NY and represent a spectrum of observance including Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish, and Chassidic. This understudied population has unique social, cultural, and religious factors that may influence BRCA genetic testing. We examined factors influencing BRCA genetic testing decision-making and uptake among OJ women.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey and 4 focus groups among OJ women in 5 communities in the NY/NJ area. The online survey included items on demographics, breast cancer risk factors, and validated measures of genetic testing intention/knowledge, breast cancer worry/risk perception, stigma, and religious/cultural factors affecting medical decision-making. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted. We conducted 4 focus groups with purposive sampling of women who responded to the survey. The qualitative analysis of the semi-structured focus group discussions further explored factors affecting BRCA genetic testing uptake.

Results: Among 321 evaluable survey participants, median age was 47 years (range, 25-82); 55.8% were Modern Orthodox, 30.5% Yeshivish, and 2.8% Chassidic; 84% were married; 6.2% and 0.6% had a history of breast and ovarian cancer, respectively. Although 57.6% had a masters or doctoral degree, only 37.7% had adequate genetic testing knowledge. Nearly 20% of the surveyed women had undergone BRCA genetic testing. After adjusting for known confounders, women who met family history criteria for BRCA genetic testing were nearly 10 times more likely to undergo genetic testing. Modern Orthodox compared to non-Modern Orthodox women and married compared to unmarried women were more likely to undergo genetic testing (odds ratio [OR]=2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03-5.17; OR=3.49, 95% CI=1.03-11.80, respectively). Compared to Modern Orthodox women, non-Modern Orthodox women were more likely to consult with a rabbi or religious figure when considering genetic testing and other medical decisions. The focus group participants (N=31) confirmed the importance of rabbinic consultation in medical decision-making. Although stigma was not associated with genetic testing uptake in our survey data, it emerged as a prominent factor in decision-making among focus group participants due to its potential impact on marriageability and family.

Conclusions: We found that non-Modern Orthodox and unmarried women are less likely to seek BRCA genetic testing. Among non-Modern Orthodox women, rabbinic consultation was an important factor in genetic testing decision-making. By understanding the religious and cultural issues regarding genetic testing in the OJ community and by engaging faith-based leaders, we can develop culturally sensitive interventions designed to enhance knowledge and informed choice about BRCA genetic testing, which may facilitate the implementation of population-based genetic screening among Ashkenazi Jews.

Citation Format: Trivedi MS, Colbeth H, Yi H, Vanegas A, Starck R, Chung WK, Appelbaum PS, Kukafka R, Schechter I, Crew KD. Understanding factors associated with uptake of BRCA genetic testing among Orthodox Jewish women using a mixed-methods approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-19.

Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report on the observation of new properties of secondary cosmic rays Li, Be, and B measured in the rigidity (momentum per unit charge) range 1.9 GV to 3.3 TV with a total of 5.4×10^{6} nuclei collected by AMS during the first five years of operation aboard the International Space Station. The Li and B fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 7 GV and all three fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 30 GV with the Li/Be flux ratio of 2.0±0.1. The three fluxes deviate from a single power law above 200 GV in an identical way. This behavior of secondary cosmic rays has also been observed in the AMS measurement of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O but the rigidity dependences of primary cosmic rays and of secondary cosmic rays are distinctly different. In particular, above 200 GV, the secondary cosmic rays harden more than the primary cosmic rays.

High adsorption of methylene blue by salicylic acid-methanol modified steel converter slag and evaluation of its mechanism

A novel adsorbent based on steel converter slag (SCS), useful for adsorbing cationic pollutants from water was prepared by a simple method. The characterization showed that salicylic acid-methanol (SAM) modification selectively removed calcium silicate minerals from the surface of SCS and lead to a prominent increase in the specific surface areas. The maximum adsorption capacity of SAM-modified SCS for methylene blue (MB) at initial pH of 7.0 and temperature of 293 K was 41.62 mg/g, which is 35.2-times higher than that of SCS (1.15 mg/g). Adsorption kinetics and isotherms of MB on the SAM-modified SCS can be satisfactorily fitted by pseudo-second order kinetic and Langmuir model, respectively, which suggest that single-layer chemical adsorption was mainly responsible for MB removal. Further studies showed that pH value and ionic strength of wastewater have minimal effects on the adsorption capacity of SAM-modified SCS. A small decrease (<10%) was found in the adsorption capacity of SAM-modified SCS after five cycles. These findings indicate that SAM-modified SCS is a promising adsorbent for the efficient removal of MB from aqueous solution due to its low cost, good thermal stability, excellent adsorption performance and simple separation.

Analysis of the structure and abnormal photoluminescence of a red-emitting LiMgBO3:Mn2+ phosphor

In LiMgBO₃:Mn²⁺ phosphor, the origin of the abnormal luminescence (deep red emission) of Mn²⁺ in five-coordinated configuration has been disclosed.

Sorption, transport and biodegradation - An insight into bioavailability of persistent organic pollutants in soil

Contamination of soils with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticide, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, halohydrocarbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is of increasing concern. Microbial degradation is potential mechanism for the removal of POPs, but it is often restricted by low bioavailability of POPs. Thus, it is important to enhance bioavailability of POPs in soil bioremediation. A series of reviews on bioavailability of POPs has been published in the past few years. However, bioavailability of POPs in relation to soil organic matter, minerals and soil microbes has been little studied. To fully understand POPs bioavailability in soil, research on interactions of POPs with soil components and microbial responses in bioavailability limitation conditions are needed. This review focuses on bioavailability mechanisms of POPs in terms of sorption, transport and microbial adaptation, which is particularly novel. In consideration of the significance of bioavailability, further studies should investigate the influence of various bioremediation strategies on POPs bioavailability.

Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90×10^{6} helium, 8.4×10^{6} carbon, and 7.0×10^{6} oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.

[Genetic Polymorphisms of 17 Y-STR Loci in Nantong Han Population]

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the genetic phenotypes of Nantong Han population and evaluate the application value of 17 Y-STR loci in Nantong population.

METHODS

The peripheral blood samples were collected from 343 unrelated Nantong Han males and the genomic DNA were extracted by Chelex-100 method. Genotyping was performed using the AmpFℓSTR Yfiler™ Kit. The results were compared with other 12 Han populations, including Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, Zhejiang （1）, Lanzhou, Nanyang, Luzhou, Mudanjiang, Shanxi and Zhejiang （2）, and 9 minority populations （Mongol, Xibe, Tibetan in Lhasa, Tibetan in Qinghai, Kazak, Uighur, Manchu, Paiwan in Taiwan and Tujia）.

RESULTS

A total of 327 different haplotypes were found in 17 Y-STR loci in Nantong Han population. The haplotype diversity （HD） was 0.999 7. The R_st value between Nantong Han and other Chinese populations ranged from -0.000 6 to 0.263 5. The multidimensional scaling results showed that Nantong Han population had no significant differences between most of the Han populations, but had significant differences between most of Chinese minority populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Seventeen Y-STR loci can be a powerful tool for forensic application because of its high polymorphism in Nantong Han population.

Study of Absorption Characteristics of the Total Saponins from Radix Ilicis Pubescentis in an In Situ Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) Rat Model by Using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

In contrast to the extensively reported therapeutic activities, far less attention has been paid to the intestinal absorption of the total saponins from Radix Ilicis Pubescentis (in Chinese Mao-Dong-Qing, MDQ). This study aimed to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics of ilexgenin A (C1), ilexsaponin A1 (C2), ilexsaponin B1 (C3), ilexsaponin B2 (C4), ilexsaponin B3 (DC1), and ilexoside O (DC2) when administrated with the total saponins from MDQ (MDQ-TS). An UPLC method for simultaneous determination of C1, C2, C3, C4, DC1, and DC2 in intestinal outflow perfusate was developed and validated. The absorption characteristics of MDQ-TS were investigated by evaluating the effects of intestinal segments, drug concentration, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor (verapomil), endocytosis inhibitor (amantadine) and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, tight junction modulator) on the intestinal transportation of MDQ-TS by using a single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) rat model, and the influence of co-existing components on the intestinal transport of the six saponins was discussed. The results showed that effective apparent permeability (P_app) of C1, C2, C3, C4, and DC2 administrated in MDQ-TS form had no segment-dependent changes at low and middle dosage levels. C1, C2, C3, D4, DC1, and DC2 administrated in MDQ-TS form all exhibited excellent transmembrane permeability with P_app > 0.12 × 10⁻² cm·min⁻¹. Meanwhile, P_app and effective absorption rate constant (K_a) values for the most saponins showed concentration dependence and saturation characteristics. After combining with P-gp inhibitor of verapamil, P_app of C2, C3, and DC1 in MDQ-TS group was significantly increased up to about 2.3-fold, 1.4-fold, and 3.4-fold, respectively in comparison to that of non-verapamil added group. Verapamil was found to improve the absorption of C2, C3, and DC1, indicating the involvement of an active transport mechanism in the absorption process. Compared with the non-amantadine added group, the absorption of C1, C2, C4, DC1, and DC2 were decreased by 40%, 71%, 31%, 53%, and 100%, respectively. P_app for the six target compounds increased up to about 1.2–2.1-fold in comparison with the non-EDTA added, respectively. The gastrointestinal transport of MDQ-TS could be greatly promoted by EDTA, and inhibited by amantadine, implying that the intestinal absorption of MDQ-TS was by passive diffusion and endocytosis process. Compared with monomer administration group, the intestinal absorption of C3, C4, DC1, and DC2 was significantly improved by co-existing components in MDQ-TS, and the non-absorbable saponins of C4, DC1, and DC2 unexpectedly showed sufficient intestinal permeability with P_app > 0.12 × 10⁻² cm·min⁻¹. This suggested that compounds orally administrated in TCM extract forms displayed unique intestinal absorption characteristics different from those of monomers, and the enhancing intestinal absorption of MDQ-TS reflected a holistic and specific view of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs).

White rot fungi and advanced combined biotechnology with nanomaterials: promising tools for endocrine-disrupting compounds biotransformation

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) can interfere with endocrine systems and bio-accumulate through the food chain and even decrease biodiversity in contaminated areas. This review discusses a critical overview of recent research progress in the biotransformation of EDCs (including polychlorinated biphenyl and nonylphenol, and suspected EDCs such as heavy metals and sulfonamide antibiotics) by white rot fungi (WRF) based on techniques with an emphasis on summarizing and analyzing fungal molecular, metabolic and genetic mechanisms. Not only intracellular metabolism which seems to perform essential roles in the ability of WRF to transform EDCs, but also advanced applications are deeply discussed. This review mainly reveals the removal pathway of heavy metal and antibiotic pollutants because the single pollution almost did not exist in a real environment while the combined pollution has become more serious and close to people's life. The trends in WRF technology and its related advanced applications which use the combined technology, including biocatalysis of WRF and adsorption of nanomaterials, to degrade EDCs have also been introduced. Furthermore, challenges and future research needs EDCs biotransformation by WRF are also discussed. This research, referring to metabolic mechanisms and the combined technology of WRF with nanomaterials, undoubtedly contributes to the applications of biotechnology. This review will be of great benefit to an understanding of the trends in biotechnology for the removal of EDCs.

Ultrafast spin-polarized electron dynamics in the unoccupied topological surface state of Bi2Se3

The three-dimensional topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ presents two cone-like dispersive topological surface states centered at the [Formula: see text] point. One of them is unoccupied in equilibrium conditions and located 1.8 eV above the other one lying close to the Fermi level. In this work we employ time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with circularly polarized pump photons to selectively track the spin dynamics of the empty topological states. We observe that spin-polarized electrons flow along the topological cone and recombine towards the unpolarized bulk states on a timescale of few tens of femtoseconds. This provides direct evidence of the capability to trigger a spin current with circularly polarized light.

Evaluation methods for assessing effectiveness of in situ remediation of soil and sediment contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals

Soil and sediment contamination has become a critical issue worldwide due to its great harm to the ecological environment and public health. In recent years, many remediation technologies including physical, chemical, biological, and combined methods have been proposed and adopted for the purpose of solving the problems of soil and sediment contamination. However, current research on evaluation methods for assessing these remediation technologies is scattered and lacks valid and integrated evaluation methods for assessing the remediation effectiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive review with an environmental perspective on the evaluation methods for assessing the effectiveness of in situ remediation of soil and sediment contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals. The review systematically summarizes recent exploration and attempts of the remediation effectiveness assessment based on the content of pollutants, soil and sediment characteristics, and ecological risks. Moreover, limitations and future research needs of the practical assessment are discussed. These limitations are not conducive to the implementation of the abatement and control programs for soil and sediment contamination. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the evaluation methods for assessing the remediation effectiveness while developing new in situ remediation technologies in future research.

β-Catenin is involved in oleanolic acid-dependent promotion of proliferation in human hair matrix cells in an in vitro organ culture model

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound which can be found in >1600 plants, has been shown to promote hair growth. To study the mechanisms of OA on hair growth, we investigated hair follicle (HF) growth on four different concentration OA using human hair follicle organ culture model. We found that HFs treated with 1 or 10μg/mL OA showed statistically enhanced elongation of the hair shaft and anagen-like stage. Moreover, higher positive rate of Ki-67, a matrix cellular marker of proliferation, was detected in the same groups treated with 1 or 10μg/mL than those treated with vehicle. We further demonstrated that β-catenin, a key Wnt signaling transducer, was highly expressed in the OA treated groups using immunofluorescence stain assay. These results suggest that OA may promote human hair growth by stimulating hair matrix cell proliferation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone tissue engineering

Tissue engineering has become a promising strategy for repairing damaged cartilage and bone tissue. Among the scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications, injectable hydrogels have demonstrated great potential for use as three-dimensional cell culture scaffolds in cartilage and bone tissue engineering, owing to their high water content, similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), porous framework for cell transplantation and proliferation, minimal invasive properties, and ability to match irregular defects. In this review, we describe the selection of appropriate biomaterials and fabrication methods to prepare novel injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone tissue engineering. In addition, the biology of cartilage and the bony ECM is also summarized. Finally, future perspectives for injectable hydrogels in cartilage and bone tissue engineering are discussed.

Abstract P5-10-01: Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors in a predominantly Hispanic population of women undergoing screening mammography

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

The miR-487b-3p/GRM3/TGFβ signaling axis is an important regulator of colon cancer tumorigenesis

Molecular targeting is an import strategy to treat advanced colon cancer. The current study demonstrates that expression of GRM3, a metabotropic glutamate receptor mainly expressed in mammalian central nervous system, is significantly upregulated in majority of human colonic adenocarcinomas tested and colon cancer cell lines. Knockdown of GRM3 expression or inhibition of GRM3 activation in colon cancer cells reduces cell survival and anchorage-independent growth in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, GRM3 antagonizes TGFβ-mediated activation of protein kinase A and inhibition of AKT. In addition, TGFβ signaling increases GRM3 protein stability and knockdown of GRM3 enhances TGFβ-mediated tumor suppressor function. Further studies indicate that miR-487b-3p directly targets GRM3. Overexpression of miR-487b-3p mimics the effects of GRM3 knockdown and suppresses the tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells in vivo. Expression of miR-487b-3p is decreased in colon adenocarcinomas and inversely correlates with GRM3 expression. Taken together, these studies indicate that upregulation of GRM3 expression is a functionally important molecular event in colon cancer, and that GRM3 is a promising molecular target for colon cancer treatment. This is particularly interesting and important from a therapeutic standpoint because numerous metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists are available, many of which have been found unsuitable for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders for reasons such as inability to readily penetrate blood brain barriers. Since GRM3 is upregulated in colon cancer, but rarely expressed in normal peripheral tissues, targeting GRM3 with such agents would not likely cause adverse neurological or peripheral side effects, making GRM3 an attractive and specific molecular target for colon cancer treatment.