Amphiregulin is a vitamin D3 target gene in squamous cell and breast carcinoma

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)2D3] inhibits growth of cells derived from a variety of tumors in vitro and in vivo. Proliferation in vitro of human SCC25 cells, derived from a primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue, was blocked by 1,25(OH)2D3 and its analog EB1089. A similar effect was observed with 13-cis retinoic acid (RA), which has been used in chemoprevention of SCC. We identified amphiregulin, a member of the epidermal growth factor family, as a 1,25(OH)2D3 target gene in SCC25 cells. Induction of amphiregulin mRNA by 1,25(OH)2D3 was rapid and sustained over 48 h, and was unaffected by cycloheximide. 1,25(OH)2D3 also induced amphiregulin mRNA in estrogen receptor-positive and -negative human breast cancer cell lines, but not in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. RAR- or RXR-specific retinoids did not affect amphiregulin mRNA levels in SCC25 cells; however, 13-cis RA partially blocked the response to 1,25(OH)2D3. Amphiregulin partially inhibited growth of SCC25 cells in culture. Our data show that amphiregulin is a 1,25(OH)2D3 target gene, and suggest that its induction may contribute to the growth inhibitory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3.

HHV-8 encoded vIRF-1 represses the interferon antiviral response by blocking IRF-3 recruitment of the CBP/p300 coactivators

Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) has developed unique mechanisms for altering cellular proliferative and apoptotic control pathways by incorporating viral homologs to several cellular regulatory genes into its genome. One of the important pirated genes encoded by the ORF K9 reading frame is a viral homolog of the interferon regulatory factors (IRF), a family of cellular transcription proteins that regulates expression of genes involved in pathogen response, immune modulation and cell proliferation. vIRF-1 has been shown to downregulate the interferon- and IRF-mediated transcriptional activation of ISG and murine IFNA4 gene promoters. In this study we demonstrate that vIRF-1 efficiently inhibited virus-induced expression of endogenous interferon B, CC chemokine RANTES and CXC chemokine IP-10 genes. Co-expression analysis revealed that vIRF-1 selectively blocked IRF-3 but not IRF-7-mediated transactivation. vIRF-1 was able to bind to both IRF-3 and IRF-7 in vivo as detected by coimmunoprecipitation analysis, but did not affect IRF-3 dimerization, nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity. Rather, vIRF-1 interacted with the CBP/p300 coactivators and efficiently inhibited the formation of transcriptionally competent IRF-3-CBP/p300 complexes. These results illustrate that vIRF-1 is able to block the early stages of the IFN response to virus infection by interfering with the activation of IRF-3 responsive, immediate early IFN genes.

O atom transfer from nitric oxide catalyzed by Fe(TPP)

The reaction of NO-Fe(TPP) with low pressures of NO gas proceeds through three distinct transformations, the first of which we suggest is the formation of an N--N-coupled, (NO)(2) adduct intermediate. The subsequent formation of NO(NO(2))Fe(TPP), which under these conditions readily loses NO, suggests that it is formed by addition of free NO(2) to the starting nitrosyl. A mechanism is proposed which implies that the addition of a competitive O atom acceptor would lead to catalytic production of N(2)O. In agreement with the proposed mechanism, the formation of N(2)O is decoupled from the formation of the nitrite by using PPh(3) as the competitive acceptor. The mechanism of O atom transfer was examined by cross-labeling experiments, which show that both O atoms in the intermediate are equivalent, even under catalytic conditions. The formation of an intermediate was confirmed by IR spectroscopy of the heterogeneous reaction of an NO-Fe(TPP) film with gaseous NO, in which transient, isotope-sensitive nu(NO) bands are seen prior to NO(NO(2))Fe(TPP) formation. Mixed (14)N/(15)N label experiments demonstrate coupling between the two bound nitrosyls in the transient species.

Microfabricated reaction and separation systems

Over the past year there have been a number of recent advances in the fields of miniaturized reaction and separation systems, including the construction of fully integrated 'lab-on-a-chip' systems. Microreactors, which initially targeted DNA-based reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction, are now used in several other chemical and biochemical assays. Miniaturized separation columns are currently employed for analyzing a wide variety of samples including DNA, RNA, proteins and cells. Although significant advances have been made at the component level, the realization of an integrated analysis system still remains at the early stages of development.

Infection of central nervous system by motile Enterococcus: first case report

A 66-year-old man with four indwelling ventriculoperitoneal shunts for multiloculated hydrocephalus from a complicated case of meningitis a year before developed shunt infection based on a syndrome of fever, drowsiness, and cerebrospinal fluid neutrophil pleocytosis in the background of repeated surgical manipulation to relieve successive shunt blockages. The cerebrospinal fluid culture, which yielded a motile Enterococcus species, was believed to originate from the gut. This isolate was lost in storage and could not be characterized further. The patient improved with vancomycin and high-dose ampicillin therapy. He relapsed a month later with Enterococcus gallinarum shunt infection, which responded to high-dose ampicillin and gentamicin therapy. This is probably the first case report of motile Enterococcus infection of the central nervous system.

Identification of distinct signaling pathways leading to the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3

Infection of host cells by viruses leads to the activation of multiple signaling pathways, resulting in the expression of host genes involved in the establishment of the antiviral state. Among the transcription factors mediating the immediate response to virus is interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) which is post-translationally modified as a result of virus infection. Phosphorylation of latent cytoplasmic IRF-3 on serine and threonine residues in the C-terminal region leads to dimerization, cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation, association with the p300/CBP coactivator, and stimulation of DNA binding and transcriptional activities. We now demonstrate that IRF-3 is a phosphoprotein that is uniquely activated via virus-dependent C-terminal phosphorylation. Paramyxoviridae including measles virus and rhabdoviridae, vesicular stomatitis virus, are potent inducers of a unique virus-activated kinase activity. In contrast, stress inducers, growth factors, DNA-damaging agents, and cytokines do not induce C-terminal IRF-3 phosphorylation, translocation or transactivation, but rather activate a MAPKKK-related signaling pathway that results in N-terminal IRF-3 phosphorylation. The failure of numerous well characterized pharmacological inhibitors to abrogate virus-induced IRF-3 phosphorylation suggests the involvement of a novel kinase activity in IRF-3 regulation by viruses.

[Areas of brain involved in immunoregulation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the location of brain areas involved in immunoregulation.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the different distribution of cytokines immunopositive cells in the brain of rats immunized via both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injections.

RESULTS

The cytokines immunopositive cells were distributed in the supraoptic (SO) and paraventricular (PV) nuclei of the hypothalamus, the anterior hypothalamic (AH) nucleus, arcuate and median eminence, the lateral hypothalamic nucleus (LH) and the amygdaloid nuclear complex while only the appearance of the cytokines immunopositive cells in LH and amygdaloid nuclear complex in hypothalamus was related with immunization status of the animals. Double-labelling results showed that the cytokines immunopositive cells were neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

We have observed that neurons of the LH and amygdaloid nuclear complex in hypothalamus as a main source of the neuroimmunoregulation played a key role in neuroimmunoregulation and they participated in the neuroimmunoregulation at an early stage of the immune response.

Unusual voltammetry of manganese-substituted myoglobin in surfactant film: evidence for two redox pathways

The surfactant film methodology is used to examine the electrochemistry of manganese-substituted myoglobin. Cyclic voltammograms at different scan rates depict a dynamic exchange between two redox couples, E1 (-0.25 V vs. SCE) and E2 (-0.41 V). Similar behavior is seen for Mn-substituted cytochrome c peroxidase, but the free cofactor, Mn(protoporphyrin IX) yields a single couple (-0.32 V) under the same conditions. A square scheme is proposed which describes equilibration between two different redox pathways associated with different forms of the protein. Overlapping oxidative currents from these two couples can be deconvoluted, and a pseudo first-order rate constant of 2.3 s(-1) is obtained for the reaction following reduction of Mn(III)Mb. Experiments have been performed to probe possible mechanisms for this equilibrium, such as ligand dissociation or reversible adsorption at the electrode surface. A cofactor-induced reorganization of the protein structure is suggested as the basis of the behavior.

Multiple regulatory domains control IRF-7 activity in response to virus infection

Recent studies implicate the interferon regulatory factors (IRF), IRF-3 and IRF-7, as key activators of Type 1 interferon genes, as well as the RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed) chemokine gene. Both IRF-3 and IRF-7 are regulated in part by virus-induced C-terminal phosphorylation, leading to nuclear translocation, stimulation of DNA binding, and transcriptional activities. Structure-function studies with IRF-7 suggested a complex organization of the C-terminal region, with a constitutive activation domain located between amino acids 150-246, an accessory inducibility region at the very end of IRF-7 between amino acids 467 and 503, and an inhibitory region (amino acids 341-467) adjacent to the C-terminal end that interferes with transactivation. Furthermore, an element that increases basal and virus-inducible activity is located between amino acids 278 and 305. A transcriptionally active form of IRF-7 was also generated by substitution of Ser-477 and Ser-479 residues with the phosphomimetic Asp. IRF-7, particularly IRF-7(S477D/S479D), was a strong transactivator of type I interferon and RANTES chemokine gene expression. Unlike wild type IRF-3, IRF-7 overexpression was able to stimulate inteferon gene expression in the absence of virus infection. Using tagged versions of IRF-7 and IRF-3, the formation of homo- and heterodimers was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. These results demonstrate that IRF-3 and IRF-7 transcription factors possess distinct structural characteristics that impart complementary rather than redundant functional roles in cytokine gene activation.

Activation and regulation of interferon regulatory factor 4 in HTLV type 1-infected T lymphocytes

The human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of adult T cell leukemia (ATL), an aggressive and fatal leukemia of CD4(+) T lymphocytes, and is also associated with a neurological demyelinating disease, tropical spastic paraparesis. The oncogenic potential of HTLV-1 resides in the 353-aa, 40-kDa viral Tax oncoprotein, a positive regulator of viral gene transcription. A novel member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors, IRF-4, was shown to be constitutively produced in HTLV-1-infected cells. IRF-4 is transiently expressed in anti-CD3 and PMA/ionomycin-stimulated T lymphocytes but not in continuous non-Tax-expressing T cell lines. In transient coexpression assays, HTLV-1 Tax protein induced the 1. 2-kb IRF-4 promoter, indicating that Tax functions as an indirect trans-activator of the IRF-4 gene. Furthermore, IRF-4 levels in HTLV-1-infected cells appear to be proportional to the level of Tax expression, suggesting a role for IRF-4 in T cell transformation. In an effort to further characterize IRF-4 function, we identified a novel interaction between IRF-4 and FKBP52, a 59-kDa member of the immunophilin family with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity (PPIase). IRF-4-FKBP52 association inhibited the interaction between IRF-4 and its DNA-binding partner PU.1, as well as the trans-activation function of IRF-4/PU.1. FKBP52 association resulted in a structural modification of IRF-4, detectable by immunoblot analysis and by IRF-4 partial proteolysis. These results demonstrate a novel posttranslational mechanism of transcriptional control, mediated through the interaction of an immunophilin with a transcriptional regulator.

Conformal proton radiation therapy of the posterior fossa: a study comparing protons with three-dimensional planned photons in limiting dose to auditory structures

PURPOSE

Conventional radiation therapy for pediatric posterior fossa tumors can cause sequelae such as hearing loss and impairments in language and learning. Modern three-dimensional (3D) treatment techniques have improved dose conformity to the posterior fossa. This report compares the normal tissue dose-sparing capabilities of proton radiation therapy (PRT) with 3D conformal photon plans.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Nine children underwent previous PRT for primary CNS malignancies. Using original planning CT scans, the posterior fossa, inner and middle ear, and temporal lobes were delineated. Three-dimensional treatment plans were generated for protons and photons. Normal tissue exposures were calculated by averaging mean doses received and by analysis of dose-volume histogram.

RESULTS

The 95% isodose encompassed the posterior fossa in all plans. Normal structures received markedly less radiation from PRT plans than from 3D photon plans. The cochlea received an average mean of 25 +/- 4% of the prescribed dose from PRT, and 75 +/- 6% from photons. Forty percent of temporal lobe volume was completely excluded using protons; with photons 90% of the temporal lobe received 31% of the dose.

CONCLUSION

PRT resulted in increased dose sparing of normal structures analyzed. Posterior fossa conformity of 3D photons came at the expense of increasing amounts of normal tissue receiving low to moderate doses.

The dopamine D3 receptor interacts with itself and the truncated D3 splice variant d3nf: D3-D3nf interaction causes mislocalization of D3 receptors

We have generated a stable cell line expressing FLAG epitope-tagged D3 dopamine receptors and used this cell line to study D3 receptor-protein interactions. To analyze protein interactions, we separately introduced into the stable cell line either D3 receptors carrying an hemagglutinin (HA) epitope tag, or an HA-tagged version of the D3 receptor splice variant D3nf. A combination of confocal laser microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation was used to assay the formation and expression pattern of D3-D3 homodimers or D3-D3nf heterodimers. When coexpressed in HEK 293 cells, FLAG- and HA-tagged D3 receptors exhibited a similar plasma membrane distribution. Using an HA epitope tag-specific antibody, we coimmunoprecipitated HA- and FLAG-tagged D3 receptors, suggesting that D3 receptors are capable of forming homodimers. Epitope-tagged D3nf polypeptides exhibited a markedly different cellular distribution than D3 receptors. When expressed in HEK 293 cells, either alone or in combination with FLAG-tagged D3 receptors, D3nf exhibited a punctate perinuclear distribution. When D3nf was introduced into the stable D3-expressing cell line, D3 receptors were no longer visualized at the plasma membrane. Instead, D3 and D3nf showed a similar, predominantly cytosolic, localization. Using the HA-specific antibody, we were able to coimmunoprecipitate D3 and D3nf polypeptides from transfected cells. These data suggest the existence of physical interaction between D3 and D3nf. This interaction appears to result in the mislocalization of D3 receptors from the plasma membrane to an intracellular compartment, a finding that could be of significance in the etiology of schizophrenia.

Selective DNA binding and association with the CREB binding protein coactivator contribute to differential activation of alpha/beta interferon genes by interferon regulatory factors 3 and 7

Recent studies implicate the interferon (IFN) regulatory factors (IRF) IRF-3 and IRF-7 as key activators of the alpha/beta IFN (IFN-alpha/beta) genes as well as the RANTES chemokine gene. Using coexpression analysis, the human IFNB, IFNA1, and RANTES promoters were stimulated by IRF-3 coexpression, whereas the IFNA4, IFNA7, and IFNA14 promoters were preferentially induced by IRF-7 only. Chimeric proteins containing combinations of different IRF-7 and IRF-3 domains were also tested, and the results provided evidence of distinct DNA binding properties of IRF-3 and IRF-7, as well as a preferential association of IRF-3 with the CREB binding protein (CBP) coactivator. Interestingly, some of these fusion proteins led to supraphysiological levels of IFN promoter activation. DNA binding site selection studies demonstrated that IRF-3 and IRF-7 bound to the 5'-GAAANNGAAANN-3' consensus motif found in many virus-inducible genes; however, a single nucleotide substitution in either of the GAAA half-site motifs eliminated IRF-3 binding and transactivation activity but did not affect IRF-7 interaction or transactivation activity. These studies demonstrate that IRF-3 possesses a restricted DNA binding site specificity and interacts with CBP, whereas IRF-7 has a broader DNA binding specificity that contributes to its capacity to stimulate delayed-type IFN gene expression. These results provide an explanation for the differential regulation of IFN-alpha/beta gene expression by IRF-3 and IRF-7 and suggest that these factors have complementary rather than redundant roles in the activation of the IFN-alpha/beta genes.

Buckwheat allergy and reports on asthma and atopic disorders in Taiyuan City, Northern China

Allergy to common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has been reported from Europe and Japan, and a 24 kDa globulin protein has been identified as one of the major allergens. In China also another type, tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) is grown and consumed. Three groups of individuals in Shanxi province, China, were investigated for buckwheat allergy using skin prick test. The groups were: agricultural researchers with occupational exposure to buckwheat (N = 16); workers in a food industry producing buckwheat noodles (N = 25), and patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease consuming buckwheat as functional food (N = 20). Information on atopic disorders and adverse food reactions were collected by a doctors-administered questionnaire. One male industrial worker had a positive skin prick test to buckwheat, but no symptoms while eating or handling buckwheat products. In total, 34% consumed buckwheat food at least every week, and 23% had a weekly consumption of tartary buckwheat. The prevalence of doctor's diagnosed asthma was low (1.6%). Four subjects (6.6%) reported a history of allergic rhinitis, with allergy to cedar pollen, carnation and peach.

Mitotic phosphorylation of histone H3 is governed by Ipl1/aurora kinase and Glc7/PP1 phosphatase in budding yeast and nematodes

Phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 occurs during mitosis and meiosis in a wide range of eukaryotes and has been shown to be required for proper chromosome transmission in Tetrahymena. Here we report that Ipl1/aurora kinase and its genetically interacting phosphatase, Glc7/PP1, are responsible for the balance of H3 phosphorylation during mitosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans. In these models, both enzymes are required for H3 phosphorylation and chromosome segregation, although a causal link between the two processes has not been demonstrated. Deregulation of human aurora kinases has been implicated in oncogenesis as a consequence of chromosome missegregation. Our findings reveal an enzyme system that regulates chromosome dynamics and controls histone phosphorylation that is conserved among diverse eukaryotes.

The mechanistic basis of aerobic performance variation in red junglefowl

We examined aerobic performance, organ and muscle mass and enzymatic activity in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). We tested three models of performance limitation (central limits, peripheral limits, symmorphosis) and explored relationships between basal metabolic rate (BMR), aerobic capacity (V (O2max)) and social rank. Males had a lower BMR, a higher V (O2max) and a greater aerobic scope than females. Females possessed larger peritoneal and reproductive organs, while males had larger hearts, lungs and leg muscles. In females, BMR was correlated with spleen mass and V (O2max) was correlated with hematocrit and large intestine mass. Male BMR was correlated with intestinal tract and lung mass, and V (O2max) was correlated with heart and pectoralis mass. Male citrate synthase activity averaged 57 % higher than that of females and was correlated with V (O2max) (this correlation was not significant in females). Female social status was not correlated with any variable, but male dominance was associated with higher aerobic scope, larger heart and lungs, smaller peritoneal organs and greater leg citrate synthase activity. We conclude that aerobic capacity is controlled by system-wide limitations (symmorphosis) in males, while in females it is controlled by central organs. In neither sex is elevated aerobic capacity associated with increased maintenance costs.

Comparison of a clock drawing test in elderly schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease patients: a preliminary study

The objective of this study was to compare between the quantitative and qualitative aspects of a clock drawing test in elderly schizophrenic and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Three independent raters performed a retrospective analysis of the clock drawing item from the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), in long-term open wards of a public psychiatric hospital and an outpatient psychogeriatric clinic. The study group comprised 21 elderly schizophrenic patients ('graduates') and 21 AD patients matched for gender and education, and cognitive impairment confirmed by a Folstein mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of 18-23. The Clock Drawing Interpretation Scale (CDIS) was the measure used. Schizophrenic patients were significantly younger than AD patients (63.5 versus 81.3 years, p<0.0001), however, similar concerning gender, education, MMSE and CAMCOG scores. CDIS scores were not correlated with age in eight group. Inter-rater reliability was high (range 0.84-0.97). No significant differences between patient groups were found in mean CDIS total scores. A CDIS specific item analysis revealed that schizophrenic patients were significantly less impaired than AD patients on three out of 20 items: Number 7 (most symbols are aligned in a clockwise or a rightward direction). Number 8 (all symbols are totally within a closure figure), and Number 13 (numbers do not go beyond 12). Although schizophrenic patients and AD patients had similar total scores on the clock drawing test, they differed on specific test items related to spatial/planning deficit and preservation.

Phosphorylated syntaxin 1 is localized to discrete domains along a subset of axons

Syntaxin 1 is a SNARE protein that plays a central role in synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. We generated an antibody that specifically recognizes a casein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation on serine-14 of syntaxin 1. In this report we show that this phosphorylation occurs in vivo and is developmentally regulated in the rat brain, rising to a level of 40% of the total syntaxin in adult animals. Phosphorylated syntaxin is preferentially associated with SNAP-25 and localizes to discrete domains of the axonal plasma membrane that do not colocalize with pools of synaptic vesicles. These phosphosyntaxin domains may define fusion sites for a novel class of vesicles outside classical active zones.

The gamma-subunit of the coatomer complex binds Cdc42 to mediate transformation

The Ras-related GTP-binding protein Cdc42 is implicated in a variety of biological activities including the establishment of cell polarity in yeast, the regulation of cell morphology, motility and cell-cycle progression in mammalian cells and the induction of malignant transformation. We identified a Cdc42 mutant (Cdc42F28L) which binds GTP in the absence of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, but still hydrolyses GTP with a turnover number identical to that for wild-type Cdc42. Expression of this mutant in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts causes cellular transformation, mimicking many of the characteristics of cells transformed by the Dbl oncoprotein, a known guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Cdc42. Here we searched for new Cdc42 targets in an effort to understand how Cdc42 mediates cellular transformation. We identified the gamma-subunit of the coatomer complex (gammaCOP) as a specific binding partner for activated Cdc42. The binding of Cdc42 to gammaCOP is essential for a transforming signal distinct from those elicited by Ras.

Regulation of RANTES chemokine gene expression requires cooperativity between NF-kappa B and IFN-regulatory factor transcription factors

Virus infection of host cells activates a set of cellular genes, including cytokines, IFNs, and chemokines, involved in antiviral defense and immune activation. Previous studies demonstrated that virus-induced transcriptional activation of a member of the human CC-chemokine RANTES required activation of the latent transcription factors IFN-regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and NF-kappa B via posttranslational phosphorylation. In the present study, we further characterized the regulatory control of RANTES transcription during virus infection using in vivo genomic footprinting analyses. IRF-3, the related IRF-7, and NF-kappa B are identified as important in vivo binding factors required for the cooperative induction of RANTES transcription after virus infection. Using fibroblastic or myeloid cells, we demonstrate that the kinetics and strength of RANTES virus-induced transcription are highly dependent on the preexistence of IRFs and NF-kappa B. Use of dominant negative mutants of either I kappa B-alpha or IRF-3 demonstrate that disruption of either pathway dramatically abolishes the ability of the other to bind and activate RANTES expression. Furthermore, coexpression of IRF-3, IRF-7, and p65/p50 leads to synergistic activation of RANTES promoter transcription. These studies reveal a model of virus-mediated RANTES promoter activation that involves cooperative synergism between IRF-3/IRF-7 and NF-kappa B factors.

Microvascular response in patients with cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVE

To examine the mechanisms contributing to decreased microvascular blood flow in cardiogenic shock by comparing patients with cardiogenic shock with critically ill controls and with patients with septic shock.

DESIGN

Prospective, consecutive entry of patients meeting the criteria for septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and critical illness without coexisting infection or shock.

SETTING

University hospital, medical intensive care unit, coronary care unit, and respiratory care unit.

PATIENTS

Eight patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction, six critically ill controls, and six patients with septic shock.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Forearm blood flow was measured at rest and during reactive hyperemia by venous air plethysmography. Red cell deformability was determined by filtration. Leukocyte aggregation was detected by the leukergy test. Neutrophil CD11b/CD18 expression and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels were also measured. In cardiogenic shock, forearm arterial resistance was significantly increased at rest and during reactive hyperemia compared with controls and patients with septic shock. The response to reactive hyperemia was attenuated in cardiogenic and septic shock patients, as measured by the absolute change in forearm blood flow from baseline, which was significantly less as compared with controls (p < .01). The percent change in forearm blood flow during reactive hyperemia compared with forearm blood flow at rest was significantly lower in cardiogenic shock (60+/-10) and in septic shock (50+/-11) compared with controls at baseline (145+/-20; p < .01). Red cell deformability was significantly decreased in cardiogenic shock (1.2+/-0.2 mL/min; p < .05) and septic shock (1.1+/-0.2 mL/min; p < .05), compared with controls (1.8+/-0.1 mL/min). Neutrophil CD11b/CD18 expression, leukergy, and serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels in cardiogenic shock patients were not significantly different from controls.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the response to reactive hyperemia is attenuated in cardiogenic shock. This appears to reflect increased vasoconstriction and an impaired capacity for vasodilation. Decreased erythrocyte deformability may also be important in limiting systemic microvascular flow. However, evidence supporting a role for neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions was not observed.

The IRF-3 transcription factor mediates Sendai virus-induced apoptosis

Virus infection of target cells can result in different biological outcomes: lytic infection, cellular transformation, or cell death by apoptosis. Cells respond to virus infection by the activation of specific transcription factors involved in cytokine gene regulation and cell growth control. The ubiquitously expressed interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) transcription factor is directly activated following virus infection through posttranslational modification. Phosphorylation of specific C-terminal serine residues results in IRF-3 dimerization, nuclear translocation, and activation of DNA-binding and transactivation potential. Once activated, IRF-3 transcriptionally up regulates alpha/beta interferon genes, the chemokine RANTES, and potentially other genes that inhibit viral infection. We previously generated constitutively active [IRF-3(5D)] and dominant negative (IRF-3 DeltaN) forms of IRF-3 that control target gene expression. In an effort to characterize the growth regulatory properties of IRF-3, we observed that IRF-3 is a mediator of paramyxovirus-induced apoptosis. Expression of the constitutively active form of IRF-3 is toxic, preventing the establishment of stably transfected cells. By using a tetracycline-inducible system, we show that induction of IRF-3(5D) alone is sufficient to induce apoptosis in human embryonic kidney 293 and human Jurkat T cells as measured by DNA laddering, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay, and analysis of DNA content by flow cytometry. Wild-type IRF-3 expression augments paramyxovirus-induced apoptosis, while expression of IRF-3 DeltaN blocks virus-induced apoptosis. In addition, we demonstrate an important role of caspases 8, 9, and 3 in IRF-3-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that IRF-3, in addition to potently activating cytokine genes, regulates apoptotic signalling following virus infection.

MEX-5 and MEX-6 function to establish soma/germline asymmetry in early C. elegans embryos

An asymmetrical network of cortically localized PAR proteins forms shortly after fertilization of the C. elegans egg. This network is required for subsequent asymmetries in the expression patterns of several proteins that are encoded by nonlocalized, maternally expressed mRNAs. We provide evidence that two nearly identical genes, mex-5 and mex-6, link PAR asymmetry to those subsequent protein asymmetries. MEX-5 is a novel, cytoplasmic protein that is localized through PAR activities to the anterior pole of the 1-cell stage embryo. MEX-5 localization is reciprocal to that of a group of posterior-localized proteins called germline proteins. Ectopic expression of MEX-5 is sufficient to inhibit the expression of germline proteins, suggesting that MEX-5 functions to inhibit anterior expression of the germline proteins.