Optical and magneto-optical anisotropies in large-area two-dimensional Co antidots film

In this work, we investigate the plasmon-induced optical and magneto-optical anisotropies in the large-area square-ordered Co antidots film. It shows that both the outline of reflectivity spectrum and Kerr spectrum are significantly modified by surface plasmon polarition (SPP) resonances. Moreover, the magnitude of Kerr angle reaches to about 10 minutes at the azimuthal angle 45°, which is over 3 times of that of pure Co film. These phenomena are attributed to the SPP resonances with different diffraction orders of reciprocal lattice vectors.

Allosteric Wip1 phosphatase inhibition through flap-subdomain interaction

Although therapeutic interventions of signal-transduction cascades with targeted kinase inhibitors are a well-established strategy, drug-discovery efforts to identify targeted phosphatase inhibitors have proven challenging. Herein we report a series of allosteric, small-molecule inhibitors of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase (Wip1), an oncogenic phosphatase common to multiple cancers. Compound binding to Wip1 is dependent on a 'flap' subdomain located near the Wip1 catalytic site that renders Wip1 structurally divergent from other members of the protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) family and that thereby confers selectivity for Wip1 over other phosphatases. Treatment of tumor cells with the inhibitor GSK2830371 increases phosphorylation of Wip1 substrates and causes growth inhibition in both hematopoietic tumor cell lines and Wip1-amplified breast tumor cells harboring wild-type TP53. Oral administration of Wip1 inhibitors in mice results in expected pharmacodynamic effects and causes inhibition of lymphoma xenograft growth. To our knowledge, GSK2830371 is the first orally active, allosteric inhibitor of Wip1 phosphatase.

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the lesser dawn bat (Eonycteris spelaea)

We constructed a genomic DNA library enriched for CA repeat motifs in Eonycteris spelaea. Nine microsatellite loci were isolated and tested on a population of 39 samples from Yunnan Province, China. These nine loci had three to 22 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.079 to 0.963 and from 0.078 to 0.959. Two loci revealed significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no linkage disequilibrium was found between loci pairs. These microsatellites can be a powerful molecular tool for population-level studies of E. spelaea.

Analysis of hepatitis C virus subgenotypes in patients in Heilongjiang province

AIM: To analyze the distribution of different hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenotypes in Heilongjiang province, China.

METHODS: Serum samples from 1 313 patients with HCV infection, including 627 (47.75%) males and 686 (52.25%) females, were subgenotyped using multiplex nested PCR assay. The associations of HCV subgenotypes with gender, age, viral load, and ALT level were analyzed.

RESULTS: Of 1 313 patients, 927 (70.60%) were successfully subgenotyped. Among typable subgenotypes, 1b⁺/2a^- was found in 388 (41.86%) cases, 2a⁺/1b^- in 318 (34.30%) cases, 1b+2a in 197 (21.25%) cases, and 1a+/2b in 24 (2.59%) cases. The percentage of patients with 2a⁺/1b^- subgenotype was significantly higher in females (37.50%) and patients with HCVRNA of (1.000-9.999) × 10⁴ (54.55%), ALT level >200 (60.87%) or ≤ 40 (41.02%) (all P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with 1b⁺/2a^- subgenotype was significantly lower in patients with HCVRNA of (1.000-9.999) × 10⁴ (24.24%) or ALT level >200 (13.04%) (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Genotypes 1b and 2a are the most prevalent genotypes in Heilongjiang province. The distribution of different HCV subgenotypes is associated with gender, viral load, and ALT level.

Changes in CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets and clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection

Various clinical manifestations may develop in people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), ranging from asymptomatic infection to acute severe hepatitis B. Some infections become self-limiting when the virus is cleared, while approximately 90% of children and 10% of adults become HBV carriers or patients with chronic hepatitis B, who can further develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. CD4⁺ T lymphocytes play a central role in anti-infection immunity and can be divided into different subsets, including Th1, Th2, Treg, Th17, Th22, Th9 and Tfh. These T lymphocyte subsets all come from the same progenitor cells (Th0), although they have particular differentiation pathway and secrete different kinds of cytokines. Furthermore, they are able to interact with each other and change into each other. Particularly, the balances of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg play a vital role in determining the clinical outcomes of HBV infection.

Characterization of a novel PERK kinase inhibitor with antitumor and antiangiogenic activity

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a signal transduction pathway that coordinates cellular adaptation to microenvironmental stresses that include hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and change in redox status. These stress stimuli are common in many tumors and thus targeting components of the UPR signaling is an attractive therapeutic approach. We have identified a first-in-class, small molecule inhibitor of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 (EIF2AK3) or PERK, one of the three mediators of UPR signaling. GSK2656157 is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of PERK enzyme activity with an IC(50) of 0.9 nmol/L. It is highly selective for PERK with IC(50) values >100 nmol/L against a panel of 300 kinases. GSK2656157 inhibits PERK activity in cells with an IC(50) in the range of 10-30 nmol/L as shown by inhibition of stress-induced PERK autophosphorylation, eIF2α substrate phosphorylation, together with corresponding decreases in ATF4 and CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in multiple cell lines. Oral administration of GSK2656157 to mice shows a dose- and time-dependent pharmacodynamic response in pancreas as measured by PERK autophosphorylation. Twice daily dosing of GSK2656157 results in dose-dependent inhibition of multiple human tumor xenografts growth in mice. Altered amino acid metabolism, decreased blood vessel density, and vascular perfusion are potential mechanisms for the observed antitumor effect. However, despite its antitumor activity, given the on-target pharmacologic effects of PERK inhibition on pancreatic function, development of any PERK inhibitor in human subjects would need to be cautiously pursued in cancer patients.

Variations in the hepatitis B virus genome and their clinical significance

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic DNA virus. The HBV genome is prone to variations. Based on genomic variations, HBV is divided into ten genotypes, many subgenotypes and quasispecies. These genotypes, subgenotypes and quasispecies have distinct race and geographic distribution and have been associated with outcome of HBV infection, disease progression and treatment.

Human CYP2C8 is post-transcriptionally regulated by microRNAs 103 and 107 in human liver

The CYP2C genes are extensively regulated at the transcriptional stage. The present study shows for the first time that CYP2Cs are also regulated post-transcriptionally by microRNAs (miRNAs). By using online search engines, we found potential miRNA response elements (MREs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the CYP2C mRNAs. Among these were a MRE for the miRNAs miR-103 and miR-107 in the 3'-UTR of human CYP2C8. CYP2C8 protein levels (measured through immunoblot analyses) did not correlate with CYP2C8 mRNA levels (measured through quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses) in human liver samples. The translation efficiency (protein/mRNA ratio) for CYP2C8 was inversely correlated with the expression of miR-103 and miR-107. When three copies of the putative MRE from CYP2C8 were inserted downstream from a luciferase expression reporter, transfection with precursors for miR-103 or miR-107 decreased luciferase activity in primary hepatocytes, whereas transfection with antisense oligonucleotides (AsOs) for miR-103/miR-107 increased luciferase activity. As expected, there was no effect of the precursors or AsOs when three copies of the putative MRE were inserted in the reverse orientation. When precursors for miR-103/miR-107 were transfected into primary human hepatocytes, CYP2C8 protein levels were decreased, whereas AsOs increased CYP2C8 protein levels. Neither precursors nor AsOs affected CYP2C8 mRNA levels, which indicated that the effect was post-transcriptional. Putative MRE motifs were also found in the 3'-UTRs of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, which suggested that the same miRNAs could regulate translation of other members of the CYP2C family, although to a lesser degree than CYP2C8. These results clearly show that CYP2Cs are regulated post-transcriptionally by miR-103 and miR-107.

Proteomic analysis of sputum in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

The protein composition of sputum most faithfully reflects the state of the lungs. The aim of this study was to determine whether relative qualitative and quantitative differences in protein expression of sputum could be related to active pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum samples were collected from 65 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and 38 healthy controls. Comprehensive proteomic approaches were used to profile the proteome changes of host sputum in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using two-dimensional electrophoresis in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Mascot software was used to identify proteins from protein databases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to confirm the proteomic results. A total of 62 differentially expressed proteins were identified, among which, 15 proteins were up-regulated and 47 proteins were down-regulated in the tuberculosis sputum compared with the controls. Bacterial protein UqhC was the most increased protein, whereas serum albumin was the most decreased protein in the tuberculosis sputum compared with the controls. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis was consistent with proteomic data. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that multiple host cell pathways were involved in the tuberculosis infection processes, including acute phase response, signal transduction, cytoskeleton structure, immune response and so on. In all, for the first time, our results revealed that a number of proteins were differentially expressed during active pulmonary tuberculosis infection. These data will provide valuable clues for further investigation of tuberculosis pathogenesis and biomarkers for detection of active pulmonary tuberculosis infection.

[Application of non-nutritive sucking in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of non-nutritive sucking in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation therapy.

METHODS

In a study of 68 preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation, a randomly selected observation group of 35 infants was provided with non-nutritive sucking and a control group of 33 infants was not. The time to reach full enteral feeding, birth weight recovery time, body weight growth rate, hospitalization time, feeding tolerance and mechanical ventilation-related complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The time to reach full enteral feeding and hospitalization time were shorter (P<0.01), the incidence of feeding intolerance was lower (P<0.05), and the body weight growth rate was higher (P<0.05) in the observation group than in the control group. There were no significant differences in the birth weight recovery time and the incidence of mechanical ventilation-related complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of non-nutritive sucking can increase growth rate, shorten hospitalization time and improve feeding tolerance in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation therapy. Moreover, it does not result in an increase in mechanical ventilation-related complications.

Down-regulation of TSG101 by small interfering RNA inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells through the MAPK/ERK signal pathway

We designed to investigate the effects of down-regulating the tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, and the role of the MAPK/ERK signal pathway in this process. The siRNA against TSG101 was transfected into the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using Lipofectamine 2000. After TSG101 knockdown, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was measured by the MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined by using flow cytometry while cell migration was measured using a transwell assay. The protein level of p-ERK was further assessed by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Our results are as following, the MCF-7 cells transfected with TSG101 siRNA proliferated significantly slower and exhibited significantly increased rates of apoptosis compared to the control cells. In the TSG101 siRNA transfected cells, the percentage of cells in the G₀/G₁ and S phase of the cell cycle was significantly higher and lower, respectively, compared to the control cells. Moreover, the migration ability of TSG101 siRNA transfected cells was lower than the control groups. Lastly, the level of p-ERK protein in TSG101 siRNA transfected cells was significantly decreased compared with the control cells. In conclusion, TSG101 knockdown in breast cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation. The TSG101 depleted cells are arrested at the G₁/S transition of the cell cycle. The migration of breast cancer cells is also impaired by TSG101 siRNA. TSG101 may play a biological role through modulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Within crown variation in the relationship between foliage biomass and sapwood area in jack pine

The relationship between sapwood area and foliage biomass is the basis for a lot of research on eco-phyisology. In this paper, foliage biomass change between two consecutive whorls is studied, using different variations in the pipe model theory. Linear and non-linear mixed-effect models relating foliage differences to sapwood area increments were tested to take into account whorl location, with the best fit statistics supporting the non-linear formulation. The estimated value of the exponent is 0.5130, which is significantly different from 1, the expected value given by the pipe model theory. When applied to crown stem sapwood taper, the model indicates that foliage biomass distribution influences the foliage biomass to sapwood area at crown base ratio. This result is interpreted as being the consequence of differences in the turnover rates of sapwood and foliage. More importantly, the model explains previously reported trends in jack pine sapwood area at crown base to tree foliage biomass ratio.

Correlation between disc displacements and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between disc displacement types and locations of disc perforation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

METHODS

157 patients (162 joints) with disc perforation observed through arthroscopy were included in this study. The types of disc displacement were analysed by TMJ MRI before operation. The locations of disc perforation under arthroscopy were recorded. The correlation between types of disc displacement and locations of disc perforation was analysed by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Medial disc perforation was observed in 55.6% of patients with anterolateral displacement without reduction, but was observed in only 3.7% of patients with pure anterior displacement, and was not observed in patients with anteromedial displacement without reduction. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups in the incidence of medial disc perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between different disc displacements and locations of disc perforation. The incidence of medial disc perforation in patients with anterolateral displacement was significantly higher. The types of disc displacement may have direct influence over the locations of disc perforation.

Bisphenol A may cause testosterone reduction by adversely affecting both testis and pituitary systems similar to estradiol

Bisphenol A (BPA) causes reproductive toxicities, but the mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, we sought to clarify these mechanisms in comparison with those of 17beta-estradiol (E2). Prepubertal Wistar/ST male rats (4 weeks old) were subcutaneously administered BPA (0, 20, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) or E2 (10 and 100 microg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Both BPA and E2 treatments decreased plasma and testicular testosterone levels, and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), but not E2 and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, though E2 treatment increased its plasma level. In relation to the decreased testosterone levels, BPA and E2 decreased expressions of steroidogenic enzymes and cholesterol carrier protein in Leydig cells. Thus, decreased testosterone levels in plasma might have resulted from decreased expressions of these enzymes and protein as well as from decreased plasma LH levels. Interestingly, the changes in steroidogenic enzymes and carrier protein were observed at lower levels of exposure to BPA or E2 than those inhibiting plasma LH levels. Microscopically, 200 mg/kg BPA and 100 microg/kg E2 significantly decreased Leydig cell numbers in the testis. In addition, BPA and E2 also decreased expression of estrogen receptor alpha-mRNA, which might be related to the decreased numbers of Leydig cells. Thus, BPA directly affects not only the Leydig cells but also the pituitary gland, but the former may be impaired at lower exposure concentrations than the latter.

Prevalence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus strains in patients with acute hepatitis B virus infection

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains (YIDD/YVDD variants) in patients with acute HBV infection (AHB).

METHODS: A total of 321 patients with HBV infection (HBV DNA ≥ 1.0 × 10⁷ copies/L) were included in the study, of which 100 had AHB and underwent no treatment, and 221 had chronic HBV infection (CHB) and were treated with lamivudine (100 mg/d). Serum specimens were taken from these patients and used to identify wild-type and YMDD motif mutant HBV strains by fluorescent hybridization biprobe-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and melting curve assay (FH-PCR-MC).

RESULTS: Only wild-type HBV was detected in patients with AHB (YMDD, 100%). Both wild-type and YMDD motif mutant HBV strains were detected in patients with CHB. The YMDD mutation rate in CHB patients was 63.4%. Of all YMDD mutations detected, YIDD variant accounted for 52.1%, YVDD variant 37.9%, and the mixed type (YIDD + YVDD) 10.0%. The YMDD mutation rates in CHB patients treated with lamivudine for < 1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years and > 4 years were 45%, 66%, 77%, 75% and 40%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the YMDD mutation rate between the two groups of patients (χ² = 112.3, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSION: Lamivudine-resistant HBV strains are not detected in patients with acute HBV infection.

Hepatitis B virus subgenotype C2 is the most prevalent subgenotype in northeast China

The geographical distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes and their clinical implications in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B in the Heilung-kiang province of northeast China were investigated. Nested PCR and multiplex PCR were performed with genotype-specific primers and with subgenotype-specific primers to identify genotypes and subgenotypes from serum samples of 412 HBV infections including 69 with acute self-limited hepatitis (ASH) and 343 with chronic hepatitis (CH). A total of 361 samples were genotyped and 304 were further subgenotyped. The most common HBV genotype was C (93.63%, 338/361), with subgenotype group C2 (83.73%, 283/338) predominating. Genotype B was also found and subgenotype B2 predominated within this genotype. Out of 69 infected patients with ASH, 48 were identified as genotype C and all belonged to subgenotype C2. Of 343 infected patients with CH, 313 were genotyped and 256 were subgenotyped; amongst these, C2 (91.80%, 235/256), B2 (7.42%, 19/256) and mixed subgenotypes B2 and C2 (0.78%, 2/256) were found. In HBV subgenotype C2 infections, ASH had a higher ratio of women than CH patients. These results show that HBV subgenotypes C2 and B2 were found in Heilung-kiang province of northeast China. In ASH and CH groups, the distributions of subgenotypes were coincident with C2, the predominant subgenotype. Analysis of the association between subgenotype and the outcomes of HBV infection was inconclusive in our study.

Mechanism and management of AKT inhibitor-induced hyperglycemia

PURPOSE

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways are among the most active areas of drug discovery in cancer research. However, due to their integral roles in insulin signaling, inhibitors targeting these pathways often lead to hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. We investigated the mechanism of hyperglycemia induced by GSK690693, a pan-AKT kinase inhibitor in clinical development, as well as methods to ameliorate these side effects.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The effect of GSK690693 on blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels was characterized in mice. We then evaluated the effects of commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents on GSK690693-induced hyperglycemia. The mechanism of blood glucose increase was evaluated using fasting and tracer uptake studies and by measuring liver glycogen levels. Finally, approaches to manage AKT inhibitor-induced hyperglycemia were designed using fasting and low carbohydrate diet.

RESULTS

We report that treatment with antidiabetic agents does not significantly affect GSK690693-induced hyperglycemia in rodents. However, administration of GSK690693 in mice significantly reduces liver glycogen (approximately 90%), suggesting that GSK690693 may inhibit glycogen synthesis and/or activate glycogenolysis. Consistent with this observation, fasting before drug administration reduces baseline liver glycogen levels and attenuates hyperglycemia. Further, GSK690693 also inhibits peripheral glucose uptake and introduction of a low-carbohydrate (7%) or 0% carbohydrate diet after GSK690693 administration effectively reduces diet-induced hyperglycemia in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of GSK690693-induced hyperglycemia is related to peripheral insulin resistance, increased gluconeogenesis, and/or hepatic glycogenolysis. A combination of fasting and low carbohydrate diet can reduce the magnitude of hyperglycemia induced by an AKT inhibitor.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the western long-fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater

We isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the western long-fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater. These loci were tested on 48 individuals from Anhui Province of China, and all loci were highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 13.6 (range from six to 27). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.364 to 0.957, and from 0.676 to 0.951, respectively. After Bonferroni correction, four loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to examine population structure and genetic diversity in this species.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the long-fingered bat Miniopterus fuliginosus

We isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the long-fingered bat Miniopterus fuliginosus. These loci were tested on 48 individuals from Anhui Province of China, and all loci were highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 13.6 (range from six to 27). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.364 to 0.957, and from 0.676 to 0.951, respectively. After Bonferroni correction, four loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to examine population structure and genetic diversity in this species.

Styrene trimer may increase thyroid hormone levels via down-regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

BACKGROUND

Styrene trimers (STs) are polystyrene-container-eluted materials that are sometimes detected in packaged foods. Although the possible endocrine-disrupting effects of STs, such as estrogenic activities, have been reported, their potential thyroid toxicity, such as that caused by the related endocrine disruptor 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), has not been studied in detail.

OBJECTIVE

Using wild-type and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr)-null mice, we investigated whether 2,4,6-triphenyl-1-hexene (ST-1), an isomer of STs, influences thyroxin (T(4)) levels in the same manner as TCDD, which induces UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) via the AhR, resulting in a decrease in T(4) levels in the plasma of mice.

METHODS

Both wild-type and Ahr-null mice (five mice per group) were treated for 4 days by gavage with ST-1 (0, 32, or 64 micromol/kg).

RESULTS

High-dose (64 micromol/kg) ST-1 decreased the expression of AhR, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2, UGT1A1/A6, and CYP2B10 mRNAs and the enzyme activity for CYP1A and UGT1A only in the wild-type mice. This dose decreased AhR DNA binding, but paradoxically increased AhR translocation to the nucleus. In contrast, a high dose of ST-1 increased T(4) levels in the plasma in wild-type mice but did not influence T(4) levels in AhR-null mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ST-1 treatment might cause an increase in AhR levels in the nucleus by inhibiting AhR export, this chemical down-regulated AhR mRNA, thus leading to down-regulation of AhR target genes and an increase in plasma T(4) levels.

CD8+CD122+ regulatory T cells recognize activated T cells via conventional MHC class I-alphabetaTCR interaction and become IL-10-producing active regulatory cells

CD8(+)CD122(+) regulatory T cells (CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg) are naturally occurring Treg that effectively suppress the proliferation and IFN-gamma production of both CD8(+) and CD4(+) target cells. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of the recognition of target cells by CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg using an in vitro culture system that reconstitutes the regulatory action of these cells. Naive CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg co-cultured with pre-activated T cells became active Treg that produced IL-10 and suppressed IFN-gamma production from the target T cells. CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg effectively suppressed the IFN-gamma production of the target cells of syngeneic mouse strains but not of allogeneic mouse strains with incompatible MHC. By using MHC-congeneic mouse strains, MHC-restricted suppression by CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg was further confirmed. The blockade of cell surface molecules either on the Treg or on the target cells by specific blocking antibodies indicated that H-2K, H-2D, alphabetaTCR and CD8 were involved in the regulatory action but I-A and Qa-1 were not. These results indicate that CD8(+)CD122(+) Treg recognize already-activated T cells via the interaction of conventional MHC class I-alphabetaTCR and become active regulatory cells that produce IL-10 and suppress the target cells.

Characterization of an Akt kinase inhibitor with potent pharmacodynamic and antitumor activity

Akt kinases 1, 2, and 3 are important regulators of cell survival and have been shown to be constitutively active in a variety of human tumors. GSK690693 is a novel ATP-competitive, low-nanomolar pan-Akt kinase inhibitor. It is selective for the Akt isoforms versus the majority of kinases in other families; however, it does inhibit additional members of the AGC kinase family. It causes dose-dependent reductions in the phosphorylation state of multiple proteins downstream of Akt, including GSK3 beta, PRAS40, and Forkhead. GSK690693 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in a subset of tumor cells with potency consistent with intracellular inhibition of Akt kinase activity. In immune-compromised mice implanted with human BT474 breast carcinoma xenografts, a single i.p. administration of GSK690693 inhibited GSK3 beta phosphorylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After a single dose of GSK690693, >3 micromol/L drug concentration in BT474 tumor xenografts correlated with a sustained decrease in GSK3 beta phosphorylation. Consistent with the role of Akt in insulin signaling, treatment with GSK690693 resulted in acute and transient increases in blood glucose level. Daily administration of GSK690693 produced significant antitumor activity in mice bearing established human SKOV-3 ovarian, LNCaP prostate, and BT474 and HCC-1954 breast carcinoma xenografts. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor xenografts after repeat dosing with GSK690693 showed reductions in phosphorylated Akt substrates in vivo. These results support further evaluation of GSK690693 as an anticancer agent.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata)

The masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) has been suspected to be the host of a SARS-like CoV virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans. In China, the palm civet lives wild and is farmed, but even though the species is a potential carrier of the virus, its geographic distribution and genetic diversity have never been studied. We report the isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite markers for P. larvata. To characterize each locus, two farmed masked palm civet populations from Shanxi and Guangxi provinces in China were genotyped. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 15, and the observed heterozygosity for these populations was 47.1 and 68.7%, respectively.