The nerve growth factor receptor gene is at human chromosome region 17q12-17q22, distal to the chromosome 17 breakpoint in acute leukemias

Microglia signaling in health and disease - Implications in sex-specific brain development and plasticity

Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.

Role of NGF and its receptors in wound healing (Review)

Wound healing is an important and complicated process that includes four highly integrated and overlapping phases, haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodelling. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first member of a family of neurotrophic factors to be discovered, and is an essential neurotrophic factor for the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies have proposed that NGF and its receptors, tropomyosin-related kinase receptor 1 and NGF receptor, are involved in the wound healing process, and are important components of the healing of several wounds both in vivo and in vitro. Topical application of NGF significantly promotes the healing of different types of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and corneal wounds. The present review summarizes the status of NGF and its receptors in current literature, and discusses data obtained in the last few years on the healing action of NGF in cutaneous, corneal and oral wounds.

Neurotrophin Signaling and Stem Cells-Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stem Cell Therapy

Neurotrophins (NTs) are members of a neuronal growth factor protein family whose action is mediated by the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) receptor family receptors and the p75 NT receptor (p75NTR), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. Although NTs were first discovered in neurons, recent studies have suggested that NTs and their receptors are expressed in various types of stem cells mediating pivotal signaling events in stem cell biology. The concept of stem cell therapy has already attracted much attention as a potential strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Strikingly, NTs, proNTs, and their receptors are gaining interest as key regulators of stem cells differentiation, survival, self-renewal, plasticity, and migration. In this review, we elaborate the recent progress in understanding of NTs and their action on various stem cells. First, we provide current knowledge of NTs, proNTs, and their receptor isoforms and signaling pathways. Subsequently, we describe recent advances in the understanding of NT activities in various stem cells and their role in NDs, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Finally, we compile the implications of NTs and stem cells from a clinical perspective and discuss the challenges with regard to transplantation therapy for treatment of AD and PD.

Immunohistochemical Detection of p75 Neurotrophin Receptor (p75-NTR) in Follicular and Plexiform Ameloblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Ameloblastoma holds a unique position among benign tumours by its locally destructive and invasive nature. Recently improvised molecular techniques helped researchers to unravel the myth behind such biologic behaviour. Though interesting findings have been delivered, the rhythmic correlation regarding the exact mechanism still remains lacking. Neurotrophins and their receptor mediated pathways play a crucial role in survival, death and differentiation of many neuroectoderm derived cells. With this background, the study has been aimed to investigate the expression of p75-NTR (Neurotrophin Receptor) in follicular and plexiform ameloblastoma.

AIM

To analyze the immunohistochemical expression pattern of p75-NTR in ameloblastoma and to compare the immunohistochemical expression pattern of p75-NTR among the histological types of ameloblastoma, follicular and plexiform patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 22 ameloblastomas (12 follicular, 10 plexiform) were immuno-stained with anti-human p75-NTR mouse IgG monoclonal antibody and the pattern of staining is statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Only 11 (10 follicular, 1 plexiform) out of 22 ameloblastomas showed immuno-reactivity to p75-NTR. In ameloblastoma, only the peripheral pre-ameloblast like tall columnar cells showed reactivity whereas the stellate reticulum-like cells were immuno-negative. The staining pattern was membranous in the immuno-reactive cells. The results were studied with the downstream pathways from the literature and a possible mechanism has been proposed.

CONCLUSION

The expression pattern of p75-NTR was found to be more in follicular ameloblastoma than plexiform.

The role of prohibitin in cell signaling

Prohibitin-1 (PHB, also known as PHB1), a member of the Band-7 family of proteins, is highly conserved evolutionarily, widely expressed, and present in different cellular compartments. Genetic studies with different organism models have provided strong evidence for an important biological role of PHB in mitochondrial function, cell proliferation, and development. Recent discoveries regarding the involvement of PHB in phophatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathways, and earlier reports on the interaction of PHB with Raf and its critical role in Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling opened up the possibility that PHB has functions outside of the mitochondria (extramitochondrial) and may be a multifunctional protein. The PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK/ERK signaling cascades are versatile signaling processes that diverge from the same receptor tyrosine kinase root, and are involved in cell metabolism, proliferation, and development. Here, we review the emerging role of PHB and its post-translational modifications in signal transduction pathways, especially in PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK/ERK signaling. A recent discovery of opposing effects of PHB on longevity under different metabolic states and its potential connection with insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I signaling is also discussed.

The inhibitory effect of p75 neurotrophin receptor on growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is a focus for study at present. Up to now, its role and functions in hepatocellular carcinoma were not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the expression of p75NTR in hepatocellular carcinoma and the impact of its alteration on tumor growth. We found that the expression of p75NTR was decreased significantly in 158 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues as compared with their adjacent noncancerous counterparts, and its expression was also significantly decreased in various human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Down-regulating p75NTR by specific siRNA promoted the growth of normal liver cell lines, whereas up-regulating p75NTR inhibited the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in vitro and caused dramatic attenuation of tumor growth in vivo by induction of cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we found that up-regulating p75NTR could down-regulate the expression of cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, cdk2, p-Rb and PCNA, but up-regulate the expression of Rb. Conversely, the results were inverse when p75NTR was down-regulated by specific siRNA. Therefore, we provided the evidence that p75NTR was a potential tumor suppressor and might be used as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The nerve growth factor and its receptors in airway inflammatory diseases

The nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the neurotrophin family and induces its effects through activation of 2 distinct receptor types: the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) receptor, carrying an intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity in its intracellular domain, and the receptor p75 for neurotrophins (p75NTR), belonging to the death receptor family. Through activation of its TrkA receptor, NGF activates signalling pathways, including phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma), phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K), the small G protein Ras, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Through its p75NTR receptor, NGF activates proapoptotic signalling pathways including the MAPK c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), ceramides, and the small G protein Rac, but also activates pathways promoting cell survival through the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). NGF was first described by Rita Levi-Montalcini and collaborators as an important factor involved in nerve differentiation and survival. Another role for NGF has since been established in inflammation, in particular of the airways, with increased NGF levels in chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will first describe NGF structure and synthesis and NGF receptors and their signalling pathways. We will then provide information about NGF in the airways, describing its expression and regulation, as well as pointing out its potential role in inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodelling process observed in airway inflammatory diseases, in particular in asthma.

p75 neurotrophin receptor suppresses the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells

Identifying an effective therapeutic target is pivotal in the treatment of gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in gastric cancer and the impact of its alteration on tumor growth. p75NTR expression was absent or significantly decreased in 212 cases of gastric cancers compared with the normal gastric mucosa (P < .05). Moreover, p75NTR expression was also lost or significantly decreased in various human gastric cancer cell lines. p75NTR inhibited in vitro growth activities and caused dramatic attenuation of tumor growth in animal models by induction of cell cycle arrest. Upregulation of p75NTR led to downregulation of cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, p-Rb, and PCNA, but to upregulation of Rb and p27 expressions. Conversely, downregulating p75NTR with specific siRNA yielded inverse results. The rescue of tumor cells from cell cycle progression by a death domain-deleted dominant-negative antagonist of p75NTR (Deltap75NTR) showed that the death domain transduced antiproliferative activity in a ligand-independent manner and further demonstrated the inhibitive effect of p75NTR on growth in gastric cancer. Therefore, we provided evidence that p75NTR was a potential tumor suppressor and may be used as a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a focus for study at present. However, its function in gastric cancer was not elucidated. Here, we investigated its relation with metastasis of gastric cancer. By immunohistochemistry, we found that the positive rate of p75NTR expression in metastatic gastric cancer was 15.09% (16 of 106), which was lower compared with nonmetastatic gastric cancer (64.15%; 68 of 106). The average staining score in nonmetastatic gastric cancer was significantly higher than in metastatic gastric cancer (1.21 +/- 0.35 versus 0.23 +/- 0.18; P<0.01). p75NTR protein level was also lowly expressed in the highly liver-metastatic gastric cancer cell line XGC9811-L compared with other gastric cancer cell lines by Western blotting. It could also significantly inhibit the in vitro adhesive, invasive, and migratory and in vivo metastatic abilities of gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and MKN45 by reducing urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 proteins and by increasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 protein. Further studies showed that p75NTR could suppress the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signal. SN50, a specific inhibitor of NF-kappaB, which could inhibit in vitro invasive and migratory abilities of gastric cancer cells, reduced expression of uPA and MMP9 proteins and increased expression of TIMP1 protein. Taken together, p75NTR had the function of inhibiting the invasive and metastatic abilities of gastric cancer cells, which was mediated, at least partially, by down-regulation of uPA and MMP9 proteins and up-regulation of TIMP1 protein via the NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway. Our studies suggested that p75NTR may be used as a new potential therapeutic target in metastatic gastric cancer.

Distribution and significance of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR/p75NTR) in normal, benign and malignant breast tissue

Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein without intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, whose expression is not restricted to neural cells. NGFR is reported to act as a tumour suppressor, negatively regulating cell growth and proliferation. NGFR expression was immunohistochemically analysed in normal breast tissue and in 140 benign, biphasic and preinvasive breast lesions, in 22 tumours with myoepithelial differentiation and in two cohorts of breast cancer patients: a series of 245 invasive breast carcinomas studied with tissue microarrays and 37 high-grade invasive ductal carcinomas with basal-like immunophenotype. NGFR consistently displayed membrane reactivity in myoepithelial cells arranged as a continuous layer around normal ducts and lobular units, intralobular fibroblasts, vascular adventitia and nerve bundles. Myoepithelial cells of benign proliferations and pre-invasive lesions were consistently positive for NGFR. Scattered NGFR-positive cells were observed in solid areas of six out of nine cases of hyperplasia of usual type, whereas in flat atypia, lobular carcinoma in situ and virtually all cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (97.5%), NGFR was restricted to the myoepithelial layer. Positivity for NGFR was observed in 11 out of 245 (4.5%) breast carcinomas, nine out of 20 (45%) metaplastic breast carcinomas and 14 out of 37 (38%) basal-like breast carcinomas. NGFR expression in invasive tumours significantly correlated with that of cytokeratins 5/6 (P<0.05), 14 (P<0.0001) and 17 (P<0.0005) and EGFR (P<0.0001) and displayed an inverse correlation with oestrogen and progesterone receptors (both, P<0.0001). NGFR showed a statistically significant association with longer disease-free (P<0.05) and overall survival (P<0.01) in the cohort of patients with basal-like carcinomas. This study demonstrates the usefulness of NGFR as a new adjunct marker to identify myoepithelial cells in preinvasive lesions and myoepithelial differentiation in breast carcinomas. Furthermore, provisional data in a small number of basal-like breast carcinomas suggest that NGFR may identify a subgroup of basal-like breast carcinomas with good prognosis.

Nerve growth factor and its receptors in asthma and inflammation

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a high molecular weight peptide that belongs to the neurotrophin family. It is synthesized by various structural and inflammatory cells and activates two types of receptors, the TrkA (tropomyosin-receptor kinase A) receptor and the p75(NTR) receptor, in the death receptor family. NGF was first studied for its essential role in neuronal growth and survival. Recent reports indicate that it may also help mediate inflammation, especially in the airways. Several studies in animals have reported that NGF may induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness, an important feature of asthma, by increasing sensory innervation. It may also induce migration and activation of inflammatory cells, which infiltrate the bronchial mucosa, and of structural cells, including epithelial, smooth muscle cells and pulmonary fibroblasts. Increased NGF expression and release is observed in asthma patients after bronchial provocation with allergen. Taken together, the data from the literature suggest that NGF may play a role in inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling in asthma and may help us to understand the neuro-immune cross-talk involved in chronic inflammatory airway diseases.

[Nerve growth factor (NGF) in inflammation and asthma]

INTRODUCTION

The nerve growth factor (NGF) is known as a factor involved in neuronal growth and survival. From recent studies it may also be considered as a mediator of inflammation, in particular in the airways.

STATE OF ART

Several animal studies have shown that NGF may increase the sensory innervation, and participate in the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation observed in the airways of asthmatic patients. Different cell types are capable of secreting NGF: inflammatory cells that infiltrate the bronchial mucosa, and structural cells such as epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells and pulmonary fibroblasts. Furthermore, increased NGF levels have been detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asthmatic patients.

PERSPECTIVES AND CONCLUSION

Altogether, these results suggest that NGF may play a role in inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling in asthma, and may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms occurring in chronic inflammatory diseases, in particular asthma.

A missense polymorphism (S205L) of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR gene is associated with depressive disorder and attempted suicide

Several lines of evidence have implicated that neurotrophins play an important role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. This study examined whether a common missense polymorphism (S205L) of a gene encoding the p75NTR, the low-affinity receptor for neurotrophins, is associated with depressive disorder in a Japanese sample of 164 patients and the same number of controls matched for age and sex. There were significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequency between the cases and controls. The minor allele (L205) was significantly decreased in the patients than in the controls (P < 0.05, odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.94), suggesting that this allele may have a protective effect against the development of major depression. Furthermore, this association was more strongly observed in the patients with a history of attempted suicide than those without such a history. Our results suggest that the S205L polymorphism of the p75NTR gene is involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and suicidal behavior.

Human prostate cancer risk factors

Prostate cancer has the highest prevalence of any nonskin cancer in the human body, with similar likelihood of neoplastic foci found within the prostates of men around the world regardless of diet, occupation, lifestyle, or other factors. Essentially all men with circulating androgens will develop microscopic prostate cancer if they live long enough. This review is a contemporary and comprehensive, literature-based analysis of the putative risk factors for human prostate cancer, and the results were presented at a multidisciplinary consensus conference held in Crystal City, Virginia, in the fall of 2002. The objectives were to evaluate known environmental factors and mechanisms of prostatic carcinogenesis and to identify existing data gaps and future research needs. The review is divided into four sections, including 1) epidemiology (endogenous factors [family history, hormones, race, aging and oxidative stress] and exogenous factors [diet, environmental agents, occupation and other factors, including lifestyle factors]); 2) animal and cell culture models for prediction of human risk (rodent models, transgenic models, mouse reconstitution models, severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome mouse models, canine models, xenograft models, and cell culture models); 3) biomarkers in prostate cancer, most of which have been tested only as predictive factors for patient outcome after treatment rather than as risk factors; and 4) genotoxic and nongenotoxic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The authors conclude that most of the data regarding risk relies, of necessity, on epidemiologic studies, but animal and cell culture models offer promise in confirming some important findings. The current understanding of biomarkers of disease and risk factors is limited. An understanding of the risk factors for prostate cancer has practical importance for public health research and policy, genetic and nutritional education and chemoprevention, and prevention strategies.

Neurotrophins and neurodegeneration

There is growing evidence that reduced neurotrophic support is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review we discuss the structure and functions of neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor, and the role of these proteins and their tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors in the aetiology and therapy of such diseases. Neurotrophins regulate development and the maintenance of the vertebrate nervous system. In the mature nervous system they affect neuronal survival and also influence synaptic function and plasticity. The neurotrophins are able to bind to two different receptors: all bind to a common receptor p75NTR, and each also binds to one of a family of Trk receptors. By dimerization of the Trk receptors, and subsequent transphosphorylation of the intracellular kinase domain, signalling pathways are activated. We discuss here the structure and function of the neurotrophins and how they have been, or may be, used therapeutically in AD, PD, Huntington's diseases, ALS and peripheral neuropathy. Neurotrophins are central to many aspects of nervous system function. However they have not truly fulfilled their therapeutic potential in clinical trials because of the difficulties of protein delivery and pharmacokinetics in the nervous system. With the recent elucidation of the structure of the neurotrophins bound to their receptors it will now be possible, using a combination of in silico technology and novel screening techniques, to develop small molecule mimetics with much improved pharmacotherapeutic profiles.

Neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR) suppresses growth and nerve growth factor-mediated metastasis of human prostate cancer cells

The loss of tumor- and/or metastasis-suppressor gene function contributes to the transformation of human prostate epithelial cells to a malignant pathology. Such a putative tumor-suppressor and metastasis-suppressor gene(s) has been mapped to the region of 17q21, which coincidentally is in the vicinity of the human gene locus for the neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR). The p75(NTR) is expressed in normal human prostate epithelial cells and exhibits an inverse association of p75(NTR) expression with the malignant progression of the prostate, consistent with a pathologic role of the p75(NTR) as a putative tumor and metastasis suppressor. Utilizing stable transfectants of the TSU-pr1 and PC-3 human prostate tumor cell lines that exhibit a rank order (dose-dependent) increase in p75(NTR) protein expression, we investigated the effects of the p75(NTR) in combination with its predominant ligand, nerve growth factor (NGF), on tumor cell growth. A rank order (dose-dependent) increase in p75(NTR) expression was found to suppress the growth of prostate tumors in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Treatment of these tumors with NGF stimulated both proliferation as indicated by PCNA expression and apoptosis as indicated by TUNEL assay, the net result of which was no change in the overall growth of the tumors. However, NGF was found to increase the formation of satellite tumors, both contiguous and noncontiguous with respect to the primary tumor mass, indicating dose-dependent induction of metastasis. Significantly, the formation of satellite tumors was suppressed by the expression of p75(NTR). This suggests that p75(NTR) is a tumor suppressor of growth and a metastasis suppressor of NGF-stimulated migration of human prostate tumor cells.

Molecular characterization of the loss of p75(NTR) expression in human prostate tumor cells

The low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75(NTR) is a 75-kDa glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis in various tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemistry on tissue sections from radical prostatectomies has shown that expression of p75(NTR) is limited to the epithelial cells. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses have also shown a progressive loss of p75(NTR) expression in prostate epithelial cells during the malignant progression of organ-confined adenocarcinomas, with complete loss of expression in the naturally occurring prostate tumor cell lines DU-145, PC-3, LNCaP, and TSU-pr1, which were derived from metastases. Reintroduction of p75(NTR) expression into the TSU-pr1 tumor cell line was shown to reestablish the ability of these cells to undergo p75(NTR)-mediated apoptosis. It is not known whether this loss of expression is due to deletion of part or the entire p75(NTR) gene or to other factors. Through the use of southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we showed that loss of p75(NTR) protein expression was not due to deletion or loss of the gene. Furthermore, through reverse transcription-PCR, RNase protection, and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we showed that transcription of the p75(NTR) gene occurred in these prostate tumor cell lines. Finally, through transient transfection using two constructs of p75(NTR), one containing the full 2-kb 3' untranslated region and one that contains only a few hundred bases of the 3' untranslated region (UTR), we showed that the 3' UTR may have a role in the loss of p75(NTR) expression in prostate cancer.

Expression of p75NTR in a human prostate epithelial tumor cell line reduces nerve growth factor-induced cell growth by activation of programmed cell death

Epithelial expression of the 75-kDa low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is inversely associated with the malignant progression of the human prostate. To elucidate the function of p75NTR in the prostate, the human prostate epithelial tumor cell line TSU-pr1, which does not express p75NTR, was stably and transiently transfected with the cDNA for the receptor. The stably transfected cells were assessed for levels of p75NTR expression and categorized into low, intermediate, and high receptor-expressing clones by immunocytochemical and immunoblot analyses. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine was used to assess nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced changes in cell proliferation. TSU-pr1 epithelial cells transfected with a neomycin-resistance vector alone demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the rate of NGF-stimulated [3H]thymidine uptake. Expression of p75NTR decreased the dose-dependent NGF-mediated proliferation of the TSU-pr1 prostate epithelial cells. The greater the degree of expression of p75NTR in the transfected clones, the less the stimulatory effect of exogenous NGF on cell proliferation. Furthermore, the ratio of p75NTR to tropomyosin receptor kinase for each clone was inversely correlated with the ability of NGF to stimulate growth of the TSU-pr1 transfectants. To determine whether p75NTR-mediated growth inhibition of prostate epithelia occurs by induction of programmed cell death, transiently transfected clones were analyzed by an in situ DNA nick-translation assay. NGF deprivation and anti-NGF treatment of transiently transfected TSU-pr1 cells significantly increased the proportion of epithelial cells undergoing programmed cell death by approximately fourfold above control levels. Conversely, addition of NGF was able to rescue p75NTR-expressing clones from undergoing programmed cell death at levels not significantly different from those of mock-transfected clones. These results demonstrate that p75NTR is a negative regulator of human prostate epithelial cell growth by induction of programmed cell death. Hence, loss of p75NTR expression in human prostate epithelia eliminates a growth-inhibitory pathway, thereby contributing to the malignant progression of the prostate.

Mapping of a disease locus for familial rapidly progressive frontotemporal dementia to chromosome 17q12-21

Familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex disorder with lack of distinctive histopathological markers found in other types of dementia. Most of the linkage reports from FTD families map the disease loci to chromosome 17q21-22. However, FTD is genetically heterogeneous, as linkage also has been reported to chromosome 3. In the present study, we investigated the genetics of a Swedish family with an early-onset type of rapidly progressive FTD, associated with muscular rigidity and akinetic movements. Neuropathological features such as severe frontal lobe degeneration, spongy changes, and gliosis were present in affected family members. We here report probable linkage to chromosome 17q12-21 with a maximum two-point lod score of 2.76 at theta = 0 for marker D17S806, and a peak multipoint lod score of 2.86 for the same marker. Linkage to chromosome 3 was excluded, as two-point lod scores of -2.79, and -2.27 at theta = 0.01 for markers D3S1603 and D3S1552, respectively, were obtained. Sequencing of the translated exons of a strong candidate gene in the linked region of chromosome 17, the tau gene, failed to identify any mutations segregating with the disease.

Loss of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor during malignant transformation of the human prostate

BACKGROUND

The low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) exhibits an inverse association of epithelial expression with the degree of differentiation of prostate adenocarcinoma tissue. However, the stage at which loss of LNGFR expression is first manifested in the malignant prostate has not been determined.

METHODS

In order to characterize loss of LNGFR expression in the clinically localized malignant prostate of untreated patients, the pattern of expression of the LNGFR was examined in nonmalignant tissues, consisting of normal and prostatic intraepithelial neoplastic tissues, and in malignant tissues that had been graded by Gleason's scores and categorized into well, moderately, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. In order to determine whether there was an inverse correlation between LNGFR expression and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secretion, preoperative concentrations of PSA in the serum were also analyzed in relation to the differentiative state of the adenocarcinomas.

RESULTS

Premalignant prostate tissues exhibited expression of the LNGFR on all epithelia, whereas in malignant prostate tissues a proportion of epithelia exhibited loss of expression of the LNGFR. An increase in Gleason score of the adenocarcinoma tissue was associated with an increase in the proportion of epithelia that exhibited loss of expression of the LNGFR. Moreover, the proportion of epithelia expressing the LNGFR was inversely correlated with an increase in the concentration of serum PSA. The loss of LNGFR expression was first manifested in epithelia that occurred toward the center of adenocarcinoma tissue. Furthermore, extensive loss of expression of the LNGFR of approximately 63% occurred in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations demonstrate that loss of LNGFR expression is first observed in well-differentiated malignant epithelia. Hence, loss of the LNGFR may be indicative of the initial stages of malignant transformation of prostate epithelia, as well as all subsequent stages of prostate adenocarcinomas.

Gene structure and chromosomal localization of the mouse homologue of rat OX40 protein

The OX40 protein is expressed only on activated rat CD4+ T blasts and is a member of a superfamily of cell surface molecules which includes CD40, CD30, CD95 (Fas), CD27, 4-1BB antigens and the receptors for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). The proteins of this group are related to each other by having three to six repeats of a cysteine-rich sequence in their extracellular domains. Members of this family of receptors have also been shown to bind to ligands which are structurally related to TNF. The mouse homologue of the rat OX40 protein was cloned at the cDNA and genomic levels. The gene structure shows that there are several intron/exon borders shared between OX40 and CD27, CD40, TNF receptor type I, CD95 and 4-1BB genes. This group of genes is less closely related structurally to the gene structure of the NGF receptor. The gene encoding murine OX40 has been placed on mouse chromosome 4, in an area which contains the genes for TNF receptor type II and 4-1BB, and is syntenic with a region of human chromosome 1 which contains human TNF receptor type II, OX40, and CD30 genes.

Lethal congenital contracture syndrome: further delineation and genetic aspects

In a national morphology based study of lethal arthrogryposis between 1979 and 1992, 40 fetuses and infants with lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS, McKusick 253310) were found in Finland. The incidence of LCCS in Finland was 1:19,000 births. There were 20 affected males and 20 affected females in 26 families. In 16 cases the pregnancy was terminated after the prenatal diagnosis of total akinesia and fetal hydrops on ultrasound. There were 19 stillborn infants and five were born showing signs of life, but died within one hour. The segregation analyses yielded 0.45 affected by the "singles" method and 0.34 by the "sib" method. The birthplaces of the grandparents were located in the sparsely populated north east of Finland. This finding supports the existence of an autosomal recessive LCCS gene in Finland, particularly in the north eastern part.

Chromosomal localization of the gene for human B-cell antigen CD40

CD40 is a surface glycoprotein expressed on all human B lymphocytes and plays an important role in B-cell development, growth, and differentiation. Anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies cause isotype switching in B cells treated with IL-4. CD40 is a member of a family of proteins that include low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor, TNF receptor, and the antigen Fas. The ligand for CD40 had been recently identified and has been assigned to the X chromosome. Using a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids, we now show that CD40 maps to human chromosome 20.

A somatic cell hybrid map of the long arm of human chromosome 17, containing the familial breast cancer locus (BRCA1)

We describe a detailed somatic cell hybrid map of human chromosome 17q11.2-q23, containing the familial breast and ovarian cancer locus (BRCA1) and highly informative closely linked markers. An X-irradiation panel of 38 hamster/human and mouse/human hybrids with fragments of chromosome 17 was generated and characterized with 22 STS markers from this chromosome. A detailed map of 61 probes onto chromosome 17q, subdividing the chromosome arm into 25 regions, was done by using a panel of hybrids with well-defined breakpoints and nine chromosome-mediated gene transfectants. Our localization of RARA, TOP2, EDH17B1 and 2, and possibly WNT3, between THRA1 and D17S181, two markers known to flank BRCA1, suggests that any of these is a potential candidate for the BRCA1 locus. The marker D17S579 (Mfd188), which is believed to be very close to BRCA1, maps closest to the EDH17B genes.

Expression of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptor genes in human tissues and in prostatic adenocarcinoma cell lines

Nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNAs were detected and quantified in a variety of normal and neoplastic human tissues by northern blot hybridization. Human heart contained the highest NGF mRNA levels, whereas lower but comparable levels were found in the placenta, prostate, and kidney. All tissues examined coexpressed the low-affinity NGF receptor (LNGFR), whereas none of these tissues expressed the high-affinity NGF receptor encoded by the trk protooncogene. The widespread distribution of the LNGFR suggests that it plays a role in the regulation of normal cell growth. No overexpression of NGF or LNGFR mRNA was detected in neoplastic tissues, whereas LNGFR-like immunoreactivity was localized outside of tumor cells. Transforming growth factor-alpha and protooncogene c-fos expression in these tissues did not show a systematic correlation with NGF/LNGFR expression. Furthermore, regulation of the human NGF gene was studied in DU145 cells, a prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line that synthesizes significant NGF mRNA levels. Serum induced, whereas dexamethasone inhibited, NGF mRNA synthesis in these cells. Serum induction was preceded by a rapid and transient activation of the c-fos protooncogene.

Characterization of two neuroblastoma cell lines expressing recombinant nerve growth factor receptors

In earlier studies, a 75,000-dalton glycoprotein (gp75) has been identified as a component of both low- and high-affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors (NGFRs). Using an amphoteric expression vector, we have introduced the cDNA encoding the human gp75 into two neuroblastoma cell lines. SHEP is a human neuroblastoma cell line that lacks most neuronal characteristics and does not express NGFRs. The transformant line SHEP/NGFR expressed a single affinity class of NGF binding sites, did not display NGF-induced up-regulation of fos oncogene expression, and did not efficiently internalize NGF. LAN5 is a neuroblastoma cell line with neuronal characteristics, including expression of neurofilament and display of short neurites. This cell line expresses a small number of high-affinity NGFRs but no detectable low-affinity sites. The transformant line LAN5/NGFR expressed both high- and low-affinity NGFRs, displayed NGF-induced up-regulation of fos oncogene, and efficiently internalized NGF. The number of high-affinity NGF binding sites was nearly the same for LAN5 and LAN5/NGFR, a finding suggesting that there is a limiting number of some separately coded factor or subunit that is required for high-affinity NGFRs. Because NGF induction of fos oncogene expression correlated with expression of high-affinity NGFRs, the putative second factor may also limit NGF responsiveness.

Nerve growth factor and neuronal cell death

The regulation of neuronal cell death by the neuronotrophic factor, nerve growth factor (NGF), has been described during neural development and following injury to the nervous system. Also, reduced NGF activity has been reported for the aged NGF-responsive neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and cholinergic regions of the central nervous system (CNS) in aged rodents and man. Although there is some knowledge of the molecular structure of the NGF and its receptor, less is known as to the mechanism of action of NGF. Here, a possible role for NGF in the regulation of oxidant--antioxidant balance is discussed as part of a molecular explanation for the known effects of NGF on neuronal survival during development, after injury, and in the aged CNS.

Activation of MYC in a masked t(8;17) translocation results in an aggressive B-cell leukemia

We have analyzed the oncogene rearrangements involving BCL2 and MYC in the leukemia cells of a patient with an aggressive prolymphocytic leukemia that had an abnormal karyotype including a t(14;18) translocation and a chromosome 17q+. Molecular analysis showed that BCL2 was rearranged in the major breakpoint cluster region and had joined into the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene as in follicular lymphoma. Cloning and sequence analysis of the rearranged MYC gene revealed that MYC was truncated at the Pvu II site at the end of the first exon of MYC and had joined into the regulatory elements of a gene that we called BCL3 (B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 3). The BCL3 locus was mapped to chromosome 17 band q22. We found BCL3 transcribed as a message of 1.7 kilobases in many hematopoietic cell lines representing all hematopoietic lineages. In the patient's leukemia cells, the truncated MYC gene was highly expressed under the influence of BCL3 regulatory elements, leading to an aggressive B-cell leukemia that presumably had been derived from an indolent lymphoma carrying a rearranged BCL2 gene.

Nerve growth factor receptor in tumours of the human nervous system. Immunohistochemical analysis of receptor expression and tumour growth fraction

The expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFr) was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry in 135 tumours of the human central and peripheral nervous system. The results were compared to the proliferative activity of the tumours as determined by immunostaining for the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67. Immunoreactivity for NGFr was most consistently observed in tumours derived from the neural crest such as neurinomas, neurofibromas and ganglioneuromas. In tumours of the central nervous system, NGFr-immunostaining was particularly strong in pilocytic astrocytomas while the majority of other gliomas were either NGFr-negative or contained only a minor fraction of NGFr-positive tumour cells. Among all other investigated tumours including medulloblastomas, pituitary adenomas and meningiomas only exceptional cases demonstrated a significant number of positive tumour cells. Choroid plexus papillomas and metastatic carcinomas were always NGFr-negative. Our results indicate that NGFr-expression in tumours of the human nervous system is heterogenous with respect to tumour type and appears to be unrelated to proliferative activity.

A comprehensive genetic map of murine chromosome 11 reveals extensive linkage conservation between mouse and human

Interspecific backcross animals from a cross between C57BL/6J and Mus spretus mice were used to generate a comprehensive linkage map of mouse chromosome 11. The relative map positions of genes previously assigned to mouse chromosome 11 by somatic cell hybrid or genetic backcross analysis were determined (Erbb, Rel, 11-3, Csfgm, Trp53-1, Evi-2, Erba, Erbb-2, Csfg, Myhs, Cola-1, Myla, Hox-2 and Pkca). We also analyzed genes that we suspected would map to chromosome 11 by virtue of their location in human chromosomes and the known linkage homologies that exist between murine chromosome 11 and human chromosomes (Mpo, Ngfr, Pdgfr and Fms). Two of the latter genes, Mpo and Ngfr, mapped to mouse chromosome 11. Both genes also mapped to human chromosome 17, extending the degree of linkage conservation observed between human chromosome 17 and mouse chromosome 11. Pdgfr and Fms, which are closely linked to II-3 and Csfgm in humans on chromosome 5, mapped to mouse chromosome 18 rather than mouse chromosome 11, thereby defining yet another conserved linkage group between human and mouse chromosomes. The mouse chromosome 11 linkage map generated in these studies substantially extends the framework for identifying homologous genes in the mouse that are involved in human disease, for elucidating the genes responsible for several mouse mutations, and for gaining insights into chromosome evolution and genome organization.

Expression of functional nerve growth factor receptors after gene transfer

Nerve growth factor (NGF) interacts with both high affinity (Kd = 10(-10)-10(-11)M) and low affinity (Kd = 10(-8)-10(-9)M) receptors; the binding of NGF to the high affinity receptor is correlated with biological actions of NGF. To determine whether a single NGF binding protein is common to both forms of the receptor, a full-length receptor cDNA was introduced in the NR18 cell line, an NGF receptor-deficient variant of the PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line. The transformant displayed (i) both high and low affinity receptors detectable by receptor binding; (ii) an affinity cross-linking pattern with 125I-labeled NGF similar to that of the parent PC12 cell line; and (iii) biological responsiveness to NGF as assayed by induction of c-fos transcription. These findings support the hypothesis that a single binding protein is common to both forms of the NGF receptor and suggest that an additional protein is required to produce the high affinity form of the NGF receptor.

The order of loci in the pericentric region of chromosome 17, based on evidence from physical and genetic breakpoints

Previous genetic analyses of chromosome 17 markers and NF1 (Fain et al. 1987) were extended in an attempt to order marker loci that map physically to 17cen----17q12. Three additional markers (HHH202, CRI-L581, and CRI-L946) were included in the analyses. Recombinants within the cluster of seven unordered marker loci were identified by pairwise analyses for each family and by examining the within-sibship segregation patterns for different markers. Changes in the segregation pattern for different loci define genetic breakpoints. Given that interference is complete in the region, markers with the same segregation pattern lie on one side of the breakpoint, while markers with different segregation patterns lie on opposite sides of the breakpoint. If the order of boundary markers is known, markers on each side of a breakpoint can be oriented in relation to the centromere. The order cen-(HHH202/NF1)-(EW207)-(EW203/CRI-L581)- (CRI-L946)-(HOX-2/NGFR)-qter was inferred by combining information from physical breakpoints in a panel of mouse/human hybrids and information from genetic breakpoints found in 16 NF1 families.

Chromosomal mapping of human keratin genes: evidence of non-linkage

We have determined the chromosomal location of the genes for the human keratin intermediate filament proteins K1 (type II; 67 kDa) and K10 (type I; 57 kDa) by the use of specific cDNA clones in conjunction with somatic cell hybrid analysis and in situ hybridization. The K1 keratin gene maps to chromosome region 12q11----q13; the K10 keratin gene maps to chromosome region 17q12----q21. Each gene has been mapped relative to other genes known to be localized on chromosomes 12 and 17, respectively. In somatic cell hybrid analysis, the K1 gene segregates concordantly with the Hox-3 homeo box gene cluster at chromosome region 12p12----q13. The K10 gene localizes to a region proximal to a breakpoint at 17q21 which is involved in a t(17;21)(q21;q22) translocation associated with an acute leukemia. K10 appears to be distal (telomeric) to the gene loci for G-CSF, erb-A, and Her-2, which map to chromosome region 17q12----q21. The NGFR gene and Hox-2 homeo box locus are localized distal to the 17q21 break point and thus distal to the K10 gene. These data demonstrate that keratin genes K1 and K10, which are coexpressed in terminally differentiated epidermis, are not linked in the human genome, implying the existence of trans-acting factors involved in the regulation of expression of these genes.