Histochemical localization of caldesmon in the CNS and ganglia of the mouse

Caldesmon: Biochemical and Clinical Implications in Cancer

Caldesmon, an actin-binding protein, can inhibit myosin binding to actin and regulate smooth muscle contraction and relaxation. However, caldesmon has recently attracted attention due to its importance in cancer. The upregulation of caldesmon in several solid cancer tissues has been reported. Caldesmon, as well as its two isoforms, is considered as a biomarker for cancer and a potent suppressor of cancer cell invasion by regulating podosome/invadopodium formation. Therefore, caldesmon may be a promising therapeutic target for diseases such as cancer. Here, we review new studies on the gene transcription, isoform structure, expression, and phosphorylation regulation of caldesmon and discuss its clinical implications in cancer.

Host tissue response to floating microelectrode arrays chronically implanted in the feline spinal nerve

OBJECTIVE

Neural interfacing technologies could significantly improve quality of life for people living with the loss of a limb. Both motor commands and sensory feedback must be considered; these complementary systems are segregated from one another in the spinal nerve.

APPROACH

The dorsal root ganglion-ventral root (DRG-VR) complex was targeted chronically with floating microelectrode arrays designed to record from motor neuron axons in the VR or stimulate sensory neurons in the DRG. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl/Luxol fast blue staining were performed. Characterization of the tissue response in regions of interest and pixel-based image analyses were used to quantify MAC387 (monocytes/macrophages), NF200 (axons), S100 (Schwann cells), vimentin (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, astrocytes), and GLUT1 (glucose transport proteins) reactivity. Implanted roots were compared to non-implanted roots and differences between the VR and DRG examined.

MAIN RESULTS

The tissue response associated with chronic array implantation in this peripheral location is similar to that observed in central nervous system locations. Markers of inflammation were increased in implanted roots relative to control roots with MAC387 positive cells distributed throughout the region corresponding to the device footprint. Significant decreases in neuronal density and myelination were observed in both the VR, which contains only neuronal axons, and the DRG, which contains both neuronal axons and cell bodies. Notably, decreases in NF200 in the VR were observed only at implant times less than ten weeks. Observations related to the blood-nerve barrier and tissue integrity suggest that tissue remodeling occurs, particularly in the VR.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study was designed to assess the viability of the DRG-VR complex as a site for neural interfacing applications and suggests that continued efforts to mitigate the tissue response will be critical to achieve the overall goal of a long-term, reliable neural interface.

Deep tissue analysis of distal aqueous drainage structures and contractile features

Outflow resistance in the aqueous drainage tract distal to trabecular meshwork is potentially an important determinant of intraocular pressure and success of trabecular bypass glaucoma surgeries. It is unclear how distal resistance is modulated. We sought to establish: (a) multimodal 2-photon deep tissue imaging and 3-dimensional analysis of the distal aqueous drainage tract (DT) in transgenic mice in vivo and ex vivo; (b) criteria for distinguishing the DT from blood and lymphatic vessels; and (c) presence of a DT wall organization capable of contractility. DT lumen appeared as scleral collagen second harmonic generation signal voids that could be traced back to Schlemm's canal. DT endothelium was Prox1-positive, CD31-positive and LYVE-1-negative, bearing a different molecular signature from blood and true lymphatic vessels. DT walls showed prominent filamentous actin (F-actin) labeling reflecting cells in a contracted state. F-actin co-localized with mesenchymal smooth muscle epitopes of alpha-smooth muscle actin, caldesmon and calponin, which localized adjacent and external to the endothelium. Our findings support a DT wall organization resembling that of blood vessels. This reflects a capacity to contract and support dynamic alteration of DT caliber and resistance analogous to the role of blood vessel tone in regulating blood flow.

Pericyte Antigens in Perivascular Soft Tissue Tumors

INTRODUCTION

Perivascular soft tissue tumors are relatively uncommon neoplasms of unclear line of differentiation, although most are presumed to originate from pericytes or modified perivascular cells. Among these, glomus tumor, myopericytoma, and angioleiomyoma share a spectrum of histologic findings and a perivascular growth pattern. In contrast, solitary fibrous tumor (previously termed hemangiopericytoma) was once hypothesized to have pericytic differentiation.

METHODS

Here, we systematically examine pericyte immunohistochemical markers among glomus tumor (including malignant glomus tumor), myopericytoma, angioleiomyoma, and solitary fibrous tumor. Immunohistochemical staining and semiquantification was performed using well-defined pericyte antigens, including αSMA, CD146, and PDGFRβ.

RESULTS

Glomus tumor and myopericytoma demonstrate diffuse staining for all pericyte markers, including immunohistochemical reactivity for αSMA, CD146, and PDGFRβ. Malignant glomus tumors all showed some degree of pericyte marker immunoreactivity, although it was significantly reduced. Angioleiomyoma shared a similar αSMA + CD146 + PDGFRβ+ immunophenotype; however, this was predominantly seen in the areas of perivascular tumor growth. Solitary fibrous tumors showed patchy PDGFRβ immunoreactivity only.

DISCUSSION

In summary, pericyte marker expression is a ubiquitous finding in glomus tumor, myopericytoma, and angioleiomyoma. Malignant glomus tumor shows a comparative reduction in pericyte marker expression, which may represent partial loss of pericytic differentiation. Pericyte markers are essentially not seen in solitary fibrous tumor. The combination of αSMA, CD146, and PDGFRβ immunohistochemical stainings may be of utility for the evaluation of pericytic differentiation in soft tissue tumors.

Hyaline globules in mammary myofibroblastoma: a case report

A 52-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with a solitary firm mass in the right breast. Histopathological evaluation of the 1.5-cm mass showed a mammary myofibroblastoma of the conventional spindle-cell type. High-power examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections showed round, eosinophilic, intracytoplasmic, as well as extracellular, hyaline globules. These 5- to 20-µm globules appeared gray with a pinkish rim on Masson's trichrome stain. Immunohistochemically, the hyaline globules were strongly reactive with smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, desmin, and caldesmon. Histologically similar inclusion bodies have been reported in phylloides tumors--including those with myoid differentiation. To our knowledge, this is the first description of hyaline globules, a peculiar histological curiosity with no known clinical significance, in mammary myofibroblastoma.